We spend about one-third of our lives in bed. Therefore, a mattress should be an important consideration in a person's well-being, not just an afterthought.
This is also true for children who are the biggest consumers of bunk beds and twin beds. Some differences do exist between bunk beds and twin beds, so keep in mind the following things when considering one over the other. Does this Spark an idea?
Bunk bed
Size
Find the right mattress for your child.
Bunk bed and twin mattresses are exactly the same, except for one thing: their depth. Bunk bed mattresses (for the top bunk) are only 6 to 7 inches deep.
Twin bed mattresses vary from 7 1/2 inches deep to 12 inches deep, depending on the type.
Significance
It's important to purchase the correct depth for the top bunk. The bunk bed mattresses are shallower so that the person on the top bunk won't be raised too high. If a regular-depth mattress is used, the mattress may be higher than the guardrail, and the sleeper could topple out to the floor.
According to the U.S. Product Safety Commission, children have become entrapped and died when they roll toward the wall and get caught between the mattress and the wall. This is why a mattress and guardrails that fit perfectly are important. The bunk bed manufacturer should include directions on what size mattress to buy.
Types
Bunk bed mattresses are available on the inexpensive side in high-density foam, or in cotton and polyester with a quilted top, from retailers such as Wal-Mart and Overstock.com. Regular mattress makers, such as Serta, also sell bunk bed mattresses that are the proper depth but made like their other mattresses with spring construction inside.
Twin bed mattresses are available in high-density foam or with coiled springs inside. Today pillow-top mattresses can be ordered for extra comfort.
Considerations
When purchasing a mattress, whether it's a standard twin or a bunk bed mattress, consider price, quality and construction. Less expensive mattresses generally do not last as long as higher quality ones, but if the bed is only going to be used for a few years, that may be all you need.
Allergies are often a big problem for children. Latex foam mattresses (also called memory foam) are considered better for allergy sufferers because they can't harbor dust mites, but these must be placed on slats for air flow so it won't mildew. Otherwise, purchase an allergy barrier cover for the mattress.
No matter what, it's smart to have the person who will be using the mattress try it out in the store. People (even kids) have their own preferences as far as mattress firmness goes.
Expect mattresses to last no longer than 10 years.
Used or New?
Whether you're buying a bunk bed or a twin mattress, most experts say you should never buy used, unless it's coming from the house of a friend or relative that you know really well. Mattresses sop up other people's bodily fluids, bacteria, bedbugs and mold; it's not exactly a healthy picture.
Even when you're buying a new mattress, be careful. There have been cases when mattress retailers get old mattresses and put a new top on them to make them look good, cheating the customer. When buying a new mattress, check for an attached tag that reads "All New Materials."
Go one step further and ask the seller to write "New" on the receipt, in case the mattress is found out to be used later on and a court date is needed.
Tags: inches deep, beds twin, beds twin beds, bunk beds, bunk beds twin, bunk mattresses, Bunk mattresses
