Replacing Your Worn Out Mattress

Archive for the ‘Mattress’ Category

Replacing Your Worn Out Mattress

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Replacing Your Worn Out Mattress

It really makes sense to replace your worn out mattress, especially if it’s a sprung mattress with its fillings and springs popping out in all direction. I mean, honestly, who would want to sleep on something like that – a bed with its innards hanging out? However, the more important question here would be: who would want to sleep on a sprung mattress these days? Even the innocuous single layer or double layer foam mattress should be replaced immediately. This is especially true when there is no more amount of fluffing that can bring back its original comfort (not that you can fluff it anyway.) After all, who wants to sleep on a foam mattress that feels like a blanket? Even the comforter would feel a heck lot better. And yet again, who would want to sleep on something like this when there are obviously better options out there?

If you really want value for your money, you may want to look into the direction of memory foam mattresses instead. True enough, some brands of memory foam mattresses can cost you a pretty penny; and yes, there are imitation labels that are after you for a quick buck. Overall though, good quality memory foam mattresses should address all the issues you have with your other bedding materials. The key to buying a really goof foam of this kind is to make some Internet research on both the product and the distributor. Good indications of quality are money back guarantees and product guarantees of up to or more than 5 years. Anything less than that can be considered a sham.

As to the actual bedding material itself, comfort is always an issue. As most experts would agree, the best way to actually get comfortable with a bed is to lie down on it. Many of us judge comfort on how the actual materials feel on our body. A memory foam mattress conforms to the outlines of the body, making sure that comfort is achieved. More importantly, it helps distribute your weight throughout the entire mattress so that don’t have to worry about the surface being too hard or too soft. This is actually a common problem with the air space beds and some brands of water beds. Memory foam mattresses can be both comfortable while offering better support, particularly around the lower lumbar area.

Backaches are quite common among people who are in their late 20 and above; and it sure does not help if the pain begins as soon as you wake up. We can definitely blame the mattress for that. Most mattresses may provide comfort, but it can add stress to the lower lumbar region of the spine. If you must know, the correct alignment of the human spine is not straight; it should be curved around the lower region. A memory foam mattress will give the person allowable movement while cradling the spine in a curved manner. Not only will this help falling asleep become a faster process, but it also makes keeps the appearance of backaches at bay.

Mymemorymattress.co.uk is an official King Size memory mattress and Super King memory mattress distributor in the UK. To learn more about mattresses visit our website today!

Tags: Mattress, Replacing, Worn
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SIDS Caused by Mold? New Study Suggest That Mold Is One Of The Causes

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

SIDS Caused by Mold? New Study Suggest That Mold Is One Of The Causes

SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) has been a worry on every new parents mind for a long time and its cause has been a mystery for just as long.

Scientists all over the world claim that SIDS can happen to any infant, anywhere, any time, and there is absolutely nothing the parents can do to stop it. Most parents simply resign themselves to this and say that there is nothing that they can do to stop SIDS from occurring, but the fact is that a new study out of New Zealand claims to know the cause of it.

The answer lies within the crib the child sleeps in! The chemicals of arsenic, phosphorus, and antimony were first manufactured into crib mattresses back in the mid 1900′s and these chemicals are required by law to be in mattresses as a fire retardant.

But, it is not just the mattress alone that causes the crib death, the study says. It is only when mold finds its way into the mattress that you begin to have a problem.

When Scopulariopsis brevicaulis gets into one of these mattresses that has these chemicals in it, it begins to feed on them and releases them back into the air as toxic fumes or nerve gases. It is activated by heat and so when the baby sleeps on it (or especially when it has a fever), the mold begins to grow more quickly and lets the gases out into the air.

While the gas disperses almost immediately, it is still dangerous for infants to sleep on the mattresses because they are breathing too close to the surface of it. They are breathing these gases while they are still potent and this is what causes crib death.

So, what can you do? Do not use anything in the crib that contains these chemicals and wrap the mattress in plastic to keep these dangerous gases from escaping. It’s best to do this when the mattress is brand new so you know there isn’t any mold in it and if you have an old mattress that was given to you by friends or relatives to use, throw it away. There are special baby mattress wraps that you can use to wrap up your baby’s mattress, but are only available from New Zealand.

Also, use only materials such as 100% Egyptian cotton blankets for your baby to sleep on. Do not use sheepskin, polyester, anything that is quilted, padded, or filled, pillows or cushions. 100% cotton is the best thing to use.

Jim Corkern is a writer and promoter of quality
flood and water damage cleanup and
water damage restoration> companies across the united states.

Tags: Caused, Causes, Mold, SIDS, Study, Suggest
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Is Your Asthma Keeping You From A Good Nights Sleep?

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Is Your Asthma Keeping You From A Good Nights Sleep?

If you suffer from any form of allergy then you really want to be breathing fresh, clean air while sleeping, (and by that I do not mean leaving the window open).

There is nothing in our life that can top a good nights sleep. You wake up refreshed, energetic and ready for whatever the day will throw at you. The other side-effect, that we ladies just love, is the fact that a decent nights sleep can help us maintain our weight loss.

Which, as you know, leads you to your choice of bed.

You tend to spend less time picking out a bed than you do your groceries! Why? Cost. “That one looks nice and the sales lady said it would be just fine for what I want it to do”. You get it home and by the end of the week you wish you had never gone there.

You wanted:- (Just a little wish list, not after too much)

Soft and strong, very nice to touch Hypoallergenic Naturally antibacterial Naturally antifungal More breathable than cotton UV protective Anti-static Biodegradable and sustainable Thermo-regulating: keeps you warm when it is cold and cool when it is hot

You got:- (literally it was a little wish list)

A soft, or medium, or hard mattress Inner springs foam padding standard mattress covering, which tends to get mouldy too easily in the winter

plus… you probably paid more for it than you wanted to!

So… just what do you want and how can a decent bed be of any use?

hypo-allergenic anti-microbial dust mite resistant

Perfect for asthma sufferers or anyone wanting to breathe fresh clean air while they sleep

balance and comfort support for years to come therapeutic properties orthopedic support adjusts to your body

Joint pain and back ache become a fading memory

mattress to stay dry fire retardant mould resistant

Nothing wrong with those night sweats now

Oh Yes… a good nights sleep is definitely worth more than a quick take-away.

For more information email info@nzcopycat.com

To a Better Life For You
Bette Kerr

Learning About a Few Aero Bed Air Mattress Models

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Learning About a Few Aero Bed Air Mattress Models

The Aero Air Bed mattress is made for occasional use, making it a great bed for use in the guest room, on your next camping trip, or travel trips that call for a portable sleeping surface. In addition to being portable, the beds are made to be durable, compact and strong.

So, if you’re thinking about purchasing an Aero Air Bed, keep reading for a helpful overview of the Aero company’s different mattress makes and models.

AeroBed Original

The original Aero Air Bed mattress comes in 6 classic styles.

* The Aerobed Premier ComfortZone Raised bed, which comes with its own collapsible legs
* The Aerobed Premier Raised, the original Aerobed
* The Aerobed Premier Comfort Zone, a model designed for the floor
* Aerobed for Kids, a kid-sized model for children on the go
* The Aerobed Cozy Top, an air mattress with a very soft top, and
* The Aerobed OneTouch Comfort with Pillow, an easy to inflate and control floor model

If you’re buying an Aero air bed mattress to use as a guest bed, you may want to consider the Aerobed Premier Comfort Raised Bed. Because the bed is raised off the floor, it has the appearance and comfort of a traditional bed, but without the cost or the same limitations on floor on space.

AeroBed Active

There are six distinct models of Aero air beds that carry the Active distinction – each with a specific use and design.

The different brands and models include this group.

* The Convertible Sofa Bed, a pretty easily convertible and inflatable sofa bed system
* The Overnighter, an Aerobed mattress with its own backpack carrying case
* The Adventure, a camping bed
* The Sport Minute Bed, a camping mattress made for occasional use
* The All-Terrain, a rugged mattress with a hands-free pump, and
* The Quick Pool, an inflatable mini-pool designed for recreational use

AeroBed Extreme

Any Xtreme Aero Air Bed mattress is made for tough, outdoor use and designed to withstand rugged conditions, harsh weather and long-term use. This makes them very helpful for expeditions, long hunting trips, or other extreme wilderness adventures.

The beds in this product line include

* The Endura Bed, a full-size inflatable bed made to withstand the great outdoors
* The Performa Lite, another full-size air mattress but with half the weight
* The Ultra Light Camp Mat, a self-inflating camping mat that’s handy for long treks
* The Light Camp Mat, another self-inflating mat, and
* The Big Man Self-Inflating Camp Mat, a camping mat designed for a larger individual

If you’re looking for a high-quality camping mat that won’t break your back on the trail, will fit in the tent, but won’t be too small to sleep on, try the Big Man Self-Inflating Aero Air Bed Mattress camping mat. The extra size will help most people get a pretty decent night’s sleep.

Within the Aero line of mattresses, a traveler or camper will likely find one model or more that meets the need both for comfort and portability.

For information on dreamy mattress options – see mattressbedtips.com – a popular site about beds that offer a great night of sleep – such as wholesale mattresses – and download your FREE ebook & bonus, Healthy Sleep – A Guide to Natural Sleep Remedies just for visiting!

Tags: About, Aero, Learning, Mattress, Models
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Mattresses New York

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Mattresses New York

With the looming tax season, tax refunds are being prepared and will be mailed soon to people who overpaid on their taxes. The tax refunds are sometimes quite substantial amounts and what better way to spend them than to buy mattresses New York. It is one way of helping reverse the economic slide by increasing consumer spending. These mattresses New York are often fantastic buys and there are many choices for you. These tax season specials allow you to purchase now but pay next year yet. That is practically twelve months before you start paying the amortizations. Enough time for you to save money for the payments and re-arrange your budget.

Major brands are included in promotional sales of mattresses New York and you are assured of great quality mattresses that offer a good night’s sleep. These mattresses New York are guaranteed to eliminate insomnia and get you ready for the day upon waking up. Most mattresses are sold by sets and you avail of greater discounts when doing this. Buying separately will still entitle you to discounts but these are smaller discounts. Whatever is your reason for being a new mattress, you will surely find one to your liking. Most of these mattresses New York are made by reputable manufacturers who guarantee their workmanship. Mattresses with material defects can be returned at no extra cost and replaced.

When you order any of these mattresses New York, they are delivered within the next 24 hours free of charge. But the delivery is up to your doorstep only and will not include bringing them inside your home or office. These are delivered by a professional delivery team who takes special care that no damage occurs during transit or during the unloading itself. However, most mattresses are very bulky and hard to grasp, so you might need to hire some local neighborhood young lads to help carry them to your bedroom or wherever you want to place them.

But most of these common truck carrier delivery team will accept a minimal amount from you so they will deliver these mattresses inside your home. You have to inform the furniture store about this beforehand so the delivery team will not be unduly delayed with their next deliveries. They can then schedule their delivery times accordingly since they usually have several trips to make within the same route of your delivery.

A mattress needs to be replaced every now and then since old ones are often smelly with night sweats. There might also be spills and stains on it so a new one is advisable after a few years of use. In that case, be sure to consider mattresses New York for your next purchase for great value for money. I am sure you will not regret your buying decision when it comes to mattresses New York.

Major brands are included in promotional sales of Furniture stores in New York City and you are assured of great quality mattresses that offer a good night’s sleep

Find More Mattress Articles

Tags: Mattresses, York
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Tips On How To Buy A Durable Yet Cheap Mattress

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Tips On How To Buy A Durable Yet Cheap Mattress

Are you looking for a cheap mattress? Whilst price is a very important consideration for most families, you ought to be careful and not end up buying something that cheap but yet inferior in quality. A shoddier mattress could result in you having constant backaches and other health problems. Do you really want that to happen?

For that reason, it is advisable to spend a fair amount time to do your research. Buying a cheap and yet durable mattress is possible and even easier than before!

You simply need to know how and where to find the information. With internet access readily accessible in so many households today, that shouldn’t be too difficult.

But still, how do you know if you are paying a good price for the mattress? In other words, how do you find a durable but yet cheap mattress?

Here are a few tips that will help you land a cheap mattress.

Tip 1: Go for stock clearances sales
Do you know that companies who are unable to offload their mattress the past year will run stock clearances sales to make way for new inventories? That is why you can pull in on such low price mattress for a good deal. But beware that such stock clearance can be a very tedious affair. You need to be more observant of any possible faults or damages that could arise in the product.

Tip 2: Research on the internet
If you surf the internet regularly, you will come across various shopping comparison sites. You may be surprise to learn that because of this new reach, companies are able to slash their storage rentals and give better rates to customers who order the mattresses from them online. The only drawback is that you can lie on the bed physically and test the comfort level unlike in normal store. So, that’s a risk you may have to consider.

Tip 3: Buy direct
Big companies like Sealy have their own outlets. Instead of buying from a third-party store retailer, you can try going directly to the manufacturer to purchase a mattress. Cutting out the mid-tiers agents can help you shave off considerable costs of your shopping bills.

There you have it, some useful tips on how to find cheap mattress at a good price. Make full use of the internet and buy a mattress at a cost that you like.

Visit http://www.bestmattressreviews.com for more mattress reviews and other useful mattress buying tips.

Tags: Cheap, Durable, Mattress, Tips
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Top Back Support Pillows To Get

Sunday, September 5th, 2010

Top Back Support Pillows To Get

Back support pillows helps to avoid back pains since they conform to the normal curve of the spine and so people with back problems should use them. Even if you are lying down or sitting on a chair the back support pillow helps you to achieve good posture.

People who suffer from backside pains can get a great difference by using spine support cushions. You can choose from three types of cushions which are available that can be used for your spine area. But the real problem lies in choosing the correct type of the back support pillows because of the various types available in the market. Given below is a guide on the different cushions that you can use for your spine and from which you can choose the right one.

Lumbar pillow

Whenever you are sitting down the Lumbar pillow provides comfortable support. Mostly these lumbar cushions have round or rectangular shapes with a thick midpoint or center and it is this bulging midpoint that really helps to push your spine forward since the pillow is placed in-between the chair and your backside. This prevents you from slumping forward and enables to correct your position and so these pillows can be used when driving a car.

Memory Pillow

This pillow retains the curve of the body since they are made of foam which fits the curve of the body and hence they are named as Memory pillow. From time to time these pillows reshape and give better support than other types of back support pillows. The foam on the other hand is used to create orthopedic mattresses which give a peaceful rest every night to the user or the patient who uses it.

Donut Pillow

Pregnant women who are suffering from pain in the coccyx or tailbone mostly use the Donut pillow. As a result of this these Donut pillows have become very popular among them. Without putting pressure on the entire buttocks and lower backside area these pillows help to spread the load on one side of the body. These pillows really resemble donuts and are usually inflatable padding.

Author writes on health related topics and has special expertise in Back Support Pillow related topics.Check out his site www.memoryfoamwedgepillow.info

Tags: Back, Pillows, Support
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Good Planning For A Great Family Camping Experience

Saturday, September 4th, 2010

Good Planning For A Great Family Camping Experience

Camping means different things to different people. For some, it is going out with a camper and practically all of the comforts of home. For others, it is backpacking into the mountains and sleeping in the open elements with nothing over your head but the stars. It could even mean foraging for your food (hopefully you’ll come across a good trout stream!). My definition of camping falls on the more comfortable side of the two, loving the camping experience, but needing to have some basic comforts also.This article will give you a few tips that you can use no matter what kind of camping you enjoy!

Starting With A Plan

A great camping trip starts with a great plan! Planning out your camping trip will help you be prepared and build excitement way before time to head to the hills (or the beach!). Make sure that you include the whole family and let everyone have a part in deciding what you’ll need to bring to make this a great adventure and a pleasurable experience. Camping with your family is a great way to build a closer relationship between parents and kids. Good quality time spent without the distraction of the TV, computer and video games can make for some great memories and shared experiences that will be remembered for years to come. You’ll experience quality time for everyone involved.

Deciding Where To Camp

One of the first things you will want to decide is where you are going to camp. Do you prefer “roughing it”? This means no electrical hookups, no camp host or camp store, and bathroom facilities means “the woods”! For most campers, I would recommend an established campground. State Parks provide some of the best campgrounds available and they are usually very well maintained and reasonably priced. You will have the security of knowing that they have done their best to keep the area maintained and as safe as possible. In choosing the campground, you will also want to look into what kind of activities, if any, they offer or are offered in the nearby vicinity. I would recommend you pick up a good campground directory such as Woodalls campground guide and directory to help you decide where to camp.

Selecting Your Gear

Once you’ve found the perfect location, you will then want to begin to plan what to take with you. Will you be camping in a tent, “pop-up” type trailer or possibly an RV? Shop around; see what is offered and what will work the best for you and your family. Be sure you include everyone in this decision. It makes for some great excitement and will have everyone looking forward to the first time you try out that new tent or camper. Also, if everyone has a part in this decision it limits the number of complaints that you may hear about later on! Do you plan on using a sleeping bag? Remember that an adult size sleeping bag, does not necessarily mean one size fits all! If you will be tent camping, another thing to consider is having a mattresses or foam padding under the sleeping bags. Foam padding usually folds up to a compact size and is much easier on the back than sleeping right on the floor of the tent. It just might be worth the extra trouble to pack it along to insure a good nights sleep! I would also recommend a large battery operated lamp for your tent. Another great idea is for everyone to have their own flashlight, in case any get separated from other members of the family during trips to and from the bathroom facilities (or woods!).

Use A Camping Checklist

A camping check list makes every trip much more enjoyable in several ways. First, the whole family gets involved together in creating your camping check list. Making out your check list long before the trip is kind of like starting your vacation early. It builds up the excitement and anticipation when everyone begins to think of items they want and need to bring. Second, check lists help you organize and pack your camping gear. The check list reminds you what to bring, and where to pack it. Third, check lists help you remember to take everything with you. No one likes to get to camp and find out they forgot some important item (even though you will probably will forget something!). Fourth, check lists help you remember what NOT to bring next time. This is important, because each trip is a little different, so make notes on your check list about what camping gear you used, what you didn’t and what you wish you had taken. This lets you plan to make your next camping trip even better.

Planning Out Your Meals

Food is another important factor. You need to consider what you will be taking for food and what you will need in way of storage for it, such as an ice chest, etc. Most camping areas have a cooking area. Do you want to bring your own grill or use the outside cookers which may mean waiting your turn? Don’t forget to take the can opener if the food that you are taking with you will require one. Don’t forget cooking and eating utensils. Remember, you don’t have to wash paper plates and plastic cups! If you decide to use these type items be sure you dispose of them properly and don’t leave your trash for someone else to pick up! Meals that can be cooked at home ahead of time, and travel well in a cooler, will save a lot of time especially on the first night of your trip. Precooked meats will last longer in the cooler than raw meats, especially if you use block ice in your cooler. It will last much longer than cubes. If you’re an ice cream lover, nothing is better than home made ice cream on a camping trip. Depending on where you’ll be camping, you can bring along your electric ice cream maker or your “old fashioned” hand crank ice cream churn. Of course you’ll want to make sure you have access to a local store that has ice! If you’re in an area inhabited by bears, special precautions must be taken with both your food and garbage. if you’re in an established campground, place your food in the special bear-proof receptacles at night. If you leave food in your vehicle, a hungry bear will find a way to get inside it, and he doesn’t care what kind of damage he does to your vehicle! It’s always a good idea to talk with the local Park Ranger about wildlife in your campground area.

What About Your Drinking Water?

The water around organized campgrounds is probably safe. Their water is usually privately treated or it is supplied by a near by city treatment plant. The water from lakes, springs, rivers and streams however, is untreated and can carry a lot of bacteria, viruses, and other things that can cause illness. Water that runs rapidly over gravel, rocks, and plant life appears clean and limpid, but this is no guarantee it is safe for you. Your best bet to ensure you and your family’s safety is to always treat any water obtained from unfamiliar sources, such as all the sources mentioned above. It is not that hard to do and it takes so little time. There are many different ways to treat water, but boiling water is probably the most common method used. It is best to boil it for more than 10 minutes at a steady boil. If you are camping in a wilderness type area where treated water is not available, then be sure to bring your own. Don’t forget to add that to your checklist!

Clothing Considerations

Bring extra clothing along. If the weather is different than you had planned on, then you’ll be glad you did. Don’t forget a first aid kit for any unfortunate minor injuries. Bring activities that can be enjoyed inside the tent as well as those for outside, such as books, games, etc., in case inclement weather makes you want to be inside. Plan for everything that could go wrong, and then be grateful and glad when all goes well. And finally, one last important item…..a camera to capture those memories!

Make it a family adventure that all will enjoy and possibly want to repeat another time. Above all, have a fun-filled family camping experience!

Find tips about yorkie poodle and teacup yorkie poo at the Yorkie Training website.

“What If I’m Allergic to Latex?”

Saturday, September 4th, 2010

“What If I’m Allergic to Latex?”

If you’re allergic to latex, you’re likely already aware of it. Never heard of such a thing? This overview may help you understand latex allergy better, and the Savvy Rest organic mattress, too.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, latex allergy affects less than 1% of the general population. The incidence is higher for health care workers—between 5% and 15%. That is because many people in health care fields wear latex gloves (a blend of synthetic and natural rubber) in the course of their jobs, for many, many hours over the years. Touching latex doesn’t trigger an allergy, but repeatedly breathing in the microscopic powder used to line the gloves can. Workers inhale tiny amounts of the powder, released in bursts when the gloves are “snapped” on and off. The powder contains microscopic rubber proteins, and with repeated inhalations over a long period of time, some users eventually develop an allergy. Once a person has become sensitized, they may react to skin contact as well.

If you are one of those hardworking but allergic health-care folks, normally you can still use a natural latex mattress comfortably, by avoiding handling the “naked” latex. Have someone else assemble it, and then make up your bed. Once the casing is zipped closed, the latex is covered with layers of fabric and wool batting. On top of that you’d normally add an organic mattress pad and sheets, so you’re well shielded.

A more serious but quite rare reaction is a systemic immune system response to natural latex. In the most severe cases this could result in anaphylactic shock, such as a peanut-allergic person can have on ingesting a tiny bit of peanut. If someone describes severe allergy issues (throat closing, difficulty breathing, swellings on skin) in response to latex, we recommend they not buy any latex mattress. If someone has a dangerous allergy, he or she should not sleep on latex, period.

What about garden-variety allergies? You can breathe…since a Savvy Rest organic mattress won’t harbor dust mites, it’s a real benefit for people with hay fever, seasonal allergies or asthma. Dust mites require moisture to set up housekeeping, and the interior wool batting keeps the mattress casing’s climate very dry. The mites are repelled by traces of lanolin within wool, and they can’t survive in latex. (And it’s always nice not to be breathing in off-gassing chemicals, whether you’re allergy-prone or allergy-free.)

If you still feel uncertain about latex, a good step would be to order our free samples and try a self-test overnight. (Cut a bit of latex and tape it to your wrist overnight, then check the site in the morning.) If you are allergic to many things or anxious about sensitivities, however, please consult your allergist to confirm whether or not you are allergic to latex before buying a Savvy Rest–or any natural latex product.

Laura heads up marketing and does business development for Savvy Rest. She also loves helping people and particularly enjoys educating people about the unique benefits of an organic mattress.

Tags: Allergic, Latex
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How to Furnish Your Rental Home in Singapore

Saturday, September 4th, 2010

How to Furnish Your Rental Home in Singapore

There are a lot of choices to buy furniture in Singapore. Apart from the usual modern furniture, you can buy ready-made or custom-made rattan and oriental furniture. If you decide to buy Oriental furniture, be aware that their size and design may not be suitable once you are repatriated. A nice antique Chinese bed is not only difficult to transport but may look awkward in your living room at home in London, as nothing else will fit in! Besides, this furniture is made for use in a different climate and may shrink, expand and crack. Also, before shipping back your furniture you should have it fumigated!

Antiques and Reproductions

Before you start, you need to decide if you want to decorate your home, take back some memories or seriously collect specific items as an investment into the future. The term antique is used for a variety of items offered and you need to inform yourself first about the host and home countries’ regulations and custom requirements such as import and export restrictions on religious artifacts (e.g. Buddha statues).

Educate yourself before you buy.

Keep detailed receipts of each item, and take photos.

Buy quality, not quantity.

Envisage each item in your home country environment and be realistic about size, durability and looks.

Insure expensive new purchases.

Custom-Made Furniture

To avoid confusion and disappointment, provide a sample or a photograph and specify your requirements in writing:

Correct dimensions/measurements.

Type of material to be used.

Type of frame/material used.

Type of finish and color.

Type of foam to be used for padding and cushions.

Springs to be used (box springs are recommended).

Fabric of the cushion cover.

Cording.

Time of delivery.

Price, incl. taxes and other costs involved.

Deposits you made.

Extra requirements like kiln-dried wood, fumigated etc.

The support structure should be made of hardwood frames.

Screws should be used instead of nails or staples.

Cuts must be concealed.

Wicker used should be evenly woven and have close fitting joints.

Cushions should be made out of high-density foam.

Oriental Furniture

There are many different types depending on the country of origin, style or material used. Furniture made in India or Indonesia is often produced in small villages and come with a native touch rather than being in an immaculate condition, which is very exotic. Chinese furniture come in rosewood, camphor, lacquer, coromandel, teak, Elmwood and many other woods and may be antique, a reproduction or modern. Custom-made furniture should be seasoned or kiln-dried to avoid shrinking in a dry environment. To allow the wood to expand furniture should be produced with tongue-and groove- floating panels.

Teak Furniture

The Latin name for Teak is Tectona grandis, which is offered all over Southeast Asia. Teak is an extremely dense, coarse-grained hardwood, which is well known for its durability and resistance to water, the woodworm and many chemical agents. Today, there are teakwood plantations catering to the furniture industry.

When purchasing Teak furniture:

Buy 100% solid teak. (Not Shorea wood or a combination of both woods.)

Teak should be made from kiln dried and not green lumber.

Teak should be plantation grown. Ask for certification.

Thick pieces of wood used make the product solid and durable.

Oil finishes will darken the products.

Plain furniture lightens into a silver gray when left outdoors.

Oriental Carpets

Before you buy any Turkish, Persian, Chinese, Pakistani, Indian or any other carpets check your own countries custom’s regulations as there may be restrictions on importing them back home.

Join a class teaching you how to buy a genuine oriental carpet (sometimes offered by dealers.)

Buy at a reputable dealer and insist on a certification with origin, description, price, date and place of purchase even when you pay cash and keep the receipts at a safe place.

Try out your carpet at home before purchase and make yourself familiar with the return policy of the dealer.

Before you bid at a carpet auction, learn the trade!

Buy pads or rubberized mats (Ikea) together with your carpets to prevent slipping on marble, tile and wooden floors.

Ask your dealer how to care for your carpet.

Inquire about after-sales services like cleaning and repair.

Beds and Mattresses

Sizes of beds and mattresses are different form those in Europe, Australia and the US, that may imply difficulties buying suitable bed sheets when in Asia or back home. Some shops offer imported brand name beds in standard lengths but oversized beds are difficult to find. Southeast Asian beds are usually shorter and sometimes narrower. Sometimes mattresses in US sizes can be ordered for an additional charge. Never buy bed sheets or linen unless you have measured your bed before.

Electrical Appliances/Computers/Accessories

Consider renting, rather than buying, new electrical appliances.

Go price shopping and bargain.

Items with local warranties are less expensive and will do if you do not want to take the item back home.

International warranties are granted for brand names.

See if repair center lists provided with the product include your home country.

Have your warranties stamped by the dealer.

Prices vary according to their origin (where they are manufactured).

Check about the latest models before buying, as shops like to sell older models first.

Desktop and notebooks need to have dual voltage power supply (110-220 V).

All items ideally should have a voltage switch for use in other countries.

Make sure prices stated include delivery and installation, if necessary.

Insist on delivery time stated on the receipt.

Include purchased item into your insurance on return!

Jacqueline Reischel offers a guide to moving to and living in Singapore at enterSingapore.info. It features Singapore houses for sale, bank information, career guides and Singapore visa and immigration information.

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