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Tomorrow Sleep Memory Foam Mattress Review

Following the release of their Hybrid mattress, Tomorrow Sleep now offers a slightly less expensive Premium Memory Foam mattress that’s constructed from three distinct layers of foam.

Body heat retention is a common complaint among foam mattress users and Tomorrow believes that they have come up with the solution.

This mattress features a layer of breathable graphite-infused open-cell foam, which the company claims will help to keep your body cool and comfortable throughout the night.

Does the Tomorrow Memory Foam Mattress live up to all of its promises? Is it really worth it? Should I buy it?

These are a few questions that I hope to help you answer as I spend the next 12 nights putting the Tomorrow Memory Foam mattress to the test.

The Company

Launched in June 2017, Tomorrow Sleep is a relatively new entrant into the direct-to-consumer “mattress-in-a-box” industry.

In addition to mattresses, the company also sells pillows, comforters, sheets, mattress protectors, bed platforms, curtains, and even a sleep tracker.

While Tomorrow Sleep may be one of the latest to enter the bed-in-a-box market, the company is backed by the knowledge, research, and engineering of one of the oldest and most popular mattress companies in the US.

Although you may not be familiar with the Tomorrow brand, it’s likely that you have heard of their parent company Serta Simmons Bedding LLC (SSB), who operates two wholly owned subsidiaries – National Bedding Company LLC and Simmons Bedding Company.

National Bedding Company sells mattresses under the “Serta” brand and includes models such as The Perfect Sleeper, Sertapedic, iSeries, and iComfort, while Simmons Bedding Company produces brands such as the BeautySleep and Beautyrest.

Considering that SSB currently holds 40% of the mattress market in the US, there’s a pretty good chance that if you were to check the tag on your current mattress, it would display one of these two brands.

SSB employs 40+ sleep scientists who spend their days working within 40,000 sq. ft. of laboratory space within the US. The company has a combined 220 years of experience and currently operates 39 manufacturing plants in the United States.

Rather than becoming a subsidiary of SSB, Tomorrow Sleep is independently operated and managed, yet is backed by the knowledge and experience of a company that has been around for decades.

Tomorrow Sleep founder, Brian Murphy

Bryan Murphy is the founder and president of Tomorrow. Prior to creating Tomorrow Sleep he sold his company, WHI Solutions, to eBay and spent the next three years as an eBay executive.

Why is this information about Tomorrow and SSB important?

I’m going to let you in on a little secret.

Have you ever noticed how many bed-in-a-box companies are out there? The answer is well over 100. What’s the reason behind this?

With low barriers to entry, the industry has captured the attention of many entrepreneurs who are interested in cashing in on a booming industry.

The vast majority of direct-to-consumer mattress companies simply private label their mattresses, meaning a factory (typically located somewhere in China) manufactures a standard mattress by gluing together 2-4 layers of foam and then slipping on a cover.

They then “white label” it by attaching a tag displaying the name of XYZ company. After rolling out one batch, they create another batch for company ZYX using the exact same mattress, only adding a different tag and the process continues on.

This means that several mattresses-in-a-box:

• Are actually the exact same product with a different name.
• Are not created using innovative design. There are no “sleep scientists” involved in the design process.
• Are often made with low-quality inexpensive materials in order to keep the manufacturing costs low.
• May use foams that are not CertiPUR-US certified.

With Tomorrow Sleep, you are getting a uniquely designed mattress that’s backed by science, made from quality certiPUR materials, and manufactured in the United States in Charlotte, NC.

Mattress Construction

When it comes to foam mattresses, the materials that are used and how the mattress is assembled are two distinguishing factors that separate the good and average from the bad.

The Tomorrow Memory Foam Mattress is latex-free and is constructed from three layers of viscoelastic polyurethane foam, each serving a unique purpose. The total thickness, after unpacking and decompressed is 10″.

Here’s a breakdown of the three layers that you will find inside.

• 7″ of 2 PCF Durable High-Density Base Foam
• 2″ of 2.5 PCF Pressure Relieving Gel Swirl Memory Foam
• 1″ of 2.8 PCF Cooling Open-Cell Memory Foam

The density of foam within a mattress is expressed in PCF or pounds per cubic feet. Simply put, if you were to take one cubic foot of a particular foam, this is how much it would weigh. The higher the PCF, the greater the density which makes it a more durable product.

While a correlation often exists between density and support, a higher density foam doesn’t always indicate a more supportive product.

Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) is a technique used to measure the softness or hardness of a foam. I was unable to locate any information on ILD rating for the Tomorrow Memory Foam Mattress, but I will do my best to describe the firmness in a later section during a test that I performed.

Looking at the PCF rating of the three layers, the foams used in this mattress fall within the medium to high-density range.

The 7″ bottom layer is fairly dense and provides a good base that will not allow your body to sink in too far, leaving you stuck inside of the mattress.

The 2″ middle layer is made from a dense open-cell memory foam which makes it breathable and enables the dissipation of body heat.

Topping off the mattress is a 1″ piece of open-cell memory foam that’s infused with graphite. According to Tomorrow Sleep, the Graphite is used to remove excessive heat away from the mattress.

Graphite is often used to remove heat in applications where petroleum-based products typically fail. Infusing mattress foam with graphite is a unique solution to a common issue with most memory foam mattresses that manufacturers face.

Tomorrow Hybrid Mattress vs Memory Foam Mattress

When introduced in 2017, Tomorrow sold only one mattress, their hybrid which could be purchased in either “medium firm” or “medium soft”.

In early 2018 the company released their Memory Foam Mattress. While both mattresses are 10″ in thickness, the similarities end there. Here are a few key differences between the two mattresses:

• As the name implies, the Hybrid mattress contains pocketed high-carbon steel coils that are found in traditional mattresses as well as 3-4 layers of memory foam, while the Memory Foam series contains only foam.
• With the Hybrid, there are two “feels” to choose from. The Memory Foam model offers only one.
• The Hybrid is going to have a different feel in comparison to the Memory Foam. Because the Hybrid contains pocketed coils, you will notice a difference in the “bounce” of the mattress. Keep in mind that since the coils are independent of each other, they will transfer very little motion.
• The Hybrid starts at $545 while the Memory Foam mattress starts at $445, so there’s a little bit of savings with the foam mattress.

Warranty

Like the majority of mattress companies out there, Tomorrow offers a 10-year limited warranty with their Memory Foam Mattress.

Does this mean that the mattress will only last 10 years?

Actually, according to Tomorrow, they have tested their mattresses in a lab and found that they can last up to 20 years! 

While the mattress can physically handle 20 or more years of sleeping, due to health reasons it’s advised that you replace your mattress every 10 years.  Over the years, dead skin, sweat, and dust mites can add pounds of weight to your mattress, creating an unhealthy environment to sleep in.

The 10-year warranty is limited and does not cover issues such as:

• Tears, cuts, or burns
• Normal body impressions up to 1.5″
• Mattresses used without proper support
• Costs to transport, inspect, or remove the mattress

Overall, the limited warranty that’s offered by Tomorrow is fairly standard in the industry.

Price & Financing Options

Price

The price of a Tomorrow Memory Foam Mattress varies according to size, with a Twin size costing the least and a California King costing the most.

Tomorrow’s pricing strategy involves listing each mattress at an original price and then by default, reducing it by $50.00.

Use Promo Code SMG100 to receive $100 off the original price. This promo code only works for purchases totaling $495.00 or more.

Visit Tomorrow’s Website

The prices that you see in the chart below reflect the price of each mattress after the default reduction. Prices shown in bold are what you can expect to pay after using the mentioned promo code.

0% APR Financing

If dropping several hundred dollars on a mattress is not in your budget, you can take advantage of some financing options that are available.

Tomorrow Sleep has teamed up with Klarna, an online financing company that prides itself on transparency with no hidden fees.

During the checkout process, you have to option to choose Klarna for payment. You will be required to enter some basic information in order to set up an account. Klarna uses this information to perform a “soft” credit check which will not affect your credit score.

The credit check is nearly instant. If your credit is good, they will likely offer 0% APR financing for 18 months.

Perhaps your credit is not squeaky clean. In this case, you may be eligible for a 10%-30% APR loan. The percentage that you pay will depend upon your creditworthiness. In some cases, a down payment may be required in order to obtain financing.

There are three options for making monthly payments including ACH Transfer, check, or debit card.

Trial Period

Not having the ability to physically handle a product prior to making a purchasing decision is a challenge that every online retailer must face. In regards to online mattress sales, this statement is especially true as most shoppers prefer to lay on a mattress for a few minutes to get a “feel” for it before making a final decision.

How does a direct-to-consumer mattress company such as Tomorrow Sleep overcome this hurdle? By offering a trial period where the consumer can try a mattress out in their home for a specified number of nights. In the event that they are not satisfied, the mattress can be returned for a refund.

In recent years, offering a trial period has become the industry standard in online mattress sales. Nearly every mattress company is offering a free trial period of around 100-120 nights.

This is an area where Tomorrow excels because their trial period lasts for 365 nights! 

In the event that you are not satisfied and would like to return your bed, the company will take care of this, so you don’t have to worry about stuffing it back in the original box (which, by the way, is an impossible task). They offer return shipping at no cost, so there’s no loss if you decide to return your mattress.

Their return policy does however ask you to “break in” the mattress for at least 30 nights prior to requesting a refund.

Shipping & Delivery

Sending a mattress in the mail may seem cost prohibitive because it’s a large and heavy item.

Like other mattress-in-a-box retailers, Tomorrow Sleep compresses and roll their mattresses in order to fit them into a manageable sized box. While the weight remains the same, the amount of space that the mattress occupies is greatly reduced which also decreases the shipping cost. Because of this, they are able to offer free shipping to your doorstep.

The shipping box measures 20″ X 20″ X 42″ unless it’s a Cali. king which ships in a box with dimensions that are one inch longer all around.

Tomorrow ships using UPS ground services, which will take 2-3 business days to arrive. Mattresses are shipped from their warehouse in either Kentucky or California.

Compressing and shipping a mattress does not affect its integrity or performance.

Keep in mind that once the mattress arrives, you will have to carry it to your bedroom and unpack it. Since the box can weigh well over 70lbs, it’s best to perform this task with the help of a partner.

If you don’t have the ability carry and set up your mattress, Tomorrow offers white glove delivery in most areas. For an additional $75.00, they will deliver and set up the mattress in a room of your choice and will even take away the packaging that it came in.

They also offer an old mattress removal service for an additional $49.00.

Unpacking and Setup

Once your bed arrives, the setup process is fairly straightforward and should take less than 20 minutes.

If your existing platform is still in good shape, you can reuse it. The Tomorrow mattress can lay on top of a traditional box spring, wood slat, or even directly on the floor. I reused my old wood slat platform with my mattress.

The box has a pair of handles cut into the top and bottom. With the help of my wife, we carried the box into our bedroom and removed the mattress from the box.

A set of instructions along with an opening tool (which is simply a letter opener) came inside of the box.

Following the instructions, I cut through the first layer of plastic using the provided tool and then laid the mattress out on the platform, face side up, before carefully cutting through and removing the second layer of plastic. The sight and sound of the expanding mattress provided a moment of entertainment as we watched the mattress take shape.

In less than 10 minutes, it slowly expanded to its original shape and size.  The manufacturer suggests that it may take up to 24 hours to fully expand. However, you should be able to sleep on it after only a few minutes.

The Smell Test

If you have ever installed new carpet in your home or have purchased a new vehicle, you are probably familiar with the “new car smell”.

All memory foam mattresses, specifically ones that have been compressed, sealed, and packaged shortly after being manufactured, will emit some sort of “new” smell when first opened.

This smell actually comes from a reaction called off-gassing in which chemicals used during the manufacturing process break down and disperse into the air. More specifically, these chemicals are referred to as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

There is no way to escape VOCs, as they are present in nearly everything manufactured including all furniture. There’s no conclusive evidence indicating that VOC emissions, at low levels, are dangerous to your health.

The foams used in Tomorrow’s mattresses are CertiPUR-US certified. The CertiPUR certification program was created in 2008 in response to concerns over toxic foams being imported into the United States.

CertiPUR-US is an independently operated not-for-profit organization that tests foams to ensure they are made without ozone depleters, PBDEs, TDCPP, TCEP, mercury, lead, other heavy metals, formaldehyde, regulated phthalates, and have Low VOC emissions of less than 0.5 PPM. Tomorrow Sleep is listed in the CertiPure directory as a participating company.

After opening my Tomorrow mattress, I did notice a faint “new foam” smell, which is difficult to describe.

I wouldn’t necessarily label it as an offensive odor and it didn’t irritate my nose or cause a headache. It simply smelled like, well, a new foam mattress.

The new mattress smell lingered around for the next 2 days, gradually diminishing with each passing day. By the third day, the smell had disappeared.

Neither myself nor my wife experienced any issues with the smell of the mattress at any point during the testing period.

Knowing that all memory foam mattresses are going to create some off-gassing and that the Tomorrow mattress is CertiPur certified, I was the least bit concerned about this smell.

Heat Dissipation Test

Falling asleep and staying asleep on a hot mattress is nearly impossible. For this reason, I always perform a heat test which shows how quickly body heat dissipates from a mattress.

As mentioned, the top layer of Tomorrow is made from a graphite infused open-cell memory foam, which is supposed to dissipate heat. The middle layer contains a Pressure Relieving Gel Swirl memory foam which also assists with body heat removal.

I’ll perform a heat dissipation test using a heat source, non-contact infrared thermometer, and a stopwatch. The heat source in this case is a 3 lb. rice bag that I warmed in the microwave.

Here’s a rundown of the process:

1. Heat the rice bag in the microwave for 2 minutes, which will bring its temperature up to around 120°
2. Simulate body heat by laying the rice bag on top of the mattress for 10 minutes to allow heat to transfer from the bag to mattress.
3. Remove the bag and start the stopwatch. Using an infrared thermometer, record the temperature and time as the mattress cools.

As you can see from the above chart, the mattress experienced rapid heat loss during the first 30 seconds after the heat source was removed. During this time period, the temperature decreased by 19°.

Between 30 and 60 seconds, the temperature decreased by an additional 5.7°.

Between 60 and 90 seconds, the temperature decreased by an additional 3°.

Between 90 and 120 seconds, the temperature decreased by an additional 1.8°.

The greatest amount of heat loss occurred during the first 30 seconds. The amount of heat loss tapered off with each passing 30-second interval.

During the 120 second test, the mattress lost a total of 29.5°.

Overall the heat dissipation is above average for an all-foam mattress. While sleeping on this mattress my wife and I did not experience any issues overheating at any point during the night.

Firmness Test

When you lie down on a bed, the first thing that you may notice is the firmness of a mattress. Firmness refers to how soft or hard a mattress feels. Keep in mind, this should not be mistaken for support which refers to the degree to which the mattress keeps your body aligned.

Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) is used to measure the firmness of foam. In a laboratory setting, the ILD rating is determined by compressing a 15″ X 15″ X 4″ piece of foam using a 50 square inch (8″ in diameter) disk. Weight is added until the foam beneath the disk is compressed by 25% or by 1″. The more weight that it takes to compress the foam, the “firmer” the foam.

Using a modified version of this test, I measured the amount of mattress sinkage using a 2-gallon bucket with an 8.25″ diameter bottom. The bucket has been filled with concrete and weighs a total of 42 lbs. A ruler has been attached to the side of the bucket.

Instead of measuring how many pounds it takes to compress the mattress 1″, I measured how far the mattress sinks when the 42 lb bucket is added.

This measurement is relative and will come in handy when comparing the firmness of two or more mattresses reviewed on this site, using the same weight.

As you can see in the video above, the Tomorrow mattress experienced 2.5″ of sinkage when weight was added.

I would describe this mattress as being medium-firm. Laying down, I didn’t feel as though I was being “swallowed” by the mattress. It felt as if I were laying on top of the mattress and not inside it.

Body Support

Choosing a mattress that provides proper body support is a factor that’s easily overlooked.

The support layer is located underneath the top comfort layer. In the case of the Tomorrow mattress, support is provided by a 7″ layer of high-density foam just beneath the first two layers of memory foam.

A mattress can be firm and yet provide very little support. The same can be true for a softer mattress.

Areas with a greater concentration of weight, such as the back and buttocks need to be supported in order to maintain body alignment. If not properly supported, your body may bend at the middle and you may experience discomfort the next day.

Weight, body type, and sleeping position will all affect how well a mattress supports one’s body. In other words, a 120lb petite side sleeper may find that a particular mattress provides proper support while a larger 275lb side sleeper may find that the same mattress doesn’t provide enough support.

At 6’1 and 215 lbs, I found that the Tomorrow Memory Foam Mattress provided adequate support for side sleeping. I experienced no aches or pains in the morning while sleeping on this mattress.

Remember, your results may vary. For instance, a back sleeper who’s heavier may find that the mattress does not provide enough support.

Recovery Time

Recovery time is another factor that should be taken into account if you are interested in a memory foam mattress.

Depending on the composition, some memory foams will respond almost immediately while others will take several seconds to respond. Higher density foams generally have a slower recovery time.

Some may find that a mattress containing a foam that’s slow to respond will leave them feeling “stuck” while others enjoy the hugging nature of a slow responding foam mattress.

As you can see in the video demonstration above, the Tomorrow mattress has a rather fast recovery time.

While trying out this mattress, I found it rather easy to change positions without feeling stuck.

Motion Isolation Test

Motion isolation refers to the mattress’s ability to absorb movement. Motion isolation is sometimes referred to as motion transfer.

If you sleep with a bed partner, motion isolation is something that you may want to pay close attention to. This is especially true if you or your partner sleep lightly and are disturbed by tossing, turning, or multiple trips to the restroom at night.

One of the benefits of choosing an all foam mattress, such as the Tomorrow, is the excellent motion isolation that it provides. Since the mattress does not contain metal coils, the transfer of motion will be very minimal.

I used two methods to test the amount of motion transferred by this mattress. I filled a glass halfway with water and placed on the bed alongside a smartphone running an app which measured vibration.

In order to simulate motion made by a partner tossing around or getting out of the bed, a 17.6 lb kettle ball was positioned on the opposite side of the bed and was dropped from a distance of 12″. This test was repeated three times. As you can see, the meter showed a mean reading of 2.2 MMI and a Max of 5.3 MMI.

My wife and I normally sleep on a mattress with pocketed coils, which works fairly well to isolate motion.

However, when sleeping on the Tomorrow mattress, we both noticed a marked reduction in motion transfer.

Edge Support

Edge support simply refers to how well the edge of a mattress holds up when weight is placed on it. While laying near the edge, do you feel as though you are going to roll off? While sitting on the edge of the bed, how far does the mattress compress?

Mattresses with innerspring or pocket coils are made from steel and usually provide the best edge support. Foam mattresses often receive a bad rap for not providing adequate edge support. This can be true, especially if the manufacturer uses low-quality foam.

After allowing the mattress to expand, the first thing that I did was lay on it and roll over towards the edge.

If you feel as though you are about to roll off the edge, this may be an indicator of a poor quality mattress. In the case of this mattress, I felt completely secure while laying near the edge. 

I then sat up on the edge, concentrating all of my weight in one area. The first 3″ or so of memory foam compressed a bit, but the 7″ layer of high-density foam kept my bottom well above the platform.

Tomorrow seemed to have hit the mark when choosing a base layer that’s dense and thick enough to keep you on the bed, where you belong while sleeping.

Final Thoughts

After spending 12 nights sleeping on the Tomorrow mattress, my wife and I both agree that this mattress is a keeper.

The Tomorrow Mattress offers the perfect balance of comfort and just the right amount of support.

What I found most impressive about this mattress was its ability to remain cool throughout the night. Memory foam mattresses have a reputation for trapping heat. The graphite infused open cell foam seemed to really help with this problem.

This mattress was designed by a company that employs sleep scientists and uses safe foam that’s Certipur Certified.

The 365-night trial is one of the best in the industry, which can be reassuring if you have never slept on a memory foam mattress but would like to try one without the risk.

Overall, this mattress is a great choice and one that is worthy of being placed on your short list if you are considering a foam mattress.

Visit Tomorrow’s Website

Do I really snore? How can I tell if I snore? These are a couple questions that you may ask yourself if you suspect that you have a snoring problem.

Perhaps your bed partner or roommate is always complaining that your snoring disrupts their sleep. Maybe you are simply curious as to whether or not you snore. Whatever the reason, you want to get to the bottom of what goes on after your head hits the pillow and you fall asleep.

You’re not going to be able to figure out if you are snoring by yourself. You will need help from either a partner or technology.

How To Determine If I Snore

Ask Your Partner, Friend, or Family Member

The first and most obvious way to tell if you snore is to ask your partner to listen as you sleep. If your snoring is loud enough, they probably already informed you without having to ask. If you do snore, have them note the position in which you are sleeping and the intensity of your snoring. Be sure to also keep a journal of activities such as drinking alcohol or eating before bed which can impact snoring.

If you don’t have a bed partner, ask a close friend or family member to stay the night with you and observe you for the presence of snoring. While this may seem like an odd request, you will be glad you asked, especially if you find out that your snoring is a symptom of sleep apnea which is a serious condition that requires medical attention.

Enlist The Help of Technology

If you are not able to find anyone willing to help you (or are too embarrassed), you can turn to technology to lend a hand.

Smartphones can be an excellent tool for identifying a snoring problem. There are a number of different apps, many that are free, which can listen for snoring and record it so that you can hear it the next day.

There are even specialized apps that are able to differentiate the sound of snoring from other bedroom noises. These specialized apps will often assign a score to your snoring which helps to quantify it. You can then take corrective action and compare the score from before and after.

Signs That You Are A Snorer

While there are only two ways to know for certain that you snore, there are a few daytime symptoms that you may notice which can offer a clue as to whether or not you snore.

Daytime Tiredness: The first sign that you may notice is daytime tiredness. No matter how many hours of sleep you get the night before, you are tired and sluggish upon rising in the morning.

Snoring can affect your quality of sleep, preventing you from achieving REM sleep which is necessary to rejuvenate the body and prepare it for the next day.

A Sore Throat In the Morning: Having a sore throat in the morning may suggest snoring may be present.

Most snorers sleep with their mouth open which allows air to pass through and dry out the mouth and airway. A dry mouth plus a uvula and soft palate that are tossed around as you snore are a recipe for a morning sore throat.

Difficulty Concentrating: As mentioned, snoring can disrupt your sleep patterns and lead to daytime sleepiness. Due to the body not getting enough deep sleep to refresh itself, you may also notice a decline in your ability to concentrate. Are you having difficulty focusing on what you are doing or have a short attention span? Snoring may be the cause.

Morning Headaches: Do you have an unexplained headache when you wake up in the morning. Does it frequently occur? Snoring may be to blame.

Snoring is caused by a restricted airway. If you are unable to breathe properly at night, carbon dioxide builds up in the blood and affects the nervous system. This, in turn, can cause headaches in the morning. Morning headaches may also strongly suggest that sleep apnea is present.

What To Do If I Snore?

Snoring, in its benign form, can be harmless although disturbing your partner’s sleep is an issue that should be addressed.

Snoring that’s related to sleep apnea should be addressed by a medical specialist who can treat this condition.

Telling the difference between snoring itself and snoring as a sign of sleep apnea should be left up to a medical professional who is trained in sleep medicine.

Once you are certain that your snoring is not related to Obstructive Sleep Apnea, there are a few remedies that you can try.

First, avoid alcohol and sedatives before going to bed which can worsen snoring.

Avoid sleeping on your back. Sleep on your side instead which will help to keep the airway free of obstruction.

If you are overweight, try losing weight which helps by reducing the amount of fat around the airway.

If snoring persists, you may want to consider the use of an oral appliance which can help by holding the jaw forward to help clear the airway and prevent the sound of snoring.

If you are considering buying a snoring mouthpiece, you’re probably wondering how long it takes for it to work. Does it work the first night or will it take some time before you begin to see results?

Snoring mouthpieces typically work the first night which means for most, you can expect to see immediate results. In some cases, you may experience an adjustment period before you begin to see a reduction or elimination of snoring. Then, there are less common cases where a mouthpiece does not affect snoring. Here are a few reasons why a mouthpiece may not work immediately and a proposed solution.

Reasons Why A Snoring Mouthpiece May Not Work

Poor or Improper Fitting

The Problem: The most common reason why you may not see results the first night of use is due to a poor or improper fit.

Most mouthguards require a custom fitting which typically involves heating the unit and taking an impression of your teeth.

There are two reasons why this is done. First, a mouthguard that has been custom fitted will stay in position and not move around. Second, a properly fitted mouthguard will keep the jaw forward, which is an essential part of clearing the airway of breathing obstructions.

The Solution: If you suspect that your oral appliance is not working because of an improper fit, start by reviewing the fitting instructions that came with the packaging to ensure that it was molded properly.

One mistake often made with a boil and bite thermoplastic mouthpiece is not pushing the jaw out during the fitting. When correctly fitted, the lower teeth should be slightly in front of the upper. If not, the jaw is not properly advanced and snoring will continue.

Mouthpiece Falls Out While Asleep

The Problem: You wake up in the morning and find that your mouthpiece has fallen out and is laying next to your pillow. The issue, of course, is that the mouthpiece has to be inside of your mouth in order to work.

The Solution: There are a couple different possibilities here. First, the appliance that you chose may be too small or too large for your mouth. Some manufacturers offer different size appliances for different size mouths. For instance, women’s mouths are generally smaller than men’s, so they may require a scaled-down regular size mouthpiece. Several companies such as VitalSleep or Snoremeds offers different size options.

An improper fit will also cause a mouthpiece to fall out. Once again, ensure that it fits snugly and does not move around when inside of the mouth.

Sometimes, even a properly fitted mouthpiece will fall out at night if you tend to sleep with your mouth open. In this case, you may want to consider using an elastic chin strap along with your mouthpiece to hold the jaw closed and prevent the mouthpiece from falling out. Neoprene chinstraps can be purchased for less than $20 online.

Snoring Is Caused By Some Other Issue

The Problem: While snoring is almost always caused by a narrowed airway due to the jaw falling back, there are cases where a snoring mouthpiece may not be effective.

If your snoring originates from the sinuses, which is far less common than the airway, a mouthpiece that holds the jaw forward is not going to help. It’s possible that a nasal obstruction is causing your snoring.

The Solution: Try creating the sound of snoring while laying on your back. Next, move your jaw forward and see if the snoring sound becomes quiet or is eliminated. If you do not notice a difference in sound, your snoring may originate elsewhere. In such a case, it may be best to consult with a physician so they can determine the exact cause.

What Is Blue Light And How Does It Effect Sleep?

While laying in bed at night, you check your email, Facebook, Instagram, catch up on the latest episode of your favorite TV show or read an e-book. Is there really an issue using light emitting electronic devices before going to bed? Interestingly enough, the answer is “yes”.

Electronic devices such as our smartphones emit short wavelength enriched light. What does this mean and why is it important?

Scientists have been taking a closer look at the effects of blue light on sleep and have found that blue light exposure significantly impacts the sleep-inducing hormone called melatonin. In fact, it delays the production of melatonin more than twice as long as red light which is at the opposite end of the light spectrum.

As a result of blue light exposure, there is a disruption of circadian rhythm which is our internal regulator that cycles through night and day over a 24 hour period. Environmental factors, such as the presence or absence of light, regulate circadian rhythm. At night, our master clock (known as SCN) alerts the brain to produce more melatonin which makes us sleepy.

Blue light exposure at night causes a delay in our ability to fall asleep which reduces the total amount of sleep each night. Once asleep, the lack of melatonin can prevent us from reaching REM sleep, which refreshes and restores our bodies for the next day.

Simply stated, our body uses light to signal that it’s time to get up and do things while the absence of light signals the body that the day is over and it’s time to get some rest. The artificial light that comes from electronic devices tricks the brain into delaying the production of melatonin which in turn keeps us awake longer and prevents deep sleep.

It’s believed that melatonin suppression and lack of sleep can lead to several other issues such as obesity, type II diabetes, depression, and even cancer.

The effects of blue light do not stop there.

As we fall into a deeper sleep, our core body temperature begins to fall. It’s been scientifically proven that when exposed to blue light prior to bed, our body temperature does not drop as it does normally. On the other hand, those who were exposed to red light prior to falling asleep saw a normal drop in body temperature throughout the night.

Reducing Blue Light Exposure Prior To Bed

In order to get the best night sleep possible, you should avoid exposure to blue light at least 2-3 hours prior to going to bed. The purpose of a bedroom is for sleeping, not catching up on your social media accounts. Make a habit of leaving your devices in another room to avoid the temptation of picking them up and reading. This also includes electronic readers.

If you must use blue light emitting devices late at night, consider trying a blue light filtering software which will help to reduce your exposure. Most recently made smartphones have such a filter built in, so all you need to do is turn it on. In other cases, you may need to download an app, which is often free.

Try replacing the lightbulbs in your bedroom with ones that are specifically made to reduce blue light wavelengths. LED light bulbs that give off warmer light are available at most hardware stores.

Other ways to reduce blue light exposure is to wear glasses that are specifically designed to block this spectrum of light. There are also filters which can be placed on your screen to reduce exposure. These filters are commonly used on computer screens.

Another way to reduce your exposure to blue light is to take a carotenoid supplement which aids your eyes in the ability to block blue light. Possible supplements may include Zeaxanthin and Lutein, both which can be found at your local drug store.

Should I Completely Avoid Blue Light?

While blue light should be avoided entirely at night, it can actually be helpful during the day, signaling the brain not to produce melatonin. In fact, it’s suggested that a half hour of blue light in the morning can improve alertness and improve memory.

Light exposure during the day is very important. In fact, those with circadian disorders are often prescribed light therapy. Natural sunlight is free and of course is the best source of light. There are also lamps which you place in front of you if sunlight is not available.

Those who live in the northern hemisphere often lack sun exposure which can lead to a circadian disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and even depression. For these people adding light therapy to the daily routine is important.

While light should be avoided at night, you should aim to get enough during the day.

We are a sleep-deprived nation. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 33% of us do not get enough sleep on a nightly basis. That’s 107 million out of 325 sleep-deprived individuals, in the United States.

There are a number of different reasons why we are getting less than 7-8 hours of sleep per night, as recommended by the CDC. Stress, room temperature, sleep disorders, work worries, financial troubles, and children are a few reasons why we fail to get enough shut-eye each night.

One of the most common reasons why married couples are sleep deprived has to do with their bed partner.

Couples often maintain different sleep schedules. Some enjoy staying up at night reading or watching television while others prefer going to bed early.

Then there are those who are early risers while their partner enjoys sleeping in. Early risers can wake their partners as they shower and get dressed before starting their day.

Snoring is yet another bedroom nuisance that’s more common than you may realize. It’s estimated that up to half of the population has a snoring problem. Snoring is an issue that can keep your partner up all night without you even realizing it.

It’s fairly easy to see how a bedroom partner can disrupt your sleep, but what does one do to reclaim a peaceful night of rest? Some are turning to sleep divorce as a solution, but is that really necessary? What is sleep divorce and how can it be prevented?

What is Sleep Divorce?

“Sleep Divorce” is a term that has been coined to describe separate sleeping arrangements for married couples. In lieu of divorcing their partner due to disruptive sleeping habits, the couple simply agrees to sleep separately so that their partner is not disturbed.

In many cases, couples end up sleeping in separate bedrooms, while this is not necessarily true in all cases. Some partners will agree to sleep in the same room but in separate beds. For instance, they may opt to use two separate twin size beds instead of a king size. Other times partners will sleep with dedicated covers but in the same bed.

How common is sleep divorce? You may be surprised to hear that an estimated 30% – 40% of couples choose to sleep independently. The reason why this statistic is so startling to some is that most couples who sleep separately often do not openly share this information with others.

While sleep divorce is not accepted as the norm today, it was very common over a century ago when some homes were built with separate sleeping quarters for him and her. Homebuilders today are noticing a trend where buyers are requesting joined master bedrooms.

There are a lot of opinions as to whether or not a sleep divorce is helpful or harmful to a relationship.

On one side of the argument, some believe that doing so will cause you to miss out on pillow talk and intimacy. Then there are those who argue that a sleep divorce will often save a relationship as some peoples’ bad bedroom habits are grounds for an actual divorce.

No matter which side of the argument you are on, most can agree that it’s best to avoid a sleep divorce if possible. How can this be accomplished?

How To Avoid Sleep Divorce

Before you throw in the towel and move to another bedroom, here are a few suggestions that you may want to try.

Get Checked Out 

If you are unable to sleep because your partner snores or moves around too much in bed, there may be an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed.

Sleep disorders such as Restless Leg Syndrome, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Insomnia are just a few issues that may prevent the two of you from sleeping in harmony. Sleep Apnea alone affects over 20 million people with the majority (80%) being undiagnosed. Would you like to guess the number 1 symptom of sleep apnea? Yes, it’s snoring.

Make An Agreement 

Simply taking some time to talk things out and make an agreement may be all that it takes to restore your bedroom zen.

For instance, if your husband is an early riser and you like to sleep in, the two of you can agree that he uses a guest bathroom to get ready in the morning so that you can sleep without being disturbed.

If your partner enjoys watching television or reading at night, ask them if they can watch TV or read in another room and come to bed when they are prepared to sleep.

Maybe your partner goes to bed early and you are a night owl. Perhaps you both can agree on a bedtime somewhere in the middle?

Rethink Your Bed

Sometimes, environmental factors along with your partner’s habits can make sleeping next to them unbearable.

For instance, a bed that is too small or of poor quality can be an issue. Have a queen? Consider upgrading to a king. Sleeping on a standard spring mattress? Think about upgrading to a Posturepedic. A new mattress can mean the difference between feeling your partner’s every toss and turn to their movement going unnoticed.

Remove Electronics From The Bedroom

Both you and your partner can benefit from removing electronics from the bedroom such as TVs, phones or tablets.

Several studies have suggested a link between blue light (which emits from such electronic devices) and a disruption in sleep due to the suppression of melatonin.

It’s suggested that you should avoid blue light from screens 2-3 hours prior to falling asleep. If using electronic devices are absolutely necessary, consider blue-blocking glasses which will help to filter out blue light.

A Handy Solution For Snoring

Since snoring is the most common bedroom nuisance, it’s worth mentioning that snoring aids are available that can help.

One of my favorite products is the Snoring Mouthpiece, which is a device that fits inside of the mouth and is incredibly effective. If you want, you can read more here.

Snorelax is yet another anti-snoring product that has been recently introduced on crowdfunding websites such as Indiegogo or Kickstarter. Between the two sites, the company has raised over $183k in funds to launch their product. They are planning to start shipping the Snorelax as early as August 2018.

What Exactly Is Snorelax?

If you google the term “Snorelax”, Google will automatically show you results for the search term “Snorlax” (That’s Snorelax without the “e”). Here, you will find pages of information on a fictional character from the Pokémon cartoon, and not necessarily the snoring device.

Finding any information on the product requires that you click on the “Search instead for Snorelax” link which will direct you to the results for the product as it’s truly spelled.

Once you arrive at the correct search results page, you will not see a whole lot of information on this product or company aside from their Kickstarter campaign, a press release, and their official website which actually redirects you to their Indiegogo page.

Since I’ve never seen anything like it, I was intrigued and had to know more about what the company had to offer. Since their fundraising page was the only place that I was able to find information, I started my research there.

Perhaps the best way to describe the appearance of the SnoreLax is a cross between a large Band-aid and a jaw strap.

While it’s made from a 100% cotton material, it shares some of the same characteristics as Band-Aid because it has an adhesive backing which attaches to the face in two areas – below the cheekbone and under the chin.

It’s similar to a chin strap because the placement of the adhesive strip prevents the jaw from falling back, which in turn causes a narrowing of the airway. Chinstraps have been in existence for many years now and many have found them to be helpful when it comes to preventing snoring.

The Claim

The message that Snorelax delivers is straight-forward and simple. They believe that their product will allow you to wake up feeling energized, improve your health and in some cases, save your marriage.  Their product requires no maintenance, is non-invasive, is beard-friendly and allows you to sleep in any position.

The company claims that snoring is the third leading cause of divorce (although infidelity, financial issues, and lack of communication arguably rank among the top three). We do know that snoring can disrupt our partner’s sleep and lead to marital problems and perhaps divorce in some cases. It’s also known that snoring can be bad for your health.

While their Kickstarter page doesn’t offer any scientific evidence proving their product to be effective, they do suggest that their product was developed by “medical doctors” with combined medical experience of 65 years.

They do show a before and after MRI which illustrates a narrowed airway before using the Snorelax and after. There is a clear difference between the airway opening in the first and second image.

What’s The Cost of Snorelax?

Snorelax is currently in production, so it’s not available for sale to non-backers.

They are however offering “perks” to their backers which might give us some insight into how much these will sell for in the future.

For $29, you will receive a 30-night supply of Snorelax. For $55, you will double the amount that you receive to 60. The price per 30-day supply reduces as you purchase in volume.

At about $1 per day supply, it’s unlikely that the cost will exceed this amount as many will be hesitant to spend nearly $400 annually on an anti-snoring product. I would expect it to eventually sell for $30 or less for a 1 month supply.

My Thoughts On Snorelax

Snorelax is certainly interesting and is a one-of-a-kind stop product that captured my interest from the moment that I came across it online.

In the past, I have tried using chinstraps which wrap around the head and provide similar jaw lifting action. The results of such products varied. In some cases, they reduced my snoring while other times I could not tell a difference in the amount or intensity of my snoring.  Perhaps since the area that it targets is more focused, it will be more effective.

I’m however still not entirely sold on the science behind the Snorelax. Knowing the doctors behind the product or citing specific research showing a study that was conducted would be helpful.

Overall, for around $30, I believe this will be a product that’s worth trying, despite the lack of evidence. The cost is lower than most snoring devices, although the ongoing cost of using this product daily can become expensive.

I hope to review this product soon and will add the information that I find to this post.

You snore, your father snores, his father snored and your great-grandfather snored. Everyone in your family snores, so it must be a genetic thing, right?

While we often blame genetics for gifting us undesirable traits, the truth is, genetics are not always to blame. This is especially true for those who snore. While hereditary factors are sometimes the cause of snoring, lifestyle choices are often a more likely culprit.

Let’s discuss the difference between snoring caused by genetics vs snoring caused by lifestyle choices. In other words, factors that are in your control vs those not in your control.

When Genetics Causes Snoring

The shape of your face, an airway anatomy or craniofacial abnormalities are some hereditary factors that can contribute to snoring.

For instance, a larger than average tongue can fall backward and cause an airway blockage which may result in snoring. The tongue is directly tied to the back of the throat and airway, which is the site where snoring most commonly occurs.

Those with retrognathia, better known as an overbite, are far more susceptible to snoring because their jaw is shifted back which causes a narrowing of the airway and ultimately snoring or sleep apnea. Retrognathia can sometimes be treated using braces or in some cases, surgery. The good news is that nearly anyone can undergo treatment including children and adults.

Abnormalities in the airway are genetic factors that can also be to blame for snoring. For instance, if you were simply born with an airway that is too small, a restriction of air will occur and snoring may result.

Having a large neck, (over 16.5″ for males) is another genetic factor that causes snoring. If the girth of your neck is larger than average due to being overweight, this would fall under lifestyle factors.

If you have any of these genetic factors, you are three times more likely to suffer from snoring than someone who does not have these abnormalities.

Lifestyle Factors That Influence Snoring

Obesity is by far the most common lifestyle factor that causes snoring. When overweight, fat has a tendency to accumulate around the neck which will place force on the airway and reduces the diameter of the windpipe. In some cases, it may even completely cut off your breathing while asleep (sleep apnea).

“But my whole family is overweight so it must be hereditary.”

While there are several theories as to whether or not genetics plays a role in obesity, most experts agree that environmental factors are more likely to cause one to be overweight. For instance, those who were brought up eating high fat, high calorie, processed foods will likely continue this learned behavior into adulthood and become overweight.

Does your diet consist of mostly vegetables, fruit, lean meat, beans, eggs, and nuts or does it consist of pizza, burgers, fried foods and enriched bread? If you answered yes to the ladder, there is room to improve your diet.

In addition to diet, ask yourself if you are exercising for at least 30 minutes per day. Thirty minutes of exercise can speed up your metabolism which will help to keep your weight in check.

Alcohol use and smoking are also common lifestyle factors that contribute to snoring.

Alcohol is a depressant which causes the muscles in your body to relax. Drinking alcohol before bed can cause the airway to relax which will restrict breathing and often result in snoring. Has your spouse every commented that your snoring worsens after a night of drinking alcohol?

Smoking causes swelling (inflammation) of the airway which will reduce its diameter and cause snoring. Smoke for cigarettes irritates the lining of the airway and causes tissue to swell.

Final Thoughts

While it’s easy to blame our snoring on genetic features, if you want to know the true reason behind your snoring, start by evaluating your lifestyle choices and make changes based on what you find. It’s quite possible that altering your lifestyle will cause a dramatic change in your snoring.

For some, a combination of both poor lifestyle choices along with genetic factors results in a snoring condition. Even if you are genetically predisposed to snoring, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may be just enough to tip the scales and prevent snoring.

Then there are those who practice healthy habits but simply inherited the curse of snoring. For these individuals, there are antisnoring products out there such as these which can provide relief from snoring. If you fall into this category, speak with your doctor who can evaluate your situation and offer treatment options.

Essential oils seem to be the latest craze when it comes to treating nearly every ailment.

Have a cold? There’s an essential oil for that. A headache? There’s an essential oil for that as well. Insomnia? You guessed it, there’s an essential oil that will cure that as well.

By some estimates, nearly half the adult population snores. Snoring can not only disrupt your partners’ sleep but may also increase your risk for cardiovascular disease and cause high blood pressure.

If you are dealing with a snoring problem, you will be relieved to know that there are several remedies that can put a snoring problem to rest, one of the least expensive and least invasive treatment options is Thyme essential oils.

Using Thyme Essential Oils To Treat Snoring

Do a quick search for essential oils for snoring and you will find a long list of oils that are supposedly a good choice for snoring. There are even several recipes that can be concocted from a blend of different oils.

While there are several oils to choose from, Thyme is often cited as one of the best essential oils for snoring. What exactly is Thyme? How is it used to treat snoring? Lastly, does it really stop snoring?

What is Thyme? 

Thyme is more than just an herb that is used in cooking; its magical properties can help fight infection, enhance mood, suppress a cough, and even prevent snoring.

Thyme is an easy-to-grow plant that is available in more than 350 different varieties and is known for its strong, yet unique taste and fragrance that is occasionally described as “overpowering” by some.

One of the reasons Thyme is used to cure snoring has to do with its known ability to support respiratory wellness. The herb is used by some to relieve upper respiratory issues such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and asthma. It’s even suggested that Thyme has antibacterial properties.

How To Use Thyme To Stop Snoring

Since snoring typically originates in the airway and Thyme is known to support respiratory wellness, it’s quite plausible that this herb may be effective at treating snoring.

If you are considering using Thyme for the treatment of snoring, there are a few things that you should know before giving it a try.

First, Thyme oil should not be applied directly to the skin by itself as it will cause skin irritation. You must first mix it with a carrier oil such as olive oil, Jojoba, Grapeseed oil, Marjoram Oil, or Coconut oil.

Avoid contact with the eyes, nose, and ears as the oil can irritate these sensitive areas.

If you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, you should first speak with your doctor before using Thyme or trying aromatherapy.

There are a couple ways in which Thyme can be used to treat snoring.

The first is by mixing it with a carrier oil and applying it to the wrist and the underside of your big toe upon retiring for the evening.

“Big Toe”, you say? Yes, this area is the reflex area for the neck, which happens to be the area in which snoring originates.

Another way to use this essential oil is by using a diffuser which will fill your bedroom with the scent of Thyme. Inhalation therapy is a popular delivery method for essential oils such as Thyme.

Does Thyme Really Help With Snoring?

Will using Thyme oil really help with snoring or is it really just snake oil?

Like any other snoring solution, it’s not going to help in 100% of cases. There will be instances where it has no effect.

There is, however, a community of essential oil users that swear by its effectiveness and claim that it has greatly reduced and in many cases eliminated snoring.

The only way to know for certain if Thyme oil will work is to pick some up and give it a try. A 4 oz vial typically costs less than $15, which is a small investment considering the cost of other anti-snoring products.

If you have tried essential oils such as Thyme and did not experience relief from your snoring, you may want to consider trying a mouthpiece that is specifically designed to stop snoring. Such devices have been studied and are proven effective at reducing or eliminating snoring. Here you will find more information on such products.

Is snoring keeping your spouse up at night? Why are you able to sleep at night without being awoken by your own snoring? There’s actually an explanation for this and it has to do with your body’s nervous system.

The Reason Why You Don’t Hear Yourself Snore

Your wife or husband reminds you every morning that your snoring kept them up all night. You find this difficult to believe as you have never heard yourself snore. You begin to wonder if you really do snore and if so, why can’t you hear your own snoring while asleep?

This mysterious phenomenon surely has to have an explanation, and it does.

While resting, your nervous system monitors hundreds of different signals in order to sustain life.  Regulating breathing and heart rate are two examples of some of the most important functions that the nervous system handles.

When the body rests, it’s also repairing and rebuilding itself. During this process, certain areas of the brain are momentarily deadened or deactivated. Our ability to hear sound is one function that lessens as we sleep.

In order to get rest and repair itself, the body is able to ignore the non-threatening sound of snoring. Without this capability, the most of us will spend our days sleep deprived.

Why then do we wake up to the sound of an alarm clock, a crying child or an intruder breaking in? Even while asleep, the brain is able to recognize sounds that are out of the ordinary and respond by waking up to evaluate whether or not a true threat is present. In other words, we are able to process sounds selectively while sleeping.

Is Snoring Really A Problem? 

Since you are unable to hear your snoring while asleep, does this mean your snoring is not a problem? Yes, snoring can still be a problem.

If your spouse is unable to fall asleep due to your snoring, they are losing sleep which means that they are waking up less rested which can lead to irritability, daytime tiredness and inability to focus.

Did you know that snoring has consistently ranked as the #1 bedroom nuisance? Over time, a partners snoring can drive them out of the bedroom and onto the couch or a separate bedroom. While sleeping in separate bedrooms was acceptable 200 years ago, it’s far less common today and can lead to marital problems.

The other issue with snoring has to do with your health. In some cases, the act of snoring is a harmless act with the exception of those who it may disturb. In other cases, snoring can be a sign of a more serious condition known as sleep apnea.

While only a doctor can tell you if your snoring is related to sleep apnea, all or some of the following symptoms may be present with sleep apnea:

• Snoring
• Breathing pauses and then resumes
• Daytime sleepiness after resting for 8+ hours
• Brain fog
• High Blood Pressure
• Dry mouth or headaches in the morning
• Reoccuring awakening

If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, speak with your doctor who can further evaluate your health.

How To Stop Snoring

If your snoring is keeping your significant other up while you remain sound asleep, you may want to consider reducing or eliminating your snoring.

First, give the basics a try.

Instead of sleeping on your back, try sleeping on your side. Many snorers are positional snorers, meaning they only sleep while on their back. By simply changing sleep positions, you may be able to reduce your snoring.

Avoid drinking alcohol before bed. Alcohol is a sedative which causes the airway to relax. A relaxed airway encourages snoring as breathing can become restricted.

If you are overweight, losing a few pounds can be helpful as it will reduce the amount of fat surrounding your airway. Excessive fat in the neck can places pressure on the airway causing a restriction and ultimately cause snoring.

Once you have tried these basics, you may want to consider a more aggressive snoring treatment option.

Snoring mouthpieces are simply a plastic mouthguard that fits into the mouth and holds the tongue, jaw or both forward in order to increase the diameter of the airway and allow for better breathing without snoring. They are fairly inexpensive and are available in a number of different designs.