Are you looking for ways to enjoy a more comfortable, supportive night’s kip? Before changing your mattress, there is a budget and planet-friendly alternative that can help improve sleep quality and make bedtime bliss. Mattress toppers are one of the most popular ways to reduce neck and back pain and add a layer of comfort to an old or inefficient mattress. 

What are the benefits of a mattress topper?

A mattress topper can provide various benefits, such as enhancing the comfort and support of a bed, prolonging the life of a mattress, providing additional cushioning for pressure points, reducing motion transfer, and improving the overall sleep quality by regulating body temperature and minimizing disturbances. Additionally, a mattress topper can be a cost-effective solution to upgrade the comfort of an existing mattress without the need to replace the entire mattress. Let’s explore a few of the many benefits they can provide:

Orthopaedic grade support

Proper support is the number one many sleepers look for in any mattress upgrade. Sleeping on surfaces that do not keep you in proper alignment and support your sleeping position can lead to back pain and bad posture and make those morning workouts impossible. A good quality mattress topper will provide orthopaedic support so you can rest assured you will wake up feeling rested and pain-free.

Budget-friendly comfort

Mattress a little tired or not quite doing its job properly? Replacing a mattress can be expensive and something you only want to do when you really have to. A mattress topper is a budget-friendly solution to add a layer of luxurious comfort and improve your sleep until you’re ready for that upgrade. They can vary in price, though you should be able to find a quality topper in the region of £100-£200 depending on your bed size.

Thermoregulation

Tossing and turning at night is never fun; summer months and life changes such as menopause can make overheating a real issue and make sleep impossible. A mattress topper, like the Panda bamboo mattress topper, can provide thermoregulation with advanced gel and heat technology that can stop you from getting hot under the covers. Mattress toppers vary in materials, fills, and styles. Choosing the right one for you is important, which we will cover shortly.

Pressure point relief

If you are one of the 15-20% of adults that experience back pain, bedtime can often be a culprit. Not having sufficient support for your pressure points can, overtime, lead to discomfort that can affect your day and zap the fun out of things you love doing, like walking, running, and those peloton workouts. A mattress topper can provide comfortable relief to your pressure points, keeping you in proper alignment. This helps ease you into better sleep and will brighten up your mornings.

Sustainable bedtimes

Replacing a mattress too soon or choosing unsustainable mattress toppers can play a big part in increasing landfill. This is having a devastating influence on climate change. Choosing an eco-friendly mattress topper like the Panda bamboo topper goes a long way to reducing your carbon footprint and taking care of our planet. Quite often it’s the small lifestyle changes we make together that can make the biggest difference. Looking for sustainable materials like bamboo as alternatives for many of our favourite products not only provides an abundance of health benefits, it is a great way to protect the resources of the world and keep the environment clean and beautiful.

What are the different types of mattress toppers?

Just like us, mattress toppers come in all different styles and sizes. Before you choose, have a good idea of what would make your sleep more comfortable. The four main types of toppers are:

If you are considering a mattress topper, you likely still have a few questions to help you make up your mind. Here are some of what many sleepers ask us before making the upgrade:

Rather talk to a real person? Our customer support team know their toppers, they are available seven days a week and would love to hear from you. You can speak to them via online chat or find their contact details here.

Sweet Dreams

In the world of bedtime, a hybrid mattress is equivalent to the latest iPhone. Everyone wants to get their hands on one! Wondering why? From advanced motion control and orthopaedic grade support to next-level breathability, the futuristic sleep machines can have incredible benefits for your sleep – sleep matters! Not only does regular lack of sleep affect your mood and caffeine intake, long term it can take a massive toll on your health. From higher blood pressure to decreased immunity, the list of chronic side effects from undersleeping is long. Making sure you get at least seven-eight hours a night is one of the best things you can do for your health. And what you are sleeping on can play a big role in sleep quality. This is why many sleep experts recommend making sure you find one that offers proper comfort, support and spinal alignment.

If you’re looking to upgrade your mattress and considering giving the hybrid a go, here you will find all the juicy details to help you make your mind up. From what they are exactly to how to find the best hybrid mattress online. Let’s dive into all things Hybrid!

What exactly is a Hybrid Mattress?

Memory Foam, Pocket Springs, Inner Spring, when it comes to mattress shopping there’s a lot to choose from. The hybrid mattress combines the benefits of the very best into one, making it a popular choice for those who don’t want to compromise. Traditional spring coils meet multiple layers of advanced, breathable foams with all the latest modern, science-backed updates. This not only amplifies comfort and support it maximises airflow and breathability overcoming the natural heat retention of memory foam.

So, how does this affect your sleep?

The biggest decider when it comes to choosing a mattress is sleep quality. A hybrid mattress has a multitude of benefits when it comes to improving your kip. Let’s take a look at the big ones.

Breathability and airflow – The biggest culprit of sleep deprivation from the UK to America is overheating. Whether it’s down to climate, menopause, or being a naturally hot sleeper night sweats and sticky sleep can make bedtime incredibly uncomfortable. Hybrid mattresses feature unique cooling technology and foams that keep your sleep fresh and breathable, even in the hottest summer months. This makes them a popular choice for all those looking to sleep cool and comfortable all year round. Some mattresses use specifically thermo-regulating fabrics to maximise the cooling effect, we will get on to those shortly!

Comfort and Support – Blending just the right spring softness of pocket springs with orthopaedic grade memory foam makes hybrid mattresses the ultimate combination of optimum comfort and support. Proper alignment is crucial for healthy sleep to promote better mobility, and body posture and prevent neck and back pain. Though an overly firm mattress can cause discomfort and not suit every sleeper. This makes a hybrid mattress perfect for those looking for the ideal balance of comfort and support.

Motion Transfer – Another leading cause of disrupted nights is caused by motion transfer. This originates from the lack of ability of your mattress to absorb movement, impacting support, comfort, and performance. If you have a restless partner or are a light sleeper, you are likely to toss and turn every time they move. Hybrid mattresses feature individually pocketed spring coils designed to reduce motion transfer for smoother nights and an unbroken better quality sleep.

Skin Protection – Having an advanced breathable mattress keeps bedtime fresh and hygienic, though it’s important to look at the fabrics a mattress is made of to optimise skin care. A Bamboo Hybrid Mattress is naturally hypoallergenic and thermos-regulating which not only feels soft and smooth on your skin, the anti-bacterial moisture-wicking properties of the fibres promote healthier skin care. This is ideal for those suffering from common allergies like eczema and acne or sensitive skin. When shopping for hybrid mattresses, pay attention to the quality of those materials!

Where are the best hybrid mattresses hiding online?

Do all those benefits sound tempting? The next step is to find the best mattress for you. Shopping online can be daunting without the option to dive on for a bounce before you bring it home. The good news is many top brands offer confident home trials so you can make sure you’ve found the perfect match before making any commitments. Look for brands with outstanding customer service and exceptional reviews like Panda London, this gives you the reassurance and trust you are in for the very best of bedtimes!

Good sleep awaits, sweet dreams!

London’s leading sleep coach and Panda sleep expert panel member, Max Kirsten, shares his insights on motion transfer and what to look for in a mattress to get the best night’s sleep.

Do you frequently find yourself pulled out of deep, delicious sleep to find your partner taking another trip to the toilet? You are not alone. Many sleepers experience what is known as ‘motion transfer’ due to their partner’s movements, which can sometimes be a sign you need a new mattress. Though before we get to solutions, let’s take a deeper dive into this bedtime issue that over time can seriously impact your sleep.

Expert insights: Sleep coach Max Kirsten on what is motion transfer

Movement from another area of your mattress to the spot you are kipping on is known in sleep talk as ‘motion transfer’. If you share a bed with a partner, this can ‘become a real problem’, says Max, who’s on a mission to help his clients get a good night’s sleep. Especially if your partner constantly changes sleep positions or gets in and out of bed. Sudden movements from your other half to your pet can cause you to wake up, making it notoriously hard to drift back off to sleep. Motion transfer can ‘measurably disturb deep sleepers and fully wake light sleepers,’ explains Max. This can often be because a mattress lacks what is known as ‘motion isolation’, which can reduce or even eliminate these disturbances.

How does motion transfer affect the quality of sleep?

When it comes to sleep, we are very different. How much motion control one sleeper can snooze through is ‘very subjective’ explains Max. If you are sharing a bed with someone on a different sleep schedule or are frequently tossing and turning, bedtime can feel a lot bumpier. Certain sleep conditions can increase the impact of motion transfer. One of these is restless leg syndrome, a mild to severe medical condition that can cause spontaneous movements throughout the night. The type of mattress you are sleeping on can also play a big role in how motion transfer affects sleep.

If your mattress lacks the ability to absorb movement it can severely affect its support, performance, and comfort. So what is best to look for in a mattress to ensure you undisturbed nights of the highest quality, restorative sleep?

You may not be able to stop your partner from wiggling or controlling their bladder, though the good news is the right mattress can help. A mattress offering advanced motion isolation, proper spinal support, and breathability is key. This is why a hybrid mattress is considered the ‘holy grail of modern bed sharing’ Max explains. Panda’s Hybrid Bamboo mattress offers a unique blend of breathable BioCell Foam, supportive OrthoAlign Foam, and seven zones of premium pocket springs to isolate movement and maximise comfort for each of your pressure points. ‘Finding a mattress that provides structural integrity without compromising on comfort is key to ensure deep, restful sleep and spinal support’, says Matt Cunningham, mobility coach.

The Hybrid offers a unique solution to motion transfer, combining everything you need for a good night’s sleep in one mattress. ‘The blended hybrid mattress process dramatically increases the chances of achieving a regular consistent nights sleep’ explains Max and enjoy a ‘deeper sleep cycle quality next to your partner”  Without having to resort to separate rooms a hybrid mattress can help you get better ‘sleep quality, depth, and duration’ without being so affected by your partner’s movements.

Motion Transfer- The Magic solution

If motion transfer is getting in the way of you and a great night’s sleep, it’s time to upgrade your mattress. While it’s a big decision, finding the perfect mattress will be one of the best bedtime commitments you make. With advanced motion isolation, unparalleled comfort and orthopaedic grade support a hybrid mattress is most likely to tick both of your boxes!

The magic solution to years of happy sleep is waiting.

FAQ

Sweet Dreams

There is something magical about the moon, that golden, glowing circle that changes shape and lights up the sky. If you notice your sleep tends to fluctuate throughout the month, those changing shapes could have something to do with it. Studies show that the lunar cycle can affect sleep. From waning and waxing crescents to beautiful full moons. Let’s take a look at the different lunar phases, how they influence sleep and how the best mattress could keep you snoozing soundly throughout the cycle.

What are the different moon phases?

The moon is constantly on the move, transitioning in eight phases throughout its 27-day orbit around earth. These can be broken down into four primary stages, each lasting around 7 days. During each of these phases, you will see a different shape in the sky, affecting sleep in varying intensity. More about this shortly, first here are the four key phases of the moon cycle.

New Moon

Celebrated as a time of new beginnings, the first stage of the lunar cycle is marked by a thin, curved slither of light we call the crescent moon. A time to set fresh intentions and start new projects (without getting too ‘woo-woo’.) If you follow a moon ritual, this is a time to say yes to a new haircut, send that job application, or accept that first date, the universe is rooting for you!

First Quarter

During the second stage of the lunar cycle, the moon starts to grow. Take a peek out your window and you’ll see a golden handle lighting up the night sky. Much like the moon, this is a great time to develop your projects and stay focused. Make sure you get plenty of rest and relaxation to stay energised and ready for the upcoming full moon.

Full Moon

The big one! This phase of the lunar cycle is the moon’s chance to shine. The big, golden circle signals the moon and sun are now at opposite ends of the Earth. Known as a great time to put your ideas out there and shine your light, this phase is when many of us find it hardest to sleep. More on why coming up!

Last Quarter

The final stage of the lunar cycle is known as the waning crescent, where it slowly transitions back to a slithery golden wedge. This time in the magical world of moonstrology is perfect for reflecting, slowing down and preparing for a new cycle.

So, how does all this affect sleep?

Now you understand each phase of the lunar cycle, you can see how it builds in light and intensity. This can affect sleep for a number of reasons.

1. Studies show that there might be something to ‘as above, so below. The research suggests our sleep cycles are naturally synchronised with the moon cycle.

2. During the new moon and final quarter, the intensity of light and energy from the moon lowers. This helps us produce more melatonin and drift off with the natural pattern of our circadian rhythm.

3. Research shows that the full moon can make it harder to drift off, reduce sleep time, and sleep quality. This is mostly associated with the light being at its strongest which can leave us over-stimulated blinking at the ceiling.

How to sleep better throughout the lunar cycle

If you find your sleep fluctuating with the moon cycle, you are not alone. Many of us stay up later and sleep less before the full moon, over time this can cause low mood and sleep disorders. Though with a few adjustments you can tap into some lunar magic and stay in love with bedtime. Here are top tips for sleeping well come moon or shine.

1. Stick to a routine

While it may be tempting to stay up late during a full moon, sticking to a routine will help regulate your circadian rhythm. Having a soothing ritual before bed can work wonders. A warm bath and a few drops of relaxing oils will lower your body temperature and calm your nervous system, preparing you for sleep. Slip on a soft, silky eye mask to keep out the extra light and ease you into dozing off.

2. Optimise your comfort zone

While the moon continues to shift and change, the best way to keep your sleep consistent? Optimise your comfort zone. Having a breathable, supportive mattress will ensure you look forward to diving into bed. Thermo-regulating fabrics like bamboo will keep you cool and cosy whatever the moon phase. Make sure you have the right pillow for your sleeping position and snuggly, soft bedding you cannot wait to get all wrapped up in. Keeping bedtime as comfortable as possible all year round will set you up for sweet sleep- and enjoying the magic!

3. Self-care

Self-care is important at every stage of the moon cycle. From keeping clear work/life boundaries, watching your screen time and getting plenty of healthy food and exercise. Ensure you allow yourself enough time to wind down at the end of the day and make time to balance work, play and rest. Much like the moon, there’s a time to shine bright and a time to reflect, slow down and restore for whatever the next cycle has in store.

Moon Messages

The lunar cycle can affect all of our sleep differently. Try to be patient with any adjustments. Taking care of yourself with a relaxing bedtime routine, optimising your comfort zone and embracing the art of slowing down is sure to keep you shining bright.

Sweet Dreams

For the love of sleep…

Love. We would do anything for it… Move mountains, send roses, cross oceans. Though one in six couples now refuse to give up a good night’s sleep in the name of romance. Sleeping with a partner can be incredibly challenging, and adjusting to each other’s sleeping habits is not easy. If problems persist over time, this can seriously impact wellbeing and even affect your relationship! So…What are the things we find so hard about co-sleeping? And most importantly, how can we keep the romance alive without sacrificing our sleep? Let’s take a look.

What are the challenges of sleeping with a partner?

When it comes to sleep we are all very different, which is why one in six couples now sleep apart. While none of us are perfect, many sleepers struggle with certain bedtime habits that can irritate partners and wake them frequently through-out the night.

Some of these may be familiar!

1. Snoring

The most common cause of sleep divorce within the UK is snoring. According to studies 85% of people that sleep apart have done so for over a year, and a third even up to five years. It seems the slightest deep breathing can disturb your partner, especially if they are light sleepers. If you tend to snore, you’re not alone. Over 40% of adult men and 57% of women are prone to snoring.

2. Fidgeting

Tossing and turning throughout the night can be caused by a number of things, from the wrong mattress or pillow to overheating. If you are a night-time wiggler, your partner probably knows about it! The disturbance caused by motion transfer is a common reason one in ten partners chooses a separate bed.

3. Different routines

If you like hitting the hay early and your partner is a night owl, chances are this can upset your sleep. When your other half hops into bed, it may wake you and take a long time to drift off back to sleep. It could be time to get on the same bedtime rota!

4. Blue-light

Phones and laptops in bed are never a good idea, if your partner is secretly scrolling throughout the night the blue light can affect both your sleep and have you waking up feeling less than perky.

If any of these sleeping habits are affecting your sleep it’s likely your relationship is feeling the strain. The good news is there are easy things to try before moving into separate rooms. Here are some cupid-approved ways you can sleep better with your partner.

Easy ways to sleep better with your partner

When it comes to sleeping habits, there is no one fix that suits all though these are easy things to try that have been successful for many couples looking to stay sharing a bed and sleeping soundly.

1. Lifestyle tweaks

How you spend the day can directly impact how well you sleep, from managing stress, and how much you move to what you eat. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting enough exercise, and switching to nutritious foods can not only reduce snoring, but a well-balanced diet and fitness plan can also improve bedtime for both of you. For extra cupid points, why not enjoy cooking some plant-based meals together and take an evening stroll? Spending quality time together before you go to bed can help you both relax, unwind and drift off to sleep more quickly.

Eye, Eye Bedtime!

Few things feel better in life than waking up after a good night’s sleep! From more energy to brighter skin… the benefits of getting enough kip are beautiful! Managing to get the recommended eight hours can be tricky, especially with demanding jobs, parent duties and all those Netflix shows to catch up with! The good news is there are ways to make the most of every moment’s shut-eye and catch up on any that you are missing. One humble bedtime accessory that can really help is an Eye Mask. You might have used one while in the air to catch forty winks, though the benefits of an eye mask can be used for more than jetting off on holiday.

Let’s take a look at how they can help you recharge, improve your sleep and what to look for when searching for the perfect eye mask!

What is an Eye Mask and when can you use it?

An eye mask is a gentle cover that can be used over your eyes to block out light and help you relax. They come in all kinds of sizes, fabrics and shapes and it’s worth taking the time to find the one that feels most comfortable. When looking for an eye mask, it’s good to have an idea of what you are going to use it for. If it’s for an occasional flight, you might not be so fussed about the quality and durability. Looking to improve sleep more consistently? Your eye mask can be used for everything from afternoon power naps to being part of your wind-down routine. The simple sleeping accessory could be an essential key to feeling more rested. Want to know why? Here is how it can help improve your sleep. 

How can an Eye Mask Improve your sleep?

Soft, silky, smooth… the right eye mask can feel like a sleepy hug for your head! The gentle pressure has a calming effect which can trigger the release of a sleep-regulating chemical called serotonin. This signals to your brain that it’s time to go to sleep. Whether you use your eye mask at bedtime or earlier in the day to catch up on sleep, you will be far more likely to drift off and relax.

An eye mask naturally blocks out light which is a common culprit for keeping us awake. Darkness boosts your levels of melatonin, which regulates your sleeping habits and prepares your body for sleep. Popping on your eye mask when you get into bed or snuggle onto the sofa will help you switch off and cocoon you from distracting light. Blue light and too much screen time can be especially harmful to sleep and even well-being, having one can instantly transport you to the peaceful sanctuary your mind needs to fall asleep.

Using it regularly at bedtime or naps can help train your brain to connect the ritual with relaxing and switching off. Taking time to recharge with power naps or integrating an eye mask into your bedtime routine can improve the long-term quality of your sleep and have you enjoying all the benefits that come with feeling more rested.

What do you look for when searching for the best eye mask?

If you are more than ready to tap into the nap-tastic magic of an eye mask, you’re going to want to find the best one. For the ultimate comfort, look for a fabric that is soft, smooth and silky like bamboo. A bamboo eye mask comes with heaps of other natural benefits. The trending fabric is hypoallergenic & anti-bacterial, making it perfect if you suffer with allergies or sensitive skin. If you tend to overheat, a bamboo eye mask will keep your naps cool & comfortable. Bamboo is temperature intuitive so perfect for all year -round snoozing! Make sure your eye mask comes with an adjustable strap, keeping it fitted nice & snug will optimise relaxation and set the scene for deep, restorative R ‘n’ R anytime of day.

Getting enough sleep can bring more energy to your mornings, joy to your day and a bounce in your step. Treating yourself to a silky, smooth Eye Mask could make life feel like a holiday without the airmiles.

Bring on the happy naps & better bedtimes!

Sleepstrology

On the rollercoaster of change we’ve been riding since 2020, have you found yourself turning to the stars for a sense of direction? You’re not alone! Heaps of astrologers have reported they are busier than ever since the start of the pandemic. In times of uncertainty, there is something reassuring about the mystical. And while a daily scroll of your horoscope can help you make sense of your week, there is more wisdom in the stars. One in three adults do not get enough sleep and whatever your sun sign, astrology provides a gentle nudge in the direction of rest. Whether it’s a few more early nights, wink, wink Leo’s. Or indulging in a bamboo duvet. Sound good Taurus?

Here is a sleep tip for each member of the zodiac.

All rest and no play is no fun, though too much play and no rest is trouble. Not your favourite word, though try and find a balance. Slowing down your mind before bedtime will do wonders for your sleep. Avoid scrolling social media or anything stimulating like caffeine and sugar an hour before you hit the hay. Good sleep will keep that fiery energy burning strong so slip on an eye mask and get your snooze on.

P.S And wake up with a smile

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