2024 • Square Deal Mattress Factory & Upholstery

How Latex Rubber is made and formed into a mattress

Latex rubber, primarily derived from the sap of Hevea brasiliensis trees, undergoes a fascinating transformation to become the material used in mattresses and various other products. The process begins with tapping the tree, where the bark is carefully cut to release the milky latex fluid. This sap is then collected, filtered to remove impurities, and stabilized with a small amount of ammonia to prevent coagulation.

The latex is then processed through coagulation, where acid is introduced to thicken the material. This thickened latex is rolled into sheets and dried. However, to create latex foam, used in mattresses, a slightly different process is employed. The latex is whipped into a froth, introducing air to achieve a light, foam-like texture. The frothy latex is then poured into a mold shaped like a mattress. These molds are fitted with pins to regulate density and create ventilation holes, which enhance the breathability of the final product.

Once the latex is in the mold, it undergoes vulcanization, where it is heated and baked to solidify its shape and enhance its elasticity. This vulcanization process ensures the latex maintains its durable, elastic properties. After cooling, the latex is removed from the mold, washed to eliminate any residual chemicals or impurities, and thoroughly dried.

The result is a naturally supportive, durable, and breathable latex foam mattress. Due to its inherent elasticity, latex mattresses offer excellent pressure relief and support. They are also eco-friendly and biodegradable, making them a popular choice for consumers looking for sustainable, high-quality bedding options. This intricate process, from sap extraction to vulcanization, showcases the versatility and sustainability of latex as a material for mattresses and other products.

Wellness

The Power of Gratitude: How Being Thankful Improves Your Health and Sleep

In today’s fast-paced world, stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights have become common struggles for many. With endless responsibilities and constant distractions, finding peace and balance can seem difficult. However, one simple practice has been shown to offer profound benefits to both mental and physical well-being—gratitude. Practicing gratitude, or intentionally focusing on the things we’re thankful for, can greatly improve health, reduce stress, and significantly enhance the quality of sleep.

Let’s explore the science behind gratitude and why incorporating it into your daily life can lead to better health and deeper, more restful sleep.

1. Gratitude Lowers Stress and Anxiety

One of the most immediate effects of practicing gratitude is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. When we’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, our bodies release stress hormones like cortisol, which can have a negative impact on both mental and physical health. Over time, chronic stress can lead to issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and even a weakened immune system.

However, gratitude has the opposite effect. Focusing on the positive aspects of life shifts your attention away from worries and anxieties. When you take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for, your brain reduces the production of cortisol and instead releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. These hormones help regulate mood and promote a sense of calm.

This sense of calm is critical for getting a good night’s sleep. When you’re less anxious, it’s easier to relax both physically and mentally, allowing you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. By practicing gratitude regularly, you help train your brain to focus on positive thoughts rather than stressors, which can significantly improve sleep quality over time.

2. Gratitude Enhances Mood and Well-being

Gratitude doesn’t just reduce stress—it also elevates your mood and promotes emotional well-being. When you practice gratitude, you activate regions in the brain associated with pleasure, empathy, and social connection. Studies show that people who focus on gratitude tend to experience higher levels of happiness, satisfaction, and emotional stability.

The connection between gratitude and mood is crucial for better sleep. A positive mood throughout the day can lead to more peaceful sleep at night. On the flip side, feelings of frustration, sadness, or anxiety can contribute to insomnia or restless nights.

By making gratitude a daily habit, you can boost your overall outlook on life, making it easier to rest with a clear, positive mind. Writing in a gratitude journal before bed is an effective way to focus on the good things in your life and cultivate a mood that promotes restful sleep.

3. Gratitude Lowers Blood Pressure and Supports Heart Health

Gratitude is not only good for your mental health—it also benefits your physical body, particularly your heart. Research has shown that people who practice gratitude regularly experience lower blood pressure and healthier heart rates.

When your body is in a state of stress or worry, your heart rate increases, and blood pressure spikes. This is part of the “fight or flight” response, which can be harmful when experienced over long periods. By practicing gratitude, you can help counteract these effects by promoting relaxation and lowering your body’s stress response.

A healthy cardiovascular system is also essential for good sleep. When your body is calm and your blood pressure is regulated, it’s easier to relax at night and drift into deep, restorative sleep.

4. Gratitude Improves Sleep Quality

One of the most significant benefits of practicing gratitude is its direct impact on sleep quality. Studies have found that people who regularly practice gratitude tend to fall asleep faster, experience fewer sleep disturbances, and wake up feeling more refreshed.

Gratitude helps to clear the mind of negative or racing thoughts that often keep us awake at night. When you take time to reflect on the positive aspects of your day, it creates a sense of peace and contentment, making it easier to transition into sleep.

One effective strategy is to incorporate gratitude into your bedtime routine. For example, keeping a gratitude journal on your nightstand and writing down three things you’re thankful for each night before bed can help signal to your brain that it’s time to relax. By focusing on positive thoughts, you prepare your mind and body for a more restful sleep.

5. Gratitude Boosts the Immune System

Gratitude doesn’t just improve sleep and reduce stress—it can also boost your immune system. A growing body of research shows that people who regularly practice gratitude have stronger immune responses, making them less likely to fall ill and more resilient to everyday stressors.

This connection is likely due to the impact gratitude has on stress reduction. When you’re less stressed, your body can allocate more energy toward maintaining overall health, rather than constantly dealing with the harmful effects of chronic stress.

A strong immune system is also important for good sleep. When your body is healthy and functioning optimally, it’s easier to rest and recover during the night. Conversely, when your immune system is compromised, it can lead to sleep disruptions and a longer recovery time from illness.

6. Gratitude Fosters Emotional Resilience

Gratitude also promotes emotional resilience, helping you cope better with life’s challenges. When you focus on the things you’re thankful for, it becomes easier to bounce back from difficult situations. This positive mindset allows you to handle setbacks with grace and reduces the likelihood of becoming overwhelmed by negative emotions.

Emotional resilience is key to maintaining good sleep habits. When you’re able to navigate challenges without becoming consumed by stress, you’re less likely to experience sleepless nights. Practicing gratitude gives you the emotional tools to stay balanced and calm, even in the face of adversity.

7. Gratitude Creates a Positive Bedtime Routine

A great way to ensure better sleep is to establish a bedtime routine that includes gratitude. As mentioned earlier, keeping a gratitude journal is an effective method to focus your thoughts on the positive before going to bed. By taking just a few minutes each night to reflect on what went well during the day, you create a positive mental environment for rest.

This simple habit helps train your brain to associate bedtime with feelings of peace and contentment. Over time, your body will begin to recognize this routine as a signal that it’s time to wind down, making it easier to fall asleep.

Conclusion: Gratitude for Better Health and Sleep

Incorporating gratitude into your daily life can transform both your health and sleep. By reducing stress, improving mood, lowering blood pressure, boosting the immune system, and fostering emotional resilience, gratitude lays the foundation for better sleep and overall well-being.

If you’re struggling with sleepless nights or high levels of stress, consider starting a gratitude practice. Whether it’s writing in a journal, reflecting on positive moments before bed, or simply expressing thanks throughout the day, gratitude has the power to improve your life in meaningful ways. So, take a moment to be thankful—it could be the key to unlocking better health and sleep.

Bedroom

How to Mattress Shop like an Expert

So you’ve decided you need a new mattress – now what? There are more options for buying a mattress today than ever before and it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start. Square Deal Mattress Factory has been building beds for over 100 years, carrying our values of quality assurance and longevity through all the technological changes that arise. In this blog post we want to share our years of expertise on the bed shopping process to help you feel confident in selecting the best mattress for your needs. This starts with exploring the different possible materials used in a mattress, how to tell whether it will be good for your body, and how to get the most from your in-store testing.

Modern Materials

When Square Deal began in 1920, most mattresses were like human-sized pillows stuffed with down, cotton, hay, and similar materials. Even newly invented innerspring beds were padded with these basic natural materials. Today, modern sleepers are used to the plush comfort of foam paddings in their mattresses. There is an endless variety of natural and synthetic foam options that fall into three main categories. Before you begin shopping, it’s helpful to understand how they function differently and the potential benefits.

Polyurethane Foam
Polyurethane foam is the most common material Square Deal uses in our mattresses. “Poly-foam” refers to an open-celled synthetic foam that is highly responsive to changes in pressure and bounces back quickly. This material contours around the body while maintaining a supportive feel. Different densities of poly-foam can be layered over an innerspring, used as the support layer for a foam combination mattress, or made into its own mattress.

Poly-foam is highly versatile and suitable for all types of sleepers when the right combination of densities are chosen. It is also more breathable than other synthetic foams, so you’re less likely to overheat while you sleep.

Memory Foam
Memory Foam refers to a special kind of polyurethane that has been combined with additives to increase its viscosity and elasticity. This ‘visco-elastic’ foam reacts to sustained pressure by relaxing to conform slowly around the object, and restores itself to shape when pressure is removed as the foam cools and airflow increases. When used in mattresses, it contours especially well around the pressure points and redistributes material to provide the most relief. The enhanced elasticity gives it increased contouring over standard poly-foams that is often described as a ‘hug’ for your whole body.

We recommend memory foam for side sleepers, who benefit the most from pressure relief in the shoulders and hips. However, memory foam is the least breathable foam option which may cause discomfort for those who sleep hot. Additives like gel and copper may be included to help redirect heat away from your body, but that is not always effective over time. It performs best as a mattress topper, pillow-top upgrade, or the comfort layer of a foam combination mattress. The high viscosity of the foam requires a more resilient material to support it for the best comfort and longevity.

Natural Talalay Latex
Talalay Latex foam is the longest lasting, most supportive, most breathable foam available – and it’s all natural! Talalay latex is made of sap from rubber trees, whipped with water, and baked in an injection mold. This heating process kills off the latex proteins that commonly cause allergies, making Talalay latex hypoallergenic. The enhanced breathability also helps reduce common allergens such as dust mites and mold.

Latex’s high resiliency is often described as buoyant, as though it rises to meet the contours of your body, and is very motion islating. This effect is great for back and stomach sleepers who require small corrections to maintain alignment. Though it is generally firmer than other foam options, side sleepers can enjoy the subtle contour that latex offers. This material performs well on its own as an all- natural mattress or layered over an innerspring, but is also great for toppers to refresh an older bed. We recommend exploring latex pillows if you experience neck and upper back pain for its unique balance of support and softness. Due to its resiliency and flexibility, Latex is the best option to pair with an adjustable bed base.

Support Styles

Now that you have a good idea of what each material can potentially offer you, let’s look at the various ways these foams can be transformed into a completed mattress.

Innersprings
Beds with a steel spring at their core tend to last the longest and offer the most diverse range of comfort options. There are several styles of spring to choose from, including designs focused on side, back, or partner sleeping. Once a spring style is chosen, the foam paddings are added that determine the bed’s final firmness. Innersprings provide a baseline for healthy orthopedic support that flexes just enough to keep the body in correct alignment. Even the most isolating innerspring has some of that classic bounce that sets this construction apart. Innerspring mattresses are especially well suited for Square Deal’s two-sided construction because of their durability.

Foam
An all-foam mattress can be made as a solid piece of one style of foam, or combined with several different types depending on the desired result. These beds can be lighter-weight and easy to transport, and tend to be very motion isolating. To guarantee proper body support, often a base layer of firm foams lie under the comfort layer and form an orthopedic baseline. However, the lack of structured support means they wear faster, especially on the edges, and can be prone to deeper body impressions. Foam beds can be natural, as with latex, synthetic, like poly-foam, or a blend of both. These beds are often sold as one-sided, but a two-sided construction can help prolong the life. For more information about the foams we use at Square Deal, check out our Foam Fabrication department.

Hybrid
A “hybrid” mattress is an up-and-coming word in the mattress industry, but it can be a little confusing. “Hybrid” can refer to anything from simply combining any foam with an innerspring, to an all-foam mattress that uses multiple types of foam. Since foam-over-innerspring and foam-combination mattresses are standard construction for Square Deal, we use the word “hybrid” to describe innerspring mattresses that are padded with something other than standard poly-foam, such as memory foam or latex. These premium materials are most popular as their own stand-alone mattresses, but by pairing them with an innerspring their unique individual benefits are combined. A hybrid mattress can be a great choice for those with complex sleep preferences by tackling multiple comfort issues at once. Adding an innerspring also raises the durability of both memory foam and latex, meaning a hybrid is a great way to get those specialized benefits without sacrificing durability.

Testing for Body Health

All of this information can be great help to have in mind when mattress shopping, but everyone knows the only way to know that a mattress is right for you is to lie down on it! Testing mattresses is mostly an intuitive process of evaluating how good it feels on your body. With so many models to try though, there may be a point where they all seem to run together. In this section, we will give some tips on a few key areas to focus your attention when deciding on your new bed.

Alignment

A logical way to know if a mattress will be comfortable over time is to be certain it promotes a healthy spinal alignment for your body. To test this, you will want to pay attention to your shoulders, waist, and hips. These three areas should form a straight but slightly diagonal line from your legs to your neck resting on a pillow. If you feel as though there is a noticeable up- or downward curve between any of these points, the bed may be too firm, or not supportive enough.

To determine if this is happening, it is common to ask your shopping partner or salesperson to look at your back as you lie down in your normal position to confirm that there are no significant variations. While lying on your back, gently slide your hand under your lower back. The gap should feel snug; too easy to slide in means it’s not supportive enough, while too tight means it is being over-corrected.

Body size can play a role in how well a mattress supports you. Generally speaking, petite bodies benefit from softer support layers that respond better to the pressure they can apply. Whereas larger bodies may benefit from a firmer or more resilient support layer to be sure that they are being adequately supported. If you sleep with a partner and you feel like your body sizes give you different needs, a more dynamic support layer can give both of you healthy support on the same mattress. Once you’re properly supported, the comfort layers add the final touches to your preferred level of firmness.

Pressure Points
Even though you may have achieved healthy spine alignment, that is not all your body needs to stay comfortable through the night. Ensuring that your key pressure points are being properly treated by the mattress is the other half of the equation. Hips and shoulders are usually the most sensitive pressure points, especially when sleeping on your side. Back sleepers might be more sensitive to their neck and lower back. While the support layer is a factor, most of the pressure relieving action happens in the comfort layer. You may be able to see within just a few moments whether you’re supported, but considering your pressure points requires more time.

To test how well a mattress will give you pressure relief and comfort, lie down in your preferred sleeping position for at least two minutes, but preferably around 15 minutes if it is a bed you’re seriously considering. During that period, try to focus on the areas of your body that press most heavily on the bed surface. Consider whether you can truly relax on this surface, or if there is a feeling of resistance, such as a jammed shoulder. At this stage it can be helpful to compare different materials in the comfort layer to find which one performs best to you.

If you feel there is too much resistance from a standard mattress, a pillow-top may be the solution. A pillowtop is an extra gusset sewn into the bed that contains a small amount of additional padding. The gusset allows the padding more freedom to contour around the body, and it provides a small separation between yourself and direct pressure on the support layer. Pillow-tops are often preferred by side sleepers because of this gentle buffer.

Preference
Focusing on your body’s health helps you be confident about the quality of sleep you’ll get, but you will always know your body better than anyone else. Your first impression of the mattress is very important. Some people can lie down and instantly love or dislike a particular model. If you have strong initial feelings about a bed, it is best that you trust them. Talking yourself into a mattress you do not feel strongly about just because it checks the health boxes is less likely to create long-term satisfaction with your purchase.

We recommend trying a few mattress models with different features and letting your salesperson know what qualities you are enjoying the most. This can narrow the focus of your shopping and hone in on the combination of support and comfort that is ideal for you. Once you feel like you’ve tried enough variety, revisit your favorites for a longer period of time and make your observations about spine alignment and pressure relief. If you are struggling to choose between mattresses that feel similar, deferring to the health standards can be a helpful deciding factor. It is important to remember that a new mattress is an investment in your quality of life.

Shopping

Now that you have all that knowledge floating around in the back of your head, it’s time to head to the mattress store and start trying beds! While this may seem like the most straightforward step so far, we have a few tips to make sure you enjoy the experience.

Wear comfortable clothing
Though it may seem like a simple place to start, wearing comfortable clothes can improve your mattress shopping experience. Since you will be lying down and standing up repeatedly, it is best to avoid short dresses and skirts. Tight fitting clothes like skinny jeans can also affect your perception of comfort. We recommend choosing an outfit that has a loose fit and will allow you to move comfortably. While visitors to Square Deal are more than welcome to arrive in their pajamas, athletic wear or a simple top and pants are also good choices if you have other plans for the day. You may also want to wear socks with slip-off shoes for better comfort when you lie down. As long as you feel like you have a complete natural range of motion, you’ll be prepared to put your potential new bed to the test.

Give yourself plenty of time
You are the master of your schedule, and it’s important that you do not feel rushed into your final decision on a mattress investment. Many people make a shorter initial visit to get an idea of their options and prices, especially if they just happen to be in the area. Others prefer to set aside several hours and make their decision in one day. We recommend setting aside 30-45 minutes for a ‘research’ visit, and a minimum of 1-2 hours if you plan on purchasing a mattress. We also want to encourage you that it is ok to make as many or few visits as you need, for as long or short as you need to to feel confident that the mattress you choose is the right fit for you.

Square Deal’s Dreamologist sales team embraces an old-fashioned customer-first sales method, but through experience and customer anecdotes we know that mattress sales has the potential to be a high-pressure environment. Though you may be tempted by a flash-sale or fast-talking salesperson, being firm about your intentions, needs, and limits is always your right. We hope your visit to the Square Deal showroom is exceptionally accommodating and stress-free so you can shop in whatever way fits your lifestyle.

Ask questions
Whether you gather a list of questions about materials and performance beforehand or simply get curious in the store, talking to your salesperson about the models you try can be genuinely helpful. At Square Deal, our Dreamologists strive to help you feel educated about your choices and have working experience with every part of our process. Details directly from your salesperson can be combined with the knowledge you came prepared with to give you a more complete picture of the individual models you are considering. There’s no wrong way to ask a question, and you can never ask too many!

Now that you know about what could be inside a mattress, what makes a bed good for your body, and what to expect in the showroom, you’re all ready to start your journey to the perfect new mattress! We hope to see you soon in the Square Deal showroom, but no matter where you shop, we hope treating yourself to a new, well-fitted mattress improves your health and helps you sleep soundly.

Bedroom

Mattress Custom Services

Square Deal Mattress is proud to offer our custom mattress services to the public. As a local factory we can make modifications to the innerspring, perform custom tailoring, and adapt the bed to meet specific needs. Our custom-sizing service allows you to achieve the length, width, and thickness required for your space without compromising on the premium comfort of an innerspring mattress. For conventional or custom-sizes, ‘upgrades’ can be added to the mattress for a bespoke finish. This guide covers how to prepare for and place your custom-size order, as well as the upgrades available for mattresses of all sizes.

The Ordering Process

Beginning your custom mattress order is as easy as ordering any traditional size bed from Square Deal Mattress Factory. Though we can receive orders over the phone or email, we believe you get the best experience and final result by coming to visit us in the showroom. There, our Dreamologist sales team can have a detailed conversation about your needs and goals. You will also be able to test mattress models and view material samples to help you make a confident decision and get excited for the great sleep to come. Once you select a mattress model, your salesperson will go over how it may need to be modified, how that may affect the final feel, the cost and lead time. If your construction requires significant changes to the padding recipe, a trial sample can be made for you to approve the comfort before final delivery.

The lead time for your custom mattress will depend on the size and complexity of the project. Most projects can be completed in our standard lead time of 3-5 days. Oversized kings and other logistically complex designs may take 2-6 weeks. For this reason, we suggest that you contact us about your custom-size order at least one month prior to any deadline you may have.

When providing us your dimensions, please keep in mind that innersprings are made out of rows of fixed-sized coils. Customization is done by adding or removing rows from the innerspring. Though we can use some filler to make it as accurate to measurement as possible, please allow for up to 1.5 inches of tolerance in the final product. If you need advice on how to measure your mattress, or you would like to schedule a house call, please see our Mattress Measuring page.

Our innersprings come in five sizes of height/thickness; 1” nanocoils, 3” microcoils, 4” low-profile coils, 6” & 8” regular springs, or 8” pocket coils. Depending on the padding recipe, finished thickness can be 5-18” total for a two-sided mattress, or 4-15” total for a one-sided mattress. If you require a thin mattress between 2-6”, we recommended an all-foam construction. All custom beds are designed to be two-sided unless otherwise stated by the customer at the time of order.

Since the mattress will be made to your unique specifications, we require a deposit of at least one-half of the order total before we begin building your custom mattress. If you decide to cancel the order after manufacturing has begun, the deposit will not be refunded. We cannot add a custom-size mattress to our stock inventory, and will not accept returns on custom orders. If there is an unforeseen issue with the fit on final delivery despite the mattress being accurately sized within the 1.5 inch tolerance, it can be adjusted through our Lifetime Comfort Service for a discounted fee. For these reasons we stress the importance of double-checking that the measurements you provide are accurate, and are accurately written on the signed work order.

Common Custom Sizes

Though some customers may need a completely unique and original size, others are looking for a standardized size that is not sold in conventional mattress stores. Often these standardized sizes used to be common but are now outdated. The most common custom-sizes are needed when working with antique bed frames and recreational vehicles. Here are the most commonly requested sizes for these situations:
Super Single: 43” x 74”

Three-Quarter Mattress: 48” x 74”

Full Extra-Long: 53” x 80”

Olympic Queen: 66” x 80”
Short Queen: 60” x 74” RV
King: 72” x 80”

If the measurements you take are similar to the above (within 1.5 inches), we recommend ordering the standard size as opposed to creating an exact fit. To create these sizes, we take a conventional innerspring in the closest size and cut it down. There is a $50 charge in addition to the base price of the mattress for each directional cut (lateral and horizontal) that needs to be made to achieve the custom size. These sizes usually qualify for the standard 3-5 day lead time.

Oversized Kings

Standard King mattress sizes are the Eastern King at 76” x 80” and the California King at 72” x 84”. These days even larger beds have been created, often named after America’s beautiful wide-open spaces. Before ordering an oversized king, we recommend measuring your halls and doorways to make sure you have enough room to transport the mattress through the house for installation. Here are some of the various oversized kings that have become available in recent years:
Wyoming King: 84” x 84”

Texas King: 80” x 98”

Alberta or Vermont King: 96” x 96”

Alaskan King: 108” x 108”

Family Bed: 120” x 84”

Constructing these mattresses requires cutting and combining two or more spring units. They may also need to have hinges that aid in transport and installation. The cost of each oversized king is calculated at the time of order and will add an increase of approximately 40-70% to the regular king size price of the model. For these projects, a 2-6 week lead time is typical.

Hinges for Transportation

Simple Hinges
A simple hinge involves removing a portion of the rigid border rod to allow the mattress more flexibility. It can be slightly compressed on the short side, or flexed head to foot in key areas.This is recommended for use in recreational vehicles and spaces that have narrow doorways and limited space to maneuver the mattress during installation and flipping. There is no additional charge for adding a simple hinge to your mattress, just make us aware of any challenges you think a fully rigid innerspring might present to your space at the time of order.

Watson Hinges
The Watson Hinge is a process invented by Square Deal Mattress’ generational engineers and provides a unique solution to transporting and installing oversize mattresses. A proprietary hinge construction allows the mattress to bend fully in half, as if two separate beds were stacked on top of each other. The addition of a continuous quilted cover creates a seamless feel and appearance when installed. If your custom mattress requires a Watson hinge, there is an additional labor charge of $150-$450 depending on the finished mattress size.

Mattress Upgrades

In addition to creating custom-size mattresses, we offer upgrades to any of our mattress models that help customers adapt their bed to specific needs. These upgrades are designed to provide solutions for common concerns such as edge support, overheating during sleep, and more. All prices are based on two-sided traditional size mattresses. Custom size and single-sided mattress upgrades will be priced individually. If you are interested in adding an upgrade to your mattress, please let your salesperson know at the time of order.

Additional Side Supports
On many of our mattress models Square Deal adds reinforcement braces along the mattress border. These create extra stability and reduce the amount of crush that happens when sitting on the side of the bed. Increasing the number of side supports when possible can make it easier to transfer into the bed from a wheelchair. It also gives peace of mind to those who need to sit at the edge of the bed to complete their daily routines.There is a $50 fee to add additional braces to all sides of the mattress. If this feature is of interest to you, ask your salesperson if the model you choose has room for additional side support.

Additional Foundation Support
For those who require their mattress to hold up to exceptional weight or above average wear-and-tear we offer reinforcement to the mattress foundation. Our Monster bed frame features a 9-legged support system made with 2 inch thick steel rails. These additional supports prevent the mattress from sagging in the center and have a higher weight limit than conventional Hollywood frames. It can adjust to fit all traditional bed sizes, from Twin to California King. The Monster bed frame is discounted to $90 with the purchase of a mattress, and costs $119 when purchased independently. This item is kept in stock and will not add additional lead time to your mattress order.

Additional support can also be added to a platform frame or wood foundation. Each leg costs an additional $10 and can be added to the head, foot, center, or all three for complete reinforcement. If a center support beam needs to be created for the legs to attach to, it will be priced based on bed size and current cost of lumber. To add individual legs or a center support beam, we will require the measurement from the bottom of your bed frame to the floor so we can accurately size the legs. This upgrade usually does not affect the lead time of your order, but if materials need to be acquired it may take an additional 1-2 weeks.

Additional Handles
Square Deal mattresses are designed to be flipped and rotated for a long life and even wear. Though most models come with handles on the long sides to help better adjust the mattress, handles can also be added to the head and foot for even easier manipulation. Handles can also be placed in specific places to aid mobility. Depending on the model you choose, the handles will either be a rope style attached with rivets, or sewn flush to the mattress border. There is a $25 fee to add additional handles to your mattress.

Adjustable Base
If you have an adjustable base at home or are interested in purchasing one, Square Deal provides a wide range of options. Though we recommend all-foam or natural latex beds for the best adjustable base performance, we understand that many customers require the unique support and dynamics of innersprings in combination with the adjustable features. There is a $100 fee in addition to the base price of the mattress required to create an adjustable innerspring.

We recommend choosing a non-pillowtop model for the best performance of an adjustable innerspring mattress. To make the conventional innerspring bend, the rigid edge wire must be removed. Be aware that removing the edgewire makes for a softer edge that will crush more and be less supportive than the floor model. Making a mattress adjustable does not affect its warranty, but it may wear unevenly or develop creases over time. If this occurs we recommend contacting us for a tune-up service.

Quilt Upgrades & Fire Barrier Exemption Upgrading the mattress quilt is the most popular modification requested on new orders. Typically, the quilt is made up of a thin layer of polyfoam, cotton batting, a wool and cotton fire retardant barrier, and a top layer of cotton and bamboo-rayon blend fabric. A soft, medium, or firm stitch pattern is chosen based on the model the quilt will be paired with. This standard construction provides a plush top for each bed and promotes cooling airflow under the body. However, some customers have particular concerns about overheating and want to make sure their mattress targets this issue. Others may seek an exception to the fire retardant due to needs or preferences for a chemical-free mattress. Selecting an alternative quilt may add 1 to 2 weeks to your lead time, depending on the material availability and production schedule. Here are the alternative quilt options available:

Coolmax Cover: Coolmax fabric is a specially engineered polyester with increased moisture-wicking and airflow properties. The polyester is combined with additional polymers as it is spun to infuse these cooling properties into the fabric. Choosing a Coolmax cover retains the same plush construction of a standard quilt, replacing only the top layer of cotton-blend fabric. The stitch pattern will match the one currently on the mattress model you select. Upgrading to a Coolmax cover costs $100 for Twin and Full sizes, and $200 for Queen and King sizes.

Kashmir Quilt: Named after our best-selling Kashmir mattress, this upgrade keeps the plush feeling of a standard quilt enhanced with cooling natural materials. The cotton batting is replaced with wool which more actively directs heat away from the body to regulate temperature. A 100% organic cotton fabric increases the breathability for an all-natural finish. It features a medium-firm stitch pattern. Upgrading to the Kashmir Quilt is an additional $200 for Twin and Full sizes, or $400 for Queen and King sizes.

Wool-Only Quilt: This option comes standard with our Natural Latex mattresses and is recommended for individuals who prefer a firm sleep surface. This recipe removes the polyfoam from the Kashmir quilt option, made up of only the wool batting, wool-cotton fire retardant, and organic cotton fabric. The lack of foam makes for a smooth cover that lends itself well to all-foam constructions. Though less plush, it has a slight cooling advantage over the Kashmir quilt. It is produced with a firm stitch pattern. This option adds $200 for a Twin or Full and $350 for King and Queen sizes.

Fire Barrier Exemption: Square Deal uses a state of the art quilting machine to produce all of our covers in-house. This allows us to choose exactly which materials are used in our quilts for better quality assurance. If you do not want your mattress to contain the fire-retardant barrier required by the State of California and Federal law, we can produce a special run of quilting just for your mattress. To do this, the law requires a customer to provide a doctor’s note to the manufacturer to document the exemption. It must at least have the physician’s letterhead, a statement or prescription saying that their patient would benefit from having the fire barrier removed, and the physician’s signature. If you request an exemption Square Deal will not be held liable for any hazards or damage that result from a lack of fire retardant. It may also extend your lead time by up to 2 weeks while we produce the quilt. Requesting a fire barrier exemption adds $100 for Twin and Full sized, and $200 for King and Queen sizes.

Pillow-top Material Upgrade
A pillow-top mattress provides an additional buffer between your pressure points and direct compression on the innerspring. This is excellent for side sleepers and creates a unique combination of plush comfort and healthy support. Most Square Deal pillow-top models are made with a soft convoluted poly-foam inside a separate gusset housing. The standard poly-foam may be replaced by memory foam or natural latex upon request. These alternatives have their own benefits and focus on body health. Please note that changes to the pillowtop material will noticeably affect the feeling and finished loft compared to a floor model. For this reason, we can offer a pre-delivery trial of your custom construction in the showroom before final delivery to guarantee your satisfaction.

Memory Foam: Memory Foam refers to a special kind of polyurethane that has been combined with additives to increase its viscosity and elasticity. This ‘visco-elastic’ foam is often described as a ‘hug’ for your whole body. The switch from conventional poly-foam to memory foam will make your mattress a “hybrid” style construction. This upgrade is priced based on size: Twin $300, Full $400, Queen $500, King $650.

Natural Latex: Talalay Latex foam is the longest lasting, most supportive, most breathable foam available – and it’s all natural! Latex’s high resiliency is often described as buoyant, as though it rises to meet the contours of your body. The switch from conventional poly-foam to natural latex will make your mattress a “hybrid” style construction. This upgrade is priced based on size: Twin $350, Full $500, Queen $600, King $750.

Custom Bedding

It is important to note that bedding is hard to find for custom-size mattresses. Though some online retailers sell the standardized custom sizes, the options are limited. Square Deal’s team of seamstresses can tailor sheets and bedding sets to be delivered with your custom order. You can bring us your own material, or purchase from the selection offered by our Springs Bedding department. Tailoring is charged by the hour at our mattress labor rate of $45/hour.

If you are interested in exploring how a custom mattress can improve your sleep, please contact us! There are no appointments required to visit the Square Deal showroom, so we invite you to stop in and chat with one of our Dreamologists, or start the conversation by phone or email. We believe that everyone deserves the best rest possible no matter their special situation. Whether you’re investing in a custom-size of your perfect mattress or tweaking your bed to be perfect for you, we are looking forward to helping you experience the bed of your dreams.

Wellness

Pets Make the Best Medicine

Having a ruff week? Need a little pick-me-up about meow?Your best bet might be to get a pet!Studies show time spent with dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters — even fish! — can be one of the most effective ways to stay happy and healthy.In our 6th installment of the Year of Good Sleep wellness series, our Dreamologists chatted with Tracy Mohr, Animal Services Manager for the City of Chico and general overseer of all things Chico Animal Shelter and Chico Animal Control. Tracy shared her thoughts on how animals can have a positive effect on health and wellness–as well as a few tips on keeping your pets healthy and well, too!Science says: pets can boost your healthPeople who have pets are often healthier, says Tracy. For people who live alone, especially during these more isolating COVID-9 times, pets can be wonderful companions. They give people a reason to get up, a way to be active, and somebody to talk to. “Even fish can be beneficial for people!”According to the CDC, some of the health benefits of owning pets include:

Decreased blood pressure
Decreased cholesterol levels
Decreased triglyceride levels
Decreased feelings of loneliness
Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
Increased opportunities for socialization

“All of us here at the Chico Animal Shelter,” says Tracy, “can agree that pets definitely enrich our lives and make them more pleasurable and more fun.”Don’t have a furry friend? Here’s how to get the bene-pets:If you don’t have the ability to have a pet of your own right now, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with animals here in town.Tracy’s #1 tip? Volunteer! “At the Chico Animal Shelter, we have a volunteer program where you can come and walk dogs and socialize with the cats. You can sign up from home!”A few of her other ideas:

Notice a neighbor with a lonely or barking dog? Offer to take it on a run or walk
Volunteer at another animal shelter in town, such as the Bidwell Wildlife Rehabilitation
Offer to pet-sit for a friend or family member
Offer to throw a ball for a neighborhood pooch
Volunteer with Meals on Wheels – they also help out senior-aged pets!
Watch some cute pet videos on YouTube
Live-stream pups and kittens at rescue centers (you’re welcome)

Pets need to stay healthy, too! Here’s how.Sorry, table scraps and endless naps. Our furry friends need a wellness regimen, too!Good food:“A good diet,” says Tracy, “is always important. It should be appropriate for the age and activity level of the pet. Just like with people, if you have a good diet, that’s half the battle! Try to avoid too many treats and people food, and ask your vet for a healthy food recommendation.”Exercise:Dogs, says Tracy, need to get out for a walk, and indoor cats should have environment-rich exercises where they can look out the window, play, and be active.I said, Doctor!Be sure they’re up to date on vaccinations, and always keep an eye out for an abnormal behavior in your pet. Something looking off? Head to the vet, or consider telemed for pets! “When somebody adopts or fosters a pet through Chico Animal Shelter, they have access to telemed services. It’s not a vet, but it gives a few tips!”Signed, Sealed, DeliveredMake sure your pets are microchipped and have a collar. If they’re dogs, they need to be licensed in Chico and all of California. Together, “these will get the animal home without needing to come to the shelter,” says Tracy. P.S. Need a tag? Visit chicoanimalshelter.com to fill out a form for a free pet tag!Whether you’re out horsin’ around or just doggone crazy for cockatiels, pets are a wonderful way to boost your wellness and stay healthier this season. “Pets are a great addition to our lives,” says Tracy. “They definitely make our lives better.”At Square Deal, we’re proud to be another Chico business working alongside wonderful organizations like Chico Animal Shelter and the amazing work they do to rescue, care for, and protect our furry friends.And we might be a little biased: is there a better nap companion than a pet? We maintain there’s no better night’s sleep than one with a furry friend. ???

Wellness

2021: The Year of Good Sleep: Exercise for the Life You Want

Here’s a thought: your exercise should be tailored to the life you live–or better yet, want to live.Nate Carlascio, owner of Basis Health & Performance, approaches fitness in an unexpected, way–and that’s why we asked him to stop by for the 5th installment in our Year of Good Sleep wellness series. He’s here to share a few tips about why exercise is important and staying healthy with fitness during cold, flu, and COVID season.SD: Nate, thanks for joining us today.NC: Glad to be here–I’ve been looking forward to it!SD: Okay, Nate, before we really dive in: back to this tailored exercise approach: can you tell us what you mean?NC: These days more than ever, many people are a physical by-product of their environment. If they’re sitting 8 hours a day, they may have pain or tension in their shoulders, or not enough movement throughout the day. People on their feet for an entire shift end up with sore legs, knees, and even feet pain.This is why exercise is important! Personalized training plans can help mitigate these problems and create a better overall life and work experience. A person who loves their desk job, for example, might need to prioritize mobility classes or more walks. Strength training can build up the muscles in the legs for people who need extra standing support. Someone who has a very high stress level may need to walk an hour a day, not do sprints.SD: So, one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to fitness?NC: Right: What works for me, may not work for you. Everybody has different fitness levels, goals, and interests, so it’s important to not get stuck in the mindset that there’s just one way.At Basis, we have trainers with all different backgrounds: one participates in professional Team Roping and nutrition coaching, another is a former professional crossfitter. Because of our differences, we’re able to collaborate and bring many solutions to our members and their individual goals.SD: Speaking of Basis, tell us a little more about your gym and how you hope it can help Butte County.NC: We call it a community gym, built around health, longevity, sustainability, and joy. You have to enjoy what you’re doing–that’s a big part of health! Our goal is to help every person who walks in our doors in pursuit of better health, whether that’s a better quality of life, physically looking different, or something else.The community aspect isn’t something discussed that often in the fitness industry, but at Basis, it has been such a valuable tool for both trainers and members. We want to create a community where that’s possible, and enjoyable, and where the community of fellow gym members is there to encourage and support each other.SD: Are you open for classes and exercise?NC: Yes! We first opened our doors in 2018 with a lot of extra space at our facility. With the pandemic, we’re glad to have it as it’s allowed us to offer outdoor, socially-distanced workout options in addition to our masked indoor space and online classes.SD: Alright, let’s talk health benefits. What are some ways exercise and health can be a positive effect on wellness?NC: As far as wellness goes, exercise and movement in general have been proven to reduce anxiety and depression, increase cognitive function, alleviate symptoms of social withdrawal–there’s a huge list of positives, especially in context of community exercise with others around to encourage you.SD: Do you have any specific exercise suggestions to try out this year?NC: Here are my top three:1. The most important tip I can offer is to get in the habit of incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Consistent exercise is more important than anything, whether that’s three 10 minute walks throughout the day or 30 minutes once a day, for example. As long as you’re putting money in the fitness bank, you’ll see returns: better sleep, less stress, improved endurance, better mood, increased energy and stamina — the list goes on!2. When it comes to COVID, the virus statistically affects more people with existing metabolic disease or metabolic syndrome symptoms (such as diabetes, increased blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.) so it’s important to prioritize metabolic health more than ever.3. Finally, find somebody you trust with your goals, such as a naturopath, doctor, trainer, nutritionist, or even a friend or two to help motivate and keep you on track. Then, be patient with yourself!SD: Any final suggestions for exercise in the time of a pandemics?NC: Support local business, local people, and your community. The way this pandemic affects people is going to be different for everybody. Make sure you’re helping people be accountable, supporting them. More than ever, this community needs to support each other. It might have to look different than before, but it’s just as important.SD: Thanks, Nate!

Wellness

2021: The Year of Good Sleep: Food Is a Fuel: How Nutrition Affects Health

“Food is fuel”Words to live by, according to Diana Coggan, Health and Beauty Buyer at New Earth Market and our fourth interview in the Year of Good Sleep Wellness Series!As a long-time industry expert in health and wellness, Diana brings a wealth of knowledge on the right foods and supplements to power your body through any season of colds, flus, or pandemics. Her role at New Earth Market is to help people understand how nutrition affects health and suggest foods and supplements that are right for their individual needs and goals.Her number one tip?Eat good food.“Food is the fuel our bodies run on,” she says. “If we’re eating good, minimally–processed foods, we can expect our bodies to operate optimally. More simply: Garbage in, garbage out.”What is considered “good food,” you might ask?Viva VarietyDiana recommends a variety of fresh foods, good fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, and fruits to ensure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs. An easy way to do this: “Eat the rainbow,” she recommends. Grab your kiddos for a trip to the produce department, and ask them to help you choose a variety of foods from every color. “Every color has different nutrients, so you want a broad spectrum of colors in your diet.”Celebate Carbs“Whole grains are not the enemy!” says Diana. “You have to eat the right kinds and in moderation.” Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread flour, and oatmeal are your base fuel to keep full, maintain healthy weight, and help ward off heart disease, diabetes, and other health concerns. Refined and processed white flour and white rice, on the other hand, convert to sugar in our body almost immediately. White bread? “Essentially, it’s glue.”Chew the FatSkip the low fat and no fat options, Diana suggests. “Our bodies really need those fats, especially the brain–a fat dependent organ.” Raw nuts (not roasted or salted), avocados, olive oil, coconut oil are all great options.Find FermentationFermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchee, kombucha really help with gut health and digestion. “With the advent of processing and refrigeration, as a society, we don’t eat enough fermented foods,” she notes. For vegans or lactose-intolerant people, there are even some tasty dairy free yogurts and kefirs to try.If I’m eating all the right foods, do I need supplements?Most likely.“Supplements help fill in the gaps we might not be getting from diet,” Diana explains. Even the healthiest foods, for example, might not have everything you need as mass farming often strips the soil of vital nutrients.Similarly, stress can play a huge role in how our bodies absorb nutrients. Supplements can help address any issues or illnesses that arise by providing what wouldn’t be in our normal diet–like extra boosts of Vitamin C or elderberries.She recommends a good multivitamin and a quality probiotic for most people. “It’s going to help microbiome and gut health–that’s where our immune system starts. If you’ve got a healthy gut bacteria, you’re going to have a better chance of fighting off anything that comes your way.”Just remember, she says, “Supplements have their place but they’re not a replacement for good food.”New Earth, a family-run store founded to provide options for healthy, natural foods and supplements, is very particular about the products they bring in. Every item is reviewed for property ingredients, 3rd party testing, processing, bottling, etc., to ensure it meets the high standards of health and personalized help the store offers its customers.“We don’t run it as a corporation,” she says. “People who work here are our family. In turn, we want to be able to take that family feel to the community and really welcome our customers into the stores. We really want the community to be healthy,” she says.Any final suggestions on how to stay healthy this season?“When it’s cold outside, don’t drink or eat cold things,” Diana says. “Our digestive system is like a furnace. If it’s already cold outside, your body is working hard to digest and metabolize, then you throw a cold salad or ice water in there, you’re cooling down that furnace and it’s harder for the body to work. Similarly, watch how much heat you eat during summer. Stick to cooler foods whenever possible to keep your system digesting properly.”As another family-owned business in town, Square Deal Mattress Factory is thrilled to partner with companies like New Earth Market in search of better ways to stay healthy and ultimately get a better night’s sleep. Bon appetit!

Wellness

Feel Better and Free Swag: Two Reasons Why You Should Hike Butte County

Nearly a year into the pandemic, health continues to be top of mind. At Square Deal, we’re more committed than ever to boost our overall wellness and get better rest. In this edition of The Year of Good Sleep, we’re catching up with Explore Butte County to learn more about their newest Hike Butte Pass and how it can lead to better overall wellness.Formed in 2015, Explore Butte County is a local travel and tourism organization tasked to bring business to local hotels by increasing both local and touristic engagement in the local economy and environment. They promote Butte County signature events like: Restaurant Week, Sierra Oro Farm Trail, Museum Weekend, and the Chico Velo Wildflower Century.The Hike Butte Pass is their newest program, launched on February 15, 2021. (Full disclosure: we CAN’T WAIT to get started on this!) The program is designed to encourage people to get outside on one of the many amazing hiking trails around Butte County–and maybe earn a little swag while they’re at it.Explore Butte County Executive Director Carolyn Denero shares all the details below:What was the inspiration for Hike Butte County?With all the stay-at-home orders during the pandemic, we had to think about how we could turn our marketing efforts into something people could do. Outside is still open, so we decided to focus on helping people get outdoors.Science corner: The Yale School of Environment says two hours is all you need to “get a dose of nature high enough to…feel healthy and have a strong sense of well-being.”But you’ve already got your hikes listed on Explore Butte County, right?We do! But we wanted to do something more than just sending people to a list. We asked ourselves: “Can we activate hiking”? We knew it had been done in other states, so we were motivated to find a way to do it here.We’re on pins and needles — how many hikes are there?!We have 35 hikes in total! Originally, we had 45, but we lost some due to events like the fires last summer. The hikes vary from easy to difficult, so there are options for all skill levels!How did you choose them?We gathered from our existing lists and recommendations, and then we worked really hard to curate the hikes. We spoke to public land managers to make sure they’re on board with it and identified all the details about the hikes, such as maps, driving directions, best time of year, etc. After that, we set up the pass.Science Corner: A study from the University of Exeter found people who spent a total of two hours in nature each week were more apt to report better physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health and well-being than those who stayed indoors or in urban areas. Another study from Stanford backs this up: people who not only get outdoors but also walk for at least 30 minutes experience fewer negative thoughts than those inside or walking in city environments.Tell us more about the pass; how does it work?Our partner Bandwango inspired us to think about how we could do a “crawl” or a “pass” type of experience. We decided to use this model to list all of our hikes.And it’s easy! All you do is sign up on the Hike Butte County website, and you’ll get access to a personalized dashboard that logs each hike. You can check in on your phone browser when you start–no app needed!You mentioned swag…We partnered with local artist David Selkirk–you might know him from Upper Park Clothing! He designed an amazing custom logo for the hiking pass, and we loved it so much we decided to put it on the swag participants can win.The way it works is pretty simple: the more you hike, the more swag you can earn (while supplies last):

1 hike = 1 sticker
5 hikes = 1 koozie
12 hikes = 16 oz Klean Kanteen metal pint glass
25 hikes = trucker-style hat
Black out (35 hikes) = day pack backpack

Every quarter, we’ll do a drawing for a Butte County vacation as well!How long do we have to complete the hikes?December 31 is the final day to get in as many hikes as you can and earn prizes. That’s a little over 3 hikes a month.Carolyn, why are you excited about this program in particular?It’s a fun way to help our community get outside to enjoy what we have in our own backyard. These days, it’s nice to see other people who are doing the same thing. Even if we can’t meet up right now the way we’d like, there’s camaraderie in seeing other people in shared outdoor exercise. Supporting local businesses and activities is what makes our community so great!Summary: Getting outside is good for us. Hike Butte County is a great way to get on the wellness bandwagon for 2021 — will you join?

Wellness

The Art of zzzs: Your Next Masterpiece Might be a Good Nights Sleep

Next up in our Year of Good Sleep wellness series: art for better sleep!

Research shows time and time again art can play an influential role in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It lowers cortisol levels, builds perspective, and increases coping abilities. Lower stress levels, in turn, leads to a more relaxed mind, less tossing and turning, and therefore an overall better quality of sleep.

Interestingly, good sleep can also lead to less stress: according to the National Sleep Foundation, “the brain chemicals connected with deep sleep are the same ones that tell the body to stop the production of stress hormones.”

We’re here for a good night’s sleep, so we asked Pat Macias, the Executive Director of monca (the Museum of Northern California Art) to get her expert opinions on how you can use art to get better zzzs.

First off, could you tell us a bit about monca and your own experience with art?

The idea for monca started in 2011, with a group of Butte County residents interested in showcasing great art. We did art pop-ups around town from 2011-2017, and then moved into the previous Veterans Memorial building on Esplanade, where we’ve been ever since. I personally am a printmaker by trade and degree and was an art teacher for 36 years in various cities across the US. I moved to Chico shortly after retiring and briefly worked as the director of the 1078 Art Gallery. Since then, I’ve been actively involved with monca!

You’ve clearly been exposed to many types of art over the years. What would you consider to be “art”?

Having taught all ages, I’ve definitely heard the “Oh, I can’t draw” or “that’s not art” fears from many students. Art gets this awful reputation of being elite or something only certain people can do. But that’s simply not true! Art is anything you can see or consider to be creative. Think about going on a walk and taking a picture with your phone–it’s art! The photo you took most likely includes principles of art you don’t even realize are artistic, like color compositions or shapes. You’ve framed it up with your phone lens, taken the picture, and voila–it becomes art.

In your experience, what are the benefits of creating art?

To me, it calms me down. If I am sitting and thinking, the physical part just calms down also. Another artist currently on display at monca recently shared: “I can be all riled up about something, and then I go into my studio, start my art, and my mind starts to focus on the art–not all the other stuff that’s happening around me.”

Art helps you find a solution to what’s coming next, and it might take you to another place in your mind where you get excited because you see a connection to what you’re doing or remind you of a peaceful memory or image.

Let’s talk about COVID-19. What are some ways art can help people cope with stressors from the pandemic?

It can help in three ways:

Doing art: taking your mind off of anything else than what you’re doing at that moment.
Reading about art: this is interesting way to see what other people have come up with
Looking at art: In a book, magazine, or even Google. It might take you somewhere calming in your mind. (Bonus: here are some collections of calming pictures from Pinterest, Unsplash, YouTube, and artnet)

Great! Any specifics on some art projects we can try for “doing art”?

For Adults/Couples

Draw a portrait of each other at the same time. Sit across the table from each other, use any medium you want, and see what comes up.
Find shadows. Maybe it’s light reflecting through a glass of wine, or a leaf in the park, or even a unique angle in your WFH office. Take photos of those things, then come back and sketch them or use them as photo art.
Start a weekly book or diary. Writing is art! Come up with a word for each day or week, and write a page or a few sentences about that word together. When you look back on your reflections together for the year, it will be an incredible compilation.

Families

Take a photo of your favorite meal. Then paint a picture of it! With a kid and adult you’ll see different things. Or, you can work on the same painting together as a shared family piece.
Add-on monster. Create a “monster” by pasting together magazine cutouts, stickers, paint, you have it. Green grass could be a skirt, or a bunch of cut-out chairs glued together could be hair. Make one big monster piece together.
Toilet paper tube sculpture. Cut and slice them so you can wedge them together without glue or tape. If it’s nice rough afterwards, you can take it outside and spray paint it.

It doesn’t take a lot of supplies or expenses to do an art project, and art comes in many forms. Cooking, knitting, crocheting, quilting, interior decorating, putting up pictures, origami, lint creatures with string, chalk on the sidewalk–they all count as art!

What if a person doesn’t consider themselves to be “creative”? Can they still make art?

Absolutely! Creative really has no limits, and you don’t have to be a Van Gogh or Monet to make art. I’d recommend you start by simply experiencing your surroundings. Go for a walk. Visit Bidwell Park. View the building where you’re picking up take-out. Start a dance party in the house with your kids. You can’t look enough. A lot of creating art is being able to put those observations together.

A great place to look is also museums, so what’s the best way to look at art these days when museums are closed?

The monca has a really wonderful #museumfromhome right now where you can experience our Virtual Pop Up Museum and view all the art currently on display at the museum. The Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento is also doing something similar with weekly at-home programs. Google has gotten onboard by showcasing art highlights from some of the most famous museums around the world.

Is there any famous art you hope people have more time to see or appreciate during the pandemic?

I hope everybody Googles “diversity.” There are so many diverse artists out there and they are so full of incredible ideas. Now is a great time to learn more about the different kinds of art and inspiration in the world.

Any last advice for Butte County during this time?

Be kind.
Be mindful.
Be creative.
Be safe.
Stay tuned… ?

Year of Good Sleep Challenge:

This week, try one of the projects suggested above, take some pictures on your phone, or visit an online art gallery. All of these ideas are great ways to reduce stress and give your body the gift of a good night’s sleep.

Wellness

How to Pick the Healthiest Mattress

Welcome to the opening installment of our Year of Good Sleep wellness series! Today’s post is the first of several articles from local wellness experts, bringing you tips and advice on how to stay healthy in 2021–and ultimately bring you better sleep.

Today’s topic: how to choose the healthiest mattress for your unique lifestyle!

In true Square Deal style, we asked our expert Dreamologists what to look for in a mattress and why these choices make a difference in your sleep quality and overall health. Read on for their suggestions.

First, determine what position you prefer for sleeping: Are you a side sleeper, stomach sprawler, or generally snoring on your back? When you know your body’s unconscious position preference, you can choose a mattress that best supports it. A mattress like the Registry, for example, is designed to relieve pressure points on shoulders and hips to support side sleepers. Proper support means no aches and pains, better sleep, and better overall health.
Second, do you sleep hot or cold? Often waking up overheated or drenched in sweat? Look for a mattress with gel or a copper-infused foam layer designed to pull heat away from the body. Or, opt for construction encouraging extra airflow and circulation. If you’re freezing all night long, a non-toxic synthetic foam or contouring memory foam can help retain heat.
Next, consider if you need a hypoallergenic option: Most people have a build-up of one or more allergens in their bedrooms, especially if you have pets. These allergens are often concentrated in reservoirs like sheets and other bedding. If these allergies build up–or you’re already allergic to them–there’s a greater likelihood of increased health problems like asthma, congestion, sneezing, and other problems that lead to restless sleep and poor health. Core mattress materials like natural latex are antibacterial and antifungal can resist dust mites, mildew, and mold.You can also look for mattress toppers and bedding designed to block allergens–just be sure you wash them regularly!
Find the right size for you and your sleeping partner: The dreaded crick in your neck or kink in your spine is manageable every once in a while if you fall asleep on the couch, but constant pain from a cramped sleeping position results in poor quality of sleep and serious mobility problems during the day. Consider who will be on the bed with you each night. If it’s just you, a full size might be fine. You and a partner? Consider at least a queen size to give you enough room to move. 47 dogs, cats, and a kid or two? You might want to consider a king size. If you or your partner is especially tall, a California King or a custom XL mattress ensures enough space to sleep comfortably.
Finally, be sure to avoid toxins and chemicals: A mattress full of chemicals isn’t healthy. In fact, the gasses these chemicals release can cause dangerous health concerns like respiratory problems and cancer in animals. Synthetic materials and flame retardants have traditionally been to blame, but fortunately, more and more natural options are now available for mattress construction. Look for materials such as organic cotton, organic wool, natural latex rubber, and organic bamboo throughout the design.

The next time you’re shopping for a mattress, keep this handy checklist in mind. Better yet? Reach out to one of our skilled Dreamologists. We’re here to help. Better sleep and overall health are just a few zzzs away!

Check back next week for our next in the Year of Good Sleep wellness series.

Today’s topic: how to choose the healthiest mattress for your unique lifestyle!

First, determine what position you prefer for sleeping: Are you a side sleeper, stomach sprawler, or generally snoring on your back? When you know your body’s unconscious position preference, you can choose a mattress that best supports it. A mattress like the Registry, for example, is designed to relieve pressure points on shoulders and hips to support side sleepers. Proper support means no aches and pains, better sleep, and better overall health.
Second, do you sleep hot or cold? Often waking up overheated or drenched in sweat? Look for a mattress with gel or a copper-infused foam layer designed to pull heat away from the body. Or, opt for construction encouraging extra airflow and circulation. If you’re freezing all night long, a non-toxic synthetic foam or contouring memory foam can help retain heat.
Next, consider if you need a hypoallergenic option: Most people have a build-up of one or more allergens in their bedrooms, especially if you have pets. These allergens are often concentrated in reservoirs like sheets and other bedding. If these allergies build up–or you’re already allergic to them–there’s a greater likelihood of increased health problems like asthma, congestion, sneezing, and other problems that lead to restless sleep and poor health. Core mattress materials like natural latex are antibacterial and antifungal can resist dust mites, mildew, and mold.You can also look for mattress toppers and bedding designed to block allergens–just be sure you wash them regularly!
Find the right size for you and your sleeping partner: The dreaded crick in your neck or kink in your spine is manageable every once in a while if you fall asleep on the couch, but constant pain from a cramped sleeping position results in poor quality of sleep and serious mobility problems during the day. Consider who will be on the bed with you each night. If it’s just you, a full size might be fine. You and a partner? Consider at least a queen size to give you enough room to move. 47 dogs, cats, and a kid or two? You might want to consider a king size. If you or your partner is especially tall, a California King or a custom XL mattress ensures enough space to sleep comfortably.
Finally, be sure to avoid toxins and chemicals: A mattress full of chemicals isn’t healthy. In fact, the gasses these chemicals release can cause dangerous health concerns like respiratory problems and cancer in animals. Synthetic materials and flame retardants have traditionally been to blame, but fortunately, more and more natural options are now available for mattress construction. Look for materials such as organic cotton, organic wool, natural latex rubber, and organic bamboo throughout the design.

Check back next week for our next in the Year of Good Sleep wellness series.

How Latex Rubber is made and formed into a mattress