Dad's Round Table - Discussions for Today's Man

How to FIX a Sagging Mattress – 5 Simple Ways

February 6, 2020 by DadsRT

If you have been suffering a sagging mattress, back pain and sore muscles are no longer a surprise. Aging isn’t your problem in this case, but the mattress that is supposed to support you is the issue we need to fix.

how to fix a sagging mattress — A bad mattress is not only bad for your sleep but also your body

It’s not always possible to just purchase a new mattress, especially when you have invested a large amount of cash in hope for comfort and relaxation. Fret not! This article will discuss on the several simple,inexpensive tips to fix a sagging mattress, and cause of mattress sagging as well as its effects.

Simple solutions for a sagging mattress

Let’s establish that there’s no way to get rid of the sag completely, but with these easy tips, you might have some more time with acceptable comfort.

1. Buy a mattress topper

If your mattress is already old (average mattress lifespan is 10 years), then the best and easiest way to improve your sleep without buying a new mattress is to use a mattress topper.

fix sagging mattress — Using mattress topper can fix your sagging mattress

Mattress topper is an additional layer of cushioning used for improving the comfort of the mattress. The most common types of toppers are memory foam, latex, wool and feather. Thick toppers might fill up the sag gaps and smoothen the uneven surface.

Consider a memory foam topper if a new mattress isn’t affordable for you just yet. It will make up for any minor lumpiness or sinking beneath. Feels as luxurious and costs a fraction of a whole purchase, quick and easy to find – it’s undoubtedly the second best option for you.

To pick the best mattress topper easily, you should take a look at https://www.thebestmattresstopper.com The website have many useful information about mattress toppers and top-rated topper reviews in the market.

However, if your mattress is not too old, please follow the tips below:

2. Rotate and flip it on a regular basis

You only need to flip the mattress to have the underside up (if it’s flippable) or rotate it 180 degrees and switch the position of the head and the feet areas. Once per half a year will be enough. Even if the sagging progress hasn’t occurred, this will maintain the shape of the mattress and even turn a too-firm mattress somewhat softer.

3. Find a new foundation

The larger the size of your mattress is, the more of legs required in order to support the weight pressing down on them, thus, foundations are most likely to be blamed for sagging. If the gap between each pair of slats is wider than 3 inches, it can also cause partial sagging.

Foundations also go downhill over time, so excessively aged foundations will possibly lead to sagging. Utilize the mattress warranties and check on the guideline before making your purchase.

4. Use plywood

fix-sagging-mattress-with-plywood This low-cost method is specifically for sleepers with slatted bases. Measure the size of foundation and mattress first and cut a thin sheet of plywood according to the result you have had. Put it on the foundation and adjust it to cover up all slats. If positioned right, it will fix the sagging caused by slats with gaps.

Plywood won’t completely fix the sagging — nothing will, we have agreed on it. On the other hand, plywood reduces the airflow at the bottom of your bed and heats the surface remarkably, sleeper will feel hot and mold or mildew will amass. But it’s a decent temporary solution.

5. Make sure the box springs are right

The support of a mattress comes from the springs, so you might want to search for the warped springs and replace them. They are available in various sizes and types, so choose the ones that best fit your mattress.

Why does a mattress sag?

Nothing lasts forever. We all should expect the down of each equipment when they have been with us for a long time and mattresses aren’t an exception. The bouncy feel and the support in a mattress come from the box springs of which coil tension decreases with time, along with the materials for comfort sinking deeper into the hard layers underneath. Unfortunately, once the tension is gone, the springs are warped and this cycle is not reversible.

You might notice the signals in a mattress just like ones that appear when a car needs its oil or tires changed. The surface of the mattress will sink where the weight usually impacts, namely head or hips, or you can even feel the lumpy areas with your own hands. If it’s is no longer smooth and even with these ‘rises and falls’, you’re bound to deal with discomfort during sleep and it will become simply unbearable at some point.

The consequences a sagging mattress might bring

Minor sagging isn’t a severe problem, but major sagging can initiate some negative effects:

It will worsen the pain in your joints and muscles.
Risks of annoying noises as springs deteriorate and squeak.
Hot when sleeping upon, since it blocks the flow of air through coil layers.

There unfortunately are also more serious problems you should be aware of. Many sleepers who tolerated a sagging mattress for too long end up with insomnia as well as apnea symptoms – temporary loss of breath during sleep – due to the position of your head and neck. A bad mattress is also the main reason for subluxations – the misalignment of the spine. If you don’t want to spend time and money on fixing your sagging mattress, therapies and even surgeries will cost so much more.

In conclusion

After hours at work and school, the last thing you would like to have is a lumpy, depressed surface to rest upon. You deserve the comfort you have earned, and we hope to be helpful enough. Nonetheless, if you want to maintain something in good conditions, you should take care of it since the beginning: keep your mattress clean, rotate it to regain the good form, avoid direct sunlight and frequent washing.

Conditions That Affect Your Child Sleep

February 28, 2020 by DadsRT

Sleep disorders can lead to insufficient child sleep. Children who are under the age of 18 years normally need 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. If your child sleep is less than 8 hours could mean that he/she is suffering from sleep disorder or sleep deprivation.

There are several types of sleep disorders, which are widespread in children and major part of it may be ascribed to their fear of the dark, those children suffer from the sleep disorder.

To help you children have a good sleep at night, you should know a little about these things. Several types of sleep disorders that impair your child sleep include:

Sleep walking or talking: This is one of the most common disorders in children that are related to sleep. “Somnambulism” is the medical name for sleep walking. This is not harmful but it needs special care. Parents are responsible to provide a healthy and safe environment to their children i.e. talking while sleeping and sleeping by opening their eyes may seem odd but there is nothing unusual and also usually this won’t cause any harm to your child.

You can read more about sleep walking here.

Heartburn: It is also known as gastroesophageal reflux and is common in both adults and children. It would be hazardous for children, especially who are sleeping. In this type of sleep disorder, the stomach acids might regurgitate into their throat at the time of sleeping. Sometimes it may also indicate an underlying problem of stomach that might need surgery.

Bruxism: This is crushing and gnashing of teeth during the sleep. This is very irritating and disturbing child sleep disorder.

Head rolling or banging: Many children are head rollers or bangers, this situation occur particularly when they are lacking of sleep. Normally this habit is harmless and they would grow out of this habit before they gain maturity.

Enuresis and bed wetting: These are also most common child sleep disorders. But it is very embarrassing as well as humiliating for children and also trouble for their parents especially when children grow older. This is a medical problem and it can be treated with doctor’s prescription.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): This is the worst and deadly sleep disorder. This is abbreviated as SIDS. Due to this, many children die and usually known as crib death. The exact cause of SIDS is still unknown.

Nocturnal asthma or nocturnal seizures: Asthma and seizures are terrifying problems. Nocturnal asthma and nocturnal seizures are trouble for both children as well as parents as they may lead to many other health problems. It is essential to take proper medical care for children.

Periodic limb movement or Restless leg syndrome: Both these child sleep disorders are very distressing for children as well as parents. This condition causes an urge to move the leg frequently that can lead to insomnia, night terrors and sleep walking.

7 Tips for a Good Sleep at Night

February 12, 2020 by DadsRT

Drained after a long day, a good sleep is very important for us to have our energy recharged. However, it doesn’t always come easily. There are days where you find yourself tossing and turning around, falling asleep is far from possible. You wake up tired the next morning, but it isn’t the worst yet. You come home more and more tired every day, while a good rest is still a luxury you can’t obtain. It becomes insomnia at some point.

There are many sources that will advise you to take medicines or visit a doctor. They should be the last resolution for you. When the restlessness isn’t too serious, you can try out some of our tips.

#1 Exercise

Exercising helps to release pent-up energy in your body. It renders your physique in a condition that demands some rest. With that said, intense training is preferred, but if you are unable to do so, even light exercises will be better than absolutely nothing.

#2 Keep your bed comfortable

The comfort you feel when resting comes from the softness and the support of your mattress and pillow. This advice might seem unnecessary and obvious, but you will be surprised to know how many people don’t know how to take care of their beds.

good mattress helps sleep better — A comfortable mattress and bed help you sleep better

If the mattress has been with you for a decade, its prime time is surely over, and you should consider a new one. If you have recently purchased a mattress but it feels too soft or too firm, there are plenty of tricks to fix the mattress.

You can easily enhance the quality of the mattress by adding supplementary layers such as mattress toppers, protectors, or pads. The modern technology has added many features to them, allergen resistance and temperature regulation, for example.

#3 Maintain a sleeping habit

Stick to your bedtime and wake-up time even on the weekend. It will get your body’s clock familiarized with the schedule and eventually eliminate insomnia.

Taking a nap in the early noon will boost up your energy for the rest of the day, it’s true. But if you have trouble sleeping at night, a nap like that won’t make it better.

We recommend relaxing for an hour before your desired bedtime. The routine includes staying away from bright lights and avoiding activities that can cause anxiety or stress. It’s difficult to fall asleep or sleep deeply when something keeps disturbing your mind, isn’t it?

#4 Do not eat before bed time

Having a light snack about 45 minutes before you sleep might keep your tummy full enough and make you somewhat sleepy, but a big dinner won’t be good. Heavy meals should be 3 hours prior to your bedtime.

#5 Reduce caffeine and alcohol

These drinks are popular for their effect on our energy, but you shouldn’t have them after 4 P.M, or the good sleep we are trying for will be unattainable.

#6 Relieve stress

First of all, be patient with your body. It needs some time to drift into dreamland. Don’t force yourself to fall asleep. You will unintentionally give your brain more stress, and stress is what ties us to reality. Instead, you can try to practice a habit before bed, reading is a pretty good choice.

Secondly, try not to use your smartphone or laptop. These are sources of blue lights, which have an activating effect on your brain. Not to mention, looking at those screens in the middle of the night and for hours on end is very harmful to your eyes and your skin.

Work materials stay out of the bedroom. Be strict on yourself and reserve the bed exclusively for resting.

#7 Get a check-up

When everything doesn’t work out, it’s a sign for you to see a doctor for medical help. In order for the examination to have the fullest effect, you might keep a record of your sleeping habit. The doctor can use it as a reference to evaluate the pattern of your sleep.

Last saying

A nice sleep can make a significant difference in your daily life, as it enhances your mood, energy, creativity. Thus, let’s start from the simplest task of making sure your bedding system is comfortable, to something more complicated like rearranging your timetable and building a healthy lifestyle.

5 Best Keyring and Keychain Replacements (Plus 2 Bonuses)

August 9, 2015 by DadsRT

I’m a planner. I look ahead at upcoming holidays, events, the next day’s schedule—you name it. I’m also not ashamed to admit that I probably need to carry a purse. No, not in a “fashiony” sort of way, but because I hate, nay, loathe being unprepared. This inevitably causes me to wind up carrying around more crap than I can comfortably. (I’m not sure I can pull off a fanny pack. Actually, I’m not sure anyone can pull off a fanny pack…)

Anyway, that said, I carry a lot of keys. Probably more than is necessary, but not by much. Because of this, my keyring(s) don’t fit well in my pocket, they are bulky, and they are heavy(ish). Problem is, I have to have them with me at all times.

Not long ago, Brandi (my wife, if you are new to reading me) showed me the best keyring and keychain replacement tool I’ve ever seen. I’m a “window shopping” gadget guy, not an early-adopter, but I like these to the point where I am going to put it on my “4 things for Christmas list” this year.

As I browsed the net this morning, however, I saw an ad for another style similar to the one I want to get. One thing led to another, I tried to find affiliate links for you, and Voila! I compiled a list of 5 of the best keyring and keychain replacements that you NEED to get for your loved ones and friends this year (plus a couple of bonus options.) These will make excellent Christmas, birthday, or just anytime gifts. I bet they will love them.

Here they are in an unordered list:

OrbitKey

Orbitkey (http://www.orbitkey.com/) makes the second-best (in my humble opinion) keyring and keychain option in this list. They are based in Melbourne, Australia. According to their about page, they designed their keyrings out of hate for “rattling” keys. They also found current keyrings lacking.

The company got its start from a Kickstarter campaign and has been doing it big ever since.

They boast premium leather and elastomer bands in different color options (all interchangeable), space for seven keys, and carry a few accessory options such as bottle opener and two sizes of usb keys. You are looking at $14.95 on the low end. Bear in mind that this (nor almost any other on the list) will not fit a large car key or car remote fob, but does feature an optional clip to attach the car keys to (included.)

Key-Bar

There isn’t much information about the company on the Key-Bar site (http://www.keybar.us/), but I’m going to go out on a limb and say that the founders have or had SOMETHING to do with the military. With all of the SIG (Sauer), Spartans, knives, etc on their Instagram, not-to-mention the obvious play on Ka-Bar knives, I’d say I’m in the ballpark. Plus, they are based in Savannah, GA (near Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield.)

Their keyring and keychain replacements feature several choices of materials and designs, including copper, carbon fiber, and aluminum. Each comes standard with a pocket clip, and they have multiple accessory options from titanium combs, “key-rabiner” quick clips, usb keys, screwdriver/bottle openers and toothpick/tweezer tools (a-la Swiss Army knives.) Each will hold up to twelve keys (with extension pieces) and has the ability to attach your car remote and longer car keys. Your low-end here is going to set you back $45.00.

Their homepage also states that a portion of every sale goes to Wishes for Warriors, a non-profit 501(c)(3) that provides therapeutic outdoor adventure trips for wounded veterans. Hooah!

The Key Caddy

The Key Caddy by Liquid Co. of Melbourne (https://liquidstore.co/) is another “essentialist” keyring and keychain replacement that started via Kickstarter. Their claim to fame is to provide a long-overdue upgrade to the traditional nail-destroying keyring. They also post some interesting facts regarding the percentages of men who have suffered torn pockets and unfortunate jabs to the… nether region… from unruly keychains.

Their design is quite different from the others on the list, sporting a slim, bar-styled organizer that they claim neatly fits into the change pocket of a pair of jeans. Like the others, it does have accessory upgrade capabilities in the form of an ultra slim usb, bottle opener/screwdriver, and is expandable to hold up to eight keys.

There are limited color options, but the sleek design makes up for lack of customization and it looks great in the gift box. It also comes with an additional key hook for your car keys and remote entry. Low-end looks like $67 (you will have to figure international shipping also.) They also have a slim wallet option if you are looking for a nicer gift package!

KeyDisk

KeyDisk has, by far, the most interesting design of any of our best keyring and keychain replacements. If that is a deal-maker for you, then look no further! There is no real company information on their site (though it is a very nice website – http://www.key-disk.com/), so I will get right into the details.

The organizer is somewhat triangular, holding up to nine keys between the three post locations. While this will ensure an extra little bit of work to install your keys, it does keep the disk flatter and thinner than the other keyrings. The center also works as a bottle opener.

I did not see any additional key holders for car keys or remote entries, nor did I see any additional upgrade accessories, but for the minimalist, this could still be the thing for you. As of the time of this article publication, they were running a sale from their normal $29.00 pricetag (with a two ring optional deal) which could save you a few bucks.

KeySmart

KeySmart is by far my favorite out of this list. Another Kickstarter drive, though located right here in Chicago, USA, Keysmart has its roots in the same mentality as the rest—no more bulk, annoying keychains, pokes to the thigh (or anywhere else), and high quality standards.

Keysmart, however, blows its competition away in that their products are expandable up to 100 keys, have replaceable laser engraved front faces, and a plethora of accessories from golf divot tools, colored keys, lanyards, pocket clips, bottle openers, quick disconnect “s-type” clips, usb sticks and more!

This is the tool I want. And for a beautiful, sleek tool with a starting price of only $19.98?

Two Bonus Products

Now, in the interest of fairness for all, I am including two additional, “bonus” companies’ offerings. I can’t guarantee the quality of either of these two, but, hey, sometimes you want all the options, right?

Fan-Key

Fan-Key hails from USA/ISREAL, according to their website, http://www.fan-key.com/home.php, but you can’t click on the link. Who knows. At any rate, they like to sell their expandable products in sets of two (for about $50.00.)

There are multiple color options available, several accessories from scissors to flashlights to usb, and they claim to be able to hold your car keys. (Funny how they are the only ones, right?) For you blingy-types, there’s also an option to get three Swarovski crystal beads inlaid.

The Key Ninja

The Key Ninja (http://www.keyninja.com/) is almost attractive, simply for the sweet commercial video they have on their homepage (it runs on a loop—pause when you are tired of it, not that it’s possible to get tired of kick-ass ninja commercials!)

This gadget claims to hold up to thirty keys, comes standard with dual led flashlights in the ends (to find the hole in the dark—every time! You have to watch the video…) and has similar accessories as the rest. You will be looking at the price of $14.99 according to the “buy it quick!” ad on the homepage. I have no idea where it goes from there, honestly.

~~~

So there you have it! Five excellent (and two potentially not-so-excellent) options for the best keyring and keychain replacements on the market. Again, I recommend the Keysmart option, not only for the affiliation, but for the style, quality, and expandability. Every video and review I have seen speaks highly of the product. In fact, even QVC has had them on the channel. That says something!

Happy shopping!

Do you have one of these? Tell us what you think!

Some Days You Cry. Some Days You Laugh.

August 8, 2015 by DadsRT

We moved into our house fifteen years ago. I was a teacher, and spent the summer at work in the yard. I supervised the external make-over. I did what I could to make the inside of the house shipshape. I spent a lot of time driving to the hardware store and lumber yard. I noticed that on many of my drives out of the neighborhood, I often saw the same young woman out on a walk. She was around thirty. I mentioned her one day to my wife.

“You mean that woman with the dark hair,” Cath asked, “in the visor and sunglasses? And maybe she has Down’s?”

“Exactly,” I said. “I saw her today walking home from Kroger. Sheez, that’s like a 5 mile walk. And that road is really busy.”

“Well,” said Cath, “She seems to do just fine.”

I nodded. She did fine.

We’ve watched her walk a lot of miles since 2000. Those first years, when we would see her, we’d wave at her. At first, she would look away. After a few years, however, she began to wave back.

Emboldened, Cath began to smile and wave when we saw her on a walk; always in her visor, usually in her sunglasses. After a few more years, she began to smile and wave back. As she discovered that Cath was ‘safe,’ I began to smile and wave. After a few months, she began to smile and wave back to me.

I saw her again today at the start of my bike ride. I rode past her, slowly. I said hi. She said hi back. Her brown hair is well-streaked with gray. It’s okay, she’s near 45.

Her parents, an elderly couple, live about 6 doors up the street. He was in banking, a mutual friend told me. I see him out for his daily walk, always with a nine iron for company.

I wonder about their daughter when the parents pass away. He was a banker. I’m sure he’s done everything possible to provide for his daughter. I hope she has a sibling ready to step in, or a kind caregiver. I hope she can stay in the family home. I hope she can live happily once her parents are gone.

I hope. I went on my ride.

On the way back from my ride, I did the ½ mile warm-down loop I always do. At the far end of the loop, a family moved in last fall. I haven’t yet taken the time to properly introduce myself. I see the dad around the yard, taking out the trash, driving to work. We smile and wave. He’s friendly. I’m friendly.

Dude’s pretty ripped. You can tell he hits the gym. He’s also in a wheelchair. Today, as I rolled down the street towards his end of the block at about 6 mph, I could hear a basketball bounce. He was in the yard shooting hoops with his son. His boy is around ten, and pudgy in that pre-teen way.

They were trash-talking.

“What kind of garbage was that?”

“Oh, no, not tonight son.”

“My turn,” I heard dad say. “Shoot ‘til you miss.”

I stopped at the bottom of the drive, straddled my bike, and watched them for a second. Dad had a sweet stroke. From ten feet away, he drained three in a row. Son bounced the ball back after each shot.

“Hey, nice shot,” I said.

He looked down and waved.

“How are you, my man?” he asked.

“I’m Dave,” I said.

“Glen,” he said as he stuck out his hand.

“My boy Clinton,” he said. Clinton and I shook hands.

“Just wanted to introduce myself,” I said. “You guys keep ballin.”

“Hey, thanks for stopping,” said Glen. “See you around. Come on, Clinton. Still my turn.”

“Aw, Dad. I ain’t never gonna get no shot. You too good.”

“That’s right, son. Your daddy too good.”

Some days you cry. Some days you laugh.

And on some days, on a bike, you get to do both.