When it comes to sleep, size matters more than most people realize. A standard King or California King may feel generous at first glance, but for families, co-sleepers, or pet owners, it can quickly feel cramped. That’s why oversized mattresses like the Alaskan king-size mattress and The Family Bed by Taylor & Wells are gaining attention. If you’ve ever woken up pinned to the edge of your bed by a toddler’s foot, a partner’s restless tossing, or your dog stretched out like royalty, you know exactly why bigger beds are trending. But how do you know which oversized option is right for you? This guide breaks down the key differences between the King, California King, Alaskan King, and The Family Bed by Taylor & Wells, so you can choose the mattress that truly gives your household the room it deserves. Why Bigger Beds Are Gaining Popularity Oversized mattresses are a...

Mattress off-gassing refers to that distinctive “new mattress smell” you might notice after unboxing a bed. When you open a freshly manufactured, vacuum-sealed mattress and place it on your bed frame, you may detect a chemical-like odor in the room. This happens because volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released from the mattress materials into the air. In simple terms, off-gassing is the process of a new mattress emitting these leftover manufacturing fumes. It’s especially common with mattress-in-a-box products that are compressed and vacuum sealed right after production (the packaging traps those VOCs until you open it). The smell can be unpleasant, but what does it mean for your health and indoor air quality? Why Do New Mattresses Smell? That “new mattress smell” is largely caused by VOCs escaping from synthetic materials in the bed. VOCs are chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. They’re found in many household items (paint,...

In a recent article, we explored how a NASA invention for astronauts turned into memory foam mattresses that improve our sleep every night (see From NASA to Your Bedroom: The Evolution of Memory Foam Mattresses). But what about the astronauts themselves? Up on the International Space Station (ISS), crew members aren’t dozing on king-size beds; they’re cocooned in sleeping bags attached to the wall as they hurtle around Earth at 17,500 mph. In fact, an astronaut on the ISS experiences 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours, making a “normal” night’s sleep a bit of a cosmic challenge. It sounds wild, yet many astronauts insist that sleeping in space can be extremely comfortable – perhaps even more comfortable than on Earth – once you get used to it. How Astronauts Go to Bed Astronauts don’t use traditional mattresses in space. Instead, each crew member sleeps solo in a small, closet-like...

Let’s face it. Your mattress matters. It’s where you unwind after long days, snuggle up with your kids or pets, and hopefully get the kind of deep, pain-free rest that makes mornings feel a little brighter. So when your bed isn’t cutting it anymore, maybe it’s too small, too soft, or just worn out, it’s time for something better. That’s what you get with Taylor & Wells: premium mattresses that are made right here in the USA, to support American jobs and your wallet as well. Let’s break down why a Taylor & Wells mattress, especially their massive Family Bed, could be exactly what your sleep (and space) has been missing. Built with Pride The thing about an American made mattress is that it’s built with a level of care you just don’t find in mass-produced imports. When your bed is handcrafted here in the US, it means every stitch,...

Farm life can be both rewarding and exhausting. Long days tending fields and livestock often lead to sore muscles and achy joints by nightfall. After those long, exhausting days, the last thing you need is a lumpy, unsupportive bed hindering your rest. A durable, comfortable mattress designed for farm life can make a difference, helping you fall asleep faster, stay asleep through the night, and wake up rejuvenated for another early morning on the land. The Toll of Farm Life on Sleep Quality As a farmer, physical labor and irregular schedules are mostly a part of your lifestyle. But it gets tougher during the planting, calving, harvesting, etc., seasons because there’s so much to do. As a result, you might sleep less and end up accumulating sleep debt. According to recent studies, farmers spend about 25 fewer minutes in bed and lose almost 30 minutes of sleep every night. Of...

The memory foam mattresses we sleep on today began as a space technology project decades ago. Here’s a quick look at how a NASA invention for astronauts turned into a mattress that can improve your sleep every night. Space-Age Origins In the 1960s, NASA’s Ames Research Center needed better seat cushions for astronauts and test pilots. Aeronautical engineer Charles Yost helped develop an open-cell, viscoelastic foam in 1966. This foam absorbed impact, relieved pressure, and evenly distributed body weight. It was originally called “slow springback foam” because it slowly returned to its original shape. Later, it became known as temper foam. The material responded to pressure and body heat, softening when warm and staying firm when cool. These properties made it ideal for safe, comfortable seating. In 1969, Yost founded Dynamic Systems, Inc. to commercialize the foam. Early versions were sensitive to temperature changes, so the formula was improved over...

We’ve all had days when we wake up tired, even after a full night’s sleep. It happens – and is usually because of many factors like movement, temperature, and breathing. Of course, the mattress plays a big part in that. That’s why mattress companies are constantly stepping up their game, trying to create beds that do more than just feel comfy for the first five minutes. They want to build something that helps you sleep better, adjusts to you, keeps you at the perfect temperature, and even stops you from snoring. And now, with AI-powered mattresses, we’re talking about a whole new level of smart sleep. These beds don’t just track your sleep—they actively adjust in real time to ensure you get the best rest possible. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s happening. The Rise of Smart Mattress Technology Before we dive into AI-powered mattresses, let’s talk about smart...

You need enough sleep. In fact, your survival literally depends on your ability to rest. Numerous studies have shown strong connection between good sleep and good health. If you get a better quality, longer duration, and greater consistency of sleep, you’ll most likely have a better mood, problem-solving ability, brain performance and so on. And the opposite is also true—poor sleep can undermine your physical health, mental clarity, and emotional resilience, making it clear that prioritizing rest isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for thriving in every aspect of life. Cortisol – a stress hormone the adrenal glands produce – is a key player in this process. When your cortisol levels are well-regulated through quality sleep, you feel calmer, more energetic, and better equipped to handle life’s daily demands. When they’re out of balance, however, you may experience chronic stress, mood swings, and even health risks like high blood...