Are you tired of waking up in the morning to cold floors? Do you dread stepping out of bed and onto the cold, hard surface? Heated floors may be the perfect solution for you. Before you make the decision to install them, there are a few things you need to know. First, you need to decide which type of heated floors you want: electric or hydronic. Electric heated floors use heating cables or mats under your flooring, while hydronic heated floors use hot water running through tubes. Both options have their pros and cons, so it's important to do your research and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Another factor to consider is the type of flooring you have or plan to install. Not all flooring materials are compatible with heated floors, so it's important to check with the manufacturer before making any decisions. In general, tile, stone, and concrete are the best options for heated floors, while hardwood and carpet can be more challenging and may require additional layers for proper insulation. Lastly, think about the long-term costs and maintenance of heated floors. While they can save you money on heating bills in the long run, the initial installation cost can be expensive. It's also important to properly maintain your heated floors to ensure they continue to function efficiently and effectively.Heated Floors: What You Need to Know Before You Install Them
If you've decided that heated floors are the right choice for you, the next step is to learn how to install them. While it's always recommended to hire a professional for any electrical or plumbing work, you can also choose to install heated floors yourself if you're feeling up to the challenge. The first step is to prepare the subfloor by cleaning it thoroughly and ensuring it is level and free of any debris. Next, you will need to install the heating system, whether it's electric cables or hydronic tubes, according to the manufacturer's instructions. It's important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure the system is installed correctly and safely. Once the heating system is in place, you can then install the flooring material of your choice on top. Depending on the type of flooring, you may need to add an extra layer, such as backer board or insulation, for proper heat distribution. Again, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific flooring material you have chosen. Finally, you will need to connect the heating system to a thermostat for temperature control. It's recommended to hire a professional electrician for this step to ensure it is done correctly and safely.How to Install Heated Floors
Now that you know how to install heated floors, let's discuss the benefits of having them in your home. First and foremost, heated floors provide a cozy and comfortable environment, especially during the colder months. No more stepping onto cold floors in the morning or needing to wear slippers around the house. Heated floors also evenly distribute heat throughout the room, eliminating any cold spots. Additionally, heated floors can save you money on heating bills in the long run. Because they provide direct heat to the room, they can be more energy-efficient compared to traditional heating systems, which lose heat through ducts and vents. Heated floors can also be beneficial for those with allergies. Traditional heating systems can circulate dust and allergens throughout the house, whereas heated floors do not require air circulation, providing a cleaner and healthier environment.Benefits of Heated Floors
If you're not ready to commit to installing heated floors in your home, there are other options available, such as heated floor mats. These are portable and can be placed on top of your existing flooring, providing warmth and comfort in specific areas of your home. Here are the top 10 best heated floor mats: 1. SunTouch Floor Heating Mat - This electric mat is available in various sizes and is easy to install under tile, stone, or laminate flooring. 2. WarmlyYours TempZone Flex Roll - This hydronic mat can be used under any type of flooring and can be cut to fit your specific space. 3. Cozy Products Electric Foot Warmer Mat - This mat is perfect for under your desk or in front of a couch, providing warmth to your feet while you work or relax. 4. Thermotile Electric Radiant Floor Heating System - This mat is ideal for smaller spaces and can be easily installed under tile, stone, or laminate flooring. 5. WarmlyYours Environ Flex Roll Floor Heating System - This mat is energy-efficient and can be used under any type of flooring. 6. HeatTrak Heated Snow-Melting Walkway Mat - This mat is perfect for outdoor use, keeping your walkway or patio free of snow and ice. 7. ThermoFloor Electric Floor Heating Mat - This mat is suitable for all types of flooring and is available in various sizes. 8. HeatTech Electric Radiant Floor Heating Mat - This mat is designed for use under tile or stone flooring and is available in a range of sizes. 9. Schluter DITRA-HEAT Floor Heating System - This mat is specifically designed for use under tile and includes a thermostat for temperature control. 10. Cozy Products Ice-Away Snow Melt Mat - This mat is perfect for outdoor use and can be placed under rugs or mats for added warmth.Top 10 Best Heated Floor Mats
Now that we've covered heated floors, let's switch gears and talk about pillow top mattresses. A pillow top mattress is a popular choice for those looking for a comfortable and supportive bed. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right pillow top mattress: Support - The most important factor when choosing a mattress is the level of support it provides. Look for a pillow top mattress with a firm support core and a plush top layer for maximum comfort. Material - Pillow top mattresses can be made from a variety of materials, such as memory foam, latex, or innerspring. Consider which material will best suit your preferences and sleep needs. Thickness - Pillow top mattresses come in different thicknesses, and the thicker the top layer, the more cushioning and support it can provide. Keep in mind that a thicker mattress may require special sheets and may be more challenging to move. Firmness - The firmness of a pillow top mattress can vary, so it's important to choose one that best suits your sleeping position and preferences. If you're a side sleeper, a softer mattress may be more comfortable, while back and stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer option.How to Choose the Right Pillow Top Mattress
With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best pillow top mattress for your needs. Here are the top 5 best pillow top mattresses of 2021: 1. Saatva Classic Mattress - This hybrid innerspring mattress features a Euro pillow top for added comfort and support. 2. DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress - This mattress combines memory foam and innerspring for a comfortable and supportive sleep experience. 3. Beautyrest Black K-Class Ultra Plush Pillow Top Mattress - This luxury mattress features a plush pillow top and multiple layers of memory foam for ultimate comfort. 4. Nectar Lush Mattress - This all-foam mattress has a gel-infused memory foam pillow top for cool and comfortable sleep. 5. WinkBed Mattress - This hybrid mattress has a Euro pillow top and multiple layers of foam and coils for a supportive and comfortable sleep surface.Best Pillow Top Mattresses of 2021
To ensure your pillow top mattress stays in good condition, it's essential to clean it regularly. Here are some tips on how to clean a pillow top mattress: Vacuum - Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove any surface debris and dust from your mattress. Spot clean - If there are any stains on your mattress, mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water and gently dab the stain. Avoid using too much water, as this can damage the mattress. Deodorize - To freshen up your mattress, sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up. Flip and rotate - It's important to regularly flip and rotate your mattress to prevent uneven wear and to extend its lifespan.How to Clean a Pillow Top Mattress
If you suffer from back pain, a pillow top mattress may be a good option for you. Here are the top 5 pillow top mattresses for back pain: 1. Purple Hybrid Premier Mattress - This hybrid mattress features a grid-like top layer that adapts to your body's pressure points, providing relief for back pain. 2. Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress - This hybrid mattress has a plush pillow top and zoned lumbar support, perfect for those with back pain. 3. Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress - This hybrid mattress has a quilted Euro top and individually wrapped coils for targeted support and pressure relief. 4. Leesa Legend Mattress - This hybrid mattress has a soft, quilted top layer and a supportive foam core, providing pressure relief for back pain sufferers. 5. Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress - This hybrid mattress has a plush pillow top and zoned support to alleviate pressure and provide support for those with back pain.Top 5 Pillow Top Mattresses for Back Pain
One downside of pillow top mattresses is that they can trap heat, causing discomfort and disrupting sleep. Here are some tips on how to keep your pillow top mattress cool: Choose the right sheets - Look for sheets made from breathable materials, such as cotton or bamboo, to help regulate temperature. Use a mattress protector - A mattress protector can help create a barrier between you and the mattress, preventing body heat from getting trapped. Invest in a cooling topper - There are mattress toppers specifically designed to regulate temperature and provide a cool sleep surface. Keep the room cool - Make sure your bedroom is properly ventilated and keep the room temperature on the cooler side to prevent overheating.How to Keep Your Pillow Top Mattress Cool
You may have noticed that some mattresses are labeled as pillow top, while others are labeled as Euro top. So, what's the difference? Pillow top mattresses have an extra layer of padding on top that is sewn onto the mattress. This layer is usually soft and plush, providing a cloud-like feel. On the other hand, Euro top mattresses have a layer of padding that is sewn flush with the edges of the mattress, creating a uniform appearance. This layer is typically denser and firmer compared to a pillow top. Both options provide extra cushioning and comfort, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.Pillow Top vs. Euro Top Mattresses: What's the Difference?