Each memory foam mattress lists its density in the product information. High-density foam is defined as above 5 (2.27 kg) and especially 6 lbs. (2.72 kg). This mattress will feel quite firm at first, but it will adapt to your body to relieve pain and pressure points. Lasting about 8-10 years, it’s the best choice for those looking for durability, although it will cost more. Mid-grade foam is defined as 4 to 5 lbs (1.81-2.27 kg). This option should also provide you with a durability of about 8-10 years, and it may be more comfortable and less costly than high-density foam. Low-density foam, normally 2 to 3 lb. (0.91-1.36 kg), will likely feel more comfortable when you lie down, as you’ll sink into the layer. While this foam is less expensive than higher density options, it’s also less durable. You may have to replace it within 4-6 years. The ILD is another important indicator of firmness. Low ILDs will give you a soft and comfortable surface, while highers ILDs create resistance and support for your back. You generally want lower ILDs (10-11) for the top layers and at least one layer with a higher ILD (20-40) to prevent low-back pain. Memory foam is a temperature-sensitive material that softens as it comes in contact with your body heat. This is what gives it the ability to contour to your body, but the foam can also get overly hot at night. Many memory foam mattresses now offer top layers made with different materials to increase ventilation and keep you cool. Gel memory foam increases the air circulation in memory foam, providing a cooler surface. This option also offers increased and more balanced support for your back. This may help relieve chronic back pain. Be aware that the gel memory foam will be cool at first, but it will heat up to match your body temperature over the course of the night. Gel layers may only help you fall asleep. Natural latex foam maintains the same general softness and support as memory foam, but does not have its temperature sensitivity. This will likely prevent you from experiencing the cloud-like feeling that comes from memory foam. However, natural latex will not cause you to “sleep hot,” and it won’t give off any chemical odors. CertiPUR-US is an American-based non-for-profit program that prevents foam from including harmful metals, chemicals, ozone depleters, or dangerous gas emissions. Most mattress companies will advertise that their products have received this certification. While companies from all over the world can be CertiPUR-US-certified, the certification adheres to American standards. These standards are comparable with the European-based Eco-label. The density of latex and memory foam mattresses already inhibits the spread of allergy-causing dust mites. The bamboo cover will supplement this resistance, as bamboo is naturally dust and mildew resistant. Before you decide on a product, check out previous buyers’ experiences to avoid falling into a consumer trap. Reviews will provide you with information about the relationship between the cost and the overall comfort and quality of the mattress.

Summary: Pick high-density foam for firmness and durability. Choose medium-density foam for a compromise. Go with low-density foam for softness and a lower cost. Check the ILD rating of each layer in the mattress. Look for memory foam mattresses with cooling layers. Choose gel memory foam for a cool surface and good support. Pick natural latex foam to avoid the drawbacks of memory foam. Avoid harmful chemicals by checking for CertiPUR-US certifications. Choose a bamboo cover for hypoallergenic protection. Read online reviews to gauge quality and pricing.


For example, if they love to go shopping, you could incorporate shopping into the birthday plans by starting out the day at the mall. If they hate crowds, you could choose activities where you'll be more secluded. Keeping their interests in mind will help you choose activities you know they'll enjoy. Don't feel obligated to spend a lot of money for your significant other's birthday if you can't afford it. Look for cheap or free activities you can do together; your significant other will still appreciate the effort. For example, you could take your significant other to a free outdoor concert at the park if they like live music, or find a museum that's having a discounted or free admission day. If you're planning on doing something outside and the weather is calling for rain, look for a new activity you can do that's indoors. If it's going to be a nice day out and you hadn't planned anything for outside, consider squeezing an extra activity that's outside into the schedule.

Summary: Choose birthday activities based on your significant other's interests. Choose activities that are within your budget. Check the weather forecast before you finalize your plans.


Rushing to get somewhere can make you nervous and anxious. Instead, you can relax when driving if you make sure that you leave in enough time to arrive at your destination without rushing.  Allow time for accidents, traffic, detours, and other unexpected events that might make you late. Plan your route in advance so that you don’t lose time trying to figure out which way to go. Preparing your car for your drive before you get behind the wheel can help you relax when driving. Before you get in, make sure that you have adjusted your controls and set the car up for your drive.  Position your seat in a comfortable position. You should be able to sit in the driver’s seat comfortably and still easily reach the pedals and steering wheel. Adjust your rearview and side mirrors so that you can see everything around you and don’t have to worry about adjusting them while you are driving. If you are using GPS, go ahead and set your location and put the device somewhere that you can easily see it while driving. Adjust any other controls or settings, like temperature, beforehand so that you can focus on driving once you get started. Some research suggests that listening to classical, pop, or other downbeat music while you are driving can calm you down. So turn off the rock and rap and put on some pop or R&B to relax when you are driving.  Listening to more fast tempo music like rock can cause you to drive faster and get upset easier. Try to set your radio station or music before you start driving so that you aren’t distracted while you are driving. The distractions of alarms, alerts, and notifications can distract you and cause you to become tense while you are driving. To be safe and to relax when you are driving, put your electronic on silent or at least out of reach.  You can lose focus on driving as you try to see who is contacting you or become anxious as the beeps and tones continue to go off. Some phones and phone services have a ‘driving mode’ that can be used while you are driving to reduce your distractions. If you need to, put your phone somewhere that you can’t reach it so you won’t be tempted to check it. Having a conversation about ways to help you stay calm when you are driving can eliminate some of the stress passengers can add to driving. Let your passengers know that you want to be relaxed while you are driving and tell them what they can do to help.  Ask your passengers to wear their seatbelt, try to be still, and talk calmly to you. For example, you could say, “While I’m driving please don’t yell at me or try to get things out of the backseat. It makes me nervous.” Talk to children about how they should behave when they are passengers in a car. You might say, “Kids, you should sit back, stay in your seatbelt, talk quietly, and no horseplay. This will keep you safe and me relaxed.”
Summary: Give yourself plenty of time. Set up your car. Turn on relaxing music. Put your electronic devices away. Talk to your passengers.