Over a lifetime, we’ll spend close to 230,000 hours sleeping — so, about one third of our lives is spent lying on a mattress. If you hadn’t clocked the importance of knowing when you should replace your mattress before, now may be the perfect time.

Over time — and way sooner than our accumulated lifetime of 9,496 days of sleep — dust mites, mould and mildew build up, and mattress materials lose their integrity and begin to sag. Besides the health implications of sleeping on a “mature” mattress, throughout our lives our sleep needs will change, our living situations shift, and our bedroom budgets rise and fall.

It’s clear we need some guidance on when we actually need to swap out our sleeping surface — and if there’s anything we can do prolong its limited life. Laura Di Lorenzo is the founder and CEO of Sunshine Mattress Co., with more than a decade’s experience in the organic mattress industry, mastering everything from customized mattress design to premium material sourcing. Di Lorenzo is dialled in to the details needed to determine how often you should replace your mattress.

Related: The Gross Reason You Need To Wash Your Pillows More

1. What Are the Telltale Signs?

“A few key signs make it pretty obvious when it’s time for a new mattress,” says Di Lorenzo. “If you’re waking up with allergy [or allergy-like] symptoms or feeling persistent back pain, it’s a good indication that your mattress isn’t doing its job anymore!”

Another giveaway that it’s time to replace your mattress is sound. If your mattress squeaks and groans with every micro movement, that could mean the materials are breaking down. Weight is also a factor to keep tabs on; if the mattress is heavier than when you first bought it, that could be from moisture build up. And when a mattress gets damp, dust mites, mould and mildew aren’t too far behind.

2. What Happens if You Ignore Said Signs?

Di Lorenzo confirms that, over time, mattresses loose their ability to provide proper support, with memory foam and spring mattresses being especially prone to this. “If you wait too long to replace your mattress, you might notice a few issues… it can cause your body to feel misaligned or uncomfortable during sleep.” Persistent back pain, sore hips and joints, or general unexplainable fatigue (from unconsciously tossing and turning throughout the night) can also arise.

3. What Contributes to a Mattress’s Wear and Tear?

“If you toss and turn a lot in your sleep, that constant movement can wear down the materials quicker,” says Di Lorenzo. “Using the mattress for things like watching TV or reading instead of just sleeping, [also] puts additional strain on it.”

She also points out that a person’s weight can be a factor, as well as improper frame support, such as using an old box spring or an ill-fitting foundation.

4. How Can We Lengthen the Life of a Mattress?

By rotating and flipping a mattresses regularly, you’ll avoid sleeping in the same spot and wearing down a small, specific area. A solid support system, such a slat base (rather than flexible slats or a box spring), makes sure pressure is evenly distributed throughout the mattress. A mattress protector is always a must, shielding the mattress’s material from spills, stains and dust.

“Lastly, controlling the humidity in your room helps,” says Di Lorenzo. “Open the window in the morning and pull back your sheets to let your mattress breathe and dry out any moisture.”

5. Which Mattress Materials Hold Up the Best?

“Latex is hands down the most durable material out there,” says Di Lorenzo. “Organic latex mattresses can last 20 years or more if treated well, which makes them an excellent long-term investment.”

She believes that when combined with moisture-wicking wool, you get the ultimate mattress-material match. “The wool helps control moisture, which is key for maintaining a fresh and dry mattress… these two materials together give you the most long-lasting, comfortable sleep.”

Related: This Viral Sleeper Chair From Amazon Is a Must-Have

6. What Are the General Time Guidelines for Replacing a Mattress?

“It used to be that you’d replace your mattress every 10 years, but with the rise of mattress-in-a-box options, people are replacing their mattresses much sooner these days,” says Di Lorenzo. Memory foam softens and thins over time and spring mattresses lose their spring. So, depending on how well you take care of them, a conventional mattress will maintain its form and function anywhere from one to eight years.

7. What Should We Look for in a New Mattress?

Before even looking at available mattress options, Di Lorenzo suggests getting a clear picture of your own sleeping patterns. How do you usually sleep: back, side or front? What are your pain concerns, such as sore hips or back? Do you like the feeling of sinking down or would you prefer a firmer surface?

“Testing in person is ideal so you can feel the mattress for yourself, but if that’s not an option, I’d suggest scheduling a video consultation with the brand you’re considering.” And if you’re worried about having to dig deep for a new bed frame to accompany the new mattress, you can rest easy. A new frame is only necessary if you’re changing mattress size or if your current support system is letting you (and your mattress) down.

When was the last time you washed your pillows? If the answer is never, you might find the following pretty gross. As much as you love your pillows, so do other guests. We’re talking about the invisible kind. The ones you don’t know are there but can profoundly affect the quality of your sleep and your health. From dead skin to fungus and mold, if you’re not washing and replacing your pillows regularly, you’re sleeping with all kinds of nasty stuff.

Here are five reasons why you need to take pillow hygiene seriously:

Reason 1: Dead Skin Cells and Dust Mites

The average person sheds thousands of skin cells every night. That’s pretty gross, but it gets worse. All those skin cells become food for dust mites. While you’re snoozing away, they’re crawling around, getting their fill at the dead cell buffet.

Dust mites love bedding and pillows. We’re not talking about a couple of mites, either. We’re talking about millions. Yes, millions of these little creatures (they’re too small to see with the naked eye) are hanging out on your unwashed pillows. The Canadian Lung Association notes that dust mites thrive in warm, humid settings – like your pillow. Dust mites aren’t parasites, meaning they don’t bite, but their poop, urine and even their decaying bodies can aggravate allergies. They’re also a major trigger for people with asthma.

Reason 2: Bacteria and Mold Growth

While you’re sleeping away at night, your sweat, saliva and skin’s natural oils are making their way to your pillows. Over time, this stuff builds up, creating a fertile ground for bacteria.

According to a study by Amerisleep, millions of bacteria can be found in your bed and on your pillow. Many of those bacteria are pretty common, but research has shown that in addition to the harmless bacteria, highly toxic and dangerous bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli can grow. These little nasties can make you sick and, if you have acne or cuts on your skin, can lead to infections.

Related: How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets?

Reason 3: Fungal Spores

Because they thrive in warm, moist environments, different types of fungal spores can be found in pillows and bedding. Research by health agencies like the National Institutes of Health reveals that pillows can harbour nearly twenty fungal species. One of these, Aspergillus fumigatus, is a particularly unpleasant species that can aggravate asthma.

Reason 4: Oils, Makeup Residue and Acne

If you go to bed without thoroughly washing off makeup and skincare products, the residue builds up on your pillows. And those dirty pillows can lead to clogged pores, which can cause skin problems to flare up and acne to worsen.

Related: Cleaning Secrets From Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Reason 5: Allergens and Respiratory Issues

Over time, allergens like pet dander (sorry, Fido), pollen and those dust mites we mentioned earlier, collect on unwashed pillows (and the rest of your bedding) and can aggravate symptoms for people with allergies, asthma and other respiratory issues. Studies have shown that frequently washing bedding (more on that below) significantly reduces allergy symptoms.

Now that we’ve sufficiently grossed you out (sorry), here are some ways to keep your pillows (and bedding) less yucky.

Experts recommend washing your pillowcases weekly and pillows at least every three months. This will reduce allergens and bacteria. Use a gentle detergent to avoid irritating your skin.

Related: 7 Pillows That Help Reduce Neck Pain

Washing your pillows not only extends their life, it contributes to a healthier, more restful sleep. But be sure to follow the pillow manufacturer’s washing instructions.

Other steps you can take include using pillow protectors. These act as an additional barrier against allergens, mites, fungi and bacteria. You can wash these more frequently, especially if you have allergies or other respiratory issues.

Putting your pillows in sunlight during the day is also a good idea. This will help keep them dried out, preventing bacteria and mold growth. If your pillows are difficult to wash, this is a great option.

You should also replace your pillows regularly. Even with regular washing, your pillows will accumulate dirt and other contaminants. Depending on the type of pillows, you should replace them every year or two.

By washing and replacing your pillows more often, you’ll create a cleaner sleep environment, which is better for your skin and health and will contribute to a more restful slumber.

There’s a lot of reasons people get attached to something they’ve created. Sometimes it’s pride in the finished project, the amount of time invested in it, or that it feels like a representation of the artist. At the Ravine House it was a combination of all three for Ali Budd. Her and her team had been tirelessly working on this 8-year-build and now it was coming to fruition. After being given free reign on the design of this renovation, Ali was determined to create an unforgettable home no matter what it took. Now, you get to decide if this 8-year-build lives up. Spoiler: it does.

Catch House of Ali, coming soon to Home Network and STACKTV.

Youthful Design

When making a luxe home, the level of design needs to continue through all the rooms while still suiting the room’s purpose. However, since this was a family with three young boys, she needed to create designs that would appeal to them. This was easier said than done, as she didn’t want something that they would soon grow and mature out of. So, to do this and have a sense of cohesion between the three rooms, she used repeating themes. Funky patterned wallpaper allowed each boy to showcase their personality while giving them an easy way to change their aesthetics in the future.

Check out: This House in Fall River, Nova Scotia Has the Best Bedrooms Ever

Mature Opulence

Common spaces in the home were far less personalized. Instead, they were meant to wow and create a sense of luxury while still being functional. Nowhere was this better showcased than the kitchen. Crisp white high-end materials throughout created the perfect backdrop for stunning feature materials. This contrast allowed the brass rangehood and stunning backsplash to be center stage. The Ravine House is finally finished, after an 8-year-build, and ready to wow.

Related: The Perfect Range Hoods for Open Concept Kitchens

See more of Ali and her team’s stunning designs on House of Ali, coming soon to Home Network and STACKTV.

We all know getting a good night’s sleep is essential to our health and well-being. There’s nothing better than waking up rested and refreshed, but sometimes that’s hard to do. That’s particularly true in the warmer months when the temperature climbs and bedrooms heat up, but for hot sleepers, getting a comfortable sleep can be challenging all year long.

Studies have shown that body temperature affects your sleep quality, and heat exposure can increase your wakefulness throughout the night. That’s where a good cooling mattress can be a sleep-saver. Cooling mattresses come with temperature-regulating technology for your best sleep every night of the year, whether you’re a hot sleeper or dealing with the elements.

If you’re ready to upgrade your mattress, we’ve curated a list of the best cooling mattresses in Canada. From specialized technology to gels and memory foams, here are our top picks in 2024.

Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress

Our top cooling mattress pick of 2024 is the Emma Hybrid Premium Plus Mattress. The unique Thermosync foam technology dissipates heat and controls temperature for the perfect sleep, night after night. This hybrid mattress also offers total motion isolation so you can sleep even if your partner is tossing and turning, plus ergonomic zones and extra pressure relief for total spinal support.

The Emma is also breathable, cool to touch, and offers a unique floating sensation that delivers an overall restorative sleep experience. Take advantage of the 365-night trial, and rest assured that this mattress will last with its 10-year warranty.

Emma Hybrid Premium Mattress, Queen, on sale for $869.

Casper Snow Mattress

This mattress is specifically designed to keep you five degrees cooler at night with a system of branded cooling features. The Snow Technology uses HeatDelete Bands and Phase Change Materials, along with a CoolTouch Cover, to cool you down. It’s also designed to encourage airflow and provides three ergonomic zones with springs and foam to support your spine during the deepest of sleeps.

Casper Snow Mattress, Queen, $2,999.

Hush Graph-Iced Cooling Mattress

Hush’s cooling mattress is built with six layers, including the IcedShift Cooling Band and a vented transition layer, which work together to keep you cool and comfy all night long. Other layers help deliver a zero-motion transfer experience for light sleepers. This medium-to-plush mattress is ideal for side and stomach sleepers and is made from certified, non-toxic materials.

Hush Graph-Iced Cooling Mattress, Queen, $2,099.

Nectar Premier Copper Mattress

This triple-action cooling mattress is specifically designed for hot sleepers and those who need extra support, making it a solid choice for anyone who dreams of a firm sleep. The ActiveCool technology reacts to your body temperature, regulating your sleep as you fluctuate throughout the night. These mattresses also have a 365-night trial and a “forever warranty.”

Nectar Premier Copper Mattress, Queen, $1,399.

GhostBed Luxe Mattress

The company bills this mattress as “the coolest bed in the world” because of its patented cooling technology. The medium-firm mattress features contouring memory gel and bouncy foam to give it a “spring-like” feel, with dense base layers that offer extra support. The GhostBed is designed for those who rest on their sides and backs, and features a low-motion build for couples and light sleepers.

GhostBed Luxe Mattress, Queen, $4,095.

Logan & Cove Frontier Hybrid Mattress

Thousands of micro coils, specialized cooling foam and a plush Euro-top combine for a luxury night’s sleep with this hybrid mattress. It’s cushioned to be comfortable but supportive enough to relieve pressure while you rest. It’s also breathable and motion isolating, and comes with a 15-year warranty.

Logan & Cove Frontier Hybrid Mattress, Queen, $1,299.

Octave Horizon Mattress

Octave’s medium-firm cooling mattress is made from copper-infused memory foam and cooling gel that keeps things chill and breathable overnight. The cover also features CryoFusion technology with extra cooling nanofibers for an even more refreshing sleep. Below, a multi-zone support foam with air channels grounds this mattress, keeping the air flowing and moisture at bay.

Octave Horizon Mattress, Queen, $1,499.

Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress

Although this hybrid mattress isn’t advertised as a cooling mattress, it includes a cooling fabric cover and cooling gel-infused memory foam to help regulate your temperature as you sleep. This mattress also uses pocket coils to absorb motion throughout the night and keep you from waking up, and it comes with zoned coil support for a more supportive sleep.

Silk and Snow Hybrid Mattress, Queen, $900.

Polysleep Zephyr Mattress

This 12-inch mattress features two cooling technologies, KulKote and GelFlex Plus, plus a breathable cover that cools your body down on hot nights and keeps you warm in the winter. Meanwhile, the hybrid foam technology adapts to your body and shape, helping you achieve those deeper Zsss all night long.

Polysleep Zephyr Mattress, Queen, $2,545.

Serta iCool Eco 2 Mattress

Support meets cooling technology with this 12.5-inch hybrid foam mattress from Serta. It’s designed to regulate your body temperature overnight while easing pressure points, delivering premium comfort and breathability. This mattress also contains antimicrobial properties to keep it fresh for longer, offers edge-to-edge support, and includes a memory foam component made from 30 per cent plant-based materials.

Serta iCool Eco 2 Mattress, Queen, $2,499.

 

Many of us strive for a better night’s sleep. In Canada, a whopping 25 per cent of adults say they have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep at night. While we know certain sleep habits (like turning off devices before bed or installing blackout curtains), can help us get better shut-eye, what we snooze on matters, too. That’s why purchasing a new mattress is such a big decision. We spend a third of our lifetime sleeping, after all!

GoodMorning.com understands that. The company launched in 2009 after co-founder Sam Prochazka went to buy a mattress. He was disappointed to discover inflated prices, high-pressure salespeople and final sales. So, alongside his twin brother Andy Prochazka, he launched a solid Canadian alternative to the usual big-name mattress stores. 

Not only does GoodMorning.com sell some of the best Canadian mattresses around, but depending on where you live in Canada, you can take advantage of fast, free delivery. Furthermore, the online retailer offers a minimum 120-night risk-free sleep trial on all of its high-quality mattresses. Returns are quick, free and easy. 

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, we’ve got you covered with this list of some of the best mattresses for a peaceful night’s rest. 

Best Overall: Logan & Cove Pinnacle

One of GoodMorning.com’s newest additions, the Logan & Cove Pinnacle stands out as the best hybrid mattress for those seeking a five-star hotel experience at home. It’s constructed with a quilted Euro-top cover and six hybrid layers of micro-coils, gel-infused foam and cooling nanofibers for exceptional support, pressure relief and cooling breathability in any sleep position. The best part? It comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty, so you have plenty of time to ensure it’s the right mattress for you. 

Logan & Cove Pinnacle Mattress, Queen, $1,699.

Related: 10 Surprising Reasons You’re Not Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Most Affordable Mattress: Juno Cool+

Juno is celebrated as Canada’s best value mattress brand by many publications and has over 6,600 five-star customer reviews, making it the ideal choice for anyone shopping on a budget without compromising comfort. The Juno Cool+ is one of Canada’s most affordable cooling mattresses and is suitable for a wide range of sleepers, whether you like to sleep on your side, back or stomach. That’s because it features a medium-firm feel and a cooling gel memory foam to cradle you to sleep at night, along with a Cool+ cover that’s infused with cooling yarn fibres to keep you comfy. This mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty.

Juno Cool+ Mattress, Queen, $578.

Related: The 20 Best Bedroom Plants to Help You Get a Better Sleep

Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers: Octave Vista

Looking for a memory foam mattress that also cools you down on hot nights? You’ll love the Octave Vista. This leading Canadian product is packed with advanced cooling features like copper-infused memory foam, temperature-regulating phase-change material, and a top cover woven with cooling nanofibres. At 12 inches tall, it’s made solely of specialty memory foams, including multi-zone support foam to provide targeted pressure point relief and full-body contouring. Named the country’s best memory foam mattress by several leading publications, we also love that it comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty.

Octave Vista Mattress, Queen, $899.

Related: 15 Design Tricks to Help Baby Sleep Through the Night

Best Mattress for Couples: Douglas Alpine

If you love your partner but don’t love sharing a bed with them, the Douglas Alpine may be your solution. The award-winning mattress features three premium foam layers and impressive motion isolation, making it ideal for couples, particularly light sleepers and those who toss and turn. In fact, Douglas Alpine outperforms many other popular mattresses for motion isolation, according to third-party engineer testing conducted by MattressReviews.ca. The Douglas Alpine also features a machine-washable cover and cooling technology, like cooling gel foam and phase-change material, to keep you comfy all night long. It comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty — the longest warranty of all GoodMorning.com mattresses.

Douglas Alpine Mattress, Queen, $999.

Related: The Best Cooling Mattresses to Keep You Comfortable All Year Long

When searching for your ideal mattress, remember that no two sleepers are alike. With multiple factors to consider like your budget, sleep preferences, and the size of mattress you need, it can be a journey to find your perfect mattress.

With a wide variety of mattresses, GoodMorning.com’s collections offer something for everyone. The company’s longer-than-average sleep trials give you plenty of time to test your new mattress at home, and their extensive mattress warranties can give you confidence that the mattress will stand the test of time.

To explore GoodMorning.com’s popular mattress brands like Douglas, Logan & Cove, Octave, and Juno, check out GoodMorning.com.

If you’re like us and have been endlessly scrolling through TikTok lately, then you may have caught sight of a few new Amazon home must-haves to add to your list. And we think this latest air mattress find is exactly what you need. Read: it’s self-inflatable, stores like a dream and is perfect for guests. We’re obsessed. 

Related: This Viral Paint Colour is Taking Over the Internet Right Now

What is the Perfect Amazon Air Mattress?

This Amazon mattress not only self-inflates, but it inflates in less than four minutes. There’s a built-in sturdy metal frame with a standard bed height of 22 inches, so you and your guests can easily get in and out of bed.

The firmness can also be adjusted depending on your preference (a feature a regular air mattress certainly doesn’t have). There are 32 coils to ensure a good night’s sleep. Plus, a big feature we’re here for is the way it effortlessly collapses into a zip-up rolling duffle bag, which is perfect for storing and packing up for travel.

Ivation EZ-Bed Inflatable Mattress (Twin), Amazon, $500.

Related: The Guest Bedroom Checklist: Everything You Need to Be the Best Host

Ways to Use the Ivation EZ-Bed Inflatable Mattress

Looking for other ways to use the air mattress? We’ve got you covered. Read on for tips to maximize this must-have, no matter your living space or lifestyle.

For Guest Sleepovers

It’s the perfect companion piece when guests come to stay the night (especially for those without a guest bedroom). Whether it’s a slumber party for kids, or family who are out-of-towners, this bed is equally comfortable and durable. 

For Camping Trips

Long gone are the days of uncomfortable, hard tent floors. Say goodbye to sleeping bags and hello to this portable air mattress for your next camping (or glamping) trip. The foldable feature makes it easy to store in the car, and when opened, it can easily fit inside a large tent. The bottom is handy for tucking storage items like shoes, bags and luggage. 

For Small Spaces

If you have a small guest room or home office that also doubles as a guest room, look no further than this air mattress. The twin version will fit into a small space with ease, and with its standard height, it can be disguised as an everyday bed when sheets and pillows are added. Leverage the storage component for luggage, containers or books. When guests leave, just pack it up and stow away for next time.

You May Also Like: Our Favourite Fall Decor on Amazon for $50 or Less

We’ve watched seasoned professionals like Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler plan and execute brilliant remodels and designs without going over budget all the time on Home Network. So we knew who to ask for advice when budgeting for a home reno.

Read on for all of the guys’ hot tips on where to put your money and where to save a buck when considering your own budget for a house renovation.

SPLURGE: The Primary Bedroom

Bryan makes a fair point: The primary bedroom is your retreat and your space, so why shouldn’t you put a good chunk of your renovation budget into making it everything you’ve always dreamed of? Within reason, of course. A good mattress and fantastic sheets can go a long way. But so can a small lounge area or built-in shelves and closets. Figure out your affordable luxury point and work backward from there.

Related: Dreamy Bedroom Trends for 2023 That Will Make Your Space Feel Like New

SAVE: Furniture

Bryan, by his own admission, is likelier to splurge on furniture than Scott. But finding sturdy pieces that will hold up without breaking the bank is an excellent way to cut some of that mounting renovation budget. If you can source items second-hand, all the better, but consider how you’ll be using that furniture as well. Is it going in a family or kids’ room, where it will eventually get destroyed? That’s definitely not a piece worth shelling out extra coin for.

Related: 20 Of Our Favourite Canadian Furniture Stores in 2023

SAVE: A Feature Wall

Feature walls are all the rage, but Scott says that doesn’t mean they must be super expensive. A different paint colour, wallpaper, or even a photo collage can help pull together a creative and inexpensive feature wall that packs a big punch without breaking the bank.

SPLURGE: Flooring

Scott and Bryan agree: Floors do a big job, so you must set enough money aside for good materials. These days there are all kinds of flooring to choose from, whether you’re looking at tile, LVP, hardwood, or something else. When budgeting for floors, be sure to set aside enough to potentially replace the subfloor, add in any luxe finishes (like heating!), and factor in any necessary staining or protection as well.

SPLURGE: Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets take a lot of wear and tear, so if you’re gutting your kitchen, Scott recommends spending a little extra for higher quality cabinets that will store all your stuff and last, rather than inexpensive pieces you may have to replace or paint a few years down the road.

SAVE: Backsplash

Even for beginner renovators, the backsplash is one of the easiest things to replace in a kitchen. It’s also one of the least expensive things, so both Bryan and Scott agree that you don’t need to go hog wild with the coolest and most expensive backsplash. Pick a pattern that suits your space, and know that if you need to switch up your kitchen in a few years, the backsplash is one place where you can instantly create a whole new vibe.

Related: 15 Unusual Kitchen Backsplash Trends of 2023

SPLURGE: Permanent Fixtures

If you’re adding any kind of permanent fixture to your renovation, whether it be cabinets in the kitchen or bathroom, a built-in structure for storage, or even a bench in the kitchen, put money aside and ensure you have high-quality materials that will last. It’s a lot harder to switch out these permanent fixtures than it is, say, a new appliance, so if you’re in a position where you’re unsure where to prioritize your money, that’s an excellent place to start.

SAVE: Hardware

Another easy thing to swap out when needed is the hardware on cabinets and drawers in the kitchen and bathrooms. So don’t worry about picking the most expensive or fanciest pieces for your reno because you can easily swap them out down the line when you have more money in your savings account.

SPLURGE: Countertops

Scott and Bryan are divided on this one, but Scott maintains counters are something you can easily swap out once the structure of your kitchen is complete. If you’re at a make-or-break point with your budget, consider a less expensive countertop while you save for the one you really want down the line.

SAVE: Lights

One topic the guys do seem to agree on in the savings department is lights. Not only do lights help set the mood of your space, but the styles are also constantly changing and evolving. What you love today might not be something you love in the future. So don’t feel like you need to dedicate a ton of money to high-quality fixtures and lamps; instead, go for the budget models with LED bulbs that will last you forever.

Residents of Vancouver and Victoria received a scary middle-of-the-night wakeup call on December 30 when a 4.8-magnitude earthquake shook the B.C. coast in the wee hours of the morning, causing houses to shake in their foundations as they weathered what one seismologist described as the largest quake the region experienced in years.

If the fear of surviving “the big one” is keeping you awake, then Chinese inventor Wang Wenxi has got you covered with his patented earthquake-proof bed.

Equipped with a special sensor, when the bed detects seismic shaking its mechanism springs into action, causing the base of the bed to open up in the centre and send you plummeting down into a steel-reinforced chamber as the two metal pieces slam shut, sealing the sleeper safely encase inside a small encased space – sort of like a tiny panic room.

Wenxi has been refining the design he first patented back in 2010, following the catastrophic Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes that rocked Chin in 2008 and 2010, respectively.

“The Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes caused heavily casualties,” Wenxi told reporters of how he came up with the idea for his design. “So I thought the most serious thing I could do was to invent something to reduce the toll in lives.”

The designer’s latest version is built even stronger to provide even more protection, and also includes enough supplies (food, water, etc.) to sustain a survivor who becomes trapped inside for an extended period of time.

Wenxi is also working on an alternative “gull-wing” design, with two halves of a box-like steel enclosure atop the bed like a canopy, which slam shut at the first hint of any shaking and quaking.

Here’s another take on the “gull-wing” design, with curved wings poised above the bed poised to snap shut and encase the sleeper in a coffin-like tube.

Wenxi offers up another variation on an earthquake-proof bed, with this model featuring a slab-like metal “roof” that uses hydraulics to slam down and seal the sleeper into a secure tomb-like enclosure.

Similarly, Wenxi has an alternative design in which the shelter’s top, when not in use, is set up against a wall. When seismic activity is detected, the metal slab snaps shut like a mousetrap, much like somebody slamming a book closed.

His latest version is stronger to provide even more protection, and also includes enough supplies (food, water, etc.) to sustain a survivor who becomes trapped inside for an extended period of time. This design appears to be a less-sturdy, less-expensive (but less space-consuming) take on Wenxi’s design, with the bed platform folding inward and dumping the unsuspecting sleeper inside the bed’s hollow core, then flipping around to create into a protective tent-like top that will presumably keep one safe from falling debris.