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| TIME TO BUY A NEW BED |
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Buying a bed should be a happy experience and we hope this article will point you in the right direction. The bed that's right for you is a very individual choice, based on your own subjective assessment of what you find comfortable - so there are no quick fixes and probably a number of possible, suitable options. A good bed should be a priority - after all, we do spend more than a third of our lives in it. Shop around and don't buy the first bed you try. It is a big investment, and rightly so. Remember, although a good retailer will be able to help you, at the end of the day it's your decision, so you should set aside some time, with your partner if you share a bed, to test out a selection carefully. When a bed is no longer providing proper support and comfort, it affects the quality of our sleep. This process happens gradually so just imagine how long you might have been depriving yourself of decent support and comfort if you actually reach the point of being consciously uncomfortable! A new bed may not be a wonder cure to life's stresses, but it certainly should help you get a better night's sleep, leaving you refreshed and ready to face the world. As a guideline, we recommend that most beds should be replaced at least after eight to ten years.
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Here are a few general points to think about before you go shopping for your new bed. TYPE - Think about the sort of bed you would like. What do you like/not like about your current bed? Do you prefer a firmer or softer feel? What sort of style do you prefer: a divan, or a bedstead, perhaps? PRICE - The basic rule is, spend as much as you can afford. Of course, there are some perfectly acceptable, lower priced beds around, which will be far preferable to an unhygienic second-hand bed shaped to someone else's body and sleeping positions. But generally the more expensive the bed, the better the construction and the more fillings they have and therefore the more durability, support and comfort they provide. STORAGE - Think too about storage - under-bed storage can be useful if space in your home is at a premium. Storage need not affect the comfort or quality of the bed - but it does cost a little more. TURNING - Most mattresses need to be turned regularly to ensure even wear and tear and can be quite heavy. Bear this in mind when you are choosing your mattress. If this is going to be a problem you should ask your retailer to show you mattress options which do not need turning. WIDTH - Buy as big a bed as you can fit in your bedroom. Disturbance from a partner is one of the most common of sleeping complaints, largely eliminated in bigger beds. The larger the bed, the more room there is to move about (research shows we toss and turn as many as 60 or 70 times a night). LENGTH - Don't forget to consider length as welll as width. Ideally, a bed should be at least 10-15cm (4-6 in) longer than the tallest partner. Many manufacturers make beds up to 7ft square: many will also make beds to special sizes. HEIGHT - As well as the overall support and comfort of the mattress, think about the height of the bed you want - how easy will it be to get in and out of? Beds do differ widely in height - ones with storage in the base may be higher (some manufacturers can provide adjustable legs). In recent years beds have got much higher as thicker mattresses and deeper, sprung bases have been introduced. This is now, however, also a trend towards lower beds on shallow bases, with legs, so all tastes are well catered for. MATCHING MATTRESSES TO BASES - Be careful when buying mattresses and bases or bedsteads separately - sizes may differe depending on whether they are made to imperial or metric measurements. Not everyone uses the same names for bed sizes either - so don't assume one manufacturer's Kingsize bed is the same as another's! BASES - Really do affect both the feel and performance of a bed. You need to try - and ideally buy both together. MATTRESSES AND SLATTED BEDSTEADS - All types of mattress construction are now offered to go with slatted bases. If you are not buying the two together as a complete unit, make sure the manufacturer has recommended the mattress's use with the type of base you want. BACK PAIN SUFFERERS - If the name of the mattress sounds vaguely medical (variations on the word 'orthopaedic') it usually only means that it is the firmest mattress in that particular manufacturer's range. However, it does not mean that it is recommended by a back specialist. If you suffer from a bad back, check with your doctor as to what he or she recommends for you - an ultra firm mattress may not actually be advisable. ALLERGY AND ASTHMA SUFFERERS - Almost all beds will, in time, attract house dust mites. Regular cleaning, airing and the use of the protective covers will reduce the effect. However, check fillings content for other materials which may cause allergic reactions - eg hair. ACCESS - If you are worried about getting the bed up the stairs, remember most divans have split bases; while many bedsteads are actually delivered in pieces for assembly in situ. However, you should mention any access problems or tight corners to the retailer before you buy to avoid problems with delivery. AFTER SALES SERVICE - Can't decide between two or three equally suitable products? Think about the retail services offered and which suits you best. It might be quick delivery; the guarantee or warranty offered; free disposal of your old bed; a special promotional offer; or even just the chemistry between yourself and a salesman!
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| Trying out beds |
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Here are some guidelines for you and your partner. There are two key factors to look for in a new bed: comfort and support. Comfort is, of course, completely subjective. The correct support should ensure you achieve good "posture" in bed. Too soft and your body will slouch, with possible consequent posture and back pain; too firm will cause discomfort at pressure points such as hips and shoulders. As there can be no industry-wide standards or guidelines you will need to make your own assessment of support, guided by factors such as your weight, height, build and even your preferred sleeping position. Set aside enough time to do the job properly. You should try out several beds and you should not be under time pressure. You need to be fresh, too - or else you won't be able to tell the difference between different beds very easily - they will all feel wonderful! When you try out beds, wear comfortable clothes, take off your coat and shoes and lie on the bed for several minutes, as much as 10 minutes, if possible, so you can really relax. Adopt your normal sleeping position and lie on your side as well as your back. Ideally the mattress should mould to the shape of your body and feel supportive. When you lie on your side your spine should remain horizontal. You should be able to turn easily, too.
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TOP TIP
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Try this test to check for correct support. While lying on your back, slide the flat of your hand into the hollow of your back. If your hand slides in very easily or there's a gap, the bed is too firm (you'll also feel pressure on your hips and shoulders). If it's really hard to slide your hand in at all and you feel as if you are sinking into the mattress, the bed is probably too soft for you. Most manufacturers will offer their mattresses in firm, medium and soft options for you to choose from. You might need to try different options to be sure which is best for you. Remember, there are no industry wide standards for formness so they will vary from one make of bed to another. If you and your partner are very different in size and weight, it may be that you need different mattresses. Some manufacturers make double beds out of two single mattresses zipped together, which can be of differing firmness. Others can combine different degrees of firmness in a single mattress. |
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