How to choose your bed
- Try it! We always recommend that you visit our shop to try out a bed before ordering. That way, you can take advantage of our expert knowledge at the same time!
- The Hand Test A good way to check if the bed you are lying on is too soft, too hard, or just right is to lie on your back, placing your hand in the small of your back and then trying to move it about. If it moves too easily, the bed may be too hard for you; if it's a struggle to move your hand, then the bed is probably too soft. If you can move your hand with just a little resistance, the bed may be just right for you.
- Take your time Take some time out and lie down. You spend a third of your life in bed, so it's vital that you make the right choice.
- Roll with it Try the bed in all of the sleeping positions you tend to use, not only on your back, and try a selection of beds for comparison.
- It takes two! If you share a bed, bring your partner with you. Remember, it's important a new bed suits both of you.
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Interesting points
- A bed is an important investment...especially when you consider that every £100 you spend on a bed represents just 2.7p per night over 10 years and if there are two of you sharing, that's only 1.35p a night.....what a bargain!
- The best bed for you isn't necessarily the most expensive bed...though it's worth spending as much as you can afford to get a really good mattress.
- The average lifespan of a bed...or at least the mattress, is about 8-10 years. After regular use a bed may have deteriorated by as much as 75% from its original condition.
- An old bed isn't hygienic...we sweat as much as half to a full pint of fluid a night, and house dust mites accumulate in beds too.
- Consider the space you need at night. While you may plump for a standard double bed, a W150 x L200cm kingsize bed gives couples more room to relax and stretch out during sleep.
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Looking after your new bed
- Airing After delivery the mattress should be aired for 4 hours to freshen and remove any aroma from storage. The mattress should be aired on a weekly basis by turning back the bedlinen for a few hours.
- Sprung mattresses With sprung mattresses it's important to turn your mattress regularly to maximise its life. Body weight compresses a mattress, leading to dips and ultimately an uneven sleeping surface. Consider a one-sided 'no-turn' mattress if turning a heavy mattress could be difficult.
- Circulation Avoid using a plastic sheet on or under the mattress as this prevents air circulation and can cause condensation.
- Latex and visco-elastic (memory foam) mattresses These mattresses do not need turning and in some cases only have one sleeping surface so cannot be turned but the mattress should still be rotated lengthways occasionally (once a month) to maximise their life. Over time these mattresses may feel as if they are gradually getting softer, as cells within the foam open more fully and the surface reacts more quickly. However the important pressure relieving properties remain the same and eventually the whole mattress will react evenly.
To get the best out of your chosen mattress and maximise longevity, we recommend you buy one of our mattress protectors which can be found under the 'Accessories' link. These are also available in anti-allergy and waterproof styles.
TO PROTECT YOUR GUARANTEE, IT'S VITAL THAT YOU FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURERS' CARE INSTRUCTIONS WHICH WILL USUALLY BE DELIVERED WITH YOUR NEW BED. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU DON'T RECEIVE YOUR COPY.
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Size guide
Standard sizes
- Small single W75cm x L190cm / W2'6" x L6'3"
- Single W90cm x L190cm / W3'0" x L6'3"
- Small double W120cm x L190cm / W4'0" x L6'3"
- Double W135cm x L190cm / W4'6" x L6'3"
- King W150cm x L200cm / W5'0" x L6'6"
- Superking W180cm x L200cm / W6'0" x L6'6"
Bespoke sizes can be made to order - please contact us for details.
The dimensions of a bedstead are greater than a divan base equivalent, but the mattress size required remains the same.
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Types of bed base
- Divans act as bases for mattresses and either have springs which allow the mattress to adapt to the body's contours, or a solid top which provides firmer support. A divan is useful if you're tight on space as most are available with drawers to provide additional storage.
- Ottoman/Storage Beds are where the whole of the bed base is revealed with an easy to operate mechanism and are a fantastic idea which free up valuable space in other parts of the bedroom.
- Frames/Bedsteads are more decorative and will provide a definite classic or contemporary look to your bedroom. A 'bowed slat' (or 'sprung slat') bedstead will give more cushioned support than 'solid slat'.
- Guest/Folding and storage beds provide flexible solutions for overnight guests. With a small bedroom, it makes sense to use your bed as a secondary storage option.
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Types of mattress
Open coil spring mattress
- The most commonly used springing system in the world.
- Border rod or wire gives the mattress a firm edge and helps retain its shape.
- Sides are generally machine stitched.
Pocket spring mattress
- More luxurious, with individual small springs housed in separate fabric pockets.
- Springs work independently to respond to individual body weight.
- Ideal if there’s a considerable weight or size variation between you and your partner.
- Turn regularly to ensure even settlement.
- Very good quality mattresses are hand stitched on the sides for strong, stable edges.
Visco-elastic mattress (memory foam)
- Body heat reacts with the foam to soften it.
- The mattress then moulds and re-moulds to your body’s contours.
- Provides excellent support and enables natural movement during sleep.
- Helps to maintain correct posture and align spine horizontally when lying on your side.
- Hypo-allergenic with anti-microbial properties.
- Occasional rotation is necessary to distribute the wear evenly.
Latex mattress
- Talalay latex is the finest polymer available.
- Resilient feel with excellent durability.
- Hypo-allergenic with anti-microbial properties.
- Conforms to your body’s contours.
- Breathable, so you won’t overheat.
- No turn, but occasional rotation will distribute the wear evenly.
Mattress design and technology has never been more innovative. We offer a wide range at prices to suit every pocket.
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