Sleep Talk Blog, Bed and Mattress Guides
Definitive Bed Buying Guide - 9 Shopping Tips to Help you Decide
Sep
Bed Buying Guide
Choosing Beds for a Bad Back - Bed Buying Guide
For a long time, it was believed that hard beds were good for bad backs. Recent research confirms that this is not necessarily the case - and could cause more damage. A supportive and comfortable mattress is the best option - it doesn't matter what construction it is.
Any reference to beds being orthopaedic - or similar medical-sounding terms - does not mean that the beds have been professionally accessed or recommended.
Instead, manufacturers loosely use it to refer to extra firm models in their range or describe the materials during manufacturing for an intended purpose, i.e., Back Problems.
What sort of Beds is Best for Sufferers of Asthma or other Types of Allergic Problems? - Bed Buying Guide
Almost all beds will, in time, attract house dust mites, whose droppings are highly allergenic. However, regular cleaning, airing, and protective covers will reduce the effect. In addition, some manufacturers are now using anti-dust mite-treated fabrics.
Why are Two Similar Mattresses so Widely Different in Price?
Chances are they are not similar as seen. They might both claim to predominate the same construction - but further investigation will probably reveal different material quantities, densities, and amounts.
What Should I Pay for a Good Mattress?
Prices for beds range from well under £100 to several thousand. As a general rule, you get what you pay for. Remember that every £100 you spend on a new bed represents an investment of just 3p a night ( assuming a lifespan of 10 years).
Will I Notice any Differences Between Rigid and Flexible Slats?
These likely feel different - rigid slats will give a bed a firmer feel, but they will affect the mattress's durability. Rigid slats have no give and work against the mattress, leaving it to do all the work; sprung slats work with the mattress, prolonging its life and improving comfort levels.
I Have Been Told to Turn the Mattress Regularly. Why is this Necessary? - Bed Buying Guide
On better quality mattresses, particularly with lots of natural fillings, body indentations are a standard characteristic of a mattress working as intended, allowing the springs to move individually while the fillings cradle your body.
Regular turning of the mattress will help the fillings settle and compact down more evenly - although there will be some visible signs of the mattress settling to the contours of your body.
Following the manufacturer's instructions, it is good to turn the mattress from end to end and side to side every week for the first few months and, after that, about every three months. - Should you have a mattress that cannot be flipped over rather than rotated?
Handles are intended to help position the mattress correctly on the base (pictured below the Sleepeezee Jessica Mattress).
What is the Difference Between Non-Turn and No Need to turn Mattresses?
Non-turn mattresses are designed as one-sided and can only be used on that one side. Although rotation is typically recommended to help with wear and tear, these mattresses can be used either way - it is unnecessary to flip them over, which is recommended with regular mattresses.
Is Bed Linen Available for Larger Beds?
Most department stores stock linen for beds up to 180cm wide. For other sizes, some bedlinen companies can make custom bed linen to order.
Is My Mattress Not the same size as the Bed's Base?
The reason might be because of construction. Although mattress springs can sometimes nestle into each other in transit or storage, temporarily reducing the bed's length or width, the mattress should recover its original dimension during use. The effect is likely more pronounced if the spring unit does not have a perimeter frame or the mattress is not entirely hand-side stitched.
Are Foam Mattresses Hot?
Mattresses don't create heat, and people can get hot on the beds of all constructions. However, foam is a good insulator; the higher the density, the more potential heat retention.
So if you get hot in bed, look for foam with an open cell construction that will breathe more efficiently and ensure the mattress is well-ventilated. Also, use cotton sheets and duvets with a lower tog rating.
Buying a bed on a budget
Everything is going up. Bills, taxes, fuel, and groceries are unavoidable, and there is nothing we can do, especially when most of us are on a budget. So how do we afford other items that may not necessarily be in the budget plan? Like a new bed??
A good quality bed is a must, as we all need to be able to sleep comfortably. So, to do this, here are a few suggestions:
Budget
Work out what you can afford without going over and stick to it.
Size
Measure your room, so you know what size bed you are looking for, or if it's a replacement, then stick to the size you are replacing as you will have all the bedding in that size and don't want more expensive having to replace it all.
Décor of your room
Choose a bed that will fit in the décor of the room. Don't go for something completely different; you must then redecorate the room, adding more expense.
Highlight what type you want
Decide what you want out of bed, including storage, TV, and, most importantly, comfort.
Research
Check out all companies, what they sell, and their prices, as some can have Bundle Deals, Discount Coupons. Also, check the clearance sections as the bed you want could be in that.
Money of coupons
Magazines and papers can sometimes put vouchers in, which will give money off, so check these and see if you could use them.