Top tips for Beds.Try this test to check the 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 is a gap, the bed is too firm (you will also notice pressure on your hips and shoulders). If it is really hard to slide your hand in at all and you feel as if you are sinking in the mattresses, the bed is probably too soft for you. Buying a new bed can be a daunting experience. We hope this guide will point you in the right direction. Here are a few general points to think about before you go shopping for a new bed. Hard or Soft Bed? It can be a false economy to change only the mattress and keep the original base. The old base could reduce the lifespan of the new mattress as well as the support and comfort it can offer. It will certainly invalidate any manufactures warranties or guarantees.
| TYPE | Think about the sort of bed that you would like. Divan with draws, Wooden the list goes on . You first need to decide what style to would like. You then choose a mattress for that style. · Mattress Hard or soft? As a general rule it needs to be the most comfortable. However if you and your partner have different needs you may need to have two different mattresses zipped together. | | 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 somebody else's body and sleeping positions. But generally, the most expensive the bed, the better the construction and the more filling they have and therefore the more durability, support and comfort they provide. | | STORAGE | Think about storage – under bed storage can be useful if spare in the home is a premium. | | 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, ask your retailer to show you mattresses that do not need turning. | | WIDTH | Buy as big a bed as you can fit in your bedroom. Disturbances from a partner are one of the most common sleeping complaints, largely eliminated in bigger beds. The larger the bed the more room there is to move about. | | LENGTH | Don't forget to consider length as well as width. Ideally a bed should be at least (4-6 inches) 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 that you want – how easy it is to get in and out of? Beds do differ widely in height – ones with storage in the base may be higher (some manufactures can supply adjustable legs). In recent years beds have got much higher as thicker mattresses and deeper, sprung bases have been introduced. | | MATCHING MATTRESSES TO BASES | Be careful when buying mattresses and bases or bedsteads separately – sizes may differ depending on whether they are made to imperial or metric measurements. Not everyone uses the same name for bed sizes either – so don't assume one manufacturers King-size bed is the same as another's! | | BASES | Really do affect the feel and performance of a bed. You need to try – and ideally buy – both together. · | | MATTRESSES AND SLATTED BEDS | All types of mattress construction are now offered to go with slatted beds. If you are not buying the two together as a complete unit, make sure the manufacturer has recommended the mattresses use the type of base you want. | | BACK PAIN SUFFERERS | If the name of the mattress sounds vaguely medical (variations on the word 'orthopedic') it usually only means that is the firmest mattress in that particular manufactures range. However, it does not mean that a back specialist recommends it. If you suffer from a bad back, check with your doctor/ or specialist as to what he or she recommends for you – an ultra firm mattress may not actually be advisable. The first rule is try it< it should be comfortable. | | ALLERGY AND ASTHMA SUFFERERS | All most all bed will, in time, attract house dust mites. Regular cleaning, airing and the use of protective covers will reduce the effect. However, check filling content for other materials, which may cause allergic reactions – e.g.: 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 suite you best. | Trying out beds Here are some guidelines for you and your partner: - If you are very different in size and weight, it may be that you need different mattresses. Some manufactures make double beds out of two single mattresses zipped together, which can be of different firmness. Others can combine different degrees of firmness in a single mattress.
- 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 that 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.
- Set aside enough time to do the job properly. You should try out several beds and you should not be under any 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 the bed, wear comfortable, take off your coat and shoes and lie on the bed for several minutes – as much as 10 minutes, if possible, so that 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 also be able to turn easily.
- Most manufactures 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 the best for you.
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