Helping you choose the right bed ……
A new bed is one of the most important purchases you will ever make, if you sleep well, you wake up feeling refreshed and invigorated. An old uncomfortable bed particularly if it is over 10 years old is bad for your health, it can contribute to aches and pains. Many of the common allergys you suffer are caused by the dust mites living off all the old dead skin cells inside your mattress, these are not doing you any good at all. Remember, a bad nights sleep means a bad start to your day .
It can be bewildering trying to choose the right bed or mattress when faced with so many choices and types. However it is important to remember that whilst price, special offers, credit deals are all important the most important factor is choosing the right bed for you.
Given that we spend so much of our time asleep in bed it is worth investing time and money. Choosing the right bed is not something to be rushed, it is estimated than an uncomfortable bed could cost you up to an hours lost sleep per night.
Spend as much as you can afford, A good quality bed will last you over 10 years, and you could expect to spend over 30,000 hours in it, it's worth a little extra now for years of extra comfort.
Equally the cost of a good nights sleep is relatively low, whilst the best bed for you is not necessarily the most expensive; you can invest in a quality bed for as little as 28p per night (based on £1000 bed being used continuously over 10 years).
Points to consider ……
If you are considering buying a new bed you are probably thinking that your existing one is getting old or not as comfortable as it used to be, perhaps you have noticed backache or stiffness when you get up in the morning. Before trying new beds consider whether you want ‘more of the same’ or if you need a change for better support or comfort.
Try out a selection of beds (at least three) in the shop comparing each of them for comfort and support.
Don’t be afraid to spend some time on each (at least 10 minutes) trying out the sleeping positions that you use, this is time wisely spent!
Traditionally designed mattresses will require ‘turning’ to even out the use they receive. If this is likely to prove a problem then we would suggest you consider a mattress designed to be ‘non turn’.
A good way to check if the bed you are lying on is too soft, too hard, or just right is to lie on the 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 too soft. If you can move your hand with just a little resistance, the bed may be just right for you.
If you share a bed, take your partner with you, its important that your new bed suits both of you.Take your time if you are unsure it is far better spending more time comparing than choosing a bed that you are not entirely happy with. (unfortunately, for hygiene reasons, we are unable to refund or exchange beds that have been unwrapped or used – this does not affect your statutory rights)
Size matters!
Popular sizes tend to be:
Single: 90 cm (3’0) x 190cm (6’3”)
Small Double: 120cm (4’0) x 190cm (6’3”)
Double: 135cm (4’6”) x 190cm (6’3”)
King Size: 150cm (5”) x 200cm (6’6”)
Super King Size: 180cm (6’) x 200cm (6’6”)
Also consider the height of the bed – will you find it easy to get in and out of ? If you choose a higher bed, consider that it may look much bigger than a conventional one and that valances and valanced sheets may need replacing. We have found that many of our customers are choosing King-size (5’) over Double (4’6”) for that extra bit of space for a relatively small price difference
We also stock ranges that are available in a variety of other sizes, but beware those special sizes may require special sized bed linen.
If purchasing a bedstead please bear in mind our suppliers generally deliver these
un-assembled. Such items are sold as customer self assembly.
Different Types of Bed Bases …..
Bedsteads:
Bedsteads are a more decorative option in the bedroom and are available as part of complete bedroom furniture ranges or as individual pieces. Generally the mattress will be supported by solid slats or sprung slats, the later giving more ‘cushioned’ support than the former. It is also important that the correct mattress is selected to go with the bedstead.
Divans:
With Divans, the mattress is placed on a supportive, matching upholstered base. This may be either a platform top base construction which will give a firmer feel or with a sprung base where the base contains a spring unit for extra support and comfort. In sprung based models the spring unit will either be to the edge of the divan base (Sprung-edge) or set in from the sides (Firm-edge).
Storage Options:
Many ranges offer various configurations for drawers which give extra
storage where required and are especially useful when space is at a premium.
Adjustable Beds:
These allow the head and foot ends to be raised or lowered using electric motors to give a different range of sleeping positions.
Mattresses …..
Open coil sprung mattresses:
This is the most basic and simple springing system. The coil springs are wired together to form a single unit with a coiled helical wire, and the thickness of the wire used to make the springs generally determines the firmness. If you place the mattress on a solid slat bedstead or solid top divan, this will offer a firmer sleeping surface. If there isn’t a big weight difference between you and your partner, then these offer good value, most of the mass producers of beds use this lower cost method of production ie Silentnight & Myers.
Pocket sprung:
Pocket sprung mattresses are widely considerd to be the best. Here every spring is in its own individual pocket or sleeve. As these move independently, a restless sleeper is less likely to disturb his or her partner. These mattresses mould to the shape of the sleeper , giving good support to all areas of the body. This type of mattress is ideal if there is a substantial weight difference between sleeping partners. Generally, the more springs the bed contains the more even the support you get. The quality bed manufacturers such as Hypnos and Staples use pocket springing.
Latex:
Moulds well to the body and offers good all round support. Latex does tend to retain
body heat more than other materials.
Visco-Elastic:
Made from pressure relieving material, visco-elastic materials respond to body temperature and weight, relieving pressure and dispersing it,. Initially the mattress feels firm but it moulds to the shape of your body’s contours, does not need to be turned and resists the harbouring dust mites. There are more mattresses being manufactured as ‘non-turn’ even in sprung mattresses. These offer similar levels of comfort without the aggravation of constantly turning the mattress. However do be aware that some will require turning end-to-end rather than end to end and then side to side.
Headboards:
Think about a new headboard when choosing your new bed. A headboard is the ultimate finishing touch, at Clayton’s we offer headboards in Fabric, Leather, wood or metal in dozens of styles.
NB. Your new bed or mattress …..
It may feel quite different to what you have been used to. It is quite common for your body to need a period of time to become accustomed to the new level of support it is receiving and this is to be expected.
Open spring and Pocketed mattresses are upholstered using different types of material such as cotton felt, foam, lambs wool, polyester, woollen felt etc. The fillings in these mattresses will tend to settle over the first few weeks or months, this will be more pronounced in mattresses with more luxurious fillings. This is quite normal and not a fault and can be alleviated with regular turning of the mattress.
If you need more information, please come and visit our store, one of our trained sales consultants will be happy to help and guide you through the various types of bed available. Ask as many questions as you like, remember, we are here to help and equip you with the information you need to ensure that you can make an informed choice.
