Choosing a Bed
As we spend around a third of our lives in bed it's important to choose the correct one. We have provided the following guide to help you decide which type is right for you - we hope this helps!
- If you are buying a bed for two it's always better for you both to try the bed, it's important that you both agree on the right one.
- Remove your jacket and lie on the bed for a minimum of 10 minutes.
- Slide the palms of you hands under the small of your back. If there is a big gap it's probably too firm for you, if you struggle to get them in at all it's probably too soft.
- Try lying on both your side and your back as often when a mattress is too firm you can feel it pinching on you hip.
- If possible consider a king or super king size as a standard double bed will give 2 people only 2ft 3inches of space - less than a child's cot.
- Consider if you would like storage in your bed - divans offer up to 4 drawers and many frames have storage options too.
- Spend as much as you can afford on your bed as you really do get improved comfort and support as you go up the price range.
- Ask for advice on the difference between beds or mattresses as some types can have limitations and drawbacks that make them unsuitable for some.
- Don't buy a bed on how quickly it's available, buy the one that's right for you. It's far better to wait for the one that you'll be happier with, ordered especially for you, than buy the wrong one just because it's available today.
- Avoid stores where the staff are paid commission as the advice you get may not always be based on what's right for you!
- If you have a set budget in mind spend as much as you can on the mattress and as little as you can on the frame - the comfort is mainly in the mattress.
- If you feel you need more information before you choose, the Sleep Council provide a comprehensive bed buyer's guide at www.sleepcouncil.com.