Is it time for a new bed?

Take a look at the following questions and answer yes or no:

• Is your bed eight years old or more?
• Do you ever wake up with an aching back or neck?
• When lying in bed do you feel springs, hardness or ridges beneath the surface?
• When moving in bed do you hear creaks, crunches or other strange noises?
• Do you and your partner roll towards each other unintentionally?
• Is the mattress or base uneven or sagging?
• Are the legs and castors worn out?
• Is the mattress cover torn or stained?
• Does your mattress feel lumpy, soft, too hard or uncomfortable?
• Does your mattress sag in the middle or at the sides?
• Are there sagging spots around the edges or where you usually lie?

lf your answer to two or more of the above questions is 'yes' it's definitely time to make a great investment for your future and buy a new bed.

When buying a new bed there are a number of steps you should take:

Set your budget
As with most things, the price of a bed set does not necessarily tell you how comfortable it will be. Your bed is an investment, and how well you sleep affects the quality of your life. Don’t skimp but set your budget and stick to it. The best thing you can do is buy the best bed you can afford.

Choose a size
Buying a bed about 6 inches longer than you are, if possible, is highly recommended. A single bed should not be less than 35 inches wide and a double not less than 63 inches. We turn about 20-40 times a night and need the room to move freely.
Another thing to think about is whether you will be sleeping alone. If so any size bed will work as long as it is 6 inches longer than you; but if you are sharing the bed you should choose the biggest bed possible. Most standard double beds give both partners less room than a single bed would.

Decide on type and style
There are many different types of bed including bedsteads, divans or electrically adjustable beds; Bedsteads are more decorative and will provide a definite classic or contemporary look to your bedroom. Divans act as bases for mattresses and either have springs or a solid top and most come with a storage option. Adjustable beds allow the sleeper to adjust the head and foot of the bed to the most comfortable position.

Buy a mattress that moulds to your body
What you want is a mattress that moulds to your body and supports you so there is no undue pressure anywhere. The ideal mattress should keep your spine in alignment and distribute pressure evenly throughout your body. It should be soft enough to fill the gap under your lower back but not so soft that it sags completely under your weight.

Check what's inside your mattress
There are many different kinds of filling and a combination of some or all can radically alter the feel of each mattress. Fillings can be sprung, cotton, latex, wool or foam.

Check what's on the outside
The mattress cover is one of the most important parts. It's built to hold the mattress together, to protect it from general wear and tear and to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Look out for the following:

• Pillow Top: an extra layer on the mattress top that gives a super-soft finish.
• Hand-Tufted: a traditional way of finishing the mattress that ‘buttons’ the filling to the mattress cover for a firmer finish.
• Micro-Quilt: secures the filling to the cover in a raised quilted pattern, creating a softer feel.

Click here to view our full range of beds.