Helping you choose – to sleep well…

This will vary upon usage, care, and original quality, but it is generally reckoned to be around 8 years. Of course, it will physically exist a lot longer than this, but you should start to consider seeking a suitable replacement at this point in order to maintain healthy sleeping. You will have aged too, don’t forget – and your lifestyle with it. The gradual process of these changes can go undetected – so we would all benefit from reviewing our actual needs.

Good news! We will do this for you! Unlike almost all other retailers, we take away your old bed or mattress and dispose of it absolutely free of charge when we deliver your new one. This is done ethically and environmentally friendly, in accordance with appropriate legislation. 

Comfort is very subjective. Some people like the sensation of being cocooned in a bed; others prefer to lie on top of them. Back sleepers may like a firmer feel than people who sleep on their sides. There are lots of different “feels” around – you can choose what works best for you.

Here’s a short list of bed types to consider:

• Divan base, available as sprung or solid top. And either with or without storage drawers.
• Slatted bases
• Bedsteads – wooden or metal
• Ottomans
• Adjustable beds
• Bunks and occasional beds

There are a good number of different bed types and sizes. This is a list of the most common types.

Bed type: W x L in feet  (W x L in cm)
Single: 3’0″ x 6’3″ (or 90 x 190cm)
Small double:4’0″ x 6’3″ (or 120 x 190cm)
Double:4’6″ x 6’3″ (or 135 x 190cm)
King: 5’0″ x 6’6″ (or 150 x 200cm)
Super king: 6’0″ x 6’6″ (or 180 x 200cm)

One size doesn’t fit all
For partners of widely differing size and weight (3 stones/18kgs or more), different mattresses may be required. Some manufacturers make double beds from two single mattresses zipped together, which can be of differing tension. Others can combine different degrees of firmness in one mattress.

Try different mattress options
Most manufacturers will offer mattresses in firm, medium and soft options. Try different options to be sure which is best for you. Remember there is no industry wide standard to compare firmness ratings from one manufacturer to the other.

Test how firm the bed is
A good way to check if the bed you are lying on is too soft, too hard, or just right is to lie on your back, and slide your hand in the hollow of your back. If it slides in too easily, the bed may be too hard for you (leading to pressure on your hips and shoulders); if it’s a struggle to slide your hand in, then the bed is probably too soft. If you can move your hand with just a little resistance, the bed may be just right for you.

Mattresses may look similar, but the differences within are vast. There are many different types of mattress and support – the following list is not complete, but will indicate the breadth of choice and how important it is to visit the shop to try them out. Our staff will happily explain all the differences and benefits to you.

Here are some of the things to look out for:

• SPRUNG MATTRESSES: open coil, continuous coil, pocket sprung, mini spring
• FILLING: cotton, hair, mohair, fibre, silk, foam, wool…
• NON-SPRUNG MATTRESSES: memory foam, high density foam
• HYBRID MATTRESSES: springs combined with any of the following; gel, latex, memory foam
• FINISH: quilted, tufted or side stitched

These are usually an optional extra to give you more choice but these days often coordinate with the divan base. We have a wide range of options to complement your bed and bedroom.

Turn your mattress regularly. Unless you have bought a non-turn (which has been specifically designed not be turned but must still be rotated), it is important that you turn your mattress from end to end and side to side every week for the first few months and thereafter about every three months. This will prolong the life-span of your mattress and minimise impression marks.

Body shaped impressions are normal. Impression marks – sometimes known as settlement – are a normal characteristic of quality mattresses working as intended to conform to the shape of your body. These will be minimised with regular turning

Cleaning up stains.

If an accident occurs immediate treatment helps enormously by preventing the liquid seeping into the upholstery filling, where it can cause problems. If possible, after stripping off all bedding, stand the mattress on its side – this will help prevent the fluid penetrating the mattress. Sponge immediately with cold water – but don’t over water. Here are some recommended treatments for specific fluids:

Urine Sponge with warm solution of mild detergent or upholstery shampoo. Then wipe with cold water plus a few drops of antiseptic such as Milton.

Red wine Blot with an old damp cloth then sprinkle the mattress with salt to help soak it up. Mix one-part white vinegar with two-part dishwashing soap. Dampen a cloth with it and blot, then sprinkle with baking soda and leave for at least an hour.

Fruit juices Use proprietary stain treatment – following instructions – or sponge with warm borax solution and then clear water. A strong coloured drink such as blackcurrant will probably leave a stain.

Chocolate and milk-based drinks Treat as above and when dry use an aerosol grease solvent to clear grease – being particularly sparing if used on a foam mattress. Brush to clear deposit.

Blood Use a proprietary stain remover, or upholstery cleaner, followed by cold water.

Oily marks Use an aerosol grease solvent to draw stain out, rather than liquid grease solvents.

Vomit and diarrhoea Scrape up as much solid matter as possible, without spreading the stain. Treat as for urine above.