Learn about BedWorld beds and mattresses

In this guide to buying beds and Mattresses I will give you twenty years of research and knowledge that I have gained during my time in the bed industry.
The one Golden rule is that you pay for what you get.
In the world of retail nothing is for free.
If some one claims that with this item you get this free or that free then this free item is usually included in the deal but not free as claimed. The more you pay for your new bed or mattress then the better the quality will be.

In the past twenty years that I have been retailing beds the most common question that I and my staff have been asked is "How long will the bed or mattress last?"

There is no accurate or definite answer to this question.
Why. Because every bed is different and will be used differently. Example if someone buys a really cheap bed and never uses the bed only say once a year when guests stay then this bed will probably last longer than if the same person buys a really expensive bed and uses this every night or the person is bed ridden.
This means that the more the bed is used then the shorter life span this will have.
Over the years I have noticed that most people will buy a cheap quality bed for the guest room known in the trade as the guest bed on the other hand a good tip is to buy a bed as expensive as possible. Not only will the bed or mattress be more comfortable or luxurious it will last longer.
Back to the original question of how long will the bed or mattress last? This question should be. How long will the bed or mattress keep its comfort or support?
If the bed or mattress is going to be used every night then you should buy the most expensive bed that you can afford. A good quality bed should last Ten years.
After the first year the bed will start to loose its comfort or support that it had from when it was new. This will continue year after year. The only thing is that you will not notice this because your body will adjust to the bed. it is only when the bed or mattress completely becomes unbearable to sleep on that most people will replace it. In fact research has found that on average people toy with replacing there beds or mattress over a two year period. Also another interesting fact that as been uncovered by research is that seventy percent of the UK population have never slept in a high quality comfortable bed.
Maybe the introduction of the revolutionary Memflex Memory foam will solve this.

Buying beds and Mattresses online

Who would have thought that people would be buying beds using a computer twenty years ago? Today the most popular beds are bed frames such as Pine beds, Metal beds and Leather beds The most popular mattresses are Memory foam and Pocket sprung
The one fact that sticks out in my mind is that there is not one bed or mattress that is perfect 100% for any one individual.
I come to this conclusion by how people have purchased beds from bed world.
If a couple are buying a bed together then unless they are identical twins how can one bed be right for both of them. What is a soft comfort to one person is firm or medium to another. Some people like firm Mattresses others like soft Mattresses so which is right and which is wrong. It’s all a matter of the individuals opinion.
Twenty years ago everyone purchased a bed that had orthopaedics on the label thinking that if it says orthopaedic then the mattress has got to be the right one. But hundreds of different manufacturers made Mattresses with orthopaedic on them and they all felt different, so which one is the right one.
Today more and more people are choosing softer Mattresses that mould and give more when pressure is applied. One of the best Mattresses that work like this is Memflex Memory foam. These Mattresses are made from material called Visco-elastic foam. This revolutionary foam responds to body temperature and body pressure it then adjusts to the shape of the individual to create a mould of the sleeper’s body. Once this mould has formed then the body will relax more and the person will feel more comfortable in bed. These new type of Mattresses have been used in hospitals all over the world to treat patients who have suffered with bed soars and been confined to a bed after operations.
To conclude this matter of which is the best bed or mattress for you consider this.
I have known people buy beds and Mattresses and say the following. I have purchased this Mattresses and it is too firm. Only to say two weeks later." This is the best mattress that I have ever had My back pain is better. Then on the other hand I have known people say this mattress is to soft and again two weeks later say its the best thing they have ever bought. This means that when you fist receive your new bed or mattress give your body time to adjust to it from the previous mattress

A lot of people worry about changing their beds, for fear their new bed will end up more uncomfortable than the one they've got now. Bed world have created this guide to help you make the right choice.
Decide your priorities and concerns in advance. For example price, storage, access to the bedroom, turning the mattress, getting in and out of bed, overall size or shape, a health issue, etc…
If possible, try a selection of beds for comparison before you buy.
Buy for correct support and comfort for your weight and build not just firmness.
Lie down in your normal sleeping position and make some turns, too. Wear comfortable clothing and remove any outdoor gear.
Take your time - it takes more than five seconds to try out a bed properly. Five minutes per bed would be better.
Try it together, if the bed’s for two.
Don’t forget a bed is a mattress and a base working together – don’t consider them in isolation.
Think big - larger beds are more comfortable.
You get what you pay for - both in product and service - so spend as much as you can afford.
If you’ve decided your bed needs replacing - but are feeling a little confused by all the choice out there, The Sleep Council also has an invaluable Bed Buyer’s Guide to help you understand the features and benefits of all the different beds on the market. The handy Sleep Good Feel Good Guide, meanwhile, offers tips on how to care for your bed and how to get a better night’s sleep.

Types of  Bed bases

Most Mattresses are used in combination with one of various choices of bed base, such as Divan bedsteads, Adjustable beds and bunks beds. Remember to ensure that mattress and base are suitable for use together, especially if you are buying them separately.

Divan – The Divan base is still the UK’s most popular option. Essentially it’s an upholstered box, fitted with castors for mobility or on legs to create space beneath. Deep divans are often fitted with useful storage drawers.

There are four main types of Divan are used in combination with one of various choices of bed base, such as Divan, bedsteads, Adjustable beds

Sprung Edge – Sprung edge divans feature a complete open coil or pocket spring unit mounted on a frame. Considered the most luxurious option, they provide even more support across the whole mattress and act like a giant shock absorber, increasing the mattress’s durability.

Solid or Platform Top – These divans have a rigid, non sprung top panel, often made from hardboard. Beds with these bases are generally firmer, as well as cheaper than beds with sprung bases. Firm Edge – Firm edge divans generally feature a smaller number of larger, heavy duty springs within a rigid, wooden sided frame.

Slatted Base – Flexible slatted divans use laminated soft woods mounted in a frame creating a modest level of springiness from their bowed shape. The tension of some slats can be adjusted to suit individual requirements.

Storage Options Under bed storage can be useful if space in your home is at a premium. Storage need not affect the comfort or quality of the bed – but it does cost a little more. Under bed storage options in divan bases include:

Drawers are located in one or both sides and/or the foot end. Smaller drawers in the top half of the bed allow for bedside tables.

Access to the interior space via sliding doors on one side or both sides and/or the foot end – mostly on budget models.

Ottoman style divans have a shallow platform top, (usually unsprung) hinged to the rest of the base, which, when lifted, gives access to almost all the under bed area. Hydraulic or tension springs make lifting and replacing safe and easy, even with a heavy mattress on top.

Bedsteads Bedsteads have seen a remarkable revival in popularity in recent years and a vast array of styles is available in wood, metal, plastics, upholstered or any combination of these. To support the mattress, the most common system is wooden slats – either rigid (with no give) or flexible. Other systems include flexible or rigid wire mesh. The space between slats on most, cheaper, rigid bases is usually wider than on flexible slatted models but it is advisable to ensure the gap is not more than 9-10cm ( approx 3inches ). Wear and tear on a mattress will be greater the wider the gaps. Most manufacturers make their own recommendations for slat spacing to suit their own Mattresses, so check these before buying as they do vary. It is also possible to have a fully sprung bed base (with the same benefits as a divan) inside. A number of manufacturers make these to order. As many bedsteads are imported or antique they may not conform to current UK standard sizes, so take care to ensure your mattress and bedstead are the same size.

Adjustable Bases – Adjustable beds are becoming increasingly popular as the bedroom becomes a multi-functional space. As well as reading or having breakfast in bed, people now watch TV from their beds and even work on their laptops. Of course, adjustable beds still offer benefits for a range of medical complaints requiring a raised sleeping position or raised legs or aid getting in and out of bed.
Styling choices range from a traditional divan looks right through to contemporary bedstead  Adjustable beds . Some even incorporate massage units as an optional extra.
Available as single beds or as doubles with individually adjustable halves, these beds either feature flexible laminated slats or fully sprung upholstered sections. Some models have five or more individually adjusting sections – for neck, head, upper body, legs and feet; other models might only adjust the head and feet; or even just the upper body. Some models are designed to slide backwards as the head end comes up, thus keeping you in more convenient contact with your bedside table. Others fit side tables which can be moved along side rails.

Bunk Beds –  Bunk beds  and Cabin beds are a popular option for parents and children. They are fun as well as practical and space-saving.


 Bed Sizes...

NAME	Small Single	Single	Small Double	Double	Kingsize	Super Kingsize
IMPERIAL SIZE	2`6ft x 6`3ft	3ft x 6`3ft	4ft x 6`3ft	4`6ft x 6`3ft	5ft x 6`6ft	6ft x 6`6ft
METRIC SIZE	75cm x 190cm	90cm x 190cm	120cm x 190cm	135cm x 190cm	150cm x 200cm	180cm x 200cm

Metric and imperial dimensions are not exact equivalents...

Check Dimensions

Bed sizes are not standard and even if they have the same name e.g. king-size they may not be the same size – especially if the mattress and base are not from the same manufacturer. The sizes for Pine beds, Metal beds and Leather beds can be different as some are still made in the old imperial size beds.

Buy base and mattress together

At least the very least make sure you try Mattresses on similar type of base. The two are engineered to work together and a change of base will affect the feel and performance of the mattress.

TOP TIP

It can be false economy to change only the mattress and keep the original base, especially if you are buying a divan. The old base could reduce the useful life of the new mattress as well as the support and comfort it can offer. It could also invalidate manufacturer's warranties and guarantees.

Access...

If you are worried about getting the new bed upstairs, remember most divans have split bases. While many bedstead are delivered in pieces for assembly in situ. To avoid problems with delivery you should tell the retailer about potential problems before you buy. Bedroom Environment…

The bedroom is your refuge. Around the world people have slept on everything from bare ground to hay, sheepskins, and waterbeds. Although people can get used to almost anything, the bedroom environment does make a difference in how well you sleep. For fully restorative sleep you must set the stage for the theatre of the night...quiet, dark, and cool.

Noise
Make sure that your bedroom is an easy place to fall asleep and stay asleep. Keep your bedroom quiet. Dripping faucets, noisy radiators, sirens, barking dogs, loud stereos, and late-night revellers are common rest inhibitors. If sounds cannot be eliminated altogether, you can create a soothing atmosphere by setting the tuner of your FM radio between any two stations. The pseudo white noise will mask unwanted sounds and promote sleep.

Light Level
too much light can contribute to sleeplessness. Using dark fabric to block windows or the rim of a door can significantly reduce the amount of light leaking into the bedroom. Eyeshades can also do the trick.

Temperature
The ideal temperature for sleeping is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. A hot bedroom or too many blankets or bedclothes may disturb sleep and even induce nightmares. A cold room can be just as disruptive as you'll wake up shivering.

Humidity Level
An ideal relative humidity level for the bedroom is between 60 and 70 percent. You may want to buy a humidifier or a dehumidifier depending on your needs.

Security
extra lock on the front door might make all the difference in how secure you feel at night. So too might another smoke alarm. As part of your nightly bedtime ritual, check the door locks and close the window.

Clocks
Hide illuminated clocks to avoid clock-watching during the night which can lead to anxiety over sleeplessness.

Colours, Decor & Cleanliness
Select colours that you associate with the feeling of peace and ease. For example, many people choose blues or greens because it reminds them of the ocean or a park. Keep the bedroom clean and free of clutter. Piles of clothes, reports, and bills induce feelings of stress. Paintings of pastoral scenes, photographs from enjoyed vacations and portraits of family members can create a peaceful ambiance for rest.

Nightclothes
Loose-fitting soft garments that breathe are preferable.

Bed sheets
the key for bed sheets is clean, cool, and comfortably soft. Popular bed sheet materials are cotton, linen, and polyester fabrics. Cotton is the most popular fibre for bed sheets used either alone or paired with linen, silk, or polyester. They are absorbent becoming even more comfortable over time. For superior quality you might want to try linen sheet, which are ideally suited for hot climates because of its lightweight and cooling effect. Also, consider the colour of your sheets. For soothing sleep times you might want white or pastels or soft designs like flora’s, paisleys, or light colour striped sheets

Mattress Toppers and Pillows
Mattress toppers or overlays have become popular to add that extra luxury feel to a mattress or revive an old sagging mattress, What ever mattress you have good or bad a Memory foam Mattress toppers will improve the comfort ten fold.
More and more people are choosing better quality pillows today.
In the past most people buying new beds and Replacement mattresses have neglected the importance of a good pillow.
the most popular pillows are Latex pillows  and Memory foam pillows