Introduction

Buying a bed is not always an easy experience. When you consider that you spend a third of your life asleep – it is worth taking the time to get it right, so that your bed becomes your best friend. A good night’s sleep comes from a quality mattress. So how do you know if you need to replace your bed? Ask yourself the following questions:

✓ Is your bed more than eight to ten years old?

✓ Is it uncomfortable?

✓ Can you feel springs beneath the surface of the mattress?

✓ Do you and your partner ‘roll’ into each other?

✓ Is your mattress torn or discoloured?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, it’s probably time to invest in a new bed! Before you rush out and buy a new one, decide what it is you dislike about your current bed. Is it too soft or too hard? Do you need more space?

And so to bed...

There is no such thing as "THE correct sleeping position" but your body should be supported and your spine in line. DO NOT SLEEP IN A POSITION IF IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE; all of us are different and our sleeping positions develop to suit our own particular needs.

Pillow fights!

Your pillow can be as important as your mattress and even if you share a bed, don’t share a pillow – keep it to yourself! Your perfect pillow should keep your head in line with the rest of your body and mould to the shape of your head and neck . So, where do you begin the search for your ‘dream bed’?

Advice - buying your dream bed

The best bed for your back is not always a firm one – you need a bed that provides the right support and comfort for you. Remember your bed should not be too hard or too soft. If you are lying on your side your spine should be parallel to the mattress and your spine should not sag (bed too soft) or bow (bed too hard).

Big is Beautiful – buy the biggest bed possible, so you have the maximum space to move around; it should be around 15cm longer than the tallest sleeper.

Try, Try and Try Again – put the mattresses through their paces. Lie on each bed you are considering for as long as possible. Wear loose clothing so you can see how easy it is to turn as well as get on and off the bed.

If you sleep together, shop together – always shop with your partner and consider two separate mattresses in one bed frame if you and your partner are worlds apart in height and weight.

Never accept second best – it can be tempting to say yes to a second hand bed, but you will take on the previous owner’s dust mites and skin cells – not a pleasant thought! Also, mattresses pre-1986 do not meet basic fire safety regulations, so you are putting yourself in danger. Beds age as well, so fillings and springs loose their effectiveness over time. A mattress that is supportive and comfortable is key, but remember that your requirement for support will differ depending on your weight and build.