Beds Buyers Guide

A good night's sleep can make all the difference to the way you feel and the way you look. Choosing the right bed can be one the most important investments you make especially when you consider that a third of your life is spent in bed. The good news is that a quality bed will cost you less than a daily newspaper over a 10-year period, which is the average life expectancy of a bed.

The two main considerations when choosing a bed are comfort and style. Both are subjective and down to personal preference, but there are some practical considerations, which will help you decide which type of bed is most suitable for your needs. Whether it be as a replacement for you, your child or guest room your considerations remain the same.

If your bed is over ten years old, its frame creaks and your mattress is lumpy, stained or has a dip in the middle, you need a new bed. Ideally your bed should be six inches longer than you are, with ample width on both sides.

Considering comfort
When it comes to comfort we all have different ideals. Remember that if a bed is too soft it won't support you properly and if it is too hard you may find it difficult to relax sufficiently for a good night's sleep.

Bedsteads
A bedstead has a headboard, a footboard and a mattress base. Bedsteads are generally available in wood or metal with either a solid or a slatted base. You may need to purchase a mattress separately. See mattresses for additional information.

Divans
A divan consists of a base and a mattress, with an optional matching headboard. Divan bases are available as platform top or solid bases or as sprung bases, with springs for comfort & support.
Most divans have fixing bolts for a headboard and storage facilities which could include a combination of 'under bed' drawers or 'sliding doors'. The choice is yours.
Divan guest beds are also available in the form of a folding bed. This collapses down and slides underneath an existing divan or a bed on a base and coasters that can be slid under a bed and stored there until needed.

Folding beds
Folding beds are beds that fold away. Some of them fold up and can be stored in a cupboard or a loft and made available when guests come to stay, others can be slid under another bed and stored until needed, ideal for children's bedrooms and sleepovers. Check whether they are intended for occasional use as a guest bed or for those caravan holidays, or can stand general use. The most important consideration is whether they are suitable for your requirements.

Futons
Inspired by the Japanese mattress or bedroll, futons consist of a mattress - (filled with layers of natural fibres such as cotton or wool) and a slatted frame which folds up to form a sofa.
If the futon is to be used primarily as a sofa it's worth remembering that certain mattresses are available with a layer of foam to provide more comfortable seating. Remember that the mattress needs regular turning or rolling to ensure that it keeps its shape. Ask your retailer for more details. Some futons also have loose covers available.

Sofa beds
These are sofas that provide seating comfort during the day and sleeping comfort at night when they fold out to become a bed. They are ideal as a guest bed or for a studio flat where space limited. They usually have space in the base for storage.
There are 3 types of sofa bed;

Foam Fold Outs, which are suitable as occasional seating and sleeping,
Metal Action Beds, which consist of a sprung metal frame and mattress contained inside the sofa for added support and durability - they pull out for occasional sleeping and
Permanent Sleepers. These are metal action sofa beds which combine a sprung wooden slatted frame with a sprung mattress.

Using your sofa bed should be as simple as lifting the sofa front upwards, lowering it and making your bed.

Pros: Space saving.
Cons: If you plan to use the sofa bed every day, you will have to make your bed before going to sleep.

Waterbeds
The main benefit of a waterbed is the gentle massage of the body driven by the natural rhythm of breathing. There are two types of waterbed namely frame waterbeds and soft-side waterbeds. Frame waterbeds offer a style that can enhance your decor either in the shape of a bedstead or a boxed platform. Soft-side waterbeds look like a divan bed.
Waterbeds are available in different levels of support and motion. These are;

Full Flotation: the original waterbed mattress offering all the benefits of a waterbed with motion.
Semi-Wave: two layers of fibre floating inside for added comfort and reduced motion.
Waveless: one layer of fibre floating inside for added comfort and reduced motion.
Superwaveless: several layers of fibre or vinyl chambers or a combination of both. The motion is reduced to almost nil but still retains the benefits of a waterbed.

The beauty of the waterbed is that the water mattress conforms to the exact shape of your body, providing total support, which is the key to having a good night's sleep.

Four poster beds
Four poster beds have a vertical post on each corner and a frame to hold drapes and a canopy. Many manufacturers of bedsteads will offer a four poster version as a made to order service.

Half-testers
Half-testers are a simpler alternative to a four-poster bed. A half tester has a tall head end with either a canopy or open frame above the pillow area. Again these are often special order only.

Adjustable beds
Adjustable beds are said to support the natural curves of the body without causing muscular strain or discomfort. This is due to the adjustable nature of the bed. They provide support for your head, neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, hips, thighs, legs and feet.
Hand controls will allow you to elevate your head and feet into their most comfortable position - ideal for watching TV, reading, breakfast in bed or simply putting your feet up and relaxing.
These beds are usually available in a single mattress or as dual beds, which are perfect when sharing a bed with a partner. Each side is individually adjustable, providing maximum comfort for both individuals.
Adjustable beds are available as manually adjustable slatted bases or as electrically operated beds. Some of them offer added benefits such as electric under blanket heat and built in massage options.

It is essential for growing bodies to have good support. This may mean buying more than one bed as your child grows. Let's take a look at the beds available for children, starting with growing beds.

Growing Beds
These beds grow as your child grows, usually with pull out panels. They are an ideal choice as a first bed. Not only do they make the transfer from cot to bed easier for both child and parent but they extend to a standard single bed. They are available from most reputable bed retailers.

Bunk Beds
These are beds that provide sleeping facilities for more than one child in a limited amount of space. In the first instance consider the requirements;

Size; 75cm or 90cm width,
Number of bunks; do the bunks divide into two beds? 90cm wide and longer length, would be more useful as single beds,
Ceiling height; lower bunks for restricted ceiling height are available. Remember that the child in the lower bunk should be able to sit up comfortably - take him or her with you when buying so they can test them out,
Age of children; upper bunks are not recommended for children under the age of six
Versatility; lower bunks that convert into a sofa bed are available, as are bunk beds with desk space or clothes & toys storage.

Loft beds
Loft beds increase useable floor space simply by raising the bed off the floor. Heights vary from 1.2 - 1.8 meters. A good measure is the height of your ceiling. They tend to be popular with children (not recommended for children under the age of six) and teenagers, and are a good option for studio flats. Many manufacturers offer storage or desk facilities for under the bed.

Mid beds
Are similar to loft beds in that the bed is raised off the ground. The difference is how high off the ground. Mid/Cabin beds are raised approx. 80 - 100cm above the ground. They provide a bed and storage combination in the space of a single bed, making them an ideal solution for smaller rooms.

Novelty beds
These are themed beds that provide some fun for your child. They are available in many shapes and sizes, for e.g., racing cars, trains, boats, planes or animals. Major considerations are the space available for the bed, the age of your child and how quickly they will tire of it. These beds are usually designed to order.

Support
Mattress support is categorised into a choice of soft, medium or firm.
If you prefer firm mattresses an "Orthopaedic" mattress is your best choice. This doesn't mean it has medical approval so if you are looking for a mattress that is suitable for a bad back, ask a back specialist for advice before buying.
The mattress should support the body in any sleeping position even when you're lying on your side. Too hard and it will be uncomfortable at your hip and shoulder, too soft and you will slump.
Partners of differing weights, or who prefer different mattresses, should consider linked mattresses (zipped together) or a special order mattress combining degrees of firmness.

There are two different types of mattress: foam and sprung. The type you choose will depend on personal preference. When shopping try out both types to see which you prefer.

Foam mattresses
These are made of layers of different density foam to give support and comfort. The cheapest option is polyurethane foam mattress, whereas latex mattresses are durable, comfortable and have anti-bacterial properties - a good option for allergy sufferers. Another foam mattress available is the visco-elastic or rebound foam mattress. The foam gives around the sleeper and then springs back into shape. They do not require turning as do sprung mattresses.

Sprung mattresses
Sprung mattresses have a cover, various layers of padding and a core of springs. Sprung mattresses need regular turning. Allergy sufferers should check padding materials as hair and wool are often used.
When shopping for a sprung mattress, expect to be offered different spring gauge's - these refer to the tightness of the spring or the level of support offered by the mattress.
Whichever type of mattress you choose, remember that this purchase could mean the difference between a good night's sleep and an uncomfortable night with no sleep. Consider your needs and buy as good a mattress as you can afford.
If you are buying a mattress or base separately, check that they are compatible. Foam mattresses are suitable for slatted bases and some sprung mattresses are not. A poor quality base will invalidate any mattress guarantee so make sure that you check out the details before buying.

Mattress pads & covers
Mattress pads are a thin mattress used to provide extra comfort over a firm mattress. Available in standard bed sizes they make a comfy accessory.
Mattress covers are washable covers that protect your mattress. There are anti dust mite covers available for those susceptible to asthma, eczema and other allergies. Waterproof covers can be sponged clean and are good for kids' beds.

British Safety Standards

BS 7177
Make sure that the mattress you are buying conforms to British flame retardancy regulations for beds and upholstery (BS7177). It should have a blue and white safety label.

BS EN747
All beds with a sleeping surface of 80cm or more above the floor must conform to British safety standard - BS EN747. The bed, upper bunk or loft bed should have two guard rails on both sides, the distance between the rails should be between 60 - 75mm and the top of the mattress should be at least 100mm below the top of the guard rail. Ladders should be fixed with treads no bigger than 300mm wide and 200mm apart and be on a side.

Single 90cm x 200cm approx.

Super Single 107cm x 200cm approx.

Standard Double/Full 135cm x 200cm approx.

Queen 150cm x 200cm approx.

Dual Queen (2 beds) 150cm x 200cm approx.

Dual King (2 beds) 180cm x 200cm approx.

Dual Super King (2 beds) 215cm x 200cm approx.

Dual Super Extra Wide King* (2 beds) 270cm x 200cm approx.

"Dual" Size Beds = two side-by-side beds, each is 1/2 the width indicated.

- A bed should be 10 - 15cm longer than the tallest sleeper.

- Measure exactly if buying a separate mattress or base.

- Measure the space the bed has to fit into, consider positions of light switches, plug sockets, bedside cabinets or other furniture.

- Access - most divans have divided bases and most bedsteads are self-assembly, but measure doorways and mention stairs or tight corners to the retailer.

- Buy from a reputable retailer so that warranties and guarantees can be redeemed.

- Find out if there are any promotions or free credit terms available from the retailer.

- Try before choosing - wear comfortable clothing, remove shoes: lie down and relax.

- Delivery - check how soon the bed will be available and whether delivery is included in the price. Folding a mattress to fit into a car will damage it.

- Find out if the retailer will assemble the bed or whether it is DIY.

- Find out whether the retailer will dispose of the old bed.