When it comes to buying the right bed there’s a lot to think about in order to make the right choice for your sleep style, significant other and personal idea of comfort.
It can be hard to remember everything you need to investigate in order to get the most out of your investment. So, to help, we’ve compiled a list of the five key points to consider before taking the plunge with your new bed.
1. Having to spend a fortune is a myth
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good night’s sleep, but be wary – often seemingly good second-hand beds will have well-worn mattresses that make for an uncomfortable night’s sleep.
Always go for a new bed and, even if the base is at the lower end of what’s on offer, invest in as good a mattress as possible. Cheap mattresses will wear down faster, quickly losing the support and comfort level that’s essential for a good night’s sleep. So, it’s always worth buying the best bed that you can afford, rather than settling for the cheapest option which could leave you feeling less well rested.
2. Bigger is better…
A bed that’s too small can lead to unwelcome bumps and kicks from your significant other in the night! This isn’t going to help you get a restful sleep.
When buying a bed it’s always important to lie on it for a good length of time (at least 10 minutes and as many as 30). This will not only make sure you find it comfortable but ensure there’s enough space for you and your partner.
A good test is to lie side by side with your partner, with arms behind your head and elbows sticking out. If your arms aren’t touching then the bed is big enough for you. If you’re bumping elbows then you should probably look for something bigger.
3. … but measure up first
While it might be your wish to live in a castle and sleep in a giant four-poster bed, the reality is that many bedrooms will be unable to accommodate large-sized beds. Another thing to consider is that bed sizes aren’t always standardised. Make sure when shopping around in various stores and online that you double check the size you’re looking at is the size you actually want.
The moral of the story – take a tape measure in-store with you to avoid nasty surprises on delivery day.
4. Find the right mattress
The right mattress will depend on the kind of bed you’re buying and on your individual sleeping style.
According to the Huffington Post, side sleepers will benefit from a softer mattress, relieving stress on their shoulders and hips.
Back sleepers should avoid anything too hard or too soft, aiming for the goldilocks mattress that will provide the right amount of support in all the right places.
Stomach sleepers should look for firmer mattresses, which will stop the body from sinking into the bed.
Those who don’t have a preferred sleeping position should test as many mattresses as possible to find the one that is the most comfortable for them.
5. Bed buyer beware
The National Bed Federation has identified that potentially thousands of so-called “bargain” mattresses are being sold across the country each week, mattresses that are often just old mattresses being sold as new ones – some of which have been re-covered or have had fake tags attached. Many of the mattresses don’t meet UK flammability standards so are not only uncomfortable but unsafe as well.
The best way for consumers to protect themselves against these rogue mattress traders is to never buy a mattress from the back of a van and keep an eye out for the “NBF approved” logo.
If you follow these steps you’ll be improving your chances of getting the best night’s sleep possible.
For more tips on getting a good nights sleep, check out The Sleep Council’s website.
Or keep an eye on our blog for helpful bed buying pointers.
