Twenty thousand hours probably sounds like a very long time, but that’s how long the average person will spend in a bed during a seven-year time period— so it’s pretty important to do your research when the time comes to buy a new bed and/or mattress.
Studies have shown that a good night’s sleep is crucial to good health, productivity and brain function. Lisa Artis, a spokeswoman for the British Sleep Council, says that it’s vital to ‘make sure your bed is comfortable. It’s difficult to get deep, restful sleep on one that’s too soft, too hard, too small or too old.’
The key criteria for a good bed might seem straightforward, but finding a mattress and frame that are the right size, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing is not always an easy task. Here are some important things to bear in mind when you set out shopping for your bed and mattress:
1.Shop around Buying a bed is a little like buying a car—until you try out several options, it’s hard to know what you’re going to like best. Try a few beds, and shops, before making a decision. It’s worthwhile putting in the time.
2. Size matters Common bed sizes like ‘King Size’ and ‘Queen Size’ are not standardised, and there’s always some variation between shops. If you’re happy with your current bed size, make sure to take precise measurements with you shopping, and if you buy your mattress and frame from different stores (not something that is on the whole advised,) double check that they’re the same size.
3.Double up Especially if you share a bed, it’s likely that the bigger it is, the better you’ll sleep. It’s worth going shopping with your partner so you can try a bed with both of you in it—and decide on one that you both like.
4. Choose a good mattress Some people prefer a soft bed, others a harder one. Comfort is subjective so try out different mattress types so you know what works for you. Sprung mattresses come in three different categories, and each will provide a slightly different feel. Similarly, many people prefer non-sprung mattresses such as foam, gel and flotation mattresses. If you have no idea what kind of mattress you like, do some research so you end up with the right one.
5.Look out for NBF The National Bed Federation now labels beds that have passed their rigorous safety and hygiene tests with a mark of approval sign. Their website has a full list of approved manufacturers so it’s worth taking a look before you begin shopping.
Remember!
If you have a sprung mattress, to ensure it stays in good condition for its full seven years you should turn it around every few months. It might sound like a hassle, but this will avoid compression and dips in the mattress caused by body weight. Turn it side-to-side and head to toe a couple of times a year, and the mattress will wear evenly as it ages.
Beating Back Pain
If you’re one of the 16 million people in the UK who suffers from back pain, then you’ll be looking for a bed that provides support. As every case of back pain is different, there’s no single rule for which kind of bed will help, but here are some helpful tips:
Do speak with your doctor before buying a bed, as they might have advice on what would help in your individual circumstances.
Don’t assume specially labeled ‘orthopaedic’ beds will be the most supportive. A medium firm bed with cushions is often more effective, and cheaper.
Do think about your pillow. You want an arrangement that supports your neck in alignment with the rest of the spine. Too many or too few pillows can exacerbate back pain.
