Choosing the Right Bed

Posted by Pete on September 28, 2009 in Self Help | 0 comments

• Do I need a new bed?
• Test out your new bed
• What to look for
• Types of mattress
• Types of base

Do I need a new bed?

The first question is do I really need a new bed, if the answer to any of the below questions is yes you may well need a new bed.

• Is the bed more than 8 years old?  A beds characteristics may reduce by up to 70% over a ten year period
• Are you not sleeping as well as you used to?
• Do you sleep better when you are away from home?
• Do you wake up feeling stiff and sore?
• Are there signs of deterioration e.g. protruding springs, a lumpy floppy mattress?
• Do you and your partner ever unintentionally roll together?

Test out your new bed

Everyone is different so you will need to test different beds.  What is comfortable and supportive for one person will be unsuitable for the next.  Larger, heavier individuals required firmer beds than smaller people.  Also the firmness rating given by different manufacturers is not standardised.  This includes the term orthopaedic which simply means an extra firm bed.  If you and your partner have different needs then it is possible to either buy a mattress with two separate zones or two individual mattresses that zip and link together.  If the weight difference between you and your partner is 3 stones (20kg) or more you may well need a dual mattress as described.  To test your bed lie down with your partner in comfortable clothes for a minimum of 10 minutes or up to an hour if possible.  The ideal situation is to trial a bed with the option of exchanging it if does not match your needs.

What to look for?

Correct Support

The correct bed has to be supportive but not necessarily hard.  The mattress should mould to the shape of your body whilst providing positive support.  If the bed is too soft your muscles and ligaments may get stretched and strained contributing to back pain.  If too hard certain pressure points will develop causing pain and discomfort.  There are two tests you can perform to ascertain whether or not a bed offers the correct support for you.  First lie on your back.  Try to slide you hand into the small of your back, it should slide in snugly.  If you hand slides in with minimal contact with the back the bed is too hard.  If you have difficulty getting your hand in the bed is too soft.   Second, when lying on your side your spine should remain horizontal and not sag down towards the bed.

Size

It is very important to choose a bed that is the correct length, width and height.  Having enough space to lie in the correct posture and not too close to your partner is very important.  As a general guideline, the bigger the better.  Bed sizes are not standard to either test the bed or check its dimensions.

• Length. The length of the bed should be 4-6 inches or 10-15cm greater than the tallest person in the bed.
• Width.  When testing the bed both partners should be able to lie on their backs with their hands clasped behind the head without any contact.  A standard double is 4’6’’ allows only 2’3’’ per person which is about the width of a baby’s cot.
• Height.  For people with existing back problems a higher bed is both easier to get in and out of and easier to make and change.

Price

It is advisable but not necessary to buy an expensive bed.  The quality and durability determine the price of a bed but not its level of support.  Supportive beds are available at all price ranges but cheaper beds will not last as long.

Types of mattress

The two basic types of mattress and sprung and non-sprung.  The majority of mattresses are sprung either being open coil, continuous of pocket sprung.  The property of these beds is determined by the construction, arrangement and number of springs.  As a rule of thumb try to buy a bed with as many springs as possible to give the best support.

Sprung Mattresses

• Open coil aka open sprung or Bonnell spring consist of a collection of individual springs connected at the top and bottom and held together in a frame.  Typically 325 coils in a 5ft wide bed, with springs ranging up to a very firm 12.5 spring gauge (spring wire thickness).  Priced budget to mid range.
• Continuous spring consists of one continuous wire knitted into a series of interwoven springs.  Generally the gauge of the wire is softer and the size of the coil smaller than open coil giving a higher spring count and a more responsive feel.  Priced mid range.
• Pocket sprung consist of small, softer springs housed in individual fabric pockets allowing them to work independently of each other, profiling the body shape to prevent pressure points.  Independent support means that there is minimal transmission of movement from one sleeping partner to another.  Spring counts are typically 600-2,500 and sometimes up to 4,000.  Priced mid to high end.

Non Sprung Mattresses

The three types are foam, flotation and futon.  Foam mattresses are particulary suitable for use with slatted bases and adjustable beds.  The three types of foam mattress are Latex, Visco-elastic and Polyurethane.

• Latex is very durable with anti-mircrobial properties that is of benefit to allergy sufferers.  Latex has good elasticity and recovers its shape as soon as pressure is removed.  It has a very good point elasticity resulting in an even distribution of pressure for independent support.
• Visco-elastic aka memory foam responds slowly to body weight and temperature assuming the shape of the user.  It has good pressure relieving properties and is available in a variety of densities and quality rating.
• Polyurethane’s foam performance and price vary according to the density and quality.  Widely available and very versatile.

Flotation Beds

Support is determined by the amount of water used and the level of motion is adjustable.  Offers pressure free support and a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Type of base

Don’t put a new mattress on an old base as it may invalidate some warranties and new mattress can take on the faults of the old base.  When buying a mattress and base separately, ensure that they are a suitable match and check the dimensions are compatible as sizes are not standard.

1. Divans

Divans are the most common option.  They are essentially an upholstered box on castors.  The four types are.

• Solid platform bases that have a rigid top panel are the firmest and cheapest option.  These bases offer good support when sitting on the edge and make it easier to get on or off it.
• Full sprung edge divans feature an open coil or pocket spring unit mounted on a frame.  They provide even support across the whole mattress and act as a giant shock absorber, increasing the mattress’s durability and lifespan.
• Firm edge divans feature a smaller number of larger heavy duty springs within a rigid wooden sided frame.  Combines good edge support with increased lifespan of mattress placed upon it.
• Flexible slatted divans use slats of wood mounted in a frame.  The tension of the slats can be adjusted to give more support in certain areas as required e.g. the lower back and hips.

2. Bedsteads

The most common form of support in bedsteads is wooden slats, either rigid or flexible.  Cheaper bases have a larger space between slats so ensure the gap is not greater than 10cm or 3’’.   Larger gaps between slats create greater wear and tear on the mattress.  Check that the slat gap matches the requirements of the mattress to be placed upon it.   It is also possible to get bedsteads with fully sprung bases or wire mesh support.

3. Adjustable beds

These beds can be especially useful for people who have trouble getting in and out of bed or for specific requirements e.g. sleeping with legs in an elevated position.