IT’S TIME TO SLEEP GOOD FEEL GOOD IN A BRAND NEW BED

According to research, more than 50% of people cite the reason for replacing their old bed is that it’s broken! And Sleep Council research suggests another third replace their beds because their old one is uncomfortable.

With March being National Bed Month, there’s no time like the present to buy into a better night’s sleep, with a wealth of new designs and technologies to choose from.

So what sort of things should you be looking for?

“It partly depends what sort of budget you’ve got,” explains Jessica Alexander from The Sleep Council. You can buy a new (double) bed for under £100 - or spend several thousands. But you do tend to get what you pay for so it’s worth investing as much as you can afford.”

Proving very popular at the budget end of the market are what the trade affectionately calls “Roll Ups”. These can be found everywhere – in shops and all over the internet. “But be sure to buy from a reputable source,” says Jessica Alexander. “Sadly ‘bargain’ sometimes means ‘bad’ – mattresses that won’t last five minutes; or, worse still, don’t meet the UK’s strict flammability safety regulations and could go up in dense, deadly smoke in seconds if they caught fire.”

Once you’re into the more luxurious end of the market, the choice begins to open up enormously. Memory foam – also known as visco-elastic foam - remains as popular as ever for mattresses – there’s barely a manufacturer out there that doesn’t use in some shape or form.

Many companies are coming up with innovative ways of combating overheating problems which some people have encountered with memory foam, so if you tend to get hot in bed, do look out for the new climate control options coming on to the market. “Some even allow couples to adjust their half of the bed individually,” says Jessica Alexander.<

Manufacturers are also beginning to target their products towards specific needs. So there are healthy beds for active, sporty sorts; beds to help you relax and de-stress; and beds which address specific health problems, from allergies to back pain. Some are a combination of all three! There are even beds which will satisfy the greenest of consumers, featuring all natural and/or organic materials.

But whatever takes you fancy in terms of style, construction or clever features, don’t forget to follow the Sleep Council’s Top 10 Tips for buying a new bed to ensure you get the one that’s right for you.

• Set aside enough time. You can’t buy a good mattress in a hurry or if you’re tired or distracted – they will all feel wonderful!
• Choose the correct support for your weight and build. A good mattress will gently support your body at all points and keep your spine in the same position as good standing posture.
• Comfort is paramount. Whether you like firmer or softer cushioning, if you’ve got the core support the rest is up to you. A bed doesn’t have to be hard to be good for you.
• If possible, try a selection of beds for comparison. Spend at least 5-10 minutes on each bed on your shortlist.
• Lie down in your normal sleeping position and test out how easy it is to turn and to get in and out of bed. Wear comfortable clothing and remove any outdoor gear.
• Shop together, if the bed’s for two. And consider separate mattresses or different tensions if there’s a big difference in height and weight.
• Don’t forget a bed is a mattress and a base working together - don’t consider them in isolation.
• Make sure you have enough room for free, easy movement. Couples should select a bed that’s at least 150 x200cm. (5ft x 6ft 6in)
• Shop for the best value – all things considered – not the lowest price. Remember, every £100 you spend represents just 2.7p a night over 10 years.
• Most warranties and guarantees protect against manufacturing defects – not gradual loss of comfort and support.

For further advice on buying a new bed, visit The Sleep Council’s web site at www.sleepcouncil.com where you can download or request a copy of the Bed Buyers Guide which will tell you much more about how to choose the best bed. You can also work out your own individual bed profile using the interactive My Bed Profile feature. The Bed Buyers Guide can also be requested by phone on 0800 018 7923.