Types of Base
Most mattresses are used in combination with one of various choices of bed bases, such as divans, bedsteads, adjustable beds and bunk beds. Remember to ensure that mattress and base are suitable for use together, especially if you are buying them separately.
Divans
The divan base is still the UK's most popular option. Essentially it's an upholstered box, fitted with castors for mobility or on legs to create space beneath. Deep divans are often fitted with useful storage drawers.
There are three main types of divan.
Sprung edge divans feature a complete open coil or pocket spring unit mounted on a frame. Considered the most luxurious option, they provide even support across the whole mattress and act like a giant shock absorber, increasing the mattress's durability.
Solid or platform top divans have a rigid, non-sprung top panel, often made from hardboard. Beds with these bases are generally firmer, as well as cheaper than beds with sprung bases.- Flexible slatted divans use laminated soft woods mounted in a frame creating a modest level of springiness from their bowed shape.
Storage
Under-bed storage can be useful if space in your home is at a premium. Storage need not affect the comfort of quality of the bed - but it does cost a little more. Underbed storage options in divan bases include drawers that are located in one or both sides
Fascinating Fact
Look for the blue and white FR label. All beds sold in the UK should meet fire safety regulations introduced in 1988, which require all foams to be combustion modified and the composite of springs, fillings and cover in each mattress and base to be cigarette and match flame resistant. These precautions have saved hundreds of lives. Beware some imported products, which do not always meet the standards required, even though they may be labelled correctly. Palatine Beds have an in house Flamability testing program and all Palatine Beds products carry this blue and white FR label.
Fascinating Fact
We lose more than a quarter of a litre of body moisture each night and shed almost half a kilo of skin scales in a year. This unhygienic environment is a haven for dust mites, whose droppings are known to aggravate asthma and eczema symptoms. Never accept a second hand bed and never hand one down to anyone else.
Adjustable Bases
Adjustable beds are becoming increasingly popular as the bedroom becomes a multi-functional space. As well as reading or having breakfast in bed, people now watch TV from their beds and even work on their laptops. Of course, adjustable beds still offer many benefits for a range of medical complaints requiring a raised sleeping position or raised legs or aid getting in and out of bed.
Styling choices range from a traditional divan look right through to contemporary bedstead designs. Some even incorporate massage units as an optional extra.
Available as single beds or as doubles with individually adjustable halves, these beds either feature flexible laminated slats or fully sprung upholstered sections. Some models have five or more individually adjusting sections - for neck, head, upper body, legs and feet; or even just the upper body. Some models are designed to slide backwards as the head end comes up, thus keeping you in more convenient contact with your bedside table. Others fit side tables which can be moved along side rails.
Mattresses are specially made for adjustable beds so ideally the base and mattress should be bought together. It's a good idea to make sure that any electrical parts are separately guaranteed and fully compatible with UK systems.