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Frequently Asked Questions

The following are the most frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered email us or ring us on (0191) 271 9920 or fax us on (0191) 271 2500.

What sort of bed should I choose if I have a bad back?

For a long time, it was believed that a hard bed was good for a bad back. Recent research confirms this is not necessarily the case - and could in fact cause more damage. A supportive and comfortable mattress is the best option - it doesn't matter what type of consturction it is. Any reference to beds being orthopaedic - or similar medical sounding terms - does not mean that the bed has been professionally assessed or recommended. It is a term loosely used by manufacturers to refer to extra firm models in their range.

What sort of bed is best for sufferers from asthma or other types of allergic problem?

Almost all beds will, in time, attract house dust mites, whos droppings are highly allergenic. Regular cleaning, airing and the use of protective covers will reduce the effect.

What should I pay for a good mattress?

Prices for beds range from well under £100 to several thousands. As a general rule you get what you pay for. Remember that every £100 you spend on a new bed represents an investment of just 3p a night (assuming a lifespan of 10 years). A bargain bed is no bargain if you don't sleep well in it.

Which is better - tufted or quilted?

Better quality tufts are well protected by wool or felt pompoms but some more sensitive people may be more aware of them than others. A good mattress protector can help. Otherwise, choose a quilted style instead.

I have been told to turn my mattress regularly. Why is this necessary?

On better quality mattresses, particularly with lots of natural fillings, body indentations are a normal characteristic of a mattress working as intended, allowing the springs to move individually while the fillings cradle your body. Regular turning will help the fillings settle and compact down more evenly - although there will still be some visible signs of the mattress settling to the contours of your body.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions, but generally it's a good idea to turn them from end to end and side to side every week for the first few months and thereafter about every three months. You should rotate a non-turn mattress.
Handles are intended to help position the mattress correctly on the base. Handles are not designed to carry the full weight of a mattress.

What is the difference between non-turn and no need to turn mattresses?

Non-turn mattresses are designed as one-sided mattresses and can only be used on that one side. Rotation is normally recommended to even out wear and tear. No need to turn mattresses can be used either way - but it is not necessary to turn them as regularly as other mattresses (although occasional turning is usually suggested).

Is bed linen freely available for bigger beds?

Most department stores stock linen for beds up to 180cm (6') wide. For other sizes there are companies who can make to order.

Are foam mattresses hot?

Mattresses don't create the heat and people can get hot on beds of all constructions but foam is a good insulator and the higher the density (i.e. the better the quality) the greater the potential heat retention. If you are the sort of person who gets hot in bed (and remember that age, health and medications can all affect your body's heat control mechanisms), look for foam with an open cell construction which will breathe more easily; make sure the mattress is well ventilated; and use cotton sheets, duvets with lower tog ratings etc.

Will a more expensive bed be better to sleep on?

Not necessarily as comfort is a matter of individual preference; a very firm expensive bed may be uncomfortable if you prefer a softer mattress but a better quality bed will be more expensive than a poor quality one because the thicker, more luxurious mattress fillings and covers are more costly.

Do I have to buy a new base if I'm replacing my old mattress?

We always recommend you buy base and mattress together because the two are designed and manufactured to complement one another in terms of support. Your mattress may show visible signs of wear and tear but the base will have had equal pressure and strain - it just doesn't show quite so clearly. If you purchase from different manufacturers any warranty may be compromised if the manufacturer deems the base to be unsuitable to support the mattress or vice versa. Another point to watch is making sure the dimensions of any base and mattress separately sourced are compatible - two Kings might not be quite the same size!

There are so many bed sizes - how big should I go?

People don't buy large enough beds. 75% of all double beds are still the standard 4ft 6in/135cm wide double - yet this is plainly not room enough for two adults to sleep comfortably together without disturbing each other. Even upgrading to the next size, a 5ft/150cm king size, whilst it takes up very little extra bedroom space, makes a considerable difference!

What are the standard bed sizes?

There are no uniform or universal standards of sizes or names for bed sizes that have to be used in law: the terms that are used are descriptive and there is no guarantee that the term King, for example, will be applied to exactly the same size product by different manufacturers. Metric sizes are not exactly the same as imperial sizes, either. The following are the most common sizes available:

How long should my bed last?

It varies according to the type of bed and the amount of usage but, as a general rule, if you wake up with aches and pains which disappear over the course of the day, you are not sleeping as well as you did a year ago or the mattress shows signs of wear, it is probably time to change your bed.

How do I dispose of an old bed?

Your Local Authority waste disposal/refuse collection service will usually take large items on request but some make a charge.