by Sarah Williams
Choosing the right bed is essential as we spend a 1/3 of our day in bed.
The truth is no one bed will suit everyone, but before you take the plunge, ask yourself the following about your current sleeping arrangement:-
Do your bed accessories suit you?
Changing pillows and duvets can save you some pennies.
Is your bed too firm?
A mattress topper might resolve this. A common assumption is that the harder the mattress, the better it is. However, this is not entirely true. Being too firm can cause discomfort and exacerbate muscle aches and pains, while being too soft can lead to inadequate support and poor sleep posture.
Is your sleep posture the problem?
Some sleep postures put more pressure on your spine.
Do you practise good sleep hygiene?
Good sleep hygiene will contribute to better night’s sleep. Try to decrease naps during the day. Use blacked-out curtains, set a bedtime, take your time getting up in the morning, and limit the use of electronics in the room where you sleep, such as phones and computers.
Ready to take the plunge? Top tips when bed shopping:-
- You need a bed that keeps your spine neutral (this is a BIG one). Sleep posture is a significant factor in choosing a bed; you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable or twisted. Working out your sleep posture can be just as important (if not more so) as selecting the right bed type. For example, if you wriggle a lot in your sleep a softer mattress such as memory foam might not suit you, this is because memory foam adapts to your body and the weight distribution is different when sleeping on your side compared to sleeping on your back or front, therefore this transition period where the mould is adapting can (we stress for SOME not all) irritate.
- Read the small print. Many companies have long return/refund policies. Company policies are in place for a reason. If your new bed doesn’t suit, try again.
- Be careful of the word orthopaedic. It sounds great, but in the bed world, it can be a generic term.
- If you are really struggling, start by looking at the medium firm beds first- the best of both worlds bed. From here, find the bed that strikes a balance between comfort and support.
- Check the warranty for each bed. The general recommendation is to change your bed every 8-10 years; however, some beds may be longer/ shorter.
- Spend 10- 20 minutes trying the bed out. If you have the perfect pillow, bring it with you; it will make a difference!
- If you are buying for you and your partner, you both need to be there. Your needs will be different. A good mattress is both comfortable and supportive, but the level of support required will vary. For example, if a 20-stone person and an 8-stone person share the same bed, their review of the bed will not be the same. When buying for two, it is possible to have two mattresses that zip together or a combination mattress with different firmness on each side.
