Are you in the market for a new bed but confused about what type to buy? Check out our handy bed buying guide below on how to choose the right model for you.
Buying a New Bed
Buying a new bed is a long term investment and you should buy the best you can afford. A good bed can make the difference between having a good night’s sleep or a restless night.
The right bed and mattress aids deeper, more refreshing sleep by giving you better support.
When thinking about buying a new bed you need to consider a number of things such as type, size, mattress comfort and, of course, quality.
Remember too, your choice of bed will be determined by the layout of your bedroom, the space you have available, your design choices and whether the bed is for two people – ideally a purchase decision that should be made together.
Types of Bed
There are four main types of bed base: Divan Beds, Bed Frames or Bedsteads, Adjustable Beds and Guest Beds.
The UK’s most popular choice is a divan base, available in three main types: Sprung Edge, Solid or Platform Top and Firm Edge.
A well designed, stylish bed frame can provide a contemporary or traditional feel to your bedroom.
The flexibility of an adjustable bed has become a popular option of late for those with health or mobility issues, allowing for increased flexibility, independence and comfort.
Whether you have a spare bedroom or require the use of a visitor bed occasionally, guest beds offer great flexibility.
Bed Sizes
The size of your bed matters too. With a larger bed you are less likely to disturb your partner. You should be able to lie side by side, with your arms behind your head and your elbows out, without touching.
King Size and super king beds are growing in popularity for that very reason, as they offer ample room for each partner to move around in bed without disturbing one another’s sleep.
Comfort levels
Before you shop for a new bed it’s helpful to think about your current model. What is it that you like or dislike about it? Would you prefer a soft, medium or firm tension mattress?
Of course, it’s not just about the mattress tension, you also need to consider your weight and build.
Ideally your mattress should mold to your body; too soft and your body will slouch which could result in back pain; too firm and your hips and shoulders pressure points could feel discomfort.
Types of Mattresses
Open Coil Springs are the most widely used type of support system in mattresses today and are sometimes also known as a Bonnell Spring. Open coil spring mattresses offer great value for money and are usually finished with a thick layer of quilting and foam.
Pocket Sprung Mattresses contain hundreds of individual springs that are sealed in a fabric pocket and stitched together. Such mattresses are of a higher quality and provide excellent support.
Latex Mattresses are a premium bedding product and have a distinctive, resilient feel. Incredibly durable they provide long lasting support.
Memory Foam Mattresses slowly respond to body temperature and weight to take the shape of the user. They offer relief for back, neck and joint pain with pressure evenly distributed across the mattress area.
Combining the latest bed technology, gel mattresses generally combine gel with traditional mattress fillings including innerspring constructions, memory foam and natural upholstery.
Drawing heat away from the mattress surface a gel mattress will help keep the temperature balanced all night long for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Quality Assurance
Remember, when you’re buying a bed it’s important to check for the NBF Mark of Approval. All members of the National Bed Federation (NBF) must be independently audited to ensure they follow the procedures that comply with flammability, health and hygiene and trade descriptions regulations.
What to do next
With a wide range of beds and mattresses to browse online and to view in our retail store, Dalzell’s recommend you visit in store so you can try before you buy.
Retailing a wide selection of divan beds, bed frames, orthopaedic beds and the latest memory foam and gel beds, we’re confident you’ll find a make and model that suits your needs best.
What’s more, we have some of the most luxurious bed sets from leading brands including Kaymed, King Koil, Respa, Staples, Harrison and Sweet Dreams among others.
Rest assured, your new bed has been made by quality manufacturers from the UK or Ireland.
Call, email or visit our retail store in Markethill where our staff are always on hand to advise on what bed and mattress best meets your needs. With over 500 beds in stock, make Dalzell’s of Markethill your first choice when shopping for a new bed.