PRICING

What is your price range ? It's always best to go into any situation knowing what you are willing to spend. If you are buying a bed and a mattress work out what you would like to spend on each item. If you are looking for a good deal on a complete bed a divan set is a good way to go and can offer various storage options. With the same as everything you get what you pay for, better quality mattresses use natural materials, offer more longevity, comfort and support, but there is something for everyone's price range so don't think you have to pay £1000s for a good night's sleep.

HEALTH CONCERNS

• Do you suffer from back ache and need an orthopaedic mattress? Or do you have any other health concerns - like needing a hypoallergenic mattress to help combat allergies?
• Do you have trouble getting in and out of bed and could maybe do with an adjustable frame or one that is low to the ground?
• Remember is you have any real health concerns it is always best to ask your doctor or chiropractor for advice.

TYPE

There are many types of mattresses around today ie coil, pocket, memory, latex and hybrids. Generally if you are happy with the type of mattress you have been sleeping on try to stick to that type - or if you are looking for something different speak to someone (not just us - ask friends and family who have a similar type to ask what they think of it) or try before you buy.

I could write an essay on the different types of mattresses available but generally speaking the more springs a mattress has the firmer it will be, memory foam and latex form around the bodies contours activating via heat and weight respectively and hybrids are a combination of say pocketed springs and memory foam.

If you struggle with heat issues in the summer look for a mattress with Coolmax, Tencel fibres or other cooling fabrics (especially with memory foam.)

If you have any concerns about which mattress might be best for you - speak to the experts as it really is a mine field out there!

SIZE

Work out what size bed/mattress you want and measure to see if it will fit both in your room and up the stairs/through any apertures. If space is a concern there are options available such as rolled mattresses and flat packed beds.

If you are sleeping with a partner make sure you buy a bed/mattress that is big enough for the two of you. 5ft and 6ft beds are longer that the standard 4ft6 double bed so this may help if you or your partner is above average height.

PURPOSE

When buying a new bed work out whether you are buying for functionality (ie storage space) or for aesthetics. Of course you can have both; but options can be limited due to space restrictions.

If you are buying for a spare or secondary room generally as you are not sleeping on it every night a cheaper bed is a viable solution but if you are having guests over regularly you want them to have a good night's sleep too.

STORAGE

if you need storage space - how much? will drawers be enough space or do you need to think about ottoman storage?

MATERIAL/COLOUR

There are many different types and colours of beds out there, so think about how the bed will affect the overall decor of the room - swatches for some beds are available and if you are buying a wooden bed to match pre-brought furniture make sure it matches.

I hope this guide helps you out - check on the site for guides to buying a child's bed and much more, and remember we are here via phone, email or live chat to help.

MATTRESS MOT

1. Is your mattress over 6-7 years of age? (mattresses can last for a long while but after time they lose their supportive values and become unhygienic)
2. When sleeping on another mattress (at a hotel for example) did you have a better night's sleep?
3. When you wake up do you feel refreshed or suffer from aches or pains?
4. If sleeping with a partner does their movements affect your sleep?
5. Does the mattress look a little worn and tatty or have marks on it?
6. Can you feel any lumps or springs?
7. Is it making creaking noises or 'twangs'?
8. Is the mattress sagging in places?
9. Are you or your partner rolling together involuntarily?
10. Have you thought about upgrading for a new one in the past year but never got round to it?

You've answered yes to

0-3 of these questions you might be ok for now but should look at a replacement sooner rather than later

4-7 definitely start looking/shopping around

7-10 Your mattress has had it and you should buy a new one post haste for your own health.