Do's & Don'ts When Purchasing your Bed
When purchasing a new bed or mattress it is worthwhile remembering the below tips to ensure you get the right product to meet your needs:
Do
- shop with your partner, if the bed is for two of you;
- set aside enough time to do the job properly;
- identify what you like or dislike about your current bed;
- check what size you need and what sizes are available (know the size of your bedstead or headboard);
- lie on the beds (if it's for two, you should try it together);
- lie on the bed in your normal sleeping position to judge how comfortable it is;
- check that the bed will match or compliment any bedroom furniture you have;
- choose a well ventilated mattress and base if you get hot in bed;
- go large! With a larger bed you are less likely to disturb a sleeping partner;
- shop for the best value not the lowest price;
- buy a base and mattress together (the two are engineered to work together);
- check that the bed will fit inside your home (and tell the retailer about potential access problems you are making allowances for);
- ensure the mattress and individual fillings meet minimum levels of fire resistance for the UK and have a UK safety label;
- ask what storage options are available;
- ask for advice and information on each bed or mattress you are interested in;
- ask for advice about payment options;
- ask for advice about delivery arrangements.
Don't
- be embarrassed to lie on the beds (just poking the mattress with your finger will not determine how comfortable it is);
- buy a mattress without knowing that it will fit into your home and bedroom;
- leave the shop without asking all your questions;
- be in a hurry, allow time to choose carefully;
- buy on price or comfort or design alone, all these factors need to be considered;
- be put off by the initial "new smell" of a new mattress. This is quite normal and will eventually disperse by regularly airing the mattress and washing the linen.
- just replace your mattress, replace your base as well. An old base is likely to reduce the useful life of a new mattress as well as the support and comfort it can offer. It could also invalidate manufacturers guarantees.
