Our Ultimate Guide To Buying A Bed and/or Mattress

If we stopped to think about the fact that we spend approximately one-third of our life in bed, we’d probably put more effort into buying ourselves a comfortable bed and mattress! But most of us don’t – we complain about lack of sleep, and uncomfortable beds, mattresses, and pillows, and fail to realize that there’s a very easy fix to all these issues.

 

So, what is the answer to a comfortable night’s sleep, and how much should you pay for this comfort? Let’s take a look at our easy guide to buying the right bed and mattress for you.

Determine What You Need

 

The first question to ask yourself is whether you need a new bed, a new mattress, or both. When we say bed, we’re referring to the base that your mattress sits on. The idea is to make your bedroom a relaxing, cosy space with a comfortable sleeping surface, where you get to enjoy a great night’s sleep whilst simultaneously protecting your back. We should also remember that getting a good night’s sleep is linked to a healthy brain and improved memory.

 

Many people have been raised to believe that the harder the bed, the better it is for you. Others are sleeping on old, unsupportive mattresses, where they basically sleep in the big valley in the middle of the mattress. Both these scenarios are not conducive to a good night’s rest, and they’re especially not good for your back.

Of course, being comfortable is subjective because we’re all different. Some people like a firm mattress, others a soft mattress, and others are somewhere in-between. To start with, if you’re completely comfortable you’ll fall asleep much faster – and you’ll stay asleep for longer. Your body will be relaxed, whereas if you’re not comfortable you’ll continue moving around and readjusting to find just the right spot.

 

Ensemble or Frame?

 

In many cases, it’s more cost-effective to purchase an ensemble, and then affix a headboard. However, if you decide to purchase a bed frame and mattress separately, ensure the mattress you choose is the perfect size for the frame. Always ask for customer service if you’re at all unsure about sizing. The friendly staff at Abide Interiors are always happy to answer any queries you may have.

How Do I Get Rid Of My Old Mattress?

 

This can be a very important question for many people because getting rid of an old mattress can be very tricky. Fortunately, many large bed and mattress retailers can arrange for your old bed and/or mattress to be taken away, saving you the hassle of trying to find a solution yourself. Alternatively, if you check your local council’s website they usually offer information on mattress recycling stations. Another suggestion is to contact ‘Soft Landing’, an excellent Australian social enterprise charity that recovers mattresses and uses their components for recycling.

 

The Right Bed Base Is Important

 

There are a range of bed bases available to purchase, with each base offering a different sleep experience. It’s really important that you choose the right base because this can either make, or ruin, your sleep. It can also influence the way your mattress performs over time. The following are typical bed bases –

 

• Solid bed frame
• Slat base
• Platform Base
• Adjustable base
• Ensemble base

Try It Out Before Making a Final Decision

 

This is really important. Once you’ve decided on the right bed for you, it’s time to do your own research to narrow down your options. If you’ll be buying online, you should be offered a ‘Free Trial’ period or a ‘Comfort Guarantee’. This means that if the mattress turns out to be inappropriate for your needs, you have the right to return it within a specific period of time. It could be 100-days, but it’s up to you to check the fine print in your documentation to make sure you’re covered if you purchase the wrong product. All retailers are different and will have their own guidelines, but the mattress must be in A1 condition before any retailer will accept the product back.

Be Sure Of Your Bed Size

 

Beds come in single, double, queen, and king sizes, so before you make any decision, determine what size you need the bed to be and how many will be sleeping in the bed. What size space do you have? Are your small children likely to pop in during the night for a quick cuddle and then end up spending the night? If you have the space, it might be best for you to choose a king-size bed. What with two adults, small children, and of course the pets, anything smaller than a king-size bed could become very cramped!

 

How Firm Or Soft Do You Want Your Bed?

 

This is the big question! We’re all different, so we like different things, Many side-sleepers prefer a soft or medium-soft bed. Other side-sleepers, and some back-sleepers, say they prefer medium or medium-soft beds, while people who sleep on their backs typically say they like a hard mattress. And what should you do if you like it one way and your partner likes it another way? Fortunately, there’s an easy answer to this conundrum; try a memory foam or Latex option.

Mattresses are generally inner-spring, but today we’re seeing many more Latex and foam products becoming available. An innerspring mattress should last for between 5 and 6 years while a foam mattress will last for between 6 and 7 years.

 

Regardless of whether you’re resting on your front, back, or side, a good quality mattress will keep your spine in a neutral position, while gently supporting your whole body. When choosing a new bed, keep your pressure points in mind – these are the heaviest parts of your body.

 

Are You a ‘Special Needs’ Sleeper?

 

If you are a sleeper with special sleep needs, we suggest you research ‘Sleep Hygiene’ online. Anyone who struggles to achieve a good night’s sleep should understand how to maximise their sleep hygiene. Sleeping in the best bed for your sleeping requirements is a big part of sleep hygiene. Maybe you need a bed that reclines or perhaps you need a bed that’s tailor-made to manage specific back issues? Do you have allergies? Did you know you can purchase a mattress that’s been specially treated to assist those who suffer from allergies? There are a lot of considerations here, so please do your research before you buy.

Oops! My New Mattress Doesn’t Fit Through The Door!

 

Sounds silly, but this can (and does) happen. Measure the mattress you’ve chosen to purchase to ensure it will fit through your door. In fact, you need to measure both your entrance door and your bedroom door. Many people purchase a new mattress or bed, or both, and when it’s delivered they discover they can’t get it inside their home!

 

How Much Is Your Budget?

 

If you’ve done any research at all you already know that mattresses come in a wide range of prices. A basic single mattress can cost anywhere between $99 and $20,000! However, a good queen-sized mattress will typically cost somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000. Before you buy anything, set a budget and stick to it. Don’t allow yourself to be talked into upsizing.

Keep An Eye Open For Sales

 

Mattresses are one of those big-ticket items that are often on sale, and especially be alert for big event sales like Black Friday and Boxing Day sales. Be a smart shopper, and if you see a similar brand somewhere else at a cheaper price, you’ll find that most times the shop will either match that price, or beat it.