Bed Buying Guide
Buying a Bed
You spend around a third of your life asleep. An old or uncomfortable bed won’t give you the restful sleep you need to lead a happy, healthy life.
So if your bed is more than 10 years old, you regularly wake through the night or you sleep on your front, it’s probably time to buy a new one.
How to Choose your New Bed
Choosing your new bed is an investment in your wellbeing. Spend as much as you can afford to – the more expensive the bed, the more support and comfort it can offer.
The best way to choose a new bed is to try out a few first. Sit on them, lie on them and ask for advice to explain all their benefits. If you sleep with a partner, make sure you try the beds together.
There’s a simple test to see whether a bed is right for you. Lying on your back, slip your hand between the base of your spine and the mattress. If it’s difficult to do, the mattress is probably too soft.
If your hand moves easily, the mattress is probably too hard. You should ideally be able to move your hand with just a little resistance.
Your Bed Options
Queenstreet offer a vast range of beds, including many of the best brands on the market. Whatever level of comfort, luxury, quality, style and value you’re looking for, we can help.
Divan Beds
Divan beds are made up of a base and mattress, which combine to give the best support and comfort.
Adjustable Beds
Electrically adjustable beds are easy to operate and can be manoeuvered into any position.
Headboards
Headboards are an optional extra, but they can add the finishing touch to your bedroom.
Storage Options
Depending on the bed you want, there are a number of options available, all of which offer valuable storage space.
Guest Beds
For those short of space but needing an extra bed, a single divan with a pull-out bed underneath is a great solution.
Bedsteads
Most bedsteads support a mattress on solid timber slats fixed to a frame; some come with a metal frame support and integrated sprung wooden slats.
Your Mattress Options
Choosing the right mattress is vital. It will make the difference between a good and a bad nights sleep.
Here are all the mattress types you have to choose from:
Mattresses with Springs
Open Coil
An open coil mattress is made up of hourglass shaped springs which are linked by a tighter spiral wire from the top and bottom of each spring throughout the whole open coil mattress. An additional retaining rod is positioned around the top and bottom of each spring unit to strengthen the overall mattress.
Pocket Sprung
Pocket sprung matresses contour to your body shape and offer more body support while you sleep. In a pocket sprung mattress each individual spring is housed within its own fabric pocket. These individual pocketed springs are then placed in tight rows throughout the mattress. Each spring will react to individual pressure independently in relation to the weight placed upon it so you get perfect support.
Springless Mattresses
There are three main types of springless mattress:
Latex
In its purest form, natural latex is the milky white liquid that is tapped from the trunks of mature rubber trees. Bed manufacturers take the natural latex and blend it with a synthetic latex. This blended mixture is then ready to be turned into latex foam, using the TALALAY production process. Provides exceptional comfort and support.
Memory Foam
These mattresses contain a special foam-like material that reacts to heat and pressure from your body. That means less pressure on the body, better support and a more restful sleep. Once you are in bed and the memory foam mattress has moulded to your body shape, the mattress will then fill in any hollow areas giving you complete body support. The memory foam reverts back to its original shape after you have got up.
Polyurethane Foams
A low-cost option. The density of the foam will dictate how it feels and lasts. This type of foam is often used in conjunction with memory foam or latex foam.
Fillings
Fillings protect you from the springs in the mattress. There are various choices of fillings:
Classic Fillings
These layers of loose fillings could include mixed white fibre which is used as an insulator and for comfort. This is a man made filling which is hypoallergenic and is beneficial at the top and base of the mattress fillings.
Additionally, polyester fibres may be used which is a synthetic material with good recovery properties. This is a very hard wearing, durable material that does not fade or stain easily.
Luxury Fillings
Cotton is often used for its soft feel and ability to breathe and absorb moisture. Cotton provides the main comfort layers and helps the mattress recover tis shape rapidly.
Different types of foam can be used for their cushioning effect such as latex and memory foam. All of which are hypoallergenic, breathable and with body moulding properties.
Deluxe Fillings
Wool is a naturally resilient fibre, creating a luxurious feel and excellent fire retardancy properties. Responsive, supportive and breathable, wool remains warm in winter and cool in the summer.
Cashmere wool may also be used which is fine in texture as well as being strong, light and extremely warm.
There are many other types of fillings. Please speak to us for more information on mattress fillings.
Firmness
Lower priced mattresses are produced in standard tension, whilst more expensive options have a choice of soft, medium or firm tensions.
If you sleep with a partner and both find different tensions comfortable, we can create a mattress with different tensions on each side.
Pillows and Protectors
While your new bed supports your body, your new pillow gives comfort and support to your neck and head. We offer all kinds of traditional feather and fibre pillows, each with different support, comfort and anti allergy benefits.
We also offer mattress protectors and mattress toppers (quilted tops used beneath the bottom sheet for an extra layer of comfort).
Bed Care
Your new bed from is more than an attractive piece of furniture. It’s an investment in your health and wellbeing. Care for it well and you’ll enjoy a great nights sleep for many years to come.
On Delivery
Once your new bed is in place and all the packaging removed, let it air for a while before putting on your mattress protector and bed linen.
If you’re placing a new mattress on an old bed, the base should be strong and sound to get maximum benefit from your mattress. It is not advisable to put a new mattress onto an old sprung divan base, this could invalidate the manufacturer's mattress warranty.
Read the manufacturer’s care guides and any labels attached. Most give guidance on the materials and support systems in your bed.
Don’t worry if your new bed feels a little strange at first. It takes time for your body to adjust to a new level of support and comfort. You’ll soon be enjoying a more relaxed sleep.
Day to Day Care
- Use a mattress protector to help avoid stains and reduce dust
- Turn down your bedding each morning to air your mattress
- When changing your bedding, brush your mattress with a soft brush rather than your vacuum cleaner
- Treat stains and spills immediately. Don’t use detergent or a hard brush, as you might damage the material or stitching
- Avoid standing or jumping on your mattress or sitting on the edge of your bed for long periods. You could damage the springs
- Most manufacturers recommend you turn your mattress (unless it is a non-turn) every fortnight for the first six months. Check the advice that comes with your mattress
- Settling of the fillings is quite normal. Turning and/or rotating your mattress will help keep the filling supportive
Caring for Bed Frames, Pillows and Storage
- Check all bolts, screws, legs and castors regularly to make sure they haven’t loosened
- Plump your pillows regularly to keep them soft and comfortable
- Change your pillows every three years or so
- Storage drawers in divan beds are designed to carry lightweight items such as pillows, duvets, and linen. Try to avoid storing heavier items like books or toys