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Types of Bed bases
Most mattresses are used in combination with one of various choices of bed base, such as Divan bedsteads, Adjustable beds and bunks beds. Remember to ensure that mattress and base are suitable for use together, especially if you are buying them separately.
Divan – The Divan base is still the UK’s most popular option. Essentially it’s an upholstered box, fitted with castors for mobility or on legs to create space beneath. Deep divans are often fitted with useful storage drawers.
There are four main types of Divan that are used in combination with one of various choices of bed base, such as Divan, bedsteads and Adjustable beds
Sprung Edge – Sprung edge divans feature a complete open coil or pocket spring unit mounted on a frame. Considered the most luxurious option, they provide even more support across the whole mattress and act like a giant shock absorber, increasing the mattress’s durability.
Solid or Platform Top – These divans have a rigid, non sprung top panel, often made from hardboard. Beds with these bases are generally firmer, as well as cheaper than beds with sprung bases.
Firm Edge – Firm edge divans generally feature a smaller number of larger, heavy duty springs within a rigid, wooden sided frame.
Slatted Base – Flexible slatted divans use laminated soft woods mounted in a frame creating a modest level of springiness from their bowed shape. The tension of some slats can be adjusted to suit individual requirements.
Storage Options Under bed storage can be useful if space in your home is at a premium. Storage need not affect the comfort or quality of the bed – but it does cost a little more. Under bed storage options in divan bases include:
Drawers are located in one or both sides and/or the foot end. Smaller drawers in the top half of the bed allow for bedside tables.
Access to the interior space via sliding doors on one side or both sides and/or the foot end – mostly on budget models.
Ottoman style divans have a shallow platform top, (usually unsprung) hinged to the rest of the base, which, when lifted, gives access to almost all the under bed area. Hydraulic or tension springs make lifting and replacing safe and easy, even with a heavy mattress on top.
Bedsteads Bedsteads have seen a remarkable revival in popularity in recent years and a vast array of styles is available in wood, metal, plastics, upholstered or any combination of these. To support the mattress, the most common system is wooden slats – either rigid (with no give) or flexible. Other systems include flexible or rigid wire mesh. The space between slats on most, cheaper, rigid bases is usually wider than on flexible slatted models but it is advisable to ensure the gap is not more than 9-10cm ( approx 3inches ). Wear and tear on a mattress will be greater the wider the gaps. Most manufacturers make their own recommendations for slat spacing to suit their own mattresses, so check these before buying as they do vary. It is also possible to have a fully sprung bed base (with the same benefits as a divan) inside. A number of manufacturers make these to order. As many bedsteads are imported or antique they may not conform to current UK standard sizes, so take care to ensure your mattress and bedstead are the same size.
Adjustable Bases – Adjustable beds are becoming increasingly popular as the bedroom becomes a multi-functional space. As well as reading or having breakfast in bed, people now watch TV from their beds and even work on their laptops. Of course, adjustable beds still offer benefits for a range of medical complaints requiring a raised sleeping position or raised legs or aid getting in and out of bed.
Styling choices range from a traditional divan looks right through to contemporary bedstead Adjustable beds. Some even incorporate massage units as an optional extra.
Available as single beds or as doubles with individually adjustable halves, these beds either feature flexible laminated slats or fully sprung upholstered sections. Some models have five or more individually adjusting sections – for neck, head, upper body, legs and feet; other models might only adjust the head and feet; or even just the upper body. Some models are designed to slide backwards as the head end comes up, thus keeping you in more convenient contact with your bedside table. Others fit side tables which can be moved along side rails.
Bunk Beds – Bunk beds and Cabin beds are a popular option for parents and children. They are fun as well as practical and space-saving.
Bed Sizes...
NAME |
Small Single |
Single |
Small Double |
Double |
Kingsize |
Super Kingsize |
IMPERIAL SIZE |
2`6ft x 6`3ft |
3ft x 6`3ft |
4ft x 6`3ft |
4`6ft x 6`3ft |
5ft x 6`6ft |
6ft x 6`6ft |
METRIC SIZE |
75cm x 190cm |
90cm x 190cm |
120cm x 190cm |
135cm x 190cm |
150cm x 200cm |
180cm x 200cm |
Metric and imperial dimensions are not exact equivalents...
Check Dimensions
Bed sizes are not standard and even if they have the same name e.g. king-size they may not be the same size – especially if the mattress and base are not from the same manufacturer. The sizes for Pine beds, Metal beds and Leather beds can be different as some are still made in the old imperial size beds.
Buy base and mattress together
At least the very least make sure you try mattresses on similar type of base. The two are engineered to work together and a change of base will affect the feel and performance of the mattress.
TOP TIP
It can be false economy to change only the mattress and keep the original base, especially if you are buying a divan. The old base could reduce the useful life of the new mattress as well as the support and comfort it can offer. It could also invalidate manufacturer's warranties and guarantees.
Access...
If you are worried about getting the new bed upstairs, remember most divans have split bases. While many bedstead are delivered in pieces for assembly in situ. To avoid problems with delivery you should tell the retailer about potential problems before you buy.
Bedroom Environment…
The bedroom is your refuge. Around the world people have slept on everything from bare ground to hay, sheepskins, and waterbeds. Although people can get used to almost anything, the bedroom environment does make a difference in how well you sleep. For fully restorative sleep you must set the stage for the theatre of the night...quiet, dark, and cool.
Noise
Make sure that your bedroom is an easy place to fall asleep and stay asleep. Keep your bedroom quiet. Dripping faucets, noisy radiators, sirens, barking dogs, loud stereos, and late-night revellers are common rest inhibitors. If sounds cannot be eliminated altogether, you can create a soothing atmosphere by setting the tuner of your FM radio between any two stations. The pseudo white noise will mask unwanted sounds and promote sleep.
Light Level
too much light can contribute to sleeplessness. Using dark fabric to block windows or the rim of a door can significantly reduce the amount of light leaking into the bedroom. Eyeshades can also do the trick.
Temperature
The ideal temperature for sleeping is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. A hot bedroom or too many blankets or bedclothes may disturb sleep and even induce nightmares. A cold room can be just as disruptive as you'll wake up shivering.
Humidity Level
An ideal relative humidity level for the bedroom is between 60 and 70 percent. You may want to buy a humidifier or a dehumidifier depending on your needs.
Security
extra lock on the front door might make all the difference in how secure you feel at night. So too might another smoke alarm. As part of your nightly bedtime ritual, check the door locks and close the window.
Clocks
Hide illuminated clocks to avoid clock-watching during the night which can lead to anxiety over sleeplessness.
Colours, Decor & Cleanliness
Select colours that you associate with the feeling of peace and ease. For example, many people choose blues or greens because it reminds them of the ocean or a park. Keep the bedroom clean and free of clutter. Piles of clothes, reports, and bills induce feelings of stress. Paintings of pastoral scenes, photographs from enjoyed vacations and portraits of family members can create a peaceful ambiance for rest.
Nightclothes
Loose-fitting soft garments that breathe are preferable.
Bed sheets
the key for bed sheets is clean, cool, and comfortably soft. Popular bed sheet materials are cotton, linen, and polyester fabrics. Cotton is the most popular fibre for bed sheets used either alone or paired with linen, silk, or polyester. They are absorbent becoming even more comfortable over time. For superior quality you might want to try linen sheet, which are ideally suited for hot climates because of its lightweight and cooling effect. Also, consider the colour of your sheets. For soothing sleep times you might want white or pastels or soft designs like flora’s, paisleys, or light colour striped sheets
Mattress Toppers and Pillows
Mattress toppers or overlays have become popular to add that extra luxury feel to a mattress or revive an old sagging mattress, What ever mattress you have good or bad a Memory foam mattress toppers will improve the comfort ten fold.
More and more people are choosing better quality pillows today.
In the past most people buying new beds and replacement mattresses have neglected the importance of a good pillow.
the most popular pillows are Latex pillows and memory foam pillows
Article provided by Nigel Cairns, Managing Director of Bedword. Bedword are the UK's Number 1 online bed retailer, more information can be found here.....