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Bed and Mattress Guide

When a bed is no longer providing proper support and comfort, it affects the quality of our sleep. Often people are unaware that their bed may be one of the reasons why they are not sleeping well.

Beds don't last forever - life span is affected by factors such as the quality, care, amount of use (e.g. reading, watching TV & sleeping each night versus occasional use of a spare bed). Changes in lifestyle (marriage, new home) and in our bodies (losing or gaining weight, ageing, etc) can also necessitate a change of bed.

It may be time for a new mattress if:
- You wake up with aches and pains, which wear off as the day progresses
- You are not sleeping as well as you did a year ago
- You enjoy better sleep somewhere other than your own bed
- Your mattress shows signs of visible wear and tear
A new bed may not be a wonder cure to all life's stresses and strains, but it certainly should help you get a better night's sleep, leaving you refreshed and ready to face the world.
Did you know?

Buying a new bed may give a better night's sleep than taking a sleeping pill! Two-year research by sleep expert Dr Chris Idzikowski of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service (SAAS) found that those with uncomfortable beds slept on average one hour less each night than those with comfortable beds.

How to choose your new bed

Here are a few general points to think about before you go shopping for your new bed.

Type
What sort of style do you prefer? What do you like or dislike about your current bed? Do you prefer a firmer or softer feel?

Price
Kdbeds suggest that you spend as much as you can on your new bed as you will be spending on average around 3,000 hours (over 120 full days) a year in bed!

Size
Being disturbed by a sleeping partner is one of the most common complaints. With a larger bed you are less likely to disturb one another. You should be able to lie side by side, with your arms behind your head and your elbows out, without touching. Your bed should also be 10-15cm (4-6in) longer than the tallest partner - anyone over 6ft (1.8m) tall should consider a bed longer than standard. Kdbeds mattresses are available upto 6'0" (180cm) width x 6'6" (200cm) long.

TYPICAL UK BED SIZES
NAME	IMPERIAL SIZE	METRIC SIZE
Small Single	2'6" x 6'3"	75 x 190cm
Single	3'0" x 6'3"	90 x 190cm
Small Double	4'0" x 6'3"	120 x 190cm
Double	4'6" x 6'3"	135 x 190cm
King	5'0" x 6'6"	150 x 200cm
Super King	6'0" x 6'6"	180 x 200cm

Access
If you are worried about getting the bed upstairs, remember all of our double size divans have split bases. You should however please inform us about potential access problems before you buy to avoid problems with delivery.

After sales service
Kdbeds dedicated office based Sales Team are always ready to anwser your queries. Please see the Contact Us link at the top of this page.

Too Soft - body slouches; spine out of alignment

Too Hard - body not relaxed; tension and pressure points

Just right! - support and give follow body's profile, keeping spine aligned

Ideally the mattress should mould to the shape of your body while remaining supportive. When you lie on your side your spine should be horizontal. You should be able to turn easily.
Comfort is very subjective. Some people like the sensation of sinking into a bed; others prefer to lie on the surface – there are lots of different “feels” around – you can choose what works best for you.

Quilting or Tufting

When deciding what mattress to buy you will need to decide whether you prefer a quilted or tufted finish. Quilted mattresses have a generally smoother, flatter surface whilst tufting produces a more undulating result.

Quilting can be Micro-quilting that stitches the fabric to the backing material to create innovative designs and effects. Mid to high price point mattresses have high-loft versions that give greater comfort to the mattress surface.

Duvet quilting is an effect using a special Tack'n Jump quilting machine which produces smooth pillow soft areas, not unlike the effects of tufting.

Tufted mattresses have a nylon tape which is passed through the mattress at regular intervals and secured each side by felt/Wool washers. This pre-tensions the mattress to give a firmer feel. Deep Fill tufting is available on the higher priced beds which gives a deep down support and an upper softer comfort.
Types of Mattress

Open Coil Springs

The most widely used option, also known as the Bonnell spring. Springs are arranged in rows and connected to one another, top and bottom, by a spiral helical wire with an outer rod strengthening the perimeter. There are 325 springs in a 5ft/150cm size. They measure 6" from top to bottom. This does differ depending on Manufacturer.

Backcare Springs

Extra firm version of the Open Coil Spring. They have a 2.50 gauge wire which gives a more supportive feel to the mattress without being too hard. There are 325 springs in a 5ft/150cm size. They measure 6" from top to bottom. This does differ depending on Manufacturer.

Twin Springs

These springs are arranged in a two layer formation in rows and connected to one another, top and bottom, by a spiral helical wire with an outer rod strengthening the perimeter. There are 650 springs in a 5ft/150cm size.

High Coil Count Springs

Smaller version of the Open Coil Bonnell Spring designed to fit more closely to body contours to reduce pressure points on the body. Myer's High Coil Count beds contain a huge 928 springs in a 150cm (5'0") size mattress.

Pocket Sprung Range

These beds use a 6" pocketed spring with generous layers of white fibre and cotton felt. Each mattress contains individual pocketed springs which in real terms are then link by pockets. This allows each spring to move independently creating a much higher degree of body support. For more information about the Pocket Sprung Range, please contact our dedicated salesteam.
Visco-elastic Memory Foam

This special foam slowly responds to body temperature and weight, taking the shape of the user – and slowly recovers its original shape when the heat and pressure is removed. It is used on top of Sprung core mattresses and independently. It is used in conjunction with single or twin open coil springs.

How it works

When you lie on this "elastic" material you can actually feel it working. What you can feel are the tiny cells shifting and re-organising their position to conform around your individual body contours. This shifting happens over a two minute period, using the heat from your body.

When your body weight has been totally supported any hollow areas such as under the lower back cleverly fill in with the Visco Elastic foam, supporting every inch of your body.
Latex

A premium quality material derived from the sap of the rubber tree. It has a distinctive, resilient feel, is very durable and has anti-microbial properties that offer benefits to many allergy sufferers. Latex foam has unparalleled natural elasticity and recovers its shape immediately when pressure is removed. It also has very good point elasticity resulting in even distribution of pressure for independent support.
Fillings & Comfort

Polyester
A synthetic material with good recovery properties.
Cotton
Used near the surface for it's soft feel and ability to breathe and to absorb moisture.
Coir Fibre
An insulating layer made from coconut fibre forms a protective barrier to prevent the spring from being felt or penetrate in to the comfort layers.
Types of Base

Decide whether you want a sprung or board top base; and what storage configuration you require.

Some mattress types can only be used with Board Top or Slatted type bases. There is a huge collection of different mattress and bases combinations to suit everybody's requirements. Please contact our dedicated salesteam for more information.

Sprung Edge
Even edge to edge sprung support giving deeper springing to the mattress. Sprung edge bases give the impression of sleeping on two mattresses.
Platform Top
Provides a rigid, padded support to give maximum support to the mattress. Often prefered by back sufferers.
Storage

The traditional configuration that gives maximum storage is the 4 drawer option. Ideal for a large bedroom with space on both sides with no bedside tables. If you have bedside tables Kdbeds have a solution for this too. The Continental drawer options use a half width size drawer at the head end which, when opened, misses bedside tables. 2 drawer and sliding storage options are available on some models.
Care of your Bed

Getting Used to Your Bed

When you get your new bed it may seem a little strange at first. The chances are that the springs and upholstery in your old bed were not what they used to be. Allow some time for your body to adjust to your new bed and for the fillings to settle.

Do Not Bend or Fold the Mattress

This is likely to damage the spring unit and may invalidate the guarantee.

Do Not Use Chemical or Detergent Cleaners

These may adversely affect not only the covering material and stitching but also some of the cushioning materials used. In the event of soiling, the mattress may be lightly sponged with a weak solution of soap and water. Excessive wetting can damage the fabric.

Do Not Overload the Compartments in Storage Models

The drawers in storage divans have been designed primarily to hold bed linen, clothing and lightweight items. Excessive weight can cause distortion or damage to the drawers. Over filling them may restrict free movement or cause them to jam.

Turn the Mattress Regularly (If required)

Most Manufacturers use the finest upholstery materials in their mattresses. These materials may settle during the first few months of use, causing slight depressions. This is quite normal and should not concern you.

Mattresses should be turned every two weeks for the first six months and at monthly intervals thereafter. Single sided mattresses need only turning from head to foot. On Thermasleep models the mattress should be turned from warm to cool side fortnightly for the first two months. Thereafter monthly turning from end to end is required in addition to six monthly seasonal turning from side to side.

No Mattress is Completely Colourfast

We recommend that you use a mattress cover or underblanket which will help to prevent the dyes used in some mattress covers transferring onto the bed linen as a reaction to body moisture.

Air the Mattress Regularly

This prevents the possibility of body moisture reacting with fabric dyes.

About every three months check the headboard and any fittings (where applicable). They stand considerable strain and may have worked loose. Make sure the castors/glides run freely and remember to protect the carpet or floor surfaces.
The Good Night Bed Guide For Children

The Parents essential guide to ensuring your child's Bed is fit for sleep

Download Document here (542kb)