Top Tips for Buying that Perfect Bed

By Gabrielle Fagan

We spend a huge amount of our lives in bed, and yet often we choose a bed in only a few minutes.  For many of us the bedroom is our favourite room in the house - a private sanctuary where we rest and relax.

But despite the fact that we spend nearly a third of our year under the sheets - on average 106 days a year in bed - it doesn't necessarily mean that we're getting adequate rest.

The majority of us wait far too long before replacing a mattress, robbing ourselves of sweet dreams.

According to The National Sleep Council's research only one in 10 people claim to always sleep well, while one in five suffer frequent sleepless nights. Two-thirds sleep more poorly now than a few years ago.

Annie Deakin, editor of online interiors shopping site mydeco, says it's time to take action.

"Frankly, if you can't remember the last time you had a good night's sleep, it could well be your rickety old bed - and not your stressful lifestyle - that's to blame."  It seems a' seven year itch' doesn't just apply to marriages - Deakin says it also applies to mattresses, because that's around the right time to buy new one.

"Always opt for the largest bed you can, making sure, of course, it fits your room. You'll never regret it as it you'll have enough room to spread out and be comfortable, particularly important if you're sharing a bed as a couple."

Chrissie Rucker, founder of The White Company agrees, adding that it's also essential to consider how the bed fits your decor.

"A bed's style dominates a room, so think carefully about the style you prefer. 

"But don't feel limited by your home's style. Vintage beds can work brilliantly in a contemporary setting, while sleek modern beds, dressed up, can also fit into the most traditional scheme."

Follow these tips to ensure your mattress and bed suit you.

Make a Mattress Work

Brent Cooper, sleep expert at London bedding specialists Hastens Kings Road, says a decent mattress is a must.

"A restful night is vital for good health so give choosing a mattress the attention it deserves," he says.

Cooper says a mattress must be supportive, but that doesn't mean it has to be hard. Firm mattresses are actually for heavy people - the heavier the person, the firmer the springs need to be.

"A mattress that's correct allows your hips to sink in, giving effective support to your lower back. It's not enough for your lower back to just touch the mattress surface," he says.

"Don't be frightened of feeling comfortable, even though the feeling may be unfamiliar to you if previously you've wrongly taken the 'hard bed is good for you' approach."

A bed should be at least six inches (10cm) longer than the person lying on it.

If possible, avoid mattresses that increase body heat. The body's temperature needs to cool to 28 degrees during deep sleep, otherwise sleep quality may be affected.

Foam, latex and memory foam offer superb support but tend to be warmer.

Cooper says beds with natural fillings such as cotton, wool or horse hair are preferable as they allow ventilation and cope with body moisture effectively.