Bed Advice
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Back in 1988, a ground-breaking study by sleep expert Dr Chris Idzikowski found that swapping an uncomfortable old bed for a comfortable new one could account for an average of 42 minutes' extra sleep - four times that achieved by over the counter sleep aids.
So, if you need to improve the quality of your sleep, one of the most important things you need to do is to make sure you're sleeping on the right bed.
Does Your Bed Pass Our MOT?
Wondering if you actually need a new bed right now?
If you're not sure, try our revised Bed MOT quiz
Going shopping for a new bed?
Don't go before you've...
- Completed Your New Bed Profile on line
- Sent for or downloaded our Bed Buyers Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Some more Frequently Asked Questions about bed buying
- How can I tell that a bed will be comfortable for me?
- Should I buy a hard bed to ease my aches and pains?
- How can I get the most from my mattress?
- Will a more expensive bed be better to sleep on?
- Do I have to buy a new base if I'm replacing my old mattress?
- There are so many bed sizes - how big should I go?
- What are the standard bed sizes?
- Where can I buy non-standard sized bed linen?
- How long should my bed last?
- How do I dispose of an old bed?
- What do I do if I think my new bed is faulty?
Product Selector
The Sleep Council does not keep up to date records of every model of bed in the country and we do not make specific recommendations.
Most of the main British bed manufacturers are members of the National Bed Federation, the UK trade association which supports this web site and the work of The Sleep Council. Visit the NBF site to find the Product Selector, which will help you identify manufacturers of particular types of products - for example, if you are looking for a company which makes special sized mattresses; or mattresses with all natural fillings.
Choosing the right Bed
Caring for your bed
Use a washable, protective cover to protect the mattress (and pillows) from stains. Barrier fabrics for allergy sufferers are also available.
Claire Rayner's bed buying tips for the over 50's
Always go to a good retailer and lie on a selection of beds to compare comfort and support. Only you can judge what is right for you.
Look after your back - choose the right bed
Every year up to 40% of the population - over 16 million of us - will suffer a bout of back pain and if you're one of the unlucky ones, you will find that the state of your bed will quickly become a priority. A good bed, providing correct support and comfort, has an important role to play in relieving and preventing back pain.
Helpful Links
An invaluable list of organisations which specialise in advising on a whole range of issues related to sleep - from dealing with back pain or allergies to narcolepsy and sleep apnoea.
