Beds, Bed Frames and Mattress Advice1

There are some basic essentials without which mammals cannot survive. Perhaps the most underrated of these is sleep. Sleep is not optional - our bodies cannot function without it and will eventually shut down with potentially fatal results. Sleep deprivation has a negative effect on many mental and physical functions and has been extensively used as an effective method of torture.

Like other essential functions such as eating and drinking, sleep can be a pleasurable experience, but one that we need to spend more time on - at least if we want to stay healthy. However, the real benefit of sleep is felt after the event when we should feel refreshed and reinvigorated. Sleep comes in many forms or 'depths' ranging from a light snooze to a deep sleep, and we cycle through various levels in a typical period of sleep. More deep sleep is highly beneficial but many people get insufficient depth of sleep due to various problems - one of the most common being an uncomfortable sleeping surface.

Given that we spend a substantial proportion of our lives asleep, it is false economy to put up with an uncomfortable bed. So why do it? There are inexpensive options if your budget is tight, but today beds can bring real style and that WOW! factor to your bedroom.I promote a range of designer bed frames that will make you feel great before you even climb in. Frames have become the most popular choice for those wanting to make a style statement, but it's only half the story as it needs to be paired to a good mattress. Although a good frame should provide some flex via a slatted or sprung base, it is the mattress that is the most important with regard to the comfort of the sleeping surface.

The comfort of mattresses has improved dramatically with the introduction of memory foam, a visco-elastic foam layer that moulds itself to your body. The foam recovers its shape slowly and feels wonderfully comfortable - if you haven't tried it you are in for a treat! It does however retain heat and this can be a problem if you like to keep cool as well as comfortable. Rather than an all foam construction, I recommend a memory foam layer of 2'-4' over a traditional spring mattress, which allows air to circulate more freely. There are many types of spring constructions available but pocket springs are considered to be the best. This where a collection of separate coil springs are nested in individual fabric pockets within a wire frame. Like independent suspension, each coil can be compressed without affecting the surrounding springs thus preventing 'roll together' which can be a problem with linked spring constructions like the more common 'open coil' design.

The mattress component will for the major cost in any bed, but will ultimately determine the level of comfort and longevity so it is worth investing some time and money for the sake of your wellbeing.