As a homeowner, you would often vacuum your bedroom carpet, clear out your wardrobe and wipe down any furniture, but are you taking care of your mattress? While you might think your mattress doesn’t need any maintenance because it is always covered with bed sheets, the truth is, all mattresses do need some maintenance and care if you want it to last longer. To help you extend the lifespan of your current mattress, continue reading as we share the following mattress maintenance tips.

1) Deodorise & Clean

While mattresses come in different types and from different manufacturers, they can slightly differ in terms of maintenance and care. Before you clean your mattress, make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions. As a guideline, you should deodorise your mattress every 6 months to keep it fresh. 

First, remove all your bedding and sprinkle baking soda over your mattress. Baking soda is a natural deodoriser and it works by neutralising bad odours such as sweat. Next, add a few drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil to the baking soda for a nice and refreshing scent. Lavender and chamomile are also known for aiding sleep. Allow it to sit for up to 2 hours, then vacuum your mattress to remove the residue. 

2) Wash Your Bed Sheets Regularly

While your mattress is being deodorised, this is a good opportunity to wash your bed sheets. However, it must be said, you should be washing your bed sheets at least every two weeks. As we sleep, we naturally shed sweat, body oils, hair and skin cells. Without being washed, this causes a build-up on bed sheets, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and dust mites. 

The best temperature to wash bed sheets is between 40 and 60 degrees with washing detergent to kill bacteria and germs. While fabric conditioner is known for softening fabrics and adding a nice fragrance, it can leave a build-up on the fabric, weaken the fibres and cause holes. In saying that, it is always recommended to read the care label on your bedding, as cotton and silk materials have different washing instructions.

3) Spot Clean Stains

If you notice any stains on your mattress from food, hot drinks or pets, it’s important to treat it as soon as possible before it dries down. Absorb any liquid by dapping it with a clean cloth, Avoid rubbing the stain as this can cause the stain to seep further into the mattress. Select a cleaner of your choice: white vinegar, washing detergent, washing up liquid and specialist  mattress cleaners. Apply it to the area with a damp cloth and gently dap the stain until it lifts. Leave to air-dry before dressing the bed.

4) Invest in a Mattress Protector

If you want to prolong the life of your mattress and prevent stains, the best way is to invest in a mattress protector. This removable and breathable liner sits on top of your mattress and underneath your fitted sheet. Most mattress protectors have waterproof abilities to protect against moisture, liquid spills and allergies as well as a temperature-regulating technology for a comfortable night’s sleep. Mattress protectors can also be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

5) Keep Pets Off The Bed

This one is quite controversial, but pets should be kept off beds. While dogs and cats make cute and cuddly sleeping companions, they can also invite dirt, hair, bugs and germs onto the bed sheets. If you insist on letting your dog or cat sleep on your bed, make sure to wash your bed sheets weekly, check your pets for fleas and bathe them regularly for a clean sleeping environment. 

6) Flip Your Mattress

Sleeping in the same position every night can cause your mattress to dip in the middle overtime and provide less support during the night. It is recommended to flip your mattress every 3 to 6 months to prevent severe sagging on one side and to get the most out of your mattress. However, it’s worth noting that not every mattress can be rotated. For instance, some foam mattresses are only one-sided, so ensure your mattress is double-sided for continuous support. 

Replace With A Quality Mattress From UK Bed Store

You can clean and flip your mattress as many times as you want, but when it gets to a point where it has wear and tear or is no longer supportive, it’s time to replace it. UK Bed Store is home to a range of quality mattresses by leading manufacturers. From coil spring and pocket spring to memory foam, latex and combination mattresses, our range is available in small single to super king sizes to suit all beds and bedrooms. If you are also looking for a new bed frame, we also offer a range of divan beds. For more information on delivery or if you have a question about our mattresses, please get in touch today. 

Have you recently moved into a new apartment or your forever home? Generally, the next step is to organise your belongings including furniture. In some cases, you will have all the essential furniture you need such as a sofa, dining table, a mattress and bed frame. If not, you will need to purchase these pieces first. The reality is, those who don’t have a bed frame yet either have to use their old one for now, or have to place their mattress on the floor and sleep on it during the first few nights after moving in. This can be quite uncomfortable and even cause back pain, lowering your sleep quality. So, the best solution for your sleep health is to purchase your desired bed frame sooner rather than later. 

Whether you’ve recently moved or you’re just looking to replace your current bed frame, the following buying guide has all the information you need including the essential factors you need to consider.  With a new bed frame from the UK Bed Store, we hope you will no longer have to sleep on the floor or a back-breaking bed frame!

Size

One of the first things to consider when shopping for a new bed frame is the size of your bedroom and mattress (if you’re planning on keeping your existing one). A bed frame that is smaller or bigger than your actual mattress means the bed frame will not hold or support the mattress properly. As a golden role, the size of your mattress and bed frame should always match. 

Purchasing a bed frame that is too big will also limit space and make your bedroom appear smaller than it really is. Therefore, it is essential to measure your bedroom to determine the best size. For instance, if you have limited space, consider a small double or double size. If you are fortunate enough to have a large master bedroom, consider a king or super king size. For children’s bedrooms, small single and single bed frames are the most popular options. If you wish to purchase a new mattress as well, divan sets are ideal in this case because they contain a matching bed frame and mattress. 

Style & Maintenance

Once you have the right size, you need to decide on a style of bed frame. Wood, leather, faux leather, metal and fabric upholstered are the most common styles to choose from. Wooden frames can add warmth and a rustic feel, metal and leather frames appear modern and fabric upholstered frames add softness and colour. This decision depends on your current bedroom theme, your desired theme and your personal preferences. Most bed frames also come with a matching headboard. However, others require a detachable headboard which can be changed again in the future. 

Maintenance should also be considered as some bed frames require more care than others. Wood and metal frames are easy to clean, whereas fabric upholstered and leather ones require specialised cleaning products and are more prone to wear and tear as well as staining.

Support & Adjustability

Some people may opt for a bed with adjusting abilities and offer additional support. Adjustable electric beds have separate head and feet sections which can be raised and lowered to your preference. Many people choose this type of bed for better comfort because it allows them to elevate their upper body when reading or watching TV. An elevated sleeping angle can also help those with health issues to ease back pressure, acid reflux or respiratory problems during the night and aid people with mobility problems with getting in and out of bed. 

Storage Options

If you have limited space in your bedroom, storing your belongings can be a challenge. Luckily, there are beds on the market which are designed with hidden storage drawers in the bed base. Ottoman storage beds have a unique hydraulic lifting ability, revealing a large storage compartment underneath the mattress. Whether you have limited or plenty of space to store your belongings, you can never say no to extra hidden storage! 

Budget 

The price of bed frames ranges depending on size, material, style and additional features. Metal frames tend to be the more affordable option. As we sleep for an average of 7-9 hours every night and a bed frame lasts anywhere between 10 to 20 years, a good bed frame is definitely worth investing in. If budget is a main concern, it is worth looking out for discounts, sales and clearances for the best offers.

Shop Online At The UK Bed Store

If you are looking for affordable and stunning bed frames, the online range at the UK Bed Store has something for any bedroom style or preference. Our bed frame range is packed with plenty of options from leading bed manufacturers. We offer nationwide delivery including free delivery in Leek and the surrounding areas as well as two-man delivery so you won’t have to lift anything. Our team can even dispose of your old bed frame and assemble your new one for an additional fee. For any enquiries, please contact us today. 

Your bedroom is one of the most important rooms in your home, and should be made as comfortable and calm as possible in order to enjoy a wonderful night’s sleep. In this article, we’ve created the ultimate guide to choosing the right upholstered bed for your space, as this is another thing you’ll need to get right to achieve that perfect relaxing place to unwind in.

Because upholstered beds are also deemed upmarket, they are great for adding value to your household bedroom if you were ever to decide to sell. This makes them worth investing in, but only if it’s one that suits you and the people using it down to a T.

If you’d like to find out more information or have any questions regarding our products, make sure to contact our helpful team today. We know our beds inside and out, and we cover a range of unique requirements, from bedroom sizes and colour palettes, to materials and sleep requirements.

Comfort

An upholstered bed has a bed frame that’s made of comfortable materials like woven fabric, suede, velvet, or faux leather over a layer of padding. Offering a soft-yet-firm backrest to prop pillows against, the upholstered bed makes for a typically more comfortable bed than traditional styles of beds.

Upholstered headboards are well-known for their added back support for when you’re sitting up in bed, making those evening reading sessions and morning cuppa moments even more welcoming. Soft fabrics and materials used for upholstered beds create a much more comfortable experience for sitting and sleeping. The softer headboards and footboards work miracles for when you’re ready to lounge around in bed, and maximise comfort for movie watching and switching off from daily duties.

When choosing the right upholstered bed for your space, look at the material options you think would be most suitable for you and consider your day-to-day comfort.

Visual Appeal

Interior décor shows off our style, charisma and personality. Upholstered beds are fantastic for pulling a room’s intentional style together as you can choose from so many different styles, colours and materials. Not only does your upholstered bed need to suit you for comfort, practical and maintenance value, it needs to suit your choice of aesthetic appeal for this space.

An upholstered bed can create an elegant focal point for your bedroom living space, while taking on hundreds of permutations and looks. With so many fabrics, shapes and colours to choose from, you’ll be able to achieve your desired feng shui, while creating your new favourite place to relax in.

As well as this, remember to consider your choice of bed spreads and accessories to spruce up your bed when you feel like changing the room’s tones to follow seasons and trends. You’ll soon find that an upholstered bed can be the stunning gift that keeps on giving!

Think Practical

One thing many people desire in their home is more storage space. As households grow and you collect more clothes and personal items over time, the need for storage can quickly become a necessity. As well as being a stylish addition to your bedrooms, many upholstered beds offer a wide range of storage options to help you keep your things in order.

A bed with storage can help with the room’s aesthetic, giving a clean and elegant finish (due to your clothes, shoes and other bits and pieces being in their organised place as opposed to on the side, windowsill or floor). Opting for an upholstered bed with storage can also create a sleeker and minimalistic looking bedroom by eliminating the need for extra or any freestanding furniture such as a chest of drawers or bedside drawers. It’s a great way to get your things organised and hide away messy looking items, while also making your bedroom look bigger!

From storage in the form of drawers to ottoman beds that can be lifted up for storage underneath where the mattress sits, we’ve got multiple options suitable for your home’s specific need for storage.

Maintenance

We all know that whatever upholstery or furniture we invite into our home will need some form of cleaning maintenance required. So, before choosing the right upholstered bed for your space, consider a variety of materials and colour to avoid a high-maintenance addition to your household.

When it comes to low-maintenance materials, you have many options to investigate before you make your choice. Faux leather and leather are known for being easy to clean, while wool, suede and velvet can be more difficult to maintain and clean once marked. Polyester, olefin, linen and fabric are advantageous materials as they don’t soak up moisture, making them stain as well as being mould and mildew-resistant and longer-lasting when it comes to keeping your upholstery bed as good as new.

Regarding colour, lighter shades of fabric and material can show up stains, marks and oil from the back of your head much easier than darker shades. We’d recommend considering either a material that’s light and easy to clean, or a darker material that disguises dirt and might be more difficult to maintain.

This choice is yours, and our team of experts can always answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Contact Our Team

Now that you know the options you have when choosing the right upholstered bed for your space, make sure to get in touch with our team. Our experts are incredibly helpful and can help with any queries you may have.

You can find our opening times, email and location via our contact page, and you can also fill in an enquiry form if you’re trying to get in touch outside of our operating hours. We’ll get back in touch with you as soon as we can.

As the winter chill creeps in and the early morning’s become darker, many of us find ourselves snoozing our alarms and curled up in our beds for a little longer. It’s something that most of us can relate to, but have you ever wondered the reason behind it? Studies show that humans need more sleep in the winter. In this article, we will discover the fascinating reasons why we sleep more in the winter. 

Shorter Days and Colder Temperatures 

One of the main factors that contribute to our increased desire for sleep in the winter is the reduced daylight hours and colder temperature. With the sun setting early and rising later, our circadian rhythms are influenced by these natural light changes. This alternation in daylight patterns can disrupt our internal body clock, making us feel sleepy. We can all agree, a cosy, warm bed is also more inviting during the colder months. The drop in temperature outside encourages us to seek refuge in our snug, heated bedrooms, where the allure of a toasty bed makes it more difficult to resist the temptation to snooze. 

Increased Melatonin Production  

The hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle, melatonin, is influenced by light. The reduced natural exposure of light in winter leads to an increase in melatonin production, making us feel more tired than usual and promoting sleep. Additionally, the lack of sunlight can also affect serotonin levels, potentially leading to lower mood, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and a desire to sleep more.

Our Evolutionary Biology 

Our tendency to sleep more during winter may be down to our evolutionary biology. When food sources were scarce and hunting was more challenging in colder conditions, conserving energy by sleeping for longer is seen as an adaptive survival strategy. While we no longer face these challenges, this deep-seated behaviour may still linger in our roots. 

Increased Appetite and Less Physical Activity

In the winter, we often find ourselves spending more time indoors and craving comfort food to keep us warm. The harsh weather conditions can discourage outdoor activities and exercise, causing many to become less active in the winter. An increased appetite for calorie-rich food and less exercise can lead to feelings of sluggishness, making us more inclined to spend extra time in bed.

Quality Sleep From Quality Beds & Mattress 

While there is no simple explanation as to why we tend to sleep longer in the winter, one thing is for sure, and that is, it’s a natural response to the changing season. So, enjoy the extra sleep this coming winter! Are you getting enough quality sleep? If not, it might be worth considering a new bed or mattress, as your old bed or mattress could be affecting your quality of sleep. Browse through the wide range of quality bed frames, mattresses and divan beds from leading brands at the UK Bed Store. Alternatively, see our full range by making a visit to our showroom in Leek. We also offer free delivery around Leek and the surrounding areas as well as next working day and choice of day delivery for further areas. For any questions on our products, please contact us. 

So you have just purchased a new metal bed for your bedroom and you want it to blend nicely with the rest of your bedroom’s décor. Or perhaps, you kept your metal bed and you want to transform your bedroom. What is the best way of going about this? We all know the main part of any bedroom is the bed. In this case, it’s important to remember your metal bed should act as the main focal point of your bedroom. By starting with your metal bed and decorating around it, this creates a natural emphasis and the addition of new elements will complement your metal bed appropriately. This article will cover colour schemes to finishing touches and everything else in between.

Pick A Colour Scheme

If colour schemes are important to you, then the first thing to do is pick one based on the colour of your metal bed. As a guideline, for a black or dark metal bed frame go for a lighter colour scheme and for a white or cream metal bed frame go for a darker colour scheme. Of course, there is nothing stopping you from choosing a lighter colour scheme with a white metal bed frame or vice versa . By picking contrasting colours for the rest of your bedroom, your metal bed will stand out more and remain the focal point, no matter what way you decorate it. 

Depending on your chosen colour scheme, we also recommend sticking to two or three other shades within the same warm or cool colour palette for a monochromatic monochromatic colour scheme throughout the room. We don’t want to overpower the space with mismatched colours. Again, there is nothing stopping you from picking grey (cool toned) as your secondary colour and mustard (warm toned) as your accent colour.

Fill It With Furniture

Once you have decided on a colour scheme, you can move on to picking out bedroom furniture to match your metal bed. For starters, you will need a wardrobe or a chest of drawers to store your belongings. Wooden elements go really well with metal beds as they add a different texture to the mix. For a rustic and industrial style, our LPD Hoxton 3 Piece Bedroom Furniture Set is ideal with a black metal bed as it has black metal handles and accompanying framework. Generally, two bedside cabinets, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers are the basic essentials of any bedroom, however, you can add a dressing table like the Birlea Urban Rustic Finish Dressing Table which also comes with a mirror or the Core Corona Pine Ottoman Blanket Box for extra storage space. 

On the other hand, if you have a white metal bed frame, go for a white furniture set such as our GFW Panama 4 Piece Bedroom Set or LPD Antoinette Dressing Table Set for a French chic style. 

Accessorise Your Metal Bed

Now that you have ticked bedroom furniture off your list, you need to accessorise your metal bed. This is where you can add your own signature through finishing touches. First, putting wallpaper or a large printing above your metal bed will use up this space and add character to the room. Next, a large rug underneath your metal bed will add comfort and softness, you can either go for one with your chosen accent colour or something with a subtle pattern. 

To complete your metal bed, dress it in luxury bedding and bed linen. With a black metal bed frame, opt for off-white bedding for a clean and contrasting look. For a white metal bed frame, you can opt for off-white, blush or floral bedding for a feminine feel, or go darker with navy or purple bedding. Finally,  matching cushions or throws add softness, texture and a cosy feel to 

Metal Beds And More At The UK Bed Store

We hope you achieve your desired look from reading this article. At the UK Bed Store, we understand the difficulty of making a metal bed blend in perfectly with the rest of a bedroom. If you are finding it difficult, it’s worth speaking to an expert. Besides metal bed frames, we also supply mattresses for support while you sleep and metal headboards for whenever you want to change up your metal bed frame. To shop our full range, visit our website or visit us in-store in Leek for interior design advice. For any queries on our products, please send us an online enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Did you hear that today is World Sleep Day? The global event falls on the 17th March of every year. The event is hosted by the World Sleep Society. The theme for 2023 is “Sleep is Essential For Health”. The aim of this global event is to spread awareness of sleep health and sleep problems. 

What’s also interesting is that March is also known as National Bed Month. This is another similar awareness event held within the UK, in partnership with The Sleep Charity and the National Bed Federation. The purpose of this national event is to promote the health benefits of good sleep to the public.

To mark these two awareness events, we thought it would be a great idea to discuss the topic of mattresses. A mattress is the foundation to a good night’s sleep. A good mattress can help massively with better sleep, thus improving sleep health. In this article, we discuss why a mattress needs to be replaced and how often it should be replaced.

Why Does A Mattress Need to Be Replaced?

As a general rule, a mattress should be replaced every 6 or 8 years. Of course, a mattress can last longer and start to age at 10 years. It depends on the person’s sleeping circumstances, the type of mattress, and its current condition, to name a few.

There are a few reasons why every mattress needs to be replaced eventually. Sleeping on an old mattress is less supportive than a new mattress, so the chances of developing bed aches and pains increases. This can make sleeping quite uncomfortable. Most people think their back pain is caused by something else but the problem could be down to their mattress simply being too old. Luckily, there are a few other signs to tell if a mattress needs to be replaced.

Signs of An Old Mattress

1) Sagged or Damaged Areas

Unfortunately, the nature of wear and tear can’t be prevented. Sagging occurs when the coils in a mattress begin to weaken, or the memory foam starts to lose its original shape. Holes, springs poking out and other damage are clear indicators that the mattress is on its last legs.

2) Bad Smell and Stains

No matter how much a mattress is cleaned or vacuumed, some smells and stains won’t budge. Old mattresses have a build-up of dead skin cells, sweat, pet hair, and even mould spots. Food and liquid stains can be difficult to remove. These permanent stains can be a factor as to why mould spots have appeared on a mattress.

3) Noisy Springs

The sound of creaking and squeaking of springs can affect a person’s ability to fall asleep. Noisy springs generally means the inner metal coils are either broken or starting to age. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of ways to fix the squeaking, besides completely replacing the mattress.

4) Increased Allergies

When a mattress has a build-up of dust or mould, this can make allergy symptoms worse for some people. Waking up regularly with a runny nose, watery eyes, or a headache can mean the allergens in your mattress could be causing it. For allergy sufferers, it may be worth replacing your current mattress with an anti-allergy mattress or a mattress with hypoallergenic fillings.

5) Lifestyle Changes

Even if a mattress is in top condition, a lifestyle change can be a sign to replace a mattress. A more supportive mattress is generally needed when a person is going through pregnancy or weight gain. People with a recently diagnosed health condition including arthritis, sciatica, or fibromyalgia will need a new mattress for better pressure relief.

Find Your New Mattress at The UK Bed Store

If you have noticed any of the above signs, it’s time to throw out your current mattress and invest in a high-quality, comfortable, and supportive mattress. We recommend doing this sooner rather than later to help you get better sleep and prevent future sleeping problems.

As the UK’s leading online bed retailer, we have an extensive range of products at competitive prices including mattresses, bed frames, headboards, divan beds, bedroom furniture, accessories to go along with them. If you have any questions about our mattresses or any of our other products, please feel free to contact us.

When it comes to picking the right mattress, did you know your sleeping position can have a massive impact on the type of mattress you need to consider? To make the decision easier for you, we have written this article based on which mattress you should choose according to your sleeping position. Are you a back, side, stomach or combination sleeper? Continue reading to see what mattress from the UK Bed Store is suitable for your usual sleeping position. 

Back Sleeper

Experts say sleeping on your back is mostly likely to cause snoring but it is the best position to maintain your natural spine alignment. Back sleepers tend to put pressure mostly on their lower back. If the mattress is too firm, it won’t allow enough space for the slight curve in your spine. If the mattress is too soft, your back can create a U-shape and this can cause a strain. 

Therefore, we recommend choosing a pocket spring or a memory foam mattress with medium to firm support. For example, our Healthbeds Heritage Cool Memory 2000 Pocket Mattress is a pocket spring mattress with a memory foam topper and it offers great pressure relief. If you experience regular back pain, an orthopedic mattress will help reduce strains.  

Stomach Sleeper

On the flip side, stomach sleepers tend to put pressure on the neck, shoulder, and arm area. As a stomach sleeper, you’ll want to look for a mattress that supports the natural alignment of your spine, provides pressure relief, and is not so soft that it causes you to sink too much and feel suffocating while you sleep. 

A pocket spring mattress with medium or medium and firm support is ideal for stomach or front sleepers. For instance, our Healthbeds Heritage Natural 1400 Pocket Mattress Medium Feel has natural wool, silk and cashmere fillings for a medium feel.

Side Sleeper

Sleeping on your side is the most common sleeping position for adults. You will want to look for a mattress that reduces pressure around the shoulder and knee area. However, combination or hybrid mattresses are most suitable for side sleepers. These include a coil spring or a pocket spring mattress with a comfort or topper layer. Our Vogue Cloud Gel 2000 Pocket Gel Feel Mattress is a pocket spring mattress with a cool gel pad on top to offer ultimate comfort without the “sinking” feeling you get with other foam-based mattresses.

Combination Sleeper

If you’re prone to tossing and turning during the night, you might find yourself waking up in a different position to when you fell asleep. If this sounds familiar, a pocket spring mattress is your best option. Pocket spring mattresses have individual springs that respond to each body part. This means, as you move from your back to your side or front, you will still feel comfortable and supported. Another benefit of pocket spring mattresses is they are great for couples who have different sleeping positions.

Visit The UK Bed Store

As you can see, no matter what your usual sleeping position is, you can’t go wrong with one of our pocket spring mattresses. Picking the right mattress is quite personal and comfort levels can differ from person to person. For instance, a medium feel mattress can be too firm and uncomfortable for some people. 

If you’re considering a new mattress, keep our recommendations based on your sleeping position in mind. To find the best mattress for your sleeping position, visit The UK Bed Store in Leek for a wide range of mattresses to try and exclusive deals.

Are you struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Everyone has experienced a sleepless night at some point or another. However, this can be a more frequent problem for people dealing with insomnia. According to sources, roughly one in every three people in the UK experience insomnia at some point. Insomnia is the condition in which an individual exhibits extreme difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep.

However, general loss of sleep can be caused by many reasons. Surprisingly, one of the most common causes of this problem could be down to your bedroom environment. It’s a good idea to make some changes to your bedroom and see if this improves your sleeping pattern.

We recommend making the following changes to guide you on your way to achieving a perfect night’s sleep:

1) Reduce The Temperature

Our body temperature is roughly 37°C. However, while sleeping, our body temperature drops slightly. Studies have found that the ideal conditions for you to sleep in is when the room temperature is between 15°C and 22°C. If you don’t have the luxury of air conditioning, or you don’t want to use your air conditioning, place a fan in your bedroom or install a fan to your ceiling instead.

Furthermore, change to a lighter duvet or have two separate duvets if you and your partner have different temperature preferences during the night.

2) Keep It As Dark As Possible

The amount of light hitting a surface such as a wall or a floor is measured in units called lux. Your bedroom should have a maximum lux value of 5. That’s similar to the same darkness during a full moon on a clear night. If you live in an urban or built-up area, switch your regular curtains to blackout curtains to block out excess light from street lights and cars. If you’re prone to waking up in the middle of the night, install motion-sensor night lights to supply enough light so you can see where you’re going.

3) Ensure Your Mattress is Comfortable

Ensure the mattress you’re sleeping on is comfortable. Your mattress should be between 8 and 12 inches thick and have a 2 to 4 inch comfort layer. Your support layer should be at least 5 or 6 inches thick. 

Most new mattresses will develop body impressions after a few weeks of use. We advise avoiding mattresses with body impressions of more than 1.5 inches to prevent it affecting your mattress’s performance. Once you’ve rotated your mattress and noticed your mattress sagging on both sides, it’s time to invest in a new mattress to prevent back pain. Generally, it’s recommended to invest in a new mattress at least every 9.5 years.

4) Keep Electronics Out Of The Bedroom

Blue light produced by electronic devices such as phones, laptops and TV’s disrupts the body’s melatonin production more than white light, making it more difficult to sleep. The stimulating effects of playing games or checking emails can also make it harder to fall asleep. Browsing social media late at night can result in negative feelings and rumination which can also lead to insomnia.

5) Remove The TV

Research shows having a TV in the bedroom can harm sleep. Motions and sounds from televisions can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm in a similar way to other electronic devices. To properly wind down before bedtime, turn your TV off for at least 30 to 60 minutes before you go to sleep.

6) Block Out Unwanted Noises

According to sources, 22 million people suffer “chronic high annoyance” from noise pollution in Europe. In loud areas, use earplugs while sleeping to cancel out most low-level sounds. If you do not like using earplugs, consider investing in a white noise machine. If your partner frequently snores and keeps you awake at night, take them to the doctor for a sleep apnea checkup. They may be prescribed to wear a CPAP machine to reduce noise levels.

7) Reduce Clutter

Some individuals can’t sleep due to messy surroundings in their bedroom. Excess clutter can affect your ability to sleep by causing stress. Before bedtime, spend a few minutes tidying your bedroom. Your bedroom environment should be calm and peaceful. Some individuals find it helpful playing relaxing music. Keep your bed as a device-free area to cut out distractions.

Invest In Your Bedding

At the UK Bed Store, we supply high-quality and comfortable mattresses. Whether you need a pocket springs mattress, a memory foam mattress, or a combination mattress, we have the perfect mattress for the perfect night’s sleep. You’ll find our mattresses are so comfortable, it’s like sleeping on a fluffy cloud!

After following these changes, we hope your sleep pattern has improved, and you are able to get some well-deserved rest and you can wake up feeling refreshed. For all your bedding needs, get in contact with us or head to the UK Bed Store in Leek to browse our bedding range and meet our friendly team!

When it comes to choosing a new pillow, if you’re anything like us you may be drawn to the softest, fluffiest pillow you can find! However, it can be important to consider what type of pillow is the best fit for your sleeping style. There are many benefits that come with choosing the right pillow, the most important one being that it helps us to achieve the best night’s sleep possible! So, kick back and relax as we navigate the art of choosing the perfect pillow for you and your sleeping style! 

Sleep Is For The Strong

Firstly, let’s talk about the importance of a good night’s sleep. In total, we spend around twenty-six years of our lives asleep and another seven years trying to get there. That’s a third of your life spent in bed! 

In that time, we could be causing a lot of strain to our neck, resulting in poor posture as well as neck and back pain. Sleep experts have found that using a pillow that correctly supports the head and neck reduces these risks and helps us to get more restful sleep. This can also benefit your overall health in other ways, such as improved mood, reduction in stress and being ill less often.

Sleeping On Cloud Nine

The position we sleep in can often determine what type of pillow is best for us. The aim here is for the alignment of the height of the pillow to match our sleeping position. 

Two of the most common sleeping positions are lying on the back or the side, both of which require different types of support. For those who are most comfortable lying on their back, a lower pillow profile would be the best fit, as there is less space between the mattress and head that needs to be occupied to support the neck. Alternatively, side sleepers would benefit from a higher profile pillow, as there is a greater amount of space between the head and the mattress. Opting for supportive pillows which suit you can be a great investment in your sleep quality and physical well-being.

Material Maketh The Dream

Many materials are utilised when creating pillows, however, certain materials have properties that can improve the quality of a product and pillows. For example, allergy sufferers can benefit from hypoallergenic materials, as pillows made from these are less likely to trigger any allergies. Meanwhile, pillows such as the Mlily Bamboo are also dust mite resistant – perfect if you suffer from asthma and eczema. 

For the warmer months – or if you find yourself constantly flipping your pillow over to the cooler side – a pillow with cooling technology might be right for you, as they provide more breathability. This prevents the body from becoming clammy, allowing you to sleep in your perfect temperature range. 

Dreaming Of Plush Pillows

Hopefully, now you have a clearer idea of just a few of the options available to you when picking your next pillow. Here at the UK Bed Store, we have a variety of pillows to suit any sleeper! 

If you have any questions, get in contact today or just pop down to our shop in Leek and meet our friendly team! 

Now that winter is here, it’s time to swap your lightweight summer sheets for something thicker and warmer. There is nothing worse than popping into a cold bed on a chilly night. For the best sleep this winter, this article by the UK Bed Store will guide you through everything you need to know about winter bedding.

Electric Blanket

If you enjoy jumping into a warm toasty bed, an electric blanket will be your best friend. Instead of turning on the heating in the bedroom, an electric blanket is designed to heat up your bedding before you head to bed. An electric blanket generates heat directly under you, which is much more energy efficient than heating the whole room. 

Electric blankets are placed under your fitted sheet and contain small heating pads with an insulated wire that starts to heat up when plugged in. For your safety, it’s not recommended to leave an electric blanket turned on overnight. Instead, we suggest you switch it on 30 minutes to an hour before you head to bed and unplug before you fall asleep.

Bed Sheets

Our body temperature can drop by 1 to 2 degrees closer to bedtime. Because of this, we recommend changing your bed linens to 100% cotton bed sheets. Cotton is a very popular material not just used for bedding. Cotton bedsheets are an ideal choice for winter because of their ability to regulate temperatures while you sleep. Their performance, longevity, quality, breathability, and their affordability is second to none, especially when compared to other fabrics. For an extra layer of warmth, add a cotton flat sheet to act as a barrier between you and your duvet.

Duvet

A warm duvet is a winter essential. Duvet thickness is measured in tog ratings. This means the higher the tog rating, the better its ability to retain heat during the night. The most common tog rating used is 10.5, which is perfect for all year round. However, it is sometimes appropriate to switch their tog rating depending on the season, bed sizes, and the age of the person in question. If you feel the cold more or sweat during the night, you can select a higher or lower tog rating to suit your sleeping requirements.

Duvet tog ratings vary, with the following ratings for a different level of warmth:

• 1-4.5 is great for summer and warmer days.
• 7-10.5 is suitable for autumn and spring when temperature can differ.
• 12-15 is best for chilly nights and winter.

Winter Throws

Finish off by laying a winter throw or blanket of your choice over your duvet. This will prevent heat from escaping. Alternatively, placing the throw or blanket at the foot of the bed will keep your toes toasty and warm during the night. If you tend to feel too hot during the night, you can skip this step altogether. Throw overs are not only useful for extra warmth, but it will give your bedroom a stylish and cosy appearance.

High-Quality Winter Bedding

At the UK Bed Store, we want you to stay comfortable and warm while you sleep during winter. So, we supply high-quality bedding products to our customers including beds, mattresses, duvets, and more! For further information, feel free to visit us in-store or get in touch with us.