AtHomeWithSarahBeenyAutumn2016 - 110

▲ SLEEP EASY ALL ABOUT THE BASE Wooden bed frames require little maintenance and, if made of the right wood, can last a lifetime. If you're intending to change your bed, your main decision is over which wood to choose, as each has its benefits. However, it's chiefly a matter of choice. Colours vary greatly, so which you choose is a matter of personal taste. But for a hard-wearing frame, you will need hardwood as these are far more durable, although pricier, than softwood options. Among the hardwood types, oak, cherry, maple, mahogany and walnut are the most popular and desirable for high-quality wood furniture. You must also decide what size bed you want and what sort - a divan or one with underbed storage, for example. Don't forget to consider, too, how easy it will be to get your chosen bed into your home and how well it will fit in with the rest of your furniture - it should dominate the room for the right reasons. the density (the better the quality), the greater the potential for heat retention. 'Bed manufacturers are coming up with lots of solutions, including ventilation layers, special springs and warm/cool sides. It's also worth investigating whether there are other reasons for your raised temperature - health, age and medications can affect your body's heat control mechanisms. 'Look for mattresses made from breathable fibres, such as those in the Silentnight Sleep Genius range, which are designed to keep you cool.' (www.silentnight.co.uk/sleep-genius) WE WANT TO IMPROVE OUR BED TO GET A BETTER NIGHT'S SLEEP, BUT WE CAN'T AFFORD A NEW MATTRESS. DO MATTRESS TOPPERS WORK AS A 'QUICK FIX' SOLUTION? 'Toppers are often used to improve the feel of a mattress by adding extra layers of cushioning. 'But they're not a substitute for correct support, nor for replacing an old, worn-out bed. 'Any impression of improved comfort will probably be short-lived.' MY WIFE AND I HAVE DIFFERENT NEEDS WHEN IT COMES TO A MATTRESS. SHE LIKES SOFT WHEREAS I PREFER A FIRMER MATTRESS. DO ANY BRANDS OFFER HALF AND HALF? DON'T LET PRICE BE THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR - TREAT IT LIKE AN INVESTMENT 110 | OCTOBER 2016 'There are products that offer two different tensions within one mattress. 'There are also zip-and-link divans, where two separate mattresses are used on the same bed.' I KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD-QUALITY MATTRESS, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE BED BASE ITSELF? WHAT SHOULD I LOOK OUT FOR WHEN CHOOSING A NEW BED? 'When buying a new bed, it can be a false economy to change only the mattress while keeping the original base - the old base could reduce the useful life of the new mattress, as well as the comfort and support it offers. It can also affect manufacturers' warranties and guarantees. 'There are a variety of bases on offer, from divans and bedsteads to adjustable bases and bunk beds. 'The base affects the feel of the mattress - for example, a solid-top divan will make a mattress feel firmer than a sprung-edge divan. It's important to ensure the mattress and base are suitable for use together, especially if you are buying them separately.' http://www.silentnight.co.uk/sleep-genius

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