Bed Buying Guide from Forrest Furnishing

At Forrest Furnishing we understand how confusing it can be to buy the bed. We have put together this guide to the main types of bed options available.

Around a third of your life is spent in bed. An old or uncomfortable bed won't give you the restful sleep you need to lead a happy, healthy life.

So if your bed is around 10 years old, you probably will have accumulated more than 3 years sleep in it. If this is the case, it's probably time to buy a new one.


How to Choose your New Bed

Consumers tend to think of buying a new bed as a necessity, rather than a luxury, and are, therefore, reluctant to spend a lot of money on it. Buying cheap can be a false economy - the more expensive the bed, the more support and comfort it can offer.

The best way to choose a new bed is to try out a few. Sit on few, lie on them and ask our experienced sales staff to explain all their benefits. If you sleep with a partner, you should try the beds together. Beds shouldn't be bought after a hard day's work as you are likely to feel every bed comfortable.

There is a belief that a firm bed is better for your posture. However, too firm a mattress will not give the correct comfort, and too soft may not give the correct support.

Trying to find a balance is not always easy, but there is a way to test this. Lying on your back, slip your hand between the base of your spine and the mattress. If it's difficult to do, the mattress is probably too soft. If your hand moves easily, the mattress is probably too hard and will not conform to your body shape. You should ideally be able to move your hand with just a little resistance.


Bed Buying Guide from Forrest Furnishing

Your bed options

Divan Beds
Divan beds are made up of a base and mattress, which combine to give the best support and comfort. Some divan beds have sprung bases, which will add to a given spring count of a bed. Bases without springs will tend to be that bit firmer.

Adjustable Beds
Electrically adjustable beds are easy to operate and can be manoeuvred into any position. These are ideal for those with mobility problems. Or simply an added luxury.

Headboards
Headboards are typically sold as an accessory to a divan bed and can add an extra enhancement to your room decor.

Bed Buying Guide from Forrest Furnishing

Storage Options
Most divan manufacturers offer a number of drawer options on most models, which offer valuable storage space. These can range from a drawer at the bottom end of a bed to the 'continental' style option which allows for bedside cabinets.

Guest Beds
For those short of space but needing an extra bed, a single bed with a pull-out bed underneath is a great solution. These can come in either divan style or as a frame.

Bedframes
Most bedframes, wooden, metal, or upholstered, support a mattress on slats fixed to the frame; some come with a metal frame support and integrated sprung wooden slats.


Your mattress options

Choosing the right mattress is vital. It will make the difference between a good and bad nights sleep. Here are all the mattress types you have to choose from:

Bed Buying Guide from Forrest Furnishing

Mattresses with Springs

Open Coil
This is the most basic and simple spring system. Rows of springs are joined with a spiral wire, running top to bottom. Typically there is a rod around the outside which provides a 'framework' for the springs. Open coil often gives a firmer feel.

Pocket Sprung
Here, each spring is housed in separate fabric pockets which are sewn or glued together. Because the springs in this type are not directly linked to each other, they conform better to the sleeper's shape, for ultimate comfort and support.

Non-sprung Mattresses
There are two main types of non-sprung mattress:

Latex
Produced from a natural elastic material that moulds to the body's curves. This has a 'springy' or 'spongy' feel to it.

Visco-Elastic Memory Foam
This is a man-made material which is temperature-sensitive, and is open-celled. This allows it to conform to the sleepers body shape better, and relieving most pressure points along the body.

Firmness
Lower priced mattresses are usually only produced in one firmness, whilst some more expensive options have a choice of soft, medium or firm tensions. There are mattresses which can be made with different tensions on either side to accommodate partners who both find different tensions comfortable.


Important information when choosing a bed or mattress
We understand the importance of a great night’s sleep, and hope any bed or mattress you choose will give you years of satisfaction.

Our sales team are here to assist you and give you as much information and advice as possible to help you select the right bed and mattress.

There are many different types of comfort level available, so we encourage you to spend as much time as possible trying out our beds in store before making that all-important decision.

Ultimately the decision regarding which bed or mattress to purchase has to be made by you, choosing the type of bed or mattress you personally find most comfortable. As comfort is a very individual subject it is not possible to return items on this basis. Once a bed or mattress has been unpacked and used, we cannot offer refunds or exchanges - as these items can no longer be offered for resale due to hygiene and safety reasons.

However, should a fault develop with the structure of you mattress, we will of course be happy to help rectify this within your statutory rights. To ensure any guarantee or warranty is validated, we would always recommend the use of a mattress protector. Our sales team will be able to advise you further.