Dr Debs is our resident bed doctor! She knows all there is to know about buying a bed, what mattress suits what bed, what mattress tension suits your needs, even what colour looks good with beige walls! if you cannot find your answer here, please ,click here to email your question to our very own bed doctor!

My husband weighs 15 stone, but I weigh less than 9. Our present mattress resembles a mountain range. Should we have separate mattresses next time or are modern mattresses able to cope with such weight differences?

Any individual pocketed sprung mattress with a higher spring count or with a latex filling will not only take your weight differences it will also give you better support. There are several excellent manufacturers that offer a range of mattresses, which will accommodate large weight differences and give support. It is vital that you take care of your mattress by turning it regularly to avoid filling settlement and to prolong mattress life, if you don’t depressions will be noticeable where most weight is concentrated which will give the mattress the appearance of a “mountain range” you mentioned. Furthermore the average life span of a mattress is 8 –10 years and the level of comfort and support that the mattress will provide will deteriorate from this time.

My husband has arthritis; I have read that a waterbed could help to relieve his discomfort. Is this true?

Yes this is true, waterbeds are totally supportive, hyper allergenic and will contour to any shape – water finds it own level so it moulds to the human frame with out pressure points. In addition it is heated so it is better for circulation and more relaxing. The constant temperature of the bed means that your husband would not be too hot or too cold and lessen the need for extra bedding or heating within the room.

We want to buy our twins bunk beds but they are only five. Is that age safe?

We would not recommend a bunk bed for children under the age of 6, a boisterous child of 5 or younger should not be put onto a top bunk in case he falls during the night, getting up to go to the toilet or feeling unwell. That extra year makes a huge difference in a child’s capability. A parent should consider their own children’s needs and abilities when making a decision for children mature at different ages.

Do I need a hard bed for my bad back?

This is a common misconception and the answer is a very definite no, you need a supportive bed and that is totally different. If you wish to lie on something slightly firmer with support, that is fine but do not assume that a hard bed will alleviate your back problems, on the contrary, it may add to it, as the back needs support. A small test for a back sufferer is to lie on the floor for thirty seconds and see what happens to the small of their back, they will experience lower back pain with in ten to fifteen seconds, their spine will seize and they will be unable to get off the floor without assistance. Modern sleep systems are designed to contour and support the human frame offering relief from a vast majority of back ailments

How often should I replace my pillows and quilts?

If not washable as soon as you cease to get support from your pillow or warmth from your quilt. Dunlopillo pillows are fully washable and their average life span is 15 years, they are also hyper allergenic and give you excellent support. Quilts should be in a spare quilt cover as a liner rather like a pillow protector. Everybody loses moisture during a night in the form of perspiration and this marks their bedding, by putting your quilt in a cover which is easily washable will keep your quilt cleaner for a longer period and improve its overall appearance.

Q. What type of leather do you use on your leather beds?

A. This depends on the actual product. However, they will fall into two types Bi-Cast: A very Durable Leather, ideal for a bed. A polyurethane coating is placed over the hide giving it extra protection. Corrected Grain: This is generally used for dyed leather. The texture feel is stamped onto the leather after it has been dyed there for more options for colour. This type of leather is more difficult to scuff.

Q. What’s the difference between Faux Leather and real leather when buying a bed?

A. Generally the answer is price. The real leather bed will be more expensive and generally looks exactly the same as its imitation friend. A good faux leather bed is hard to tell apart from a real leather frame and all depends on your budget. The real leather bed has the added value of having that rich leather smell that is difficult to imitate.

Q. How do I know if I am buying a quality leather bed?

A. You should be checking for the following:
Frame Construction – Quality furniture will include kiln-dried hardwood, or hardwood laminates that are glued, stapled, power screwed, with double blocked corners and mitre cut frames joints to secure the frame and ensure durability over the years.
Spring Materials – Many beds come with either a tempered steel spring system or a slatted base. This depend entirely on preference, however, you need to ensure you are getting the correct mattress to suit your leather bed.
Padded Materials – A quality leather or faux leather bed, will have padding through out mainly in the frames headboard.

Q. What is the advantage of having a waterbed?

A. Waterbeds offer total Back and Body Support as well as regulating temperature, relieving pressure from the joints and providing incredible durability.

Q. I suffer from a bad back but have always wanted a waterbed. Does this mean I cant get on?

A. Waterbeds are probably the best bed you can buy for back support. Its flexiblity allows total moulding to the contours and supports every curve of your body and spine. Whether you weight under 9st or more than 18st, I automatically adjusts to a supportive position the moment you lay on the bed.

Q. I imagine waterbeds to be noisy and really wobbly. Is that true?

A. Not at all. When a waterbed is filled it will have air still in the vents for approximately 2-3 days. Once this air is passed through the air vents the waterbeds will make no noise at all. And motion is something that is no longer an issue. The more stable the mattress the less motion provided. So there is no fear of waking you partner if you’re coming in late.

Q. Will the water in the bed smell if I don’t change it

A. No not at all, the water in the waterbed is stabilised by a conditioning fluid. We recommend that whenever you move your waterbed you should change your water then

Q. I hear waterbeds are costly to run

A. £25 per year the average water bed will cost to run which will depend on the style of bed you have chosen and what bedding covers the mattress. If the bed is covered then heat loss will be reduced and will only actually be operating a few hours per day.

Q. Why buy an Electric adjustable bed opposed to a regular flat bed

A. Sleeping on an adjustable bed eliminates the need to toss and turn as it supports pressure points and promotes roper spinal alignment. It also allows you to adjust your bed according to your needs.

Q. But aren’t electric adjustable beds for the older generation?

A. Definitely not! Electric adjustable beds are highly beneficial for anyone with:

Q. I am looking for a cheap divan for my child. Which would you recommend?

A. First of all, the cheap bit is the problem. Everyone likes a bargain but you need to be providing your child with best divan bed you can afford. A child bones are still malleable (growing and open to manipulation) up until 16 and sometimes over, so they need to be provided with a divan with the upmost support so that they can develop properly. If they slouch you would tell the off so why then send them to bed in a divan that is providing no posture or spine support? It will just create back and neck problems in the future that will be difficult to correct.

Q. What’s the difference between a Sprung Based Divan and a normal base?

A. The sprung base allows more “give” in the Divan and couple with a firm mattress can provide total moulding to the contour. A normal divan base is equally as good for support dependent on the mattress you buy. Most Divans come with the optimum mattress for the base so this is not something you have to make a decision on.

Q. I am wanting to buy my child their first proper bed but I am unsure what product to buy them for their age.

A. All out kids beds and bunk beds we give a recommendation of between 4 – 5 years and above. Any lower age we leave at your discretion. We suggest that if you are wanting bunk beds or a cabin bed for your younger child that you think about a secure unit with minimum risk from falling out. Cabin beds are ideal for younger children.

Q. What Sizes do Kids beds usually come in?

A. 2ft 6 and 3ft or we can provide specially made beds to suit you needs

Q. Ive got the Bunk Bed Frame, which mattress should I get?

A. The best mattresses you can afford for the bunk bed. A child bones are still malleable (growing and open to manipulation) up until 16 and sometimes over, so they need to be provided with a mattress with the upmost support so that they can develop properly. If they slouch you would tell the off so why then send them to bed on a mattress that is providing no posture or spine support? It will just create back and neck problems in the future that will be difficult to correct.

Q. Which bunk bed frame is more robust? Pine or metal?

A. Both are equally as robust and sturdy and boiled down to a preference. As with most things, the more expensive the bed, the more sturdy and the better quality materials. However, all our Kids beds and Bunk Beds at the Bedding centres are durable and will last many years with proper care.