Buying a bed can be a difficult process. Unlike other purchasing decisions, such as trying on a pair of shoes (where fit and personal style are front and centre) or selecting fruit and vegetables (where freshness is key), it can be hard to know what to look for.

“Not only do many people not know what to look for in a bed, but they may also find the process of visiting a mattress shop quite intimidating,” says Dale Harley, Marketing Executive at Restonic SA.

Harley asserts that many consumers see buying a bed as a grudge purchase, whereas it should certainly be viewed as an investment. “You spend a third of your life sleeping and sleep is foundational for good health and performance,” he explains. How to buy a bed that works for you is therefore a priority, since investing in a mattress that helps you sleep soundly so you wake up refreshed, rather than tired or sore, should be a primary concern.

When to Replace Your Mattress

Restonic Training and Product Manager, Lebogang Matlou, says most mattresses have a lifespan of no more than seven to 10 years at most. However, your mattress also needs to change with your age and life situation. What’s comfortable for you as a child will be different to what you need as an adult. That is likely to change again as you get older, as well as through different life stages, such as marriage, pregnancy, divorce, or illness.

It might be time for a new bed if your current mattress is visibly sagging; if you get better sleep on another bed than your own; or if you wake up with aches and pains or struggle to sleep comfortably.

Essential Questions Before You Buy

To help simplify the shopping process, here are the essential questions to ask yourself before buying a bed:

Who is the bed for?

What you need will be different, depending on whether the bed is for you, for you and a bed partner (whether that’s a spouse or pets), a child, or occasional guests. This also includes any particular needs; for example, if you are significantly taller or heavier than the average person, or you have a specific medical need, this may influence which beds best suit your requirements.

What size bed do you want?

Harley says space is an important consideration here, and it is critical to ensure your bed will fit into the planned area. Standard length for a bed is 188cm, while extra-length beds are 200cm.

Standard Bed Widths:

  • Single: 95 cm
  • Three-quarter: 107 cm
  • Double: 137 cm
  • Queen: 152 cm
  • King: 183 cm

What comfort level do you prefer?

Beds are available in a range, from plush to firm, and your sleeping position and size may influence your preference. For instance, stomach sleepers may find firmer mattresses more comfortable. In contrast, side sleepers may prefer plush mattresses as they allow one’s hips and shoulders to sink into the mattress to keep correct spinal alignment.

Matlou advises that “Heavier people might benefit from a firmer bed, or from additional support in the centre third of the mattress (available in Restonic’s Marvelous Middle beds)”.

What’s your budget?

Harley explains that “Most people have no idea how much technology is inside a modern mattress”. Premium mattresses command a higher price because they include specialist comfort layers or materials, or features designed to improve robustness or longevity, or to minimise sag or movement transference.

These can all greatly improve your sleep experience and might be worth saving up for when you buy your own bed. However, you might also choose to purchase something simpler and more cost-effective if you are buying a bed for your guest room that won’t be used every night, or if you are purchasing for a child.

Matlou adds that it is also important to know whether you want a bed set (mattress and base) or just a mattress, as this will affect price and potentially the warranty.

Are there any specific features you’re looking for?

If you suffer from allergies, for example, you might be looking for a hypoallergenic bed. Conversely, if you run hot, you might consider cooling mattress technologies.

Tips for Shopping for a Bed

Matlou says the best way to find a good bed is to visit a mattress showroom to try out some options. “It might seem awkward to go and lie on a bunch of different beds, but I promise you that’s what the sales staff expect. It’s a key step in finding what works for you,” he confirms.

Since nobody wants to buy the wrong bed, take your time. Find a few options you like, then look up reviews online before making the final purchasing decision. You can also try to find the beds you like on special, as most retailers will run promotions in January and again for Black Friday, with other special offers in between.

He advises going mattress shopping wearing something comfortable, such as not a suit or skirt, which makes climbing on and off beds difficult. Also, “Don’t go when you’re physically tired because every bed will feel good if it’s just a relief to be off your feet,” he warns.

To check the “fit” of the bed, lie on your back and slide your hand into the hollow at the bottom of it. If it slides in too easily, the bed might be too hard. If you struggle to fit your hand in, the bed may be too soft. You are ultimately looking for just a slight resistance.

Harley notes: “If you have any health issues that affect your sleep, it’s worth speaking to your doctor or physiotherapist to get their input before selecting a bed”. For example, all Restonic beds are endorsed by the Chiropractic Association of South Africa.

For more bed-buying and sleep advice, visit www.restonic.co.za.