Category Archives: Bed Accessories

Student Essentials

Now that the ‘A’ Level results are out and young people are preparing to head off to college and university it’s time to get them kitted out for their new ventures.  As a local family business, with a set of business values you’d like to expect but don’t always get nowadays, we know that every penny counts when getting our kids university ready. Yes, we’ve been there, done that, and bought the T-shirts!

At Dalzells we retail a great selection of bedding products, beds and mattresses that will see your ‘little darlings’ through their studies. From Pillows, Duvets, Mattress & Pillow Protectors through to the all essential Electric Blankets, to stave off those winter chills in student digs, rest assured we’ve got you covered! What’s more, with our ‘spend and save voucher’, you’ll even get something back to cushion the costs of getting them started in their studies.

Bedding Essentials

Duvets

Moving away from home can be challenging at the best of times,  but what better way to seek comfort than sinking into a fresh and cosy bed with a comfy duvet.  Duvets vary in their softness, level of warmth and weight allowing for seasonal adjustments and personal choice. Our great selection of Single Duvets and Double Duvets from Bedroom Couture will ensure that no matter how drafty the students digs are, your child will be warm and toasty.

Pillows

Whether your child’s preference is for a luxury memory pillow, like the King Koil Memory Fill, or your prefer a good value range such as the Bedroom Couture Polycotton twin pillow set, we’ve a style and range to suit everyone. Although many pillows are now fully washable, (yes we know, that may be asking too much of our little darlings!), it is advisable to replace them every two years. Pillows that have become lumpy or discoloured will no longer provide proper support and could contain high levels of dust mites and skin; a nuisance for allergy sufferers.  Designed to protect your pillow against soiling and general wear and tear, it’s worth remembering that good quality Pillow Protectors will also keep pillows fresher and cleaner for longer.

Mattress Protection

If your child is moving into student accommodation where there are existing beds and mattresses, it really is worth considering buying Mattress Protectors.  Enclosing the mattress similarly to a fitted sheet, mattress protectors are available in a range of fabric types. Our selection of 100% cotton mattress protectors are perfect for added bed freshness and ensuring a cool sleeping environment. For allergy sufferers, we also retail a huge array of anti-allergy, natural mattress protectors to keep the bed allergen-free, or prevent existing allergens from being present in older mattresses.

Electric Blankets

As the colder nights draw in it’s important that our kids are warm in their new student accommodation. At Armagh Beds.com we stock some of the leading Electric Blanket brands, with the added reassurance that they have undergone rigorous testing and conform to all relevant UK and European safety standards. So whether it’s a fitted under electric blanket or an over electric blanket we’ve a great range of products from leading brands such as Morphy Richards and Beurer.

Beds and Mattresses

We appreciate that the budget may not stretch to buying beds and mattresses but with a huge selection of cheap beds and mattresses in stock it might be more affordable than you think. Our expert staff are always happy to advise and as we only deal directly and in bulk with manufacturers we can achieve real savings which we pass directly to you. What’s more, we’re easy to talk to and willing to strike a deal! We also have Great Finance Deals, with up to 12 Months 0% Buy Now Pay Later. Ask in-store for full written details.

What to do next

In these uncertain times being able to trust a retailer is everything. Our being in business for more than 55 years and excellent reputation is the kind of reassurance you can feel comfortable about.  We are members of The Sleep Council, the consumer education arm of the National Bed Federation and are duty bound to raise awareness of a good night’s sleep, provide helpful advice on how to improve sleep quality and to help shoppers choose the right bedding products to meet their individual requirements.   Not only that, but we provide Free Delivery* and Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed throughout Northern Ireland, and Counties Monaghan, Louth and Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland. We’ll also unpack and place your New Mattress and/or New Bed in a room of your choosing and dispose of all the packaging. Call in-store or view our bedding collection online at Armaghbeds.com , email or telephone our expert staff on 028 3755 1260 and they’ll be only too happy to chat about your needs. We’re just a short drive from Lisburn and Belfast, positioned between Armagh and Newry and convenient to Dungannon, Cookstown and Omagh.

*Delivery throughout the rest of Ireland available at Highly Competitive Rates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Slumbers

If we’re not complaining about the weather, we’re complaining about the weather! The last few weeks of sunshine have been glorious, but undoubtedly the ‘heat wave’ has taken its toll on many of us. Hot, sticky nights being the biggest bug bear of all.  As the temperatures crept up lots of people experienced sleepless nights due to the humid conditions.

In one of our previous posts we shared our top tips on keeping cool at night.  From sleeping under cool, cotton sheets, to having a cool shower or bath before bedtime, these simple strategies all help to cool the body in preparation for sleep. Did you know though that a number of beds and mattresses are now so technologically advanced that they can also contribute to keeping you cool at night?

Continue reading →

New Mum Sleep Tips

As the world waits with bated breath on the new Royal baby, those of us who’ve been there before know only too well what those first few weeks of sleepless nights are like when a new baby arrives. No doubt Kate will hear the oft-quoted phrase ‘Sleep when the baby sleeps’ numerous times in the days and weeks ahead.

However, if you feel you’re really not getting enough sleep, feel low, agitated or simply unable to cope or enjoy those first precious moments with baby, it’s essential to get more sleep, or at least more rest.

Signs of sleep deprivation

Some of the signs that we are sleep deprived include being unable to get up in the morning when the alarm goes, feeling groggy all day, short tempered and maybe snapping at the children or your partner, or simply being unable to concentrate on anything.

If you are feeling very tired however, even after your baby has started to sleep through the night – or if you just can’t get to sleep – you should talk to your doctor or other health professional about possible causes and how to improve your sleeping pattern.

Dr Chris Idzikowski, director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre, explains ‘If you’re not getting enough sleep, the sleep you do get becomes more intense in order to help compensate. When you do get the chance to drop off, your body knows getting the two hours of deep and restorative sleep it needs is a priority, so that will come first in your sleep cycle.’ Yes, you’ll still feel tired the next day, as your natural sleep cycle is being disrupted by the demands of your new baby, but at least you can rest assured knowing your body is doing its best to cope and keep you functioning as well as it can.’

Tips for getting more sleep

  1. It’s true what they say, you need to sleep when the baby sleeps. If at all possible take some time out and rest during the day. This will not only lessen the effects of sleep deprivation, it will also help improve quality of your sleep, when you get some!
  2. Try and go to bed a bit earlier. Maybe your partner or a relative could help out what that last nappy change or soothing a colicky baby. Even if you find you can’t nod off earlier, try and do something relaxing for half an hour beforehand, such as reading a book to help you relax.
  3. Try and establish a good bedtime routine. From having all your nightly baby paraphernalia organised for the night ahead, to having a relaxing bath to soothe the body and mind.
  4. If you can, share the responsibility of getting up in the night with your partner. Take alternate nights or weeks. If grandparents offer to help out with other children, accept all invitations readily!
  5. Try and build some exercise into your daily routine. Time is a very precious thing to new mums and it’s difficult to find time to build in exercise, especially when you’re feeling exhausted or slightly overwhelmed by the demands of a new baby. However, exercise is one of the key strategies in helping you to relieve stress and helping you to sleep more effectively as well as baby and you getting some fresh air.
  6. Keep your bedroom as clutter free as possible. We all know the amount of ‘stuff’ that parents accumulate for newborns, but where possible try and keep your bedroom as clutter free as possible so that you can relax better.
  7. Avoid sedatives such as sleeping pills and alcohol to help you sleep. The effects are usually short-term, they can have counter effects, and sustained use can lead to dependency.
  8. Make sure your bed, mattress and bedding is giving you the right support and comfort levels to help aid sleep. A good supportive bed can make all the difference to getting a good night’s sleep. Extra pillows or a back support pillow might also help during nighttime feeds.
  9. Finally, don’t get stressed about lack of sleep. Those first few months with baby are precious times and winding yourself up about sleepless nights will only exacerbate the situation. Allow yourself time to just rest and enjoy your new baby.

 

 

 What to do next 

At Dalzell’s we know only too well how lack of sleep can disrupt family life. With over fifty years of bedding expertise we’ve met many sleep deprived mums and dads over the years who have come to us looking for advice on buying a new bed.  Our expertly trained staff are happy to advise on all types of beds and mattresses that will help new parents get some well-earned kip. With over 500 beds in stock we have a wide range to choose from. Stocking leading bed manufacturers Respa, Myers, Staples, Kaymed and King Koil, among others, we’re confident you’ll find the right bed and mattress for you. Conveniently located between Armagh and Newry we’re a short drive from Lisburn and Belfast. What’s more, with Free Delivery* and Free Collection and Recyling of Your Old Bed throughout our Free Delivery Zone of Northern Ireland and Counties Dublin, Louth and Monaghan, there’s one less thing to worry about in those early days. Not only that, but we’ll we’ll also unpack and set-up your New Bed and Mattress in a room of your choosing and dispose of all the packaging, leaving mum and dad more time to relax and enjoy baby’s first few weeks.  Time being precious and no time to visit, no problem! You can view our extensive collection of beds and mattresses online at Armagh Beds.com any time day or night! Email, or simply Call us on T: 028 3755 1260 where our staff are on hand to answer and questions you may have.

*Delivery throughout the rest of Ireland available at Highly Competitive Rates

Top 6 Sleep Myths

Have you ever said to someone: ‘I had a bad night’s sleep last night’, for them to respond by saying: ‘Get your head down for a few hours this afternoon and you’ll be alright’?  They may be right in that a quick nap can help rejuvenate the body but if napping after 3pm, it may affect you getting to sleep later that night, thus creating a viscous cycle.  Some other common sleep myths include:

Sleep Myths Busted

Sleep Myth 1:

Everyone needs 8 hours of sleep at night.

Busted!

Sleep is vital to our health and well-being, and is just as important as diet and exercise. Prof Jim Horne, director of Loughborough University’s Sleep Research Centre, says that we don’t need eight hours at all, suggesting that the average sleep length is seven and a quarter hours with lots of people having more or less than the average. Teens / young people need about 8 – 9 hours of sleep each night to function best. However, many young people do not get this amount as they tend to go to sleep later at night and are up early for school during the week. Check out our self-help sleep tips for teens. Younger children need even more sleep. When children don’t get enough sleep their behaviour and mood can be affected. They may become hyperactive at night leading to drowsiness during the day. Check out our guide to help your child to get a good night’s sleep.

Sleep Myth 2:

The weekends are a great time to catch up on all that sleep you’ve missed during the week.

Busted!

Although it’s very tempting to have a lie-in on weekends,  it’s important to keep a regular sleep schedule seven days a week. Regular bedtime and waking times will make it easier for you to naturally fall asleep at night.

Sleep Myth 3:

Older people need less sleep that younger people.

Busted!

The Sleep Council has found that that older people may experience changes in their sleeping patterns due to numerous factors such as brief arousals in the night, loss of deepest levels of non-REM sleep, more daytime napping, a drop in body temperature during sleep and they prefer earlier bedtimes and earlier wake-up. However, research has shown that we need just as much sleep when we’re older as we did when we were younger.

Sleep Myth 4:

Layering the duvets, blankets and covers to make the bed really toasty will help you sleep better.

Busted!

Believe it or not but the body needs a cooler temperature to aid restful sleep. 16-18°C is the perfect temperature for the room to be. To keep the bedroom cool try opening windows  to create a draught and keep your curtains or blinds drawn during the day to keep the sun out.

Sleep Myth 5:

A nice glass of wine will help you sleep better.

Busted!

Alcohol may make you tired and put you to sleep faster but will interrupt your sleep later on in the night.

Sleep Myth 6:

Snoring is harmless.

Busted!

People who snore regularly could be at risk of serious health problems, including sleep apnoea, which can result in high blood pressure and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. For more information on sleep apnoea, check out our recent blog post.

Top tips for sleeping well

  1. Keep regular hours.
  2. Create a restful sleeping environment.
  3. Make sure your bed is comfortable.
  4. Cut down on stimulants such as caffeine in tea or coffee – especially in the evening.
  5. Don’t over-indulge. Too much food or alcohol, especially late at night, just before bedtime, can play havoc with sleep patterns.
  6. Try to relax before going to bed.
  7. Don’t take your worries to bed.
  8. If you can’t sleep, don’t lie there worrying about it. Get up and do something you find relaxing until you feel sleepy again – then go back to bed.

What to do next

At Dalzell’s of Markethill our expert staff are on-hand to advise on any sleep needs you or your family have. As a Sleep Council retailer, we take your concerns seriously and will provide you with the best advice on beds, mattresses and bedding to suit your particular circumstances. Visit us in-store, call 028 3755 1260, email or go online where you’ll find lots of information on getting a good night’s sleep, best buys and choosing the right bed for you. A short drive from Dungannon and located conveniently between Armagh and Newry, we’re perfectly placed to accommodate your new bed purchase. What’s more, we provide a Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed service and Free Delivery of your New Bed throughout our Free Delivery Zone, which extends across to Belfast and all of Northern Ireland, and Counties Louth, Monaghan and Dublin, in the rest of Ireland.

 

 

Beat the heat for a great night’s sleep

Keeping cool in the summer 

While we all love to see the sunshine arrive, the accompanying heat can sometimes be difficult to bear at night.

An overly warm room can make sleeping difficult often leading to restlessness and discomfort. We know from research that the ideal temperature for a bedroom is between 16-18°C (60-65°F) but when those hot, sticky nights kick in it can be difficult to keep cool.

Tips on keeping cool 

Where possible, open windows and inside doors to help create a draught and allow the air to circulate within the bedroom.

If the sun is particularly hot, keep curtains drawn, or if you’ve blackout blinds, keep these closed to prevent the room from overheating during the day.

Consider changing your duvet to a lighter tog rating – a tog rating of 4.5 tog is ideal for warm summer nights. If this is still too warm, try sleeping under a cotton sheet.

Wear light cotton nightwear to keep the body’s core temperature at the right level.

A cool shower or bath before bedtime can also help refresh and cool the body in preparation for sleep.

 

Try and drink plenty of fluids during the day – preferably water – and have some to hand by the bed if you heat up during the night.

Keep your bed clean and fresh and stick to cooling cottons or silk bedding.

If you or your partner struggle to keep cool at night, make sure your bed is roomy enough for two!  Up-sizing to a King Size or Super King Size bed can make all the difference to getting a good night’s sleep.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol or a big meal as these can cause dehydration and digestion difficulties making it uncomfortable and difficult to drop off.

If you’re thinking of buying a new bed or mattress, consider a model that incorporates natural fibres or is topped in a cooling cover. The Myers Latex Charm 5′ Mattress is a great example of this with its Coolmax Cover providing a Cool and Comfortable sleeping environment.

What to do next

Stocking a wide range of leading bed brands and bedding, Armagh Beds.com and Dalzell’s of Markethill has an extensive selection of climate control mattress options to help you find the optimum sleeping temperature. With over 500 beds in stock including  leading brands Kaymed, King Koil, Respa,Dorlux, Odearest, Slumber Night, Sleeptight, Myers and Staples there’s something for everyone at Dalzell’s.

What’s more, we offer a Free Delivery service and Free Collection Recycling of Your Old Bed across Northern Ireland and Counties Louth, Monaghan and Dublin, with competitive rates across the rest of Ireland. Our staff are on hand to advise on the best bed and mattress to suit your sleeping style. Call us on T: 028 3755 1260, email or visit us in-store today for a great deal. Or why not view our great collection of beds and mattresses online at Armagh Beds.com.

Is your sleeping position causing you back pain?

Ever woken up and thought to yourself: ‘I’m all aches and pains, I mustn’t have slept right’? This problem is more common than you think. And, for those with back problems, may be exacerbated by sleeping in the wrong position in an unsupportive bed.  Back pain is also more likely to keep you awake when your sleeping position doesn’t allow you to get the right comfort and support.  So how does your sleep position affect your sleeping habits?

Sleeping Positions

Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, has found six common sleeping positions:

  1. The Foetus: Those who curl up in the foetus position is the most common sleeping position  – more than twice as many women as men tend to adopt this position.
  2. Log: Lying on your side with both arms down by your side.
  3. The yearner: People who sleep on their side with both arms out in front.
  4. Soldier: Lying on your back with both arms pinned to your sides.
  5. Freefall: Lying on your front with your hands around the pillow, and your head turned to one side.
  6. Starfish: Lying on your back with both arms up around the pillow.

Adjusting your sleep position

One of the most common sleeping positions is lying on your side, with your legs and hips aligned and flexed. For back sufferers this position can cause the lower spine to be rotated slightly, which may contribute to back or hip pain. One way of preventing this problem is to place a pillow between the knees and thighs, thus supporting the body and realigning the spine.

For those who sleep on their back, and experience lower back pain, a simple solution can be to either place a pillow under the knees to help maintain the normal curve of your lower back or place a small, rolled towel under the small of the back for additional support.

Front sleepers may find this position to be particularly hard on the back. One way of reducing the strain on your back is to place a pillow under your pelvis and lower abdomen and again under the head, if it doesn’t place too much strain on your back.

If changing your sleeping position still doesn’t provide you with pain relief, maybe it’s time to look at whether your bed and mattress are giving you the right support. Research conducted by The Sleep Council, in conjunction with BackCare, the charity for healthier backs found that 98% of the people surveyed agreed that a good, supportive bed could help a bad back.

Choosing the right bed and bedding 

An adjustable bed, also known as Motorised or Electric Beds, can be adjusted into various positions to make sleeping more comfortable and may help relieve back pain, poor circulation, aches and pains. By changing the position of the bed using a remote control, most Adjustable Electric Beds can be adjusted to raise the upper end of the bed which in turn lowers the back and head, or the lower end of the bed can be raised to lower the legs. What’s more, if an Adjustable Bed has been recommended to you or a family member for health reasons, and you live in Northern Ireland, request a letter from your Doctor and we’ll Zero Rate The Vat on your purchase! Yes, you will not need to pay the 20% VAT!

Other ways of preventing back ache when you sleep is to consider buying a bigger bed. This will be of benefit to both the back pain sufferer and their partner by giving you both room to stretch out and feel comfortable.  Consider too the tension of the mattress and one that is a Non-Turn model. It’s worth remembering that the right mattress will provide the correct posture and support to give you a comfortable night’s sleep. Finally, take time to choose the correct pillow.  Knowing what type of pillow suits your sleeping position is as important as choosing your preferred mattress tension. Although not designed to have the same lifespan or durability as a mattress, a good quality, comfortable pillow can significantly reduce any neck, back or shoulder pain experienced when sleeping.

What to do next

Stocking an extensive range of Orthopaedic Beds, Adjustable Beds and supportive bedding, With our expert staff on-hand to advise you on a range of beds and mattresses why not Visit Us in-store today at Dalzells, your local bedding specialists in Northern Ireland. You’ll find us in Markethill, just off the A28 between Newry and Armagh, a short 30 minute drive from Lisburn, 45 minutes from Belfast and an hour from Dublin via the A1 by-pass. You can of course just pick up the phone on 028 3755 1260 to place your order, request a quote or ask a question. Alternatively you can Email Us if that’s easier. With Free Delivery of your New Bed across N.I. and Counties Monaghan, Louth and Dublin, whatever way you contact us you’ll be guaranteed a great deal, expert advice and first class customer service. What’s more, we provide a Free Collection and Recycling Service of Your Old Bed, so you’ll not have to worry about making room for your new bed when it arrives!

How to care for your mattress

A good quality mattress with the right base can make a big difference to having a good night’s sleep. The correct mattress aids deeper, more refreshing sleep by giving you better support. Considering a premium quality mattress can last up to 7 years, buying a new mattress is a long term investment and you should buy the best you can afford. To get the most out of your mattress and extend its life it’s worth taking the time to give it the right care and attention it deserves.

 Ensuring the correct fit

Before buying your new matttress it’s worth noting that bed sizes are not standardised and even if they are described as Single, Small Double, Double, King Size or Super King Size beds, variations may occur depending on which bed manufacturer makes your mattress and bed. It may be a false economy just buying a mattress only to find later that it doesn’t fit your chosen divan or bed frame. Consider too that bed bases and mattresses are engineered to complement one another.  Ultimately, the correct mattress for your chosen bed base will provide you with the right amount of support and comfort level.

Typically though, UK & Irish mattresses and beds are available in the following sizes:

UK Mattress Sizes

*Metric and imperial dimensions are not exact equivalents

*Most bed bases now come as split units, for added flexibility when delivering

Essential mattress maintenance

From the moment you take delivery of your new mattress there will be a number of things to attend to. Most mattresses will come wrapped.  You should remove this to let the mattress breathe. There’s also the issue of what to do with the old mattress. At Dalzell’s we pride ourselves in offering a Free Delivery service to our customers, and what’s more, we’ll even provide Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed when we deliver your new mattress or bed.

With a new mattress there is likely to be some settlement in the fillings and these will even out with use. To help the fillings settle evenly, turn the mattress on a regular basis.  All mattresses should be turned on a regular basis in order to promote even wear, and to prolong the life of your mattress. If your mattress is non turn, then it should be rotated end to end.

The majority of interior sprung mattresses will need turning regularly to maximise their lifespan. Dips and uneven sleeping surfaces can occur as the body compresses natural fibres in a mattress. If turning a heavy mattress is difficult you may want to consider buying a one-sided  or ‘non-turn’ mattress. Remember that with time your mattress filling will settle and compress, this is a natural process and what will make your mattress truly yours as it takes your shape. This may be more noticeable in premium mattresses that contain more filling.

Mattress Protection

To get the best from your mattress and pillow it’s worth considering investing in a good quality mattress protector. Designed to protect your mattress against soiling and general wear and tear, protectors will keep your mattress fresher and cleaner for longer. For added comfort and support, a mattress topper provides for an added level of cosy support to your bed, with some new beds including a mattress topper as standard. Available in a range of materials, mattress toppers can be made from polyester fibre, visco-elastic, latex or even feathers.

For those who may experience bed wetting or have incontinence problems, Respa has produced a range of waterproof mattresses covered in a waterproof fabric to keep your mattress fresh and clean.

What to do now

Stocking leading mattress manufacturers including Respa, King Koil, Staples, Myers, Dorlux and Briody, Dalzell’s of Markethill has an extensive selection of mattresses to choose from. Call in-store or view our mattress collections online at Armaghbeds.com where you’ll find the complete range of Pocket Spring, Memory Foam and the latest Talalay Latex Mattresses. If you’re not sure what type of mattress best suits you, email or telephone our expert staff on 028 3755 1260 and they’ll be only too happy to talk you through the types of mattresses available in the market today. We’re just a short drive from Lisburn and Belfast, positioned between Armagh and Newry. We love to strike a deal and what’s more we provide a Free Delivery service and Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed throughout Northern Ireland, and Counties Dublin, Louth and Monaghan in Ireland.

 

 

 

Spring Clean Your Bed

At the end of a long day is there anything more inviting than slipping in to a fresh, clean bed?  We spend a third of our lives in bed so it’s important that our bedrooms are comfortable and healthy spaces.  And with spring just a few short weeks away what better time to give our beds the attention they deserve.

Bed Care

When we consider that sleeping in an uncomfortable bed could cost up to one hour’s sleep a night, it’s worth considering  the quality, care and amount of use our beds get. A simple way of keeping our beds fresh is to throw back the bed clothes in the morning and leave the bed to air for 20 minutes to allow body moisture to evaporate. If you have a divan bed, vacuum or brush the base, and clean with a mild detergent and warm or cold water. Remember never soak the base and always check the manufacturers’ instructions.

Mattress Care

Most mattresses are made well enough that they don’t need rotating, however turning your mattress over from side and side and end to end every few months will help upholstery fillings settle down more evenly.  If you have a new mattress, don’t leave polythene wrappings on it – dampness, mildew and rotting could all result from a build-up of condensation. Vacuum, or better still, use a soft brush on your mattress from time to time to remove fluff and dust.

It’s also worth considering investing in a good quality mattress protector. Designed to protect against soiling and general wear and tear, mattress protectors will keep your bedding and bed fresher and cleaner for longer. Using a protector and rotating regularly can extend your mattress’s life.

Bedding Care  

When it comes to laundry care many of us will wash our sheets, pillow cases and duvets covers on a regular basis. How often you wash these essential bedding items is a personal preference. In general, it’s a good idea to wash them weekly and tumble dry according to label instructions. However, when we think about spring cleaning, bedding items such as duvets and pillows are frequently neglected or forgotten.

It is recommended that duvets are professionally cleaned, if you choose to launder them yourself, always read and follow the specific care instructions on the product label. Ensure they are dried thoroughly to avoid ‘clumping’ of filling and shake regularly during the drying process to keep the filling loose. In between washes, hang your duvet on a clothesline on a dry, breezy day every few months. You can also fluff it in the dryer, just as you would a pillow.

Many pillows are fully washable although it is advisable to replace them every two years. Pillows that have become lumpy or discoloured will no longer provide proper support and could contain high levels of dust mites and skin; a nuisance for allergy sufferers. A simple way of extending the life of your pillow is to use a pillow protector. Easily slipping over the pillow, they retain the effect of a Pillow Feel and are available in a range of fabric types and textures.  Highly absorbent and breathable, they can also help to prevent skin infections and irritations.  Many pillow protectors are now machine washable and tumble dry safe for added convenience. In between washes, plump pillows daily when you make your bed, to keep the filling from becoming flattened.

What to do next

At Armagh Beds.com we retail an extensive collection of pillows, duvets, mattress and pillow protectors. With more than 55 years of  bedding expertise you can count on Dalzell’s to deliver! Located in Markethill on the main A28, just 45 miles from Belfast, we’re just a short drive away from Lisburn and Newry. Of course you can always place your order online, over the phone on 028 3755 1260 or even by Email.  However you decide to shop with us you can be assured of Expert Advice, A Great Deal and Free Delivery of your Bedding, Bed or Mattress throughout N. Ireland and Counties Monaghan, Louth and Dublin City, with highly competitive rates available across the rest of the UK and Ireland.

 

Is the Cold Keeping you Awake at Night?

How does the cold affect sleep?

With the snow still lying on the ground and the freezing temperatures set to continue it’s no wonder we’re all retreating to our bedrooms to snuggle up and keep warm. Research* has shown that, similar to animals, humans have their own kind of hibernation during the winter months with adults five times more likely to spend more time in bed during the winter months than summer.

If we get too cold at night, we get restless, our sleep patterns are interrupted and we lose out on our sleep. Essential to our health and well-being, sleep plays a significant role in brain development.  After just one night without sleep our concentration levels lessen considerably. For a restful night’s sleep our core temperature should only be half a degree less than during the day.  So what can we do to make sure we stay warm at night without overheating?

The Sleep Council has produced this really useful guide on keeping warm. Their simple and easy tips will ensure you avoid the chill at night but don’t overheat either.

 

Top tips on keeping warm 

  1. Wear night clothes such as pyjamas or a large T-shirt to keep you warm. Natural fibres such as wool, cotton or silk will keep you warmer than synthetic materials.
  2. Have a warm bath just before you go to bed. This will gently warm and relax you to help you feel sleepy.
  3. Have a warming, milky drink.
  4. Try to take some exercise which will get the circulation going to help keep the body warm – but don’t do vigorous exercise too close to bed time as you may feel too invigorated to sleep.
  5. Keep the bedroom warm, but not too hot, and free from draughts.
  6. Look for a mattress which has a “warm” side for use during the winter. A soft sleeping surface is a better insulator than a flat one. Use a fleecy underblanket to retain the heat.
  7. Choose a duvet with a high tog rating or use several layers of bedding rather than one single layer. Layers will trap warm air and are easily removed if you get too hot.
  8. A hot water bottle is an ideal way to keep warm once in bed. Make sure it has a cover on it to avoid scalding and also so that it won’t feel cold in the middle of the night.
  9. Electric blankets are ideal. Underblankets will warm the bed up before you retire for the night, while overblankets maintain a constant temperature throughout the night.

Choosing the right duvet

A duvet’s warmth is rated by its tog rating and can extend from a lightweight summer version of between 3.0 – 4.5 tog through to a warmer, cosier autumn or winter duvet with a tog rating of between 9 and 13.5. Seasonal duvets are increasingly popular as they can be quickly adjusted to the temperature dipping: this added flexibility is a hit with many in these cold winter months.

Maybe you or your partner struggle to keep warm with one or other taking control of the duvet – a duvet one size up may be the ideal solution to keeping you both cosy. The Bedroom Couture White Goose Feather & Down 5′ Duvet is a great choice. With its 85% White Goose Feather and 15% White Goose Down filling, this Luxurious Duvet provides Even Distribution for all over Warmth and Comfort.

For those that need an anti-allergy duvet, try the Bedroom Couture Microfibre 5′ Duvet. With its Microfibre Fabric Cover providing a Super Soft Feel and Superior Drape, this Ultrafine Spiral Hollow Fibre filled Duvet  is  available in a 13.5 Tog and is Non-Allergenic and Machine Washable for added convenience.

What to do next?

At Armagh Beds.com we retail an extensive collection of duvets in a range of sizes including Single Duvets, Double Duvets and King Size Duvets. With more than 55 years of  bedding expertise you can count on Dalzell’s to deliver! Located in Markethill on the main A28, just 45 miles from Belfast, we’re just a short drive away from Portadown and Lisburn. Of course you can always place your order online, over the phone on 028 3755 1260 or even by Email.  However you decide to shop with us you can be assured of Expert Advice, A Great Deal and Free Delivery of your Bedding, Bed or Mattress throughout N. Ireland and Counties Monaghan, Louth and Dublin City, with highly competitive rates available across the rest of the UK and Ireland.

*From the HiberNation survey of 1,000 adults, undertaken by the Better Sleep Council of America, published in autumn 1998.

Warm up to an Electric Blanket


Banish the Winter Chill

With a cold snap predicted, we’re all turning our minds to keeping warm at night. So what’s a cheap and safe way to keep your bed toasty?  A popular choice is an electric blanket to stave off that winter chill. With a range of under blankets, over blankets and duvets, electric blankets give you lots of choice in transforming your bed into a haven of warmth and comfort.

Types of Electric Blankets 

Heating the body from underneath, and adding extra warmth to your bedding,  under blankets fit to the bed like a normal elasticated fitted sheet.  A great choice is the Beurer Monogram Symphony Single Electric Blanket. Available with a Preheat Setting for Fast Heat Up, this Single Control Under Blanket is made from a Soft Polyester Material with a Tie Down Fitting to secure the blanket to the bed.

Or the Morphy Richards 75288 Dual Control King Size Heated Mattress Cover, with Ultra Thin Energy Efficient Nano Wires, this model is very economical to run. Made from an Extra Thick Luxury Fleece Fabric, and designed to fit the mattress like a fitted sheet, this under blanket provides you with Extra Heat at the Foot of the Bed to keep your feet warm and cosy on those cold winter nights.

Convenient and easy to use, an over electric blanket warms you and your bed from the top. Many designs are now available with heat sensitive technology, adjusting to the temperature of the body and room while you sleep. The Overblanket can either be placed on top of the bed or inserted into a duvet cover.

Energy Efficiency

Worried about the cost? There’s no need. With many electric blankets costing as little as 2 pence per night to run, their energy efficiency means savings on your heating bills as well.

Machine washable and tumble dry safe, and available in a range of sizes from single through to kingsize, once you’ve tried an electric blanket, you’ll never turn back!

What to do now?

At Armagh Beds.com we stock some of the leading Electric Blanket brands including Morphy Richards and Beurer, with the added reassurance that they have undergone rigorous testing and conform to all relevant UK and European safety standards. Conveniently located on the A28 between Armagh and Newry, you can Visit Us In-Store. We’re a short 20 minute drive from Portadown or Dungannon and 45 minutes from Belfast down the M1. You can of course always place your order and gain expert advice from our experienced team over the phone on 028 3755 1260 or even by Email. However you decide to shop with us you can be assured of Expert Advice, A Great Deal and Free Delivery of your Bed or Mattress throughout N. Ireland and Counties Monaghan, Louth and Dublin City, with highly competitive rates available across the rest of the UK and Ireland.