Category Archives: Electric Adjustable Beds

Bed and Mattress Trends

Bed and Mattress Developments

Beds and mattresses have come a long way from their humble origins when people slept on a simple base of straw or other natural material. Over the centuries we have witnessed significant developments in the bed and mattress market.  With a range of mattress options now available including continuous/open spring mattresses, pocket sprung, memory foam, latex and orthopaedic mattresses to the latest ‘it’ item in the bedding industry, the gel mattress, there’s a model to suit every taste and style.

Buying a new bed is an important investment especially when we consider that we spend a third of our life in it. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to our health, well-being and productivity. The right bed and mattress ensures we wake up refreshed and ready for the day ahead. According to research conducted by sleep expert, Dr Chris Idzikowski, sleeping in an uncomfortable bed could cost us up to an hour’s sleep a night. With The Sleep Council recommending we change our beds every seven years, it’s worth taking the time to buy the best bed and mattress you can afford. So, what are consumers looking for and demanding from their bed and mattress?

Latest Trends 

Bigger is better – the trend for bigger beds is growing. People are now opting for King Size and Super King Size beds so that they have more room to stretch out during sleep which makes disturbing a partner at night a thing of the past.  As The Sleep Council recently stated: [in] a standard double bed (135cm/4ft 6in) each person gets just 2ft 3in of space – less than a baby in a cot. Buying bigger is definitely better for a undisturbed night’s sleep.

Newer mattress types such as gel-infused memory foam mattresses have been brought to the attention of consumers as they sleep cooler than beds without gel. A great example of this is the Kaymed Gel Plaza 1200 Pocket Gel Divan Bed. Incorporating Kaymed’s revolutionary K3Gel technology this bed is clinically proven to sleep 3 degrees cooler than standard foam.

Latex mattresses have gained popularity over the last number of years and it is anticipated they will continue to do so throughout the coming years. Latex Mattresses, also known as Talalay Mattresses, are a premium bedding product. Derived from the sap of a rubber tree, Latex Mattresses have a distinctive, resilient feel which is incredibly durable and provides long lasting comfort and spinal support. Helping to disperse body moisture, latex also has anti-microbial properties, inhibiting bacteria, fungi and dust mites, benefiting those with allergies or respiratory problems.

The Spring Interior Bed still remains the most popular choice in the UK and Ireland.  Latest technological developments have seen bed manufacturers combine Spring Technology with layers of memory foam, gel, latex and other luxury finishes to create even better sleeping solutions for the future.

Products such as the Respa Platinum Mattress is a great example of this.  This fully hand-sprung model combines Pocket Springs with Talalay Latex, Italian Cashmere and Irish Lambswool for luxurious comfort and a healthier sleeping environment. This demand for healthier sleep solutions has also seen consumers opt for more natural products. As the bed industry becomes more environmentally friendly, we’ll see more natural hybrid beds and mattresses being introduced into the market.

Adjustable beds have been around for a number of years, but as the bedroom becomes a more multi-functional space consumers are looking for more modern rather than medical-looking products. Electric adjustable beds allow sleepers to adjust their mattress to their preferred elevation for more comfortable leisure activities such as reading, having breakfast in bed, watching TV or even to work on their laptop.

The Respa Flotation Comfort Electric Bed highlights this blend perfectly. With its stylish design including a choice of surround and headboard colour, this model also provides an ideal solution for those with Mobility Difficulties. Incorporating an inner pocket sprung unit with 35mm of Luxurious Memory Foam this electric bed provides individual Support for Head, Neck, Upper and Lower Back, Thighs and Feet.

What is evident though, is that both Bed and Mattress Manufacturers and Retailers are more aware of environmental concerns and the need for better recycling of old beds and mattresses. At Dalzells we provide a Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed service throughout Northern Ireland, and Counties Monaghan, Louth and Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland. What’s more, we’ll also unpack and set-up and place your New Divan Bed or Mattress in a room of your choosing and dispose of all the packaging.

What to do next

Just as manufacturers continually strive to develop new technologies and provide innovative bed products we at Armagh Beds.com and Dalzells have extended our range of beds and mattresses to meet our customers ever changing needs.  Our expertly trained staff are happy to advise on all types of beds and mattresses and with over 500 beds in stock, we’re confident you’ll find the right match for you.  Stocking leading bed manufacturers Respa, Myers, Staples, Kaymed and King Koil, among others, we’re conveniently located between Armagh and Newry and just a short drive from Lisburn and Belfast. 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.

Is buying a bigger bed better?

Bed Size Matters!

As parents, one of the many milestones in our children’s lives is the transition from cot to bed.  Buying your child’s first bed is an exciting experience and ultimately it is all about giving them more freedom, space and room to grow. How many of us though give ourselves the same star treatment?

In the UK the most popular bed size is a double bed (135cm by 190cm) – the narrowest and among the shortest in the world. People in Belgium, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Finland and Switzerland have a preference for much bigger beds. According to The Sleep Council, people are much more likely to enjoy an undisturbed night’s sleep on bigger beds.  Their findings also suggest that king and super-king sized beds are on the increase. ‘In 1993, 20% of people bought new beds that were 5ft or more wide. Ten years later sales of king and super-king sized beds represented about 30% of sales.’

Move on Up!

As standards of living and nutrition have improved, the average Briton has got taller: official Health of the Nation figures show 30% of men under 25 are now over six feet tall with the average woman about 5′ 4″. When buying a new bed, size is important! For many couples a double bed size of 4ft 6in x 6ft 3in really isn’t big enough for two to sleep well without disturbing each other: studies have shown that more space – even a slight move up to a 5′ x 6′ 6″ King size bed – can make a lot of difference to night-time comfort. If your bedroom space allows, there are larger bed sizes available including custom made beds and mattresses. Zip and link beds and dual adjustable electric beds also provide differing comfort and support requirements. Remember though, it’s always worth taking the time to decide on what is best for your needs.

Try before you buy

  1. Decide upon your priorities in advance. For example what is your budget? Do you require storage? What size of bed can your bedroom accommodate?
  2. When you visit us try a selection of beds for comparison before you buy and set aside enough time to do so properly so you can fully appreciate the differences.
  3. Buy a bed that offers the correct support and comfort for your weight and build – not just firmness.
  4. Wear comfortable clothing, remove any outdoor wear including your shoes and lie on each bed for at least 5 minutes. Lie in your normal sleep position and make some turns, too.
  5. Shop together if the bed’s for two as you both need to feel comfortable.
  6. Remember that a bed is a mattress and a base, don’t consider them in isolation.
  7. Think big! Larger beds are more comfortable and being disturbed by a partner is one of the most common sleep complaints. With a larger bed you are less likely to disturb one another.
  8. Check your bed’s dimensions. Bed sizes are not standardised and even if they have the same name (eg King size) they may not be the same size. The depth of a new mattress may also be important if you are using a bedstead as your base.
  9. Like everything in life, you get what you pay for in regards of both product and service so spend as much as you can afford.
  10. Bespoke sizes, with our excellent relationships with leading manufacturers we can quickly arrange for the manufacture and delivery of a custom sized bed to suit you or your home.

*Please remember, you’re going to spend more than 20,000 hours on your bed during its seven year lifespan, as such it really is worth setting aside a little time and effort in the beginning to make sure you make the right choice.

 

What to do next?

Whether you require a double bed, king size or super king size bed Dalzell’s of Markethill can meet your individual requirements promptly and to the highest industry standards. Even if you require a longer bed, wider bed or even a double bed with different qualities on either side, with our Bespoke Bed and Mattress Service we can help you choose the right size of bed and mattress to meet your individual requirements. Even if you’re not sure what size of bed or mattress is right for you, don’t worry, give us a call on T: 028 3755 1260 or drop us an email: our expert staff are on hand to advise. Just a short drive from Newry and Armagh, and conveniently located to serve Belfast and Lisburn, you can always visit us in-store. You can feel confident of receiving the Best Deal, Unbeatable Value and Free Delivery of your new Bed or Mattress or anything else your home may require throughout N.I. and Counties Dublin, Louth & Monaghan. What’s more, we provide a Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed service too and offer highly competitive delivery rates across the rest of Ireland.

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!

Back Pain – Choosing the Right Bed

It is estimated that four out of every five adults (80%) will experience back pain at some stage in their life.*  Whilst there are many physical and psychosocial factors that contribute to back pain – heavy physical work, frequent bending, twisting, lifting, obesity, stress, anxiety, depression – it’s worth remembering that a good bed, providing correct support and comfort, has an important role to play in relieving and preventing back pain.

What Bed is Best For Back Pain?

There’s no single right bed to ease a back problem and for every back problem there is a different solution. It’s worth taking time to try a number of different beds and choose one that provides you with the right support and comfort levels.

It’s often assumed that orthopaedic or firmer beds are the best option for people, especially those with back problems.  However, a supportive mattress with proper cushioning can be the better option. Sleeping on a saggy, lumpy uncomfortable bed could not only cost you up to an hour’s sleep a night but it also could be contributing to your back problem.

Bed Tips for Relieving Back Pain**

  1. Buy a bed that’s supportive and comfortable. Ideally your mattress should mould to your body; too soft and your body will slouch which could result in back pain; too firm and your hips and shoulders pressure points could feel discomfort.
  2. Take time and try out different beds – lie on each bed for quite a long time – at least 5 minutes.
  3. Choose one bed size up – a bigger bed will be of benefit both for the back pain sufferer and their partner.
  4. Think also about the height of the bed and whether you can get in and out of it easily. An adjustable bed might be an option if this is an area of particular concern. Has an Adjustable Bed been recommended to you or a family member for health reasons? If so, 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!
  5. Consider choosing a Non-Turn Mattress.
  6. Choose a pillow that provides both neck and back support, ensuring the neck is in alignment with the rest of the spine.
  7. Try and adopt a sleeping position which creates less physical stress on the back (e.g. lying on your side is better than lying on your front with your neck twisted to one side!).

What to do next?

Stocking a wide range of leading bed brands, Armagh Beds.com and Dalzell’s of Markethill has an extensive selection of firm, medium and soft mattress options to help you find the optimum level of support for your back pain needs. With over 500 beds in stock including orthopaedic and adjustable beds from 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 Recycling of Your Old Bed across Northern Ireland and Counties Louth, Monaghan and Dublin, with competitive rates across the rest of Ireland.

*BackCare – The Charity for Healthier Backs – Back Facts

** The Sleep Council – Look After Your Back

You should contact your GP if you’re worried about your back or struggling to cope with the pain.