Category Archives: Kaymed

Make a New Bed Your New Year’s Resolution

Now that the Christmas festivities are over for another year, many of us are turning our attention to making New Year Resolutions for the incoming year.  Whether it’s giving up something or starting afresh with a new regime, there’s no better resolution to make than promising yourself a great night’s sleep.

Continue reading

What’s Your Ideal Bed of the Future?

It’s fair to say we all love our beds. Given that we spend a third of our lives in them we want to make sure they offer us the best possible comfort and support. Not just determined by the layout of our bedroom and the space we have available, our bed choices are influenced by our design preferences and lifestyle aspirations.

However, have you ever wondered what your ideal bed of the future might look like? (Image courtesy of The Sleep Council)

Bedroom of the Future

The latest research from The Sleep Council found that people in Northern Ireland have a very clear idea of what their bed and bedroom of the future looks and feels like.

  1. 46% say they’d like to see self-cleaning / bacteria resistant materials i.e. mattresses with self-sterilisation systems in the bedroom of the future
  2. 38% would like heat/humidity adaptive materials i.e. mattresses that heat/cool in response to conditions
  3. 35% would like a Smart Bed which monitors your vital statistics as you sleep i.e a bed that can warn you if you have an infection, an oncoming cold or if you are about to have a heart attack etc
  4. 30% would like seasonally adaptive lighting i.e. lights that turn on during the darker winter months to help you wake up in the morning

Our Choice of Beds for the Now! 

Self-cleaning / bacteria resistant beds sound amazing, but did you know that right now such a bed actually exists? Part of Respa’s Physiotech Collection of Beds and Mattresses, the Respa Exhilar8 Divan Bed  incorporates Sleepfresh Technology and Purotex Active Bed Cleanser and Allergen Control to create a cool, fresh and hygienic sleeping environment.

Mattresses that heat/cool in response to conditions are not just a thing of the future as can be seen in the Kaymed Gel Miami 2000 Pocket Gel Divan Bed. Incorporating K3Gel – an innovative technology that provides the pressure relief of visco elastic – this bed is clinically proven to Sleep 3 Degrees Cooler than a standard foam bed. What’s more, the K3Gel cubes contour to the body, Soothing and Reviving Tired Bodies.

Whilst we can’t promise a Smart Bed to monitor your vital statistics when you sleep we can recommend the Respa Flotation Comfort Electric Bed  This luxurious adjustable bed enables Independent Adjustable Sleeping Positions to offer Relief for Sufferers with Back or Joint Problems. What’s more, this luxurious pocket sprung and memory foam electropaedic bed is on special offer right now at Dalzells!

Seasonally adaptive lighting in the bedroom? Well, we predict that that’s not so very far away. Why not pop over to our sister site armaghelectrical.com and chat with our team there – they’d be the people in the know !

What to do next

We at Dalzells like to think we’ve got our fingers on the pulse when it comes to new bed technology. Stocking 500+ beds from leading brands Respa, King Koil, Kaymed and Staples, we’ve a great selection of beds and mattresses that could be part of your future! Our expert staff are on hand to offer advice on choosing what suits your individual circumstances best and as a Sleep Council accredited retailer, you’re guaranteed quality, independent advice about choosing the right bed for you. Located in Markethill, Co Armagh, we’re a family owned business with a set of business values you’d like to expect but don’t always get nowadays. Conveniently positioned near to Newry we are a short drive from major towns and cities across Northern Ireland, including Lisburn and Cookstown. In addition to our Free Delivery and Free Collection & Recycling of Your old Bed service in Northern Ireland and Counties Louth, Dublin and Monaghan, we’ll also unpack and set-up your New Divan Bed in a room of your choosing and dispose of all the packaging. Call us on 028 3755 1260. Contact us by Email, or why not Visit in-store today!

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

 

Pocket Spring Beds – The Essential Guide

Are you falling foul to dips and troughs in your bed? Are you or your partner losing sleep as you slump together in a bed that isn’t providing the right support? Maybe a pocket spring bed is the answer!

Benefits of Pocket Sprung Beds

Pocket Spring Beds and mattresses contain hundreds of individual springs that are sealed in a fabric pocket and stitched together. This unique and increasingly popular arrangement results in a support system that prevents the springs from rolling into each other when under pressure with little or no chance of roll together from one sleeping partner to another.

Of a higher quality than open coil spring beds and silent when in use – no squeaks – pocket spring beds are usually finished in a variety of ways including thick layers of quilting and tufting, and can be combined with Memory Foam, Talalay Latex or Gel for added comfort. Available in a choice of tensions – soft, medium or firm – proper support is provided whatever your weight or that of your partner.

Pocket Spring Bed Offers

At Dalzell’s we know that buying a bed is a long  term investment and you should buy the best you can afford. To make that new bed a reality our manager has handpicked a selection of luxurious pocket spring bed offers and brought them together in our Manager’s Specials. 

The Kaymed Gel Plaza 1200 Pocket Gel 3′ Divan Set Offer is one of Kaymed’s Revolutionary K3Gel Beds. K3Gel is an innovative technology that provides the pressure relief of visco elastic combined with a cooler sleep climate. With 1200 Pocket Spring Support this divan comes with a turn-free mattress, a luxurious Kaymed Gel Therapy Pillow and a Bedroom Couture Polycotton Hollowfibre 3′ Duvet.

The King Koil Support Supreme Pillow Top 6′ Divan Set Offer is an approved bed by the International Chiropractors Association. This luxurious 2000 Pocket Sprung Bed provides enhanced spinal care and unrivalled posture support. Supporting the spine in a healthy alignment, this fantastic bed offer is complete with the King Koil Support Supreme Pillow Top 6′ Mattress and a set of 2 luxurious Dunlopillo Deep Comfort Latex Pillows.

The Slumber Night Supreme Pillow Top 5′ Divan Set Offer combines the latest Memory Elastic Foam with Natural Latex and a sumptuous 2000 Count Zoned Pocket Spring System to create the ultimate sleep experience. This exclusive bed provides excellent spinal column support and is complete with a Protectabed Plush 5′ Mattress Protector and 2 Dunlopillo Luxury Serene Pillows.

What to do next

At Dalzell’s of Markethill we’re renowned for our fantastic prices and great customer service. With over 55 years of bedding expertise we’re confident that you will find a bed, mattress and bedding to best suit your needs and circumstances.  Our ‘Manager’s Specials’ are available in-store and online so that you can importantly try the Bed or Mattress for yourself. With a great selection of pocket spring beds available we recommend you visit in-store to try before you buy. No time to visit? Call T: 028 3755 1260, email or view our extensive collection of pocket spring beds online at armaghbeds.com. We’re conveniently located in Markethill, half-way between Armagh and Newry, and just a short drive from Portadown or Banbridge. What’s more, your new pocket sprung bed comes with the added reassurance of Free Delivery and Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed throughout Northern Ireland, and Counties Dublin, Louth and Monaghan in Ireland. We’ll also set up your New Divan Bed in a room of your choosing and dispose of all the packaging.

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

Layer up this Autumn with Luxurious Bedding Essentials

As the long nights draw in is there anything more inviting that sinking into a warm and cosy bed! While spring is synonymous with clearing out clutter and cleaning, darker evenings make us all want to layer up and snuggle down in between our duvets and pillows. Of course what could be snugger than an electric blanket to warm the bed before we sink in for the night!

At Dalzell’s we know that bedding accessories are a must in creating that all important ambiance in our bedrooms and ensuring that that we get that well-deserved retreat after a long day’s work. Stocking a range of duvets, pillows, electric blankets as well as mattress and pillow protectors from leading brands including Kaymed, Dunlopillo, Beurer, Morphy Richards and Protect-a-Bed we’re confident you’ll find all those bedding essentials necessary for a relaxing and comfortable night’s sleep.

Bedding Essentials

Knowing what type of pillow suits your sleeping position is as important as choosing your preferred mattress tension and support. 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.  The Kaymed Gel Therapy Pillow has a unique massage effect from its gel centre  helping to maintain the correct posture whilst sleeping, ultimately providing a great night’s sleep.

The majority of naturally filled duvets are made from duck feathers and down, goose down, or a combination of both. What you’ll notice about natural duvets is how soft, lightweight and comfortable they feel and because they form air pockets within the fabric casing, these luxurious duvets offer the same level of natural warmth as a synthetic duvet. With its 85% white goose feather and 15% white goose down filling, the Bedroom Couture White Goose Feather & Down 5′ Duvet provides even distribution for all over warmth and comfort.

An Over Electric Blanket warms you and your bed from the top. A Fitted Under Electric Blanket is a popular choice as it heats the body from underneath and adds extra warmth to your bedding.  The Morphy Richards 75288 Dual Control King Size Heated Mattress Cover is made from an extra thick fleece material, and contains ultra-thin wires ensuring ultimate comfort. Costing from as little as 2p per night, this luxury electric blanket is a fully fitted mattress cover design that is incredibly easy to fit.

Designed to protect your mattress and pillow against soiling and general wear and tear, mattress and pillow protectors will also keep your bedding and bed fresher and cleaner for longer. The Protect-A-Bed® Plush 5′ Mattress Protector offers complete protection from allergens, liquids, irritants and stains. With its unique Miracle Membrane™ and total heat transference formula, this mattress protector is guaranteed to moderate temperature and enhance sleeping comfort.

What to do next

At Armagh Beds.com we stock some of the leading bedding brands including KaymedDunlopilloBeurerMorphy Richards and Protect-a-Bed.  What’s more, our bedding accessories benefit from Free Delivery across Northern Ireland and Counties Monaghan, Louth and Dublin (£5.99 throughout the rest of Ireland). To aid you in your purchase we have compiled a comprehensive buyers’ guide. So whatever sort of bedding product you’re looking for whether it’s a duvet, electric blanket or simply a pillow, you’ll be able to find it at Armagh Beds.com, Northern Ireland’s premier bed website. You canalso  place your order and gain expert advice from our experienced team over the phone on 028 3755 1260 or even by Email. Or why not Visit in-store at Dalzells, located in Markethill, just off the A28 between Armagh and Newry and less than 50 minutes drive from Belfast.

 

 

Health Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep

The start of September signifies many new beginnings. From children starting school, to the first signs of autumn. Did you know that it could also mark the start of a whole new sleep routine?  Sleeptember, a new and exciting initiative from The Sleep Council, has been launched to remind everyone of the health benefits of a good night’s sleep.  Getting the right amount of sleep not only keeps us mentally alert and ready to face the challenges of the day, it also brings many other benefits.

Sleep Facts 

Majority of Britons (70%) now sleep for seven hours or less per night with more than a quarter (27%) experiencing poor quality sleep on a regular basis. And the number of Britons getting just five-to-six hours per night has risen dramatically in the past three
years: more than a third of us get by on that amount of sleep compared to 27% in 2010. (The Sleep Council’s Great British Bedtime Report, March 2013)

Getting a good night’s sleep is just as important as diet and exercise when trying to lose weight. People who shifted their sleeping pattern from less than six hours to between seven and eight hours a night put on 2.4kg less weight over a six year  period. (Eastern Ontario Research Institute and Laval University in Quebec, September 2012)

A bed may have deteriorated by as much as 70% from its ‘as new’ state after 10 years. It also showed that beds as little as six years old could offer significantly less support and comfort than a new one, thanks to wear and tear not just from body weight and movement but also sweat and debris such as skin, scales, hair etc. (Research by the Furniture Industry Research Association, 2011)

One in six women acknowledged that their tiredness was caused by an uncomfortable bed. And seven out of 10 women would be prepared to pay £500 and considerably more to buy a new one. (Sleep Council ‘Sleeping Beauty’ survey, October 2011)

Ensuring a good night’s sleep 

Current research indicates that we don’t necessarily need eight hours sleep: experts believe that most adults require somewhere between six and nine hours in order to feel refreshed and to function well both mentally and physically. To ensure a good night’s sleep it’s essential to follow good lifestyle habits and to eliminate the factors that are causing disturbed sleep.

  1. Establish a bedtime routine by going to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning.
  2. Try and wind down at night by doing a relaxing activity i.e. something that is not going to stimulate your brain, such as listening to calming music or reading a book.
  3. Incorporate some exercise into your routine earlier in the day as this will help relax the body and prepare you for the evening wind down.
  4. Avoid alcohol, caffeine or high-sugar content drinks as they can lead to over stimulation and prevent you from getting those all-important snoozes!
  5. Create a relaxing sleep environment in your bedroom. Turn off game consoles, TVs, mobile phones or any other distracting technology devices.
  6. Ensure you are getting the right support from your bed and mattress. If you’re a couple, make sure your bed is big enough for two to sleep comfortably beside one another. Ergonomic studies have shown that couples sleep better in a bigger bed. Before trials only 15% said they would buy a larger than standard bed while afterwards, 50% said they would. (Ergonomic Pilot Study of Bed Size and Sleep Quality by ICE Ergonomics, February 1995)

What to do next

At Dalzell’s of Markethill we want you to enjoy a great night’s sleep every night. As a Sleep Council Accredited Retailer and a supporter of Sleeptember, we  have compiled a comprehensive buyers guide where you’ll find lots of helpful information on choosing the right bed and mattress for you.  You can place your order and gain expert advice from our experienced team over the phone on 028 3755 1260 or even by Email. Or why not Visit in-store at Dalzells, located in Markethill, just off the A28 between Armagh and Newry and less than 45 minutes drive from Lisburn.  No time to visit, no problem!   With over 500 beds and mattresses in stock, including leading brands RespaKing KoilKaymedStaples BedsMyers Beds you’ll be spoilt for choice.  What’s more, we also provide Free Delivery and Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed throughout Northern Ireland and Counties Louth, Monaghan and Dublin.  We’ll also unpack and set up your New Divan Bed in a room of your choosing and dispose of all the packaging.

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

 

Taking a Fresh Look at Kaymed Gel Bed Technology

What is Gel Bed Technology 

At Dalzell’s we always like to stay ahead of the game when it comes to the latest bed and mattress developments.  One of the newest bed technologies retailed in recently years is gel. A flexible material, usually combined with other mattress fillings e.g. pocket springs or memory foam, Gel Beds and Mattresses create a different ‘feel’ to that of visco elastic or memory foam sleep products.

One of the UK and Ireland’s leading manufacturers of Gel beds and mattresses is Kaymed. Established in Dublin in 1898, the company has been at the forefront of designing innovative sleep technology for well over a century. Kaymed’s revolutionary K3Gel used in its Kaymed SleepSpa K3 beds and mattresses range provides the pressure relief of visco elastic combined with a cooler sleep climate.

Kaymed Gel Beds and Mattresses

K3Gel is a revolutionary new breakthrough innovation from Kaymed. Not only does it provide the pressure relief of visco elastic combined with a cooler sleep climate, K3Gel is clinically proven in independent trials to sleep 3 degrees cooler than standard foam. Formed from natural mineral oil, K3 Gel cubes contour to the body, soothing and relieving pressure build up and reducing aches and pains.

The Kaymed SleepSpa K3 range includes the Kaymed Gel Plaza 1200 Pocket Gel Divan Bed, Kaymed Gel Vancouver 1600 Pocket Gel Divan Bed and the Kaymed Gel Miami 2000 Pocket Gel Divan Bed. Available in 1200, 1600 and 2000 pocket spring support levels these luxury beds are all backed by Kaymed’s 10 year warranty. When combined with Pocket Springs, Gel Beds are some of the most luxurious sleep solutions you’ll find in the beds and mattress market today.

Kaymed Gel Beds Offer 

The Kaymed Gel Plaza 1200 Pocket Gel 4′ 6″ Divan Set combines 1200 Pocket Spring Support with K3 Gel technology in the mattress to soothe and revive tired bodies.  Available with a non-turn mattress, this model is complete with a platform top divan featuring low profile legs and optional storage.

What’s more, this luxury divan set is one of our Manager’s Special Offers and includes the Kaymed Gel Plaza 1200 Pocket Gel 5′ Divan Bed, Kaymed Gel Plaza 1200 Pocket Gel 5′ Mattress complete with a Protect-A-Bed® Tender Touch 5′ Mattress Protector and a luxurious Bedroom Couture White Goose Feather & Down 5′ Duvet, all for the great price of £999.00.

What to do next

At Dalzell’s of Markethill we retail a selection of Kaymed’s K3 Gel Beds and Mattresses. To truly appreciate the luxurious quality of these beds we recommend you Visit in-store. Located in Markethill, with plenty of free on-street parking and just off the A28 between Armagh and Newry, we’re a short 15 minute drive from Portadown, 20 minutes from Dungannon and Banbridge. 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. Whatever way you shop with us you can be assured of A Great Deal and Expert AdviceWhat’s more we offer a Free Delivery and Free Collection and Recycling of your Old Bed service across Northern Ireland and Counties Louth, Monaghan and Dublin, with competitive rates across the rest of the UK and Ireland.

 

 

Back to School Sleep Tips

The novelist Margaret Laurence famously said: “Holidays are enticing only for the first week or so.  After that, it is no longer such a novelty to rise late and have little to do.” 

Rising late, going to bed late and being ‘BORED’ are all synonymous with school holidays. However, it’s not only kids that breathe a sigh of relief when the holidays do start – parents do too. No more frantic mornings trying to get children out of bed, organising breakfast and then of course the dreaded school run. On the flip side however, by the time the summer is out, there are few parents who don’t secretly breathe a sigh of relief when school starts again.

Back to school means many things for parents: buying new school uniforms and shoes, getting lunch boxes ready, return of homework schedules and of course, trying to reestablish bedtime routines.

Children and sleep

We all know that not getting enough sleep has an impact on people as it’s vital for our physical, mental and emotional well-being: being sleep deprived can affect concentration and memory, making it difficult to do some things. When children don’t get enough sleep their behaviour and mood can be affected, it impacts on their ability to learn and they can become hyperactive.

Children need different amounts of sleep. The younger the child, the more sleep they need, but on average from about nine years old, a child will need 15 minutes less sleep for each year that they age. So a 14-year-old will need around nine hours sleep and a 16 year old around eight-and-a-half hours sleep each night. So, how do we help our children get a good bedtime routine in time for going back to school?

Bedtime sleep tips

  1. With shortly over a week before school starts, try scaling back bedtime by 15 minutes a night and encourage your child or children to get up 15 minutes earlier each day.
  2. Cut back on sugary snacks in the evening as these can can increase energy levels and interfere with bedtime.
  3. Wind down with relaxing activities prior to sleep time, such as a bath, milky drink and a story to help relax your child
  4. Create a restful environment in the bedroom.  Is your child too hot or too cold at night? Are there distractions such as noise levels, light or is your child overstimulated by toys/computers or electrical devices in their bedroom?
  5. It’s important too that your child’s bed and mattress are giving them the proper support. Is it worn or soiled? Is it comfortable to sleep in? Try the Bed MOT to see if your child’s bed would pass.

 

What to do next

Dalzell’s is an accredited Sleep Council retailer which means our expert staff are on-hand to provide advice on sleep related issues. Visit us in-store to meet with the team where we’ll only be too happy to discuss your requirements. Based in Markethill we’re located between Newry and Armagh, so ideally placed to welcome customers from Dungannon, Cookstown and Omagh.  With over 500 beds in stock, we’re confident you’ll find a new bed that suits your growing child, or for any member of the family. No time to visit? No problem. Call us on T: 028 3755 1260,  Email or view our great selection of beds and mattresses online at ArmaghBeds.com. Our bed and mattress brands include Respa, Sleeptight, King Koil, Kaymed, Staples and Myer’s, so there’s a style and design to meet everyone’s sleep needs. What’s more we provide a Free Collection and Recycling of Your Old Bed service and Free Delivery throughout Northern Ireland, and Counties Dublin, Louth and Monaghan.

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 sprungmemory foamlatex 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 RespaMyersStaplesKaymed 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.

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

Choosing the Perfect Mattress

Considering  we spend a third of our life in bed, a good mattress is a serious investment.  It really is worth the time to get to know what mattress options are available and what type is best for you. A good quality mattress aids deeper, more refreshing sleep and gives your body better support.

Quick Guide to Buying a New Mattress

  1. If you find that you are waking up with aches or pains, or your mattress just doesn’t seem to be giving you the right comfort and support level, it’s probably time for a change.
  2. Before buying a new mattress, research all the options available to you. Remember that a bed is a mattress and a base, don’t consider them in isolation e.g. a sprung divan will make a mattress seem softer than a platform top or solid top divan or slatted base.
  3. When trying out your new mattress, wear comfortable clothing, remove any outdoor wear including your shoes and lie on each bed for quite a long time – at least 5 minutes. Lie in your normal sleep position and make some turns, too. Don’t forget to shop together if the bed’s for two, as you both need to feel comfortable.
  4. Most mattresses need regular turning to ensure even wear and tear.  However, if this would pose a difficulty for you there are now plenty of non-turn options, which only need rotating occasionally.
  5. If you’re concerned about disposing of your old mattress safley, don’t worry! At Dalzell’s we offer Free Delivery* and Free Collection and Recycling of your old mattress throughout Northern Ireland, and Counties Monaghan, Louth and Dublin, in the Republic of Ireland. What’s more, we’ll also unpack and set-up your new mattress in a room of your choosing and dispose of all the packaging. *Delivery throughout the rest of Ireland available at Highly Competitive Rates.
  6. Orthopaedic is often a term used to describe mattresses with a firmer spring. It’s more important to choose a mattress that gives proper support as opposed to just being very hard.

 

 

Types of Mattress

Bonelli Spring Or Open Coil

The most widely used type of spring is the Bonnell spring or open coil. The number of springs used in an open coil mattress varies but a typical 5’ mattress contains in the region of 325, or more for higher quality beds. The level of support offered by an Open Coil mattress is also dependent on the gauge (thickness) of the wire with 12.5 considered a very firm mattress. A great value for money model, open coil spring mattresses are lighter than other mattresses, easier to turn, which extends the life of the mattress.

Continuous Spring Mattresses

Somewhat different from an Open Coil, a Continuous Spring mattress system involves smaller coils and the gauge of wires is usually lighter. This higher spring count is usually formed from a single length of wire and the bed springs are linked vertically as opposed to horizontally. Continuous Springs are a cheaper alternative to both Open Coil/Bonnell and Pocket Spring mattresses.

Pocket Spring Mattresses

The Pocket Spring offers a more luxurious sensation and is the fastest growing type of mattress spring by market share. With its smaller individual, softer springs which are separately housed in fabric pockets they work independently when responding to body weight to relieve pressure points. A Pocket Spring mattress offers an ideal sleep solution if you and your partner differ considerably in weight or size. With a higher spring count, a pocket spring mattress comes in a range of tensions to suit a wide range of individual needs.

Latex Mattresses

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 which provides long lasting support, conforming perfectly to your body’s contours for supreme comfort and spinal support.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory Foam Mattresses slowly respond to body temperature and weight to take the shape of the user. This individual moulding process to your body’s shape, provides unrivalled suport and comfort thus guaranteeing relief for back, neck and joint pain through the best natural sleeping posture with pressure evenly distributed across the mattress area.

What’s next

At Dalzell’s we’ve produced an in-depth buyers guide on all things beds and mattresses, to help you make an informed choice about what mattress is right for you. And, of course, our expert staff are on hand Monday to Staurday to answer any questions you may have, and to advise on any additional needs you would like to address. Conveniently located close to Newry and Armagh, Dalzell’s of Markethill is a short drive down the M1 from Belfast, and close to Monaghan and Louth. You can visit us in-store, Email us or Call on T: 028 3755 1260. With some 500+ beds & mattresses in stock, you’ll be spolit for choice with our wide selection of mattresses from leading manufacturers such as DorluxKaymedKing KoilMyersRespaSlumber NightSleeptightStaples and Odearest