Category Archives: Respa

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?

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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 Dorlux, Kaymed, King Koil, Myers, Respa, Slumber Night, Sleeptight, Staples and Odearest. 

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.

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.

 

 

 

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.

Love Your Bed

Choosing the right bed

With Valentine’s Day less than a week away, isn’t it time you fell in love with your bed again? When we consider that we spend a third of our life in bed, getting a good night’s sleep ensures that we wake up refreshed and ready to face the world.  Of course, there’s more to choosing the right bed and mattress than first meets the eye.

Changes in our lifestyle and the quality, care and amount of use our beds get impact on whether we need to think about buying a new bed. Factors such as getting married, moving to a new home, losing or gaining weight and our age can affect the level of comfort and support our bed provides.

How we use our beds and the length of time we spend in them e.g. reading, watching television or the occasional use of a spare bed can be the deciding factors in choosing a new bed.  And for many of us, it’s not just how our bed feels but also how it looks that can influence our buying decisions.

Divan or Bed Frame?

Your choice of bed and bedroom furniture is as much a statement about you as it is about meeting the needs of your lifestyle. One of the UK’s most popular bed choices, divans, come in four main types: sprung edge, solid or platform top divans, firm edge divans and flexible edge divans. With many divans offering under-bed storage these can be an ideal solution for storing seasonal bedding or for smaller bedrooms where you’re tight for space.

A great example is our best selling Dorlux Flexiform Continental Divan Bed.  Naturally following the Body’s Contours, this luxury divan bed provides Superior Levels of Comfort and is finished in a Super Soft Continental Style Cover creating a Luxurious Sleeping Surface. Available with a No-Turn Mattress this model is complete with Handles and Air Vents, and Drawer Storage Options.

A stylish Bed Frame or Bedstead can provide the ultimate statement piece to your bedroom decor. Bed Frames are available in a range of different designs and finishes. From modern faux leather bedsteads through to traditional oak finished frames, a Bed Frame will provide the finishing touches to any bedroom.

The Balmoral Corsa Black Bed Frame epitomizes contemporary styling with its Curved Headboard and Cushioned Headrests. Featuring Shapely Chrome Feet at the footend, this model is available with a Sprung Slatted Base and Solid Side Rails providing great support to the mattress.

What to do next?

At Dalzell’s of Markethill we want you to buy a new bed with the confidence of knowing that you have made the right choice based on your individual needs and having explored all the available options. To aid you in your purchase we have compiled a comprehensive buyers guide where you’ll find lots of helpful information on choosing the right bed and mattress for you. As a Sleep Council Retailer 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 and free delivery across Northern Ireland and Counties Louth, Monaghan and Dublin, Armagh Beds.com provides a complete service. We also offer competitive rates for delivery throughout the rest of Ireland, which is free in the case of our Sleeptight and Respa divan beds. We are also stockists of King Koil, Kaymed, Staples Beds, Myers Beds, Slumber Night,Odearest divan beds as well as our extensive selection of stylish bed frames from top brands like Rossmore, Annaghmore, Hughes and Balmoral.

 

Top Tips on Buying a New Bed

Our Top Tips for Choosing A New Bed

Am I due a new bed?

According to research by the Furniture Industry Research Association, 2011 ‘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.’

With National Bed Month happening in March, maybe it’s time to start thinking about buying a new bed. Consider what type of bed you need.  Your choice of bed will be determined by the layout of your bedroom, the space you have available, your design choices and whether the bed is for two people – ideally a purchase decision made together.

With so many products in the market, it can be a daunting task choosing which bed is right for you. Ultimately providing you with a great night’s sleep, buying a new bed is a long term investment and it’s worth spending as much as you can afford. At Dalzell’s we always recommend that you visit us in-store to try out different beds before ordering online or by phone.

 Tips on buying a bed

  1. Decide upon your priorities and concerns in advance. For example what is your budget? Do you require storage? What size of bed can your bedroom accommodate? Are you fit to turn a mattress? How easy is it for you to get in and out of bed? Have you any health issues such as allergies or respiratory complaints?
  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 quite a long time – 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 now

Stocking a wide range of leading bed brands that include Kaymed, King Koil, Respa,Dorlux, Odearest, Slumber Night, Sleeptight, Myers and Staples there’s something for everyone at Dalzell’s of Markethill. What’s more we offer a Free Delivery and Recycling Service across Northern Ireland and Counties Louth, Monaghan and Dublin, with competitive rates across the rest of Ireland. Located in Markethill, just off the A28 between Armagh and Newry. We are just a short 20 minute drive from Lurgan and 55 minutes drive from Lisburn.  No time to visit, no problem! You can place your order and gain expert advice from our experienced team over the phone on 028 3755 1260 or even by Email.