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Did you know: you sweat ¼ litre of perspiration into your mattress EVERY NIGHT How do you know what to buy and where to start? There are so many choices it's enough to keep you awake at night, so here are beds demystified for you. Read on and sleep soundly! Do you really need a new bed? If you've had your bed for more than ten years then the answer is yes. Other signs that your old bed is on the way out are: waking up with neck or backache feeling the springs beneath the surface hearing creaks or crunches when you move rolling towards your partner unintentionally a torn or stained mattress cover Given that we spend approximately a third of our lives sleeping, that means you'll be spending at least two solid years sleeping in your new bed. Perhaps over three. So it's worth spending some time getting the bed that's right for you and your partner. Think about what you like - and dislike - about your present bed. Do you want your new bed to be softer, or firmer? Do you and your partner need more room? What style of bed will fit with your bedroom decor? Price Did you know: you shed ½ kg of skin flakes in bed every year Spend as much as you can afford. The more expensive beds are better made, have more fillings and offer increased durability, support and comfort. Size The standard double bed is only 135cm (4ft 6 in) wide, which means each partner gets a mere 68cm each - not much wider than a baby's cot. To stop your significant other becoming a significant bother, make sure your bed is as wide as possible. Length is important too; a bed should be at least 10-15cm (4-6in) longer than the tallest sleeper. When it comes to height, remember that a higher bed will be easier to climb in and out of. A high bed also allows room for under-bed storage, which can be very useful if space is limited in your home. Low beds on shallow bases are just as comfortable and supportive; like much to do with beds, it's all a matter of personal preference. Weight Did you know: we spend a third of our lives in bed It's recommended that you turn your mattress regularly to stop the fillings from settling down unevenly, ensuring wear and tear is well distributed throughout the bed. A mattress can be quite heavy and if this is going to be a problem for you then check out one of our lighter mattresses or choose one which doesn't need turning. Firmness Manufacturers often offer mattresses in firm, medium or soft options, so you can be sure of getting the level of support that's right for you. Too soft and you'll slouch, leading to problems with your back and posture, too firm and it'll cause pain in your hips and shoulders. If you and your partner are very different in size and weight then getting two separate mattresses may be the ideal solution. You can make double beds out of two singles zipped together, and sometimes it's possible to combine different levels of firmness in one mattress. A mattress may be described as 'orthopaedic' but that doesn't mean it's been recommended by a back specialist. Orthopaedic, or a similar medical sounding term, just indicates that it's the firmest mattress in a particular range. If you suffer from a bad back then check with your doctor or osteopath as to what's best for you; an ultra-firm mattress is not automatically the best solution. Allergy and Asthma It's a sad fact of life for allergy suffers that beds will get dust mites. The best you can do is air and clean the mattress regularly (vacuum both the mattress and the base), and use a cover made from a barrier fabric. Before you buy a mattress check that you'll be okay with the fillings, as some, eg. hair, can cause an allergic reaction. If you do suffer from asthma or an allergy your best bet is to buy a mattress specially constructed and treated to eliminate dust mites. These mattresses are clearly identified such as the Silentnight Asthma Shield.