Customer Services

For more information of what makes a bed and what your options are take a look at our what's in a bed? section above.

Every year up to 40% of the population - over 16 million of us - will suffer a bout of back pain and if you're one of the unlucky ones, you will find that the state of your bed will quickly become a priority.
A good bed, providing correct support and comfort, has an important role to play in relieving and preventing back pain.

Here are some tips:

• Don't just buy a bed because it says it's good for your back. A bed that's supportive and comfortable is key. But it is important to remember that people's requirement for support will differ depending on their weight and build.
• The term 'orthopaedic' generally just means an extra firm bed; it is not based on any medical or other common standard. Firmness is not determined by price, although comfort, luxury and durability and added features such as adjustability come with higher price tags.
• There's no single right bed to ease a back problem and each different back problem also may require a different solution. The best approach is to research the options carefully, regardless of labels or even price tags.
• Look for a supportive rather than a hard bed. Do not assume that orthopaedic or firmer beds are the best option. Often a medium firm bed with proper cushioning is better.
• A bigger bed will be of benefit both for the back pain sufferer and for their partners - with less partner disturbance. Zip and link beds are a good option if firmness preferences differ widely or where a future requirement for two separate beds is identified.
• Think also about the height of the bed: can you get in and out of it with relative ease? An adjustable bed might be an option if this is an area of particular concern - it also offers variable sleeping positions.
• Many mattresses need to be turned regularly to ensure even wear and tear. If this is likely to prove difficult (and good quality mattresses are heavy!) then look for a mattress which does not need regular turning - there are a number of options of all types of construction now on the market.
• Pay attention also to choosing the correct pillow which must support the neck neck in alignment with the rest of the spine. Too many pillows thrust the head forward or sideways (depending on your sleeping position); too few allow the head to tip backwards: both create a crick in the neck.
• 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!).

I want to buy a pocket spring mattress but the ones I have seen seem lumpy.
Luxury, pocket spring beds don’t have flat surfaces – they mould themselves to body shape and the indentation remains even if you turn the bed regularly (which is very important with this type of bed)

Should I buy a hard bed to ease my aches and pains?
What you need is a new bed which offers the right support for your spine (not necessarily hard at all!)

How can I get the most from my mattress?
Most mattresses need regularly turning to ensure even wear and tear and today’s mattresses can be pretty heavy! However, there are new options which only need swivelling around from time to time.

Will a bedstead provide a quality night’s sleep?
People buy bedsteads for their looks but they are often paired with very basic mattresses. Fortunately the choice is growing enormously and nowadays you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for looks. You can get pocket spring mattresses made for use with slats and you can even get a fully sprung edge bed base for bedsteads.

When should I buy a new bed?
Don’t wait until your bed is uncomfortable or damaged before replacing it by which time sleep quality could be quite severely affected - use other triggers. Even a good quality bed will only last around 10 years.

There are so many bed sizes – how big should I go?
People don’t buy large enough beds. 75% of all double beds are still the standard 4ft 6in/135cm wide double – yet this is plainly not room enough for two adults to sleep comfortably together without disturbing each other. Even upgrading to the next size, a 5ft/150cm king size, whilst it takes up very little extra bedroom space, makes a considerable difference!