There are many in-between or European sizes available but it may be difficult to find mattresses or fitted sheets for these sizes in the UK.

Choosing the bed size:

Measure the dimensions of the room in which the bed is going to be fitted and allow about 60cm (2’0”) for moving around the sides and end of the bed. This will give you an idea of the maximum bed space available.

Ideally the bed should be as large as possible:

Width. The wider the bed the more room you will have to move about in your sleep.

Length. Generally the bed should be at least 10cm longer than the height of the taller person, especially if the foot end of the bed comes above the height of the mattress. If there is no constraining foot end then a shorter mattress could be accommodated.

Height. This is a personal preference. For those with mobility problems it may be easier to get in and out of a higher bed. The overall height will vary for each bed dependent on the frame design and the thickness of the mattress.

Remember before making your final decision to check the clearance needed for any opening doors or other furniture in the room. Make sure there is enough access to the room to enable the bed and mattress to be delivered. Narrow stairs or tricky entrances may cause problems. Please check with our sales staff if you are unsure.

Materials and finishes

The materials and finish of the bed will be reflected in the cost.

Wood finishes
These can be categorized as natural solid wood, natural veneers on board and foils. Not all is what it seems on the surface.

Solid wood: this is exactly what it says with the product made from solid wood. This has proven to be a durable option over centuries but is not always the best option. Wood is generally more expensive being a natural material. It is not very stable in the modern centrally heated home environment, as wood moves with humidity changes, which can cause warping, cracking and splitting.

Veneered board: is a thin slice of natural wood, glued onto a backing board of usually mdf or chipboard, to provide a stable material with a natural finish.

Foil covered boards. This is the cheapest wood finish available. In fact there is no natural wood used as the surface is made from a type of photographic film stuck onto a board. The effectiveness of the finish depends on the quality of the foil. The boards are coated in a clear finish to protect the foil and if necessary provide a tough washable surface.

At Boxer Bed we use a combination of carefully selected materials in our products. The solid woods are used for hard wearing parts where the surface has to withstand knocks. Veneered panels are used where a natural finish is required but a stable material is preferable, such as drawer fronts, and foiled melamine boards used for structural elements which may not be seen or need to have a durable surface for cleaning, such a drawer carcasses.

Fabrics
These provide a soft warm surface to the touch. They are available in a multitude of colours and patterns which may play an important part in the finished product design.

The life expectancy of a fabric is defined by its number of rubs. This is effectively the number of times the surface can be rubbed before the surface is broken and a hole appears.

All upholstered furniture for sale in the UK should conform to British Standards especially with regard to fire retardancy.

Choosing a mattress

The choice of mattress is a very personal one, both people and mattresses are all different! the aim of the mattress is to provide the correct posture, support and to give a good nights sleep!

Info 1
You should buy the best you can afford. remember you spend a third of your life in your bed. A £1000 mattress will cost you less than 3p per night! Over its 10 year expected life, less than a packet of crisps!

Info 2
Remember don’t buy to firm a mattress, a supportive mattress is always the best option. A comfortable mattress reduces the pressure points on the shoulders and hips as well as supporting the body parts in between.

Info3
There are many types and brands of mattress. We have chosen three, all of which provide a sound sleeping surface for a better nights sleep.

Info 4
If you're confused about mattresses from our range or you would like any help with mattresses in general, please talk to our own Dr Sleep on 01327 311774, he's been in beds for 30 years!

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam matresses are made from a revolutionary new visco elastic foam, designed originally woth the N.A.S.A programme then commercially manufactured by the Swedish Company Tempur.

This new technological mattress relieves pressure points because it is able to mould to the exact shape of your body. Conforming and contouring to provide optimum posture. It is also asthma and allergy friendly.

The memory foam mattress is made up of three parts.

1. The "foundation foam" Base or support foam this is the part that can be made of very cheap foam causing the memory foam to collapse.
2. The memory foam on top. Remembert his has to be made in a foam factory therefore it's always good to choose a mattress that is manufactured by a foam supplier such as Tempur of Komfi.
3. The cover of the mattress. This should be a knitted soft stretch fabric to allow the cover to move easily with the memory foam.

To beware of!
Memory foam mattresses can be warm, they hold the heat!
"Home Trial". Some retailers offer a 30 day home trial. There are two points to consider. Firstly, if you return your mattress what do they do with it? And secondly are you sleeping on someones returned mattress! Returning mattresses is not always easy!

Many different types of mattress have been developed over the years. The most commonly available types are:

Individual Pocket Spring Mattresses

A good quality pocket spring mattress is made up of two parts. Part one is the pocket springs, the more springs you have the more steel and more support you receive. Part two, which is as important, is the filling or the padding on top of the springs. These can be made from many different materials, the better quality materials being natural cotton, wool, silk, cashmere and horse hair. All of these materials "breathe" and withstand "flattening", much better than man made fillings such as polyesters.

Always read the label on a mattress or ask the question, "What's inside the mattress?". How many springs and what's the filling, generally the heavier the mattress, the better. Most mattresses nowadays are non-turn and some are made especially for beds with slatted bases.

• More luxurious, with individual small springs housed in separate fabric pockets.
• Contact area with the body is much smaller than visco elastic, resulting in improved ventilation with less body heat retention.
• A lively, springiness feel. The springs work independently to respond to individual body weight.
• Ideal if there’s a considerable weight or size variation between you and your partner.
• Good ventilation
• Natural fillings wear well
• Non-turn makes life easier

Scandinavian Style Mattresses

Yes, Scandinavian mattresses are different and people are too! As we approach the 21st Century, mans technology has grown in leaps and bounds, making our life change. That is except the conventional mattress manufacturer! It takes true insight and vision to develop a product such as Scan Interieurs have done. There are more Scandinavian mattresses sold int he UK than ever before from companies such as Dux, Hasteans and Carpe Diem who have had surveys conducted by the spinal unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden which have substantially supported their special pressure relieving mattress.

• Choice of firmness using the spring count
• Choice of fillings in the topper pad
• Easy to replace topper pad
• Unique feel
• No need to turn

Finally

Take a look at our bed lights and accessories section, all of our products have been selected to enhance your bedroom and offer really good value for money, so go on, look at our

• Soft option rugs
• Sabre bed lights
• Fold flat alarm clock