I suffer from back pain. Would you recommend a soft, medium or firm mattress?
You should always seek medical advice regarding this question. There is an excellent publication now available "Back in Bed" published by Back Care, the national organisation for healthy backs.

The popular belief that a firm bed is good for a bad back is not necessarily true. It is important to find the right level of comfort and support for you. You can contact Back Care for further information at their web site www.backpain.org

How do I know which bed to choose when looking for a new bed?
We suggest that you try as many variations as possible to enable you to select the option that gives your body the correct support. When you lie facing upwards, you should feel the mattress nestling against the small of your back (this is the area above your hips). If you slide your hand between the small of your back and the mattress and feel a gentle pressure from both sides, you have found the mattress with the correct level of support for you. The same applies if you lie on your side - you should feel the mattress willing to accommodate your shoulder and hips and yet support your waist.

Above all take your time when selecting a mattress and choose one that feels most comfortable to you.

How long does a bed last?
A good bed will last between 10 and 15 years, although top quality beds will exceed this. It's more important that your bed is comfortable and supportive whilst it lasts. It's no good buying a new bed which loses its support after 5 or 6 years. A very good bed can still be comfortable and supportive after 25 years - our Hastens range carries a guarantee on frame and springs of this duration.

How do I choose between a soft, medium or firm-sprung bed?
This is something you will feel as soon as you try the bed. If it feels as if you are lying above the bed, then it is too firm. If it feels as if you are lying inside the bed, then it is too soft. Persons of average build tend to prefer medium or hard springs. If you weigh slightly more, then a hard-sprung bed will probably suit you better.

Is size important?
Yes! Each generation gets taller and heavier due to diet and exercise. In the 1960's a double bed (4'6'') was the equivalent of two cot mattresses placed together, plus 6''. Hardly the right recipe for a good night's sleep. We turn about 35-50 times per night in our sleep to rest and restore each set of muscles in turn. The more room you have to do this without disturbing your partner the better.

Is bed linen freely available for bigger beds?
Yes. We offer a wide selection of sizes, colours and styling options. King size and super king size beds up to 7'0'' square can be accommodated too. If you experience any difficulty, contact us.

Our existing mattress is old and needs replacing, but the divan base looks to be in good condition. Do I need to replace the base as well as the mattress?
The National Bed Federation recommends changing your bed (mattress and divan) every 10 years. After this length of time, the springs in the base will have softened due to their constant use. Placing a new mattress onto the 'tired' base will dramatically increase the wear on the new mattress, and affect its guarantee.

I've bought a slatted bed base and want a mattress to put on it. Can I use any conventional mattress?
All single sprung mattresses may be used on a slatted base, provided that the gap between each slat is no more than 60mm. If in doubt, contact us.

I am interested in purchasing an unusually large mattress, but I don't know where to find bedding to go with it. Can you help?
Yes - simply call us on 020 7723 2925 or click on the "Contact Us" tab above.

Is it possible to have two sides of a double bed with different levels of firmness?
Dependent upon the specification, you can have the mattress manufactured with dual tension. Simply call us on 020 7723 2925 or click on the "contact us" tab above.

I suffer from an allergy caused by dust mites. Do you have a suitable bed?
We offer a range of beds called "The Pocketed Latex Collection" which minimise the effects of allergies caused by dust mites. Please also see our selection of Waterbeds.

Do you offer any beds where the mattresses does not need turning?
We strongly recommend that all mattresses be turned regularly to ensure even wear. Turning of mattresses from our "Pocketed Latex Collection" is not necessary. Our Waterbeds and Hasten frame beds do not require turning either.

Can I buy any headboard for my bed?
Yes, your bed will be delivered with standard UK fittings unless you order a headboard at the same time. In this case, it will be fitted with special fittings for use with the full headboards we supply as standard.

Can I buy a headboard to match my bed?
Yes, we produce a range of exclusive headboards which are upholstered in chenille type or satin fabrics in colours to match your divan set. They are supplied as standard on a full board covering the end of the divan (UK prong type fittings can be supplied on request) for a luxurious finish to your bed.

Will the headboard fit my existing bed?
If you have standard UK fittings on your divan we can specify "UK Fittings" on your order. This applies to headboards only and not to head and footboard combinations which require special fittings at the foot of the divan.

Is there anything else I should know about a new bed?
If your old bed is 10 or more years old, the springs will have softened with constant use particularly in the hip and shoulder areas, your body will have adjusted to this over the years. Any new bed will therefore feel different, a bit firmer and will take a little time to adjust to. It's not unlike a new pair of shoes. Continual use, flexing and movement will imperceptibly change them until - almost unnoticed - they're as comfortable and familiar as a favourite pair of slippers. This is just as true of beds.