. Mattresses Advice from Dial-a-Mattress

Mattresses

Category - Mattresses

Questions about mattresses.

Mattresses

How big is a queen size bed?

In the UK, we have a small single 75cm, a single 90cm, a three-quarter 120cm wide, double 135cm wide, king-size 150cm and a super king 180cm wide. A queen size is a label used by other countries and can vary in size depending on the country you are in. Browse Dial-a-Mattress' range of bed frames and find your ideal queen size bed today.

Mattresses

How long do memory foam mattresses last?

Memory foam mattresses should last as long as any other mattress, it just means buying a better quality one. A firmer mattress should last longer than soft mattresses as with soft mattresses its harder for the fillings to recover fully. If you have any more questions about memory foam mattresses, please contact us today.

Mattresses

What size is a cot bed mattress?

Standard size for a cot bed mattress is 70*140cm

Mattresses

Which cot bed mattress should I choose?

Purchasing a cot mattress is equally as important as purchasing any other mattress. There are as many options for cots as there are for full-size beds, and choosing the right mattress for your little one may not be as easy as purchasing the first one you see. Cot mattresses are available in all the standard forms, including spring, foam and pocket spring. It has been noted that when comparing the foam mattress with a firm sprung mattress for comfort for a small child, the sprung has been shown to be the best choice. Pocket sprung mattresses are the better quality of sprung mattresses as they keep the springs in place. As with all mattresses, the term "you get what you pay for" is accurate for cot mattresses. It is recommended that you purchase the best mattress that you can afford at the time. We understand that your little one may not get the same length of use out of the mattress as we do, ensuring that you purchase the best mattress you can, will help to keep them comfortable and give them a better night's sleep, which you will be thankful for! If you have any further questions regarding cot mattresses, or are still unsure about the best mattress for your little one, please feel free to get in touch with our team who will be happy to assist you.

Mattresses

What is a pocket sprung mattress?

Similar to their predecessors, pocket sprung mattresses are compiled of a number of springs that can give the user either a firm base to sleep on, or a soft, dependant on the strength of the springs.  The largest difference between the standard spring mattress and the pocket spring mattress is that the springs are enclosed in individual pockets, hence the name. This design means that the spring can work independently of one another, reducing that well-known roll factor. This new design also increases the lifespan of the mattress as there is more protection against springs falling out of place or breaking through the mattress. However, we still recommend that your mattress is changed a minimum of every 8 years, regardless of whether it appears to be damaged.  Pocket sprung mattresses can appear to be slightly more expensive than the original mattress, however, you will find that they offer a significant amount of support, thus giving you a better night's sleep. A good night's sleep can, in many cases, make up for that additional expense.  Here at Dial A Mattress, we offer a great selection of Pocket Sprung Mattresses, available across all bed sizes. Our range is suitable for all budgets. For more information, please contact our team, who will be happy to discuss any queries you may have.

Mattresses

What is a latex mattress?

Latex mattresses are the newest mattress technology designed to give you a great night's sleep. Whilst few have heard of them, they are increasing in popularity as an excellent alternative to memory foam mattresses. Latex is made from a naturally occurring product and is a processed resin from the rubber tree, (there is also a synthetic version). Being natural it breathes naturally, and moulds to your body shape in a similar way to memory foam. There are a number of great benefits that latex mattresses offer in comparison to their competitors. This includes being naturally resistant to mould and dust mites, naturally hypoallergenic and boasting increased spine alignment.  There are a number of variations that are available, including standard pocket sprung or foam with a latex overlay to offer its excellent properties at a fraction of the cost. Full latex mattresses are currently an expensive investment, however, with this type of mattress, you will certainly be paying for quality. Here at Dial A Mattress, we offer a number of different types of mattresses to suit all budgets. Head over to our Mattresses page to see what we currently have to offer. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us today and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.

Mattresses

How is it best to clean a mattress?

Keeping your mattress clean helps to ensure that it remains both hygienic and in good condition. As adults we spend around ⅓ of our lives in bed, meaning that our mattresses will see more use than our sofa for example. This means that we leave our skin cells, and sweat behind when we get up in the morning. With this happening every day, it is important to keep on top of cleaning your mattress as it'll be more difficult when there is a build-up. If you are lucky enough to own a carpet cleaner, these are great to clean your mattress. However, please remember to allow your mattress to entirely dry before you remake your bed, otherwise, you might find yourself having a damp night's sleep. It can also lead to a damaged mattress or bedding. If you do not have a carpet cleaner, we have 6 simple steps to help you keep your mattress maintained and as clean and hygienic as possible: Strip your bed and wash your linen following the recommended care instructions on the label and inspect your mattress thoroughly. Vacuum the surface of your mattress using the upholstery attachment, making sure this is clean before you start. Remember to hoover under the bed to remove dust – this is especially important for people with allergies. Most stains can be removed using a mild detergent. Dip a clean sponge into the bubbles and clean the surface area with a circular motion from the outermost portion of the stain towards the interior of it. Leave to dry fully. Rotate your mattress from head to toe if it’s one-sided or you can flip it if it’s two-sided. If double-sided make sure you hoover both sides. Air out your mattress for a few hours letting the fabric breathe by opening a window and letting some fresh air in. Using a mattress protector beneath your sheet helps to protect it from dust, sweat and daily use. Keeping pets and children from jumping on and off your mattress will stop internal damage and prevent spills and other accidents. If you require more information on maintaining your mattress, please contact a member of our expert team today, who will be happy to advise you. If your mattress is starting to look worse for wear even after a good clean, it might be time to replace it. Head over to our mattress page to see what we have on offer at the moment.

Mattresses

How do I clean a memory foam mattress?

Keeping your mattress clean is no easy feat. You can regularly change your sheets, shower before bed, even wear a hairnet, but your mattress will still collect all the grimes of life as you sleep. The best method, whilst still not perfect, is to buy yourself a thick mattress topper, but why treat yourself to the comfiest of beds to throw a topper on it and change the whole feel of the bed. Memory foam mattresses are overall more hygienic than the standard mattress, however, this doesn't take away from the fact that they still require a good and regular clean. Many memory foam mattresses have a removable cover. This will usually come with washing instructions, ideally, follow these where possible. If they don't have instructions avoid using the washing machine and dryer. Opt for spot cleaning or hand washing. Steam cleaning or dry cleaning is usually preferable. Take your memory foam inner, and apply a light sprinkling of baking soda, this will help to absorb moisture that is currently in the foam and to reduce or eliminate odours. Leave your baking soda for around ten minutes to work its magic. Then simply vacuum this up. Finally, take a sponge and some warm soapy water and begin to spot clean ant remaining marks. Try to use as little water as this will help to speed the drying process up. If you have a memory foam mattress with a particularly strong odour, adding some white vinegar to the water can help with this.To dry, using a dry towel or even better, paper towels, press out as much moisture as you can. You will then need to leave the mattress to completely dry out. Ideally, this would be overnight, however, if you are planning to use the mattress that night we recommend you clean it as early in the day as possible to allow drying time. We recommend that you hoover your mattress each time you change your sheets. This will help to keep any unwanted smells at bay for as long as possible and leave you with a fresher feeling bed.

Mattresses

How to choose a mattress for back pain

The right mattress for back pain varies depending on the individual. One that is perfect for one person's back pain, may work the opposite for another.  The best way to address the back pain, is to find the right mattress to support you. For example, sleeping on a hard floor will offer very rigid support, while sleeping on a pile of soft pillows will offer very little support at all.  Typical advice recommends that an orthopaedic mattress is the best option for individuals that suffer from back pain. However, this might not be the case for your circumstances. A good supportive mattress should mould to your shape while you sleep, while offering support, rather than just soft moulding. For example, a smaller individual who sleeps on their side, would find it extremely uncomfortable to sleep on an extra firm mattress as it would not contort to their body shape. Whereas a softer or a memory foam mattress would mould to the right shape, offering fuller support. Where two individuals share a bed, both need to be taken into consideration, and ideally either a mutual ground or a mattress that reduces the movement felt by the other person such as a pocket sprung or memory foam mattress where the movement is contained. Ensuring that measures are taken in your daily life and routine to reduce the risk of back pain can help you to get a good night's sleep even if your mattress isn't quite right for you. Include regular exercise to help improve the quality of your back muscles can help to reduce back pain over extended periods of time. Head over to our blog for more information on choosing the right mattress. 

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