Bed buying tips for the over 50′s

Always go to a good retailer and lie on a selection of beds to compare comfort and support. Only you can judge what is right for you.

• Look for a combination of firm core support to hold your spine in correct alignment, with plenty of top layers creating a nice, soft sleeping surface.
• Don’t head for the nearest orthopaedic bed – it may be too hard for you. Older people may have more back problems, but they also have more sensitive joints.
• Choose a bed with high lines. It will be easier to get in and out of.
• A firmer bed is better for the same reasons and also for anyone who spends any length of time sitting up in bed. Similarly, a firm base – solid top, firm edge or one of the firmer spring edge bases, will feel safer to anyone regularly sitting or leaning on the edge of a bed.
• A soft sleeping surface makes for a warmer bed – it gives better insulation. Even firm beds can have softly quilted surfaces; or a mattress overlay can be used.
• Beds with adjustable neck, foot, head and leg rests are now readily available – good for anyone who has to spend a lot of time in bed or has high blood pressure or rheumatism.
• Foam mattresses are non-allergenic and do not need turning.
• A bigger bed will help avoid one partner disturbing the other – particularly relevant for older people who sleep more lightly. With a double, choose at least a 150cm (5ft) bed; single beds should be at least 90cm (3ft) but the larger 105cm (3ft 6ins) would be even better.
• Zipped and linked beds – two separate mattresses and bases – enable you not only to meet individual requirements for support and comfort, but also to separate the beds into two singles should one partner become ill. It also makes for easier handling.