We have been to three stores, and each store has given us conflicting information. All we want is a soft bed, what bed should we buy and from where?

As you have already established the comfort that you like, you’re half-way there!

The initial softness of a bed is determined by the comfort layers, and in general the plusher a bed, the softer it will feel.

You will find that once you lie down on the bed, after the initial softness of the comfort layers you will feel a degree of firmness from the innerspring. This is the support your body needs for the proper alignment of shoulders, hips and legs.

I bought a bed from you ten years ago and just love it. I want the same bed now, can you help me?

As in every other industry technology is constantly evolving, with better components and comfort layers available now than ten years ago. You need to try a range of new products to determine the one you like.

Can I put my base on the floor with no castors as it is too tall for me to get in the bed. Will it void the warranty?

Yes, you can put your base directly on the floor. The active components in the foundation are the torsion bar modules and they are fastened to a wooden grid, which is what you would be placing on the floor. This would not void your warranty against manufacturing faults.

Of course, raising the foundation off the floor will aid in ventilation of the bed. We do have shorter castors, or castors without any legs, that will also lower the bed.

I bought my bed ten years ago and am buying a new one but the base is still in good shape. Will it void the warranty? Should I get a new base?

We recommend you purchase a new base with a new mattress. An older foundation may be made from different components or have functional faults and may therefore shorten the lifespan of the mattress.

Whilst putting your mattress on an old foundation will not void the warranty of the mattress against manufacturing faults in the mattress, it can certainly shorten your enjoyment of your new purchase as well as affecting its durability.

What are the merits of an ensemble versus a slat bed?

A mattress without a foundation is like a car without shock absorbers, the wear and tear on the chassis and engine – the comfort layers and the innerspring – are much harder, resulting in damage that could easily be avoided.

If you do own a slat bed and would like to place a mattress on it, please consider the following:

• A queen or king size bed should have a centre rail to give extra support to the mattress.
• The slats should be spaced no more than 10 cm apart to give adequate support to the mattress.
• If you’ve tried the mattress in store on a foundation, it will most likely feel firmer on a slat base.
• Some retailers now offer ‘posture slats’ – laminated beechwood slats that have additional ‘give’ in them. These are preferable to straight wooden slats.
• The lifespan of the mattress will be shorter than if it’s used on a sprung foundation.

I weigh xyz (> 85) kilograms, what bed should I buy?

We recommend a bed that provides correct back support. Try a number of different models to establish which comfort you prefer.

It is probably wise to look at beds that don’t' have very plush or soft comfort layers. That is so for two reasons. Firstly, as a larger person you would 'sink' into the comfort layers more and may have difficulty turning, which could disturb your sleep. Secondly, multiple layers of foams and fibres will compress more easily and body impressions could be the result.

You should also regularly check to ensure that your bed is still giving you the comfort and support you are looking for. The life span of your bed could be shorter than you would normally expect due to the increased wear and tear the innerspring is experiencing.

I am buying a bed for my 2 year old. What bed should I try?

Consider that Singles come various sizes – the regular Single, a longer version, and the 'King Single' size, which is both longer and wider. Remember, your child is going to be doing a lot of growing, and you will want the bed you are buying for them now to last for around 10 years.

My bed generates a lot of heat. I have used a cotton mattress protector and cotton sheets, nothing works. What should I do?

The comfort layers of your bed are absorbing your body's heat and reflecting it back at you, giving the appearance of generating heat. You most likely have a plush to very plush bed and the comfort layers are also enveloping your body.

You have already tried the solutions that would solve this particular problem in most instances.

I have been told that pure latex beds are the best for you and backache problems. What is your advice?

Whilst latex provides some comfort benefits, we strongly recommend the superior combination of a supportive spring system with a comfort system tailored to individual needs. Used in conjunction with a sprung foundation this will then provide the great value that comes with durability.

Premium innerspring bedding has been designed specifically to be help with morning backache from sleeping on a too soft mattress.

My daughter is a chronic asthmatic, what can you do for me?  We are looking for a double size ensemble.

Some manufacturers provide covers that are sanitized, providing a basic surface guard against allergens. However, the bed is generally fully covered and the sufferer is most closely in contact with the bed linens. Your research in how to alleviate your daughter’s suffering would have shown that the best treatment against allergens is thorough and constant cleaning of the environment, and especially washing sheets and linen in hot water.

You could cover the bed with a special mattress protector, which can then also be washed regularly. If you have access to the internet, there are many sites that offer information and solutions for allergy sufferers.

Should I use a mattress protector?

A mattress protector will guard the mattress cover against accidental spills and stains. Be aware that the type of mattress protector you are using can affect the way the mattress feels.

Where can I buy sheets for my bed as nothing fits? I have a king size and need all new linen.

Most quality linen manufacturers now make fitted sheets that will accommodate the wall heights of the largest bed, although you may have to order it from the retailer.   

For instance, Sheridan makes 40 cm wall height fitted sheets in their fashion dyes (100% cotton percale) and 50 cm wall height in white and vanilla colour.

Where can I go for the cheapest bed?

Before you look for the cheapest bed, consider what you are buying the bed for and how often the mattress will be used. Do you want to get the best value bed, or do you wish to spend the smallest amount of money?

As you expect a bed to give you comfortable sleep for around 8 hours a night for 10 years, the best value bed would be the one that delivers the level of comfort you expect night after night.

For instance, if the bed is for two people to be used every day, a $700 ensemble that lasts for three years is not better value than a $2,000 ensemble that lasts for 10 years. One works out to 65 cents per night, and the other to 54 cents per night.

If you are looking for a bed for the guest room, you may even with to consider putting the bed you are currently sleeping on into that room and finding a new bed for yourself.

Retailers often have great specials and promotional events that ensure you get a bargain, but be sure you like the comfort of bed in the first place, and invest in the best bed you can afford – at a special price.