Beds and sleeping landscapes
Restful sleep is immensely important for humans, because our organism regenerates during the night. Blood pressure drops, muscles relax and many repair processes take place in the body. For a pleasant night's sleep and a good start to the day, we therefore need a comfortable sleeping environment. However, there are a number of factors to consider when deciding on a new bed. So keep your eyes open when choosing a bed!
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The classic bedstead
The best-known bed system is probably the frame made of solid wood, MDF or metal with an inserted slatted frame and mattress. It sounds boring, but it's not! Nowadays, furniture manufacturers come up with great designs in different styles and different price ranges. Between solid wooden frames and filigree metal constructions, there are also beds with an impressive material mix of leather, wickerwork and fine fabrics.
Some suppliers even offer the possibility of individually assembling the individual parts of the bed in terms of colour and material according to a kind of modular principle.
Solid wood beds with their distinctive grain exude a natural charm in the bedroom. They are also extremely stable and durable. However, if you are critical of the hard edge of the bed, you are better off with an upholstered bed. Here, the frame is covered with fabric or leather. People who "need to lean on", who like to have breakfast in bed in the morning, occasionally watch TV or read a little in the evening, make themselves comfortable with a large, upholstered headboard and a few cushions.
On some beds, the headboard is mounted at a slight angle so you can lean back and relax. If you're romantically inclined, you'll feel like you're on cloud nine in a four-poster bed with a wooden or metal superstructure. The superstructure can be covered with tulle fabric, loop curtains or coloured voiles. A high bedroom ceiling is an advantage here.
Stylish accessories for your bed
Some manufacturers offer completely coordinated furniture series. For example, the collection includes matching bedside cabinets, nightstands and night consoles that can serve as storage space for alarm clocks, glasses, books and handkerchiefs. Many sleep landscapes also include an upholstered stool or a bench at the foot of the bed with a matching textile or leather cover. Older people in particular like to use this seat when changing or as a clothes rack. Furthermore, some bed systems are available with pull-out drawers underneath the frame. This means that duvets, pillows and covers are quickly at hand. Bookworms will be delighted with the integrated reading lights on the headboard and music fans with a sound system built into the bed. For the visual appeal, some suppliers have LED light strips for the bed frame or the headboard in their range (some with colour-changing mode).
Sleep like a king in a box spring bed
You want to fall right into it! The box spring bed exudes a touch of luxury and brings a large portion of comfort into the bedroom. Because the layered bed offers a unique, soft lying feeling. "Boxspring" is made up of the English words "box" and "spring". Instead of a slatted frame, there are two mattresses here, with the lower mattress lying in a fabric-covered base (the "box"). This innerspring mattress is an integral part of the bed and cannot be replaced. Good quality is therefore very important.
Lower-priced models usually have a bonell spring core, which offers a rather flat body adaptation. High-quality mattresses have a core made of sewn-in, long-lasting barrel pocket springs for precise adjustment. A cold foam or pocket spring mattress with an individual firmness level is placed on this base. For double beds, you can opt for separate mattresses with different firmnesses. Box spring mattresses are usually higher than mattresses for normal bed frames (often over 30 cm).
The third layer consists of the so-called "topper", a thin overlay with a core of gel, latex, visco or cold foam. It gives the final touch to the comfort of the bed and at the same time protects the mattress. In addition, it can cover the so-called "visitor's crevice" in the case of different mattresses in a double bed. However, the topper is not absolutely necessary. In the American version of the box spring bed, it is dispensed with and replaced by an innerspring mattress with integrated, thick foam padding. With an overall height of 60 - 80 cm, a box spring bed is well suited for older people who have problems getting in and out of bed.
If you spend a lot of time in bed, you should consider an electrically adjustable model. The inclination of the mattress at the head and foot end can be conveniently changed by remote control. This is possible either with an integrated motor in the box spring bed or with an electric slatted frame in the classic bed frame.
Floating gently in the waterbed
Get out of bed refreshed and in top shape in the morning? This wish could come true with a waterbed. Here you are automatically on the right track, because the waterbed adapts to your body shape and sleeping position immediately after you lie down. This relieves the spine and joints. People with back pain in particular benefit from lying down without pressure points. In addition, the waterbed is suitable for allergy sufferers, as all parts can usually be washed. Mites do not find a breeding ground here (if cleaned regularly).
Instead of a mattress, the waterbed has a vinyl pocket and instead of degrees of hardness, there are so-called "calming levels". The more fleece inserts are placed in the core, the higher the support effect (the fluid vibrates less). For more support in the lumbar area, there are additional insert panels. For double beds, there is the option of a dual system with two self-contained water cores. This means that you do not feel your partner's movements. The floating feeling in the waterbed can promote faster falling asleep and more restful periods of sleep. It does not usually make you "seasick", but you should expect a period of several weeks to get used to it.
Waterbeds have an integrated heating system where the sleeping temperature can be adjusted individually. This provides pleasant warmth and relaxation in winter. However, electricity is needed for this. The consumption depends on the size of the waterbed and the individual temperature settings - on average between 350 and 1,200 kilowatt hours per year.
Another disadvantage of the waterbed: it requires more mobility and strength to get up than a classic bed or box spring bed. It also takes time to set up and dismantle. Therefore, it is rather unsuitable for seniors with limited mobility and people who move frequently. Before buying, get detailed advice from a specialist shop on all questions that arise, such as water filling, total weight, degree of stabilisation (levels of calming), cleaning and care. Some shops offer free test beds.
According to DIN regulations, ceilings in living spaces must be able to bear a load of at least 200 kilograms per square metre. A fully filled waterbed can carry an average of 300 – 800 kilograms, but the weight is distributed over several square metres (size of the bed). This reduces the point load. Attention: In old buildings the load capacity may be lower!
The lifespan of a water mattress (not the frame) is on average 10 to 12 years, whereby the durability also depends decisively on the vinyl care. After this time, the risk of cracking increases. But to reassure you: In the event of a leak, there is a safety tray under the water mattress into which the water can drip. At least until the leak has been sealed.
To keep the vinyl of the waterbed supple and elastic, the waterbed must be maintained regularly (about every 4 - 6 weeks). You can remove dirt from the äußere water core and the safety tub with a vinyl cleaner. It also protects the material. To prevent the development of algae and bacteria, the water in the water mattresses must be filled with a conditioner every 6 - 12 months. A special binder helps against increased bubble formation and bubbling in the water core.
The most common types of mattresses are cold foam, innerspring, visco foam and latex mattresses. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages that you should consider when buying (for example, ergonomics, ventilation and durability). Also pay attention to the appropriate degree of härte. This is based on the user's personal body weight.
Even with normal bed systems, many people use a textile overlay, such as a topper, a mattress topper or a mattress protector. The reasons for this are, for example, hygienic requirements for senior citizens, fine adjustment of the lying surface or protection of the mattress against wear and tear.
Conclusion
With a high-quality, ergonomic bed, you can improve the quality of your sleep in the long term. It should take into account both your body type and your health situation. Before buying a new bed, find out about the advantages and disadvantages of the different sleep systems. This way you are guaranteed to find the perfect bed for you. And then all you have to do is dream!
