Your preferred sleeping position can have a big impact on the type of mattress you should choose, with different materials and firmness settings working best for different sleep styles. If, like half of adults, you are a side sleeper, making the right selection can be especially important; you’ll want to find a mattress that contours just enough to support your body shape while also easing the pressure on tired hips and shoulders.

So what things should side sleepers consider when choosing a new bed? The expert team at Dreamwool Beds is here to help you maximise your comfort and choose the perfect bed for your sleep style and needs.

Selecting the Best Materials

The most important first step when choosing any new bed is to find one that is filled with meaningful volumes of high-quality, natural materials. Lower-end synthetics like gels and memory foams can trap heat and lead to discomfort, so your best bet is to look for high-end materials like all-natural latex and Merino wool. These will provide optimum comfort for much longer, providing side sleepers with the best sleeping experience for many years to come.

Pocketspring vs Latex

Your next question will likely be whether you should choose a pocketspring or a latex mattress style. The truth is that, like red wine or white wine, these are both great options that can be the right choice depending on your unique preferences, as they offer two different but equally luxurious sleep experiences. We would generally recommend latex for side sleepers, as it offers great contour and deflection for your joints, with pocketsprings providing a flatter style of firmness – a great option for those who prefer to sleep on their back.

Firmness

Speaking of firmness, how do you know how firm to go? While side sleepers tend to prefer a softer, more contouring mattress, there are several other factors that will probably also affect your choice. 

Body Shape and Weight

Lighter, smaller people often prefer a softer mattress, while larger and heavier people may need firmer support. The key is to choose a firmness setting that allows you to achieve great alignment and support without sinking too far into the mattress’s surface.

Age 

Like everything, sleep preferences tend to change as we age, with older people often leaning towards a softer supportive mattress.

Injury 

Chronic pain and injury can play a big role in comfort, particularly for those with sensitive joints, which may require a softer level of support, or lower back injuries, which may benefit from additional firmness.

Base Style

For side sleepers, choosing the right base is just as important as choosing the right mattress. What your mattress is sitting on will affect how much it deflects your hips and shoulders, with divan-style or fixed slat bases offering less dynamic support than a European flexible slat base, which allows you to move into the bed without creating pressure points on your joints.

Rest Easy With Dreamwool

Really, the only way to know which bed is best for you is to go into a shop and try a number of options to see how they feel. We also recommend talking through the details of your unique sleep preferences and needs with the retail assistant, and if you’re tossing up between two firmness options, err on the slightly softer side. Side sleepers tend to do well with a slightly softer, latex sleeping surface, and a new bed will always feel firmer after a night’s sleep than it did after a short test on the shop floor.

Don’t toss and turn. Book a consultation with the Dreamwool team today.

“Profiling bed” is not a term that is used in New Zealand; when overseas manufacturers say this, what they are actually referring to is an adjustable bed. There are a lot of misconceptions about these versatile and convenient beds, namely that they are specifically for older, bedridden, disabled, or low-mobility people. The truth is that adjustable beds are being embraced by a wider variety of sleepers all the time for a whole host of reasons beyond hospital-style support. 

The experts at Dreamwool are here to tell you all about how adjustable beds work and why one might be just the right fit for you and your sleep needs.

How does an adjustable bed work?

An adjustable bed has head and foot sections that can be independently adjusted by lifting or lowering each part individually or simultaneously. For couples, this means that both partners can move the top and/or bottom of their own mattress independently, achieving their desired reclining position without affecting the other side of the bed.

On the lower end of the market, these mattresses will typically be placed on top of a platform-style base, with premium models using a more sophisticated European-style slat base system for added comfort and support.

While there used to be a number of manually adjustable beds on the market – which required you to get out of bed and physically lift or lower the desired section, or ask a caretaker to do it for you – nowadays, they are all electrical, and easily controlled by a small remote.

Why should I get a profiling bed?

Sure, adjustable beds (known overseas as profiling beds) can be really helpful in caretaking situations where you are trying to make someone’s sleeping experience as comfortable as possible. But they can be a great fit for anyone, not just someone who is ill or dying.

Here are just a few of the reasons you might want to consider an adjustable bed for your home:

Lifestyle Choice

Here at Dreamwool, we typically recommend that you restrict your bed use to sleep and sex (rather than doing lots of other activities there), but we understand that many people enjoy spending extended periods of relaxation in bed both before and after sleeping.

For those who like to read in bed or simply enjoy the view with their morning coffee, an adjustable bed can be a great lifestyle choice, providing comfort and convenience for sleepers and loungers of all ages.

Convenience

Adjustable beds can provide a range of functions and positions with the press of a button, while also providing tailored comfort and support for each partner. They are very easy to use and operate, providing customised, remote-controlled comfort and easy access for those who may otherwise struggle getting in and out of bed on their own.

Health

While the idea that adjustable beds are just hospital beds in disguise is certainly outdated, it’s important to note that they do still offer some key health benefits. If you suffer from gastric reflux or circulation problems, for instance, an adjustable bed can be a huge boost for your overall health and wellbeing.

Is an adjustable bed right for you?

If you have any health considerations or lifestyle factors that could benefit from reclining functions, an adjustable bed is definitely worth considering. Don’t get caught up in the idea that these are “hospital beds” for your home. In reality, they can provide great comfort, flexibility and convenience for a huge range of sleepers of all ages.Contact the Dreamwool team today to book in a consultation and learn if an adjustable bed might be just right for you.

When choosing your next mattress, one of the most important considerations will be what size is right for you and your family. For couples, a queen-sized bed is typically the comfortable minimum, but when is it appropriate to go for a king (or even a super or California king)?

The experts at Dreamwool are here to help by sharing a few things to consider when sizing up your new bed. 

Queen Bed vs King Bed Dimensions

The biggest, and most obvious, difference between a queen-sized bed and a king-sized bed is the size. Both are perfectly suitable for couples, but a king-sized option will give you enough breathing room that your elbows don’t touch when you’re lying on your back next to each other. A queen measures 150x203cm, with a king measuring 165x203cm. But the difference isn’t just 150mm of width; it’s all about the difference in comfort, lack of disturbance and sleep quality.

Cost

Another likely factor in your decision-making will be cost, with king-sized beds attracting an additional premium beyond their queen-sized counterparts. This will apply not just to the bed itself but also to the accessories, which typically are more costly for a king than for a queen. Our experience says that it’s always worth the extra investment, as no one ever comes back to us with the feedback that their bed is too big.

Room Size and Shape

You’ll also want to consider the size, shape and available space in your bedroom when making your mattress selection, while also bearing in mind that your bed is the most critical piece of furniture in there. We would advise choosing the largest mattress you can comfortably fit in your space, even if that means you need to sacrifice a bedside table. 9 times out of 10, where a queen will fit, a king will squeeze.

Dreamwool beds also have a much leaner profile than lower-end manufacturers, who tend to bulk up their mattresses with foams and gels that make them look more plush but don’t stand the test of time. With a sleek Dreamwool mattress, you can maximise comfort and support without feeling like your bed is taking over your space.

Family Makeup and Members

Every family makeup is different. While we don’t typically recommend allowing pets into the bed, we know that couples with kids and pets who do all pile into bed together will benefit from the extra space provided by a king. You should also consider the size and weight of yourself and your partner, as larger couples are certain to find greater comfort in a larger-size bed.

Logistics and Practicality

While a king is larger and could be a little more challenging to move, you shouldn’t find much difference in moving a queen and king bed. Our flexible slat bases can be deconstructed and easily reconstructed, regardless of the size, and the transport required for both a queen-sized and king-sized mattress is very likely to be a comparable vehicle.

The Verdict

Ultimately, there is no downside to sizing up. No one ever wishes they had a smaller bed, but often we do have return customers wishing they’d gone bigger the first time around. 

Our advice is to get the best and biggest bed you can afford that will fit comfortably in your space, and make sure that your selection contains the finest natural materials and comfort layers – rather than being puffed up by a lot of marketing and hot air. This will help you maximise both your space and your comfort. 

Book a consultation at Dreamwool today to learn more.

Back pain is one of the most common challenges for aging bodies, and it often wreaks havoc on your sleep. Choosing the right mattress can help you alleviate pain (much like using the wrong one can exacerbate it!). But what’s the right option to enhance your spinal health?

Historically, back pain sufferers have been told to sleep on the firmest mattress available, but this isn’t necessarily the case for everyone. It’s important to note that back pain encompasses a huge range of illnesses and injuries, some of which may be chronic and others, shorter-lived. What’s best for you will depend largely on the nature and location of your pain, as well as other factors like its cause, severity, duration, your age, your body composition, and your overall sleep preferences.

If you’re struggling with back pain, any new mattress is likely to provide some amount of relief, as most people are sleeping on mattresses that are well past their best-by date! But here’s some advice to help you find the best mattress support for your spinal needs.

Latex Bed for Back Pain

The experts at Dreamwool Beds would generally recommend an all-natural latex mattress for most back pain sufferers. This is because latex offers a wide range of different densities that allow for the best conformity out of any sleeping surface, providing customisable support for every kind of body and injury.

The Right Foundation

As important as your mattress is the base underneath it. By pairing your latex mattress with a European flexible slat base, you can achieve a comprehensive level of comfort and support. A flexible slat base allows you to put extra support in the middle with an adjustable tension kit. This enables you to deflect your hip and shoulder for a better fit and greater comfort by redistributing pressure to alleviate pain and improve function . Think of it like putting an orthotic into your shoe; a flexible base helps your mattress do its best work and keep your alignment as straight as possible.

Sleeping Position for Spine Alignment

For most people with back or joint pain, sleeping on their back is the best position to maintain spinal alignment. If you prefer to sleep on your side, we recommend that you use a pillow between your knees to keep them separated and cushion sensitive joints.

Choosing the Right Bed for Your Spine

Don’t be fooled by so-called orthopedic mattresses; the truth is that these are typically just a firmer mattress from within a manufacturer’s existing range. If you do have genuine orthopedic concerns, it’s best to discuss these with your doctor or specialist to get specific recommendations for a mattress that will meet your joint and spinal health needs.

Regardless of the exact nature and circumstances of your back pain, there will be a number of potential options for you, but perhaps just one right solution. While firmer could be best, we wouldn’t recommend jumping straight to a firm mattress – there is no one-size-fits-all answer to curing your back pain. You must also consider your individual characteristics, such as the location of your injury, your body shape and weight, and your sleep preferences. The best way to find out what works best for you is to try a number of options and ask plenty of questions while you shop.

Bottom line – if you’re suffering from back pain, a new sleep set should be a high priority. Any new bed will help. And if you want the best for your spine, an all-natural latex mattress with a firmness tailored for your needs, paired with a European flexible slat base, is the way to go.

Do your spine a favour and come see us at Dreamwool today to find your perfect fit.

Luxury mattresses, such as those made by Dreamwool Beds, last much longer than their budget alternatives because they contain better materials in higher volumes. And while their up-front cost is higher, they can be more cost-effective in the long term, as you won’t need to replace them nearly as often.

When considering the lifespan of your next mattress, the things you should prioritise are premium natural materials and quality craftsmanship by a reputable bed manufacturer. Once you get it home, you should implement a regular care and maintenance routine to maximise your comfort for as long as possible.

How long do beds last?

The average high-street mattress generally lasts only about 5-7 years. This is because cheaper mattresses contain synthetic materials in fewer layers, impacting their comfort as they age. Fewer or lower-quality fillings equal a poorer quality of sleep; this accelerates as the layers wear. You will feel the bed get firmer over time, and you will see it show more signs of wear more quickly, with less resilience and support than when it was new.

The luxury mattress lifespan of a Dreamwool Bed is typically more like 10-15 years. Its plush layers of high-quality, natural materials ensure that it maintains optimum comfort and support for much longer than a bargain alternative. All-natural latex and premium spring systems will always endure better than their synthetic or poorly manufactured counterparts.

In both cases, you must consider the nature of the mattress’s use. A mattress used by a person who is 120 kgs, is going to have less longevity than a mattress used by a couple who are only 70 kgs each.

Choosing for Durability

When selecting a mattress, it can be tricky to tell which one will last. The best way to choose a mattress that can go the distance is to check out the warranty. Is it for 5 years or 10+? What does it include? A shorter warranty, or one that has many exclusions, may indicate a lower-quality product that won’t wear as well.

Mattress Care to Maximise Lifespan

Once you get your mattress home, there are a few steps you can take to help it last as long as possible. We recommend rotating your mattress once a season to extend its lifespan and reduce wear by allowing you to use your sleeping surface more evenly over time. You should also spot-clean any spills or stains as quickly as possible, and air it out regularly to help with the evaporation of any moisture.

Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Mattress

Because mattresses often lose comfort gradually, many of us sleep on them for far too long; it’s important to keep an eye on these signs that it might be time to replace yours:

• Ridging or bowing in the middle
• Body impression (beyond what you would consider comfortable, or normal wear and tear)
• Discolouration
• Sagging or lack of support

With a Dreamwool mattress, you can expect optimum comfort and support for 10-12 years. That said, there are many factors that can impact this, including the kind of base you’re using and your individual body composition and sleep preferences.

The key question is how long your mattress can stay in the comfort zone that meets your needs. While a luxury mattress should last you 10+ years, you may need to replace it sooner as your body composition or sleep needs change. Aging, injuries, weight changes, and illness all impact our sleep needs. You should wake up feeling rested and recovered. If your comfort is beginning to suffer – regardless of your mattress’s age – our best advice is to replace it.

With a luxury Dreamwool mattress, you can achieve a better quality of sleep and a higher standard of overall health and well-being for much longer. Book a consultation today and learn how you can experience the sleep of a lifetime.