FAQ

New 
mattresses and beds
-what you should know

At Dream World Bedding Ltd, we manufacture a large selection of handmade quality mattresses, beds and headboards that you can trust are from a reliable brand. We are conveniently located in County Down, Northern Ireland and cater to customers nationwide. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about our mattresses. For information, get in touch with us today.
arrow

Are memory foam mattresses hot?


Memory foam in itself is not hot and does not generate heat. Any heat comes from the body of the person sleeping on it may vary considerably throughout the night. Modern mattresses are designed to maximise air flow through both the foam and the mattress and use breathable mattress ticking fabric to ensure maximum cooling.

Of course the choice of bed sheets and quilts has a large effect on the temperature of the bed, and the choice of cotton sheets and low tog rated quilts and duvets is recommended.

Can I use any new mattress on my existing base?


Most mattresses can be used on any base, new or existing, but it is important to ensure that the mattress is properly supported as this will considerably extend its working life. The best type is a solid base such as the divan type as this provides support to the full area of the mattress.

Particular care should be taken if using a pocket spring mattress on a slatted base – the slats should be at least 60 mm wide, and not more than 40 mm apart in order to support the springs. In such a situation, it would be preferable to cover the slats with a layer of 3-mm hardboard or plywood.

Do you make special sizes?


Special sizes can be made to order, and this service is becoming increasingly popular due to the sale of furniture imported from USA and the Far East, which is often of non-standard dimensions or construction. Other sources of non-standard sizes are some bunk beds and beds fitted in caravans and mobile homes.

Of course we are often asked to manufacture really special beds and mattresses, e.g. circular beds, extra-large sizes up to 7’6” square, and even heart shaped (for the honeymoon suite). Don’t know where they buy the bed linen!

Do you recommend memory foam mattresses?


The use of memory foam is a personal choice, but it adds comfort to a mattress by adding another very supportive layer which conforms to the body contour.

Memory foam is used in both Bonnell spring and Pocket spring mattresses, and the greater the thickness and density, the better the mattress. The maximum recommended thickness of memory foam is 75 mm.

How often should I replace a mattress?


Mattresses vary greatly in quality and life expectancy. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for. Very cheap mattresses will have a life span of perhaps 2-3 years, but most good quality mattresses will have an operational life span of 7-10 years.

How often should I turn my mattress?


It is recommended that a new mattress should be turned every 2 weeks for the first 3 months and rotated end to end on alternate weeks for the same period. Thereafter they should be turned every 3 months.

This sequence evens out the naturally occurring settlement in the fillings in the early life of a new mattress. Mattresses containing memory foam should be rotated end to end only, and not turned over, as many of these are single sided no-turn mattresses with memory foam on one side only. Where handles are fitted to a mattress, they are designed to help in turning it. They are not designed for lifting or carrying the mattress.

What are the standard mattress sizes?


Mattresses (and beds) are available in a range of standard sizes – 3’0”, 4’0” and 4’6” - all of which are 6’3” in length. The 5’0” and 6’0” sizes are 6’6” in length. The depth of the mattresses will depend on the model chosen.

What does Crib/Source 5 FR mean?


All mattresses manufactured or sold in UK must be fire retardant and comply with a minimum standard of Crib/Source 1 when tested in accordance with BS 7177 2008 for domestic use (low hazard).

Where mattresses are used in any way associated with a business, e.g. property rentals, shared accommodation, hotels and guest houses, a higher standard of fire retardancy is required, and mattresses must comply with the standard of Crib/Source 5 when tested in accordance with BS 7177 2008 for medium hazard.

What is meant by the ‘count’ in a pocket spring mattress?


The greater the number of Pocket springs (the count) in a mattress, the higher the quality of the finished product. The count always refers to the number of springs contained in a 5’0” mattress. Typically, Pocket spring mattresses contain between 600 and 2000 springs.

Sometimes the higher counts are achieved by placing two springs on top of each other, which is of dubious value, or by placing smaller springs inside larger diameter ones.

What is special about anti-allergy mattresses?


Over time all beds will attract dust mites whose droppings may cause some people, and it seems especially children, to suffer from asthmatic type complaints, or may make existing conditions worse.

The solutions vary from regular laundry of the bed clothes to the use of various sprays. Specially treated fabrics are available for mattress ticking which help to eliminate this problem, usually by incorporating silver into the fabric, or by treating the fabric with silver salts. Always check with your retailer if you suffer from any allergy problem.

What is the advantage in buying a pocket spring mattress?


Most customers will find a pocket spring mattress more comfortable. When subjected to a person’s weight, Bonnell springs will compress over both the body area and a large adjacent area due to the manner in which the springs are tied together.

Pocket springs will only compress under the immediate body area, which results in the classic ‘no roll together’ description of a mattress. Pocket springs will also provide a more comfortable sleep as they adjust better to the body contour and thereby provide all over support.

What is the difference between Bonnell springs and pocket springs?


Bonnell springs are large diameter open coil wire springs tied together with wire, and in a higher quality mattress bounded with a heavy gauge wire frame to maintain the mattress shape.

Pocket springs are individual springs sewn into fabric pockets in rolls which are then glued together to make up the size of mattress required.

What mattress is best for someone with a bad back?


The one which is most comfortable. It is a misconception that someone with back problems should sleep on a very firm bed. It even depends on whether you sleep on your back or on your side.

The best solution would appear to be a reasonably firm bed with a thick layer of foam or memory foam which will provide continuous support to the body but will also adjust to the body contour. In these circumstances, our best advice is to visit your local retailer and try the mattress in the showroom for a considerable period to ensure that it meets with your particular requirements.

What methods of payment do you accept?


Payment can be accepted by cash or draft cheque on delivery. Credit/debit cards can be accepted (with payment in £ Stg at daily conversion rates for our RoI Customers), and Direct Debit facilities are available.

For more information, please contact us.

NI: 028 4175 3200
ROI: 048 4175 3200

Contact Us

Share by: