Wave after wave of lockdown regulations can be tiring at best. Fortunately, the Internet stays open, and you don’t have to deal with customer in-store limitations. Of course, buying a bed in-store can be a whole lot of fun. You get to test beds, almost like taking a brand-new sports car for a test drive, only you stay at the same place and have a salesperson give you the low-down on each mattress. Buying a bed online doesn’t give you the same pleasure of lying down and feeling the comfort, but it does offer you privacy and enough time to make up your mind.
Online bed buying does have its downsides, such as not being able to see exactly how the mattress and base will look in your room, getting to feel how it sleeps before buying and being able to negotiate on price. But it also offers several perks, such as:
- Shopping whenever you want, not just when the store’s doors are open.
- Not having to drive and waste half a day to find parking before you get to shop.
- Having enough time to browse, dream and compare without interruptions.
- Not being pressured to buy immediately.
- Having a chat function if you need personal assistance or expert opinion.
- Having exact measurements.
- Having access to a whole lot of information, including specifications, without having to ask for it.
- Placing an order from the comfort of your home and having the bed delivered.
- Sometimes, even receiving special discounts that are reserved only for online shoppers.
- Being able to compare mattress features and prices.
With online bed shopping offering so many benefits, why not give it a try right now? Get started here.
Decide what you need before buying a bed online
It may seem obvious, but how many times have you wandered through stores not knowing exactly what you’re looking for? If asked whether you need help, the answer is usually in the line of “just browsing” or “still thinking”. Do remember that procrastination can let the bargains go unnoticed or unclaimed. Make a list of what you want in a bed. Start with what is essential. Answer the following questions:
- How many persons will sleep on the bed at a time?
- What is the length of the tallest person that will use the mattress?
- What is the weight of each person who will use the mattress regularly?
- Is it for an adult(s) or a child?
- Does any of the mattress users have back problems and require additional support?
- Does the person who will use the mattress the most have any allergies?
Answers to the mentioned questions will give you the points on which you cannot compromise. If the mattress is for guests, then you will want one that can handle the maximum weight and go for the extra length to ensure even the tallest of friends can sleep comfortably.
If the mattress is for a child, it doesn’t need the load-bearing capacity of the guest bed and it doesn’t have to be wide. A single or three-quarter mattress is sufficient. Unless it is for a very small child, go with the standard length as the child will grow. Having to replace the mattress and base every two years doesn’t make economic sense.
For a person with back problems, choose a bed set that offers extra support. Nothing feels better than being able to get up in the morning, after a good night’s rest, not having to deal with backaches related to inadequate body support.
A surprising number of people struggle with allergies. If any member of your household fits the profile, be kind to them by purchasing a mattress that doesn’t add to the issue.
Sleeping space for two means that at least a double bed is needed, but if you have the available space, go for the queen or king size if you want maximum comfort. With the queen- and king-size mattresses, you just have so much more moving space. If you are both quiet sleepers or like to cuddle up rather than being protective of your sleep space, then a double will do just fine.
Decide on a mattress type
Another obvious one? Not really, since the mattress type also determines the lifespan of the bed you’re buying. Here’s the deal:
- Latex-based equals a long lifespan. This is the ultimate of durability.
- Memory foam or normal foam lasts around a decade, which is still pretty impressive. This is if you buy superior quality and take care of the mattress through regular cleaning.
- Spring-based (pocket-coil) offers support and a bit of flexibility and lasts at least seven years.
Pros and cons of each type
Foam and memory foam are trending in the world of online bed shopping and for good reason. These types are affordable and tend to relieve backache and pressure point pains as well as help to minimise motion transfer. The firmness is on the medium scale, giving you a comfortable sleep. This means you won’t feel it when your partner rolls around at night. As the name suggests, these take on the form of your body and are beyond comfortable.
When it comes to cons, some types tend to keep the heat from your body, which can cause the bed to feel warmer. If you sleep on your stomach, you will find it to be slightly uncomfortable and may suffer from misalignment issues. These types are also thinner than the more conventional spring-based ones.
The inner-spring- or pocket-coil-based mattresses provide for excellent edge support and good airflow for better breathing and temperature regulation. The inner springs provide superb support, making it easier to turn around at night.
As with any type of product, you have to consider downsides as well. These are often on the more expensive side, which can take a chunk out of your savings, but, with promotions, you can save money. Turning around at night is not as easy as with foam. Since you don’t have a mattress contouring your body, you don’t have the same level of body support. However, if you need a firmer option, this is the mattress to choose.
Latex provides optimal movement freedom and gives good body support. It ensures a cool sleep environment and is durable. It is the most expensive option and turning around or moving from one spot to another can be more difficult.
Of course, you also have hybrid options, which give you the best of all the worlds.
What affects longevity?
The mattress core makes a difference, but how well you maintain the bed also plays a role. In addition, the particular brand can make a difference. If you’re buying online at a store known for cheap products, expect the bed space to perform at the level of its price. Don’t compromise on quality for the sake of price. That doesn’t mean you have to empty your bank account in the process.
The answer is buying superior quality mattresses online from reputable brands, such as Dynamic, which is available at The Bed Shop, at affordable prices. The brand offers various ranges to suit client budget, lifestyle and support needs. Have a look at the options. If you want to extend the bed’s lifespan, consider buying a mattress protector, such as the ones available here. You can benefit from extended warranties and guarantees just by adding a mattress protector to the picture.
Decide which is most important: price, brand or size
If you know which one is the most important, you can filter your results or even search accordingly. Choose your option below to get started:
- Brand
- Size
- Price
Some suppliers even offer free delivery within a 15 km range if your purchase is above a specific price. If the price of the mattress is just below the minimum price, and you are within 15 km from one of the brand stores, consider adding a few accessories to your purchase, such as pillows, blankets and bed protectors, to benefit from the free delivery. Shop with a supplier that has stores across the country and provides nationwide delivery services right to your front door. Be sure to ask about the lead time before the bed set will be sent.
Base and mattress or just one of the two?
The base-and-mattress set is the best value for money. If you’re not sure which base fits with which mattress, call in the experts from the store. They know exactly which one matches the mattress/base of your choice. A word of caution on the base-and-mattress matching: take the measurements of the base if you have one already and only need a mattress. Look for an exact fit as it will affect the aesthetic appeal and comfort of the bed.
What’s the best-kept secret of buying a bed online?
Buy one that meets your exact sleep needs based on your answers to the questions above. Then, make sure to buy from a trusted supplier in South Africa that offers guarantees, specifications and delivery services. For a hassle-free online shopping experience, give The Bed Shop a go. Download our catalogue for more information.
Sources:
- https://thebedshop.co.za/
