SOUNDER SLEEP IN COMFORTABLE BED

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31224, 23 November 1966, Page 2

SOUNDER SLEEP IN COMFORTABLE BED

(By

MARION HARRIS)

Since each of us spends one third of her life in bed restoring mental and physical energy, complete relaxation is essential and you cannot relax to the fullest extent unless your bed is comfortable.

The life of a base and mattress in regular use is between 10 and 12 years so it is important to make a wise choice when you buy a new one.

If the bed is for regular use, pay as much as you can possibly afford. It is an economy in the long run because it will be more comfortable and last longer.

If you are thinking of buying only a new mattress, make sure the base to be used with it is in good condition. It should have a firm, level surface. It is futile and money-wasting to put a new mattress on a sagging, wornout base.

If the bed will frequently be used for sitting on as well as for sleeping in, choose a bed with a sprung-edge base or at least make sure the mattress has reinforced springing at the edges, to withstand the extra compression. Heavy people, or those who have to spend more time than is normal in bed will find movement is made easier for them if they choose a firm mattress. Older people generally prefer softer, warmer beds than the young, so the selection of the right upholstery materials is important. A high-grade woollen-mixture felt is suitable. Pure white wool is better still.

Bigger than average people buying single beds are recommended to have one 3ft 6in wide instead of the customary 3ft Similarly, people more than 6ft tall need a bed longer than the standard size. For comfort a bed should be six inches longer than the height of the user. If you are buying a double bed for two large people, choose a firm bed with a minimum width of sft. Couples who differ greatly in weight should consider buying a double bed with two single mattresses—one firm, one

softer—which can be joined together to make a comfortable double bed with independent sleeping surfaces. This overcomes the problem of the lighter person rolling to the middle. Restless sleepers also benefit from this arrangement.

A comfortable pillow is almost as essential as a comfortable mattress. Ideally, one should have two pillows. A firm under-pillow to support the neck and head, and a soft top pillow to yield and adjust itself to the sleeper’s changing positions. There are two reliable ways of testing a pillow. First, plump up the pillow, put it on a flat surface and press the centre down firmly with the hand. If the pillow is in good condition it will quickly recover its plump shape once the pressure is removed. If it is slow to regain its shape this is a sign that it is getting old.

For the second test, put the pillow across the forearm and it should balance without drooping. If it sags like a spaniel’s ears, its useful life is passed and it should be replaced. When choosing a new pillow remember quality can generally be judged by weight. The lighter and plumper a pillow, the better the quality. Down makes a wonderfully soft, light pillow. A good down pillow will cost more, but as it probably will last 10 years or more it is

not expensive in the long run. Plump heavy pillows are unlikely to be of top quality, but will be firmer. Pillows filled with curled chicken feathers will have to be renewed more frequently than down-filled ones.

For women who go to bed in curlers there is the “beauty pillow,” which is shaped on the same principle as the Chinese neck pillow. It is designed to support the neck rather than the back and sides of the head. The front part of the pillow is cut away completely to accommodate the sleeper’s shoulders and the back part is hollowed out to allow room for hair curlers and rollers. The pillow itself is made from latex foam. Most people find that lightweight bed covers are more comfortable than heavy ones. Cellular blankets which trap pockets of air are ideal. So too, are the puffin-down coverlets which are imported from Denmark and which are extra long to tuck in. A well-made bed and crisp clean sheets are always a joy and if the bottom sheets are fitted over the mattress all the way round, they never budge. A top sheet boxed at the foot of the bed will stop feet poking out at the end. With nylon sheets the lockknit fabric is ideal for fitted sheets since it allows an incredible amount of stretch.

With nylon sheets, too, washday has gone by the board, with all its attendant lugging heavy dripping piles of linen out to the washing line, ironing and airing. Instead they can be washed like a nylon shirt hung to drip-dry and in two or three hours are ready to go back on the bed.