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1. Why choose British Beds Worldwide Limited?
Discerning customers have been choosing British Beds Worldwide since 2004 and our unsolicited testimonials demonstrate not only the excellent levels of customer service but also our clients’ satisfaction with both their chosen product and the high quality of advice we provide. At British Beds Worldwide you can speak in person to one of the directors who will advise you on every aspect of your new bed. We are not “pushy” salespeople: we simply desire to provide the best possible consultation and recommendation to meet your needs. Our dedication to excellence in customer service doesn’t stop with your order, we are always just a phone call away. We believe that is the only way to ensure complete customer satisfaction every time.
Our guarantees are worldwide and we only ever supply the best products from our selected manufacturers which are always hand made to order. With British Beds Worldwide you can always be assured of quality and comfort.
2. How can I speak with someone about a product or buying a bed or mattress from British Beds Worldwide Limited?
You can do this several ways:
• Use the Contact Request, Enquiry Form or Request a Quotation forms on this site; or
• Call us on 0044.1752.846157 , leave your name and number and ask us to call you back; or
• By email to mail@britishbedsworldwide.com.
• Use the Contact Request, Enquiry Form or Request a Quotation forms on this site; or
• Call us on 0044.1752.846157 , leave your name and number and ask us to call you back; or
• By email to mail@britishbedsworldwide.com.
3. What do the prices shown on the website represent?
All prices are shown in British Pounds (GBP / £), the currency in which we trade. Each price shown is the Net buying price for one individual item. Delivery and UK VAT (where applicable) are not included. Headboards are not included in the price of a divan-set or mattress and appear in most of such images for illustration purposes only. At our discretion, a value discount may apply. Please call us or use our online enquiry-form to ask.
4. I want delivery to an EU Country. How has Brexit affected this?
You are now an Importer like our customers elsewhere in the World. You don’t have to pay UK VAT but you will have to pay VAT in your country. Customs charges will also apply.
5. What does POA stand for?
“Price on Application”. For a variety of reasons we are not able to publish the prices of all products and/or sizes, so please call us on +44 1752 846157 or Enquire for a free comprehensive quotation to supply and deliver this product / size to your home wherever you live and into your bedroom if possible.
6. What is the BBW Price Guarantee?
The British Beds Worldwide (“BBW”) Price Guarantee
If you receive a lower quotation for exactly the same product(s) and service, then you can take advantage of our price guarantee when you order from BBW.
How it works:
Call us on the number below with your personal information and have the following details about the alternative quote to hand:
Full product and service details – not just a price summary
Date of quote and its expiry date
Your name and full delivery address
A full description of the product(s)
A full description of the delivery service
A full description of the factory packaging and quality check
The timescale promised
The retailer’s trade organisation credentials and consumer protection policy
The retailer’s experience in direct-to-bedroom delivery (UK / overseas, as appropriate)
The total price quoted or, if already ordered, invoiced
Payment terms
If we are satisfied that it is a like-for-like quotation, we will beat the quote by between £20 and £100 depending on the product and size. We will NOT compromise on service to offer a lower quotation unless you ask us to, e.g. kerbside instead of bedroom delivery. This price guarantee applies if you pay us in full with acceptance of our lower quotation. It excludes all admin charges/credit charges and is not available in conjunction with any other offer. Proof of like-for-like product and service, including a copy of the quotation or, if already ordered, invoice may be required.
To take advantage of this offer, ensure you quote “price guarantee” when you speak to us!
If you receive a lower quotation for exactly the same product(s) and service, then you can take advantage of our price guarantee when you order from BBW.
How it works:
Call us on the number below with your personal information and have the following details about the alternative quote to hand:
Full product and service details – not just a price summary
Date of quote and its expiry date
Your name and full delivery address
A full description of the product(s)
A full description of the delivery service
A full description of the factory packaging and quality check
The timescale promised
The retailer’s trade organisation credentials and consumer protection policy
The retailer’s experience in direct-to-bedroom delivery (UK / overseas, as appropriate)
The total price quoted or, if already ordered, invoiced
Payment terms
If we are satisfied that it is a like-for-like quotation, we will beat the quote by between £20 and £100 depending on the product and size. We will NOT compromise on service to offer a lower quotation unless you ask us to, e.g. kerbside instead of bedroom delivery. This price guarantee applies if you pay us in full with acceptance of our lower quotation. It excludes all admin charges/credit charges and is not available in conjunction with any other offer. Proof of like-for-like product and service, including a copy of the quotation or, if already ordered, invoice may be required.
To take advantage of this offer, ensure you quote “price guarantee” when you speak to us!
7. Explain Discounts
Our published prices are the prices we normally ask you to pay, excluding delivery and (where payable) UK VAT. Outside the UK, VAT will be zero-rated. If we ever offer goods at a % discount that % will represent the amount being deducted from our normal published price, not the manufacturer’s suggested retail price or any other.
Many of our competitors act illegally in not identifying the origin of the pre-discount price. The following press-release shows what happened to one such company. The company was fined £5,000 and had to pay £152,795 court costs.
If you wish to deal with a company of impeccable integrity, confirmed by numerous unsolicited testimonials, then choose British Beds Worldwide Limited.
Trading Standards reaction
Norfolk Trading Standards department welcomed the conviction. David Collinson, assistant director of public protection at Norfolk County Council said: I am pleased with this result. We brought this case after receiving a complaint from a business in March 2010 about commercial practices at Mattressman and after conducting a detailed and thorough nine-month investigation.
That investigation revealed that the company and its directors used misleading and fictitious price comparisons to make these products appear to be heavily discounted. We felt these were serious misleading commercial practices ” and the judge agreed with us, he said.
By pleading guilty to these two specimen counts, **** and two of its directors have admitted that their commercial practices were not up to scratch.
In effect, they were attracting customers by cynically making them believe they would be getting a better bargain than was actually the case.
That is unfair to consumers and unfair to other businesses that don’t use tactics like this to boost their sales and Norfolk’s Trading Standards service is committed to investigating and taking action whenever this type of activity is brought to our attention.
Many of our competitors act illegally in not identifying the origin of the pre-discount price. The following press-release shows what happened to one such company. The company was fined £5,000 and had to pay £152,795 court costs.
If you wish to deal with a company of impeccable integrity, confirmed by numerous unsolicited testimonials, then choose British Beds Worldwide Limited.
Trading Standards reaction
Norfolk Trading Standards department welcomed the conviction. David Collinson, assistant director of public protection at Norfolk County Council said: I am pleased with this result. We brought this case after receiving a complaint from a business in March 2010 about commercial practices at Mattressman and after conducting a detailed and thorough nine-month investigation.
That investigation revealed that the company and its directors used misleading and fictitious price comparisons to make these products appear to be heavily discounted. We felt these were serious misleading commercial practices ” and the judge agreed with us, he said.
By pleading guilty to these two specimen counts, **** and two of its directors have admitted that their commercial practices were not up to scratch.
In effect, they were attracting customers by cynically making them believe they would be getting a better bargain than was actually the case.
That is unfair to consumers and unfair to other businesses that don’t use tactics like this to boost their sales and Norfolk’s Trading Standards service is committed to investigating and taking action whenever this type of activity is brought to our attention.
8. Are the products you supply guaranteed overseas?
Our suppliers‟ guarantees and/or warranties will be passed on to you wherever possible. Where manufacturers‟ guarantees and/or warranties cannot be passed on in part or in full (e.g. because of difficulties in implementing such terms within the UK or abroad) we will guarantee products purchased from us for one year from the date of delivery against manufacturing defects. The following exclusions will render our/manufacturer warranties and/or guarantees void and unenforceable: wilful damage or neglect (including failure to follow manufacturers‟ instructions for care and use, failure to turn mattresses at recommended frequencies, and placing a new mattress on an old divan or bed base) and non-adherence to our weight / tension guide.
9. Are all products that you are able to supply shown on your website?
No. If you have seen a product from one of our suppliers and you can’t see it on our website, please contact us as not all products that we are able to supply are shown.
10. What are your Delivery charges?
(Please also see section 4. Delivery in our Terms and Conditions page).
Our delivery charges depend on what you are buying and your delivery address. We charge you only what our carriers charge us. We do not mark up those charges. That means that you will enjoy the special trade rates that are given to us.
For a modest charge, we may be able to arrange to bring your old bed or mattress back to the UK for recycling. Do please ask about this if you are interested.
Our carriers do charge us a minimum rate, so the charge will probably be the same for a single mattress as it is for two beds. This can often turn one of our lower-priced mattresses into an expensive purchase, so please be aware that your quotation may come as a nasty shock on small lower-priced products. Why not get together with someone else nearby and have both your purchases delivered to one address?
Our quotations often itemise the costs individually. If you don’t like the price quoted (bearing in mind that our service is second-to-none and fully insured from the UK to your bedroom), and you wish to make your own arrangements for transport from the UK we will gladly deliver free of charge or for a low fee to a UK carrier of your choice. But please be aware that our liability for the condition of your goods will end when they are handed over to your carrier.
Our delivery charges depend on what you are buying and your delivery address. We charge you only what our carriers charge us. We do not mark up those charges. That means that you will enjoy the special trade rates that are given to us.
For a modest charge, we may be able to arrange to bring your old bed or mattress back to the UK for recycling. Do please ask about this if you are interested.
Our carriers do charge us a minimum rate, so the charge will probably be the same for a single mattress as it is for two beds. This can often turn one of our lower-priced mattresses into an expensive purchase, so please be aware that your quotation may come as a nasty shock on small lower-priced products. Why not get together with someone else nearby and have both your purchases delivered to one address?
Our quotations often itemise the costs individually. If you don’t like the price quoted (bearing in mind that our service is second-to-none and fully insured from the UK to your bedroom), and you wish to make your own arrangements for transport from the UK we will gladly deliver free of charge or for a low fee to a UK carrier of your choice. But please be aware that our liability for the condition of your goods will end when they are handed over to your carrier.
11. What is the Delivery Timescale?
(Please also see section 4. Delivery in our Terms and Conditions page).
Very approximately, it takes between four and six weeks to make a mattress, divan or bedstead to order. Often, your goods should arrive at your mainland European home no more than four weeks after transfer to the carrier, but sometimes it may be as little as one or as many as eight. Deliveries to European islands and the rest of the World will usually take much longer unless you request and pay for air freight.
This means that in mainland Europe you should allow up to around 14 weeks between confirming your order and receiving delivery. This timescale may very rarely be exceeded due to circumstances beyond our control, but it may often be reduced, depending on what you order and when. If you wish to stipulate a “not before” date (e.g., because your building will not be finished, or no-one can accept delivery on your behalf), or a definite “by” date (i.e., the latest date by which you need delivery), you must inform us at the time of order. In any case, you must allow us a delivery window of one month between your stipulated “not before” date and “by” date, to enable us to load-plan most economically.
Special delivery timing and other arrangements requested after the time of order may be subject to an additional charge or may have to be declined.
Very approximately, it takes between four and six weeks to make a mattress, divan or bedstead to order. Often, your goods should arrive at your mainland European home no more than four weeks after transfer to the carrier, but sometimes it may be as little as one or as many as eight. Deliveries to European islands and the rest of the World will usually take much longer unless you request and pay for air freight.
This means that in mainland Europe you should allow up to around 14 weeks between confirming your order and receiving delivery. This timescale may very rarely be exceeded due to circumstances beyond our control, but it may often be reduced, depending on what you order and when. If you wish to stipulate a “not before” date (e.g., because your building will not be finished, or no-one can accept delivery on your behalf), or a definite “by” date (i.e., the latest date by which you need delivery), you must inform us at the time of order. In any case, you must allow us a delivery window of one month between your stipulated “not before” date and “by” date, to enable us to load-plan most economically.
Special delivery timing and other arrangements requested after the time of order may be subject to an additional charge or may have to be declined.
12. How do I make payments?
Should you decide to place an order, we will ask you please to pay a deposit of 50% of the total cost of product and delivery and the balance one week before the goods leave the UK. You may pay by card, bank transfer or via PayPal. All payments should be in £GBP).
13. What are you doing to help minimise damage to the environment?
At British Beds Worldwide Ltd we are aware that sending a bed around the World is not the most effective way of looking after the environment. However, we are trying to “do our bit”. We communicate as far as possible without the use of paper and try to help our valued customers choose their bed without needing to travel to showrooms. Delivery by sea is usually on a groupage basis, often helping to fill ships that are returning to their home port half-empty. Delivery by road is carried out whenever possible on the latest and “greenest” trucks that meet demanding international standards and as part of a shared load.
14. How often should I buy a new bed?
The National Bed Federation recommends replacing beds every eight years, but beds of the highest quality will often last much longer than this. Cheap beds are unlikely to perform satisfactorily for more than a few years unless they have been used only occasionally, for example, as a guest bed. Wear and tear, lumps and bumps, and decreasing support and comfort are the most obvious sign that a bed needs to be replaced. With the appropriate care, the products we supply are expected to perform satisfactorily well beyond their guarantee period.
15. Is it OK to replace only the mattress?
If you are absolutely sure that the base is in good condition and of a suitable type for the new mattress – yes. If your base is old and distorted, however, the new mattress will follow the bases worn contours, thus providing little improvement on your existing bed. Moreover, manufacturers design their beds as a complete sleep system so a mattress may perform differently when placed on a non-matching base. Placing a new mattress on a pre-used base may also affect the manufacturer’s guarantee/warranty.
16. Can I use any mattress on a slatted bed base?
Most of the mattresses that we supply may be used on a slatted base, but the slats must not be more than 6cm apart. Wider gaps will irreparably damage the mattress and invalidate the manufacturer’s guarantee.
17. Is it necessary to try a bed before buying it?
Not with the right advice in advance. People have been buying beds by mail-order for decades. As long as you follow the “science” of weight-to-tension and follow any order your doctor has given you about mattress tension, you can be assured that your mattress is right for you. It’s reassuring to try before you buy, but you need to do it properly and spend at least 30 minutes on each bed you try. Don’t let salesmen rush you, and choose a quiet shopping time if you’re concerned you’ll feel silly.
18. Where can I try your beds?
If, you consider it absolutely necessary to try some beds before you decide, by appointment through us, you can view the Relyon beds and mattresses at their showroom in Taunton, Somerset and beds and mattresses from the manufacturer of our Dartmoor Beds collection at their showroom in Devon. IMPORTANT: Please note that by agreement we do not offer Relyon products for sale in the UK. If you make an appointment through us, we will arrange for you to have a few hours alone to try all the beds on display and enjoy hot or cold drinks in complete privacy while you see which bed you fall asleep on. (That’s the one for you)!
To make an appointment to visit the Relyon or Dartmoor showroom, please call us now on 0044.1752.846157 , use the Contact Request, Enquiry Form or Request a Quotation forms on this site; or send an email to mail@britishbedsworldwide.com
19. How much space do you have for your bed? The answer will help you choose the size of your bed.
We always recommend that you buy as wide a bed as you can afford and fit into your bedroom. Partner disturbance is the main cause of sleep deprivation, so the ideal bed-width for two people is no less than 180cm, but with options up to 240cm wide. However, if space or budget is limited, you could consider downsizing to 160cm or even 150cm wide as for many couples these are still acceptable widths.
20. Please explain your size terminology
Size = (cm) Length x (cm) Width / (feet & inches) Length x (feet & inches) Width
Narrow Single: 75 x 190 / 2’6″ x 6’3″
Standard Single: 90 x 190 / 3′ x 6’3″
Long Narrow Single: 75 x 200 / 2′ 6″ x 6’6″
Long Standard Single: 90 x 200 / 3′ x 6’6″Small Double: 120 x 190 / 4′ x 6’3″
Double: 135 x 190 / 4’6″ x 6’3″
Continental Double: 140 x 190 / 4’7″ x 6’3″
Long Continental Double: 140 x 200 / 4’7″ x 6’6″Kingsize: 150 x 200 / 5′ x 6’6″
Kingsize Zip & Link: 150 x 200 / 5′ x 6’6″
Continental Kingsize: 160 x 200 / 5’3″ x 6’6″
Short Super Kingsize Zip & Link: 180 x 190 / 6′ x 6’3″
Super Kingsize: 180 x 200 / 6′ x 6’6″
Super Kingsize Zip & Link: 180 x 200 / 6′ x 6’6″
Super Kingsize Plus: 200 x 200 / 6’6″ x 6’6″Statesize: 215 x 215 / 7′ x 7′
Narrow Single: 75 x 190 / 2’6″ x 6’3″
Standard Single: 90 x 190 / 3′ x 6’3″
Long Narrow Single: 75 x 200 / 2′ 6″ x 6’6″
Long Standard Single: 90 x 200 / 3′ x 6’6″Small Double: 120 x 190 / 4′ x 6’3″
Double: 135 x 190 / 4’6″ x 6’3″
Continental Double: 140 x 190 / 4’7″ x 6’3″
Long Continental Double: 140 x 200 / 4’7″ x 6’6″Kingsize: 150 x 200 / 5′ x 6’6″
Kingsize Zip & Link: 150 x 200 / 5′ x 6’6″
Continental Kingsize: 160 x 200 / 5’3″ x 6’6″
Short Super Kingsize Zip & Link: 180 x 190 / 6′ x 6’3″
Super Kingsize: 180 x 200 / 6′ x 6’6″
Super Kingsize Zip & Link: 180 x 200 / 6′ x 6’6″
Super Kingsize Plus: 200 x 200 / 6’6″ x 6’6″Statesize: 215 x 215 / 7′ x 7′
21. Can you supply a mattress for my American size bed frame?
Yes. we can supply an American Eastern Kingsize (193x203cm*) or American Queen size (152x203cm*) mattress to you. However, there will be a surcharge. Please ask for details. For that reason, many US customers choose a 190x200cm mattress which adds a little less to the UK Superking price, or choose a UK Kingsize mattress (in place of an American Queen size), considering that the 3cm loss in width and length from the American size is almost negligible. (*Please note that all dimensions of handmade pocket-sprung mattresses produced in the UK are subject to a permitted tolerance of =/-2cm).
22. Can you supply a non-standard size mattress for my bed frame/caravan/yacht?
Yes, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
23. What mattress tension should I choose?
These guidelines for people who are unable to try our products before ordering have worked reliably for over 10 years for our many customers around the world. However, they are only guidelines and not obligatory.
If you have tried one of our mattresses in a showroom somewhere and / or you have a strong personal preference for a tension other than that considered “most suitable” for your weight range, then your own experience should prevail.
Also, be aware that your height and body shape and the kind of base on which the mattress is to be placed may affect how it will feel, so do please ask us for advice.
If you have tried one of our mattresses in a showroom somewhere and / or you have a strong personal preference for a tension other than that considered “most suitable” for your weight range, then your own experience should prevail.
Also, be aware that your height and body shape and the kind of base on which the mattress is to be placed may affect how it will feel, so do please ask us for advice.
| Individual Weight Range | Mattress Tension considered “most suitable” |
| Up to 12 stones (75kg) | Soft |
| 12 to 16 stones (75kg to 100kg) | Standard, Regular or Medium |
| 16 to 18 stones (100kg to 120kg) | Firm |
| Over 18 stones (120kg) | Extra-firm* |
*If you are over 125kg, the base for your mattress may need to be reinforced. Please don’t hesitate to talk to us in complete confidence.
24. How do I know which mattress to choose when looking for a new one?
Relyon suggest that you “try as many variations as possible to enable you to select the option that gives your body the correct support. When you lie facing upwards, you should feel the mattress nestling against the small of your back (this is the area above your hips). If you slide your hand between the small of your back and the mattress and feel a gentle pressure from both sides, you have found the mattress with the correct level of support for you. The same applies if you lie on your side – you should feel the mattress willing to accommodate your shoulder and hips and yet support your waist”.
25. What are the advantages of zip-and-link beds and mattresses?
1. They provide different levels of support for sleeping partners.
2. They may be separated into two single beds when the need arises.
3. They are easier to deliver, move from room to room, and remove.
4. The mattresses are easier to turn.
2. They may be separated into two single beds when the need arises.
3. They are easier to deliver, move from room to room, and remove.
4. The mattresses are easier to turn.
26. Aren’t “orthopaedic” or “firm” mattresses best?
Only if you weigh more than 100kgs or your doctor has told you to sleep on a firm mattress. “Orthopaedic” was a marketing term used in the 1980’s to persuade customers that firm mattresses were good for their backs. Firm mattresses often cause or aggravate back-pain because they do not always keep people’s backs straight. Backcare.org.uk say “Hard mattresses are not necessarily the best for bad backs”. You should choose the correct mattress support level according to your height, weight and sleeping position.
27. Why pocket-springs in a mattress?
Pocket springs are individual springs which are encased in their own fabric pocket. Even when nested together in a mattress, pocket springs move independently and shape perfectly to individual body contours to provide the best support for your body shape and weight. A pocket sprung mattress will also distribute the weight of your body across many different springs, relieving pressure points which cause aches, pains and disturbed sleep and because each pocket springs works independently, the transfer of movement to other areas of the mattress is reduced, meaning that your sleeping partner won’t be affected each time you move!
28. How often should I turn my pocket-sprung mattress?
To “temper” your mattress, you should ideally flip and rotate it every week or every time you change your bed linen for the first three months. Thereafter, to maximise its performance and maximise its comfort lifespan you should flip and rotate it at least once every three months unless the manufacturer’s own care instructions state otherwise.
29. What is a no-turn or no-need-to-turn mattress?
These mattresses are made with layers of fillings with greater resilience on the sleeping surface of the mattress. They are better able to stand continuous use of just one surface of the mattress, and therefore need less care by the user. They should still be rotated and flipped every month for the first 6 months to allow the fillings to settle correctly, and rotated every three months thereafter. However, they may not perform satisfactorily for as long as a “turnable” mattress.
30. What is open-coil springing?
This is sometimes known as the traditional Bonnell spring system, the most widely used throughout the bed industry, particularly in cheap beds and bedstead mattresses. Electrically tempered wire is formed into large coils. Helical wires connect each spring to form a sleeping platform. When one spring is pressed down, all adjacent springs (and their connected springs too) will compress. This can cause sleeping partners to roll together, sleep disturbance, discomfort, and poor spinal support.
31. What are springs usually made from?
Raw steel wire.
32. How is a pocket-sprung mattress made?
The steel-sprung unit is placed on a special table-top and each spring is covered with a calico or cambric sheet as a basic foundation for the upholstery.
The layers of upholstery are added, with the top and bottom surface layers of “ticking” last (i.e. the “tick” or cover).
The mattress border fabric is placed around the unit and tape is used to sew the border to the top and bottom panels.
Evenly-spaced tufts are then passed through the smooth-topped mattress to keep the fillings in place. These cause the indentations in the mattress.
In “cheap” mattresses, the side stitching is done by machine. In good quality mattresses, the border is hand-stitched by specialist craftsmen to at least the second row of springs to ensure there is no bulging of the mattress sides, whilst extending the sleeping area to the very edge of the mattress. The mattress will always regain its original height and retain its strength over many years. A good quality mattress will have two rows; a very good quality three; the even better four rows, involving many hours of highly-skilled work; and the most luxurious five or even six rows.
The layers of upholstery are added, with the top and bottom surface layers of “ticking” last (i.e. the “tick” or cover).
The mattress border fabric is placed around the unit and tape is used to sew the border to the top and bottom panels.
Evenly-spaced tufts are then passed through the smooth-topped mattress to keep the fillings in place. These cause the indentations in the mattress.
In “cheap” mattresses, the side stitching is done by machine. In good quality mattresses, the border is hand-stitched by specialist craftsmen to at least the second row of springs to ensure there is no bulging of the mattress sides, whilst extending the sleeping area to the very edge of the mattress. The mattress will always regain its original height and retain its strength over many years. A good quality mattress will have two rows; a very good quality three; the even better four rows, involving many hours of highly-skilled work; and the most luxurious five or even six rows.
33. Why would I want lambswool in my mattress?
Whilst it is used primarily for its softness, lambswool is a natural insulator, retaining warmth in winter whilst being cool in the summer. Merino wool is used in some mattresses and is considered to be the finest wool available. All lambswool is excellent at aiding moisture control, as the air trapped in it allows body moisture to evaporate more easily.
34. How and why is cotton used in mattresses?
Raw cotton is used widely in mattress making, being very soft and versatile in its use. In all cases it is first carded to remove unwanted particles, nourished with natural oils, and then used loose (to be teased by hand) or compressed into cotton felt before being treated with fire retardant. It is sometimes blended with polyester for increased resilience.
35. Why cashmere in my mattress?
Historically regarded as the softest of natural hair, cashmere is used in several forms, but the best is cashmere hair, teased out to form a fine upholstery insulation pad that is soft and warm to lie on. Cashmere is often combined with silk to form a resilient and sumptuous layer to retain warmth exceptionally well.
36. What is mohair used for?
This is another natural fibre traditionally used in British beds manufacturing- the long soft silky hair of the Angora goat – selected for the sumptuous level of resilience it offers. Such resilience helps prevent the mattress from settling.
37. What does loose hair do?
It is highly resilient and therefore offers a luxurious loft or springiness in the upholstery. Hair gives a mattress a sumptuous feel and helps it to retain its level of comfort for the lifetime of the bed. Sometimes hair is compressed into pads to combine resilience with a firmer feel.
38. Why put foam in a mattress?
Different forms of foam are widely used to complement other fillings in mattresses because of its softness or, more recently, its memory. The most desirable form of foam in a mattress is Talalay© latex. See FAQs on Latex Foam; Memory Foam; and Reflex Foam.
39. Tell me about Reflex Foam
Reflex foam is a synthetic inexpensive material that is often added to lower-priced mattresses as a comfort layer. It is not found in higher quality all-natural mattresses. Because it resists dust mites it can be a boon for asthma and allergy sufferers, but most high-quality pocket-sprung mattresses have other defences against these little horrors. Being a synthetic foam it can cause or aggravate night-sweats, so it is definitely not recommended for hot climates.
40. What is latex foam?
Essentially it is rubber suspended in water, which has undergone a foaming process. 100% natural latex is a completely natural material that is often used as a layer in mattresses add to their softness. It is extremely durable, hypo-allergenic and dust-mite proof. When ‘Talalayed’, it becomes even softer and more breathable, eliminating the tendency of other types of foam to cause or aggravate overheating and night-sweats.
41. What’s so special about “memory” foam?
Memory foam is alleged to be a wonder product. Whilst many claim that it is such, perhaps to justify the large expense to themselves, a significant and growing minority have published several disadvantages on the Internet. For example:
A chemical smell that diminishes from new but often never completely disappears;
Heat retention or slow heat dissipation, causing or aggravating night-sweats;
A slipperiness that makes it hard for one to turn over in bed, or even make love!
Slowness to re-shape to one’s new sleeping position.
This list is not comprehensive.
For these reasons, British Beds Worldwide Ltd has decided not to sell beds or mattresses that contain memory-foam.
A chemical smell that diminishes from new but often never completely disappears;
Heat retention or slow heat dissipation, causing or aggravating night-sweats;
A slipperiness that makes it hard for one to turn over in bed, or even make love!
Slowness to re-shape to one’s new sleeping position.
This list is not comprehensive.
For these reasons, British Beds Worldwide Ltd has decided not to sell beds or mattresses that contain memory-foam.
42. What is meant by “x rows of hand-stitching” to the borders of a mattress?
In cheap mattresses, the side stitching is done by machine or there may even be none. In good quality mattresses, the border is hand-stitched by specialist craftsmen to the second row of springs to ensure there is no bulging of the mattress sides, whilst extending the sleeping area to the very edge of the mattress. The mattress will always regain its original height and retain its strength over many years. See also FAQ 32.
43. Help! I have allergies.
Speak with us as we can help. We can supply mattresses containing hypo-allergenic fillings, chemical free beds and mattresses and recommend beds and mattresses suitable for your allergy. Regularly cleaning and hoovering your bedroom, airing your bed and frequent washing of your bed linen will also help reduce allergens and create a healthy sleep environment.
44. What is the benefit of white fibre?
White fibre is man-made. It contributes to the soft and resilient feel of a mattress. Being sterilised and dust-free, it is ideal for products used by allergy sufferers.
45. What is the Allergy UK Seal of Approval?
This endorsement is given to products that specifically restrict or remove allergens from the environment of allergy sufferers and can be scientifically tested with measurable results.
46. What fire safety properties can I expect?
To the best of our knowledge all the mattresses made by our carefully chosen manufacturers incorporate safety felt which is resistant not only to ignition by smouldering cigarettes, but also by a flame source. All foam used is CMHR (Combustion High Resilience) specified by law for use in beds and furniture. When combined, this type of foam and felt provide positive fire protection. All products meet the demands of the relevant UK legislation.
47. Tell me about Body Impressions.
All high-quality pocket-sprung mattresses will “nest” and conform to the shape of your body where you most regularly sleep. Even a £72000 Vispring bed on sale in Harrods does this and comes with this advice. This is in contrast to hard and heat-retaining foam mattresses which either do not conform or will revert to their original block-foam shape. The nesting is a natural phenomenon. You should be concerned only if it does NOT happen.
48. Why should I consider purchasing a mattress topper?
A mattress topper will extend the performance lifespan of a mattress by means of protection asit will absorb all of the wear and tear that the mattress alone would suffer without one. As a result, the mattress, used and cared for in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, will remain as good as new for many, many years – sometimes even decades. When the topper has eventually become unhygienic or compressed to a level where it is no longer comfortable, which can take several years in the case of the mini-mattress kind, you simply buy a new topper and retain your beloved mattress still in good shape. As well as saving a lot of money over time, a mattress topper will also provide that extra special degree of comfort previously known only to the princess before the pea.
49. Why is a mattress protector a must?
A mattress protector is usually a relatively thin fabric-based cover, the primary purpose of which is to protect the mattress from wear and tear and staining. Absorption of perspiration or moisture from life’s little accidents by the mattress can very quickly lead to degeneration of the fillings and rust on or even corrosion of the springs, not to mention the risk of odour. Mattress protectors are removable and washable and frequent washing and the use of a suitable fabric conditioner will help to keep your bed smelling and feeling fresh and clean. Being so thin, they barely change the feel of your mattress but they do provide a barrier between you – who may shed half a million skin cells and half a litre of moisture every night – and the mattress. (Source www.boston.com). Without one, and relying on just your sheet, you can see how your mattress can soon become a rather unsavoury place to sleep.
50. Where can I buy bed linen for my mattress?
British Beds Worldwide Limited is proud and delighted to be able to supply and deliver Peter Reed bed linen. Peter Reed is known worldwide for producing the finest English bed linen and proudly remains an English company. It operates the only mill in England that weaves 100% combed. Egyptian cotton, the highest quality cotton in the World. The expertise it has accumulated over the past 150 years shows in each and every one of its products and it proudly holds a royal warrant from HM the Queen Elizabeth II.
If you would like to sleep on the softest, most exquisite British bed linen that money can buy, please browse their website at https://www.peterreed.com/collections , and place your order with us at their website prices. We can then arrange to deliver your bed linen with your main bed or mattress order with no extra delivery charge.
If you would like to sleep on the softest, most exquisite British bed linen that money can buy, please browse their website at https://www.peterreed.com/collections , and place your order with us at their website prices. We can then arrange to deliver your bed linen with your main bed or mattress order with no extra delivery charge.
51. How is a divan base made?
The basic divan is constructed from top quality timber, which is glued and screwed together to provide strength, durability and rigidity.
The springs are overlaid with a sheet of hessian (or similar) to provide a foundation material. Layers of upholstery are then added.
The pre-sewn ticking case is then added with a high-quality calico (or similar) cover on the underside of the frame to help prevent entry of dust.
Headboard bolts and fitted and castors are inserted into solid corner blocks.
The springs are overlaid with a sheet of hessian (or similar) to provide a foundation material. Layers of upholstery are then added.
The pre-sewn ticking case is then added with a high-quality calico (or similar) cover on the underside of the frame to help prevent entry of dust.
Headboard bolts and fitted and castors are inserted into solid corner blocks.
A “De-Luxe” base has thicker wood and other features to make it last longer.
52. How does a divan compare with a box-spring?
In many countries a bed comprises a mattress on top of a box-spring which in turn lies on top of a metal or wooden frame. This arrangement is used sometimes in the UK, where the box-spring is called a bed-base.
However, the far more popular, aesthetically pleasing and practical bed arrangement is a mattress placed on a “divan-base”. A divan-base incorporates both the box-spring and the wooden frame into one beautiful piece of upholstered furniture. There are no ugly metal or wooden bits to be seen or gash your legs: instead the covering fabric of the divan can usually be chosen from a lovely range of colours to complement or, as the centre-piece of the room, set the colour-scheme for the whole bedroom. For beautiful pictures of “divan-beds”, click on Divans/Box-spring Beds in the menu.
However, the far more popular, aesthetically pleasing and practical bed arrangement is a mattress placed on a “divan-base”. A divan-base incorporates both the box-spring and the wooden frame into one beautiful piece of upholstered furniture. There are no ugly metal or wooden bits to be seen or gash your legs: instead the covering fabric of the divan can usually be chosen from a lovely range of colours to complement or, as the centre-piece of the room, set the colour-scheme for the whole bedroom. For beautiful pictures of “divan-beds”, click on Divans/Box-spring Beds in the menu.
53. What is a Hand Side Stitched Pocketed Divan base?
The ultimate in luxury, this divan benefits from a layer of heavy-duty open coil springs topped with a layer of pocketed springs, has hand side stitching and is finished with traditional hand tufting. This type of divan will make your mattress feel firmer.
54. What is a Firm-Edge Pocket-Sprung divan base?
This divan features individual pocket springs which sit inside a timber frame. The pocketed springs soften the comfort of a mattress and the firm edges help prevent “roll off” on the side of the bed. This type of divan will give your mattress a medium feel.
55. What is a Platform/Padded Top base?
These divans do not contain any springs. The wooden frame has a top panel made from hardboard and either has castors or legs. A Padded Top divan base has a layer of upholstery for subtle cushioning. These types of divan will make your mattress feel firmest.
56. What is a Sprung Slatted base?
This type of base incorporates a sprung slat system which flexes to your body weight and movement offering a firmer level of support and comfort, and increases airflow beneath the mattress, which in turn enhances the breathability of your mattress.
57. What is an Upholstered or Fabric bed?
Put simply, it’s any divan base, bedstead or bed frame that is covered in a fabric such as velvet, cotton, linen, faux leather or suede, or a material other than wood.
58. What is so special about “hand-tied” or “hand-lashed”?
Hand-tied (or hand-lashed) divan springs support the heaviest and most luxurious mattresses, with the craftsmen painstakingly ensuring that each spring offers the optimum level of support for the mattress. Each spring is compressed slightly and then tied to its neighbours, so that eventually every spring is tied to others in the base, with the tension on each being the same. The thickest possible cane edge surrounds the divan spring unit to offer additional support to the very edge of the mattress.
59. Tell me about castors
Several types are used to support divan-bases, ranging from heavy-duty plastic twin-wheeled through to the very best – Shepherd© castors. These are widely recognised as the strongest available and are needed for the best quality and heaviest beds. The customary method of fixing is into the end-grain of blocks of hardwood at the corners of the divan. Castors can damage some floor surfaces such as wood or marble. For smooth surfaces such as these, we recommend the use of “snap-fit” castor cups with felt bottoms which will protect your floors and also stop your bed moving around when you do not want it to. If you cannot buy these locally, we shall be pleased to supply and deliver them with your bed for an additional cost.
60. How are headboards attached to beds?
Struts are attached by the manufacturer to the back of the headboard. These struts have long slots to enable them to be slid onto the headboard bolts which come as a standard fitting at the head-end of divan-bases. The bolts and struts are traditionally spaced within the UK bed industry so that headboards and bases from different manufacturers can be fitted together.
61. Can I use my existing headboard with my new bed?
Usually “Yes”, any headboard made in the UK will fit a standard size bed.
62. What is a Bed fixing/UK Traditional headboard?
This type of headboard is a standard design with the upholstered headboard panel on long wooden struts. The wooden struts are the most common form of fitting a headboard to your bed and allow you to position the upholstered panel in line and above the mattress.
63. What is a Slim/Euro Slim Headboard?
This type of headboard is a floor standing design that neatly aligns with the width of your mattress and divan. Integrated wooden struts are included to allow you to fit the headboard to your divan base.
64. Can I supply the fabric for my headboard and bed base?
Usually “Yes” provided it meets British Fire Regulation Standards. It’s advisable to send us a piece of fabric to ensure that the supplier can work with it. Please contact us for more information regarding this service.
65. How should I care for my bed?
Please refer to the care instructions that you received with your bed, or if you are in any doubt, please call or email us with your BBW Invoice Number and the brand and model of your product.
66. My mattress has arrived and it is too short!
Your mattress may have been transported and /or stored on its edge or end. This can lead to compression in size because the independent springs settle slightly into each other. The mattress may, therefore, be slightly undersized on delivery, in excess of the 2cm tolerance level. (EU regulations permit a “tolerance” in bed and mattress manufacturing of + / – 2 cm.) If this has happened your mattress will gradually and naturally restore to its original ex-factory size over a few months of regular use and care in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.
67. My mattress has arrived and it smells!
The mattresses that we supply are made with natural materials and because they are wrapped in heavy duty polythene, they may give off a natural odour when it unpacked after a long journey or where the end destination is hot and humid. The smell will gradually dissipate but to speed up the process we suggest that you leave it undressed in a well ventilated room to air for a few hours if possible before you dress it.
68. Giving something back with Shelterbox
Shelterbox is a wonderful UK-registered charity and their mission is to help the hundreds and thousands of families across the world who lose everything when disaster strikes. The Shelterbox solution in disaster response is as simple as it is effective. Shelterbox deliver the essentials a family needs to survive in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. This may include the provision of a large, green “shelter-box” which is tailored to each specific disaster but typically contains a disaster relief tent for an extended family, blankets, groundsheets, water storage and purification equipment, cooking utensils, mosquito nets, solar lamps, a basic tool kit, a children’s activity pack and other vital items*. Each Shelterbox costs around £600GBP. So far, we (by donating £12 from most of our orders) and our wonderful customers from their pockets have donated sufficient to buy 11 Shelterboxes.
*extract from Shelterbox website http://www.shelterbox.org
*extract from Shelterbox website http://www.shelterbox.org
69. Who are Cotswold Caners?
Based in Cirencester in the Cotswolds, this specialist bespoke furniture maker creates high-quality hand-finished solid wood beds, headboards and bedroom furniture. They are able to make your bed to a design that suits you and in a size that will fit your available space. Your selection of design, size, wood and finish means that Cotswold Caners will be making the bed specifically for you.
There are many designs of high-quality beds to satisfy a wide range of personal taste. All beds are made in solid wood and have gained an enviable reputation of looking as new for many years.
The company aims to provide a solution to all your possible bed requirements – and can provide Bed Base surrounds or Bedstead Base supports. Other special adjustments can often be accommodated.
“If it’s in wood, they can do it!”
There are many designs of high-quality beds to satisfy a wide range of personal taste. All beds are made in solid wood and have gained an enviable reputation of looking as new for many years.
The company aims to provide a solution to all your possible bed requirements – and can provide Bed Base surrounds or Bedstead Base supports. Other special adjustments can often be accommodated.
“If it’s in wood, they can do it!”
70. Tell me about P&C Upholstery?
P and C Upholstery is another family-owned company making the very best upholstered headboards for the very best bed manufacturers, so it is only natural that we include P and C among our chosen suppliers.
In an old tannery in Roger’s home-town of Helston in deepest Cornwall, the P and C team led by Master Upholsterer Lee, works with pride to produce beautiful headboards to match or contrast with the fabric of your bed. They will gladly create headboards in any design and fabric you may have seen and if the bed-width you have chosen is not produced as a regular size by the bed-manufacturer, they will make it. Or, they will produce your headboard in your own fabric. They will try to create a bespoke design in accordance with your wishes. For example, we worked closely with P and C and an interior designer in Switzerland who supplied the dramatic black and white fabric to produce an exquisite bespoke headboard for our mutual customer. The result was a veritable “tour-de-force”.
The P and C designs shown on our site are their standard products, but if you would like something unique, please don’t hesitate to ask us. We will immediately get P and C on the case!
In an old tannery in Roger’s home-town of Helston in deepest Cornwall, the P and C team led by Master Upholsterer Lee, works with pride to produce beautiful headboards to match or contrast with the fabric of your bed. They will gladly create headboards in any design and fabric you may have seen and if the bed-width you have chosen is not produced as a regular size by the bed-manufacturer, they will make it. Or, they will produce your headboard in your own fabric. They will try to create a bespoke design in accordance with your wishes. For example, we worked closely with P and C and an interior designer in Switzerland who supplied the dramatic black and white fabric to produce an exquisite bespoke headboard for our mutual customer. The result was a veritable “tour-de-force”.
The P and C designs shown on our site are their standard products, but if you would like something unique, please don’t hesitate to ask us. We will immediately get P and C on the case!
Disclaimer: The information given in these FAQ’s is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge, but no reliance should be placed on it without first independently checking it. The information does not form part of any representation prior to or in the formation of the sales contract.