Ex display furniture is a fantastic way of picking up a high quality bed for a low price. But whilst you obviously want your bed to be sturdy and to look good, many people don't give enough thought to one really important factor... your mattress.

A mattress is essential equipment for a good night's sleep

You wouldn't attempt to climb a mountain or run a marathon without having the correct equipment and the right gear. However, despite the fact that, on average, we spend a third of our lives asleep, we often don't pay enough attention to making sure we have the right gear and equipment to prepare us for sleep. Again, it's... your mattress

The importance of sleep

The importance of sleep should never be underestimated. Research has shown that people that have a good night's sleep are less stressed, lose weight faster, are generally healthier and live longer!

A decent mattress is a crucial to getting a good night's sleep. An unsuitable mattress or one that is simply too old is not a decent mattress - and it needs replacing!

A new medium-firm mattress reduces stress

You don't want a mattress that is rock solid and you don't want one that is too soft. Somewhere in the middle - medium-firm - is the ideal. Although this is fairly subjective, you should do all you can to choose a mattress that fits this criteria. Studies show that people who regularly sleep on medium-firm mattresses are less prone to worry, nerves and are less likely to be irritable.

Beware of allergies

Although being allergic to a mattress itself is rare, it's common to suffer allergies to the dust mites that live in your bed. This can be especially troublesome for asthma sufferers. Regular hot washes for sheets and pillow cases can help, and actually vacuuming the mattress is also a good idea.

Road test a Mattress

If you buying from a showroom or an ex display bed, mattresses may or may not be included. If you do get the opportunity to try out a mattress before purchase, you'll only have a few seconds to lie on it - but this always advisable. It won't give you a full idea of what a night's sleep on the mattress will be like - but it will give you some idea!

Time to replace your mattress

If a mattress starts to sag, it's time for it to go. Holes developing or springs sticking out are obvious signs, of course - but often if you just find yourself tossing and turning a bit more than usual and struggling to sleep, it could be a sign that your mattress needs to be replaced.

Everybody wants a bed that looks great in the room, but don't forget how important a good mattress is.