Having good quality sleep is important to your well being. Sleep plays a vital role in restoring and healing the body, so your health takes a hit when you aren't sleeping well. If you're suffering from sleep problems or feeling tired during the day it's important to assess the quality of the mattress you're sleeping on. One of the key questions you need to ask is - does my mattress fit me? There is no point struggling with a mattress that is too old or not suited to what you need. Mattress size plays a key role in getting good quality sleep.

There are three key considerations when thinking about size:

• How many people will be sleeping with you?
• What is the size of the person who will be sharing it with you?
• Do you have kids who like to spend time in bed with you?

Your height and weight will determine what size is best for you to make sure that neither of you feel cramped when you sleep.As a general rule, to get the best sleep a couple needs to have at least a Queen mattress. This helps avoid being disturbed by your partner's movements during the night. However if one of you is particularly tall or broad, a larger mattress such as a Super king is preferable. When choosing a mattress to feel comfortable in, it's important to remember that a Super king is the size of two Single mattresses together. So if you're a couple sleeping in anything smaller than a Super king, you're each sleeping in a smaller space than a child has in a single bed.

Sleepyhead mattress sizes:

• Single 91cm x 188cm: the perfect 'first real bed' for your child
• Long Single 92cm x 203cm: great for teens
• King Single 107cm x 203cm: for tall teens or an excellent spare bed for single adult guests
• Trundler King Single 107cmx203cm, Single 91x188cm: perfect for when the kids have friends over
• Double 137cm x 188cm: a generous size for an adult
• Long Double 137cmx203cm: more length for tall teens or adults that are above average height.
• Queen 153cm x 203cm: really the minimum size to choose if you sleep with a partner
• King 167cm x 203cm: plenty of room and length for an average size couple
• Super King 183cm x 203cm: perfect if you have a large bedroom, and prefer more width than a King
• California King 203cmx203: Sleepyhead's widest bed.

For children and teenagers, their needs change as they grow - and sometimes their bed size needs to change as well. Most children start out on a single mattress, but as they grow it's important not to forget that you can upsize them into a King single, Long single or Double mattress. PopUp beds can also be a good option for kids; they give you a King single for your child to sleep in and a spare bed you can roll out from underneath the main bed whenever you need.

Replacing your child's mattress usually fits in well with when the mattress is starting to show signs of fatigue - this usually happens after eight to ten years, which if you bought the mattress new when they were a toddler, is usually about the time your child needs an upgrade.

No matter who is going to sleep with you, investing in the right sized mattress is one of the most important factors. Size is a key determiner of the quality of the sleep you'll have. So don't rush into picking a certain size mattress because that's what you've always had.

Choosing the right mattress can be a little confusing. There are different mattress types offering a whole range of different benefits and features, and with so many choices out there, it's important to know what each type offers and what you should look for in a mattress. As you're probably aware, not all mattresses are the same!

Benefits of spring mattresses

Durable Support

Most spring mattresses consist of durable pocket springs that work independently from each other, often providing graduated support across the surface of a mattress. The Sleepyhead Torquezone spring unit system offers you superior support through a stronger, continuous coil wire. The patented z-shaped coil structure covers more surface area, providing greater support across the entire mattress.

Conforming to your body

Spring systems adjust well to body contours because they're able to respond to varying pressure levels from your body. The level of adjustment and comfort is dependent on the quality of your mattress. Pocket spring mattresses often have zoning within them, providing more durable support at heavier points in the body. The Sleepyhead Chiropractic HD spring system features a graduated five-zone support system, where the mattress transitions from soft to firm zones to perfectly support the hip region and helps to maintain optimal spinal alignment.

Reduced roll together and partner disturbance

Spring systems work well to eliminate partner roll together and partner disturbance. All Sleepyhead mattresses are designed to reduce roll together and partner disturbance. Sleepyhead Sanctuary mattresses feature a Sensorzone core where each spring is individually encased in foam, isolating partner movement.

Temperature management

Spring mattresses are usually more breathable, allowing for optimal temperature control. Many Sleepyhead mattresses also feature a Climatex Quilt fabric - this design promotes breathability to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.

Benefits of memory foam mattresses

Molding to your body

Memory foam responds to body temperature and weight, slowly conforming to your body profile - this could mean that it might feel cooler and firm when you first hop in bed, but will mold to your shape as it reacts to your body heat and weight.

Support

Memory foam mattresses have good pressure relieving properties - varying densities of foam form the upper, comfort layers for optimal comfort and support. Some people might find it tricky to move around in their sleep or to get in and out of bed with a memory foam mattress, while others will prefer this feel.

Temperature management

Memory foam mattresses may feel warm, especially in the summer. Many people find that using special temperature regulating covers can reduce this effect if they are wanting to be cooler throughout the night.

Premium side

Memory foam mattresses are often one-sided so shouldn't be turned over, instead rotated to ensure even wear and tear.

Sleepyhead offers a range of superior spring and foam mattresses to suit all sleeping styles and preferences. We manufacture a range of beds to suit the New Zealand lifestyle with the latest comfort technology at affordable prices for Kiwi homes.

When you're choosing a new mattress there's a range of questions that you're likely to ask yourself - is it better to have a firm or a soft mattress? Is a soft mattress supportive enough? You may have heard mixed reviews on whether you should sleep on a firm or a soft mattress. The reality is that there's no one perfect mattress feel for everyone, and personal preference is the most important thing. There are however, some important factors you should consider when deciding what's best for you.

Consider your body type

It makes sense that the support a jockey needs at night in bed is different to the support an All Blacks player needs. So consider your size and which points of your body feel the most pressure when you lay down (do you have broad hips or shoulders?). The Sleepyhead Sleep Selector can help provide a bed match to give you support that suits your body type.

When you test a mattress, lay in your usual sleep position

Whether you're a side, back or tummy sleeper, always lie the same way as you would normally sleep at home. Spend 10-15 minutes on each mattress you try to ensure you have the right comfort and support. The aim is to find the mattress that feels naturally comfortable and doesn't put pressure on any particular points of your body. If you feel pressure on certain points of your body, the mattress is probably too firm for you.

Firm isn't always best

The myth that firm mattresses provide the best back support isn't true. Again, it's all about finding the right support for you. This means ensuring there's no uncomfortable pressure on certain points of your body.

Hot sleepers

If you're a hot sleeper, it may be best to opt for a firmer mattress. Soft mattresses allow your body to sink into the mattress further, reducing the amount of airflow. People who tend to get hot at night will benefit more from a firmer mattress as their body will be up higher and have more air circulating it.

Sleepyhead comfort and support layer technology

Sleepyhead mattresses offer a wide range of comfort and support layer technologies that allow you to choose your mattress according to your personal sleeping preferences (firm, soft or a level in-between). You can sleep well knowing that you'll still be giving your body the support it needs.

Sleepyhead's unique technology

Sleepyhead have developed a range of advanced technologies to ensure your body is supported and your sleep is restorative. The comfort layers in all Sleepyhead mattresses is made from premium New Zealand made Dunlop Foam, delivering excellent support, pure comfort and ultimate durability. The high quality support layer of our mattresses enhances the pressure relieving properties of the comfort layers, as it contours to the body to help achieve natural spinal alignment.

A deep, restorative night's sleep is becoming more and more necessary for our busy lives, but is becoming harder to achieve. For those who like a lot of space in bed or who share a bed with another, how do you find a bed that's big enough? Temperature If you sleep with a partner, a larger bed can help you both maintain your ideal individual sleeping temperature - particularly if one of you is a 'hot sleeper'. As soon as you create a bit of breathing room in bed, you may find that being too hot is no longer an issue. And if it gets too cold there's always snuggling, no matter how big the bed is. Partner disturbance A larger mattress can also minimise partner disturbance. If this is a factor, also look for a mattress that better isolates movement. Comfort It seems obvious, but a cramped space won't support your sleep. And while living on the edge may provide an adrenaline rush, lying on the edge is a sure-fire way to wake up tense and grumpy. Choose the mattress size that lets you both have your own space. And with a spring system which runs all the way to the edge of the mattress (like the Sleepyhead Chiropractic range), you'll be supported closer to the edge of the bed, and not feel like you're about to fall off. Activities Whatever you get up to in bed, it's good to have plenty of space to do it in. What a luxury to read the Sunday papers or watch a movie with the kids burrowing under the covers and a furry friend at the end. And if you'd like breakfast in bed more often, it makes sense to allow space for a nice big tray. Sleepyhead mattress sizes

• Single 92cm x 188cm: the perfect 'first real bed' for your child
• Long Single 92cm x 203cm: great for teens
• King Single 107cm x 203cm: for tall teens or an excellent spare bed for single adult guests
• Trundler King Sing 107cmx203xm, Single 91x188cm: perfect for when the kids have friends over
• Double 137cm x 188cm: a generous size for an adult
• Queen 153cm x 203cm: really the minimum size to choose if you sleep with a partner
• King 183cm x 203cm: plenty of room and length for an average size couple
• Super King 203cm x 203cm: perfect if you have a large bedroom, and prefer more width than a King
• California King 203cmx 203cm: Sleepyhead's widest bed

One last tip: If your bed resembles a war zone as you and your partner battle it out for the covers, consider selecting a larger top sheet, blanket and doona than your bed size. For instance, if you're in a King bed, choose Super king covers.

Sleepyhead is responsible for multiple world-first technological innovations in the bedding industry. We combine leading edge innovation and expertise in our world-class operating process, to produce the highest quality mattresses and beds, right here in New Zealand.

Whether you choose a Sleepyhead Chiropractic offering head-to-toe support, adjusting to your body shape and comfort layers designed for breathability and heat dissipation; or even the total luxury of a Sleepyhead Sanctuary (the mattress behind The Most Beautiful Sleep Ever Made); you'll know that you've made the superior choice with Sleepyhead mattresses.

Kiwi made Sleepyead mattresses use superior technology to give you the best sleep ever.

Heat management fabric

Sleepyhead's responsive heat management fabric treatment, designed to react to changes in your body temperature, helps to keep you at the perfect temperature all night long. This innovative heat management process works independently across the bed, reacting to the different body temperatures of both you and your partner to ensure a more comfortable sleep. The resulting cool and dry sleeping environment is also more hygienic and will help to extend the life of your mattress.

Climatex Quilt

Sleepyhead's luxurious Climatex Quilt sleep surface combines our premium high loft fibre with Dreamfoam. The super-fine structure of Dreamfoam offers maximum breathability and minimum heat build-up.

Sensorzone sleep system

The unique Sensorzone technology means each spring sits separately within a Dreamfoam core and responds independently to movement, virtually removing partner disturbance. You can experience the Sensorzone technology in all Sleepyhead Sanctuary mattresses.

Supportive Torquezone spring system

Our supportive spring system used in all Chiropractic mattresses offers you superior support through stronger coil wire, and our patented z-shaped coil structure to cover more surface area and provide greater support across the entire mattress.Chiropractic HD mattresses also feature our graduated five-zone system. This allows for mattress transitions from soft to firm zones to perfectly support the hip region and helps to maintain optimal spinal alignment. Superior support also comes from 200mm high springs to provide greater comfort for your body.

Support core

The support core in all Sleepyhead memory foam mattresses is made from premium New Zealand made Dunlop Foam, delivering superior support, comfort and durability. This high quality support core enhances the pressure relieving properties of the comfort layers, as it contours to the body to assist with natural spinal alignment. With all these features combined, you can rest easy with the superior technology of Sleepyhead mattresses.

Your body temperature affects your sleep - whether it's too hot, too cold, or just right. Perhaps you're the one tossing and turning because you're too hot to sleep, while your lucky partner has long since drifted off. You may have invested in top quality sheets, blankets and pillows, but did you know that the breathability and heat retaining properties of your mattress have a huge bearing on your sleep temperature? In fact, your mattress may be the real key to how hot or cold you ultimately feel. There are a few simple things to look for in a new mattress and accessories if temperature in bed is a problem for you:

Temperature control

A slight drop in body temperature helps you fall asleep, which helps explain why you toss and turn on hot nights. So if you have heating or air conditioning, try setting the thermostat a little lower than is comfortable when you're up. If you share a bedroom, you may have to try a few temperature settings to find a happy medium that lets you both sleep well.

Layer up

You may find that having a couple of wool or cotton blankets suits you better than just one thick duvet. This is like layering your clothing during the day, and allows you to add or subtract a layer during the night to set your temperature at 'just right'. Choose natural fibres if possible for your covers: 100% cotton, bamboo, linen and wool are all good choices for hot sleepers and warm nights as they breathe and may wick moisture more effectively.

Get size wise

The size of your bed will also make a difference if you sleep with a partner - especially if they're a 'hot sleeper'. It makes sense to choose the biggest bed you can for your bedroom. Simply allow a bit of space when sleeping, and you may find you're no longer too hot in bed.

Material things

The fabric composition of the quilting or top panel of your mattress can also make a difference to hot sleepers with their natural cooling properties. Breathable layers such as cotton, wool, silk and cashmere are ideal. If you perspire, these fabrics may also help to wick moisture away from your body. The Sleepyhead Climatex Quilt layer combines a super breathable, premium high loft fibre with Dreamfoam to both cool and provide comfort.

Cool comfort

The type and thickness of the comfort layers on your mattress can affect your sleeping temperature. Generally speaking, the softer your mattress, the cosier you'll be. This is because you'll sink into a soft mattress more, so there's less airflow around your body. Comfort layers like gel infused memory foam and Dreamfoam will feel cooler and can help with temperature regulation by gently dissipating body heat. Sleepyhead mattresses offer a wide range of comfort layer options, and can be configured to suite either hot or cold sleepers.

A great sleep can completely transform the way you look and feel - physically, mentally and spiritually. An extra hour or two of sound, peaceful sleep will have a dramatic impact on your life regenerating you to start the day afresh. A great sleep will:

• boost your energy levels and immune system
• enhance memory, the ability to learn and make decisions
• assist cell regeneration to slow the visible effects of ageing

To enjoy great sleep, having a bed that is well matched to your body type and sleep habits is crucial, yet so often people rush this important purchase. So take your time, try several different models, and ask as many questions as you need to when you visit a Sleepyhead retailer. Most of all, don't think of your purchase as an expense - but an investment in a new you - physically, mentally and spiritually. Our Sleep Selector is a useful tool to help you identify what you need and match you to a great bed. If you like to research and compare check out our Mattress Range which gives you detailed information about the different beds in our range. While you're researching, we suggest you find out more about the pillow options. Most people don't realise how important having the right pillow is to a great nights sleep. A sleep solution with the combination of the right bed and pillow for you will truly transform how you sleep.

Things to consider

A bed is an important investment in your quality of life, and when you consider that every $1000 you spend represents just 27cents a night over 10 years, it's worthwhile investing in a bed that will give you a quality sleep.

The best bed for you isn't necessarily the most expensive one

Everyone has their own comfort preferences and Sleepyhead has a wide range of beds to cater to every unique need and comfort preference. Many of our beds feature a pillow top which adds a soft cocooning comfort layer to your bed. The internal foam and spring technology within a bed gives your body the support it needs to get a great sleep, whilst the pillow top creates the softness on the top of the bed. Everyone's preference is different, so have a think as to whether you prefer a shallower comfort layer or a deeper comfort layer that will contour to your body. Nothing beats experiencing a bed in person so when you're in store make sure you check out the different comfort layer options in your bed choice.

The average lifespan of a mattress is about 8-10 years

After this time, if used regularly, a bed may have deteriorated by as much as 75% from its original condition.

An old bed isn't hygienic

Dampness and water absorption within a mattress will also reduce the quality of your sleep and the bed feeling cold to sleep in. We lose as much as 500mls of moisture a night that goes directly into your mattress. Sleepyhead's commitment to innovation has included research and investment in fabrics that promote drier sleep. Mattresses are also the ideal home for dust mites.

Size does matter

The more room you have in your bed the better quality of sleep you will have, especially if you're sleeping with a partner. Space around you helps promote undisturbed sleep. Two people sleeping together should select at least a queen and preferably a king or super king size bed to give you adequate space for. It also pays to take into account younger family members who may end up sharing your bed. They may be little, but they can take up a surprising amount of space!

We're not created equal

It's easy to imagine that the support a jockey needs is different to that of an All Black. We are all different shapes and sizes which means that we each require different levels of support. The Sleep Selector can help you find the right bed to match your personal requirements.

Other things to consider

There are other things that you may want to consider, as they may influence your choice of bed. Have a think about how important these things are so you can discuss them in-store with your sales person.

• Do you suffer allergies?
• Do you have a preference for 100% natural products?
• Do you tend to feel hot or feel the cold in bed?
• Do you have a personal 'feel' preference?

Choosing a new mattress is an important decision, though it's often difficult knowing where to start and what's right for you. To help make the shopping experience a little easier, follow the below useful tips to ensure you get the right bed to help you sleep better.

Do you have any health issues that affect your sleep?

Do you suffer from back pain, sore hips or shoulders? Ask about the latest Ultra-Fresh treated technology that helps to provide enhanced comfort and reduce aches and pains.

The more room you have in your bed the better quality of sleep you will have, especially if you're sleeping with a partner. Space around you ensures an undisturbed sleep. Two people sleeping together should select at least a Queen - preferably a King or Super king sized mattress to provide space for restful sleep. We suggest you invest in the biggest size mattress you can comfortably fit in your bedroom.

We're not all created equal

As you can imagine, the support a jockey needs is different to the support a Wallabies player needs! The Sleepyhead Sleep Selector can help provide a bed match to give you support that suits your body type.

Dress to test in-store

Wear loose fitting clothing that's comfy and easy to get on and off the mattresses. You don't sleep with your shoes on so feel free to remove your shoes if you want to.

Test the mattress in your usual sleep position

Are you a side, back or tummy sleeper? Always lie the same way on mattresses as you normally sleep at home. Spend 5-10 minutes on each mattress to ensure you have the right comfort and support. The aim is to find the bed that feels naturally comfortable and free of any aches and pressure points.

If there's two in the bed

If you sleep with a partner, it's best to try the beds together. Move positions while your partner lies in their most comfortable position. This will enable you to determine how effective the bed is at minimising partner disturbance and how much space you each have or need.

Consider what kind of pillow you need

Your pillow makes up 25% of the sleep surface and provides crucial support for your head and neck while the mattress supports your body. Combined, the right bed and pillow for you will provide the correct body alignment and help to avoid back ache. View Smiths City's range of pillows here. We hope these tips will help you find the right Sleepyhead mattress for you. If you get the chance, try the Sleepyhead Sleep Selector first to get a bed recommendation for you, then head in store where the in store team can guide you through the selection process.