We each spend over 120 days in bed each year, so it's important to get the facts before buying a bed or mattress.

Making the right choice will reward you with a better quality of sleep, and will also help your posture and general health.

Sainsbury's has a bed and mattress for every need and budget. Use this guide to help you pick the perfect one.

A typical bed can deteriorate by as much as 70% over 10 years, depending on use and how well it's looked after. The average lifespan of a bed is usually 8-10 years, so if you've noticed any of the following, it may be time for a change:

Consider these points when making up your mind:

Comfort and support: a bed is only as good as the mattress. The right mattress will support you in all the right places, so it's worth spending a little extra to get it just right.

Type: decide what you like or dislike about your current mattress. Is it too soft or too firm?

Space: consider how much space you need to relax comfortably. Measure your bedroom to make sure it will fit.

The base: needs to work with the mattress. If you have a divan base, you may only need to replace the mattress. If you have a base with springs, it's best to replace this too.

Typical UK bed dimensions:

Please note: bedsteads and mattress sizes are not standardised throughout the UK, so it’s advisable to buy mattresses and bed frames together. All our bed frames are suitable for the mattresses we offer.

Mattresses are covered in ticking - a tough tear-resistant fabric. The feel of a bed is mainly determined by the mattress, and there are a number of different support systems on the market:

Open coil or open sprung

• The most common spring system, which links the springs together in rows, spreading bodyweight evenly
• A border wire around the mattress edge helps to keep its shape
• Available in a range of tensions, with 12.5 gauge wire providing the firmest support.

Pocket spring

• These small springs in individual pockets work independently to support your body
• They prevent 'roll together', for an even surface.

Continuous spring

• Made from a single length of wire knitted into a series of interwoven springs
• Generally made using lower gauge wire for a softer mattress.

Springs with Memory Foam

• Combined with open coil or pocket springs, these mattresses are made from springs and an open cell, breathable material that's sensitive to both pressure and temperature
• Body heat helps mould it to your contours, relieving pressure points and promoting circulation.

Fillings

• While springs give support, the filling ensures comfort. Generally, the more springs and filling, the more comfortable your bed will be
• To keep the filling in place, tapes are passed from one side of the mattress to the other, and secured with tags. This is called 'tufting'
• Different filling types give the mattress different comfort properties.

Mattress protector: this can help extend mattress life and provide added hygiene.

Airing: on delivery, we recommend you air your new mattress for a few hours to freshen it up, as it is likely to have been sealed in polythene after being manufactured. Continue to do this regularly.

Turning: mattresses should be turned once a week for the first 3 months, and then monthly thereafter. If you have a ‘no turn’ mattress there is no need to do this. In either case, rotate your mattress from head to foot every month, to ensure even weight distribution.

Base replacement: sprung bases wear in the same way mattresses do, so it is best to replace both together.