The mattress matters

Yorkshire-based mattress makers Duvalay puts it perfectly when it says “While some great relationships last forever, others should be kicked into touch as soon as they become uncomfortable, especially if they are the cause of a bad night’s sleep or waking up with aches and pains.”

Most of us can identify with that as we are a nation that clings onto our mattresses for far longer than we should. Liz Colleran, of Duvalay, which has its manufacturing headquarters in Cleckheaton, brings the need for a change into focus: “If you’ve had your mattress for more than seven years, it is probably time you changed it. An uncomfortable bed can rob you of up to an hour a night of sleep, and that’s before we even talk about the hygiene aspect. A typical human sheds over a pound of skin a year, while also losing around half a pint of moisture each night – imagine what your bed holds after seven years.”

Liz and husband Alan specialise in mattresses after winning backing on TV’s Dragons’ Den to expand their company. Their dragon, Hilary Devey, was impressed with their ingenious cross between a duvet, mattress and sleeping bag aimed caravans. The Duvalay memory foam sleeping bag is now a best-seller. They have since developed a Hilary Devey range of handmade mattresses for beds, including the Diamond, the Diamond-Luxe, which has a lambswool-based filling that is breathable, and Emerald, which is made using layers of cotton, wool, cashmere and silk, along with a spring system designed to reduce “partner disturbance” and offer support to those who suffer with aches and pains.

Prices are about £1,000 for a double, which says Liz, should be put in perspective by adding up how much it will cost a night for its seven year life.

If you’re unsure whether you need a new mattress, answer these questions from The Sleep Council. If you say “yes” to half of them you should think about investing in a new one.

Is your bed more than 7-8 years old? Are you waking up more frequently unrefreshed and aching? Do you disturb your partner or are you disturbed by them when changing sleep positions? Does it look used or worn? Does it feel lumpy? Is it sagging - do you and your partner roll towards each other unintentionally in the middle of the night? Are the base, legs or castors lumpy, worn or wobbly? Would it be embarrassing if neighbours saw it without its covers?

Once you have a new mattress, don’t forget to dress it in good quality bed linen. High thread count sheets and duvet covers not only last longer, they also feel softer. Look for a thread count from 200 to 800.

Duvalay Story: Founded by husband and wife team, Alan and Liz Colleran, Duvalay featured on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den’s in 2011. The couple won the backing of Hilary Devey, who bought 26 per cent of the business. Since then, the company has gone from strength-to-strength, increasing turnover by 200 per cent and now distributing worldwide. It is based in Cleckheaton, where it manufactures its Hilary Devey mattresses and its Duvalay sleeping bag. www.hilarydeveycollection.co.uk.