Cilliers Marais Winter is in full swing, and cosy bed snuggles are everyone’s best friend right now. But what good is going to bed after a long, cold day, only to have your toes hang out? Well, say goodbye to those cold thoughts because we have you covered at The Mattress Warehouse. In this article, we will discuss how buying a bed can be easy-peasy. So, read on as we break down how to choose the right bed to accommodate your height. After all, your sleep is our number one priority!
Why Bed Length Matters
To ensure you choose the ideal mattress for your space and sleep style, it’s essential to grasp the bed dimensions available in South Africa. A standard double bed has dimensions of 137 cm x 188 cm. An extra-long double bed features an additional 12 cm in length, thus giving it the dimension 137 cm x 200 cm.
We can agree that while dangling feet may offer a breezy relief in summer, frostbite toes are unacceptable in winter. Quality sleep and bed length go together, like a duvet cover and inner. And that’s where bed length comes in. Ever heard of the 15 cm rule when buying a bed? Well, here goes:
Whether you are a single-sleeper or a co-sleeper, you should have 15 cm of space on either the head or foot of your bed. This prevents you from spending the night adjusting and shifting, leading to restless sleep. Think about it, constant micro-awakenings prevent you from reaching those deeper, more regenerative sleep stages. Also, optimal sleep requires that our bodies be able to fully stretch out and be supported during the night. So, unnatural sleeping positions like fetal postures or crouching can cause aches and pains in the joints and muscles. This, in turn, leads to morning stiffness, especially in your lower back and neck. Let’s not even start on the morning blues. Even if you sleep for hours, short beds compromise the quality, leaving you feeling tired and sluggish.
5 Benefits of Extra-Long Beds
Considering we spend a third of our lives in bed, we’d best be reaping all the benefits there are to sleep. And what better way to do that than with an extra-long bed? Here are the top benefits of extra bed length:
- Improved Posture and Spinal Alignment: Being able to extend your legs naturally ensures that your spine maintains its proper curvature. This reduces pressure points in your body, which is especially crucial for back and stomach sleepers. Discover more, as we delved into the concept of orthopaedic beds and mattresses with a local chiropractor.
- Better Quality of Sleep and Comfort: Imagine falling asleep without subconsciously worrying about your feet dangling. An extra-long bed provides uninterrupted, deep sleep and ultimate comfort.
- Health and Wellness: Sleeping in a curled-up position due to a lack of leg room restricts blood circulation. This can cause numbness of the limbs, or even worse, pins and needles in the morning. Thus, using XL beds helps to improve blood flow, ensuring a well-recharged body. Rejuvenation in the morning improves mood and cognitive function.
- Longevity: Parents, this one is for you. Kids grow up so fast (especially the teenagers), and outgrow beds in a blink. Buying an XL bed now will save you money on buying several beds over the course of a few years.
- Enhanced Space and Aesthetics: There’s an undeniable psychological benefit to having ample space. It feels luxurious and calming. It also truly allows you to unwind and relax into a deeper state of rest. It’s like having your own personal, expansive sleep sanctuary.
Who Should Consider an Extra-Long Bed? It’s not just for tall people
Ok, we get it. You’re probably reading “extra-long” and thinking that this bed length is only for towering individuals (persons 185 cm and above). And yes, while tall people can surely benefit from the space and comfort, it’s not exclusive. That is like assuming a braai is only for boerewors. A crime, if you ask us! On average, South African males and females are approximately 170 cm and 158 cm, respectively, in height. With a regular double bed being 188 cm in length, this means a regular bed should suffice, right? Logically, yes. But at The Mattress Warehouse, we don’t subscribe to that notion. We believe that your personal sleep comfort should not be influenced by averages or outliers.
Sleep isn’t just about your height. It’s about your sleeping style, daily activities, and even your bedtime companions.
- The ‘Sprawler’: We all know someone who likes to stretch out and take up as much of the bed space as possible when they sleep. Perhaps it could even be you (wink). For these kinds of sleepers, the extra centimetres are such a glorious addition to their “starfish sleep experience”.
- Busy-bees and Go-getters: Whether you love to exercise, have growing teenagers, or your days require you to be constantly moving, then the XL mattress is for you. The extra space provided by the longer mattress allows for better spinal alignment and full body extension. This helps with muscle recovery and overall body rejuvenation the next morning.
- Co-sleepers: While the bed width seems like the obvious dimension, so is length. Nothing lulls unnecessary arguments like an added bed length for tall people to stretch without disturbing their partner. No more “who’s hogging the blankets?” debates over foot space. Truly, extra length offers peaceful sleep for all!
Buying a Bed: Shopping Tips for Extra-Long Beds
So, now your mind is made up on stretching out your sleep experience. What’s next, you may be wondering. Wonder no more. We’ve got you covered with four top tips on how to make that XL bed purchase.
1. Measure your bedroom space
Consider this the golden bed purchasing rule. In fact, since we’re going for extra, measure your space twice. Just for effect and certainty. There is nothing worse than excitedly buying a bed only to have it jam at the door. Not to mention having all that leg space while you sleep, but you need to ‘shimmy’ around when awake. And that is why you need to take into account the additional 12 cm space that comes with buying an XL mattress.
2. Test out the mattress
Yes, you are allowed to sit down or even stretch out on your preferred mattress in our stores. We value your comfort and take sleep experiences seriously. So, go on and get a proper feel. Better yet, you can bring your partner with you if you share a bed. Make sure that you are both well accommodated.
3. Don’t forget the bedding
Imagine this: you’re excitedly making your brand new XL bed. But the corners of your fitted sheet keep rolling up. Or your flat sheet looks more like a tea cloth on a kitchen tray. So, frustrating, right? This is a common mistake with people buying extra-long beds. Make sure you purchase fitted sheets and duvets specifically marked “extra length.”
4. Ask Questions
Our needs are different. While standard extra-length sizes cater to most people, others may require additional options. There is no such thing as a ‘dumb’ question. In fact, it would be silly of you not to ask. Remember that custom options are sometimes available, so it may be worthwhile asking. Our friendly staff are always eager to assist you with any questions.
Our Favourite XL Bed and Mattress Brands
Okay. You’ve measured, you’ve learned, and now you’re ready for the exciting part: Buying a bed! At The Mattress Warehouse, we pride ourselves on providing South Africa’s most trusted and innovative brands that understand the unique demands of an extra-long sleep experience.
We believe everyone deserves to stretch out in blissful comfort. Here are just a few of our standout brands:
1. Sealy
A brand name most loved and trusted. And for good reason, too. Sealy’s Posturepedic range is meticulously designed for orthopaedic support. Whether you are 140 cm or 200 cm tall, you best believe that your spine is well-aligned with this brand.
The luxurious Sealy Posture Premier Wellford Medium Bed (XL).
- Double XL Price: R6 399
- Comfort level: Medium – making it great for back and side sleepers
- Posture Premier Bonnel spring system – designed to ease pressure on your body while helping you sleep
- 1 Year Guarantee
- 9-Year Service Warranty
2. Kooi
Kooi beds are designed with active individuals in mind. Their extra-long surface provides the much-needed rest for tired muscles to fully relax and rejuvenate
The deluxe Kooi Challenger XL bed is all about performance and recovery.
- Double XL Price: R12 999
- Comfort Level: Medium Firmness
- Ideal for all sleep styles
- Body Support Core Technology
- 3-year Guarantee
- 25-year Service warranty
3. Restonic
Restonic beds have a long-standing reputation for their innovative technologies and luxurious comfort, while also being affordable.
The Restonic Detroit XL bed is perfect for deep, undisturbed rest.
- Double XL Price: R7 099
- Restonic’s patented Marvelous Middle technology provides extra support for your body.
- Non-turn mattress – requires monthly rotation.
- 1 Year Guarantee.
- 10 Years service warranty.
Beds for Sale Near Me at The Mattress Warehouse
At The Mattress Warehouse, we believe that your sleep should be nothing short of a cloud nine experience. So, no more feet banging on the footboard or dangling over the edge of the bed with our affordable, durable and spacious beds. Visit our nationwide stores or pop over to our online store to get your extra-long mattress today.
We don’t just let you dream about it; make it a reality. That’s why we offer a 100-day in-home comfort trial, and we deliver for free within 100 km of any city hub. Ts & Cs apply.
