Hi there, I'm looking for a bed base that has a solid top, that is no slats or anything that can bed/warp with time. We've had two divan beds, and an oak bed with slats and all have bowed where we lie. Do you do a bed that's just got a solid top that's not subject to bending/bowing over time? Thanks so much!

Hi Barnabas,Many thanks for your question about bed bases, frames and divans. You're right to be concerned about slats. They do have a habit of warping and bending over time which can both damage your mattress and also cause you significant disturbance in the night as your mattress dips and sags in between the gaps.We have a range of solid top bed bases in our <a class="wpil_keyword_link " href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/product-category/mattresses/" title="shop" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">shop</a> which are all handmade. We've never had one of our wooden framed divans bow or break. Though a lot of cheaper mass-produced frames sometimes only use thin timber without the necessary supports so they can get damaged by higher-end heavier mattresses like ours. <img src="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/origins-platform-base.jpg" />[table id=101 /]Please take a look in our shop for more <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/product-category/bases/">detail on our Platform top divan bases here.</a> <img src="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Pocket-sprung-base-making.jpg" /> We also have a really detailed article all about <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/mattress-bases-explained/">bed frames and bed bases with advice on what to look for when shopping for bed bases.</a>https://youtu.be/3-Pno_9qR2MIf you have any more questions please get back in touch with us on 0161 437 4419.All the best John & Ryan

Great storage idea, but what should I look for regarding quality?

Hi Wendy,Thanks for getting in touch about ottoman bed bases. We stopped selling Ottomans a few years ago due to a drop in demand and also people struggling with heavier mattresses to open them. We now focus on our hand made divan bases and bed frames which have drawers for storage.In terms of what to look for in an ottoman we have some guidance.What to look for in an Ottoman base There are 2 main areas to focus your bed research on:<ol><li>That the ottoman base is made robustly to adequately support the mattress weight</li><li>The gas struts are capable of lifting a heavier mattress – you should find out the Newton rating of these struts.</li></ol><a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/product-category/bases/"><img src="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/John-Ryan-Ottoman-silver-hopsack-6-e1510650152405.jpg" alt="John Ryan Ottoman silver hopsack 6" width="1592" height="1061" /></a> You need to make sure that whatever ottoman bed base you <a class="wpil_keyword_link " href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/how-to-choose-a-mattress/" title="choose" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">choose</a> the gas struts and frame materials will support the mattress you are using with it. You should find the weight of the mattress you're buying and size and then find an ottoman that can cope with this. Bearing in mind you will physically have to lift it too!We also have a <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/ottoman-bed-base-guide/">detailed article on ottoman bed bases</a> and what to look for when buying one here.<a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/product/ottoman-base/"><img src="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Aubergine-Crush-Premium-Ottoman-Base-2-John-Ryan-e1510594473690.jpg" alt="Aubergine Crush Premium Ottoman Base 2 John Ryan" /></a> <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/mattress-bases-explained/">If you want to find out more about other types of mattress base then please read our detailed article here.</a> Below is also a guide if you're looking to buy a new mattress at the areas you should consider. <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/product-category/mattresses/"><img src="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/John-Ryan-How-Much-Should-I-Spend-on-a-Mattress.png" /></a>https://youtu.be/3-Pno_9qR2MIf you have any more questions please get back in touch with us on 0161 437 4419. All the best John & Ryan

Hi. I'm looking at a zip and link super king Artisan Bespoke 004 mattress (Medium tension) and an Artisan base. You provide a LOT of information on the mattresses but perhaps a little less on the base. They have 600 GSM but of what and how many springs for example? What is the impact on the tension choice of adding the sprung <a class="wpil_keyword_link " href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/product-category/bases/" title="base" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">base</a>? Does it alter guidance?Also does the extra (movement) actually exacerbate the chances of dipping/nesting on the mattress? We've tried the Vi-spring Regal Superb and H&S Wisteria. How would you compare these with the 004? Sorry for SO many questions!

Hi Gerry,Thanks for your question about sprung edge mattress bases. It can be a confusing additional area when it comes to <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/how-to-choose-a-mattress/">choosing a new mattress!</a>What spring gauge is in a mattress base?With our sprung edge <a title="divan" href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/product-category/bases/">divan</a> bases we use 1.6 Firm gauge pocket springs. This is because the springs in the divan have to take not just the weight of the sleeper but the <a class="wpil_keyword_link " href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/product-category/mattresses/" title="mattress" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">mattress</a>. It's worthwhile checking with other retailers what springs they use as we've seen some with as little as a 1.2 gauge <a class="wpil_keyword_link " href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/pocket-spring-mattress-guide/" title="spring" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">spring</a> which literally compresses all the way once a mattress is put on top. <img src="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Pocket-sprung-base-making.jpg" />Artisan Sprung Edge Divan Details:[table id=99 /] <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/shop/"><img src="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Artisan-luxury-drawers.jpg" /></a>Does a sprung base change the mattress tension?The quick answer is not really. There is a difference in the reaction of the mattress. Ie it has a more lively feel or progressive comfort than a mattress on a flat solid top platform base ie a solid divan. If anything the sprung base softens the overall feel of the mattress but for most people, they wouldn't notice. Its noticeable difference is creating a more responsive bed as the springs in the divan also work to soften any movement.The spring edge divan can help extend the life of a mattress marginally too as it helps take some of the strain off the mattress. Especially when compared to cheaper entry-level slatted mattress bases. <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/mattress-bases-explained/">You can read far more on all of our mattress bases here in this detailed guide.</a>The extra springs won't create dipping or sagging if anything it should help reduce settlement, compared to a slatted base. However, this doesn't negate the need to turn and rotate each month the mattress. If you don't do this you're simply pushing all of the initial wear and settlement onto one side. We have a fully <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/mattress-care-maintenance/">detailed guide here for how to care and maintain your mattress which may be useful. </a>We also send this out with every mattress we hand made and then send out to customers.How does the <a title="Vispring" href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/vispring-mattress-comparison-alternatives/">Vispring</a> Regal Superb Compare to the Artisan Bespoke 004?We have a direct comparison below between the two mattresses which may be helpful.[table id=4 /] <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/product/artisan-bespoke-004/"><img src="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Artisan-bespoke-0040045-1200x800.jpg" /></a>The Artisan Bespoke 004 is slightly softer given the higher volume of fillings. It is still classed as a medium feel in the upholstery layers similar to the Regal Superb. It's also available in 3 spring tensions depending on your bodyweight check the guide below for more advice.https://youtu.be/JDbfPTUX1cwIf you have any more questions please get back in touch with us on 0161 437 4419.All the bestJohn & Ryan

I'm planning to buy a new bed to change from a slatted base. Is a divan better than an upholstered bed frame?All the options on the interactive mattress selector come up with Artisan 02 for me and not the most expensive. .... I wonder why?many thanks

Hi Sue,Many thanks for your question about mattress bases and which are best. When it comes to <a title="mattress" href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/the-no-turn-<a class=">mattress</a> bases it's all about providing consistent and stable support for whichever mattress you place on top of it. Roughly speaking there are two price points for mattresses and quality standards.<ol><li>Slatted bases are usually the cheapest and offer the least consistent support</li><li>Divan or Upholstered bedframes are often more expensive but provide the most consistent support</li></ol>Slats offer a basic amount of support and can be bought cheaply due to the fact they can be easily broken down and packaged for cheaper transport costs. <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/mattresses-for-slats-3/">However, the gaps between the slats can be really troublesome if you don't make some adjustments.</a> <img src="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/bedstead-slats.jpg" /> Divans vs Bedframes: Both divans and quality upholstered bed frames offer the best consistent support. However there are a few key difference between the two.<a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/bed-frames-and-bedsteads-explained-3-tips-to-pick-the-perfect-bed-base/">Bedframes can offer a far nice or fancier aesthetic.</a> ie they come with a variety of <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/headboards-explained/">headboards,</a> shapes, details and stylised options. However, they are nearly always a platform top, ie no springs so can't offer extra progressive support. <img src="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Deco-Bed-Frame-by-John-Ryan-By-Design.jpg" /> <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/mattress-bases-explained/">Divans can offer a multitude of drawer options for storage, provides the possibility for a sprung edge base for progressive support.</a> They don't offer all of the stylised options but do come in a mix of different fabrics and drawer options. <img src="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/origins-platform-base.jpg" /> So it really depends on whether you want a <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/about-spring-edging-2/">sprung edge base with storage</a> or something more aesthetically led. <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/mattress-bases-explained/">You can read more on each of the different mattress base types here if you need more detail.</a>Our mattress selector uses the answers to the questions to provide a guide as to which mattresses will be suitable. We will never suggest a more expensive mattress than your needs require so this is the reason why you will be suggested the same model. However, for more tailored advice why not give our friendly team a call to assist?https://youtu.be/3-Pno_9qR2MIf you have any more questions please get back in touch with us on 0161 437 4419.All the best John & Ryan

I have bought a double bedstead mattress for a bedbase with slats that are just a fraction under 3” ( 7.5 cms) apart. Would you recommend the use of a ViSpring wool pad to help prevent the slats forming indentations? The bed is for one person. Many thanksRoisin Burke

Hi Roisin,Thanks for getting in touch about the <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/vispring-mattress-comparison-alternatives/">Vispring wool base pad</a> for slatted bases.Slatted bases are usually used in lower end bed frames and bed bases but that doesn't mean they are not suitable with some tweaks and relatively cheap fixes. <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/mattress-bases-explained/">You can read all about the 4 main types of bed base here.</a> <img src="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/bedstead-slats.jpg" alt="" /> This vispring wool pad has been created to help reduce damage from slats to your mattress. Damage from slats nicking and nipping at the <a title="mattress" href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/product-category/mattresses/">mattress</a> cover fabric which can lead to snags and tears.The vispring <a title="wool" href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/wool-as-a-mattress-upholstery-fibre/">wool</a> pad is not really meant to help address slats that are too far apart. More the surface damage from rough wooden slats. Slatted bases need to have their slats spacing of no more than 2 inches apart. If wider than this like your slatted base the gaps will cause the mattress to confirm between the gaps causing bulging and damage over time<img src="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Mattress-Slats-1.jpg" alt="" />https://youtu.be/JAiskQWeFLMFixing slatted bases:There is an <a href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/mattresses-for-slats-3/#how">easy fix with slatted bases by boarding over them with some MDF, plywood or pegboard. Which is a far more robust an cost effective way of dealing with slatted bases that have too few slats.</a>Instead of a wool pad you can also use a cheap duvet to lay over the boarding which also stops any snags. All for a fraction of the price than using a gorgeous wool pad to take all that strain.https://youtu.be/PnMmQNUsDR4We hope that helps and gives you further <a title="mattress" href="https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk/understanding-beds/pocket-spring-%3Ca%20class=">mattress</a> buying guidance. If you have any more mattress related questions please get back in touch on <a href="mailto:info@johnryanbydesign.co.uk">info@johnryanbydesign.co.uk</a> or 0161 437 4419.Sleep well John & Ryan

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Bed base with no slats

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Sprung bases spring gauge & bed base advice

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