24th March 2022

A UK Mattress Census to mark National Bed Month (this March) has revealed that nearly a third (31%) of British adults (approx. 14 million) are sleeping on a mattress that has passed its snooze-by date and is detrimental to their health and wellbeing.

One in ten Britons are actually sleeping on a mattress that is up to 20 years old and was purchased when Tony Blair was Prime Minister and Girls Aloud had a number one single with Sound of the Underground. 

Considering we spend a third of our lifetime in bed and we are dependent on sleep to help us function, make us beautiful and give us longevity, nearly half of Britons have yet to make the link between poor sleep and the quality of their mattress. 46% of adults surveyed reported that they are aware that their mattress would fail a bed MOT test – however it is not a priority to change it.

These findings have been revealed in a new UK Mattress Census by Travelodge, who went through the keyhole of 2,000 British homes to assess the state of the nation’s mattresses.   

Key findings from the Census also revealed that 43% of Britons reported that their mattress is so uncomfortable they can feel the springs prodding through and it makes squeaking noises during the night.  A fifth (20%) of these respondents reported that they constantly wake up feeling achy and experience back pain due to their expired mattress.

Interestingly when respondents were quizzed on how often they should replace their mattress a quarter (25%) of adults stated around 15 years which is double the recommended time of changing your mattress. Experts advise that you should change your mattress on average every seven years. Just over a quarter (27%) of adults stated that they use the warranty that their mattress came with as a benchmark to determine when it needs to be replaced.     

Over a quarter (27%) of adults surveyed reported that they would keep sleeping on their expired mattress until it actually fell apart.  

Another compelling fact is that only 17% of Britons reported waking up feeling refreshed every morning.

Just three out of ten (30%) of adults reported that their bed is the most important procession in their home and they have invested in a good mattress.

When it comes to the nation’s preferred type of mattress, 59% of Britons prefer a medium-firm mattress on the firmness scale and 27% of adults opt for a firm mattress.

The study also revealed a double size bed is the nation’s preferred bed size with 29% opting for a king-size and one in ten Britons supersizing to a super king bed.  

Interestingly 28% of Britons surveyed reported that they prefer to relax in their bed rather than on the sofa.

Other findings revealed that on average Britons are spending seven hours and forty-three minutes per week in bed not sleeping. Half of the nation (50%) likes to socialise in bed and catch up with emails, respond to text messages and make phone calls. Shopping between the sheets is a favourite pastime for 32% of adults.  

Detailed below are the top ten things Britons like to do in bed apart from sleeping. 

  1. Socialise and chatter in bed   
  2. Online shopping
  3. Read a book
  4. Watch TV
  5. Listen to music
  6. Answer emails
  7. Pay bills
  8. Work
  9. Listen to a podcast
  10. Meditate

The study also went undercover to seek the nation’s views on bed making and bed attire and findings revealed that 43% of adults are day seizers and making their bed is the first task of the day.

Over a quarter (27%) of adults prefer to get washed and dressed and then return to make their bed. One in ten Britons reported that they do not make their bed and just get into a messy bed at the end of the day.

Nearly a third (31%) of adults reported that they cannot leave their house without making their bed.

On average Britons spend two minutes making their bed in the morning. Nearly a fifth of perfectionists will dedicate five minutes every morning to make their bed.

When it comes to changing the bedding 42% of Britons religiously change their bedding every week. Over a third (36%) of adults reported that they change their bedding every fortnight and 20% of respondents admitted they change their bedding every month. On average, British adults take 12 minutes to change their bedding.  The average British bed has four sets of bedding (duvet cover and pillows).

Nearly four out of ten adults (39%) reported that their bed has to look immaculate as it is a reflection of them and their bedding is coordinated and matching. 

Shakila Ahmed, Travelodge Spokeswoman said:  “The results from the Travelodge UK Mattress census are alarming. Although we spend one-third of our life sleeping, millions of Britons don’t understand the importance of a good quality mattress and are jeopardising a good night’s sleep. Our bed should be the most important piece of furniture that we own as it’s a key contributor to our well-being. We urge Britons to make their bed a priority and invest in a good quality mattress. It’s the most important purchase you will make, so make it a good one every seven years. To help Britons get a good night’s rest every night at home we are offering a 25% discount on our bespoke luxurious Travelodge Dreamer Bed.”

“To help ensure our customers get a good night’s sleep whilst staying in one of our 594 hotels, we have collaborated with worldwide renowned bed makers, Sleepeezee and created a bespoke upgraded, luxurious king-size bed called The Travelodge Dreamer™. This ultimate bed has become so popular that we are now selling it at a 25% discounted price on our website so that our customers can enjoy a good quality sleep every night at home.”  

The Travelodge Dreamer™ bed has been exclusively designed by leading bed manufacturer Sleepeezee, who hold a Royal Warrant and have 100 years of expertise in making beds. 

 

The bespoke Travelodge Dreamer™ bed features over 950 individual pocketed springs designed to follow your body’s natural contour, the mattress is durable and supportive with hypo-allergenic fillings. The soft, woven damask fabric allows for a comfortable undisturbed sleep. 

 

To celebrate national bed month, Travelodge is offering a 25% discount on its luxurious Travelodge Dreamer™ bed. This is a saving of £137.25 on a double mattress and £149.75 on a king-size mattress.

 

For further information visit 

https://www.travelodge.co.uk/about/comfy-king-size-beds/

 

End

For further information please contact:

The Travelodge Press Office by calling 01844 35 8703 or by email at pressoffice@travelodge.co.uk

Notes to editors  

The Travelodge Mattress Census was conducted with a sample of 2000 British adults.

The 25% Travelodge Dreamer Bed discount offer is available until 16th April 2022.

For the sale of every Travelodge Dreamer™ bed - £20 is donated to the British Heart Foundation.