It may look unusual, but a Coast bed maker says more people are realising the benefits of sleeping with their head and feet elevated.
Solace Sleep has opened a mega-warehouse in Caloundra for “adjustable beds” which CEO Darren Nelson said were rising in popularity.
The beds, which were once only found in hospitals and aged care centres, are now making an appearance in people’s bedrooms.
The frame can be adjusted at either end to raise the upper body and feet which is said to help with problems like back pain, snoring and reflux and promote better circulation and relaxation.
“If you don’t elevate your head and feet at night, you won’t get the right comfort and right oxygen flowing into your body,” Mr Nelson said.
Mr Nelson said his business had experienced huge growth over the last couple of years which had prompted the opening of a warehouse in the suburb of Baringa in Aura.
The new space will incorprate a virtual “sleep clinic” which is a monthly online gathering with sleep expert Neil Stanley, among others, who can help solve sleep issues.
Mr Nelson said nearly half of new beds being sold in Europe are adjustable but in Australia it was about 30 per cent.
He said people were only starting to realise the importance of sleep to good health.
Mr Nelson said had seen so many people unable to get a decent night sleep because they couldn’t switch off, had chronic pain or were just not prioritising sleep.
“Sleep enables the body to prepare for the next day and it leads to improved performance and better health outcomes. We can function better in every area.”
“By the time we turn 70, we will have slept on average 220,000 hours. Compare that to the time we have spent working when we are 70 and it’s only 80,000 hours.”
Mr Nelson said the move to the warehouse in Caloundra was also about protecting his business from the impacts of the shipping crisis, as strong bed sales spur demand.
When Shanghai was placed into a snap lock down in May and June, international trade was again interrupted, with months of delays in goods being shipped to Australia from White goods, furniture, cars and technology.
The new warehouse has the capacity to hold more than a year’s worth of orders.
“Many Australians have been forced to wait months for goods coming from overseas, but there’s no waiting for Australian made products,” Mr Nelson said.
“When someone needs a new bed, they need it now.”
Solace Sleep has also begun manufacturing a luxe new bespoke mattress in Australia, with a very exclusive interior, usually only found in beds sold to the Royal Family and carrying the Royal Warrant (goods worthy of royals).
“It’s made with the finest raw materials including latex and breathable natural fibres like cashmere, camel hair and horse hair — exactly the same as beds made for the Royal family,” said Mr Nelson.
“Once we knew we could source the bespoke materials we searched for a local manufacturer in Australia, so we could personally oversee the making of these exclusive beds.”
