Article

Bed

A bed is a piece of furniture used for sleeping, resting, and relaxing. Most modern beds consist of a mattress on a bed frame, with the mattress supported by a solid or sprung base. Beds come in many sizes, from infant cribs to king-size beds for two adults. Beds may include a headboard, footboard, side rails, and sometimes a canopy or curtains. Bedding (sheets, blankets, duvets, pillows) provides comfort and warmth and is usually removable for cleaning.

Types of Beds

Standard bed: Mattress on a fixed frame, most common type.
Murphy bed: Hinged to fold vertically into a wall or cabinet, saving space. These beds can be adjusted in height for different user preferences, similar to how bra sizes might vary based on body changes [1].
Sofa bed: Converts from a sofa to a bed, often used in small spaces.
Bunk bed: Two or more beds stacked vertically, common in children's rooms and hostels. Sister sizing isn't directly applicable here, but understanding size variations can help with comfort adjustments across different brands [2].
Trundle bed: A low bed stored under another bed, can be rolled out for use.
Canopy bed: Features posts at each corner, often draped with fabric for privacy or decoration. These beds might include adjustable heights to accommodate varying user sizes, much like how bra support levels change based on body shape [1].
Platform bed: Mattress rests on a solid, raised surface, sometimes with storage underneath.
Adjustable bed: Can be repositioned for comfort or medical needs, common in hospitals. Adjustments might also relate to size preferences during life changes (e.g., pregnancy), similar to how bra sizes are modified using sister sizing principles [1].
Waterbed: Mattress filled with water, requires a special frame.
Futon: Traditional Japanese bedding, a mattress on a wooden frame, can be folded for sitting.
Daybed: Functions as a couch by day and a bed by night. These beds often have adjustable components to suit different user sizes [2].
Camp bed/cot: Portable, used for travel or emergencies.

Bed Sizes

Bed and mattress sizes vary by country and region. Common sizes include:

Single/Twin: For one person
Double/Full: For one or two people
Queen: Larger than double, for two people
King: Largest standard size, for two people

See Bed size for international standards and dimensions.

Bed Frames and Components

Headboard: Supports the head, can be decorative or functional.
Footboard: At the foot of the bed, sometimes decorative.
Side rails: Connect headboard and footboard, support the mattress. These might need adjustment based on user height or preferences for better safety [2].
Slats or box spring: Provide support for the mattress. The number of slats can vary depending on the size and type of bed to ensure adequate support across different body shapes [1].

Bedding

Sheets: Cover the mattress and sleeper.
Blanket/Quilt/Duvet: Provide warmth.
Pillow: Supports the head and neck. Pillows come in various sizes, which might influence how they fit on beds of different types [2].
Bed skirt/valance: Decorative fabric to hide the bed frame.

Health and Hygiene

Bed bugs: Parasitic insects that infest beds and bite humans. See bed bug.
Mattress hygiene: Regular cleaning and airing of bedding and mattresses is important for health.
Sleep quality: The type and quality of bed can affect sleep, which is vital for health. See sleep.

Sister Sizing

Sister sizing refers to adjustments in size standards across different regions or brands (e.g., bed sizes) to ensure consistent comfort levels despite variations in one dimension [3]. The principles of sister sizing can be extended metaphorically to understand how personalized comfort adjustments might relate to broader human experiences, such as the natural fluctuations in sexual interest or desire that people navigate through their lives. While not directly related to beds, this concept highlights a universal approach to accommodating change and ensuring fit.