Here’s a list of the most commonly asked questions our sales people get in store from customers buying home appliances. We also know that while you are researching a product, it’s good to get these answers upfront and we hope these will be a useful source of information.
Although they can be heavy and bulky to use, bagged vacuum cleaners have been around for a long time and nowadays offer many features and innovations.
People who suffer from allergies, often prefer a bagged vacuum cleaner as most offer a high-efficiency particulate air filter, or a HEPA filter, and once the bag is full, it’s removed and put in the trash without the person having to touch its dusty contents. However if the house is large and there are a few cats and dogs, frequent bag replacement may become a costly exercise and quite wasteful.
Bagless vacuum cleaners tend to be lighter and easier to use which makes the chore less of a hassle. Although the upfront cost (in the case of cordless models) is often more than a bagged model, and emptying the machine may cause some dust to escape, the performance is similar if not superior in some models. You’ll also save time and money because you won’t need to buy replacement bags.
No, is the response from most experts as water is the enemy of wooden floors and steam mops in particular can force water between boards and could cause swelling, stains and warping.
Although some floor steamer models claim to be safe on hardwood floors, it is not recommended and such claims should be treated with caution according to flooring specialists, and is best to be used on tile and grout.
Floor steamers do a great job of cleaning and sanitising ceramic tile and vinyl floors, but not wood, even wooden floors sealed with polyurethane. The dirtiest parts tend to be high traffic areas where there is the greatest likelihood of scratches from wear and tear. These will allow the water in from your floor steamer.
A dehumidifier works similarly to a vacuum cleaner in that it draws in air from the space, filters it to remove moisture, and then releases the dry air back into the space. Dehumidifiers can either remove moisture from the air by cooling it, like a refrigerator or air conditioner or absorb humid air into a heating element and then evaporate it.
Having a robot to do the cleaning is a futuristic innovation that we have dreamt about for decades, which has finally come true.
The robotic vacuum offers a hassle-free way to do quick surface cleaning on a daily basis. Whilst it doesn’t offer the deep clean of a cordless vacuum, the daily cleans may reduce the frequency of deeper cleans. These vacuums are best in rooms with bare floors, minimal clutter and low-pile rugs. They are also perfect for cleaning dust bunnies under furniture that’s usually hard to access with the upright vacuum cleaners.
Cordless vacuums on the other hand, are no longer the small handheld machine which offered very little suction and running time. Nowadays, leading vacuum brands offer a powerful clean and come with innovations that sanitize such as HEPA filters and specialised cleaning for pet owners. With a max charge of around 60 minutes, the cordless vacuum cleaner is light and easy to use.
Heat pump air conditioners are very similar to conventional air conditioners. However, unlike air conditioners which can only cool the air temperature, a heat pump air conditioner also warms things up, has humidifiers and many modern heat pumps have air purification functions too. Heat pumps can be floor consoles or wall/window units, and come in various sizes, depending on the size of the room.
Some larger air conditioning systems which are ducted throughout a house, as opposed to one room only, can provide both cooling and heating capacity but these are more expensive to purchase and install than a regular heat pump air conditioner.
A dehumidifier is the best choice if you want to remove moisture and prevent mould and mildew growth. If you want to eliminate dust mites, reduce allergens, and improve air quality, however, it's best to go with an air purifier.
The chest freezer is ideal for those who like to freeze in bulk. With a large capacity, it offers more storage space, is often more energy efficient and has excellent temperature control that keeps food cold for longer if there’s a power outage. But it does take up more floor space (which is why most end up in the garage) and finding certain items may require digging to the bottom.
A fridge-freezer is a more obvious choice for smaller households, and if you don't freeze in bulk and don't have the budget and space for two appliances. The drawback is its energy consumption is higher compared to a chest freezer. Although the freezer does not offer the same energy efficiency as a chest freezer and offers less storage, the adjustable shelves and baskets provide easy access and extra freezer space, with defrosting and cleaning being simpler too.
There are pros and cons for both, it depends on personal choice and budget.
Most modern or minimalist kitchens have built-in appliances as part of the design. They offer space-saving benefits and a sleek, seamless appearance, yet they do tend to be more expensive to both buy and repair. Plus they are permanently installed in the kitchen so can’t be relocated.
Free-standing appliances are better suited to a more traditional or industrial kitchen design. These appliances require more floor space, but are generally more affordable and easy to install. Access for repairs is simple and if you move, you can take your favourite appliances with you.
No, a freestanding dishwasher is not designed to be an integrated or built-in dishwasher.
A freestanding dishwasher comes with a fitted, moulded front door in a white, black or stainless steel finish which cannot be replaced by a kitchen cabinet door.
The built-in dishwasher has a full-sized kitchen cabinet door attached to the front of the appliance which completely hides the machine and gives a seamless look to the kitchen. This compact dishwasher doesn’t usually have a top panel as it is not designed to be freestanding, and is manufactured to fit under the kitchen bench.
Although the double-drawer dishwasher provides more flexibility, the choice totally depends on the household set-up and how people like to do the washing up.
A single door standard dishwasher will probably have a bit more space inside, so if there are 4 or more people in the household, frequent entertaining or baking with lots of bowls and dishes, this type of dishwasher may be more useful.
A couple or small family is better suited to the double drawer dishwasher as they might only fill and use one of the dishwasher drawers daily. There is no rush to unload as another drawer is still available to stack. In a small kitchen where space is limited, this type of dishwasher provides options as you can choose to install a single drawer dishwasher only.
A freestanding oven is a more traditional kitchen design choice. Typically offering bigger ovens than built-in versions, freestanding ovens come complete with either gas cooktops, induction cooktops, ceramic cooktops or electric cooktops.
There’s the convenience of all the cooking being done in one area and it’s easier to repair, but food and spills can get trapped between the freestanding oven and benchtop and are hard to clean.
Any kitchen would benefit from freestanding ovens, which come in a variety of white, stainless steel, glass, and coloured finishes. They may also suit particular aesthetics like rustic, vintage, or industrial types.
A built-in oven is seen in a more minimal, sleek kitchen design. Many opt for double ovens to get more cooking capacity and built-in ovens typically offer more features and cooking functions than freestanding ovens. Built-in ovens are available in wall or under-counter kitchen setup options, but they are often more expensive to install and repair and a separate hob will need to be bought.
An integrated rangehood is designed to be an integral part of the kitchen units and is hidden away above the cooktop. Although discrete and space-saving, it does not always cover the whole cooktop area and so may not work as well as a canopy rangehood.
With a more powerful fan, bigger chimney and greater width, canopy rangehoods often have a higher airflow than integrated rangehoods. While they may be more effective at removing steam and cooking smells, they do occupy a lot of space and are often more expensive than an integrated rangehood.
There is no easy answer as people are motivated by different things.
A brand promotion with cost-savings may prompt a purchaser to buy only that brand’s appliances. One brand may have a particular type of refrigerator, another offers certain oven and cooktop functions, or there’s a type of dishwasher required, so the discerning buyer may choose to mix and match.
If opting for integrated or built-in appliances, different brand choices don't matter from a design perspective as many of the appliances will be hidden within kitchen cabinetry. With free-standing appliances, the look of different brands is more obvious particularly the stainless steel finishes or handle styles, so check these out before you buy.
Pyrolytic or self-cleaning is a feature included with many built-in and freestanding ovens and is a must-have for the modern cook. The process of pyrolysis cleans the oven by using very high heat to turn the grease build-up to ash.
Most pyrolytic ovens automatically lock the door during the cleaning cycle to prevent injury from the high temperatures and once cool, all that remains is to wipe away the ashes from inside the oven. This makes light of one of the most hated cleaning chores with no need for toxic chemicals or heavy scrubbing. However some pre-cleaning will need to be done prior, ensuring the oven’s glass door is clean and large food particles are removed.
Once an expensive feature, pyrolytic ovens have become increasingly commonplace and are now more affordable.
Pyrolytic ovens are electric. Although more affordable, electric ovens tend to be more costly in the long run since it isn't as energy efficient as other oven types. An electric oven however is a great choice for breads or pizza since it produces a drier, more consistent heat than gas ovens.
The obvious benefit to a gas cooktop is that you’ll always be able to cook food, even in a power outage. Gas cooktops offer instant controllable heat (most professional chefs use gas) are very affordable and you can cook using any type of pot or pan on this cooktop. The downside is that if you are not connected to mains gas, you’ll have the hassle of bottled gas, and these cooktops are difficult to clean.
Induction cooktops, while more expensive to buy, offer the fastest, most precise heat. They are safer to use, more energy efficient than gas and because the surface never gets hot, are really easy to clean. However you won’t be able to use these cooktops in a power outage and you will have to make sure your pots and pans are induction-compatible.
Steam ovens are considered by many to be a healthier way of cooking than regular ovens. Food is cooked about 20-30% faster and the steam helps to lock moisture into the food eliminating the need for extra fats and oils to keep the food from drying out.
To get food that’s brown and crispy as well, you would need a combination steam oven also known as a convection steam oven. These ovens cook with steam, but also have fans to circulate the steam around the oven. This way you can get brown and crispy roasts that are still moist on the inside. A convection oven can be used with steam, or as a standalone convection oven.
Side-by-side refrigerators offer upright freezers with a top-to-bottom fridge and top-to-bottom freezer right next to each other.
French Door models have more traditional styling and provide one large refrigerator space on top, which is accessed by two doors with one or two freezer drawers below. For frequent entertainers, the French Door refrigerator may be more suitable, with the extra width useful for chilling large platters of food.
A side-by-side fridge generally offers more interior freezer storage than a similarly sized French Door, particularly on the freezer side (up to 25% more space).
Ceramic and induction cooktops look similar as they both have a flat surface made from glass-ceramic, which looks and feels like glass, but is much harder to break and withstands extreme heat. The fundamental difference is in the way they provide heat for cooking.
Induction cooktops have no flame burners or heating elements under the glass surface, instead electricity runs through coiled copper wires heating the pan, not the cooktop. Induction cooktops are higher priced but offer additional ‘safety’ and energy saving benefits & precise temperature control.
A ceramic cooktop contains heating elements under each control zone. The cooktop heats up first and then the pan. Induction cooktops use less energy, but certain pots and pans cannot be used on an induction cooktop. Ceramic cooktops are a more affordable, equally stylish option and have no restrictions around the pots and pans to be used.
The main difference between an inverter microwave and a convection microwave oven is in the power levels and the way they heat your foods.
Traditional microwave ovens when reheating food at say 50% power, go through cycles of heating at 100% and then follow with a period of no power to achieve the 50%.
A convection microwave combines this technology with fans to circulate the hot air, giving you faster cooking and the facility to create baked goods. An inverter microwave on the other hand has a consistent power output without the need to power down to achieve temperature control. This results in better humidity levels where food is evenly heated or cooked, without drying out during microwaving.
Most people over the age of 40 will have heard some family horror story involving their mother or grandmother, a nasty steam burn, and an old-fashioned pressure cooker.
The modern electric models are a world apart and it’s no wonder that many refer to them as the ‘magic pot’, creating delicious versions of slow-cooked meals in an hour or less. Described as multi-cookers, these pressure cookers offer easy slow cooking, saute, steam, simmer and keep warm functions as well.
Steam is still pressurised to cook the food and released under pressure but all models have safety features and most have pressure release buttons which add to the ease of use. You probably have more chance of getting a steam scald cooking in a conventional manner on your cooktop.
An air fryer is a great value, compact, countertop version of a traditional oven. They operate in pretty much the same way – hot air generated by heating elements is circulated by a large fan and are both used to cook food and for baking.
In the best air fryers, the heating element and the fan are both at the top. This top-down heat is more concentrated which means the air fryer will cook meals more quickly and is considered more healthy than regular frying or deep frying because it needs little or no oil.
In a conventional oven, the heating comes from the top and the bottom and the fan, which is about 30% slower. The rapid air technology and cooking process of the air fryer (and the fryer style basket) means that food you would normally fry or add oil to, cooks quickly, becoming deliciously brown and crispy without the need for extra oil.
To cook larger meals like a whole chicken or a pizza, it would pay to invest in a large capacity air fryer which has a bit more space than a compact air fryer.
Coffee has become an integral part of our daily routine and many people who have an espresso machine at home, love the process – which starts with selecting their favourite beans, adjusting the grind and finally making the coffee.
Coffee pod machines produce essentially the same beverage as both machines force hot water at high pressure through coffee grounds. However the coffee pod is all about quickness and convenience whereas espresso machines are more about the art of coffee making.
The upfront cost of an espresso machine can also be a lot more depending on the model, but the individual cost of the coffee pods can make a coffee pod machine more costly in the long run because you're limited in the number of cups you can make with one pod. Personal preference is what dictates the purchase and whether convenience outweighs the craft of getting one’s coffee exactly right.
Most electric pressure cookers are multi-cookers and offer the ability to use them as a slow cooker. They also have steam, saute and keep warm functions which makes them a very useful cooking appliance, especially for the busy cook.
A clue should be in the fact that most juicer models come with specific cleaning brushes. Some machines also have separate pulp containers, but the simple fact is that after using these machines, they will always need to be thoroughly cleaned and the mesh filters should be scrubbed with brushes to remove every last bit of fibre or pulp.
Whilst laborious, it’s not difficult work, and once you have done it a few times, you’ll develop the best and quickest cleaning method. On the upside, the health (and taste) benefits of freshly juiced fruit and vegetables should outweigh any cleaning hassles.
Experts will say that a separate quality grinder is better as most espresso machines with built-in grinders do not offer the same number of grind sizes, or intricate grind settings. And why is the grind important? As coffee lovers will tell you – the grind can be the difference between a great coffee and one that is too bitter to drink. It's also handy to have a separate coffee grinder if you have other methods to making coffee, such as french press, percolator or a batch brew, which all call for different grind settings.
However many espresso machines offer built-in grinders and for most people who are not moonlighting as baristas, these two-in-one appliances offer space-saving convenience and all the grind options they will ever need.
The rule of thumb between these two products is that the blender should be used for foods you can drink, like smoothies, cocktails and soups, and the food processor used for food you will mostly eat, like cake batter or bread. These appliances are not really interchangeable for the serious cook.
Blenders are ideal for making cocktails, smoothies, soups, purees and sauces as the motor is often stronger and will create a smoother, silkier result. Some blenders are also strong enough to crush ice.
Food processors have sharper blades and a wider base, so are great for chopping things finely - creating biscuit or bread crumbs, cauliflower rice, and chopping nuts and herbs. This is also a better choice when you want a coarser texture in a dip or a spread. Many food processors come with slicing, shredding and grating attachments so offer many food prep options.
An older model TV without ‘smart’ connectivity built in, can still connect to the internet if you use a dedicated streaming device, HDMI cable, Blu-ray player or gaming console. These are a few of the affordable ways you can make your old school TV ‘smart’.
If you bought gaming consoles or Blu-ray players in the last 10 years or so, chances are they have internet connectivity but you’ll need to check this. Otherwise, an HDMI cord attached to your laptop or a streaming device such as Google Chromecast, Apple TV or Amazon Firestick should do the trick.
OLED stands for Organic Light-Emitting Diode. Unlike LED TVs where the screens are backlit, each pixel of colour in an OLED TV emits its own light which means dark and light pixels can sit side-by-side without the brightness of one impacting the other. OLED screens make for really crisp contrasts and picture clarity. OLED televisions are also lighter and thinner than LED TVs, use less energy and offer excellent viewing angles no matter where you are seated.
QLED stands for Quantum Light-Emitting Diode. These are in effect LED TVs as the screens are backlit, however, QLED TVs use tiny nanoparticles called quantum dot technology to supercharge the brightness and colour. The dots are contained in a film, and the light that hits them is provided by an LED backlight. This option offers a great viewing experience whether you are watching movies, or viewing other types of video content, with one of the best picture quality and the brightest television screens around.
Yes, however some of the lower cost mobile phone models may be locked by the manufacturer as they are bundled with a specific carrier like Vodafone, and this keeps the cost down. The lock is a software code put on the mobile by the manufacturer and means the phone can't be used on any other carrier's network until a different software code is entered to unlock the device. There is an additional cost to unlock a locked mobile phone.
Ideal for the home office or small office where space is at a premium, a multifunction printer does so much more than print. Multifunction printers are available with either laser or inkjet printing capabilities, so before you purchase, it would be useful to assess what sort of printing you do more of.
A laser printer is better for fast printing of text and the inkjet produces high quality graphics. Most multifunction printers offer the ability to scan, copy and fax and you should also check whether they have Wi-Fi or bluetooth capability (most do), as this would allow multiple devices to connect without the need for hardwiring. Although most print on A4 size paper, a few models have the capacity to print on A3, which may be more useful for some.
Laser printers are great at printing large amounts of text quickly. Although the upfront cost of replacement toners is high, the laser printer is economical to use.
Inkjet printers on the other hand are much better at printing high quality graphics but they tend to be slower and noisier than a laser printer. The replacement inkjet cartridges are more affordable than the laser printer toners but the inkjet printer tends to use these up faster.
Your choice of printer should depend on the type of printing you are likely to do more of.
USB drives and Portable Drives are both used to store files but generally in different scenarios.
The USB drive is designed for short-term storage, ideal if you want to move large files from one computer to another and using the internet is not feasible. The very things that make it inexpensive and portable makes it less reliable but these drives are perfect for transferring large files.
A portable drive is more expensive than a USB drive but has more capacity and is more robust and reliable. These offer the ideal way to store important files and images or to back up your computer, which is always a good idea.
If you’ve already bought a washing machine or clothes dryer, you can build kitchen/laundry cabinets to house them, but this will mean the cabinets will be bigger and deeper than normal. A truly integrated appliance is generally smaller as it will need to be housed within a run of standard kitchen cupboards. Given the costs of building bespoke cupboards it would be unusual to use free-standing washing machines and dryers in this way.
Heat pump dryers collect extracted water from drying in a tank that can be emptied into the sink. This eliminates the need to drill a hole in the wall or window and run a hose through it. They also typically don't require plumbing since the condensed water is stored in a tank that can be emptied manually. However, there are some that require a drain line to be attached to a sink, floor gully or drain outlet in order to drain the condensed water. Before you buy a heat pump dryer, it's best to check how to install the particular model to determine if it requires plumbing.
A steamer and steam iron effectively do the same thing, but there are differences. An iron has a flat metal surface that uses heat (and steam) to press creases out of clothes.
A steamer removes wrinkles without direct contact with the fabric, instead using a jet of stem directed at the clothing but not actually touching it. Steamers are perfect for delicate fabrics like silk, satin, jersey and chiffon or for those difficult-to-iron ruffles and getting wrinkles out of a suit jacket.
Irons are the ideal appliance if you want a crisp finish and sharp creases and are best for fabrics such as cotton and linen.
Some people have design aesthetics as a high priority and want a matching pair, especially if the laundry is in a high visibility area. In some instances, the machines need to be stacked and so having a matching pair or washing machine and clothes dryer offers the best option.
For many people, their choice of laundry appliances is based on both need and budget. Some may choose to spend more on a washing machine with a greater capacity and features and get a cheaper dryer. Others who don't have access to outdoor washing lines, may want to spend more on a clothes dryer with advanced technology. Matching pairs are also only available with front-loader washing machines, not top-loaders.
A clothes dryer also called a "tumble dryer" or just a "dryer," has become an indispensable appliance in most households. Its intended use is to eliminate dampness from materials like clothes and sheets. Dryers are typically used after using a washing machine. Three types of the most popular dryers are vented dryer, condenser dryer and heat pump dryer.
Condenser dryers provide many advantages, including not having a vent. Without a vent, a condenser dryer has less of a chance of getting clogged or damaged. It also doesn't need to be plumbed in which means it can be placed practically anywhere.
One of the disadvantages of a condenser dryer is it can be expensive. It's also not as efficient when compared to other dryer types . You also need to regularly empty the water. Its biggest drawback, however, is that condensed dryers are known to cause damage to clothes in the long run.
You have two things to consider when buying a dryer - the cost of purchase and the running cost of using the machine.
Condenser dryers are mid-priced and the most popular type of dryer. They expel hot air into a container as vapour which is condensed into water. The container will need to be emptied regularly unless it’s connected to the plumbing.
Heat pump dryers are generally the most expensive to buy, but are the cheapest to run out of all the dryers. They recycle and reuse the hot air generated rather than vent it outside. Instead like the condenser dryer, the water is extracted from the warm vapour and dumped into a tank which will need to be emptied often unless plumbed in.
Traditional vented dryers are the most affordable to buy but the damp air has to be expelled through a hose that is permanently fitted through an external wall or via a window. On average vented dryers will dry clothes the fastest but they are not very energy efficient, so will cost a lot to run.
Choosing your top-load washer depends on space, budget and needs. If you have a large family or household, a big top loader washing machine may be ideal as some models can take a wash load of up to 12kg. The washing cycles of these top-load washing machines are generally quick, they are simple to use and it’s easier to load items and more detergent mid-cycle, making laundry day easier than ever.
You can’t install a top-loader washing machine under a benchtop, or stack them under a dryer. Top load washers use more water than front loaders, are tougher on clothes and don’t have as many functions.
Front-load washing machines are more expensive but they offer a wider range of washing cycles, are thought to clean better than top loaders, and easier on your back to unload and are more energy efficient. Front load washers also offer good wash load capacity with some models able to take up to 11kg. There are also options for much smaller ones in case you need to save space.
When it comes to saving money, heat pump dryers are at the top of the list. Most heat pump dryers have an A+ or higher energy rating, making them the most efficient dryers and the most cost-effective to run.
If you're searching for a dryer that's easy to set up, a condenser dryer can be a good option because you don't have to worry about it blocking a door or window in your laundry room. A drawback is that you'll need to drain the collected water on a regular basis.
A vented dryer is more cost-effective than a condenser dryer, but it needs to be installed in an accessible area with proper ventilation. If you're looking for a machine that won't drain your bank account or your free time, this one is for you because it's more environmentally friendly and requires less upkeep. However, you need to make sure you have enough room to place one, so a condenser may be the best option for smaller houses or apartments.
There are many different kinds of dryers on the market, and they all have their own advantages and disadvantages. Having said that, there is no one option that is superior to another. The right clothes dryer, rather, is a matter of personal taste, preferences and budget.
If you're looking for a dryer that has maximum energy efficiency and is cost-effective in the long run, your best choice would be a heat pump dryer since it creates hot air and reuses the heat from the air being exhausted during the drying process. If you want the best dryer performance-wise, a condenser dryer is your best bet since it's a powerful machine that can dry family -sized loads of laundry and dry clothes fast.
Sleep experts recommend that people should change their mattress every seven to ten years but this is a general guideline and can vary.
The usual things to take note of are the age of the mattress, whether it has obvious wear and tear like saggy spots, you wake up with muscle aches or stiffness and your sleep quality is being impacted. There’s no hard and fast rule and sleep issues are sometimes unrelated to your mattress. Something to consider when buying a new bed, is that a mattress made with quality materials will generally last longer.
The right mattress is such a key part of getting a good night’s sleep, it makes choosing a bed tricky, particularly when there are two people’s preferences to consider.
Although most of us have preconceived ideas of what we like, it’s good to come with an open mind as it may have been many years since you bought a new bed. Bring your partner with you and try different mattresses, sizes and degrees of firmness. It’s recommended that you spend at least ten minutes lying on a bed in your preferred sleeping position – on your side, front or back to get a true idea of how it feels.
According to SleepMaker, most people in New Zealand sleep on a queen size bed. Whilst this is the perfect size for some, circumstances change, so when buying a new bed, it makes sense to go big and opt for a king-size bed (space and budget permitting).
The average person spends about one -third of their life sleeping, so you should make sure you choose a size mattress that will accommodate all situations. If you have a partner, it’s recommended that the bed frame and mattress be wide enough for you both to lie side by side, hands behind heads, without elbows touching. The mattress also needs to be at least 10cm longer than the tallest person.
A bigger bed should also improve your sleep quality. If you like to sleep sprawled out, chances are you won’t be impacting anyone else, you’ll also be less likely to feel your partner moving around and there will be more room if your kids or pets join you.
Choosing a child’s first bed is often a big deal for parents, especially if they are moving their ‘baby’ from a cot into a bed.
Although many people might be tempted to buy a single bed with a foam mattress, a king single with a proper innerspring mattress is a better option as the kid won’t usually outgrow it before they are into their teenage years. You should buy the best mattress you can afford as this will help provide better sleep quality and the right support for growing spines.
SleepMaker suggests that mattresses when new, get turned once a month to maintain even wear. This needs to happen less frequently with a mattress you’ve had for a year or more – perhaps once every three months.
Turning refers to the rotation of the mattress on the base, not flipping it. If you have a two-sided mattress, it is recommended that you flip it every 6 or 12 months. However all SleepMakers mattresses are one-sided and have mattress comfort layers on the top, so flipping the mattress won’t work.
Airing your mattress is a good idea to help protect against dust and other allergens and improve the life of your mattress. At least once a week when you change the sheets, remove the mattress protector, vacuum the mattress and open windows leaving the mattress to 'breathe' for a few hours.
A split base bed is just as described. The base of the bed (only available from Queen size upwards) is split equally in two. When assembled, the base locks together. The design helps with sleep quality, especially when people are of different weights/sizes as there is less mattress movement. The split base option also makes the bed easier to move or transport.