Frustrated Newbie
Sep 6, 2010 12:43 AM
Joined: Sep 6, 2010
Points: 17
I'm sure I should be diligent and read every post on here, but after a week of doing my research I'm starting to get frustrated. I love forums and this seems to be one of the best for mattresses.

With this topic post I am hoping to get a summary of the mattress types and brands that have been spoken of most highly on this forum. I know this topic is like politics, everyone feels strongly about one thing vs another without an overall concensus and I know the typw of mattress depends on the person, but I feel like someone familiar with these forums could maybe narrow down my search and provide some advice.

Basically I'm 28, living with my fiancee and thinking about consciously purchasing a mattress for the first time. We have a Sealy Posture Premier (somewhat entry level model) from 2003ish. I have never slept soundly and dream of getting consistent good nights of sleep. I have sporadic neck/shoulder and lower back discomfort but it's usually better after sleeping so I don't think the mattress is necessarily the culprit. After going to a few stores I am leaning towards a slightly firmer mattress and my fiancee towards a softer one (she is very small and light if that makes a difference) but generally I think we both just want comfort. I sleep on my back, her on her side and we both toss and turn. I am a naturally hotter person and can't sleep if I'm hot. If I do turn on my side my shoulder feels jacked up within minutes although the postition feels comfortable.

I want to get moving on a new bed but I feel stuck..Everything in the store feels reasonably comfortable, web reviews contradict each other..I just need a starting point, a roadmap. I'm even into an evolutionary approach where I start with something and add on as I go.....I just want a new bed badly and I'm fearful of throwing my money away.

Once again, I apologize for asking such a flat out newbie question. I've read the buying guide here and reviews all over the web and I feel less confident than when I started.

 

Thanks in advance!!

-JT

Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #1 Sep 6, 2010 11:40 AM
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 464
jtpoulin wrote:

I just want a new bed badly and I'm fearful of throwing my money away.



Yet another "consensus seeker", apparently looking for someone to blame if their selection turns out to be deficient . . "not MY fault, got bad advice" rationalization.

Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #2 Sep 6, 2010 11:55 AM
Location: NE Ohio / NW Pennsylvania
Joined: Aug 26, 2010
Points: 62
Back or stomach sleeper and / or larger person (say over 175 lb.) probably wants a firmer mattress and a heaver gauge wire spring like 2.5 or 12.75 to 13, and stiffer foams.   I'd pick offset coils or good old Bonell spring.

Side sleeper and lighter weight would probably prefer something like the pocket coil / Marshall coil, the soft foams, and the padded tops like pillow top and Eurotop, etc.

So, probably, you are opposites, lol.

One thing to consider, and I know from experience, is:   Is she a side sleeper due to necessity or preference?   When I was married, my husband weighed 300+ pounds, tended to take up 2/3 of the bed himself, and also made it sag to the center.  So, the only space left to me was the outer edge, and I had to sleep on my side, to avoid rolling into him all the time.   I just thought I'd mention that, because it might make a difference if you get a larger bed and she has more room.    Now that I have my own bed, I reverted to back or stomach and taking up the middle.

Almost without fail, the major brands are all one side no-flip mattresses.   And the majority of the consumer complaints imvolve the padding not the springs.  So, there's a rule of thumb here and elsewhere to buy a firm spring, a tight top 2-sided mattress with little or no biult in foam, avoid polyurethane foams in favor of latex if you can afford it, and then add toppers to it to "tune" it.  That allows you to replace or change the foam top as desired.  Body indentations in mattresses are mainly foam breaking down or compacting.

If you just can't agree on one mattress, you might consider two twin size setups on a swing hinge king frame, one headboard, and put one of those spanner pieces in there that hooks the two sides together and also bridges the gap.

Oh, and Leggett and Platt supplies most of the innersprings to the USA makers.  So, by comparing terminology and coil coint, you can get a more diredt comparison and /or start to rule out anything built on a certain spring platform.  This is Lura-Flax but some mattresses (I believe) call it something else.  http://www.beddingcomponents.com/lura-flex.asp    And this is L&P's spring collection   http://www.beddingcomponents.com/

This message was modified Sep 6, 2010 by TC2334
Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #3 Sep 6, 2010 11:58 AM
Location: NE Ohio / NW Pennsylvania
Joined: Aug 26, 2010
Points: 62
I have really given up on all of the major brands, because they are all too much foam piled onto a spring, and are single side, and I want an old fashioned 2 sided innerspring mattress with not frills and years of durabuility.   People are ditching their big name sets after only 3 years or less.   Complaints abound about Simmons Beautyrest softening up too much within weeks.  I'm looking at The Original Mattress Factory, Carlisle Bedding, and Imperial Bedding, because those are the smaller companies in my region.
Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #4 Sep 6, 2010 12:00 PM
Location: NE Ohio / NW Pennsylvania
Joined: Aug 26, 2010
Points: 62
sager66 wrote:



Yet another "consensus seeker", apparently looking for someone to blame if their selection turns out to be deficient . . "not MY fault, got bad advice" rationalization.


What are you, another bitter old fart with a bad attitude?    >;-D 

Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #5 Sep 6, 2010 12:05 PM
Joined: Aug 5, 2010
Points: 227
Well, you are going to find a lot of opinions here and you are going to have to try some, read about what people say and have found out, and then go in a certain direction.  There are a lot of folks here that like latex, some that like memory foam and others who want coil springs and a combination of those here.  I think one theme that goes throughout, is that when you go cheap from many mattress stores, you get what you pay for.  You can also spend a lot of money and end up uncomfortable too.  There are back, stomach and side sleepers....and those all affect what kind of mattress and softness levels. 

My personal opinion is that you should research latex, and memory foam but this is just my experience.  I've had many, and like many here have said, there is no one answer for everyone and a bed can't necessarily fix a medical problem....so keep that in mind.

Good luck on your journey.  Many of us are still exploring and trying different things but many have sworn off the chain mattress stores and what they sell....I being one since my last mattress lasted about 1 year before it started breaking down and hurting my back more each night.  I'm personally on the latex journey and pretty happy with where I am ending up but a little poorer.  I might have gone a little cheaper than I would have liked so the more $$ you have you can maybe get the best for you.

This message was modified Sep 6, 2010 by Sall
Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #6 Sep 6, 2010 12:15 PM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
I think you will find that most of the major brands don't hold up over time (like your current experience) because of the cheap PU foam they use on top.  That leaves a few other main options: 

Tempurpedic (if you like the memory foam feel - most other memory foam beds are lesser quality so beware),

High end innerspring (like Royal Pedic),

Lesser known local brands (like Gardner or maybe Orginal mattress factory - but make sure they do not use cheap PU foam (ideally none)),

Customized latex (sleepez, flobeds, foamsweetfoam) if you like that feel or one that you piece together yourself (sleeplikeabear, foambymail),

or mattress surgery (cut off the top of your current mattress or another innerspring take out the cheap PU foam and add a few inches off soft to medium latex (15-32 ILD range) and maybe 1-2" of decent memory foam).   If you go the front forum page, you will see "highlighted threads" at the top for some threads on mattress surgergy and other topics.

Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #7 Sep 6, 2010 3:25 PM
Joined: Sep 6, 2010
Points: 17
Thanks everyone. Definitely not looking for concensus, more of a summary of the most popular mattress options on this forum, which I got thank you. Sorry if my initial thread was demanding.

I'd like to keep my budget within ~$1500, which likely eliminates tempurpedic (worried about heat anyways) and a high end innerspring like Royal Pedic.

Mattress surgery sounds like something I'd consider and then bring up to my fiancee who would then flip out.......not ready to go that route yet.

So I think either a latex mattress or a decent basic innerspring that we can experiment with using toppers.

 

We both like the idea of being able to customize our respective sides of the bed, as TC2334 said we are likely opposites (sleep-wise):

Seems like sleepez allows for his/her customization plus the ability to exchange layers if we find we don't have the right combination. 8500 is within price range. Can I use current boxspring? Order foundation from sleepez? Put slats across my bedframe?

Could also try Ikea latex mattress and add toppers if necessary, but not a lot of reviews about their latex beds.

If we go innerspring route, can we use different toppers on each half of bed? Seems like that would be easier with king-size mattress (buy 2 twin size toppers) but we want to stick with queen. What innerspring is popular here for use as a base to add toppers to? (Sorry that may be another complicated question)

Forums are awesome! Thanks so much guys, I certainly appreciate folks spending their time to help me.

Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #8 Sep 6, 2010 3:30 PM
Joined: Sep 6, 2010
Points: 17
Oooh, looks like Gardner is nearby. I live in central Mass, is this the Gardner Sandman spoke of? http://www.gardnermattress.com/products.asp
Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #9 Sep 6, 2010 4:02 PM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
jtpoulin wrote:

Oooh, looks like Gardner is nearby. I live in central Mass, is this the Gardner Sandman spoke of? http://www.gardnermattress.com/products.asp


Yes, I have heard that they have pretty good quality, and made more of the way they use to make mattresses.  I don't live in that area, so I have never tried.   You probably should check them out.   Just try to avoid anything that has polyuerethene foam in it (at least as little as possible, it doesn't last).


 

Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #10 Sep 6, 2010 4:09 PM
Joined: Oct 13, 2009
Points: 156
Yes, but Gardner Mattress is not located in Gardner, MA...haha.   It's named after the original owner I believe.  If you deal with them, go to the main store in Salem, MA!   That's where the owner is and they have better prices there also.  I got my latex mattress there but they also have several other quality innerspring models.  (hint...the owner will negotiate sometimes). Ask for Gardner Sisk.   
Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #11 Sep 6, 2010 4:17 PM
Joined: Sep 6, 2010
Points: 17
From here: http://www.gardnermattress.com/process.asp

seems like all the processes do involve poly foam (except the latex). Maybe it's something you have to specify that you don't want?

Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #12 Sep 6, 2010 4:35 PM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
jtpoulin wrote:

 

From here: http://www.gardnermattress.com/process.asp

 

seems like all the processes do involve poly foam (except the latex). Maybe it's something you have to specify that you don't want?


Yeah, I just noticed that on the website.  A bit dissapointing, but they don't use a whole lot (some S brands use inchs and inches of the stuff).  1" would probably not make much difference  The "Quilted" mattress looks to be the worst offender.  I am not sure why they use it at all other than they are trying to keep the cost down.  Maybe they have a one without or you can request without.  Not sure what the dense polyester is, but I don't think that would lose support like a PU foam.

The pocketed coil does not use PU, just has polyester pad over the springs (I think that is okay).  Not sure if you want pocketed coils, but that one sounds pretty comfortable with the latex on top of the coils.
 

p.s. there are different qualities of PU foam as well.  Some are denser and longer lasting than others.  So, 3/4" of high quality  would not necessarilly be a deal breaker for me.  I bought some HD PU foam for sofa cushions, and it seems to be holding up okay.

This message was modified Sep 6, 2010 by sandman
Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #13 Sep 6, 2010 4:54 PM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
It says they use 3/4" of 1835 foam in one of their mattresses.  The 18 means 1.8 density, from what I can tell.  That is standard grade, not a premium or HD grade.  I view that as a negative.  The only good thing is that they only use 3/4" (at least the one I was looking at).  Ideally, I would not use any of this type of foam.

 

 

Example: The foam type is 1835. The 18 means a cubic foot of this foam weighs 1.8 pounds. The heavier a piece of foam, the longer it will maintain its shape. The 35 means it takes 35 pounds of pressure to compress a piece of this foam to 25% of its original height. The higher this number means the firmer the piece of foam.

The foam provided to meet the firmness specifications of soft, medium and firm are based on our experience and industry classifications. Just as people have differing opinions about the taste of food, review of a movie and physical beauty, the way a piece of foam will feel will differ from person to person. In general, a soft feel means foam will moderately compress when used, a medium feel will slightly compress and a firm feel will barely compress. The technical specifications of the foam being provided are listed in the tables below. We make no representations as to personal feel.

Premium foam will last longer than standard foam, all things being equal.

These tables are based on foam usage by an average person weighing approximately 150 to 200 pounds. Adjustments to the foam supplied will be made for weights outside these parameters.  

TUBE AND WEDGES

Standard Premium
     
Soft 1010 1518
Medium 1021 1535
Firm 1030 1545
     
CUSHIONS Standard Premium
     
Soft 1821 2627
Medium 1835 2635
Firm 1845 2645
     
Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #14 Sep 6, 2010 7:32 PM
Joined: Sep 6, 2010
Points: 17
Thanks Sandman. I may call them and express my concern about the poly foam, see what options I have with that and then maybe go check the beds out.

As far as customizing each side of the bed independently for me and my fiancee, can this be done with toppers over a standard innerspring?

 

Seeing as I'm really new to this game, I'm sure even after research I'll still need to feel this one out for myself (ourselves). I want each of us to be able to change things around as we see fit. The latex beds online seem to make that possible (with the layer exchanges), and I can see it being a possibility with toppers but I just wonder how messy it would get trying to customize each side independently.......

 

by the way, we are both on the slender side.... she is 5'5" and I am 5'8".......if it makes a difference.

This message was modified Sep 6, 2010 by jtpoulin
Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #15 Sep 6, 2010 8:59 PM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
You could customize with toppers, but you would probably have to be cutting them down to the right size.

If you really want to customize both sides, then you are better off getting latex from one of the places mentioned above.  The main question would be do you like latex.  So, ideally you would try some all latex beds to get a sense.  Most people like them, but a few do not.

Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #16 Sep 6, 2010 9:18 PM
Joined: Sep 6, 2010
Points: 17
Thanks Sandman. My fiancee really like the idea of the online latex mattress with their return policies and layer exchanges. We like the ones we've tried in stores....but have never spent a night on one. I wonder if it's worth the hassle of finding a hotel with a latex mattress......

If the return policies are as good as they seem at sleepez and flobeds we could try them out at home and still get our money back (sans shipping) if we decide latex is not for us.

If that is the case then the question is,

Is our ~$1500 budget enough. Seems like we may have to go with sleepez....and the 8500. If that is not reccomended I'll have to think about it......

Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #17 Sep 6, 2010 9:30 PM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
Most people get the10000, so that is a safer bet.  Not sure if anyone has had problems with the 8500.  It doesnt' have as much depth, which would probably diminish the comfort a bit.  If you like it on the firmer side, then it might not be a problem. What size are you getting?

 p.s.  If you got the 8500, you could always add a topper later if desired.  That kind of defeats the purpose of the wool cover, so not totally optimal.  But still it would be an option.

This message was modified Sep 6, 2010 by sandman
Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #18 Sep 6, 2010 10:09 PM
Joined: Sep 6, 2010
Points: 17
We are getting a Queen.

 

Does the wool cover keep it cooler? That is still a concern for me (not for her, she would be comfortable in a sauna).

Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #19 Sep 6, 2010 10:11 PM
Joined: Sep 6, 2010
Points: 17
also, I haven't even gotten into the foundation yet. Can I even keep my current bed frame?
Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #20 Sep 6, 2010 11:13 PM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
jtpoulin wrote:

also, I haven't even gotten into the foundation yet. Can I even keep my current bed frame?

The wool does help keep help keep it from feeling too hot.  You can create that effect as well with wool in a mattress pad.  Obviously it would be nice to have everything under the wool mattress cover for a nice clean look and temperature moderation.

The latex mattress should go on a pretty firm foundation.   A firm box spring would probably work.  You could put a board over a soft box spring.  Or you can buy a wood slat foundation. 

 

Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #21 Sep 10, 2010 10:30 AM
Joined: Sep 6, 2010
Points: 17
OK, so after talking it over with my fiancee, I think we are going to try a latex mattress. But now we are thinking that if we are going to have this for a while, maybe we should get a king. My costs are obviously going up and now we won't be able to use our current bed frame.

If we go ahead with a king size sleepez 10,000, any suggestions on affordably buying the rest of what we need (frame, foundation, etc)?

 

Thanks everyone for your help

Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #22 Sep 10, 2010 5:50 PM
Joined: Aug 5, 2010
Points: 227
We've had a king size bed and mattress and bought a good bed and frame from Ikea with slats.  The mattress we bought there didn't last but about 3 years so wouldn't recommend it (it wasn't latex).  As far as the mattress, I would consider the ease of moving and setting up two twin XL mattresses which are the same size as a king and will fit into or on a king size bed.
This message was modified Sep 10, 2010 by Sall
Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #23 Sep 10, 2010 6:00 PM
Joined: Sep 6, 2010
Points: 17
Thanks Sall. Do you find the Ikea bed is sturdy? I've had issues with their quality in the past.
Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #24 Sep 10, 2010 9:04 PM
Joined: Aug 5, 2010
Points: 227
Yes, it is very sturdy and built like a rock.  Very heavy too.
Re: Frustrated Newbie
Reply #25 Sep 14, 2010 2:47 PM
Joined: May 12, 2010
Points: 241
Sall wrote:

 

Yes, it is very sturdy and built like a rock.  Very heavy too.



what is name of the Ikea bed that you have and what is the name of the slats? Did you get slats from Ikea?

How hard was it to put the bed together? Did you needed any tools?

And how long did it take you to put the bed and the slats?

Are slats hard to put together?

Thanks.

This message was modified Sep 14, 2010 by roy1