Mattress Forum

http://www.bedphoenix.com/ (linked to Arizona premium mattress co)

http://www.rsmattress.com/ (linked to Brooklyn bedding)

http://www.sleepez.com/innerspring-mattresses.htm (linked to sleepez)

Phoenix

Good luck,

Steve

Btw sorry for not stating what size; I'm looking for a queen.

Here is a 10% off coupon for Az premium mattress:http://www.az-coupons.com/shopping/Mattress/Arizona-Premium-Mattress-l198.html

As an alternate also see: http://cgi.ebay.com/6-INCH-QUEEN-MATTRESS-Talalay-Latex-not-memory-foam-/270674296764?pt=Mattresses&hash=item3f0571ffbc, in Glendale with free shipping.  You will need to get a little education on the different latex ILDs to make a selection on what firmness here.

In all I think you get a lot more bed for your money and have something that will last much longer than going the inexpensive route.  The bonus is having the ability to upgrade on this starter bed down the road as your needs and preferences change.

Best of luck,

Robert

(I have no affiliation with any of the above vendors nor do I sell any bedding products.)  

 I've heard that Latex doesn't have the heat storage problem like memory foam, but how does it compare to a normal interspring mattress with no latex/foam layers?

I've heard that Latex doesn't have the heat storage problem like memory foam, but how does it compare to a normal interspring mattress with no latex/foam layers?

Honestly it's been a long time ago, that I slept on a mattress without some type of foam and I'm guessing you would be looking at some premium dollars to find one.  Again, I'm not the expert here but foam is such a common ingredient in most mattresses to cushion the intersprings.  It has an impressive feel when you first try it out but one often doesn't realize how warm they get after a few hours of laying one. The worst in my experience was my 3" memory foam topper on a latex core.  It felt really good when I set it up at home in the cool part of the year, although I noticed the extra warmth even in the winter.  I would sink into the foam so much, by the time summer rolled around I felt like a turkey in a roasting bag.  After 26 months the foam would no longer hold me up and being a side sleeper, I would wakeup with lower back aches and sore shoulders, (I'm 6-3 and 230lbs.).  I recently replaced the memory foam with a 3" latex topper from Az. Mattress, http://mattresses.net/3-king-latex-mattress-pad.html.  It's dunlop latex, so it's a little more firm than the Talalay, but I'm just getting used to the feel of it vs the memory foam.  I can tell you that temp. wise, it's like night and day.  I really like the coolness.  I may eventually even place a more plush layer of Talalay over this.  To answer your original question I would suspect that a conventional mattress without foam would be as cool or even have more circulation than latex but it all depends on how much you might sink into the top.  My memory tells me they are about the same.  Being warm natured myself I have no reservations about sleeping on latex.  One might think, since they are both foam they would all be hot sleeping, but there is a big difference for me.

Best of Luck,

Robert 

So looking at the link to the 5.5" Queen Size core from mattresses.net, if I pick up just the core, then all I need is a zippered cover and a bed frame to have a sleepable bed?  I'm a little confused about buying just the core, reading their website they says it is just a replacement component and not a full mattress.  Is this (http://store.mattresses.net/queen--premium--protect-a-bed-mattress-cover.html) the sort of cover I need or is that just a protector?  Or what about this from Walmart (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Invacare-Zippered-Mattress-Cover/13181326)?

As far as the bed frame,  what if I buy a bed frame like this (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S39849860) from Ikea with a set of slats (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/25844409) or even the nicer ones (http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60125969).  Would it still be necessary to add a foundation to protect the Latex core?

Thanks again for the help its really appreciated!

From R&S Mattress:

http://cheap-latex-foam-mattress.com/3108-four-seasons-marquee-plush-5-0-queen-mattress.html - $599.  I'm not sure this is the exact one I tried but its close.  On the tag it said Spring Air Marquee II, which I can't find anything on google for, but the salesman said it was a Four Seasons and this looks pretty similar.  The salesman said it was a $1300 mattress in normal retail stores, the tag said original retail was $1200 with R&S price normal price being $11000.  The $599 was the salesman's quote.  Either way it seems like a really good deal, the mattress was really comfortable and it seemed like it had the perfect combination I'm looking for with a firm overall support but a soft top layer.  The salesman also said it had individually wrapped coils.  Also no pillow top or memory foam, so I don't think it will get too warm.  The mattress was wrapped in plastic though so I didn't get to verify that.  My only issue with this mattress is it was REALLY tall and thick.  I guess this is good as far as quality and comfort but I like my bed closer to the ground.  If I do go with this mattress I deffinitely won't be using a box spring.

http://cheap-latex-foam-mattress.com/size/5480-hannah-ultra-plush-latex-top-5-0-queen-mattress.html - $550.  Again I'm not sure this is the exact same mattress but its close.  According to the salesman it had a non-laytex foam core, with an all natural latex top.  The tag said it was a Brooklyn Hannah Ultra Plush Latex Top.  I like this mattress because I like the idea of getting away from an innerspring mattress and this seems about the best I can do without getting a full-latex core mattress (too expensive).  I'm worried about the quality of the non-laytex foam core though.

From SleepEZ:

Miracle Bedding Latex Top, non-Latex Foam Core - $550.  I can't find any info for this mattress online.  According to the salesman it was a mattress that they bring in from another manufacturer (Miracle Bedding in CA) and they just recently got it in and hadn't sold many.  He said it had a "poly-foam" core with a topper made of all natural laytex.  This seemed pretty similar to the Brooklyn Hannah above as far as quality and layout,  but I think it was a little too soft in comparison.  On the other hand I was really impressed with the mattresses that SleepEZ made themselve's, though they were out of my price range.  But the impression I got was they make quality mattresses which makes me think they wouldn't bring in a poor quality mattress from another distributor.

Anyways I'm gonna stop by the bedphoenix.com (AZ Premium Mattress) location after work today and see what they have to offer.  Right now I'm leaning towards the Four Seasons from R&S as it seems like too good of a deal to pass on.  Unless I find something better at AZ Premium, or you guys recommend against it, I will likely go back to R&S and purchase the Four Seasons tonight.

Also, I did pick up the Malm bed frame and slats from Ikea last night for ~$280.

Even though R&S is factory direct for Brooklyn bedding, they also sell other brands. I would tend to stick with the Brooklyn brand there.

There are two miracle beddings both in California. One of them is a really small outfit without even a website and doesn't make any latex mattresses (I called them to find out) The other one is out of business so I don't now what they made. Perhaps there is a third or they just were able to get a really good price for the remaining mattresses. I'd be interested to know.

In any case, if a manufacturer uses a good quality polyfoam under latex, that and latex over innersprings would be the "next best thing" to an all latex mattress. Some people may even prefer latex over innersprings in it's feel even though it would (should) be less. At Sleepez I would probably also go with the poly/latex combination as well.

Good quality poly in the support layers is not the same problem as poly in the upper comfort layers.

The other advantage to a foam mattress is that it doesn't need a box spring under it and your slatted foundation and bed would do great. An innerspring mattress usually (not always) needs a boxspring rather than a slatted foundation

There should also be some good options at Bed Phoenix. Once you've been there ... I would wait a day or two before you bought and post your options here so you can get a sense of what you think may be best.

Phoenix

So it sounds like there is a reason the Four Seasons innerspring is discounted so much.  With that info, I'm leaning towards the Brooklyn Polyfoam/Latex mattress now.  I'm still going to check out Bed Phoenix, but I'm not really expecting much.  I checked out their address on google maps and it basically looks like someone's house out on the edge of the city.  Unless I find something really impressive there, I'm going to return to R&S and buy the Brooklyn tonight.  I really don't think I can make another couple nights, even on an air mattress.

I should also mention that R&S does give a 30-day comfort guarantee so I'll have an option to swap the Brooklyn if it doesn't work out.

GL.

Phoenix

Manufactured by Foreign Manufacture: CHV2

Importedy by Boyd Specialty Sleep Inc, CA

Model ME01711T

I'm surprised none of them showed you any of their lower end spring mattresses (what I call "throwaways") which can sometimes provide good value (they won't last for a long long time but the price you pay reflects that) however I believe that a poly latex combination would likely be better anyway. I would also ask them the thickness and the ILD of the upper latex layer (to help determine the value you are getting) as well as the thickness and what kind of poly is being used as a support core (the density and type of poly) as this will make a difference in how long it will last.

Phoenix

PS: If you look at some of the Sealy Embody mattresses, you will find latex poly combinations selling for well over $2000 and even the lowest end insightful mattress only over $1500 "on sale"

Congratulations!

Phoenix

PS: as an interesting side note for others who may read this, Foamex no longer lists Sensus as one of it's products on it's website. It appears that Energia has replaced Resilitex and Aerus has replaced Sensus ... at least outside of custom orders.

I've done a lot of woodworking as well as furniture design and construction.  I would like to build a beautiful bed frame from wood, but this past February my time and money budget was restricted and a friend alerted me that the IKEA frame was on sale ($120) so I went ahead and bought it, planning to use it for a few years. I'm glad I did. It's a very solid and sturdy frame, very efficiently designed. The Sultan Lade slats are non-adjustable and work very well, although an upgrade to the more expensive adjustable slats may offer some additional zoning options.

Several months after buying the frame I did some mattress demoing and bought a Stearns and Foster mattress, a luxury firm. It was a huge step up in comfort from my previous mattress but it was just a little too soft when I got it home. I figured it would only get softer and that would be problematic for me as I have a lot of lower back pain. I returned the mattress to Sears and was fortunate to get a full refund. LIke many others on the forum, I too was frustrated with the mattress industry.

Then I discovered this forum. At present I do not have the time to do mattress demoing, but for the past many months I have been reading the forum religiously and have learned a great deal. Hopefully in the next few months I will resume my mattress demoing (with the great advice Pheonix has outlined) and make a decision on either a manufactured or DIY mattress.

Ive had some lower back issues for the past couple weeks.  I dont usually have back problems and when I do they never last this long.  I've quit sleeping on the mattress already.  Don't get me wrong I think the mattress is great and I still love the way it feels, I just don't think it is firm enough for me.  I will most likely try the Brooklyn Hannah mattress from R&S next.

Btw, the link Phoenix last posted is not the mattress I purchased.  My mattress has the word bamboo all over it and does not have the "pillow top".  I will try to post a pic if I get a chance. 

I think this version of it looks more like what you are describing.

Phoenix

That's not too surprising for a stomach sleeper. I'd probably stick with something that can support you a little more (not memory foam).

Probably for the best anyway since the respondaflex 512 (pillowtop version which usually costs the same as the version you have) is available at Sams Club for $498. In some places it's even less but you don't get the return privileges.

Costco and Sams club and Walmart have some good value mattresses with latex over poly that could work well for you but of course you wouldn't get to try them first. This one from Walmart for example has 3" of real talalay latex over high quality polyfoam for $699. If you are buying from a local factory direct outlet, it's probably better value to get something that is more unique to them. Much of the value and benefit of buying from a factory direct outlet is lost if you are purchasing a "branded" mattress that is widely available elsewhere.

Phoenix

Brooklyn Hannah

Core = 13 guage indiviually pocketed coils, with firm polyfoam encasing on the sides,  the coil count is ~700 but he was not exactly sure

On top of the Core: 1.25 or 1.8 density non-laytex foam to protect the laytex from the coils

Top Lyaer: 2" of ~28ILD Laytext.  He described this as med feel but said I could custom order one with a higher ILD if necessary

Italian Knit Cover

Price = $550

Should I give this a try?  I think I would have to custom order it, which means I'd have to figure out what ILD I want for the laytex, which I don't really know how to do.  Or should I just go with the Walmart bed?  It seems decent, but I read some of the reviewss and it seems some people got a good mattress and others got lemons that would never fully expand from the compressed way they were shipped.

Since you are a stomach sleeper, you don't need quite as much thickness on top of your mattress (side sleeping needs the thickest comfort layer) and a little firmer would be better. If you also sleep on your side then a little more thickness may be necessary for your "pointy parts" in this position. You are also lighter so softer ILD latex may feel a little firmer to you than someone who was heavier.

Walmart has two options. The acella flex with 2" 24ILD on top and with 3" 24 ILD and another inch of I believe softer on top (probably 19ILD). They are both the same price at WalMart. US mattress has the 2" version for $50 less but their return privileges are not as good. Normally this would be a great buy and there are good reviews on it on the web but there are also some that never fully expanded. If you bought from WalMart then at least returning a bad one wouldn't present a problem. A good one would be good value. In "theory", the 2" version may be better for you as the 3" version may be a little bit soft and thick for a pure stomach sleeper but you are light so that would work in your favor. Ultimately only testing it out can tell you this for sure which is why the return policy is so important.

The Hannah again "in theory" would seem good for a stomach sleeper since it is a little thinner and firmer on top but in this case I would personally try it first to make sure it was comfortable both on your stomach and in any other sleeping positions that I slept in as 28 ILD may be a litttle on the firm side. If it feels comfortable to you then it would also be very good value and I would strongly consider it.

Phoenix

I'm ordering the 8" EcoSleep from Walmart.  I decided to go with the firmer of the two since I read somewhere here to go with the firmest mattress you find comfortable.  If its too firm I can always return it.  Hopefully Ill get one of the good ones that fully expands.

As for the Brooklyn Hannah, it sounds like a good deal, especially since they were willing to work with me and let me custom order one.  But when it came down to it I'd prefer to get away from the innerspring core and go with a high-quality polyfoam core instead.

If anyone is curious about this mattress, here is the manufacturer info from the mattress tag:

Made by dpc LLC

3126 State Rd 59

Whitewater, WI 53190

Model 8VBT42-17-MATT T42 8" 2L

I'll report back after a month or two to give another update.