Mattress Forum

When the one mentioned above began uncomfortably sagging, I began my search with Sealy Posturepedic since it had served me well in the past. I went to Sleep Train (a primary mattress retailer in the SF Bay Area) and tried a number of their options – spent quite a bit of time on each one with a very patient, helpful salesperson. Without knowing what each was when I lay on it, I found I liked the firm best, even as a side sleeper. It felt as if my lower body was better supported. (Though, in hindsight, this may have more to do with memory foam than not being firm enough…?) We narrowed it down to 2 different price range options (the Bellezza and the next price up…can’t remember the name right now). I loved the higher price option, but also felt the Bellezza was comfortable enough, so I went with that (for about half the price at just over $700), knowing I could always exchange it for the more expensive one. (Thankfully, I’ve now read this forum and will never exchange – only return.) Both are inner spring mattresses that have a “CoreSupport Center with Memory Foam” in the center third of the mattress.

I also tried a similar Simmons, but didn’t like it as much. I knew I didn’t want Tempur-Pedic (didn’t really like a boyfriend’s years ago) and would prefer not to spend as much as a Stearns & Foster (though that may change now). So I looked around a bit, though I’ll admit I was partial to Sealy Posturepedic from previous experience and hadn’t done a lot of homework on newer options.

The Bellezza felt great for a few days, then my lower back started hurting. And, though 42 years old, I never have lower back pain - only if I've lifted something really heavy. I knew it could take some time to adjust to a new mattress, so I kept waiting. (Sleep Train suggests 60 days…rotating after 30, which I did.) I also figured not having slept on memory foam before, that I needed to get used to that. Well, it’s been about 2 months, and the back pain has just gotten worse and is no longer limited to my lower back. I also realized that, in general, the mattress feels too firm. My shoulder isn’t dropping down as much as I’d like. I’ve also felt a little numbness in my arm a couple of mornings. I also found it exhausting to roll over whenever I tossed and turned – felt as though it took too much work because my body wasn’t springing up very easily. I’ve ended up adding 3 blankets (folded over a couple of times) on top - only thing on hand, and that’s made sleeping much more comfortable, but still not great.

I’ve read much here about the limitations of memory foam. Is it all memory foam, though, or just “cheap” memory foam? If it’s a matter of quality, how do I know which this mattress has (and what it “should” be)?

I’ve read a number of times the suggestion to go with a firm mattress and some sort of topper for the comfort level. So I’m not sure at this point whether to return the mattress or add onto it. (Seems my adding blankets is already a makeshift firm mattress/softer comfort “topper”.) I’ve also seen zoning recommended for side sleepers, but the thought of DIY or mattress surgery really seems overwhelming and time-consuming. I've just started to look at Custom Sleep Design's website, but I fear they're quite expensive. (I'm also about to look at Flobeds.)

It seems my options are:

• Try some kind of topper before return timeframe is up (end of Feb.). Latex seems most highly recommended, but expensive.
• Return mattress and purchase... 1. the more expensive Sealy Posturepedic if it has less (or better quality?) foam, 2. a less firm option of the Bellezza line, or 3. something completely new (latex?)

I’d love any words of wisdom – about side sleeper options, purchasing vs. DIY, how to know when to return and when to add a topper, minimum price folks think is necessary for a “good” mattress, etc. I know every person’s body and preferences are different, but I’d appreciate hearing others’ thoughts. Thanks!

Also, how can I figure out what the Bellezza is called at other stores? Since Sleep Train only allows one return, if I return this, I’ll need to shop elsewhere. (Retailer recommendations in the Bay Area also welcome.)

Oh, I’d also love recommendations on pillows for side sleepers. I’ve never been terribly satisfied with various choices in the past and purchased a side sleeper pillow while at Sleep Train. It was the one I used while testing mattresses, and I absolutely loved it at the store, but the one I got seems too thick/high. Receipt says “Align Side Sleeper.” Tag on pillow says www.bedgear.com.

Thank you! While a little overwhelmed by all the information and process, I'm really grateful to have found this forum.