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Hello gals and guys, I'm shopping for a new mattress and even though I think I read a ton, I decided to consult with the community before making final decision. I always trust actual folks lot more than I trust companies pushing their product. We currently have spring mattress that was pretty expensive at the time we bought it (it was about 12 years ago I believe and we paid around $800 for it). It was good I suppose and it could still go for a while but I think it's time to make a change. It's become very heavy from all the dust accumlated in it (and who knows what else). I also have an upper back problem and I don't feel it's helping. I don't sleep well at all. I'm not sure if I should ttribute this to the mattress or it's just me getting older or it's something else. After doing some research, I decided to go with memory foam mattress. I first looked at TempurPedic of course but then I read reviews about how many chemicals they use and how bad it smells and how it's not really all that comfortable and I sumbled upon latex mattresses, which I didn't know existed before (yeah, I kind of live in a cave I guess). First thing I came across was Essentia. The web site is awesome and they have tons of material to read. They even have a store in NYC where I can visit (I plan to in about a week). But what alarms me a bit is their lack of accreditation and recognition. I also read they make some false claims about quality of their latex. Not sure if it's true or false or can at all be proven, but some of the things I read about them (couldn't find too much info which is also a bit alarming) has my red flags go up. But I will give them a fair shot nevertheless. I'm now looking at Zleep-EZ, Flobeds, SavvyRest, Natura in addition to Essentia. I think these are the major manufacturors? I want to be an equal opportunity shopper, so I hope I'm not missing anyone else. I like rather firmer mattress, but I don't want to sleep on a rock either. My wife prefers a softer one but she doesn't want to sleep in a puddle either. I'm looking at the budget of around $3,000 (give or take couple of hundreds). I think I'm looking for at least 10" thickness which would probably make for 4 layers of latex? I see that most of the companies have 90 days layer replacement policies, but I would like to avoid making a mistake and then having 1 shot to correct it. I sleep mostly on my stomach and my wife sleeps mostly on her side. I'm not sure what layers (as far as firmness is concerned) should be in what order though. I'm also not positive I understand if I need a pillow top. I understand it takes at least couple of weeks to get used to latex especially that we slept on spings all of our lives, but I would really hate to come away being dissapointed with the matterss after shelling out 3 grands. Any advice/help you guys can offer is greatly appreciated.
Regards, -Tony. |
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One advantage of Flobeds, sleepez, foamsweet foam is that you can customize each side of the mattress, exchange layers to adjust the firmness, or return the whole thing if not satisfied. Most people find it takes some trial and error to get the right feel. Plus it sounds like you and your wife might want a different level of firmness, and you would be able to achieve that with one of those companies. Don't underestimate the value of this flexibility, because otherwise you may end up stuck with something you are not satisfied with. Most of us have learned that the hard way. |
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Yes, one of the things I'm factoring in is ability to customize 2 halves of the bed, so it is important. Another thing I wanted to ask but forgot was sleeping hot. Thanks to slpngoc for bringing that up. Essentia claims that their mattresses sleep 80% (if I'm not mistaken) cooler than other organic layex mattresses. I personally absolutely hate it when I'm even a little bit warm (my wife is the opposite), so I often don't even use comforter. What is everyone's experience with that? slpngoc , when you said the # of layers double for queen/king size beds, what do you mean? God to know I may not need go for 4 layers and 3 may be enough (I'm just under 160lbs and my wife is about 100). So even if a company claims their talalay latex is natural, does it mean that 97% of it is not natural but blended? You find TempurPedic to be more comfortable than your SleepEZ 10000? I plan to use my existing boxspring foundation for the new mattress. Good idea? Bad idea? Thanks, -Tony. |
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Tony_ wrote: Yes, one of the things I'm factoring in is ability to customize 2 halves of the bed, so it is important.
Another thing I wanted to ask but forgot was sleeping hot. Thanks to slpngoc for bringing that up. Essentia claims that their mattresses sleep 80% (if I'm not mistaken) cooler than other organic layex mattresses. I personally absolutely hate it when I'm even a little bit warm (my wife is the opposite), so I often don't even use comforter. What is everyone's experience with that? slpngoc , when you said the # of layers double for queen/king size beds, what do you mean? God to know I may not need go for 4 layers and 3 may be enough (I'm just under 160lbs and my wife is about 100). So even if a company claims their talalay latex is natural, does it mean that 97% of it is not natural but blended? You find TempurPedic to be more comfortable than your SleepEZ 10000? I plan to use my existing boxspring foundation for the new mattress. Good idea? Bad idea? Thanks, -Tony. I would beware any blanket statements made like this one, this is what we call marketing. Other examples of equally useless bits of information that sounds important: Serta Claiming iComfort memory foam is 12x more breathable than other memory foams; there are many different varieties of memory foam available all of them presumably have different air flow qualities. Essentia has many absolutely ridiculous blanket statements throughout the 'learning centre' on their website: "FACT: a coil system only costs just $13." I wonder what spring system only cost's $13, but I do know that some other spring systems can be exhorbitantly expensive...again a blanket statement designed to prey on the weak minded and the gullible. "Innersprings have no support for back or spinal alignment." There are many different ways to build a spring system, some support the bodies curves a lot better than others, blanket statement, equally as misleading as the one above. "Coil/Spring mattresses are the least favorable for allergy sufferers because of their inner spring system. The inner cavity of coil mattresses creates an incubator for dust mites where dust mite feces and dead skin cells accumulate. It isn’t uncommon for mold and mildew to be found within the cavity of a coil/spring mattress due to humidity caused by the transfer of body heat. This is why typically a spring mattress will weigh 10 times its original weight after 10 years." Absolutely bonkers-ridiculous statement. Dust mites will not live in the core of a coil mattress they will live in the top of a coil mattress where the upholstery is. The amount of dust mites that may thrive depends on the type of upholstery used. But even still, lets say a really light weight queen mattress weighs just 50lbs, they are basically saying that this mattress will somehow weigh 500lbs after 10 years....if there was this much poundage of dust mites and fecal matter...don't you think you would be able to see them? In truth dustmites and basically all micro organisms love to live in environments that are warm and moist, materials that breathe like wool and cotton do not trap in moisture, spring systems provide amazing airflow, meaning that if the right upholstery is used, innerspring mattresses should harbour less allergens than most mattresses. Foam's lock in moisture and warmth, providing the perfect breeding ground for allergens.
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Tony_ wrote: Yes, one of the things I'm factoring in is ability to customize 2 halves of the bed, so it is important. Another thing I wanted to ask but forgot was sleeping hot. Thanks to slpngoc for bringing that up. Essentia claims that their mattresses sleep 80% (if I'm not mistaken) cooler than other organic layex mattresses. I personally absolutely hate it when I'm even a little bit warm (my wife is the opposite), so I often don't even use comforter. What is everyone's experience with that? slpngoc , when you said the # of layers double for queen/king size beds, what do you mean? God to know I may not need go for 4 layers and 3 may be enough (I'm just under 160lbs and my wife is about 100). So even if a company claims their talalay latex is natural, does it mean that 97% of it is not natural but blended? You find TempurPedic to be more comfortable than your SleepEZ 10000? I plan to use my existing boxspring foundation for the new mattress. Good idea? Bad idea? Thanks, -Tony. My opinion is that the all latex mattress sleeps a little bit warmer than a typical innerspring mattress, but it has not been a problem. Shelved the comforter for a thin quilt. The Tempurpedic seems to sleep a little warmer than the all latex, but it has not been a problem even when the room is 80 F going to bed and 70 F in morning. I've read ideal room temp is about 65 F at night, and it's been above that all September. There is a lot of types of latex. I understand 'all natural' latex rubber can only be up to about 97% pure latex rubber. But, I've also heard have to tap something like 1,000 rubber trees to get enough latex for one twin mattress Not feasible to process it to make it 100% natural. Word is only 3% of 'talalay' processed latex is made to be 'all natural'. Vast majority of it is blended talalay. According to Shawn at SleepEZ, blended talalay is available in much more ILD choices whereas all natural talalay is far fewer ILD or firmnesses. He's very nice so no harm calling him up. I'm not very familiar with Dunlop latex except that it is a simpler processs and can't be made with uniform feel for soft latex. I think Dunlop is usually made firmer, whereas talalay can be made very soft and firm. sleeplikeabear.com shows a little ILD chart for their toppers that gives some insight. See my thread for TP Cloud vs. SleepEZ 10000. Tempurpedic Cloud very comfortable to me. Very picky due to old shoulder injury / arthro surgery years ago. it ain't the same and will always hurt a little everyday. I still don't think the SleepEZ has quite the pressure relief of the Tempurpedic. Doesn't seem the SleepEZ needs a layer exchange cause seems it's about the best it could be. I don't know if you're box spring would be good or not. If old, maybe best to replace it. Check with vendor about foundation also. On my box spring, the center slat that runs head to toe is fully supported by a center frame rail. Keeps box from sagging in middle. You mentioned upper back problems. You've probably been told sleeping on stomach is generally not so good cause have to turn head to side which brings spine out of natural curve?
This message was modified Oct 1, 2011 by slpngoc
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In addition to Budgy's post, I found good coil spring mattresses to have really good support. It's when they put cheap batting in the quilts and lightweight foams in the 'comfort' layers that things go to pot. I don't like button tuck quilts either. I like a smooth, even surface. |
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budgy wrote:
I would beware any blanket statements made like this one, this is what we call marketing. Other examples of equally useless bits of information that sounds important: Serta Claiming iComfort memory foam is 12x more breathable than other memory foams; there are many different varieties of memory foam available all of them presumably have different air flow qualities. Essentia has many absolutely ridiculous blanket statements throughout the 'learning centre' on their website: "FACT: a coil system only costs just $13." I wonder what spring system only cost's $13, but I do know that some other spring systems can be exhorbitantly expensive...again a blanket statement designed to prey on the weak minded and the gullible. "Innersprings have no support for back or spinal alignment." There are many different ways to build a spring system, some support the bodies curves a lot better than others, blanket statement, equally as misleading as the one above. "Coil/Spring mattresses are the least favorable for allergy sufferers because of their inner spring system. The inner cavity of coil mattresses creates an incubator for dust mites where dust mite feces and dead skin cells accumulate. It isn’t uncommon for mold and mildew to be found within the cavity of a coil/spring mattress due to humidity caused by the transfer of body heat. This is why typically a spring mattress will weigh 10 times its original weight after 10 years." Absolutely bonkers-ridiculous statement. Dust mites will not live in the core of a coil mattress they will live in the top of a coil mattress where the upholstery is. The amount of dust mites that may thrive depends on the type of upholstery used. But even still, lets say a really light weight queen mattress weighs just 50lbs, they are basically saying that this mattress will somehow weigh 500lbs after 10 years....if there was this much poundage of dust mites and fecal matter...don't you think you would be able to see them? In truth dustmites and basically all micro organisms love to live in environments that are warm and moist, materials that breathe like wool and cotton do not trap in moisture, spring systems provide amazing airflow, meaning that if the right upholstery is used, innerspring mattresses should harbour less allergens than most mattresses. Foam's lock in moisture and warmth, providing the perfect breeding ground for allergens.
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slpngoc wrote: In addition to Budgy's post, I found good coil spring mattresses to have really good support. It's when they put cheap batting in the quilts and lightweight foams in the 'comfort' layers that things go to pot.
I don't like button tuck quilts either. I like a smooth, even surface. |
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slpngoc wrote:
My opinion is that the all latex mattress sleeps a little bit warmer than a typical innerspring mattress, but it has not been a problem. Shelved the comforter for a thin quilt. The Tempurpedic seems to sleep a little warmer than the all latex, but it has not been a problem even when the room is 80 F going to bed and 70 F in morning. I've read ideal room temp is about 65 F at night, and it's been above that all September. There is a lot of types of latex. I understand 'all natural' latex rubber can only be up to about 97% pure latex rubber. But, I've also heard have to tap something like 1,000 rubber trees to get enough latex for one twin mattress Not feasible to process it to make it 100% natural. Word is only 3% of 'talalay' processed latex is made to be 'all natural'. Vast majority of it is blended talalay. According to Shawn at SleepEZ, blended talalay is available in much more ILD choices whereas all natural talalay is far fewer ILD or firmnesses. He's very nice so no harm calling him up. I'm not very familiar with Dunlop latex except that it is a simpler processs and can't be made with uniform feel for soft latex. I think Dunlop is usually made firmer, whereas talalay can be made very soft and firm. sleeplikeabear.com shows a little ILD chart for their toppers that gives some insight. See my thread for TP Cloud vs. SleepEZ 10000. Tempurpedic Cloud very comfortable to me. Very picky due to old shoulder injury / arthro surgery years ago. it ain't the same and will always hurt a little everyday. I still don't think the SleepEZ has quite the pressure relief of the Tempurpedic. Doesn't seem the SleepEZ needs a layer exchange cause seems it's about the best it could be. I don't know if you're box spring would be good or not. If old, maybe best to replace it. Check with vendor about foundation also. On my box spring, the center slat that runs head to toe is fully supported by a center frame rail. Keeps box from sagging in middle. You mentioned upper back problems. You've probably been told sleeping on stomach is generally not so good cause have to turn head to side which brings spine out of natural curve?
65 would be almost fine by me ( prefer 68), but my wife would definitely leave me the next morning. Heck, I cannot bring it down any lower than 72 during cold months. I looked at the chart on sleeplikeabear.com and while it's pretty nice and easy to understand, it really means nothing to me right now. I don't know what "super soft" or "extra firm" feel like and I'm pretty sure I won't be able to get a good feel for it until I really sleep the whole night. Yes, you're right...sleeping on my stomach isn't the most prefferable position but it's the way I've slept my entire life...not too easy to change now. My back actually doesn't bother me at all during the night and I'm positive it's not what prompts me to wake up few times/night. |
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For more research on coil springs and box springs, have a look around one of Leggett and Platt's sites ... They make tons of components for mattress manufacturers and much more. Two big latex mfrs. are Latex International and Latexco Carpenter Company is a huge maker of foams and materials including memory foam http://www.carpenter.com/index.php/us/en/bedding/overview Tempurpedic says "since we research, design and manufacture TEMPUR® material, it’s proprietary—you’ll only find it in our products".
This message was modified Sep 30, 2011 by slpngoc
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If you can find a local 'natural mattress store' or place like that, it's one of the better ways to sample latex mattresses. Serta Vera Wang's have some talalay latex over regular core foams, so can get an idea as well. Latex is probably one of the springiest foams you will find. Push on it and the response back is immediate. It's a very lively type of foam. |