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I have an old cheap outlet-store type mattress that needs replacing. After spending a few hours at different stores, we decided to go for a memory foam mattress. And after spending hours looking at the Amazon, Overstock, Costco, etc mattresses, it's all so confusing and the reviews are all so mixed. So, I think the DIY route is the best way to have flexibility to experiment and get quality. The mattress I'm thinking of building is something along the lines of: 2" 4.5lb memory foam ($115 from foamdistributing, $119 Aerus from Amazon) I am 6' 160lbs, she is 5'3" 125lbs. So we are relatively lightweight, tend to like more plushy beds, and have only occasional lower back pain (probably more from computer use than sleeping). My questions: 1) How does the foamdistributing.com or foambymail.com memory foam compare to Aerus or Sensus? They have similar specs. Should I just get whichever is cheaper/more convenient? 2) How does the foamdistributing.com "regular" line differ from their "high quality" line from a practical perspective? I know the density is higher, so theoretically it will last longer.. but does it make any difference in terms of sleep quality? 3) Does the thickness of the bottom layer(s) matter that much? 3" vs 4" vs 5"? For the pre-built mattresses, often the only difference between an 8" and 12" is the thickness of the bottom layer (and maybe a half inch more memory foam on top). 4) Any changes in layers or thickness you'd recommend for our situation? We tried latex beds but it seemed oddly bouncy, and it's a lot more expensive. Thanks for any help! |
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I have never used foamdistributing, so I can't really comment on their products. I would say that it is important the the top 2+" are breathable if you are heat sensitve. I know that the Aerus is suppose to be fairly breathable, but the 4.5 foamdistributing does not make that claim (so not sure). That might be a reason to go with the Aeurus for the top 2" I have used the mem-cool from Overstock and it does seem cooler to me that the Sensus from Overstock, so there can be a difference. Sensus is pretty good overall, but a bit warmer (too hot for me on the top layer). Your 5.5 might be similiar to Sensus. For the base level, 6" seems to be sufficient. You can always add more, so I don't think I think you need more that than. Not sure if the eggcrate will provide that much cooling, since the top 4" will absorb most of the heat. More important probably would be to put a wool topper or washable wool filled mattress pad on top. That helps absorb some of the moisture/humidity to help it stay cooler. The higher quality foams can be more supportive than the lower quality ones, due to their higher density. The firmness is just a one dimensional measure, and there are other factors such as resiliency and how supportive it is under more compression. Not to mention greater longevity. So, if not much more money, it is probalby worth it for the better foam. Latex can be even better on some of these factors, plus adds a litte springiness as well. Sounds like you don't like that, but when you put some memory foam on top, the bounciness is much less of a factor. Not sure if you are going to put all of this in a cover, but you can get zippered ones with wool in the top layer. Good luck, and realize that it does take some trial and error. The numer of inches memory foam will be based on how soft/firm you want it. You did not really discuss that. Some of the overstock memory foams you can get in 1", so you could always start with your 2" of the 4-4.5lb on top, and 1" of 5lb. below and add more if necessary. |
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You can also get 2.5" 4lb and 5lb Aerus at Sam's club. I think you have to buy a membership though. I assume the 4lb is a bit softer, so that could be good for you top level. 5lb if you want a bit firmer feel on top. Costco has 2.5" 4lb. Eco memory foam on sale right now (supposedely breathable as well). They also have a 3" nutratemp one that 3.25-3.5 density. I think everything bought at Costco (for sure) and Sam's club is returnable. |
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sandman wrote:
They also have a 3" nutratemp one that 3.25-3.5 density. I think everything bought at Costco (for sure) and Sam's club is returnable. |
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Diane, I think they have changed it (I sent you a PM). They told me they use ingredients of 4lb density, but since it is more open cell the actual density is 3.25-3.5lb. I am not sure if you have actually weighed yours to calculate the density, but the current version may be different than when you bought it. This message was modified Sep 20, 2010 by sandman
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| Thanks guys, I do have a Costco membership so I'll check that out. Anyone with experience with the mail order foam types, or recommendations on tweaking thicknesses? |
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I bought the one from Sam's club. I don't have it yet, as everything takes for ever to get to where I live, so I can't offer any feedback on it. I can say that it was by far the best deal I came across for 5lb Aerus foam, Queen $160. Other places were in the 270-400 range for Foamex. I just hope its a good quality, bc I do believe in you get what you pair for a lot of times. I wouldn't mind spending 400 for the same specs if I knew it was truly was better. I am thinking of changing my initial plan and going with a DIY foam bed vice latex, so I am curious to here your results.
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