Sleep Science Ara Foam Mattress at Costco
Feb 7, 2009 1:41 AM
Joined: Feb 7, 2009
Points: 30
I couldn't find much information online about this mattress, but since it was from Costco I decided to give it a shot. I figured I'd give a little review of it so far since no one seems to have purchased one so far.

The mattress is currently on sale for $1099 (queen size, normal price $1399) including foundation.

These are the specs from Costco:
  • 13” pillow top mattress fits the dimensions of your bed
  • Limited Warranty: 20 years
  • Cover is bamboo fabric consisting of three layers.  This fabric is 300g/m2, the percentage of bamboo is 40%, nylon is 40%, polyester is 20%.
  • Cover top layer: 100% bamboo fabric
  • Middle layer: 100% nylon
  • Bottom layer: 100% polyester. 
  • Micro-suede cover sides are 100% polyester
  • Mattress core top layer: 3 inches 5-lb visco foam, 11-13 IFD
  • Second layer: 3-5/8 inches 5-lb visco foam, 11-13 IFD
  • Third layer: ½ inch air barrier
  • Fourth Layer: The Wedge Patented Edge Support System
  • Base layer: 6” Air Channel Base, dual density, dual IFD, relief cut urethane core
  • Queen mattress dimensions:
    60” W x 80” D x 13” H
    Weight: 196 lbs.

This is my first all foam mattress (previous was a "S" spring bed with a 3" foam topper) and so far (three nights) it has been fantastic. I'm a big guy (280lbs 5' 9") and really haven't had any problems sinking into all that foam (side and stomach sleeper), although it is a little harder getting in and out of the bed!

The mattress seems high quality and feels similar to the Temper-Pedic I tried. So far it doesn't sleep too hot for me.

Avoid the matching foundation. It comes fully assembled and is made of steel with plastic panels for support. While it works, I'm concerned about the cheap plastic support panels. For the price (about $200 extra for the matching set) I feel you can do better buying a foundation locally.

Delivery consisted of two large boxes, one for the mattress and one with the pre-assembled foundation. The manufacture date on my mattress was November 2008.

Assembly was easy, although the mattress alone weighs in at 132 pounds! After removing the plastic it only took about 30 minutes for it to fully decompress. Thankfully, the mattress is sealed in the zipper cover at the factory before packing! I thought I was going to have to install the cover myself! They make a big deal about the cover being made of "bamboo" fabric but it seemed just like a nice and soft cloth cover to me. You need to make sure that the cover doesn't get soiled or the bed warranty is voided!

 Darren
This message was modified Feb 7, 2009 by dkcs
Re: Sleep Science Ara Foam Mattress at Costco
Reply #9 Mar 10, 2009 3:35 AM
Joined: Feb 7, 2009
Points: 30
Just an update... 

The sale on these was extended until March 31,2009.

My FBM 3" soft Latex topper arrived today. So far it feels much softer and adds some "spring" to the bed that was missing before.

We are reaching the limit on our sheets! We're at 18" with everything (foam + latex + cuddle bed) on the bed.
Re: Sleep Science Ara Foam Mattress at Costco
Reply #10 Mar 18, 2009 12:22 PM
Joined: Mar 18, 2009
Points: 10
I too am strongly considering the King size Sleep Science ARA mattress from Costco. I currently have a 10-year old spring mattress that I am looking to replace.

My key question is...do I really need to buy the matching $300 foundation set? Can I just use my current box-spring? If no, can I just throw a sheet of plywood between the foam mattress and the existing box-spring? My current box spring is two twin-sized boxes (same as what it would be for the matched foundation from Costco.

Thanks!
Re: Sleep Science Ara Foam Mattress at Costco
Reply #11 Mar 19, 2009 12:25 AM
Joined: Feb 7, 2009
Points: 30
I believe that you would be ok with the plywood if the current boxspring is in GOOD physical shape. I would go with thick hardwood sheets to avoid the warping found in the cheaper plywood.

Keep in mind that the king size is HEAVY. The king shipping box lists the weight at 162 pounds! Add users and plywood and you're looking at 500+ pounds the boxspring needs to support.

Yes, we upgraded from a queen to a king size!

If your current foundation doesn't work you can always pick up a boxspring locally for around the same $200 Costco charges. I found the included foundation to be flimsy.
Re: Sleep Science Ara Foam Mattress at Costco
Reply #12 Mar 19, 2009 9:54 AM
Joined: Mar 18, 2009
Points: 10
dkcs wrote:
I believe that you would be ok with the plywood if the current boxspring is in GOOD physical shape. I would go with thick hardwood sheets to avoid the warping found in the cheaper plywood.<BR><BR>Keep in mind that the king size is HEAVY. The king shipping box lists the weight at 162 pounds! Add users and plywood and you're looking at 500+ pounds the boxspring needs to support.<BR><BR>Yes, we upgraded from a queen to a king size!<BR><BR>If your current foundation doesn't work you can always pick up a boxspring locally for around the same $200 Costco charges. I found the included foundation to be flimsy.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, from what I read, technically, you can lay the mattress right on the floor to get the intended support. As you said, worst case, I can probably get a foundation locally for close to the same price if needed.

Tempted to order right now...just need wife approval (or maybe not). :)
Re: Sleep Science Ara Foam Mattress at Costco
Reply #13 Mar 22, 2009 10:33 PM
Joined: Mar 18, 2009
Points: 10
Well, I did wind up ordering the king mattress (no foundation) last Thursday. I hope it doesn't take too long to ship (I live in Chicago).
Re: Sleep Science Ara Foam Mattress at Costco
Reply #14 Mar 31, 2009 8:23 AM
Joined: Mar 18, 2009
Points: 10
Well, mine is in transit and appears to be now only one state away...hopefully it will be delivered in the next couple days.

On the waybil, mine says it's 215 pounds! I only ordered the mattress too. Do they really have 50 pounds of packaging? Or maybe it's including a pallet in that weight?
Re: Sleep Science Ara Foam Mattress at Costco
Reply #15 Mar 31, 2009 4:41 PM
Joined: Feb 7, 2009
Points: 30
I believe that is the weight the shipping company charges since the box is huge (it would easily cover two pallets). I seem to remember that the actual weight on the outside of the box was around 162 pounds for the King size.

Be careful with opening the box and inner roll. It's very easy to cut the mattress inside when taking it out of the plastic. I suggest getting the sealed mattress oriented correctly on top of your foundation before cutting the inner roll since it is a bear to move around once it expands. Also, they seem to roll these mattresses inside out so make sure you have the top side (the side with "sleep science" imprinted) facing up as it expands! You can use it within an hour of opening but give it at least 24 hours to fully expand.

Darren

 
Re: Sleep Science Ara Foam Mattress at Costco
Reply #16 Mar 31, 2009 11:18 PM
Joined: Mar 18, 2009
Points: 10
The Costco "White Glove" delivery says that they will set it up and haul away any packaging. My interpretation is that they can carry it up a flight of stairs and place it onto my foundation. Hopefully that is the case since it's so heavy!
Re: Sleep Science Ara Foam Mattress at Costco
Reply #17 Apr 2, 2009 12:57 AM
Joined: Feb 7, 2009
Points: 30
I believe you are correct! The delivery guys had it easy with me since I just had them drop the box in my living room..  Just make sure they are careful when they cut the inner plastic wrapper open since the king size is out of stock!

Darren
Re: Sleep Science Ara Foam Mattress at Costco
Reply #18 Apr 4, 2009 12:37 PM
Joined: Mar 18, 2009
Points: 10
Well, I finally got my mattress yesterday. Aside from the delivery guys giving a 3-hour window and coming an hour and fifteen minutes past that, they set it up just fine. I slept pretty well last night. Takes some getting used to rolling, turning, and getting out of the bed since I sink into it. But within seconds, the mattres "re-conforms" to by body position. It's hard to describe...it's very soft and smushy, but then firm at the same time. We only put the thin bedsheet over it without any lining or padding. Is how we have it the best/recommended way to go? Or should I still put a pad over it? Looking forward to another good night of sleep though!