Naturalmama

Our current mattress is a Verlo. Initially we loved it, but it didn't last as long as it should've and now it's beyond the 8 years recommended for a mattress anyway. And dh and I both are having back trouble. So, its definitely time. But I don't want any of the new gel stuff - just a good firm regular mattress that will last as long as it should. Dh checked consumer reports - but it wasn't really much help. So I was hoping you could help give me an idea of that to look for - or what to stay away from!

Dottie Bug

Both of you go and try the sleep number mattress you will love it Dottie Bug

earthwalker

Can't recommend a brand because I'm way over the other side of the world. I have always found it best to go try one out together and also find one you can turn and flip. They last way longer. We make it a habit to turn our mattress weekly and flip every month.

NJ Quilter

I agree with the others - both of you go try them. We spent forever trying to find a new mattress. Traditional mattress/boxspring. Don't recall the brand off hand. BUT - beware...these puppies are THICK now. I had to get all new bedding and I had a thick mattress before. This mattress is almost 20" deep. And unless you're both really tall, get the half-height box spring. We got a regular box spring. Also got a new bed frame. I really need a step to get into the bed comfortably but I'm afraid I'll trip over it getting out of bed in the middle of the night. As a result, my hip is a nightmare. I truly have to climb into bed. I'm 5'2"; DH is almost 6' and it's even a bit high for him. And you don't flip mattresses any more. You do still rotate. Just my experience. Good luck.

crafty3236

I have back n hip problems, we had a number bed, we had it for like 10 years and finally went and looked at those new memory foam with the cooling jell it was a good investment............ we got the frames that the head goes up or the foot, give them a try!! I get a bit better nights sleep....if you do get one be sure to get the bigger one so you can sleep how you like and your dh can sleep like he likes, your own remote... crafty3236

QuiltingVagabond

I hate shopping for a mattress - the manufacturers put different names on the same mattress for each store so you cannot easily compare.

I bought a "firm" pillowtop that cost $1000+ and there was a sag where we sleep within 6 months

I second the half depth box spring to keep the total height down.

Naturalmama

I've been trying to read reviews online and I keep seeing "developed sags after just a few months/few years" - I know they don't last forever, but I need more than a few years out of it. This is what happened with our verlo. But I also can't spend too much. I'm afraid that if I lay one one, it'll seem fine for 5 min in the store - but after some time it will be different. And I really just want a basic spring mattress.

Sunnie

I can't say enough good things about Comfortaire. Mine is nearly 10 years old and if I get a sag in it I simply push a button and the air fills the sag. Then I can release some air to get it comfortable. I have had back problems from a car accident and my chiropractor recommended this brand. Nearly identical to Sleep Number, but far more reasonable because you aren't paying for all those mall stores and advertising. If you search Comfortaire you can find the best price. And they have a great guarantee.

nygal

I guess we have been blessed. We are on our third mattress set in the past 35 years. Each set got better and more expensive but we can feel the quality when we lay down. We have a King size and it is plenty roomy. Ours is a thick firm with pillow top. I admit that it is higher up off the floor than I would like but I am use to it now. The first week we had it my husband said I'll need to starting running from the hallway and jump onto the bed to get in bed. lol I am not short either.

Prism99

We tried a Sleep Comfort several years ago, but my dh *hated* it! He willingly packed it up and carted it back to the store -- no small job.

I strongly recommend against getting a pillowtop mattress. They always develop a sag. Purchase a separate soft covering mat if you really want a soft layer on your mattress. Personally I think a good mattress should not need the pillowtop anyway; it's a selling gimmick that looks attractive but does not hold up over time.

I also recommend *not* getting the thickest mattress in the store. My dh insisted on getting absolute top-of-the-line, and I hate the fact that I have to spend so much money on sheet sets (in order to get adequate depth). Plus, the mattress is so heavy dh has to put the sheets on for me. (I should add that dh insisted on the pillowtop too. The pillowtop has developed a sag.)

The brand that has given us the most satisfaction is Stearns and Foster, and the best mattress we ever had from them was from the top of the middle of their line. It was a reversible mattress (pillowtops are not reversible) that featured something like primarily cotton fabric on one wide for cool weather and primarily silk fabric on the other side for warm weather. It lasted forever without sagging in the middle, and it provided just the right amount of support. (Years ago I got an extra firm posturepedic, thinking it would be great for my back, and it was way too firm. A too-firm mattress will create problems with pressure points on your body.) I think the ability to flip the mattress over helped with longevity too.