Buying a Mattress:(
 

I'm wondering how many of you are sleeping on a mattress that isn't comfortable? If you love your mattress can you tell me why it works for you and the brand. How in the world do you figure out what you'll be comfortable on for 8 hours a night?
I have to buy a new mattress and it's driving me crazy! DH and I haven't had a good nights sleep for about 8 months. My problem is we've been sleeping on a feather bed for over thirty years but we don't sleep well on one now. We went out to the mattress stores Wednesday. DH was so uncomfortable he just stood and watched me lay on mattresses. There was no one in the store except the saleslady! I wanted to strangle him. So I went online and researched mattresses that are sold only online. I read 100s of reviews of foam, latex and hybrid mattresses. Still lost!
I can't sleep on a mattress that feels like I'm laying on the floor or a table. I need to sink in a little so it feels like floating in the ocean:) I'm also very sensitive to smells so I wonder about buying foam or latex.
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!

I need a new mattress also. Fixed income so was out of the question. I bought a 3" memory foam mattress from Costco because I knew I could return it if I didn't like it. Read all the reviews and purchased one. It is white on one side and blue on the other. Anyway, I was waking up every day with a sore back. Have been sleeping on this for the last few weeks and I can't tell you what a great feeling NOT to wake up hurting. It isn't hot and it didn't smell. If I had to buy a regular mattress, I would get a memory foam.

We have a sleep number bed/ mattress. Love it, I like it soft, my setting is 35, hubby likes it a bit more firm his setting is 60. We've had it for 5 years now. We can adjust it to our needs when ever. Has a remote to adjust each side. It has made a great difference in our sleep quality.

Boy, Thank you for asking this question. Last year we bought from Saatva online. It was an easy process and the company is very customer friendly. However, now that we have had it for a bit, we do not like it at all. It's a bit too soft for us but the main reason I don't like it is because every time my bed mate moves or rolls over, I bobble up and down like I am floating in the ocean. Might as well have a water bed but that is why I don't! We are talking about looking into a Sleep Number bed but the reason we did not get one this time was due to a fair amount of negative reviews. I will be watching and reading this post for reviews.

We have a "generic temper-pedic mattress" with a 3" memory foam topper. We bought it 8 years ago and it is still comfy. It is so comfortable that when my head hits the pillow, I am out like a light.

I slept in a waterbed for years and had to give it up when I moved into an apartment. I tried many at different stores and finally settled on one that (I thought) was reasonably comfortable. I hate it and haven't had a good night's sleep since. I can't afford to try to replace it. It's been almost 4 years. :(

I hate the memory foam mattress I bought last year. I can not roll over easily in it and my hips hurt after about 2 hours. I end up sleeping in the spare room on a roll away bed! I am ready to just purchase a blow up mattress! So I have no answer for you make sure there is a return policy

It's too bad one can't try a mattress for atleast 3-6 months. The mattress we have now was a going out of business sale. The hubs laid on it for about 5 minutes and said it was good enough for him. I didn't think it was any different than the one we currently had at that time. We didn't have it 4 months (the furniture store had gone out of business) and it virtually broke down on both side. I could make the bed and you could see the indentation. Now neither one of us weighs 200 #. We called the manufacturer but since it was an older mattress like 3 years in the store they wouldn't do anything about it. We got a 4x6 piece of 1/2" plywood to put under it. Worse mattress I ever had. Our prior mattress wasn't this bad when we donated it to the curb. It was readily picked up by the neighborhood dumpster diver. He always starts his day near our house. Often I feel like I'm sleeping in a bucket.

Our mattress is about 10 yrs old. It was not cheap! I do not find it overly comfortable. DH is better about it but then again, he's like a horse and can sleep standing up! We are both leaning towards the sleep number when we replace this. I, too, like a softer mattress than DH.

Be careful about the height of the box spring as well. Our mattress (22" thick - read very expensive sheets! /box spring) are so tall that we both need to climb into bed! DH is almost 6' tall! At the time, half-height box springs were available but we were clueless. And since they have the set ups so low in the stores, you would never really notice.

My son recently replaced his 15+ year old mattress. We recommended a memory foam since my DH and I got one in the fall and like it. He got a Cocoon by Sealy (you can google that). It was an "Oprah" pick and he LOVES it. They have a 100 day money back guarantee and it ships right to your house. They have a cool video on their web site that shows how it springs to life out of the box. Memory foam is not for everyone, but we had been sleeping on a pillow top that had formed "trough's" and that was killing my back so I wanted to try something different. No regrets!

we have the sleep #. It is over 15 years old and is still wonderful. Hubby likes his side at 100, I like 35. We both sleep well.

I would recommend against getting a pillowtop mattress. What we have found is that the pillowtop gives out long before the rest of the mattress, giving us hollows in the middle. (We both weigh under 200#.) In terms of mattress brands, I like Stearns & Foster in their top and near-top of the line.

When our (expensive) king size pillowtop mattress started giving us problems, I decided to try a mattress topper. We got what (as I recall) is a 4" foam type mattress topper from Sam's Club for about $150 (back then; probably $200 now). We have had it on the bed for 4 years now, and it still feels great. The only thing we had to do about a year ago was turn it around head-to-foot. My brother was going to buy a new bed for himself and I talked him into trying the foam topper instead. It worked great for him too. It's been over 2 years now and is still fine. In both cases, it saved us a lot of money.

You could try purchasing a mattress and box spring set and putting the foam topper on to add some softness.

We have had no problems with the foam toppers in terms of odor, and I am very sensitive to smells.

For our next mattress, I am tempted to try one of the mattress in a box types. Here's a YouTube video of one:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqzZCn6PtT8

Edit: I should add we tried the Sleep Number years ago, at my insistence. Dh hated it so much he boxed it up (a lot of work!) and took it back to the store for a refund.

Edit 2: When I say mattress topper, I do *not* mean those egg crate type toppers. Ours is a smooth foam.

I have had the TempurPedic with pillow top for about 12 years. It's still comfortable.

Fourteen years ago I bought a mattress and box springs (3: foam topper on mattress) Online and have loved it every night since. But, after 14 years, 5 moves, and sleeping alone in the middle of this bed, I'm beginning to feel a "hammock" and am finding it harder to get out of bed -- especially with my new hip the first 2 weeks!

So, I've been researching mattresses online again, and have found one I think will be It. The Dromma Bed is made in North Carolina. Here is the link for it; be sure to read the "about us" section; I was impressed. https://drommabed.com/dromma-mattress/

1. They have a 200 night trial period!!
2. And they will pick up a rejected mattress and donate it to a worthy cause if you decide not to buy it.
3. The mattress comes in two firmnesses.
4. The cover of the mattress is washable.
5. There is a foam layer to control the heat buildup prevalent in some memory foam mattresses.
6. The foam is "eco" -- and according to reviews, there is NO smell from the first day.
7. The double bed size costs $749 and shipping is free.
8. Customer service has received rave reviews from purchasers.
9. I am having a friend build a platform storqge bed with drawers for me and I will not need a box spring; this mattress is perfect for that.

This is the one I'll be buying soon!

Jan in VA

I have one also and mine is set at 45-50, depending on if I need some extra support or more cozy. Will never sleep on any other mattress, they can be adjusted for every comfort level.

I have a foam mattress that I like. We bought twin mattresses that did not hold up; my back began to hurt right away from the first set. The foam supports me well, but I have not slept on it during the summer, however.

I bought the Mattress in a Box from Walmart - $149 for a double. (Slumber 1 - 8'' Mattress-In-a-Box). I needed one I could bring home alone. It is a real innerspring mattress and is very comfortable. I do sleep on it alone but it seems like it would be OK with two people. The only problem was, bringing it home and up a steep flight of stairs to the bedroom. Definitely a two person job . They also have a 10 year warranty.

We have had a Sleep Number for 15 years and we Love it!!! I can't imagine what there is to dislike, but as I recall there was a return guarantee when we bought it. They now can be bought with a heater, and top and bottom height adjustment, but we have the standard flat queen mattress.

When we bought there was a plan for folks to spend the night at a local hotel that had a Sleep Number bed, so one could try it out. You paid a discounted rate for the night.

Several years ago my husband and I bought a new expensive mattress from Sleepy. It is comfortable but has two problems. The thickness of the mattress and box spring make it very high - don't know why I didn't notice that in the store - a shorter person would need a step stool. The other problem is that it is very heavy- difficult to change the sheets and tuck them. Hope this helps.

My brother bought a sleep # several years ago & he loves it. He says they are so comfy & can't be beat so that is what I'll be getting next time I'm needing a mattress

Here's another vote for the Sleep Number bed. We have had one for 7 years now and love it. Yes, I frequently change the setting depending on if I have been gardening or sewing too much. It was expensive, but I would buy another one on time if I had too. The best mattress I have ever had. Neither my husband or I are lightweights so I love the fact that it doesn't sag.

We have sleep number mattresses in our master and guest bedrooms. I like soft, and hubs likes to sleep on a rock-like surface. With the sleep number, we both get what we want and can adjust it anytime to suit. We've had one sleep number mattress for 7 years. No problems.

There are a lot of Sleep Number people out there:) I'm still thinking but have to make a decision real soon. I'm waking up every couple of hours and get up every morning with horrible neck pain, right arm asleep and grumpy as an old bear! At this point I'm trying to figure out if I can stuff a split king in a small bedroom (we are on a queen now).

I always end up with PosturePedics. Not pillow top. Added a 1 1/2" memory foam topper from Walmart..been comfy fir about 5 years. We had a generic memory foam but it compacted down so lesson learned.

Just the two us ..150 and 180 lbs.

Sandy

Jan, That's one I've put on my list. I also have Keetsa.com, Yogabed.com and BedInaBox.com. I've read so many webpages I'm going cross eyed and brain dead!

I have a Sterns & Foster pillow-top king mattress that is 4+ years old and I still love it. Only downsides are it is too heavy to rotate and it is hard to find the 22" sheets. I stayed at a hotel once with Sleep Number beds and I really didn't like it at all. It felt very hot, like sleeping on a vinyl sofa, and kept adjusting and making noise all night.

Thank you, Jan, for posting about the Dromma bed. Next time we need a mattress, I think that's the one I want to buy!

Me too, I've had it 3 years now. And that after sleeping on a full-flotation waterbed for 30 years. Got tired of draining it to replace heaters every 5 years.

My two recommendations: Sleep Number & Kingsdown Emerald Crown ,

We bought the Sleep Number for our master bedroom about 6 years ago and love it.
I like to set my side at 65; DH likes 35. There have been times after surgeries or injuries that we needed to adjust those levels. It's great having the option. Pricey, yes, but there's no substitute for a good night's sleep. No more aches and pains FROM the mattress, but rather a place to ease them away!

The bed I sleep in most often, though, because I stay up much later (and snore) is the guest bed. We bought a Kingdown Emerald Crown mattress about 4 years ago. Mattress models change so I'm not sure Emerald Crown is current, but try a Kingsdown . Our guests have commented how comfortable it is that they slept 10 solid hours .
It wasn't cheap but half the cost of the Sleep Number. Plus a great warranty.

One more vote for Sleep Number. I purchased the queen bed when it was on sale. It was the mattress only and I couldn't afford the bed also. So I got a box spring from my sister, put a board from Home Depot on top of that (covered with a piece of batting and cheap cotton sheet). Then put the mattress on top of that. I also had a 3 inch memory foam topper left over from previous bed, so put that on top. It took quite a while (like 6-9 months) to find my perfect number (40). But I sleep like a rock and wake up feeling great each morning.

Most people do not know what actually goes into the making of a mattress, so buyer beware. I googled "toxins in memory foam" and there are several articles on this subject. I sleep on a Simmons Beautyrest, and only the thin topper has memory foam, but I enclosed it with a protector that keeps water, pet dander, you name, out. Then I put another topper over that I bought from an all natural mattress store. Something still isn't right, for even though this is such a comfortable mattress, I think it is a bit too soft due to aching in the hips.

Do you really want memory foam? http://www.sleepjunkie.org/are-memor...ttresses-safe/
[h=2]What are the risks of VOCs and Off-Gassing?[/h]The most hyped danger surrounding mattresses made of memory foam remains “VOCs” and “off-gassing”. The two terms refer to the same phenomenon of chemicals breaking down and dispersing into the air, which some have attributed to allergic reactions, breathing issues and toxin buildup. Memory foam and all polyurethane-containing and otherwise manufactured products can have a “new” odor, usually most noticeable the first few weeks
https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/tradi...oxic-mattress/

Saatva Bed
 

I was considering buying one of these. I am curious about which one of their three mattresses did you purchase. I like a firm bed. Sleep numbers sound good but the cost is what is keeping me from buying one.

We desperately needed a new mattress about a year ago. I wanted a Temperpedic mattress. I wasn't sure my DH would go for it because it is a little bit pricey and he doesn't like to try new things. I have never regretted spending the extra to get it. We have loved it from the day we got it. I am 60 and my hips, knees and back feel so much better. They do have a 90 day money back guarantee. But you do have to buy something else from them I think. If I ever need another mattress it will be the same brand. My son has another name brand of memory foam mattress. It is comfy but not as good as ours. Ours also has something to make it feel cool. My sister has one that is about 20 years old that she still loves. And my sister is a whiner and complainer.

A friend purchased a Saatva two years ago and when I asked her about the mattress she invited me over. Even though she has rotated the mattress every six months as suggested the mattress now has a "canal" on both sides. She also purchased the foundation so as to not void the warranty. I asked her if she'd called the company to see if the mattress could be replaced but she doesn't want another mattress from them. She weighs about 140 pounds and doesn't feel she caused the problem.

Jan, the site says this: 1.5″ top layer of Natural latex foam, provides bounce with air flow holes for increased circulation.

I don't know what causes laytex allergy, I wonder if this constant contact would? I don't expect you to have a answer, jut wondering if anyone knows.

We bought a tempur pedic about 12 years ago, every time I lie down on it I can't help but say "oh I love my mattress"

But I have yet found a way to keep sheets on it. We've used all kind of sheet keepers on, no luck.

We have an original temper-pedic mattress since 2002 and we love it.

I love our SelectComfort bed too! Ours is 12 years old and one of the best investments dh and I have made. We both sleep great because he likes a firm mattress and I like soft.

We bought the second cheapest model. I like my side soft so the pillow top on a soft setting made me feel like I was sleeping in a taco shell. :P They do run sales--if you know someone who has one ask them for a coupon. I still getting them in the mail a few times a year.

We bought the Luxury Firm which is the middle grade. Perhaps the Firm one would have been better but I don't sleep on my back or front as I am a side sleeper. Seemed like that middle one would be perfect ..... advertised as the Goldilock's bed, not too soft and not to hard. It's comfortable enough when just laying on it but as soon as my bed mate rolls one way or the other or even gets in and out of bed, I feel like the waves are rolling and I might get thrown out of bed. Sure wish we had sent it back before the time was up. We also chose the smaller (thinner) box spring and wider mattress which was also a mistake. It's hard to turn that mattress (heavy and awkward) and even making the bed after washing sheets is a big chore. I tend to grumble the whole time I am doing that. So beware! If you think one of them is right for you, just make sure to use it right away and pay attention to the time you have to use it before the return warranty times out.

There should be a new Rule 34 for the Internet -- If it exists, there's a claim it will kill you.

Well the deed is done. What agony! Too much web surfing and reading about latex, memory foam, springs and pillow tops. I finally bit the bullet and went with Plushbeds.com.

I decided on latex since:
They can last 20 plus years
The company will send you a new topper years down the road if you have "sinkage"
Less motion transfer (DH jerks, twists, and flops all night and has for all the years we've been together)
I was assured there would be no smell from the mattress
The company had different softness levels to choose from
No dust mites, bedbugs or mold
They offered a low profile foundation
Free sheets, pillow and mattress cover
I called and John answered every stupid question I had and took my order right then (with a very sexy soft British accent)
I can return it and get 100% of my money back
It wasn't the highest priced or the lowest priced

I decided that since I'd been sitting on latex living room furniture for 6o+ years, riding in cars with a latex dashboard, using latex dish washing gloves, sitting walking and laying on carpet with latex foam under it, using kitchen appliances, office equipment and video equipment with latex that I hadn't died or suffered any ill effects so I'd probably live a little while longer:)

Other factors that played into my decision:
Coil Spring mattresses are only good for 6-8 years and can grow mold inside the mattress due to your sweat. Also dust mites gross me out.
I've had a water bed mattress when I was a teenager and don't like them.
I tested my friend's Sleep Number and couldn't get comfortable.
Memory foam has to "off gas" for several days to a couple of days to weeks. I can't tolerant smells so this wouldn't work for me.
The glue used to adhere the layers of a memory foam mattress and used in spring mattresses has a very strong smell also which I noticed when we went to the mattress store to test mattresses.

The mattress will be delivered next week and I'll let you guys know after a week, a month and six months as to how well I like the mattress or if I had to return it and why.

I did a little research on latex mattresses too. I probably wouldn't want to get one for a child because of the potential for years of exposure. However, at my age, that's almost not a concern at all. :shock: The biggest risk with latex would be direct exposure; however, I think it is extremely low risk once you put a mattress cover and sheets on the mattress.

I'd love to know how you like it after six months!