A handful of questions

[phoenix]

Hi ktty,

Switching gears almost completely - I went to some of my local retailers yesterday, among them R&S Mattress - and tried out some mattresses. The very first one I tried was a Brooklyn Bedding one (whom I know you recommend), and I liked it very much - a touch on the firm side, but I understand it would soften a bit as it breaks in, which I expect would be about perfect. I was surprised to find out that it was a gel memory foam - I believe the model is the ‘palazzo gel lux supreme’.

Brooklyn Bedding has several different “channels” that sell different mattresses. R&S mattress is their liquidation outlet and they sell mostly other brands that are liquidation items. The Palazzo for example is a Simmons mattress with all the typical “weaknesses” of a major brand except that the prices are lower than normal which puts them in a better value range. They also sell a line that is similar to the Dreamfoam (latex hybrid) that is made by Brooklyn Bedding and I would probably focus on these or mattresses made by Brooklyn Bedding if I was shopping at R&S. The staff at their liquidation outlets are usually very helpful but they may have varying levels of knowledge about various mattress materials at different outlets and don’t all have the same level of knowledge and experience as Chuck at Dreamfoam (although he is often in one of their outlets). Like all major brands … it may also be difficult or impossible to get the information you need about the layers in the Palazzo to make an informed decision both because Simmons doesn’t supply it and the staff there would probably not be as materials focused anyway.

I had pretty much disregarded memory foam in my research because of the pricing and the possibility of heat retention (not exactly a feature I want here in AZ - it’s hot enough without help!). However, the mattress felt much better than the other ones I tried out and the fellow offered a compelling price for a king-sized set ($1500 for mattress, boxes and frame. The all latex mattress from tranquility at which I was looking was $1500 just for the mattress; I’d have to build/buy the foundation for it, so either spend an additional $400 or spend a few hours out in the AZ summer heat & humidity buidling. That’s a tough call.).

There are a couple of members of the site who have bricks and mortar outlets in the Phoenix area and there is some particularly good local value there. It may be a good idea to include them in your research as well. As compelling as the price may be … I would hesitate to buy a Simmons mattress. The Phoenix list is in post #4 here and should be helpful.

Thank you once again for your time, knowledge and willingness to share both!

You’re very welcome

Phoenix