Hey BlingB,
Looks like you’re back at it with the mattress shopping!
Given the difference in your sizes, it might make sense to look for a mattress that offers split comfort, like a split head or split mattresses, especially considering the sleep apnea issue. This would give you both the support and flexibility you need.
Since you, like me, tend to sleep on the edge of the mattress, edge support is going to be really important. Personally, I prefer mattresses with edge-to-edge spring support. Foam encased perimeter edge support isn’t bad, but in the long run, even with high-end mattresses, one common complaint is that high-density edge foams tend to break down faster than expected. Here’s a video that talks about edge support in more detail.
I bring up edge support because it’s one of those factors that often gets overlooked when creating a mattress system. Another important component is your foundation. This post specifically addresses wood foundations, but the key takeaway is that support really matters, especially when you’re looking at something like a split head king or a split king mattress. Even with those, the foundation still plays a crucial role in overall comfort and durability.
Looking at the BedGear M3, it seems like a solid mattress, but there are a couple of things worth considering. The fact that it’s produced in their South Carolina facility is great, though it’s unclear where the components are sourced from. You’d think they’d be promoting “made in America” if everything was made in the U.S. The design and reviews show that there might be an issue with edge support, likely because of the foam perimeter around the spring layers. There’s also no clear information about the density of the comfort layers or the perimeter foam encasement. This doesn’t necessarily mean the mattress is bad, after all, you found it comfortable, but it’s important to know the specifications so you can get an idea of how durable the mattress will be in the long run. The specifications usually give you insight into this kind of thing.
The choice between DIY and a complete pre-designed mattress has its own benefits. DIY allows you to modify your mattress at home, which means any changes you want to make don’t require returning an entire mattress. You can also shuffle the comfort layers you already have to make adjustments. Going the DIY route with the springs and edge foam from your current mattress could save you some money and let you customize the mattress to your liking. However, this option would require sourcing the right latex layers and other materials to match your specific firmness and comfort needs. While a DIY hybrid gives you more control, it also requires time and effort to get everything just right. Plus, you wouldn’t have the same comfort guarantees or trial periods that come with a factory-made mattress like the BedGear M3. When creating a DIY, I always recommend getting your layers from a reliable source, with experienced mattress professionals who can guide you through the process. It is not always as elementary as some make it out to be.
At the end of the day, considering the cooling, back support, and edge durability you both need, you might want to carefully consider whether the BedGear mattress with its foam encasement will offer the long-term durability you’re looking for. If it meets your preferences, is within your budget, and you’re okay with the potential edge foam breakdown, then by all means, go for what feels comfortable.
A word of caution: don’t get too caught up in “cooling” fabrics or foams. Instead, focus on the mattress’s construction and airflow capabilities, rather than relying on so-called cooling materials. Materials themselves don’t cool; air conditioners do. While some materials, particularly natural ones, allow for better airflow and don’t retain heat, they don’t actually cool your body. And yes, there are materials designed to wick moisture and heat away from your body or absorb the surrounding cool air, similar to how a gel pack works when placed in the freezer. However, just like a gel pack, these materials eventually lose their cooling effectiveness as your body temperature equalizes with the cooling material, making them less effective from the second you rest your body on them.
Ultimately, the BedGear could work well for comfort and cooling, though the foam encasement could wear out more quickly than you’d like, especially if you’re used to sleeping near the edge. If edge support is a major concern, either finding a mattress with a solid coil system or sticking with a DIY setup might give you the durability and consistent support you’re after. If you and your wife are happy with the medium plush feel but are worried about the foam breaking down, exploring other options with edge-to-edge coils or going the DIY route might be the best move.
Maverick
Hope this helps as you make your decision!