We are still in the day 12 trial period for an Extra Firm Avocado latex that is finally “softening” up a bit and I"m sleeping a little bit better (or perhaps just exhausted) I have continued aches and pains throughout the day from what has turned out to be a “break-in process”. I have started to explore new mattresses in case we return (which as of today I bet we will, but can’t start that process until the 30 day trial is over). I’m unsure if a topper will help and stay stable on a king mattress. I am open to the possibility, but not if it costs 600 to 800 dollars more in expense that may not lead to us keeping the bed. Essentially, We’d love to find a mattress that doesn’t require a topper, if possible.I am in Ct and within reasonable commuting distance to NYC and think I need to lay on more mattresses to learn more about the real life differences. I went to Saatva and tried the latex Zenhaven - I liked it (the firmer side not the medium firm but you can flip it anytime if you change your mind). I then tried the Contour 5 because the only bed my husband and I enjoyed was in an Airbnb - Costco Cloud Tempurpedic in firm that is no longer sold. The control 5 reminded me of that bed and I liked it, but unsure if I’m willing to go completely all in to memory foam in case it isn’t what we like over time and we end up with sinking areas that would require a return. I do not move much when sleeping on a tempurpedic firm though which is different than our old inner spring mattress or our current extra firm avocado where I am moving to at least 3 positions and occasionally stomach - and always a sign that I am not sleeping well. The salesperson suggested the Saatva HD - I laid on it and thought this feels like the tempurpedic but with a soft latex like hybrid spring feel. They said it was a medium firm rather than firm, which I think as we are aging (65 for each of us) may provide more cushioning? I am game to seek out other mattresses but feel like the Saatva HD experiment may be useful in terms of narrowing down or as the case may be, expanding our search. We like the idea of a clean mattress (no foam) but may need some type of preferably eco friendly memory foam to meet our cushioning needs despite preferring a firm bed feel. The only other favorite mattress we have found was again in an Airbnb years ago which was the Serta Vanguard II in firm which probably explains why I liked the Saatva HD as much as I did. It felt like heaven:) We would like to purchase something solid and made with quality for side sleeping with a tendency to like firmer surfaces but perhaps a need for more cushioning memory foam or talalay latex (if not both which is in the Saatva HD) Any advice from the experts is welcome as I begin my search anew!!! Definitely considering the Saatva HD and its generous 365 day trial, but open to other suggestions from trusted companies on this board. Thank you for any and all advice. We are open to new ideas and ready to research:)!
My interpretation is that you basically do not want to sink into a bed much but you need more pressure relief than the extra firm is offering.
Just a note, I have an avocado luxury ultra plush mattress that feels absolutely amazing, but is still supportive. It’s a 2/10 firmness but I never feel stuck in the bed. So really it’s about how the beds are constructed. With latex you will almost always feel on top even with a medium firmness.
Each person has their desired balance of support and stress relief, but it’s extremely rare that a person would want only pressure relief or only support, in practice. What you received is 10/10 support, and 2/10 pressure relief, but a well built bed does not have to sacrifice support to give pressure relief, and you do not have to feel sunk in in order to get comfortable.
About polyfoams and memory foams - most are formulated to be okeo certified meaning regardless of the smell they still will not have toxic chemicals. That is basically the rule these days. I realize many are focused on latex here but it’s okay to use all resources available to get the best sleep. If you get a high quality build you will not have to worry about indentions. Durability is indicated by the density of foams.
My opinion is that if looking for a latex hybrid, just go with the standard medium-firm option because while it does not say firm, it’s more about the structure and how things work together than a number and you cannot get pressure relief without some softness on the top. As long as the base springs are good and the build is good you’ll stay up on the mattress but still feel comfortable.
Here are options I’ve found, I’ll give descriptions along with the links:
https://handupmattress.com/products/aireloom-phoenix-tight-top-13-queen-mattress
I have tested this bed, it’s soft and cool on top but also very supportive. Described as a luxury firm, I felt very comforted while still on top of the bed. I don’t like the foam rails as edge support on the side, but the materials and construction of this are still very good. It’s a $4000 bed for $950 shipped and more than worth that much.
https://handupmattress.com/products/avocado-green-11-queen-mattress-2?variant=50188542607553
This will be Avocado’s standard green mattress. It’s a simple build with 1" firm latex underneath a 5 zoned spring system, with a 2" layer of medium latex on top. This is what I meant by a standard medium firm latex mattress. Another that’s $950 shipped.
I own the medium variant of this and I love it. It’s characterized as a “memory foam feel” but I don’t get that effect much. When I first got it I was 220 pounds at 6’0" and I do not sink into it very deep, it just feels amazing. It’s a 6/10 firmness and their firm version I believe would be 7.5. Current discount brings the price to $1500.
https://nestandwild.com/products/luxury-hybrid-mattress?variant=43184902832304
And a personal favorite of mine which I also own, the nest and wild hybrid. It’s described on the website as a 4.5/10 firmness, but mine and my parents opinion is 6.75. it has pre treated made in house foams by the owner who has 20 years of experience in the foam industry. So no indentations and they have a 15 year warranty. He uses the Texas pocket spring quadcoil. With their current coupon the price would be $1170. I’ve visited their factory a couple times and just love the company and the mattress personally.
Thank you, I will look into all of these first thing tomorrow, hoping I can try some out in real life - Avocado green in firm is of course available and on my list, but lots of mixed reviews on warranty and longevity despite a much lower price point as compared to my current extra firm version of this mattress - will try to keep on open mind. I did realize that the Apex glacier is often recommended as an alternative to Saatva HD. I’m sad that it can’t be tested in real life, but I will read up on your experience with it and consider it as an option. I have also heard of aireloom but just for the first time in my searches today so will research further. Nest and wild is new to me will spend time researching thank you!. Do you have any experience/exposure or thoughts about the Saatva HD? have seen some minor references to it in searches on the page but not much. Any opinions welcome.
@Maverick 's favorite saatva mattress is the HD, and one of the only that I’d pick from saatva other than their latex mattress. It’s their best constructed model. 3200 is just a lot but these are things you use for years so I guess it’s not that bad.
Maverick is also the guy who’s posts I read about the glacier apex and that convinced me to buy it. It has a soft high density foam quilted in the top and the cover is cool to the touch, the foam is high quality and gives an “aaahh” feeling but the support in the base is very solid. Somehow despite it being memory foam based it keeps me on top in the medium version and the firm version would have less sinkage. I actually think you’d love the apex in firm since you’re sure you like firm beds.
Thank you that recommendation re: which Apex helps a lot. I’m glad I picked the 2 beds at Saatva you and maverick feel are the ones to focus on - I must be in the right ballpark. Price point is real, but then again our avocado firm wasn’t cheap:) and we stuck with our old bed for so long (out of fear of what to choose:) that I think this price range works for us if we end up keeping the bed. I"m sure most of the saatva price is their marketing and return policy… they do a nice job of making the environment sleep - like and soothing, unlike most showrooms. Luckily I’m consciously aware of that but sometimes it’s tough to eliminate surroundings completely when trying to stay objective about a mattress. Appreciate your help.
Hey Sully2.
Transitioning from a rock-hard Avocado Extra Firm to something with actual pressure relief is a massive shift, and your body is clearly protesting. That “break-in” phase usually just means your body is taking the brunt of a surface that is simply too rigid. When your shoulders and hips can’t sink in, your spine gets pushed out of alignment, leading directly to those all-day aches and endless tossing and turning.
Since you are in CT and close to NYC, testing options in person is the smartest move before making a final call.
How Your Top Picks Stack Up
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Saatva HD: It makes total sense why you liked this one. It combines heavy-duty coils with a thick layer of zoned Talalay latex and memory foam, giving you a dense, supportive base with a plush pillow-top that cradles your joints.
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Saatva Zenhaven: A strong contender if you want a 100% natural feel without coils. The key is Talalay latex—it is much softer, airier, and more pressure-relieving than the dense Dunlop latex Avocado uses.
Other Trusted Options to Test in NYC
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Naturepedic (EOS Trilux or Classic): Drop by a Naturepedic showroom in the city. They build organic latex and coil mattresses with customizable firmness on each side, giving you a clean build without forcing you to sleep on a brick.
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PlushBeds (Botanical Bliss): An excellent choice if you want pure organic Talalay latex. It contours around side-sleeper pressure points without making you feel stuck or overheated.
A Quick Word on Toppers
A 2" or 3" soft Talalay latex topper would soften up the Avocado for a few hundred bucks, but since you are already counting down the days until the 30-day return window opens, put that money toward a bed that works right out of the box.
If the Saatva HD felt like heaven, use that as your baseline.
NikkiTMU