Hi Strummer,
You’d be amazed at the number of duplicate names I come across in my research. Of course they are much different and knowing the details of all the layers is the way to tell them apart. The issue with Bobs (like so many others) is that they don’t list the quality of their materials (density) … only the layering thickness … and I would need to know that before considering them. I would also want to know that they meet the criteria I use for memory foam in post #10 here.
The goal is always to connect with the experts rather than trying to become one yourself. That way they already know what you would otherwise have to learn. That’s the goal of the “step by step” post that’s linked after my signature in all my posts. Gather just enough information to know the basics and then let the mattress experts do the rest once you’ve identified who they are.
Again … if you follow the steps in the linked post it will save you hours of driving, research, and mattress testing only to find you don’t know or can’t find out the information you need about the mattresses you are testing. Lots of the research before you test mattresses can (and should) be done on the phone.
Besides careful testing to make sure that a mattress provides the PPP (Pressure relief, Posture and alignment, and Personal preferences) that you need and want … the rest of the job is to make sure that it uses good quality materials relative to your budget and that it has good value compared to other similar mattresses. The memoryworks certainly isn’t junk and has 4" of 4.5 lb memory foam over an unknown quality 6" base layer (and I would want to know the density). Once you know the base layer density you would have a way to compare it to other mattresses. Macy’s sells lots of poor value mattresses … but this is not the same as “junk” or poor quality. Some of these use some very low quality materials and some don’t. Even great quality mattresses like the better Tempurpedics can be poor value if they sell for significantly more than mattresses that use the same or better quality materials.
The density of the memory foam they use is fairly widely available and 4.5 lb memory foam is reasonable quality if it’s true that this is what they are using (there are other sources that these may not be the correct specs). I generally suggest that people don’t go below 4 lbs and lower density memory foams can have a feel that many people like because they are usually faster responding, often more open celled and cooler, and softer. You are lighter so this would certainly be suitable for you.
I’m not sure what size you are looking at (which would make a big difference in cost) but if you are looking at a queen size set with delivery for $800 it certainly seems like good value to me (although I would still want to know the quality of the base foam). I don’t think it will sag in 6 months no if it is suitable for your weight and sleeping positions. It will go through some initial softening like all memory foam but as long as it’s not already too soft or on the edge of being too soft (it should be a little firmer rather than a little softer to account for the initial softening) and the initial break in of the foam doesn’t take you over the edge in terms of support/alignment then it should be fine and have a reasonable lifespan measured in years. My only other caution would be to do a google search for “memoryworks mold” so you are are of the issues they have had.
So assuming that you are looking at a queen size and the base layer is at least reasonable quality … it seems to me that you are looking at good value.
Phoenix