I live in the Bay Area. We’ve tested out the Enlightenment Hybrid at the Natural Mattress store in San Rafael and the Royale Organic Hybrid at Bay Bed. They feel somewhat similar and I’m trying to figure out why the price is so different.
Both beds can be made split: 1 side will be medium firm and the other will be soft. In testing them Bay Bed is a bit cushier and softer while Natural Mattress Store feels more structured? Definitely less cushy.
Natural Mattress Store’s Enlightenment Hybrid is significantly more expensive. $4100 for a Cal King mattress. 3" Talalay latex (medium on 1 side, soft on the other) on top of 2" latex on top of medium coils. Wool/cotton topper. $1400 for foundation and metal frame. $5650 total.
Bay Bed is more reasonable. $2400 for a Cal King mattress. 4 layers of Dunlap 1" latex (1 firm, 2 soft, 1 extra soft) on top of medium coils on 1 side and firm coils on the other side. Wool/cotton topper. $510 for foundation and metal frame. $3050 total.
The price difference is $1700 for the mattress and $2600 total.
My question – is the Bay Bed mattress that much inferior or is it comparable and just much better value? How much of this is a difference in value vs. quality? Bay Bed has 4" Dunlap latex instead of 5" for Natural Mattress store (of which 3" is Talalay). For Bay Bed, we’d customize the coils and start with the same latex layers. For the Natural Mattress Store, we’d share the same coils and customize the latex layer.
I’m not sure if the cushy or structured feel is better across each. We probably slightly prefer the Natural Mattress store’s mattress. With the 2 stores ~2 hours apart, it’s hard to do an apples to apples comparison.
Choosing a mattress involves balancing several factors including comfort, support, materials used, and of course, price.
Based on the details you’ve provided, (it was difficult trying to find Bay Bed’s breakdown of the mattress, so using your information is all there is to go by.
Natural Mattress Store - Enlightenment Hybrid
Price: $5650 total (including foundation and metal frame)
Materials:
3" Talalay latex (medium on one side, soft on the other)
2" latex (type not specified) on top of medium coils
Wool/cotton topper
Bay Bed - Royale Organic Hybrid
Price: $3050 total (including foundation and metal frame)
Materials:
4 layers of Dunlap latex (1" firm, 2" soft, 1" extra soft) on top of medium coils on one side and firm coils on the other
Wool/cotton topper
Key Differences and Considerations
Price Difference: The Natural Mattress Store’s mattress is significantly more expensive by $1700. This difference is primarily due to the materials used (such as Talalay latex which is generally more expensive) and possibly the branding and positioning of the store.
Materials Comparison:
Latex Type: Natural Mattress Store uses Talalay latex (known for its consistent feel and breathability) while Bay Bed uses Dunlap latex (may have a slightly different feel and is generally more affordable).
Latex Thickness: Natural Mattress Store has a total of 5" latex (3" Talalay + 2" unspecified) compared to Bay Bed’s 4" (all Dunlap).
Coils: Both mattresses use coils but with slightly different configurations (medium and firm coils on different sides in Bay Bed vs. shared coils in Natural Mattress Store). Concerning the coils, from the images it appears that the Enlightenment uses straight forward row and column arrangement where as Bay Bed may use a nested or honeycomb arrangement with enhance lumbar. You would have to verify this with them as they may use more than one type of coil system in their mattresses.
Comfort and Feel:
You mentioned preferring the slightly firmer and more structured feel of the Natural Mattress Store’s mattress. This could be due to the specific types of latex and coil arrangement, or the general structure of the mattress and placement of wool/cotton topper, with consideration given to the stretchiness of the mattress cover fabric.
Bay Bed’s mattress is noted to be cushier and softer, which might appeal more to those who prefer a plush feel.
Value vs. Quality
Value: Bay Bed offers a lower price point with a different but still high-quality construction (Dunlap latex and coil system).
Quality: The Natural Mattress Store justifies its higher price with the use of Talalay latex and possibly a different coil system that might enhance durability and support.
Which to Choose?
Preference: Given your preference for the slightly firmer and more structured feel, the Natural Mattress Store’s Enlightenment Hybrid seems to align more with your comfort needs.
Value Consideration: While the Bay Bed mattress is cheaper, it may not necessarily be inferior in quality; it depends on your specific comfort preferences and priorities. I am not sure why it would be thought of as “inferior” probably just a coincidence of the choice of words
What else to Consider?
Trial Period and Return Policy: Check if both stores offer a trial period where you can return or exchange the mattress if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
Longevity: Consider the longevity and durability of the materials used, especially if you’re looking for a mattress that will last for many years.
Given your preference for the Natural Mattress Store’s mattress and the feel you prefer, it might be worth the higher investment if it fits comfortably within your budget. However, if the price is a significant concern and you find the Bay Bed mattress also comfortable, it could be a good value option without sacrificing quality outright.
If you have not done so, and you are in the San Francisco Bay area another Trusted Member European Sleep Works in Berkeley has some similar options, perhaps closer to home and prices that are right in line with both of your current choices. They offer a modest incentive for MUGsters (TMU subscribers) here.
It was hard to tell with several businesses having names simlar to Bay Bed, Bay Mattress, etc, if the Bay Bed you saw the Royale is a Trusted Member of TMU, they do offer MUGsters and additional incentive.
Price does not always indicate superior or inferior quality. As I mentioned earlier, it is the materials, sourcing, availability, customer service, trial and return policy that often dictates where the price falls.
Hope this helps and all the best with whichever your choose.
Latex Thickness: 3.5" (compared to 5" with Natural Mattress and 4" with Bay Bed)
Coils: 5,000 pocketed high definition microcoils with 1,200 nested European basecoils. This seems like more coils than the Natural Mattress Store and Bay Bed. Perhaps it is offsetting the fact that there is less latex?
Based on your responses and our testing, I think we’ll go with the Natural Mattress Store. We might try to source the frame separately since the price is a bit steep.
I haven’t gotten myself to Berkeley yet. I’m wondering if we should try out the Nordic II or if it is pretty similar to the Natural Mattress Store (all those coils is confusing!).
In general, the nested or honeycomb style of coils tends to occupy more space to support the mattress, assuming all other factors are equal.
Additionally, under similar conditions, 6-inch coils are typically stiffer compared to 8-inch coils. It’s important to note that these are generalizations, as manufacturers have the flexibility to adjust these factors to meet various specifications.
Microcoils can function to add additional pressure relief and contouring, and in certain conditions, can be used to replace a foam layer within the mattress to create better air flow and reduce a warmer sleeping environment caused by the foam, even if the foam is latex. While latex sleeps cooler than most memory foams, it can still retain some heat which for some folks may be an issue.
The Bay mattress is intriguing with the ability to have split coils, and nested coils are interesting. My concern would be the foam encasement they use to contain the coils. I would prefer edge to edge coils for durability.
The European Sleep Design also uses nested coils, but without the foam encasement. The Nordic version has a cool looking design. I have been wanting to try one out, but I don’t live anywhere near a retailer for those. In theory, the added coils should help with cooling and pressure relief.
We went back to the Natural Mattress Store in San Rafael to try the Enlightenment Hybrid and to European Sleepworks in Berkely to try the Nordic II.
Overall, the Nordic II and the Enlightenment both felt great. The Nordic II has 1.5" soft Talalay latex, 2,500 pocketed high definition microcoils, then 1.5" medium Talalay latex, 2,500 microcoils, then 0.5" medium Talalay latex then 6" 1,200 nested medium European basecoils. The microcoils seemed to give it a more bouyant feel. The Enlightenment with its 3 inches of soft Talalay latex, then 2 inches of Dunlop, then 8" medium springs had a more dense feel.
Price is very similar. $3900 for the Enlightenment vs. $3300 for the Nordic II. We aren’t considering price when deciding between these.
I’m still trying to figure out if the 1.5" fewer of latex on the Nordic II is an issue. We maybe prefer the more bouyant feel of the Nordic II (but it’s from an hour-long test). The Enlightenment has 1.5" more latex and 8" coils (European Sleepworks has 6") which likely makes it the technically premium option, but the Nordic II’s microcoils made it feel pretty luxurious.
Any expert thoughts welcome.
For any readers – we also tried European Sleepworks new bed, the Heritage. It has layers of microcoils sewn together with a tufted top. The Heritage had a lovely tufted top, but it felt a little too firm underneath. I’d recommend a try on it if you’re curious.
Update: We ended up buying the Nordic II. We’ve had it for a week and so far so good. It started out a bit firm, but feels like it’s softening. We’ll see where it is in 30 days when it’s officially broken in. For now, we’re happy!
Note that the Nordic II doesn’t fit with standard Cal King fitted sheets. We’re using a flat sheet, tucked in, as a bottom sheet.
Update: we were able to get a Cal King fitted sheet on it. Not sure why the first one didn’t fit. We’re sleeping great on the Nordic II. Very happy with the purchase. Thank you TMU!
Hello. Thanks for your updates on your purchase. I also purchased a Nordic II and have had it for a week. It seems a lot more firm that what I tested at the showroom. I even called back to make sure there wasn’t a mixup on the order. I feel like I should give it at least a month before wanting to exchange.
Our was definitely more firm for the first month. It is softening up now. I don’t think it’s quite as soft as the one in the showroom, but it’s great to sleep on. I’d give it 30 days and then re-assess. They say we need 30 days to break in the latex
Doing my best to give it at least 30 days before I give up and exchange. Glad to hear yours is softening. I reached out to the store and they said it’s usually the mattress encasement that needs to break in to allow the latex to spread out. Their suggestion was for me to unzip the mattress completely and sleep on it like that for awhile. I tried that and noticed a slight difference.