Brooklyn Bedding Mattress Q's

[phoenix]

Hi ceasar2k6,

After reading this site on and off for a few weeks I decided to make an account to ask specific questions.

I’m glad you did and I’m certainly happy to answer your questions … not to mention that your mattress forum membership here also entitles you to the bonus/discount that is offered to the members here by the manufacturer and retail members of the site.

One of the things that made me look at their aloe alexis line is 7" 2.17lbs base - which makes me think that it would last longer. I wonder though if their 8" 2.17lbs base for the bamboo bliss line would be better? (from what I can tell main difference is alexis has 2 layers of latex but bamboo only one 3" layer). Being 1" thicker, would make it than more durable?

The difference in the thickness of the base layer would be insignificant but the extra 3" latex layer in the Alexis would certainly make a difference in durability in your weight range. The upper layers are the weakest link in a mattress and with your weight you would compress the deeper layers of the mattress (underneath the top 3" latex layer) more than someone that was lighter and latex is a more durable material than even high quality 2.17 lb polyfoam. There is also more about the benefits of having more latex in a mattress in post #2 here that compares a latex/polyfoam hybrid to an all latex mattress and in post #2 here which talks more about the Alexis which would be more “in between” a hybrid with 3" of latex and an all latex mattress.

Other concern is the price since I would need to pay $1499 for alex + $200+ for bed/foundation. Is there anything else that’s similar quality/durability but within my budget?

If you are looking at online options then post #21 here includes a list of the members here that sell mattresses online and many of them sell latex mattresses that use different types and blends of latex and have a range of different features, options, designs, and budget ranges. I don’t know all the prices off the top of my head so you would need to check the individual websites. Post #13 here also has more about the most important parts of the “value” of a mattress purchase that can help you make more meaningful comparisons. While I don’t know which mattress would be the “best” value for someone else because each person has their own criteria that are important to them … I do think very highly of Brooklyn Bedding and like the other members here I believe they compete well with the best in the industry in terms of their quality,value, service, and transparency.

I am looking at this platform bed - is this a good choice? Bed Bath & Beyond | The Best Deals Online: Furniture, Bedding, Rugs, Kitchen Essentials & Moree? if not, does anyone have any ideas?> I would love to stay below $250 shipped for platform bed - durability is my main concern.

I don’t know the spacing between the slats (closer together would be better but I would look for about 4" or less) but other than that it looks like it has good center support to the floor and would likely make a suitable choice. There is more about different types of support systems (foundations, platform beds etc.) that are suitable for different types of mattresses and links to some good options in the foundation post here. It also links to instructions for several DIY foundations and platform beds that may also be worth considering if you are comfortable with making one yourself for the sake of additional strength and lower costs.

I am not too picky re latex or memory foam or springs - I have only slept on springs before and while I do own memory foam pillows, I would likely not want only memory foam. I figured I may like coil system but only if coils are 13gauge and lower?

Coil gauge is only one of the factors in the suitability and durability of an innerspring (see post #10 here) but at your weight I agree that a lower gauge and firmer innerspring would likely make a stronger and more suitable choice if you did decide to consider an innerspring mattress (although it’s usually the upper layers of a mattress that are the weakest link in terms of durability).

I also prefer as cool as possible… I summer even with a/c running, I rarely use any planket and even when it’s 30f outside at night, not only I have windows open but I barely use any cover…

Post #2 here has more information about the many variables that can affect sleeping temperature (including the mattress protector and the sheets and bedding you use) but latex is the most breathable of all the foam materials and will generally sleep cooler than other types of foam materials (including memory foam).

Phoenix