Confused about mattress companies

[phoenix]

Hi Suza,

Just in case you haven’t read it yet … I would make sure you’ve read the tutorial post here which has all the basic information, steps, and guidelines that can help you make the best possible choices … and know how and why to avoid the worst ones including any manufacturer or mattress where you aren’t able to find out the quality of the materials inside it (see this article).

Is it true that Latex foam is does not sleep warm like poly/memory foam? Less or no off-gassing?

Yes … latex in general is the most breathable of the different types of foam materials but there are also other factors that can affect sleeping temperature besides just the type of foam that is in a mattress that can have just as big an effect (see post #2 here).

All the latex you are likely to encounter (either Dunlop or Talalay made with natural or synthetic latex or a blend of the two) has also been certified by either Oeko-Tex or Eco-Institut for harmful substances and VOC’s so you have the assurance of knowing that it is “safe”. All foam materials have some offgassing or odor but the certification it has is the best way to make sure that any offgassing isn’t harmful. CertiPur is the certification that you will generally see with polyfoam and memory foam and for most people a CertiPur certification would also be “safe enough” although some people who are more sensitive or have health conditions such as MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities) or who prefer more natural materials for personal reasons may still choose to avoid memory foam or polyfoam because based on anecdotal reports some people may still be sensitive even with foams that have a certification.

Can you offer any suggestions regarding mattress configurations? Of the models we tested, it seems a medium firmness is appropriate. I am 5’7, 160#, my husband 6’2", 180#. We are combination sleepers - me mostly on my side; he sleeps mostly on his back. Looking to get another Queen. Our bedroom would easily accommodate a King, but I’m not crazy about buying all new bedding, tat could easily double the cost of a new bed.

There are too many unknowns, variables, or personal preferences involved to use a formula or “theory at a distance” based on specs (either for you or a mattress) to choose a mattress or for anyone else to know which mattress may be “best for you” in terms of PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences). The only two ways I know to that are effective to choose a suitable mattress are either with careful and objective testing using the testing guidelines in the tutorial post (for a local choice) or with more detailed conversation with an online provider when you can’t test the specific mattress you are considering in person (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here).

I’ve read that most all mattresses use coils manufactured by Leggett & Platt. Simmons makes their own coils as does Charles P Rogers. Also read that while Leggett and Platt is an American Co, and has been making coils for decades, they now outsource to China and abroad. So many different things to consider. Any suggestions you might have would be appreciated.

There is more about innersprings in this article and post #10 here but an innerspring is just one component in a mattress and whether a specific innerspring mattress is suitable for you depends on all the specifics of the mattress layers and components and how they interact together … not just the innersprings. Once again your personal testing is the best way to choose which mattress is best for you.

I doubt there are any manufacturers outside the Portland area, but do you know of any stores selling factory direct elsewhere (Eugene, Medford, somewhere in the Willamette Valley).

Some of the better options or possibilities in Oregon I’m aware of outside of the Portland area are listed in post #2 here.

Phoenix