Hi nbkmis1,
I would tend to avoid the chain stores and the major brands primarily because they really don’t compete with smaller factory direct manufacturers or with smaller wholesale manufacturers that are sold through local sleep shops like Custom Comfort by Winn.
I have talked with Custom Comfort (Winndom) on several occasions and I have been impressed with their transparency about the materials they use in their mattress. They also have a very good reputation and relationship with their retailers and can make custom adjustments to a mattress when necessary. If you were to look at the layer by layer comparisons of their mattresses and compare them with national brands … you would find that the value was much better. One of their retailers that is a particularly good resource and very helpful (whether you buy from them or not) is http://www.bedcraftersbymichelle.com/ .
The national brands are not very forthcoming about exactly what is in their mattresses and when this information is available and you make an “apples to apples” comparison … you will find that the value is just not there (the national brands using similar materials would be more expensive). I would never buy a mattress where the information about what was in each layer wasn’t available or from someone who couldn’t explain to me exactly what the “specs” really meant (or at least connect me to someone who could).
There are a couple of factory direct manufacturers in Richmond that offer better quality and value and I would certainly make sure that I included them in my research. they are …
http://www.layersbedcompany.com/ Local factory direct manufacturer who makes a range of mattresses, uses mostly good quality materials and has good information on their website. They are also very open and helpful on the phone. The only “issue” I would have with their mattresses is the use of lower density memory foam which I would avoid and some slightly higher prices than other local manufacturers. ADDED: It appears that they are out of business.
http://www.originalmattress.com/ Larger regional factory direct manufacturer who also makes a range of mattresses including latex, memory foam, and more traditional innerspring/polyfoam. They have good value and good information on their site. Also very helpful on the phone.
There is a more complete Richmond list in post #5 here.
There is one other factory direct manufacturer that would be well worth a visit for those that are comfortable with a little longer drive. They are …
www.cozypure.com/ Norfolk, VA. Local factory direct manufacturer. They are a member of this site which means I believe they are among the “best of the best”. They make a range of very high quality and beautiful natural latex mattresses and a latex innerspring hybrid along with a complete range of natural and organic bedding products. Options include various layering choices and side to side split layering as well (each side customized for each person on the mattress). Cheryl the owner is passionate about all things natural, organic, and green and their factory is completely energy independent (solar, wind, and thermal energy). Their mattresses are higher quality and better value than what you would find in a major brand or chain store but are also in a more premium range than some of the other members here. They take a more holistic approach to a mattress purchase however and a mattress purchase gives you membership in their cuddle up club and a lifetime discount on all their bedding products so their value is ongoing long after the mattress purchase itself. They are a great choice for those who prefer high quality natural and organic mattresses and bedding products made by one of the greenest manufacturers in the country. You can see a review and some pictures in this thread.
Phoenix