We were sleeping on a Beautyrest Black Harmony Lux medium and it started to cave after only 4 years. We decided to try a DIY build to see if we could build a comfortable mattress out of more quality materials. Since the spring are only 4 years old I thought they would be safe to use in a new build but now I’m starting to have my doubts. Is there anyway to test springs to see if when weight is applied to them they still support like they should? I have such lower back issues that I can’t really tell any more if the bed is supporting me properly or not. I would like to find some hard evidence that the spring are still functioning as they should before we spend too much time trying to build a bed with them at the base. Any suggestions/tips would be helpful.
Hey G35S,
I am never one to intrude on others’ finances, especially given today’s economy where every penny matters for many people.
That said, a poor-quality layer, whether in a mattress or otherwise, can compromise the entire product. The saying goes, “a mattress is only good as its weakest link or layer”
For instance, a king-size support layer at TPS Pocket Coil Store costs $600. This premium support layer is on the higher end of the spectrum. On the other hand, Latex Mattress Factory offers a their option for around $400.
If the additional cost of a new, warranted coil support layer won’t significantly impact your finances, it’s wise to consult with a mattress professional to create a high-quality mattress starting with a brand new dependable support layer.
DIY mattress building can be intricate. Whether you opt for someone outside of the TMs available at TMU or work with the skilled and knowledgeable teams at TMU to design your ideal sleep system, it is often easier in the long run to address and resolve any issues that might arise if adjustments are needed.
Otherwise, you might constantly question whether a four-year-old support layer is causing problems, and in a few years, that layer could be nearing its ninth or tenth year of use.
As you know, TMU offers many DIY options, including @Arizona_Premium, @Sleep_EZ, and @Latex_Mattress_Fact1, among others. These experts handle various body profiles, preferences, postures, and pressure relief needs daily.
Hopefully this helps,
Maverick
You have probably already thought of doing this, but have one of you lay down on your back or side and the other observe what the springs do. We always suggest this when people are looking at a new mattress.
However, Maverick is right - your weakest layer will compromise the whole mattress (which then compromises your sleep).
Most of the failure that I have seen in those Blacks is from the foam. They use way too much foam and it’s not the highest quality. There is a good chance the springs are fine, but no way to really know.
If they have foam encasement I wouldn’t even bother. If they are edge to edge coils, I might try it. There may be issues with extracting them from the existing mattress depending on how they are glued or otherwise affixed. If you can get them out cleanly, it may be worth a shot. You can always replace them if it doesn’t work.
I was able to get all the foam out and found pocket coils with a foam border around the edges. I was even able to get the foam out from under the bottom. They seem flat and level although I think we will try the lay down test suggested above. If I could just split the cost of new latex from the cost of new springs by a year or so that would be great
That foam edge is likely going to prevent you from reusing that support layer. It is odd though as the Harmony Line is one of the only lines that BR makes that some of their models do not use the perimeter edge support foam.