Oh my gosh I meant to respond to this ages ago and then was plagued by colds!
In any case thank you so much for your reply, Sensei! I really appreciated it 
Update -
After some research (and checking out TMU resources) we have put a deposit on our CBH WOOD/Swiss Dreams Bed!
After meeting Hendrik and trying out the bed - we felt it was the best possible option. He did not rush us. Answered all of our questions. Overall was very easy to deal with.
Will update once we have tried it out at home.
Looking forward to better sleep.
Thanks for the update Pie2 and for the positive feedback on TMU trusted member CBH Wood Furniture 
.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on your new Swiss Dreams Bed after your initial sleep “adjustment period” has passed…and to you’re having better sleep .
Thanks,
Sensei
What size mattress did you get? I’m curious what it feels like sleeping on or near the center of CBH beds either alone or with a partner. Was there that weird feeling of more firmness toward the center than the sides, thus making you want to roll away from the center?
Hi all, found my way here after being overwhelmed by conflicting information and opinions on Reddit. I’m looking to replace an old cheap mattress that might very well be contributing to my lower back problems.
I’m 5’10", 160 lbs and my wife is 5’6", 110 lbs. We are both side sleepers and we both prefer a medium-firm to firm mattress with a plush top. I am hoping for a pocket coil latex hybrid. From my initial search on this website, it seems like the places in Toronto that come highly recommended only carry latex mattresses. I’m going to begin calling and visiting some places but I was wondering if anyone has had success finding a great pocket coil latex hybrid.
Some notes after checking out the websites on the first post…
Marshall: their most luxurious option is the Curated series, which are all tight tops mattresses. The Inspired series, which is their next tier, offers the pillow top which I’m after. Any thoughts on why they would go with a tight top for their high-end models? I’m also not really sure what to make of the materials that they mention (copper fibre, alpaca wool, eucapytus padding, GOTS-certified latex, soy foam).
Ideal Mattress: the Crescendo is a hybrid option but there’s a lack of information on the product page. It mentions “HR Natural latex body contouring perforated breathable foam” and I’m not really sure what that means.
Dream Time Mattress: several hybrid options but they’re pocket coil with foams rather than latex (I’m looking at the Emperor’s Dream Series and the Supreme Series). Please correct me if I’m wrong, but my impression is that latex is the better material.
Dreamstar: similar to Dream Time Mattress, they have some hybrid options but they’re pocket coil with foams.
Any help is appreciated!
Hey gobanana,
Welcome to the TMU forum ! Thanks for your question and for your patience, apologies for the delayed response.
Congrats on your progress, sounds like you are doing a good job of combining site searches with store visits, a sound way to begin your mattress comparison process. For other consumer subscribers who may be starting their own mattress selection research, I recommend a read-through of the Mattress Shopping Tutorial: How to look for and find the best mattress…For You, a detailed article covering the 5 steps involved in making the best quality/ value choice.
Generally speaking, tight top mattresses outsell pillow top models on the upper end of mattress offerings where customers prefer a “firmer” feel.
The “materials” reference indicates a marketing story where the manufacturer is primarily using natural materials in the mattresses.
The Ideal Mattress website states that they are a “direct-to-consumer mattress manufacturer specializing in custom made organic mattresses.” While the site gives a breakdown of all their organic components and certifications, there is no specific component listing of the Crescendo hybrid, as you mentioned earlier. You may want to contact them directly, either through the factory or one of their showrooms for answers to those questions. If you do visit one of their showrooms, feel free to share your experience here, would be interesting to hear about that.
This means that there is a layer of latex, either Dunlop or Talalay, probably less than one inch in thickness that has been through a perforation process of having holes punched through the latex, thus making it more “breathable”.
As Dream Time Mattress is factory direct, you can ask them about a latex build, if that’s your preference. I’d prefer not to comment on whether latex is the “better” of the foam materials, as this is more of a “feel” issue, part of your individual "PPP/ Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences. Here are some thoughts Phoenix has regarding Latex Mattress Choices you may find useful, should you want to research that topic further.
Again, if you visit either Dreamstar or Dream Time’s showrooms, please share your research findings with the TMU Forum, would be curious to hear about your experience. BTW, do you have any updates on your research thus far?
Thanks,
Sensei
Hi Sensei, thanks for the response and absolutely no need to apologize. Really appreciate your help!
I had a chance to check out the firm Marshall mattresses from the Inspired collection. Unfortunately, my wife and I both felt that they didn’t provide the support that we were hoping for, nor were they all that comfortable. I have to admit, we tried out some of the big name mattresses since they were on the floor, and they felt a lot better.
Next, we went to Soma to try a pocket coil latex hybrid. We also figured it would be a good opportunity to try a pure latex mattress as we had never tried them before. The person who helped us was Josh. The hybrid felt good and offered the responsiveness that I was hoping for. But then Josh guided us through some of the Soma private label latex mattresses (made by Obasan) and it was an eye opening experience. Josh was extremely knowledgeable and explained what to look for in terms of alignment and pressure relief. I was originally set on getting a firm mattress but I learned that, as a side sleeper with broad shoulders, I needed something softer to help with pressure relief. I tried several 9" latex mattresses and found the most suitable one to be 4-firm, 3-medium, and 2-soft (wife: 4-firm, 3-firm, 2-soft). One thing that was absent was the responsiveness of the pocket coil mattresses. When I threw myself into these latex mattresses, it felt like I was hitting the hard bottom. The other “negative” was that all of these mattresses were over my planned budget.
On my way out, I decided to try some of the more expensive latex mattresses. I think there was one that was a Green Sleep with a plush topper. It felt pretty amazing and its responsiveness felt similar to a pocket coil mattress. I briefly asked about it and Josh said that it was a great mattress but for our purposes, he wasn’t so sure it was worth the significant price increase. In hindsight, I should have spent more time with this mattress and asked for more information. I came across some posts on here about how Green Sleep’s expensive dowel foundation can have a significant impact on the way their mattresses feel and I have no idea if they were being used at the shop. The overall experience at Soma was very positive and left me thinking that I should go for a 100% latex mattress which meant that I would need to seriously reconsider my budget.
With the change in focus to latex, the following stop was Dormio. Super friendly and knowledgable service. We were helped by two people, including Kal. We tried several mattresses and the one that stood out was the 11" Wakefield. It was so cloud-like and took all the pressure away from my shoulders. I was really surprised by how much my wife and I liked this mattress considering that we started our search thinking that we needed a firmer mattress. The Wakefield I tried was 6-medium, 3-extra soft, and 2-extra soft (wife: 6-firm, 3-extra soft, 2-extra soft). The alignment wasn’t quite perfect for me on this mattress but Kal was able to help correct this by trying out different pillows. This mattress also wasn’t as responsive as the Green Sleep I liked but to be honest, I’m not sure how much that really matters in the grand scheme of things.
I’m hoping to check out a few factory direct manufacturers and revisit both Soma and Dormio before reaching a final decision.
Hi, I’m glad I found this site but also truthfully overwhelmed. So I have a few questions based on research I have done to date.
First: I’m looking for a Queen bed to replace a 10 year old coil eurotop. Im 61, 5’4" with BMI of 25. I started my search a few months ago and of course went to sleep Country and the Bay. I was checking reviews and happen upon this website. I’ve spent the last few weeks reading lots. I set a budget for about $2000-2500 CAD. I will need a new foundation too.
visited Dormio, Ideal and Springmaid. Tonfurniture is next week but had a good first conversation with Andy. All three visits very informative and sales people extremely patient and helpful.
- Ideal: All Latex: 12" Dunlop with 6" Firm, 2" soft and 2 " extra soft plus 2 inch wool and organic cotton cover, zippered. 5 zone. $2,800
- Ideal: Latex/Polyfoam 14": the difference with above is that the support base is 8" Premium Carpenter polyfoam, 3.2 lbs $2.400
- Dormio: There were several options, but landing on the Nottingham with is 12". 3x3" latex interchangeable mix of S,M,F with 2 inch wool/cotton channel cover, zippered. with all discounts $3,700
- Springmaid: said they can customize any configuration in mattress. They use Dunlop latex, 3 zone. Polyfoam is 2.2lb, their cover is organic cotten but teh quilting is 1.8lb foam , They proposed 6" polyfoam support core with 2 inch medium and 2 inch soft. I asked to be close to the Ideal mattress approach with 6" polyfoam, 3 inch medium and 2 inch soft. Price quoted was $950 (including delivery). Haven’t tried it out yet, but they are making one for me to try out, no obligation to buy. of the mix poly/latex (11")
If I want all latex, it’s $1150 - Tonfurniture: Natural Escapes $1900 4 inch Talalay Latex, 6" soy polyfoam 1.9lb and 2 inch wool, covered by bamboo, zippered. I haven’t laid on this yet.
so my question is the value/proposition. I seem to have lots of prices here. some quite over and one significantly under my budget. I’m tempted, IF Springmade works out to buy this one and purchase a good 2 inch wool topper. I don’t like the idea of the polyfoam. I saw a wool topper on Amazon for about $400CAD.
Would love any feedback on the quality and if there any weak links in Springmade, should I stick with all Latex for the price quoted instead of the mix. Any other advice helpful.
Thanks to the experts on this forum.
Hi, just correcting something I said about the Springmade mattresses. When I meant by I don’t like the polyfoam,it’s the polyfoam in the quilt. Doing the research I felt that wool layer over the latex is better. I understand that HD polyfoam 2.2 lb is quite acceptable for a support core.
Joe at Springmade thought that all Latex was overkill for me and my size.
Thx
Hey gobanana,
Thanks for the update on your mattress shopping journey .
Congrats on the excellent site research you and your wife are doing :cheer: ! When possible, finding a local resource with knowledgeable people who can educate rather than “sell” a mattress is always a preferable start to finding the best choice mattress for your PPP/Pressure relief, Posture and alignment, and Personal preferences.
For other consumer subscribers who are interested in the type mattresses you are exploring but have questions about innerspring latex hybrids vs all latex builds, this TMU article gives a good breakdown, Different Types and Categories of Mattresses, here is an excerpt:
[i]Innerspring/latex hybrid: This is another “hybrid” construction and is very popular among some of the most knowledgeable people I know … particularly with a pocket coil support core and latex comfort and transition layers. They have most of the benefits and durability of sleeping on latex and have the more familiar feel of an innerspring as well. They can be a very good choice.
All or “mostly” latex mattress: These are generally very high quality mattresses and can be among the most durable mattresses in the industry. Latex is the most resilient and “springy” foam material and other than innersprings are the most lively and responsive type of mattress so they can also be great for some of the other activities that happen on a mattress as well. There is a wide range of latex designs that can use either Dunlop or Talalay latex using natural or synthetic latex or a blend of each. While latex is a very high quality and durable material … it is also a more costly material than other types of foam as well.
[/i]
Thanks too for your kind words about Dormio Organic Beds, happy to hear the positive feedback regarding one of our TMU Expert Trusted Members.
Would be interested to hear more of your thoughts after your showroom revisit, and perhaps some insights on the factory direct manufacturers as well.
Thanks,
Sensei
Hey Insmom
Welcome to The Mattress Underground . Thanks for your kind words on the TMU site and for your question.
Congrats on starting your mattress shopping journey :cheer: ! Sounds like you’re off to a good start with the process you are using, combining online research , setting a budget and making local showroom visits. For others who are beginning their own path, I recommend reading Mattress Shopping Tutorial, a useful guide to understand the basics of selecting a mattress.
Good work on all of the site visits! Happy to hear that your work has yielded much helpful information for your research and that you’ve identified options of interest. Thanks too for checking out TMU expert Trusted Member Dormio Organic Beds, know they would welcome the chance to answer any further questions you may have on the Nottingham.
You seem most interested in Springmaid’s line; just wondering if you tested the custom build mattress they designed for you and if so, what your experience was like? Thanks again for your question and keep us updated.
Cheers,
Sensei
Hi swilkes
when you sleep in the very middle of our beds, then the bed will feel a little bit firmer since you are then activating both slat system (unless of course you buy a bed that has only 1 slat system). Normally, we make all queen and king size beds with 2 separate slat system unless requested otherwise. Also, let’s say for example somebody purchase a double bed with one slat system because maybe its for their child. Then later the child moves out and the parents move the bed to a guest room but are frequently expecting couples to sleep over. All they would now need to do is purchase the missing pieces to turn the one sleeper bed into a 2 sleeper bed. Only a few pieces are required (1 extra latex support and 2 smaller slats systems instead of the one big one). There is no need to replace the whole bed because all necessary holes are pre-drilled to use either version of the bed.
I hope this helps.
I just ordered a Presto Classic King Split from MFC Memory Foam Comfort after discussing options with Mario. As there is little feedback about MFC’s mattresses, I will provide some pictures and feedback when I receive my mattress.
Hey saile,
Welcome to the TMU Forum, good to have you here .
Congrats on your new mattress purchase from MFC Memory Foam Comfort :cheer: ! Appreciate your support of TMU’s trusted member program, they represent some of the highest quality independent mattress manufacturers/ retailers in North America. Thanks too to MFC’s @Mario for the excellent and responsive consumer support. Looking forward to the updates on your new Presto Classic following an appropriate sleep adjustment period and wishing you better sleep.
Cheers,
Sensei
Hi,
How do you like your presto mattress? I’m thinking about purchasing one. Thanks
Hi again,
I posted this on another thread and perhaps it wasn’t the appropriate place. I’d like to preface the following with the idea that we need to remedy this situation asap as we are in pain upon waking every single day. Any suggestions would be most appreciated!
Hi there and thank you for this wonderful site!
Unfortunately, I have to report that despite doing a fair bit of research after purchasing a king size latex bed from North Shore Linens in Vancouver, Canada, both my husband and I have increased lower back pain, shoulder pain and hip pain.
We purchased this bed just over a year ago. At first, we thought it was great! (The springs in our old mattress were literally poking us in the ribs). During the past six months, however, we both started noticing increased pain and stiffness upon waking. I won’t go into the details of the latex mattresses here, as I know you are familiar with what North Shore Linens sells, but I will say that I am 5’2" and 125 lbs. and my husband is 6’ and 210lbs. I chose the twin 6" soft mattress and he chose the twin medium 6". This is covered with the king size latex 3" topper. When we tried the mattresses in the store, there was no topper on the mattresses.
The other day, while mulling this over, we decided to try our mattresses without the topper to see if the mattresses felt more like what we thought we experienced at the store but in fact, the mattresses felt even more “rock-like”.
We are quite desperate at this point and are considering trying to sell the mattresses and frame. The frame was purchased from K&D frames in the U.S. ( kdframes.com/collections/beds/products/c...on-plus-platform-bed ). The slats are 2.8" apart and it seems to be absolutely fine. I notice they seem to no longer sell the King size frame unless it’s perhaps by special order only.
Any information you can provide to us would be most appreciated. We basically dread going to bed, have terrible sleeps, and look forward to feeling somewhat better once we move around a bit in the morning.
I am about to begin researching what type of mattress - brand, style, etc. would be best for people with low back pain and pressure point issues. Some of your trusted companies on here are either unavailable in Canada or too costly with the exchange and shipping so it narrows the options somewhat.
Thanks so much for any enlightenment you can provide,
queenbeee
Hey queenbeee,
Sorry for any confusion, I responded a short while ago on your original post topic,“Latex- pros and cons”. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Thanks,
Sensei
I am 6’ 175 lbs and my wife is 5’ 4" 125 lbs. She requires a very soft mattress due to shoulder and hip issues. I also have shoulder issues but prefer a firmer mattress, likely due to my greater weight. We’ve gone through four mattresses over the last twenty years. Our last mattress, which was less than four years old, was a 14" Novaform Comfort from Costco that had not aged well. My wife has used memory foam toppers for at least ten years, with her latest topper being 3".
We ordered a split king Presto mattress January 27. The split king mattress includes two twin XL 2" bonus HD layers, which we upgraded to a 2" organic latex layer and a 2" memory foam layer. The mattress was delivered February 6, although it had arrived at the trucking company’s distribution centre in Edmonton February 2. The delay was a result of a delivery backlog on the part of Day & Ross, the trucking company,
The delivery itself went well. The delivery person positioned the mattress, bonus layers and box of pillows on a tarp I had placed on my garage floor. The packaging was good, as shown in the attached pictures. The mattress was in a heavy plastic bag, which was inside a cardboard box. The bonus layers were double bagged in heavy plastic. The pillows were in individual plastic bags inside a cardboard box. It may not be the greenest packaging but it offered good protection for everything.
After unpacking the mattress, I unzipped its cover and carried the individual layers to our second floor bedroom. I then set the mattress up on our existing slatted twin XL frames from IKEA. After three tries, we settled on the following layer orders (top-to-bottom).
My wife’s side:
• 2" memory foam - 12 ILD (as a mattress topper)
• 2" memory foam - 12 ILD
• 2" memory foam - 12 ILD
• 2" latex - 20 ILD
• 4" base - 40 ILD
My side:
• 2" latex - 20 ILD
• 2" latex - 20 ILD
• 2" HR foam - 20 ILD
• 4" foam core - 40 ILD
We tried placing the three memory foam layers in the mattress cover on my wife’s side. It didn’t work as she prefers to have a top layer without any compression. I don’t know if this is because she’s had a topper for a long time and I don’t care. As long as she’s happy with the setup, I am as well.
The extra memory foam layer was about four inches shorter than the other layers. Within hours of emailing this information to Mario, he responded, “I’m sorry about that bonus layer, we’ll have a proper one shipped out to you ASAP.” Mario is to be commended for excellent after sales service!
The only complaint I have at this time pertains to the nylon zipper on the mattress cover and this issue is not unique to MFC. I am not sure how long the zipper will last, as I expect to rearrange and rotate layers on a regular basis. Fortunately, my wife sews and will be able to insert a more durable zipper if necessary. And if worse comes to worse, I can always order another cover!
All-in-all, I’m very happy with Mario, MFC and our Presto mattress. I will never again purchase a mattress that cannot be reconfigured.
The images that I should’ve included with the above comments about MFC’s Presto mattress.
Hi Saile,
Thank you for taking the time to review our Classic Presto Customizable Mattress
We use a nylon zipper on the Classic Presto and a brass zipper on the Organic Presto. In our experience, the few zipper issues we had, happen within the first few months of use. Rest assured that if ever you have a problem with the zipper, we’ll be happy to replace the cover for free.
That’s correct, you’ll get better pressure relief from a topper than when all the layers are placed inside the cover. A topper has nothing to restrict its ability to contour and mold to the shape of your body and therefor provides superior comfort. That why we give a bonus layer with the Presto Customizable Mattress so that you have as many options as possible to find the firmness and support you want.
Mattress toppers make up the bulk of our sales at MFC. Nothing compares to sleeping directly on a 2" or 3" topper that is unrestricted by the cover of a mattress assembly. In our opinion, a floating comfort layer placed over the mattress (over the mattress protector) is still the best and most economical way to get maximum pressure relief on painful hips and shoulders.
I’m happy that you understand the reasoning behind sleeping on a customizable mattress and remain available to assist with any questions you might have to make your mattress feel “just the way you like”.
all the best
Mario ~