How to... A Researcher's Guide to Mattress Wisdom

[Sensei]

Hey fascinating-geology,

Welcome back to the TMU Forum and thanks for your question.

I purchased a Flobeds vzone latex mattress 3-4 years ago and it’s been pretty disappointing. While the vzone does give some relief in the shoulder it’s not nearly enough and pretty much I’ve been told there are no further options. The mattress needs to be constantly opened up and latex rotated. It’s durability has been destroyed pretty much. While the much denser latex support cores still do their jobs. any of the top 3 layers are essentially useless at this point and soon became useless after 1.5 years.

Sorry to hear about the comfort problems with your Flobeds vzone mattress. As you state that you have “pretty much been told there are no further options”, it sounds as though you have already worked with them on possible solutions and are ready to move on to something different.

I’d like recommendations for a new mattress. I’m a big fellow (340lbs) who has very wide shoulders. I need proper hip support as well as shoulder comfort. If my hips aren’t supported my lower back twists and there goes the day. Normally I sleep on my side and I do too sleep hot…Looking for a zoned coil hybrid mattress with good pressure relief. Good support at the hip for a big guy and great shoulder pressure relief…

The same basic mattress shopping principles apply to heavier people as anyone else except you will need to put a special emphasis on more durable materials and constructions and probably on mattresses that have firmer comfort and support layers (firmer materials feel softer for heavier people and firmer support layers are usually important to for good alignment for higher weights). I suggest you review the mattress durability guidelines here and about the factors that can affect durability and the useful life of a mattress.

I’ve decided already that latex just doesn’t have the characteristics I desire with pressure relief.

Given your preference for a zoned coil hybrid mattress over your current latex mattress, are there any local manufacturer/ retailer showrooms in your area for local mattress testing of these type mattresses? I highly recommend store visits in conjunction with your mattress research and recommendations from others, as only you can “feel” what you feel in terms of personal preferences/ PPP. The expertise and guidance of a local resource can be invaluable in terms of understanding the best materials and layering for your comfort and support needs. BTW, do you have any updates on your research that you would like to share?

Thanks,
Sensei