Hi spud,
I couldn’t agree more with SRugs (and thank you for your comments and experiences :))
I mentioned in the post just previous to this one in another thread that memory foam can be very tricky and it is often recommended for the sake of profit rather than genuine knowledge about the properties of the materials and the importance of the many different types of layering combinations that are part of a memory foam mattress … some of which could work well and some of which can do far more harm than good. In addition to this latex is more durable and won’t soften as much (risking misaligned sleeping positions) or as quickly as memory foam.
Like Spud … I also believe that latex is often a better choice in the comfort layer and this can be in combination with an innerspring support system (which for some are a preferable feel or support system) or a latex support system (which can also work very well but needs the correct layering and firmness for your needs).
There is one factory direct outlet in Richmond …
https://www.originalmattress.com/ Regional factory direct manufacturer that makes a two sided latex mattress, two high quality memory foam mattress, and a wide range of other innerspring models. They are a good choice for both quality and value in their various price ranges and are very open and transparent about the materials they use.
There are also some retail outlets that may have better value in certain models than many of the other choices in the area (although probably not in the same value range as OMF). It’s important if you are considering these to make sure that they both can and will provide the details of the different layers in their mattress (either on the phone or in person) so you can make reasonable comparisons with other mattresses that use similar quality materials. I’ve listed some of the manufacturers they carry which may have some better value models.
www.winndom.com/ Wholesale manufacturer who sells through local retail outlets. Their retail store finder has a list of outlets. I have talked with them and I know they work closely with their retailers to provide good quality and value. In particular though … I would talk with Michelle at www.bedcraftersbymichelle.com/ in Richmond (Short Pump), Williamsburg and Midlothian, VA who works very closely with them and is exceptionally knowledgeable and helpful about all their mattresses and mattress materials and construction in general and custom builds every Winndom mattress she sells. She is a great resource for Winndom regardless of which retailer you are dealing with.
Richmond Bedding. They are knowledgeable and say the “right things” on their site. They carry a range of mattresses made by Golden Mattress Company which manufacture some good quality/value mattresses and some mattresses made by Therapedic (including two sided) as well. Apparently they also have started to carry Savvy Rest latex, and they ship adjustable beds and various latex and memory foam beds, although you’d ned to get the completes information about their memory foam beds, as meaningful specifications are not listed on their web site.
https://www.mattoutlet.com/ Richmond and others in the VA and NC area. I have talked with them in the past and they seemed knowledgeable about foam materials and said they would be willing to call the factory to find specs. Carries memory foam, gel foam, and innersprings made by Corsicana and Matt Tech. Mostly lower budget and no latex. Also Winchester, Newport News, Virginia Beach, Midlothian, Colonial Heights, Harrisonburg, Staunton/Fishersville, Lynchburg, Blacksburg/Christiansburg and Salem in VA.
https://www.haynesfurniture.com/ Richmond. James & Owen, iTwin, Aireloom, Pranasleep, Tempurpedic. Make sure you can find out the specifics of the materials inside their mattresses here since they may not be willing or able to provide the specs you need to make an informed choice. Some are in a higher price range where I would make a careful value consideration.
www.vawayside.net/ Richmond, VA. Carries Winndom mattresses.
Powhatan, VA. Carries Pure Latex Bliss (Talalay latex) and Easy Rest (memory foam). I would avoid the major brands they also carry.
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https://ladiff.com/ LaDiff Furnitre. Carries Symbol and Magniflex, and apparently also has started to offer Savvy Rest latex mattresses. You’d have to find out the specifications of any Symbol mattress you might be considering to see if it was using quality materials. The Magniflex and Savvy Rest would tend to be in the higher price ranges.
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 …
https://www.cozypure.com/ Norfolk, VA. Local factory direct manufacturer. They are a member of this site which means I believe they compete well with the best in the industry. They make a range of very high quality and natural and organic latex mattresses 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 much higher quality and better value than what you would find in a major brand or chain store and while they are also in a more premium budget range than some of the other members here … they also use more specialized materials in some of their models (such as zoned latex, two sided zoned covers, and convoluted latex) that add to their value. 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.
Bear in mind that there are three different types of foam … and each of these three has a wide variety of different grades, versions and softness/firmness levels. Two of these are specialty foams (memory foam and latex) and the last type is the “standard” polyfoam which is in almost every “mainstream” mattress which has many different names and comes in a very wide variety of different quality levels (based on density). Low density polyfoam and memory foam in the upper or comfort layers of a mattress are what you mostly want to avoid because this becomes the “weak link” of the mattress and the main reason for premature softening and deeper visible or “virtual” impressions.
Phoenix
