Hi Jewels,
This is not that unusual with many manufacturers.
I’m looking forward to finding out what you end up deciding … and of course your comments and feedback once you receive it and have had the chance to sleep on it as well.
Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate them. You certainly asked lots of good questions and I also hope that our “conversation” and your journey will be helpful for others as well :).
Phoenix
Hello Phonenix!
I’m close to making my purchase. I went back to both stores and read the law tag that lists what’s in the mattresses. One of the mattresses listed 60% polyurethane, 25% cotton and 15% textile clippings. The mattress specs are very different and make it appear as though the comfort layers consist of polyurethane foam only. The other mattress had a similar list on its’ law tag. Most of the law tags/labels I’ve read list at least 80% polyurethane foam. The only one with textile clippings was a Serta. What does this mean? Is a mattress with 60% polyurethane foam and 25% cotton (the cover isn’t cotton~ it’s polyester) a good, quality mattress? Should I cross the mattresses I was about to purchase off my list? I look forward to learning if I almost made a bad purchase or if I should proceed.
Thank you,
Jewels
Hi Jewels,
Unfortunately the law tag only provides generic information about the type of material but not the specific layering or any information about the quality/density of the materials so I would need to know the specifics of the layers in the mattress to make any meaningful comments about the quality of the materials or the mattress.
Textile clippings are used for shoddy pads which are used over an innerspring to help prevent the layers above it from compressing into the springs and to even out the support of the springs and provide some additional padding. They use a resin to bond the clippings into a “layer” (see here and here).
I would tend to avoid major brands such as Serta but if they can provide you with the specifics of the materials and layers in the mattress (which is unlikely) then I’d be happy to make some comments about the quality of the materials. If you can’t find out the information you need then I would treat “unknown” materials in the same way as “low quality” materials.
I would first complete your list of finalists (one at each store you are dealing with) before you cross anything off your list so that you can make a final choice based on “best judgement” and on all the parts of your personal value equation that are most important to you. A 2" polyfoam quilting layer is “on the edge” of being a weak link so it isn’t bad but it also isn’t ideal either but it may also turn out to be the best that is available to you out of the local options you are looking at or considering.
Phoenix
Hi Phoenix!
Here’s what I don’t understand: The specs for the mattress, for example with the Jonathan Stevens Mattress don’t even list cotton as part of the mattress. However, the tag states it consists of about 25% cotton. Let me give you the specs so you can see what I mean regarding the specs not mentioning that the mattress has any cotton in it. Here’s an example:
100% polyester cover.
2 inches of 1.5 density polyurethane foam.
2 inches of 1.8 density polyurethane foam.
Lumbar support, 3.0 density.
Fiber pad~ this must be the textile clippings.
Continuous Coil.
Base foam, 1.5 density polyurethane foam.
This is an example and it says nothing about consisting of 25% or so cotton. Also, the law tag lists only 60% polyurethane. This example is similar to my finalist mattress (which is going to be either a Jonathan Stevens or a Restonic by Clare bedding). I’m concerned that a thick cotton fiber layer will increase the risk of body impressions. It’s not listed on the specs and that seems odd. Do you think that much cotton fiber in a mattress (like the one I gave the specs for) is a good thing or a negative? Why isn’t it listed on the specs? Also, is the quality affected by having a thick cotton layer with 60% polyurethane foam? If this mattress isn’t of good quality then it will be taken out as one of my finalists. I want a mattress that will last at least a few years. I appreciate any information you have as I’m clueless as to how to proceed with my final two.
Thank you so much,
Jewels
Hi Jewels,
The law tag lists contents by weight not by thickness so it doesn’t tell you how thick the layers are. Materials that are denser and weigh more will show up as a higher percentage compared to their relative thickness in the mattress and lower density materials will show up as having a lower percentage compared to their relative thickness.
If a law tag mentions 25% cotton and it doesn’t show up in the layering details then I would ask them about it.
Cotton is a good quality and durable material especially if it’s tufted to prevent any shifting and to precompress it. Densely packed cotton batts tend to be firmer than soft foam layers so they are often used in deeper layers under softer materials. There is a little more about cotton in mattresses in post #2 here. It’s not used as often in mattresses any more because it’s more costly than polyfoam but unlike foam materials which become softer over time … natural cotton (and other natural fibers) will pack down somewhat over time and become firmer so there is less risk to alignment due to materials that soften and they can help offset any softening in other materials. Thicker layers of cotton can develop impressions as they pack down if they aren’t well tufted or evened out by sleeping in different areas of the mattress or in a two sided mattress by flipping the mattress) but the impressions in natural fibers are firmer rather than softer so they are less risky for alignment.
Phoenix
Thank you so much Phoenix. 
Searching for the right mattress is quite difficult now. Your website has been a lifesaver. I will let you know which mattress I end up with and how it works for me.
Sincerely,
Jewels
Hi Phoenix!
For various reasons, the Jonathan Stevens mattress is no longer an option. I’m now left with a double-sided Restonic by Clare bedding. The ultra plush Belvedere has four inches of 1.5 density polyurethane foam. I noticed that my heaviest areas sink down more than they should, pulling me a bit out of alignment. I am also concerned that 4 inches of foam would be more prone to body impressions. There are two other Restonic double-sided mattresses at the store. Both have about two- three inches of 1.5 polyurethane foam. I believe in your guidelines, that you indicate it’s best not to have more than about three inches of polyurethane foam on a double-sided. Is a double-sided with four inches of polyurethane foam at risk for body impression? Would I be safer to go with two to three inches of polyurethane foam instead (as long as alignment is good)?
Thank you,
Jewels
Hi Jewels,
The comment about having more than 3" of softer layers on both sides of a two sided innerspring was because of the additional risk that can sometimes be involved with alignment issues for some people if there are layers on the bottom of a mattress that are too thick and soft but this will depend on the specifics of the mattress. If you have tested the mattress and it’s a good match for you in terms of PPP and it meets all your other criteria then this wouldn’t be an issue.
Phoenix
Hi Phoenix,
I’m still undecided regarding the Restonic by Clare Bedding double-sided mattress. My alignment could be better and there is no exchange and/or comfort option with the store.
I’m considering a King Koil World Luxury Plush Pillowtop. I wasn’t able to get detailed specs, but here is what I’ve been able to pull up:
Quilt:
Hydra-Performa Fabric which uses Phase Change Temperature Regulating Technology.
Silk and Wool SafeGuard Fiber Blend.
1" of AdvantaGel.
1" of Performance Foam.
Comfort Layers:
2.5" Cushion Firm Foam (weight unknown).
.5 IFusion Gel Memory Foam.
1" Visco Plush Foam.
1" High Performance Support Foam.
Support Layers:
Foam Encasement.
Individually Wrapped Marshall Coil System.
It appears as though I need more detailed specs, as I don’t know the weight of the foams. Do you have an opinion regarding King Koil in general and are you able to decipher anything useful from the specs I was able to provide? I’ll attempt to get the weights of the various foams within the next few days.
Thank you,
Jewels
Hi Jewels,
The name of a manufacturer makes little difference to me because outside of PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences) a mattress is only as good as its design and construction and the quality of the materials inside it. King Koil is usually less transparent about the materials in their mattresses than some other larger manufacturers (see here) but they are a licensee group that is made by different manufacturers in different areas of the country so some of their factories may be more transparent than others. Some retailers may also be more willing to find out the more detailed specs of a mattress than others.
Unfortunately it’s not possible for me to make any meaningful comments about a mattress without more specific information about the materials inside it (see this article). If you can find out the specifics of the materials inside this mattress (including foam density for any polyfoam or memory foam layers) I’d be happy to make some comments about the quality of the materials or help you identify any possible weak links in the mattress.
Phoenix
Hi Phoenix,
I was able to confirm the density of the polyurethane foams in the King Koil World Luxury one-sided mattress. Each foam is about 1.55 in density. I was told that the foam is polymerized and I have no idea what that means or if that is beneficial. I’m not sure that this is appropriate for a one-sided mattress. Please let me know what you think regarding the foam density.
I’m inclined to believe that the Restonic double-sided may be a better option, if I can find one that gives me the correct PPP. It also uses 1.55 density polyurethane foam.
Finally, I am considering a OrganicPedic mattress by OMI. I’m looking at their “Classic.” It’s a medium-firm, double-sided cotton mattress. I would need to purchase a latex topper for comfort.
I look forward to receiving your opinion regarding the density of the foams in the King Koil one-sided mattress. This has been quite an unexpected adventure. Frankly, if it weren’t for your site, I would likely have an overpriced, poor quality mattress by now. Thank you for everything.
Jewels
Hi Jewels,
I would need all the information listed in this article (not just the density of a single layer) to make any meaningful comments about the mattress. Whether 1.55 lb polyfoam was suitable or not would depend on the thickness of the layer and on the other layers and components above and below it.
This is a good quality mattress that doesn’t have any weak links in the design and only contains natural or organic materials but I would make some careful value comparisons because OMI mattresses can be in a much higher budget range than many other manufacturers that make similar mattresses.
Phoenix
Hi Phoenix,
I’m going to do a rather brief breakdown of the King Koil mattress. I hope this clarifies things better.
1" 1.55 polyurethane foam (called AdvantGel).
1" 1.55 polyurethane foam.
2.5" of 1.55 polyurethane foam.
.5" of visco-elastic memory foam (weight unknown).
Liner.
1" of visco-elastic memory foam (weight unknown).
1" 1.55 polyurethane foam.
Marshall coil.
1.5" 1.55 polyurethane foam.
Glued foam encasement.
I believe this breakdown is correct. I hope this helps. I’m concerned about all of the 1.55 density polyurethane. It seems like with this much lower density foam, the mattress would be more inclined to develop impressions versus a double-sided mattress with the same density of polyurethane foam. Thank you again.
Jewels
Hi Phoenix,
I’m going to do a rather brief breakdown of the King Koil mattress. I hope this clarifies things better.
1" 1.55 polyurethane foam (called AdvantGel).
1" 1.55 polyurethane foam.
2.5" of 1.55 polyurethane foam.
.5" of visco-elastic memory foam (weight unknown).
Liner.
1" of visco-elastic memory foam (weight unknown).
1" 1.55 polyurethane foam.
Marshall coil.
1.5" 1.55 polyurethane foam.
Glued foam encasement.
I believe this breakdown is correct. I hope this helps. I’m concerned about all of the 1.55 density polyurethane. It seems like with this much lower density foam, the mattress would be more inclined to develop impressions versus a double-sided mattress with the same density of polyurethane foam. Thank you again.
Jewels
Hi Jewel,
As you can see in the guidelines here … There is more than “about an inch or so” of lower density polyfoam (under about 1.8 lbs) in the upper layers which I would consider to be a weak link in a one sided mattress which would make this a risky purchase in terms of durability and the useful life of the mattress.
Phoenix
Thank you Phoenix!
Thanks to the guidelines you’ve provided here, I suspected that this mattress could be risky. I find this somewhat interesting, as the store that sells the King Koil World Luxury also sells the better King Koil Extended Life mattresses and that line has higher quality foams. However, I would need a topper and even then, the Extended Life mattress could feel too firm.
Well, it looks like I’m still on the hunt. I will carefully weigh my options regarding the OrganicPedic Mattress by OMI due to their price point, the Restonic double-sided, and an Englander mattress that I’ll be taking a look at on Friday. I’ve taken up a great deal of your time and I apologize for that. Prior to finding this site, I got stuck with two bad mattresses and that has made me very cautious regarding a purchase that isn’t backed by a comfort exchange.
Thank you,
Jewels
Hi Jewels,
If there are a limited number of suitable options in your area it may be worthwhile considering some of the online options that are available to you that have good exchange and return policies that would lower the risk of an online purchase and would let you test a mattress by sleeping on it instead of trying it in a store.
Phoenix
Hi Phoenix,
I apologize for taking so long to update things. Over the last few months, I’ve discovered that I don’t tolerate standard mattresses. In other words, my immune system has a negative reaction and my doctor has no way of knowing if it’s the glue or fire retardants. I do know that for whatever reason, my health improved dramatically when I had the sleep number mattress. I found it quite painful on my back, but my overall health improved. Therefore I am considering the OrganicPedic Classic mattress by OMI. I am planning on buying a topper to help soften it. I have no idea if this will work for me. It’s a firm mattress and I’m concerned that I won’t be able to find a quality topper that’ll make it comfortable. I would love any opinions you have. Do you have any advice on a quality (and pure) topper that can be effective in making a mattress feel softer? I did receive a fair (still expensive) price on the mattress and can return it if it doesn’t work for me. Thank you for everything. I will keep you updated. I will receive the mattress in about three weeks.
Thank you,
Jewels
Hi Jewels,
Post #2 here and the more detailed posts and information it links to have more information about safe, natural, organic, “chemical free”, and green mattresses and mattress materials that can help you sort through some of the marketing information and terminology that you will encounter in the industry and can help you differentiate between them and answer “how safe is safe enough for me” so you can decide on the types of materials you are most comfortable having in your mattress. These types of issues are complex and are generally specific to each person and their individual sensitivities, circumstances, criteria, and lifestyle choices.
Sleep number mattresses use polyfoam and/or memory foam in their mattresses (depending on the mattress) which are the same materials as are used in the comfort layers of most “standard” mattresses so at least you know there are some synthetic/chemical foams that you are OK with but of course you may be sensitive to some versions of polyfoam or memory foam and not to others because different manufacturers use different chemical foam formulations to make their foams.
OMI mattresses are primarily latex so not being sensitive to the foams in your Sleep Number won’t necessarily “translate” into whether you are sensitive to latex or not but outside of actual latex allergies (see post #2 here) the odds are high that latex will be fine in terms of sensitivities.
I would tend to avoid buying a mattress with the intention of adding a topper if you haven’t tested the mattress/topper combination in person because choosing a topper that is a good match for both you and the mattress you are using it on can add an additional level of uncertainty to your purchase (see post #2 here).
If you do decide to add a topper after sleeping on your mattress though then post #2 here and the topper guidelines it links to can help you use your actual sleeping experience on the mattress as a guideline for choosing the type, thickness, and firmness for a topper that has the best chance of success and also includes a link to the better topper sources I’m aware of as well.
Phoenix
Hi Phoenix,
Thank you for all of the information that you’ve provided. The mattress I’m purchasing is the Classic by OMI (Organicpedic). It has no latex in it. It’s an 8 inch two-sided mattress using a 660 Bonnell coil. It’s filled with cotton and uses wool as the fire retardant. I wonder if you have any opinion regarding this mattress in particular. I’m concerned about the how thin it is and if it will hold up over time. I’m also concerned about cotton being used as the filler and wondering if such a small amount of cotton will hold up (about 2 inches on each side). I wish I had asked you about this before I ordered it. I think you are correct regarding finding and testing the right topper before buying a mattress. The salesperson assured me that his PLB 3 inch latex topper would provide the additional comfort I would need. I will study the links you provided in your last post. In the meantime, I would really appreciate any opinion you have on this Classic mattress produced by OMI.
Thank you very much,
Jewels