Leesa Original Hybrid Alt

Mattress Talk General Mattresses Questions
1

Our Leesa Original is no longer supportive after 7 years, so we’ve begun the deep dive of mattresses to replace it. I’m experiencing much more shoulder and lower/back hip pain due to the lack of support. We’ve gone to the big box stores and I’ve done way too much research and ended up in analysis paralysis. I am a 38yo, 135lb, 5’3 and dense/athletic build combo sleeper (start on side then move to stomach and wake up on my back). My wife is 120lb, 5’4 and mainly a back sleeper. I’d say our budget is under $3k. We have a slat base with <3in between slats that we intend to keep.

Based on our trials we found our top 3 based on feel were the Leesa Original Hybrid, Purple RestorePremier, and Sleep Number iLE (honorable mention Leesa natural hybrid). I felt the natural hybrid was a bit too much sink on top into an overly firm layer (although I did love the cool to the touch feeling). We did not like traditional inner springs on initial feel (like S&F). I do not like the feeling of pillow top hills nor the sinkage that often comes with this type of top layer. My wife didn’t like the feeling of The Original Mattress Factory all latex mattresses and I too found them a bit too firm with higher motion transfer. We also hated the ‘sinking sand’ feeling of Tempurpedic and some of the less expensive Purple options where it seems like you get stuck in the mattress when sitting.

I would describe our ‘perfect’ mattress as something that sleeps very cool, is firm (7-ish) and cradling with minimal sinkage (less sleeping ‘in’ the mattress), low bounce, fast-ish recovery, low motion transfer and 12inch height or less. I’d love for it to last at least 5-7 years and be made of materials that may break in, but won’t break down within 1-3 years. I do not have any interest in DIY, but would love any recommendation that would be a durable alternative that feels like the newer Leesa Original Hybrid or the pre-3z Leesa Original. Edge support is nice to have, but lower on the list.

Alternatively, given our lighter weight and smaller stature, I’m open to the possibility that the Leesa Original Hybrid will not wear out as quickly or lose its support (if that is a realistic perspective). I am wary of the 3z brands and what could be declining durability/material quality. I understand the minimum specs for density and different material properties (Mattress comfort layers - Overview - The Mattress Underground), but having trouble finding a mattress that has those quality materials and fits our ‘ideal’. It looks like GhostBed used to be recommended as a ‘better’ Leesa, but it seems like their Customer Service is a hassle. It seems like quality has gone downhill for most brands with the newer Leesa Original having worse specs than the original Original (haha), but have materials come farther in the last 7 years? Any guidance/rec’s would help!

2

Hi SmallFirm and welcome to the Mattress UnderGround.

It took a bit of research but there are definitely changes made to the Leesa Original Hybrid. I will admit, I can’t say the new original uses lower quality foams than the old original. There are differences, but the subjective nature of how someone feels on a mattress can lead one to believe the difference in comfort is due to quality, when the reality is, it is just different.

Here is the breakdown comparison:

Older Leesa Original Hybrid (Pre-2023):

  1. Construction and Materials:
  • Top Layer: 2” of Avena foam, designed to be responsive and provide pressure relief.
  • Transition Layer: 1” of memory foam, which adds contouring support and pressure relief.
  • Support Core: 6” of pocket springs, providing support, breathability, and durability.
  1. Firmness and Feel:
  • Generally rated around 6-7 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
  • The combination of Avena foam and memory foam offered a balance of contouring and responsiveness with moderate sinkage.
  • Pocket springs contribute to good edge support and motion isolation.
  1. Durability:
  • Known for its durability, largely due to the high-quality materials used and robust construction. The pocket springs and high-density foams provided good long-term support and resistance to sagging.
  1. Cooling and Temperature Regulation:
  • The Avena foam and pocket springs facilitated good airflow and breathability, helping to keep the mattress cooler.

New Leesa Original Hybrid (Post-2023):

  1. Construction and Materials:
  • Top Layer: 1.5” of high-density foam. This newer iteration might have replaced Avena foam with a slightly different foam blend for different comfort and support characteristics.
  • Transition Layer: 1” of memory foam or a similar contouring foam, which may have been altered in density or formulation.
  • Support Core: 6” of pocket springs, similar to the old version, but potentially with different gauge or configuration for support and durability.
  1. Firmness and Feel:
  • Generally rated around 6-7 out of 10, but the feel might be slightly different due to changes in foam composition and layering.
  • The new version still aims for a balance of contouring and support but may have different pressure-relieving characteristics.
  1. Durability:
  • Concerns have been raised about potential decreases in durability due to changes in materials. If the new foams or construction methods are less robust, the mattress might show signs of wear sooner.
  1. Cooling and Temperature Regulation:
  • Cooling features might have been updated, but changes in foam composition could affect breathability. The overall cooling performance remains relatively strong, but specific materials or configurations might differ from the older version.

Key Differences:

  • Foam Composition: The newer model has adjustments in foam types and thicknesses. This could affect the initial feel, support, and long-term durability.
  • Material Quality: There are concerns that the new model may use materials with potentially lower durability or different performance characteristics compared to the older version.
  • Construction Tweaks: Changes in the construction or gauge of pocket springs could affect support and motion isolation.

Recommendations:

  • Material Focus: Pay attention to foam density and spring gauge details provided by Leesa, as these can impact the mattress’s performance and durability.

There are just so many mattresses that are on the same wavelength, if you lined a dozen of them up, without any identification, you really may not be able to pick the one you think is the Leesa from the crowd.

Brooklyn Bedding, I think, does a fine job with their mattresses and their sister mattresses. The one thing you will begin to notice (and with speaking with them, it coincides with their plans) is that there is a lot of cross over material, foam, and spring usage between the sister brands.

I am quite certain if you cuddled up in a helix twilight luxe, or a signature hybrid, you would be hard pressed after a month to say, “give me the leesa back” or even be thinking that critically about it.

What stands out about Leesa and its sister brands is their emphasis on simplicity in design. In contrast, brands that rely heavily on marketing gimmicks—such as intricate grid systems, excessive gels, and various infusions—often face the risk of short-lived popularity driven by hype around so-called advanced technologies. While there is valuable science that can inform mattress design and construction, it’s important to recognize that some claims about these innovations can be exaggerated in terms of their effectiveness.

When companies expand, merge and begin to blur the lines between the brands they acquire, that does not necessarily mean they lower quality, although it does happen. In their attempt to streamline the cost effectiveness between sister lines, changes in specific mattresses will present themself. It doesnt mean the mattress is better or worse, it just may be more or less comfortable for a specific sleeper used to a particular design.

Smaller local and regional manufacturers, such as those featured on Mattress UnderGround, have a strong incentive to maintain consistency in their designs. Their business model relies on the stability of their production processes and product offerings. Unlike larger, impersonal corporations, these manufacturers often interact directly with their customers, who are not just faceless transactions but real individuals. When customers make a purchase, they expect personalized service and are likely to hold the manufacturer accountable for their experience. This direct relationship means that any issues or dissatisfaction must be addressed promptly and transparently, as failing to do so could damage the manufacturer’s reputation. By fostering a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, these smaller companies not only sustain their business but also build lasting relationships with their clientele, which is crucial for their continued success and growth.

I know this does not produce a list of mattresses to choose from, but it may motivate you to collaborate with a company that will work closely with you to find a perfect mattress based on your personal preferences, posture and alignment, and pressure relief needs (your PPP’s).

All the best,

Maverick

3

Thank you for the thorough response and insight! I continue to be in awe of the comprehensive nature of your assessment and the knowledge therein.

I’m not aware of any local (Pittsburgh) mattress manufacturers beyond The Original Mattress Factory, but would be open to it. I also heard from Leesa that the Original Hybrid uses “789+” 15ga coils and 2.5-4pcf foam. I’m assuming 4 pcf is the support layer. I’m not sure what they consider the difference between their edge support coil and inner coils. It doesn’t scream high quality to me, but the feel was undeniably the best in store. The Helix Luxe and DLX mattresses are still high on my list, but I really don’t love the height or pillow top feeling. With the Leesa, I’m having trouble understanding quality level. If both top foams are 2.5pcf and the support foam is 4pcf and there are enough 15ga coils, does that amount to a decently durable mattress?

4

I know it is a hike, but MagicSleeper in Pottstown (yeah, I know PA is a wide state, I live in next door in NJ) can mimic most mattresses, it is kind of their thing. Perhaps if the new Leesa wont cut it, they can come up with a suitable solution.

It is only a phone call or a text, so it may be worth a shot. Even when they mimic some of the traditional brands, they tend to mimic with better quality components and superior service and warranty.

The old leesa used that convoluted foam. So while you may have a foam of equal density, when it is convoluted, you are getting half the foam occupying the same layer, whether that layer is 1" or 4", convoluted layers provide you with half the amount of foam occupying the same space, therefore altering the feel of that ##" layer. Coils can be altered in a couple of ways. Changing the gauge, keeping the gauge and changing the diameter, or changing the number of turns can all have an affect on the response of the coil.

I do like the Helix and of course since I bought my 86y.o. mother in law the DLX Premier Hybrid (after she had purchased a BeautyRest {without my consultation} and it developed a NY sized pothole under her artificial hip in less than a year and half causing much pain) which she absolutely loves. The firm side is amazingly comfortable, despite her being 5’3 175ish.

The DLX classic can be made as a 12" mattress and the quality there is excellent.

You definitely have some choices, dont be like me and overthink every last detail. Go with gut instinct and jump right in. Like I always tell my wife, “what’s gonna happen”

You can do it,

Maverick