I am in desperate need of a new mattress but kind of frozen in making the purchase…
I bought a Simmons Beautyrest black 4 years ago and although it is not visually apparent (as the warranty requires) the mattress is slumping to the point where it is almost impossible to sleep on and feel rested.
I really don’t want the same to happen with my next mattress. Was it because it has a pillow top? The quality of the foam used? The summer heat?
I am interested in an inner spring mattress that is mostly natural and on the firm end of the spectrum-I have a slightly herniated disk and the firmer mattress helps with back sleeping although I like to sleep on my side too so not too firm.
I would like to keep the purchase under or around 2K(for a California king) but am willing to go up if there’s a good reason- but not just to pay for empty gimmics…like the beautyrest seemed to be.
Some mattresses’ I have tested and feel comfortable to me are… (most are not made with natural materials as id prefer)…
- Sterns and Foster “luxury firm” (I would have bough it but read that you think it is low quality),
-Lexington “pure therapy” (has natural parts including latex)
-Sleep Therapy, “Horizon”
-Serta icomfort, firm—read some reviews that these arrive not smelling good.
Satvaa is online and it seems strange to by w/o trying especially since I don’t know if I would prefer firm or their luxury firm, but they have a great return policy, are mostly natural and friends of friends love theirs.
In short do you have any pointers for me!?
Should I jump to the 2-3K price point?
Do you have a recommendation for a mattress that is both inner spring and latex / natural?
Your site is incredible, you have really figuired out beds—leaps beyond the consumer report!
I would love and appreciate any input you have to offer!
Thank You In Advance,
Caroline
Hi Caroline - I’m sure Phoenix will reply back with a ton of good info for you. I would just recommend staying open to the idea of an all latex mattress if your budget can afford it. I refused to consider them when I began researching and laid on one as a lark to “see what all the fuss was about” in a mattress store - a few weeks later, I am the proud new owner of one 
(100% natural and organic too)
I am predominantly a side sleeper but like to sleep “on top” of a mattress and not sink in, so I too like some firmness but not too firm because I need that pressure point relief. The latex combo I quite literally stumbled upon was perfect for me.
I surprised myself. Perhaps try some different types of mattresses and combinations you wouldn’t have normally considered if you can - you never know, you may find something you like.
Hi Caroline,
Welcome to the Mattress Forum!
[quote]I am in desperate need of a new mattress but kind of frozen in making the purchase…
I bought a Simmons Beautyrest black 4 years ago and although it is not visually apparent (as the warranty requires) the mattress is slumping to the point where it is almost impossible to sleep on and feel rested.
I really don’t want the same to happen with my next mattress. Was it because it has a pillow top? The quality of the foam used? The summer heat?[/quote]
Your second thought was correct. The major manufacturers generally use lower quality materials in their mattress that will tend to soften or break down more quickly than the higher quality and more durable materials that are used by many smaller manufacturers. Therefore, it’s so important to make sure that there are no lower quality materials or weak links in any mattress you are considering. There is more about the quality/durability guidelines that I would suggest in post #4 here.
The first place to start your research is the mattress shopping tutorial here which includes all the basic information, steps, and guidelines that can help you make the best possible choice … and perhaps more importantly help you know how and why to avoid the worst ones. Two of the most important links in the tutorial that I would especially make sure you’ve read are post #2 here which has more about the different ways to choose a suitable mattress (either locally or online) that is the best “match” for you in terms of “comfort” and PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences) that can help you assess and minimize the risks of making a choice that doesn’t turn out as well as you hoped for and post #13 here which has more about the most important parts of the “value” of a mattress purchase which can help you make more meaningful quality/value comparisons between mattresses in terms of suitability (how well you will sleep), durability (how long you will sleep well), and the overall value of a mattress compared to your other finalists (based on all the parts of your personal value equation that are most important to you).
While I can help with “how” to select a mattress, I can’t choose “what” to buy, as the first “rule” of mattress shopping is to always remember that you are the only one that can feel what you feel on a mattress and there are too many unknowns, variables, and personal preferences involved that are unique to each person to use a formula or for anyone to be able to predict or make a specific suggestion or recommendation about which mattress or combination of materials and components or which type of mattress would be the best “match” for you in terms of “comfort” or PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences) or how a mattress will “feel” to you or compare to another mattress based on specs (either yours or a mattress) or “theory at a distance” that can possibly be more accurate than your own careful testing (hopefully using the testing guidelines in step 4 of the tutorial) or if you can’t test a mattress in person then your own personal sleeping experience (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here).
While the choice of different types and combinations of materials and components or different types of mattresses (see this article) are more of a preference and a budget choice than a “better/worse” choice (as long as all the materials and components in a mattress are durable enough for your body type), the only way to know for certain whether any specific combination of materials will be suitable for you or which ones you tend to prefer will be based on your own careful testing or your own personal sleeping experience because different people with different body types, sleeping styles, sensitivities, and circumstances can have very different experiences or opinions about whether the same mattress provides “enough” freedom of movement for their own personal preference.
If you provide me with your zip code, I can see if I am aware of any retailers close to our home who offer products using better quality materials for you to try out in person.
Phoenix
Hi Photocat,
Thank You for sharing your experience with your latex mattress!
I will look into them / combinations. I certainly like the idea of spending my sleeping hours on a natural / organic bed.
Very kind of you to offer your advise.
Much Appreciation,
Caroline
Dear Phoenix,
Thank you for all of your thoughts and links.
I am going to follow them and be back in touch!
My zip is 90039 and I would love to know of a quality matress store.
With Gratitude,
Caroline
Hi Caroline,
Subject to first confirming that any retailer or manufacturer on the list that you wish to visit is completely transparent ( see this article ) and to making sure that any mattress you are considering meets the quality/value guidelines here … the better options or possibilities I’m aware of in and around the Greater Los Angeles region is in post #2 here .
Phoenix
Thank You, so many small companies, amazing!!