Mattress Hunting - Need Help Please

[phoenix]

Hi Mattress Hunter,

The first one we looked at was the 12" from Dreamfoam Bedding at a price of $899. But I’m concerned about the 1.5 HD support. I believe you have stated that this is not a concern for those under 200 lbs and would not be a weak link in the mattress, but from everything I have read on this site and others, it seems 1.5 would on the low/lowest end of support density. Can you help me to understand this and verify if this should be an issue of concern for us?

Compression forces are what soften and break down a foam or other mattress components and most of the compression happens in the upper layers of a mattress because they are on top and because they are generally softer which is why they are the weak link of most mattresses. Deeper layers don’t compress as much both because they are deeper in the mattress so the materials on top of them absorb most of the compression forces and because the are firmer. The heavier you are the more you will compress the deeper layers of a mattress so with heavier weights that compress the deeper layers more the density of the deeper layers becomes more important. There are too many variables involved to use a specific formula that can predict the length of time when foam softening and breakdown will result in crossing the thresholds between “sleeping well” on a mattress to “sleeping OK” to “tolerating a mattress” to deciding to replace it because these are all very subjective and relative to each individual person but there is more information in post #2 here and the posts it links to about all the variables that can affect the durability and useful life of a mattress relative to each person.

The second mattress is the 12’ Bamboo Bliss from Brooklyn Bedding at $1049 (with the current holiday discount). This one seems identical but has 2.17 HD support base? Since this would only be an estimated $150 more over the previous mattress, would this be the safer alternative to alleviate my concerns about the support base density? And this one has 1" wool/foam that the other mattress does not? Not sure what purpose this serves (comfort, coolness ect…?); could you help me to understand please.

You can read more about the differences between the 12" Eurotop from Dreamfoam and the Bamboo Bliss in post #16 here. IMO … the advantages of the Bamboo Bliss would be “worth it” at the regular price and would be even more attractive at the sale price.

Finally, I looked at a 12" Eco Latex on PlushBeds site at $1399. This pushes our budget further than we wanted, but it did come with the pillows, sheets and protector. We also liked the fact of the free exchange and free return as well which makes us feel more comfortable in our purchase. However I could find no information on the density of the support base. Was hoping you or someone might know, else I can call them and try to find out tomorrow. We also noted this has 4" of latex instead of 3" compared to the others. Does this have any impact on durability or comfort compared to the other two mentioned?

This also uses good quality materials in the comfort layers but has a stretch knit cotton cover with no quilting. There only appears to be 2 comfort choices for latex comfort layer but as you mentioned they have a free exchange policy and have a free return policy as well. I don’t know the density of their support core so you would need to give them a call to find out.

None of these have any weak links in their design and they would all make good choices. When you are down to final choices that are all between “good and good” and there are no clear winners between them then which one is the best value for you would depend on your more detailed phone conversations with each of them, how they compare based on all the objective, subjective, and intangible parts of your personal value equation that are most important to you, and on your own “best judgement” (see post #2 here).

Phoenix