Mattress Makers Cardiff Hybrid: Quilting vs Using a Toppert

After extensive research and testing, I’ve figured out what kind of mattress I’d like. My previous mattress was a Sleep on Latex mattress with toppers. Over time my comfort needs changed, and it felt too firm and unyielding for a 5’6" 135 pound female side sleeper.

I’ve discovered that hybrids are more comfortable for me. And while I love talalay, I also like some other foams or materials on top to take the edge off. Otherwise, the latex feels firmer to me as the night goes on and I start tossing and turning.

I’m currently sleeping on the Nest Owl, and I like it a lot, except that the springs are much softer than I anticipated. I don’t have any info on them except that they make them themselves and they are 15.5 gauge. From my research, it seems that their springs can have some issues over time. They definitely feel more mushy and bed-in-a-boxy than the mattresses in store, and I want a firmer, more stable feeling spring. Otherwise, I like the hybrid feel and the quilting is very comfy. I like that it feels like a traditional mattress without latex pushback.

I’m interested in the Mattress Makers Cardiff Hybrid. The layers are:

Quilted cover:
Tencel fabric
1" Joma wool
1" Serene foam
1" Memory foam

3" Talalay
8" Texas pocket coils (which I think should be firmer than what I have)

I can’t see this mattress in person, so ordering it blindly is a bit scary. The shipping fees are around $200, as are the return fees, so its a $400 risk. What I like about it is that the quilted layer is similar to the luxury mattresses I liked in store, incorporating layers of foams in the quilting. It can be hard to find a mattress with a zipper that includes both latex and other foams.

What I’m concerned about is if its a bad idea to have Serene foam and memory foam quilted into the cover. I’m worried it will be a weak link. It looks like Serene foam toppers usually have a 2 to 3 year warranty. Does this mean that the quilted layer in the mattress would have an expected lifespan of 2 to 3 years? Mattress Makers even has a video talking about foams and they say that memory foam is “overrated.” I’m also worried it will be hot and I don’t want to need to add layers to “fix” it.

My other option is to get a latex hybrid with firm springs without the quilted cover and layer any foams that I choose over the top. That way they can easily be replaced. I can certainly do that, but for some reason I find the already put together Cardiff tempting. I think its because it looks nice, the quilting looks super comfy, it looks like the “real” mattresses at the store, and its already ready to go. With my Sleep on Latex setup with two toppers, it was ok, but always seemed kind of cobbled together.

Lastly, I’m realizing how much I rely on reviews. I usually read through all of them to get tidbits of information, looking for side sleepers of similar size to see what they say. The Mattress Makers website doesn’t have mattress reviews (there are google reviews for the company as a whole). My interest in the mattress is based solely on the materials/construction and their YouTube channel. I like how they deconstruct mattresses and they seem to know their stuff. I just wish they would showcase their mattresses for the online customers!

@SDMattressMakers

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Hi SadieKatt, sorry for the late reply. I just came across your post. Not sure if you’ve already found a solution, but if not, I’m happy to walk through your questions.

It’s no secret we lean heavily toward latex. Most of what we build is latex based because of the durability and support. That said, over the years we kept seeing a certain feel people wanted that pure latex alone couldn’t deliver. That’s exactly why we created the Cardiff for sleepers who like latex but also want a little extra plushness and pressure relief on top.

Regarding your concern about Serene foam and memory foam being quilted into the cover:
You’re right that memory foam can be a weak link when it’s used as the main comfort layer. But when foam is quilted into the top panel, like our Serene and visco layers, it behaves very differently. The quilting pre-compresses and stabilizes the foam, and prevents the kind of early sagging you’d typically see in a standalone thicker foam comfort layer. This is why we’re comfortable using it in the quilted top panel but not as a primary comfort layer.

Still, we know this is a concern for some people, so we’ve been working on ways to further minimize any long term breakdown in the panel. We have not yet released it, but we are making it on a special order basis, I can explain it better over a phone call.

On the temperature piece:
The combination of Tencel, Joma wool, and Serene above the visco foam keeps the surface far more breathable than a typical foam mattress. It won’t run as cool as our Soledad Hybrid, but it also won’t trap heat like a standard memory foam bed.

If you’re still mattress shopping, I’m happy to jump on a call and help you narrow things down.

And just so you know, we are currently offering free shipping.

Hope this helps! If you have more questions, feel free to reach out!

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Thanks! How do I get in touch with you? I’ve called a couple of your locations and talked with two different sales people, but neither one was one of the guys in the YouTube videos, so they were able to answer most questions but not my really detailed ones. I’m guessing you are one of the guys from the YouTube videos?

@SDMattressMakers

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Yes. I’m the chunky one in the hat! :smirking_face:
I’m out of the office this week, but you can request a call and just reference mattress underground, and I’ll give you a ring.
Here is the link!

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LOL! You TV Stars have a way with words! @SDMattressMakers

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Thanks! I put in my info for a phone call, so I’m hoping it went through. There wasn’t any place to add a note, so I just added “Mattress Underground” to my name in the name field. I had actually filled out the form twice before, but when I called they couldn’t find my info and said you have a new system.

I already placed an order a week ago, but I called and placed it on hold until I can talk with you in case it needs to be modified.

@SDMattressMakers

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Thanks SadieKatt!
I see it.
I will call you today!

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