Hi, and thanks to all members and experts for the vast amount of great info. I’ve been reading on this site on and off for three years and we’re ready to purchase a complete new bed. I have a few questions that I’d love some help with.
(It’s funny, in writing this post I’ve eliminated some options as I went. Thanks for the opportunity to get some additional clarity through the process!)
Background
• Current mattress – Tempurpedic Cloud Prima with 2" Dunlop 20ILD Topper (queen)
• Me – 5’3", 130 lbs, combination sleeper but I always go to sleep on my stomach
• Husband – 5’10", 180 lbs, Side sleeper (would prefer to sleep on his back, but his snoring wakes me and so he endeavors to sleep on his side). He also moves A LOT at night and I’m a light sleeper so we’re looking to reduce motion transfer (which is why we went with the memory foam)
• We generally like a ‘supported’ feel, tending to choose firm over plush
• After 3 years on it, we decided we do not like memory foam. We added the latex topper a year ago to give us a little less ‘sink’, but are still uncomfortable.
• He has some lower back pain and occasional hip pain. I have regular upper back/shoulder/neck pain (compensating when I lie on my stomach). To address the neck pain, I’ve also struggled with pillows, and currently alternate between foam, ultra slim foam, and low-profile shredded latex, but that’s another story! Hoping to find the right pillow once we nail down the new bed.
• Before this, our past beds were S&F and then Dr Breus, both firm models, and were “fine” for us until they started degrading.
What We Think We Want…
Based on our preferences, in-store trialing and all of the reading I’ve done here, we want:
• A hybrid pocket coil mattress with Talalay layers.
o A uniform coil instead of zoning since I’m on the short side and he’s a side sleeper
o Edge support because he tends to roll
o Talalay for flow
• Replaceable comfort layer to adjust over time (with zippered cover to accomodate)
• Go bigger with a split king to add some space (we also have a toddler who likes to visit), reduce motion transfer, and most likely customize his side so it’s slightly more cushy for side sleeping
• Adjustable bed frame – the lifestyle perks are appealing, as well as potentially reducing his snoring and therefore enabling him to sleep more on his back (his natural preference)
Challenges…
1. Mattress Decision
I’m struggling between choosing a DIY and or one of the ready-made hybrids.
Arizona Premium
Of all the options on the Arizona Premium site, the best fits for us look to be either:
A. The Twin XL Eco option with Medium support for me and Soft for him. Seems like an unquestionable deal re: value. But it has a 3" topper.
o Questions on this one:
o I’m wondering if that 3" topper isn’t going to be too thick for my stomach-sleeping?
o Can someone confirm that in the Twin XL it has the Bolsa system which seems to be better for us than the QE Combi?
B. For DIY we’d go with the Twin XL Bolsa, and then two additional layers.
o Question on this one:
We’re thinking the Soft for me and the Supersoft for him for the top layer, but aren’t sure about the transition layer below. How thick? How firm?
• I also need to factor in shipping from the US to Canada.
Luma
• Hybrid Latex Mattress (2 Twin XLs) - https://lumasleep.com/products/hybrid-latex-mattress
o This has the Bolsa, unzoned, and we’d likely standardize with a 2" topper for each of us to keep the total height the same on both Twins
• I also need to factor in shipping from the US to Canada.
• Offers the Comfort Exchange for the topper
SleepEZ
o Can someone please confirm that both hybrid options are Dunlop only?
Greenworks (carrying OMI)
o Not a retailer but, for a self-styled ‘luxury’ brand, disappointed with the info available re: layers and materials. Seems self-sabotaging in the competitive organic/natural sector.
o Would be really interested in feedback from anyone having purchased one of these beds.
o Organic Latex Mattress - OMI Luxury Mattress - OMI Mattress – Organic Mattresses, Inc.
2. Bed Frame Decision
The key decision here for us lies around the motion transfer/snoring issues. We’re optimistic that:
• Added width in the king vs our current queen will help a little by giving us more separation when we want it.
• A split king gives us the chance to customize the comfort layers for each of us, hopefully keeping us sleeping longer through the night and not adjusting and moving as much
• The adjustable split king might help with the snoring with the ability to raise his head
(We know could also buy one king mattress with the customized sides for each person with the mattress suppliers that provide this option in a king or even queen, but we like the idea of the customized adjustable option for each of us).
My biggest question here before committing is how much lessening of motion transfer are we sacrificing by having an adjustable frame vs a solid wood platform or slatted frame? A lot, or a little? If we have the split king frame and separate mattresses, should that get us most of the way? Or would having a solid wood, heavy non-adjustable be significantly better in this regard?
Also, so that I’m 100% clear, is a Split King (where offered) in the context of hybrid mattresses the same as purchasing two Twin XLs?
3. Testing
One of the challenges we’re having is being able to test our preferred hybrid mattress brands (based on our research here on MU). We’re in the Vancouver area. Thank you for these reference posts (here, here and here).
We’ve spent a fair amount of time testing in-store and using the MU guide, but based on experience, we just won’t know until we sleep on it for a while. Which is why we’re also looking at exchange options and guarantees.
**Shout out to Hevean options through local Natures Embrace for people looking for all-latex.
Honestly, at this point I feel overwhelmed with all the details and just want to commit! I know so much of this is ultimately personal preference but if you see any flaws in our thinking, or alternate suggestions, we’d love to know.
Many thanks for any input!!
