My New Novosbed Mattress: My experience versus Tempurpedic

[missy1]

Hi Phoenix,

Thanks. I hope it gets better.

@"Phoenix" post=40402

and for you to adjust to a different sleeping surface as well (see post #2 here)

I will answer a few of your points from the above link so that I have both for easy reference.

@"Phoenix" post=8609

The first is as you mentioned that the sheets are thick enough to prevent the amount of heat that is needed for the gel foam or the foam underneath it to reach its full “softness” potential.

I use 100 percent cotton sheets of approximately 220 thread count. I like a low thread count in sheets, as for me it is more breathable, plus I like the way 220-thread-count cotton sheets feel.

@"Phoenix" post=8609

Next could be the depth of the sheet pocket of the fitted sheet. If this mattress is thicker and the sheets are fitting more tightly then it could be creating a drum like effect on the mattress.

This mattress is thinner than the Rhapsody Luxe by 2 1/2 inches or more, so the sheets fit well on this mattress.

@"Phoenix" post=8609

Next could be the type of mattress protector or a mattress pad you are using. Some are more or less stretchy and conforming than others and some allow more or less heat to go through them and there are many people who notice that changing their mattress protector or mattress pad they are using can make a real difference in the feel of the mattress.

I use a Protect-A-Bed luxury mattress protector with Eucalyptus that you mention here. It is thin and breathable, as far as I know. It is not too tight, as it is 18" deep, which is plenty deep for this mattress. I hope per your guidelines I picked one of the better mattress protectors which should have minimal impact on mattress feel.

@"Phoenix" post=8609

The type of cover or quilting in a mattress (or a topper) can also make a difference in how a memory foam layer responds for different people.

The Novosbed website states “Ultra-soft velour microfiber cover.”

@"Phoenix" post=8609

Upper back or shoulder and neck issues are often connected to a pillow as well and it’s not unusual at all for a new mattress to also need a new pillow because of the different way your body sinks in to the mattress and a pillow can be an important part of distributing weight in the upper body and maintaining good alignment.

I have pillows of varying thicknesses and materials that I can try, although I love my new Tempurpedic pillows which I got when I had the Rhapsody Luxe. They are super heavy and dense memory foam. They seem to keep my head and shoulders better aligned. Will do some experimenting if need be.

@"Phoenix" post=8609

The type of foundation or boxspring or other support system under the mattress could also make a difference (foam mattresses generally do best with rigid non flexing support underneath them).

I am using the low-profile foundation from the Tempurpedic Rhapsody Luxe set. The Rhapsody Luxe was a heavier mattress, so the Tempurpedic foundation should work.

@"Phoenix" post=8609

Next could be the temperature and humidity of your room. As you know memory foam is heat and humidity sensitive and a cooler or cold room or less humidity can make the memory foam firmer.

I keep the temperature around 72 degrees at night. Not certain of humidity level, but the house is air conditioned. I live in a warm climate, not a cold one. I have read of people in cold climates with very firm memory foam beds due to not enough heat, but that shouldn’t be a factor. Hopefully my temperature setting is okay.

@"Phoenix" post=8609

Next could be the softening of the memory foam itself. Some types of higher quality/density memory foams take longer to go through their initial softening period to “break in” (Tempurpedic is an example of this) and this can take up to 90 days or so. Walking on the mattress (covering the whole surface evenly) can help it to soften and break in a little quicker.

I found the Tempurpedic did change over time, although I liked it on Day 1 and Day 80 as far as the degree of firmness/softness. I have heard of the idea of walking on a mattress, although it wouldn’t work well in my home as I have a low ceiling and a high bed.

Thank you for the ideas. I will let you know how it goes.