Need help picking right brand and level for wife and I

[HuckleberryFinn]

Hello,

My wife and I are losing our minds trying to find the right mattress for us.

She is 5’1 and 100 pounds with back pain

I’m 5’10 and 170 pounds with no real pains.

Both of us our side sleepers, but I sometimes switch to sleeping on my back.

We both sleep significantly better at hotels than we do in our own bed. We have a memory foam bed that is really firm. We decided to get a 4 inch mattress topper that makes it much more soft and we slept fine for a few weeks, but I am not able to fall asleep at all.

Our shopping experience has been overwhelming to say the least. There are too many options and I just don’t know what to look for even after reading all of the MU information.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Maverick]

Hi HuckleberryFinn,
Welcome to the mattress underground and congratulations on becoming a new MUGster.

Selecting the perfect mattress can be a challenge for some couples. It can be especially a tricky task when the couple are different heights and weight classes.

@HuckleberryFinn

We both sleep significantly better at hotels than we do in our own bed. We have a memory foam bed that is really firm. We decided to get a 4 inch mattress topper that makes it much more soft and we slept fine for a few weeks, but I am not able to fall asleep at all.

I have addressed this many times in the Mattress Underground and it is worth repeating. Sleeping in a hotel on a “hotel” mattress is a tricky proposition. It may not seem so, but it can be a bit of smoke and mirrors.

There are a few primary reasons that many folks seemed to become enamored with hotel mattresses and here are a few reasons. Some are valid reasons, but most of the time when they decide to purchase that illusive “hotel” mattress, the honeymoon is short lived.

1. Comfort and Quality: Hotels often invest in high-quality mattresses to provide guests with a comfortable and restful sleep experience. The mattresses are typically chosen for their durability and support, which can lead to a positive association with a good night’s sleep.
2. Luxurious Feel: Many hotels use premium bedding and mattresses to create a luxurious atmosphere. The combination of soft sheets, fluffy pillows, and a comfortable mattress can contribute to a feeling of indulgence and relaxation.
3. Unique Brand Experience: Some hotels have their own branded mattresses or bedding, and guests may associate the comfort they experienced during their stay with that specific brand. This can create a sense of loyalty and a desire to replicate the experience at home.
4. Consistency: Hotels aim for consistency in guest experience, and the choice of mattresses is often part of that effort. If a guest has a positive experience with the mattress in one location, they may seek out the same hotel chain or brand in the future for a similar sleeping experience.
5. Memory of Positive Experiences: People may associate positive memories and experiences with their time at a particular hotel. If they had a great night’s sleep during their stay, the memory of that comfort can lead to a fondness for the hotel mattress.
6. Perceived Luxury: Some individuals may perceive hotel mattresses as being of higher quality or more luxurious than what they have at home. This perception can contribute to a desire to replicate the experience by purchasing a similar mattress.
7. Escape and Relaxation: Staying in a hotel is often associated with a break from routine and the opportunity to relax. The comfort of the mattress becomes intertwined with the overall experience of escaping daily stress, making it more memorable and desirable.

The appeal of hotel mattresses often stems from positive short-term experiences during a stay, prioritizing the hotel’s marketing goals rather than ensuring long-term comfort for the sleeper. When individuals decide to purchase a hotel mattress, they may be influenced by the fond memories of a comfortable stay. However, there are potential downsides to this decision:

1. Quality Variances: Hotels may have different priorities, with some investing in high-quality mattresses and others prioritizing cost over long-term durability. This can lead to variations in the quality of mattresses offered by different hotels, even within the same chain.
2. Limited Information: Buying a mattress through a hotel’s website may not provide the same level of detailed information as purchasing directly from a mattress manufacturer (which for some manufacturers can be a challenge in and of itself). This lack of transparency can make it challenging for consumers to assess the long-term quality and specifications of the mattress they’re buying.
3. Trial Periods and Warranties: Hotel mattresses often come with limited trial periods and warranties compared to those offered by dedicated mattress manufacturers. This limitation could leave consumers with fewer options if they experience discomfort or quality issues over time.
4. Material Quality: The initial luxurious feel of a hotel mattress might be attributed to surface-level comfort layers rather than high-quality materials throughout. As a result, these comfort layers may wear out over time, leading to a decline in overall mattress performance.

For you and your wife, you are seeking a mattress for long-term comfort, it’s advisable to conduct thorough research and consider options from reputable mattress manufacturers. Look for mattresses that provide detailed information about materials, construction, warranties, and trial periods. Testing mattresses in showrooms and reading customer reviews can also contribute to making a more informed decision based on individual preferences and needs.

Given the variations in your weights, distinct Posture and Alignment, Personal Preferences, and Pressure Relief requirements, it could be beneficial for you to explore a mattress with a split internal comfort layer. This design allows for customization on each side, catering to individual needs and ensuring optimal support and comfort for both sleepers. Trying out such a mattress can provide a firsthand experience of how it addresses your specific preferences and contributes to improved sleep quality.

Many of our Trusted Members such as @DLX mattress, @Sleep_EZ @Arizona_Premium @FloBeds, @CozyPure, @TheCleanBedroom and @CST offer fantastic options for both uniform and split comfort layer mattresses. I would encourage you to peruse each of the websites to see what they have to offer. Any of these TM’s would be happy to offer their thoughts as you ponder any questions during your search.

To get your search started, I will offer the random suggestion, of DLX’s Premier Hybrid seen Here DLX Premier Hybrid.

When it comes to memory foam mattresses, the quality of the foam significantly influences the overall sleeping experience. Opting for mattresses made from lower quality foams can result in a less desirable situation. When searching for a mattress that includes viscoelastic memory foam, it’s advisable to consider foams with a weight and density of 4-5lb.

A recommended starting point for high-density (HD) foams is around 1.8lb. Higher density foams offer greater durability and are generally considered more suitable for long-term use. This is due to their ability to provide sustained support, resist wear and tear, and maintain their original properties over an extended period. Selecting memory foam mattresses with these specifications can contribute to a more comfortable and enduring sleep surface.

Hopefully this will get you started on your search for a new mattress. Keep in mind, simple is often better as a mattress is only as good as its weakest layer. Too many layers in the mattress and you are at higher risk of one of those layers to fail. Finding the right balance between support and comfort can be a challenge, but remember, once you have found your optimal mattress, finding a pillow to match your preferences and mattress can be equally challenging. We can review those pillow choices once the mattress has been selected.

All the best,

Maverick

[CST]

Hi HuckleburryFinn,

The guidance Maverick provided was excellent. I’d like to add one thought. As both of you are side sleepers, typically for men our shoulders are wider than our hips and the majority of our weight is carried in our upper body. For woman, their shoulders are the same width as their hips or their hips are slightly wider than their shoulders.

To accommodate those differences you may want to consider a mattress that offers a construction that not only has a different firmness on each side but that supports your shoulders and hips separately. This will help to align your spine and take pressure off your back. This may be particularly important to solving your wife’s back pain.

I hope this helps.

[DLX]

We’ll take a moment for a shameless plug, prompted by @Maverick’s mention of us.

For those navigating the overwhelming world of mattress shopping, the DLX Premier Hybrid is a solid option to consider. This mattress offers flexibility, allowing you to adjust its comfort level upon purchase or later down the line to suit changing needs. The Premier utilizes quality materials with at least 1.8 pound foam and higher along with a well built pocket coil unit for the support – we don’t cut corners to save a buck.

One standout feature is our ability to accommodate different firmness preferences within the same mattress by splitting the top layer in queen and king size mattresses.

@HuckleberryFinn Considering your height and weight, coupled with your preference for the comfort of hotel mattresses (which often share a similar construction, typically utilizing polyurethane foam that tend to have a softer feel and a supportive coil unit), you appear to fit the profile of individuals who typically fare well with our mattress. While we can’t guarantee that our mattress will be great for everyone, our mattress does provide the option to adjust comfort by changing out layers, and we offer a 120-night trial, ensuring you have an exit strategy if it isn’t to your liking.

To those considering DLX, reach out to us directly. Share your height, weight, preferred sleep position, and any unique physical characteristics, such as broad shoulders. Additionally, provide details about your previous mattress, including brand, model, and firmness level, as well as what you liked and didn’t like about it. We’ll provide transparent feedback on whether our mattress is likely to work for you and the likelihood of it being comfortable.

Furthermore, rest assured that we’ll be there for you beyond the purchase. We respond promptly to emails, and if you call the factory and no one is available, we’ll ensure a callback or schedule an appointment with us. When you reach out, you’ll likely speak with someone who directly contributes to making the mattresses, not an outsourced customer service agent. While we may not have all the answers, we’ll certainly do our best to assist you. With a multigenerational business and extensive mattress experience, you’re in good hands.