Need new mattress soon.

[phoenix]

Hi drm870,

Thanks for you updates! Good to hear from you again.

The Bedigami didn’t work out, but I’ve come to suspect I didn’t put it together carefully enough. Anyway, I’m going to withhold judgement in this particular case…

Yes, if this wasn’t assembled properly, it would not hold shape too well. I’m sorry to hear about that.

My parents and I are still sleeping on our Arctic Dreams mattresses. Truth be told, there’s been some moderate sagging on my father’s side of my parent’s mattress, but I was willing to let it slide as A) he’s typically laying on the bed to watch TV a lot more often in his home hours than most folks; and he hasn’t really complained about it.

While the Arctic Dreams does represent an excellent value, I would expect some softening in the areas of the mattress if it is used frequently during the day as well as the evening. I’d even expect that with a product using higher-density base polyfoams. I don’t recall if you mentioned what your parents are using for their base under their mattress. I think I do remember you had an issue with a metal platform bedframe breaking underneath your mattress.

I first noticed that a few months ago. In the meantime, my own bed has finally started softening up. While it’s not as noticeable with my mattress (visually or, arguably, in terms of feel) as it is on theirs, I am starting to notice some back pain in a way they aren’t. (My mom’s side of my parent’s mattress is fine, by the way.) I can’t really complain, given how relatively inexpensive the mattress is, and at any rate I suspect part of the problem was that it was softer than I prefer to begin with. Plus I’ve been pretty overweight these past couple years.

All of those things can certainly contribute to lower back pain – plushness level being too soft, having a higher BMI.

Anyway, I know there’s an 8" version of the Arctic Dreams now that’s supposed to have a medium-firm feel, but I’m thinking I might want to get something else (and invest a bit more money) this time. Wasn’t sure what you’d advise. One more thing: I’ve been losing a lot of weight this year. I ended up eventually peaking at around 360 lbs, am down to 290 currently, and am shooting to get to somewhere under 200 as my goal. Figured I’d let you factor that in.

Just to refresh your memory, ideally you’d like to consider something using firmer materials (in the support layers especially) for a higher BMI. This could be firmer latex or innersprings (the type of support component would be a personal preference and in the right design either could be suitable) or even a zoned construction. The same overall guidelines apply with higher weights though that PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences) along with using high quality durable materials that will maintain their feel and performance for longer periods of time are the way to make the best choices. Heavier people in general will need firmer and thicker comfort layers and firmer support layers than those who are lighter and because no materials will last as long with much higher weights the quality and durability of the materials and components is even more important than normal. I wouldn’t “rule out” any types of mattress and base your choices on your own personal testing. Post #3 here has more information and suggestions about heavier weights that is worth reading.

As far as picking out a specific mattress, while I can certainly help with “how” to choose, it’s not possible to make specific suggestions or recommendations for either a mattress, manufacturers/retailers, or combinations of materials or components because the first “rule” of mattress shopping is to always remember that you are the only one that can feel what you feel on a mattress and there are too many unknowns, variables, and personal preferences involved that are unique to each person to use a formula or for anyone to be able to predict or make a specific suggestion or recommendation about which mattress or combination of materials and components or which type of mattress would be the best “match” for you in terms of “comfort”, firmness, or PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and your own Personal preferences) or how a mattress will “feel” to you or compare to another mattress based on specs (either yours or a mattress), sleeping positions, health conditions, or “theory at a distance” that can possibly be more reliable than your own careful testing (hopefully using the testing guidelines in step 4 of the tutorial) or your own personal sleeping experience (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here).

If you’re still considering shopping online, I still think very highly of the site members and that I believe that they compete well with the best in the industry in terms of their quality, value, service, knowledge, and transparency. They are extremely knowledgeable about latex, memory foam and different configurations, and I would not hesitate to recommend any of them for your consideration.

If you are considering a specific item, feel free to post back here with the specifications or your questions and I’ll do my best to be assistive.

Also, congratulations on your continued weight loss – that’s great!

Phoenix