So we bought an inexpensive 8 inch memory foam mattress about a year ago after about 6 months I started waking up with pain which has continued. After much research, I have determined that the pain is likely that i am sinking deep, more than 3 inches and therefore am not aligned. I have pretty much decided to go to a standard inner spring, but wondering whether a latex mattress might offer any greater level of support. I am in the Columbus Ohio area, and sick of the night-time pain so am going to buy a mattress tomorrow! I am willing to spend some money (up to 1500, if I could find a mattress that would be supportive for more than a couple of years. Please help. thanks
Hi JLM,
I’m sorry to hear that your mattress didn’t work out, but you are not alone: many people buy inexpensive memory foam mattresses made with low density foams that feel great in the showroom, but soften and sag within only a few months. It’s not limited to memory foam either - inexpensive mattresses of all types (memory foam, spring, latex) are generally made from inferior materials that deform earlier than expected.
Moving forward: from your description, it seems you need a firmer mattress that will maintain it’s “showroom” comfort for years (not weeks/months). If you decide to try memory foam again, consider buying something medium-firm and REALLY HEAVY (made from high-density foams).
Best of luck,
Novosbed
Hi JLM,
The first place I would start is post #1 here which has the basic information along with the steps and guidelines you will need to make the best possible choices.
I would also echo Novosbeds comments that the quality of the foam in a mattress is what determines how long it will last and in particular the quality of the materials in the upper layers which are usually the weak link of a mattress (regardless of the type of support layers that are in a mattress ). You can’t feel the quality of a foam when you lie on it but it makes a big difference in how the mattress will feel months or years down the road and lower quality/density materials can soften much more quickly.
Some of the better options I’m aware of in the Columbus area are listed in post #2 here and you have some good choices in the area.
I would keep in mind that the upper layers of a mattress are more about how well it relieves pressure and how it feels when you go to bed at night while the deeper layers are more about the primary support of a mattress and how you feel when you wake up in the morning. It’s always important to make sure that the upper layers in particular use high quality materials because they are the layers that are most subject to foam softening and breakdown and the loss of comfort and support of a mattress over time regardless of whether the support layers are an innerspring, polyfoam, or latex.
A mattress can be one of the most important purchases you can make in terms of how you feel and your overall well being and I would strongly encourage you to take a little longer than a day to give yourself enough time to do some good research and testing so you can make the best possible choice.
Phoenix