Prana or Tempur-pedic

[phoenix]

Hi hersplash,

[quote]I went back and tried the Prana Super Vinyasa 5 Super Plush again. The salesman was not very forthcoming on the layers, but after a drilling here is what I found from 2 different visits. (Might not be in correct order)
Mattress 12.5-13" tall
6" latex core, then 3" layers of latex.
Latex is 55% blend, 45% synthetic material
Also said Radium 100%
Then thin layer, looked like under .5", of wood pulp material
Ticking is Outlast Poly Rayon
3" of 2.5 lb Poly, but also said 1.5" Poly Euro foam synthetic
I’m sure you can make sense of this. It still felt good and I actually took a good 45min nap in the store. Woke up ok but dazed and confused as you can imagine![/quote]
From the information you provided, it seems as if they are sourcing their latex from Radium in the Netherlands, which means it would be Talalay (which is confirmed on the Prana web site). The blend of 45% SBR (synthetic)/55% NR (natural) doesn’t make sense. Radium’s blended Talalay is 70% SBR / 30% NR. Prana says on their web site that their latex is proprietary and has three times the amount of natural latex as the “normal” Talalay, which in this case would mean that their Talalay would be 100% NR, which is what I had previously thought they used. Regardless, the 6" Talalay core and the 3" Talalay latex on top of that would be a good quality and durable material. On top of this is placed a 3" polyfoam quilt panel, which you say they list as a 2.5 lb. density, which would be a good durable material. I’m not sure of the second “1.5” Poly Euro foam synthetic", but an educated guess would be that the 3" quilt panel is comprised of two 1.5" pieces of poly foam. The .5" of wood pulp material is the cellulose used for the viscose dope for making the synthetic fibers used in combination with silica for the inherent non-toxic flame retardant barrier. Overall, the material you listed would be good quality and there would be no “weak links” in this mattress.

I also did like the Tempur-pedic Contour Rhapsody Luxe. It is definitely firmer. I was thinking it would soften somewhat. However, I really do use my heating pad behind my back a lot and even with a towel I don’t want to cause problems. But I was late after my nap and didn’t get the materials for the Contour. If I don’t make it in this week I will just call them and hope they spill the details.

The Tempurpedic Contour Rhapsody Luxe uses two 4.75" polyfoam Airflow base layers that are each 2.0 lb. density. Above this is placed a 2" of the Tempur memory foam at 5.3 lb., and on top of this is placed 2" of the Tempur-HD memory foam at 7.1 lb. density. The materials used in this mattress are good quality, and as you have a store credit, certainly would be something worth considering. Normally, I would advise that one make a careful value comparison on this item, as it is in a higher budget range for the componentry used.

One other note. I read a recent post about the adjustable bed and not wanting the materials to bunch up. That’s a concern, as it was a big problem in my current Prana. What I discovered is the company gave me a free thick bamboo mattress pad that I used, and over time it really stretched out. Bad news! So for 2 years I had even bigger lumps until I realized it was the cover that caused most of the problems. After that, my thin cotton/nylon? blend has been better

It would be normal for mattress pads like the one you described to stretch out a bit over time, and thicker mattress pads and thicker quilt panels (like what the Prana uses) may be a bit noticeable with creases as you bend up and down, but these are rarely a cause for discomfort, especially with the type of ticking used in both the Prana and the Tempurpedic you’re considering. The slight “bunching” of material you’d witness with these items bending up and down isn’t permanent, and combined with the point elasticity of the foams under the covering, are generally allowed to “bend in” to the mattress so as to be unnoticeable in most applications when you lie upon the mattress, especially if you start from the flat positon and adjust from there (as most adjustable bed manufacturers recommend).

Also, can I be nosy and ask how you became such a good writer? You are so clear and thorough that I wondered if were a writer too before you began this great site

Thank you for your fine compliment. Writing has always been a passion, and I apricate your kind words. OU can learn a bit more about Phoenix here.

I’ll be interested in learning about your final selection for exchange.

Phoenix