Hi Phoenix,
I’m hoping you can help with the final step in my mattress search. I greatly appreciate the wealth of information and knowledge you’ve accumulated in this forum and your dedication to responding to inquiries.
I’ve read through many of your and other member’s posts over the past few months which has helped me narrow my search down to a fully latex mattress.
A bit of background…
I’m 6’2", 180lb, sleep hot, stomach sleeper
my partner: 5’3", 115lb, sleeps cold (under a comforter year-round), back sleeper
My partner and I purchased the Leesa mattress a little over 3 years ago. The Leesa was a bit softer than our previous mattress, but my partner preferred it, and I also liked having a soft sleeping layer, so we kept it. Earlier this year, we were both having trouble sleeping and waking with back pain (more so myself). I ended up warranty exchanging the mattress due to the deep impressions in the mattress (even after regularly rotating the mattress).
About a month after the mattress was replaced, we noticed impressions forming and decided the mattress was not going to hold up nor provide the support needed. The new mattress search began.
I ended up getting the Bear Hybrid mattress as it sounded like a good mix of responsiveness and support. That was a mistake. After the first month, noticeable impressions started forming and the back aches started (for both of us). I was sleeping on my back and side since the mattress could not provide enough support for my hips while on my stomach (would just sink in) and eventually we switched back to the old Leesa in preparation for returning the Bear. This is when I found your mattress forum and started researching other hybrid mattresses which led me to a Latex mattress since I was looking for durability/longevity and support, and that’s where it seemed to be at.
When I contacted Bear, they offered to send a replacement foam comfort layer in firm (didn’t know they had that). I figured, why not, and agreed. After a significant airing out period, we swapped out the foams and it was indeed much better. The foam was so firm that you can’t even tell there are springs underneath (whereas with the soft foam, you sink in enough to tell that something else is supporting you). But, almost a month layer, and the impressions are forming to the point that you have to sleep in your indentation or else you’re on a slope. So, the Bear is going back.
Where I am now…
Back to the Latex mattress. I stopped by a Nest retail location by me to check out the Alexander (for kicks) and their latex offerings. Both of us preferred the latex, although my partner liked the latex hybrid over the solid latex due to the plush cover (I took liked having a fluffier top to lay on, almost like a euro-top which was nice on the Bear as well). The hybrid was a touch too soft for me and I want the durability of coil-less, so back to solid latex.
For all of the reading I’ve done (and the feel of the Next latex) I think I’m looking for Talalay on Dunlop (to get the plusher, more consistent top with sufficient support). My primary concerns are support in the hip region (for stomach and back sleeping), not wearing in (no cave you end up falling into), and temperature regulation.
I’m between the Luma and Plushbeds all latex mattresses (I’m open to considering Nest and others, but from what I’ve read, I think these are two solid contenders). Currently, I’m leaning towards the Luma based on the construction and materials and I’m also not a fan of Plushbeds’ advertising/website, but the Luma is more expensive even after discount.
I also do not know which firmness level to pick. The Nest Latex I tried was a Medium (they didn’t have firm in store) and I felt it was a touch too soft. Not sure if I should go medium-firm or firm with the other brands.
Can you please help steer me in the right direction? I’m open to any recommendations.
They offer a pre-made if that suits you better. There are various latex options as well as two styles of coil units if you want a hybrid.