Hi dbraun31,
Welcome to the mattress Underground! 
It sounds like your 13-year-old Coriscanna mattress has definitely seen better days. Based on what you’ve mentioned, it’s probably time to upgrade. Polyurethane foam can break down over time, and the wear and tear from years of use it’s likely contributing to the back pain you’re feeling.
You’re on the right track by looking for something a bit more comfortable for side sleeping. That being said, there are a few things to consider when choosing the right mattress for your needs.
You didn’t mention your height or weight (or your partner’s), which is key when selecting a mattress. Since you’re side sleepers, knowing your BMI is important for ensuring proper support and comfort. A mattress needs to keep your spine in neutral alignment, and the right level of comfort varies depending on your body type. If you haven’t already, check out the “How Long Should a Mattress Last?” article for some additional tips on choosing the right mattress.
As for innerspring mattress cores, they’re a solid choice for many sleepers, especially if you like the feel of springs. Don’t get too hung up on the coil count or gauge; what matters most is that the innerspring can properly support the heavier parts of your body and contour to your shape. For a queen-size mattress, a coil count of around 400 or more, with a wire gauge of 14 or better, is usually a good sign that you’ll get decent support. See the How long a mattress would last article,
You mentioned that you’re new to evaluating mattress quality and are concerned about not finding reviews for the mattress you’re considering. That’s totally understandable! Then again, I wouldn’t get hung up on “mattress reviews” and experiences since they are as personal and unique as the people writing them.
Based on your previous mattress experience, you may or may not like the feel of memory foam in the Wellness Glacier mattress you’re looking at. Some people coming from a PU-hybrid mattress don’t love the “sleeping in sand” sensation that memory foam has. It’s a bit of an acquired taste - some people love it, some don’t. See Memory Foam Pros & Cons. The overall design of the mattress, including the quilt thickness and how firm or plush it feels, will play a big role in whether or not you like it.
I did a quick look at the Wellness Glacier’s specs, and it doesn’t seem to have any major red flags, but I would recommend reaching out to the manufacturer for more detailed information—especially regarding the firmness level and the exact thickness of the materials. This will help you make sure it’s the right fit for your needs.
Here’s a breakdown of the specs I found on The Mattress Factory website for the Wellness Glacier Hybrid Euro Top:
- Euro Top with 12 layers for body-conforming comfort
- Polar Touch PCM Cover
- Organic New Zealand Wool
- Two Layers Hyper Soft Quilting
- 5lbs PCM Medical Grade Gel
- 2" 4lbs Memory Foam
- Solid Euro Top Construction
- 1” Nano Coil Technology
- Orthopedic Upholstery Foam
- Flex-O-Lator
- 1130 Zoned Pocketed Coils
- Steel -Edge Support
- Orthopedic Base
It’s a solid construction, and could work well for certain sleepers, especially if both you and your partner have a BMI under 30 AND you like the feel of memory foam. The base coils are generally durable enough, but here are some things to consider:
- Memory foam thickness: The 2” of memory foam at 4lbs/cuft should hold up well for most people within the normal BMI range. So I wouldn’t expect it to sag prematurely.
- PCM medical-grade gel: at 5lbs/cuft. This material is durable, but I can’t tell from the specs exactly how thick it is. In general, though, this type of gel memory foam holds up well for average BMI sleepers.
- For both above layers, you’d need to know/feel the IFD to assess (I’d reach out to them) if this provides enough softness for your side sleeping and BMI.
- Firmness: You mentioned looking for something on the softer side since you’re side sleepers. The Wellness Glacier is on the medium-firm side, so it might not give you that plush, cloud-like feel you’re hoping for.
- The 1” nanocoil and pocketed coils do add some resilience and can help offset the “sleeping-in-sand” feeling of memory foam, but their influence will be more subtle the deeper they are in the mattress.
You mentioned @ShovlinMattress, which is a great choice! They’re incredibly knowledgeable and can give you personalized advice. If you’re planning to visit them, I’d suggest calling ahead to provide a bit of background, although they are happy for any drop-in. You can definitely try out quite a few options before making a final decision. They really know their stuff and can match you closely with a suitable mattress. I am hoping Shovlin Mattress sees your post and chimes in for some guidance
If you’re considering other local options, you might also want to check out @TheCleanBedroom. They’re a bit higher-end, but they have excellent quality mattresses and might be worth a visit, depending on your budget.
It looks like you’re definitely on the right track by exploring local stores, and if you’re feeling adventurous about online options, some other trusted brands to consider are @DLX, @BrooklynBedding, @HelixSleep, @EngineeredSleep, and @Glacier. They offer great quality mattresses that could be a good match for what you’re looking for. But take it one step at a time and don’t rush the process - finding the right mattress is important!
Good luck with your search, and don’t hesitate to ask more questions😊
Phoenix
