First off, you guys & gals are awesome for your contributions to this forum (esp. Phoenix). The class, lack of judgment, and helpful spirit of the members has been refreshing (compared to other forums).
Anyway, I would sincerely appreciate your input on my mattress situation.
I was looking into the dreamfoam and nuform allure talalay latex beds. I was a second from buying the nuform on overstock but missed the 10% savings and was a little apprehensive about not being sure what the base foam was (hoping to get 2+lb for longevity and support).
I was also interested in the regular 10" ultimate dreams until I saw that it does not use the 2.3lb base layer anymore. It appears that the ultimate dreams natural latex still uses the 2.3lb base foam though so that could be an option.
I am certainly open to other options. I was leaning toward the latex beds for the reasons you all have pointed out in this forum (which I will not bother to regurgitate) but am also open to memory foam options. Our current bed is an old memory foam mattress that badly needs replaced; along with the foundation and frame that I have had to fix previously.
Anyway, it would probably help to give your our sleeping habits for consideration:
My info: Under 30, 6’2", currently 320 lbs. (losing but likely to only get near 250). Played college football and power lifted so I am more dense than my weight would lead you to believe. I get the most comfort sleeping on my back but do sometimes sleep in other positions (likely due to discomfort). I also like to be on the cooler side. I understand that my weight will require something on the firm side to support me.
Wife’s info: Under 30, 5’8", 135 lbs., she just needs enough cushion for her butt and shoulders to indent enough to support her back on the mattress since she has very minor scoliosis. She typically sleeps on her back and likes to be a little warmer than I do.
I am guessing that we would require about a 5 on the ultimate dreams firmness (reviews stated that often they were firmer than expected so…). I purchase a Serta Rest 3" Gel-infused memory foam topper (4lb density) so that might help give my wife the "float that she needs. I prefer to go with the separate topper anyway so I can replace it as needed and save the mattress (hygiene and wear).
I am planning to build a platform bed for the new mattress. I can either use slats or MDF for the top… depending on the needs of the mattress. I was planning on MDF as I wanted to make it so I could tilt up the mattress and store things under it (inside the platform bed). Any concerns with the foundation re slats vs. solid sheet?
I might be interested in a gel foam mattress if you think one might be a decent alternative.
As you can probably tell from the mattresses I listed, I am really hoping to get a good value ($700-900 for a KING or CAL KING). I would be willing to spend more if there would be significant advantages to anyone’s suggestions. I would be willing to assemble a DIY mattress as well if someone knew what materials/layers I would work best for us.
Lastly, we would gladly try some local vendors (Pittsburgh, PA) but the ones I found in another thread were priced a bit higher than the aforementioned.
Even if I don’t get any responses I have gotten a lot out of the information posted on this forum so thanks for that and thanks in advance for your time and consideration!
