My mattress journey started while I was in college (2009). I knew my first big purchase once I landed my first job, was to buy a quality mattress. The search started when I was trying to find a way to compare mattresses between retail stores. This led me to a mattress blog, where an owner would answer questions on a weekly basis. Then I found a forum, which was pretty active until being pretty much taken over. And finally I came here and learned a lot along the way (mostly lurking).
Going in, I knew I could sleep on pretty much anything. Temperature plays more of a factor (I ruled out memory foam. Was intrigued by a latex/innerspring mix). I had a full mattress which was going on 10 years (something like Simmons BackCare Entre). The mattress had started sagging in the middle around year 8 even with rotations/flipping. At other times, through travels, I have slept on just box springs/hardwood floors/cots no problem. I attempted to pull a sleepover for some sports tickets, which took place in a parking garage. This was the only time I have been unable to get comfortable sleep.
When I started researching, SleepEZ and Flobeds were the major players which kept coming up. I was also interested in White Lotus home, since it was a local company. These were a little out of my price range, so I kept saving/looking. I figured this would be an in between bed. I was switching locations and moving to the NYC area. I knew bedrooms would be smaller, so even though I wanted my next bed to be a queen, I knew not to buy until I knew my space. Ended up buying a full to save room and money (I don’t want to go all out, until I potentially have a serious girlfriend, since I figure their comfort will be tougher than mine).
Then the next round rolled out with Brooklyn Bedding/Dreamfoam/Spindle among others. Ikea had a few options too. When I went to buy my bed frame, I was able to try a latex mattress for the first time. I tried a few different models at Ikea and only liked the two more expensive choices (at this point, they were on closeout and slightly lower than the other offerings).
April 2014
I decided to go with a Spindle Abscond - Custom Synthetic blend (it looks like they no longer offer the synthetic option). I talked with Neal over the phone and we agreed on layers (I would have liked to go with the natural option, but the budget didn’t allow it at the time). Neal sent an email when they were getting the order ready and realized they were out of the synthetic blend firm. He offered a free upgrade to the 100% natural for the firm layers, and recommended to go with the medium for a similar feel. I really appreciated this step, and was happy not settling for Ikea. I no longer remember which exact layers I went with, but have not had any issues.
I chose to go with the Ikea Nyvoll (no longer offered) for the slanted headboard. I like the Muji offering, but with shipping, was a little out of my price range. I bought the Luroy slats and the midbeam, and have not had any issues.
The bed arrived as three boxes, which were easy to bring up to my second floor apartment. I opened them and let the pieces air out, although I did not notice any smell. Later I had some family helping me move, who were also able to help put the latex pieces together in the mattress case. They got a kick out of assembly the mattress and seeing exactly what goes in.
M, 5’7" 180 lbs. Sleep hot. Still toss a little bit (sometimes pillows end up on the floor).
In terms of the full bed:
I have Hotel Collection Primaloft Density Firm and Soft pillows. Some nights I like to sleep on my side and sometimes on my stomach. Some nights I will start with one and wake up with the other. I also have a Natura Wool Filled pillow, which is a good compromise between both. Although sometimes I will wake up with my head on my arm (which has fallen asleep) and all the pillows out of the way. But with this, I still feel fully rested.
I chose to go with a St. Dormier Wool mattress protector and it has held up well.
For sheets I have one set of Frette Percale (after I stayed at a hotel with them, before getting my mattress, and had one of my best nights sleep). And I have a set of Linen Sheets. I use the percale in the summer and the linen in the winter (a little surprised the linen sleeps as warm as it does. I have the down blanket for three seasons, and a down comforter for winter. I usually prefer to sleep around 67-70. But in the summer I usually have the AC set to 75. In the winter I rely on radiator heat, and don’t always have control.
I still occasionally wake up sweating a little, but it is better than it used to be. One of my issues is that I like to sleep with a little bit of weight. I have tried sleeping with just a top sheet or light cotton blanket, but could never get comfortable. I have found the down blanket to be just enough.
Overall, I am happy with my setup and it has held up well. The only issue has been trying to move the mattress by myself. I would like to turn my bed against the other wall, but it is a bit floppy.