Stuck with new $1100 mattress I hate; should I rip it open for a DIY?

Beyond Mattresses
1

After loving my mattress, it failed after 5 years. Exhausted from mattress shopping and lack of rest I made a too-quick purchase from Mark’s Mattress Outlet. Unfortunately I did not read their no-return-under-any-circumstances policy. I am scouring this and Reddit mattress discussions; and I read about the DIY options. This is supposed to be a hybrid mattress by a maker called “Glacier”. It is already a too-bulky-for-sheets 14" thick. Since I’m out $1100 for this twin XL mattress, I wonder if anyone has ever ripped open a new mattress to fill in with DIY layers? I probably wouldn’t have the guts to do that - but…

Just for info sake, my well loved, failed mattress was all foam, supported by “octasprings” made of foam. It was purchased from Mattress Firm and called DreamBed Lux 710. I have discovered it was made by Dormeo - which has almost all bad reviews for cs and products on TrustPilot. My description of the feel of it is like a big, smooth marshmallow but with support. So I don’t even know for sure whether I would like the feel of a hybrid or latex or all memory foam. I do know I do not want firm. (I slept on a firm and it was a killer!) I just know when the support layer failed, my mattress was ruined. But I may have made a mistake buying a hybrid. I’m not sure if a hybrid gives that too-firm-for-me feel. Also not sure if latex would be too firm. I am female and a senior citizen.

I am trying to learn, so comments, stories and advice appreciated.

2

Hi seldel,

Thanks for your question, and welcome to the mattress UnderGround!

I’m sorry to hear that your new mattress didn’t meet your expectations. I took a quick look at the Glacier mattresses from Mark’s Mattress Outlet, and I noticed they use a foam encasement for edge support. This design can complicate DIY modifications, especially compared to those typically used with edge-to-edge coil construction.

For advice on whether foam edge support can be adapted in DIY projects, you might want to consult @Latex_Mattress_Fact1 or @Arizona_Premium, as they have experience with various DIY mattress modifications. If you decide to proceed, you could potentially reuse the spring support along with the existing foam edge support and add new comfort layers on top. This video explains foam edge support, and it aligns with my philosophy on edge to edge coil vs foam edge support design.

Keep in mind that foam edge support designs and assembly can vary in quality, and construction attachment methods can yield different results. It might also be worth asking @PCS if the foam perimeter can be replaced with an reinforced edge spring layer.

If you decide to open up the mattress, you’ll need to assess the gauge of the existing spring support and determine if it’s worth reusing. Since this model appears to incorporate micro coils, you would need to evaluate their suitability. Since the foam layers’ origin, density, and ILD are unknown, this could add uncertainty to your project.

Unfortunately, this might turn out to be a costly lesson. While you might be able to repurpose some of the mattress components, personally, I’d consider using this mattress as a spare room mattress and starting fresh. Working with unknown specifications of springs, foams, and micro coils could lead to a complex and potentially frustrating process.

Best of luck with your mattress journey!

Maverick

3

Maverick - Thank you! Your response confirms my doubts about trying this. I can see how the lesson would be a costly one. Even more than the sting of losing the money, it would certainly add to my exhaustion from this ordeal overall.

I am surprised you found info about the mattress brand, but so glad you did. As a matter of fact, I pointed out in my google review the lack of edge support - which got a response from “the owner”. He disputed that saying it had “furniture grade foam encased…which is best available”.
As I said to him, I never even knew lack of edge support was a thing until sleeping on this mattress.

I requested a refund which would be major for me. He sent a “warranty claim packet” and said he needed it filled out to see what is “going on”. It is in that ‘packet’ that I see “no refund under any circumstances”; and under “not covered” is “customer comfort”.
I know from the Mattress Firm warranty claim they require photos showing 2.75" body impression in the mattress which they judge - and ultimately decline. And of course ‘the owner’ knows that has nothing to do with this mattress purchase anyway. So I see no purpose in filling it out only for them to turn it down. I would appreciate any further input or advice from you. Thanks again

1 Like
4

Eh, fill it out anyway! Perhaps you can claim you never had the opportunity to see the refund policy until after you paid and got the “packet.”

Maybe you can say you hate it so much and it is so uncomfortable you have to resort to using it in a rarely used guest room which you would have spent half as much on a guest bed, hint hint!

If they offer you a partial refund, half a loaf is better than none, when you are hungry.

Can’t hurt to try.

Maverick

5

Unfortunately to replace the foam encasement with pockets would be difficult as a DIY project.

2 Likes
6

Thanks for that, I think a DIY with remnants of this unhappy purchase it a recipe for more frustration.

1 Like
7

Gonna’ do that on your recommendation Maverick! Yes - for sure some reparation would be better than none.
And actually I’m not sure I wouldn’t be as well or better off going with a fraction of the cost cheapie from Walmart or Amazon!!* I have pressure point pain even into my hands! SMH!! I sure appreciate your feedback!
*Oh yes - and would have had a return for refund option!! https://www.amazon.com/NapQueen-Anula-Twin-XL-Memory-Mattress/dp/B0BRCXQMS5/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=HaCgE&content-id=amzn1.sym.f8fbf489-893c-481c-b7fa-18e0b0ecaa0c%3Aamzn1.symc.a68f4ca3-28dc-4388-a2cf-24672c480d8f&pf_rd_p=f8fbf489-893c-481c-b7fa-18e0b0ecaa0c&pf_rd_r=1MSPCC5D6MVD4EEZPE25&pd_rd_wg=TfqZz&pd_rd_r=c993d504-7cec-4bbe-932a-8b47447c2d6c&ref_=pd_hp_d_atf_ci_mcx_mr_ca_hp_atf_d&th=1

8

New Development: As discussed, I submitted the warranty claim and surprisingly was granted a “one-time comfort exchange”! Met with the manager (who initially had a snarky attitude), and tested out the very limited alternatives in the store. He was big on selling the latex offering in the plush which is priced at $3500 “ON SALE”. He praised it as being ‘all latex’. But looking at the cut-away pic, all I see is one, thin layer labeled as latex. The one other possibility is a “new type” memory foam coming in today which I can make an appointment to test out. Bottom line right now is I have pretty much decided to cut my losses rather than drop any more money on another unknown - unless the “new” memory foam is very impressive.

1 Like
9

We can get to the new choice in a minute.

But who’s your best friend at TMU? Come on you can say it, they know! Lol :rofl: :money_mouth_face: :joy:

If you dont ask, you never know if you will get!

Maverick

Is there some way you can get cut aways from some of the choices they offer or what models of particular brands they offer? You want to do this very judiciously!

1 Like
10

image
image1620×939 113 KB
Doesn’t look impressive to me. Am I missing something?

1 Like
11

Kind of nervy calling this a latex eurotop. Plus the foam encasement. And i am sure you will never get them to give you the specs on the latex, soft?foam, whatever that means. Is this all they sell? Didnt have time to go back to their website yet.

If they got rid of the foam encasement, the spring support, microcoils and latex assuming higher quality (better be for the price) is a good start.

12

Hi Seldel,

It’s quite challenging to make a recommendation since they provide minimal information about their mattresses. I suggest trying their Sweet Dreams mattresses or the Double-Sided Elite. If these models use high-quality foams, they could be surprisingly good despite their lower price.

Since you have a one-time comfort exchange option, consider choosing the firmest option you can tolerate, and then add a comfortable latex topper to achieve your preferred feel.

Keep in mind that if the foams are not of good quality, the mattress might not hold up as well as expected. However, if the mattress is on the firmer side and you use a quality topper from the start, you could potentially customize your own comfort. Additionally, both models feature edge-to-edge coils, which could be useful for future DIY projects if you feel ambitious.

Perhaps with all that you have been through, this could be the break you are looking for here. I tend to use the more practical approach to things and since they are holding your cash right now, this may be the way out. If they have toppers there for you to try on their firmer options, allow them to think you maybe be taking the firm mattress approach plus a topper. I am not suggesting you purchase a topper from them, as you have already seen the difficult nature of their business, but they may be more engaged to help you find a solution.

All the best,

Maverick

13

Thanks again for taking your time on this subject. The mattress names you mentioned were not anything I had seen or been offered in that store. When I asked about them, the manager said oh they were “entry level” mattresses and gestured they were among the ones stacked against the wall.

The “new” arrival was nothing more I think than a new look for their in-house brand. Unless something changes I don’t see any mattress they offer that I would be willing to give them more money for, knowing it would be just as chancy as this one. May as well just choke down this loss and move on.

It’s great to come here and have and have an ally and info. Thanks!

1 Like
14

Very weird, as you go on their website, they are clearly listed. If the build on them are firm enough, and they give you an even exchange, since they are less expensive “entry level” as they say, why would they care? Other than the fact you are not upgrading to a $3500 POS mattress they are trying to rope you into.

My position was, even if their edge to edge coil “entry level” as they call it, is either the right firmness or too firm, you can solve it with a topper that will certainly be less than $3500. Perhaps, subtract a zero there, and you are out of their life and they are out of yours forever, now that their attitude precedes them.

Just me thinking out loud.

Something seems a bit off with this, dont you think?

Maverick

15

Yes - “off” for sure! Shysters! Didn’t I just fall right in! :roll_eyes:

1 Like
16

Perhaps, but even if you get the even exchange and keep the mattress in the wrapping and sell it for half price in the local town paper, it will be brand new and no one will question whether is was used or not. Whatever you get for it will be a down payment on a new one, if you decide not to use it as is with a topper if needed.

17

They are not going to allow an even exchange. Even the basic all-foam house brand would end up costing me over $2k by the time I paid their “exchange fee” and delivery to me and back to them! It’s a racket! They aren’t trying to help me like you are. The whole exchange offer is a means to bilk more bucks!

18

Ahhh, I was under the assumption that the “manager” was giving you a “one time” comfort exchange. I did not realize it involved forcing you to spend 3x as much for another mattress, or any amount more.
Not exactly sure what a comfort exchange in their store means…On second thought, we all know what it means… absolutely nothing.

Very sorry that you had to go through this. I dont suppose they would exchange it for the exact same mattress as an even exchange, since it would be an exact exchange and you put it in a guest room for limited use. I suspect not at this point.

1 Like
19

Well, I think you have certainly thought of everything. But you’re right - I’m absolutely sure at this point they would refuse every angle unless it would be to their advantage. It’s a lesson. And even now I still do not understand how to shop for my comfort level in a mattress.

20

If you were to work with one of the TMs here at TMU, you’d benefit from their impressive success rate, which is over 90% for most of them. For a DIY approach, @Arizona_Premium and @Sleep_EZ are great resources. They can guide you through the process yourself. Alternatively, @BackScience and @TheCleanBedroom offer some reasonably priced options, but regardless of which TM you choose, collaboration is key.

They will inquire about your preferences, age, height, weight, sleep position, and more to ensure they find the perfect match for you.

For those interested in pre-built options, @DLX and @EngineeredSleep can assist you with their ready-made selections.

The quality and construction of foams, fibers, springs, and foundations are crucial. I’ve seen firsthand how TMs here have helped users address issues on the Forum, leading to improved sleep experiences over time.

There are important factors in mattress construction and quality. When you work with professionals who genuinely listen and understand your needs, they can recommend something that truly works for you.

In contrast to many store purchases, which often lack strong incentives to get it right the first time due to return policies (or lack thereof), TMs here have a vested interest in getting it right. Their reputations are on the line, as complaints and praise are openly shared on the Forum. They thrive on delivering the best results. While many of them have been here for a long time and know each other well, competition drives them to excel. There’s no higher compliment than being praised by satisfied customers who found success where others fell short.

The competition here is a race to the top, not the bottom. The TMs are passionate about their work and take immense pride in it. It may sound a bit cheesy, but after a year as a subscriber and eight months as a moderator, I can confidently say that their expertise is unmatched.

Just talking out loud here.

Maverick