I don’t want to hijack agims thread but as mentioned earlier, have some of the exact same concerns and issues especially with heat.
Question - how can you actually do any personal testing for how warm a mattress sleeps?
Hi photocat,
You’re not hijacking the thread. You would first start by reading the information I’ve offered earlier in this thread regarding temperature. This information will assist you in choosing products that have the best chance of success in controlling the microclimate of your mattress. Some of it is presented here again for your ease of reading.
In very general terms … the materials, layers, and components of a sleeping system that are closer to your skin will have a bigger effect on airflow, moisture transport, and temperature regulation than materials, layers, and components that are further away from your skin and softer mattresses or foam toppers will tend to be more “insulating” and for some people can sleep warmer than firmer versions of the same material.
It’s not really possible to quantify the sleeping temperature of a mattress for any particular person with any real accuracy because there are so many variables involved including the type of mattress protector and the sheets and bedding that you use (which in many cases can have just as significant an effect on sleeping temperature as the type of foam in a mattress) and on where you are in the “oven to iceberg” range and because there is no standardized testing for temperature regulation with different combinations of materials … there is more about the many variables that can affect the sleeping temperature of a mattress or sleeping system in post #2 here that can help you choose the types of materials and components that are most likely to keep you in a comfortable temperature range. This post and what it links to has an incredible amount of information about mattress temperature regulation.
Other than that, careful testing in person of a mattress you’re considering will tell you an incredible amount about the appropriateness for yourself. Plan to spend a decent amount of time on the mattress to see how you respond. If you’re shopping online, be sure to familiarize yourself with any potential return/exchange policies in case what you purchased doesn’t work as well for you as you had hoped.
Phoenix
Hi Phoenix,
Thanks again for your reply.
That’s actually not correct about the Naturepedic return policy for the EOS system and I have confirmed this through email conversations with them. The EOS system does ahve the layer exchange program, but also allows you to return the mattress completely within 90 days (minus all shipping costs). https://www.naturepedic.com/returns/
However, I think I may have changed my tune completely after giving it some thought today. Truth is I really don’t want to spend $3,000 on a mattress currently, unless I really can’t find a viable alternative, as I have other financial goals I’m trying to focus on as well. I actually emailed Denver Mattress asking for help and received a phone call from the regional manager before I even posted on this website. He suggested some of their mattresses to try for my needs. He suggested either the Doctor’s Choice Firm or Plush (depending on testing in the store).
I liked these both in the store although I’d have to test them more thoroughly to know which I liked best.
He also suggested the Madison Plush or the Durango Firm again based on firmness preferences, but I am already pretty sure I will overheat in the Madison Plush as my parents have that one so I’ve spent some time testing it out. He also said that he would never put me in a Eurotop or Pillowtop, which well, I think is part what we’ve discussed as well and part of the issue I’m discovering now haha. :lol:
ADMIN NOTE:Removed 404 page link | Archived Footprint: 404 | Denver Mattress
Since I saw that their mattresses were recommended as being better than average elsewhere on the site and they have a 4 month period of time where you can return the mattress if it doesn’t work out aaand they are in town so I don’t have to drive far to get to them, I think I will most likely end up giving one of those a try. Neither of them have memory foam in them and look like they have less foam in general than my Saatva. I believe that they are probably closer to my old mattress than the Saatva. So I figured, with some really good bedding, and the slatted foundation, I might as well give it a shot. And at that price point I’d be happy with something that I slept well on most of the time (I mean it’s even less than I paid for the Saatva). Even my old mattress I got hot on sometimes, so I’m not expecting perfection. And then maybe down the road I can investigate something made with more natural materials if I feel that I would like to.
Hi agims,
You are exactly correct! Thank you for pointing that difference with the purchase directly from Naturepedic. I totally blew over that part of their program. It’s also listed here on the last paragraph of their EOS FAQ page that I had linked to. I appreciate you correcting me on that.
Doctor’s Choice Firm
Quilt layers:
Micro Denier Jacquard Ticking
1 1/2" of 1.8lb Density Convoluted EF Foam
1" EF Foam
Natural Rayon Fire Barrier
Comfort Layers:
1 1/2" of 1.8lb Density EF Foam
1 Flex Net Insulator
Support System:
Coil Density: 750* Foam Encased
Pressure Response Zoned Coils
14.5 Gauge Twice Tempered Steel
Doctor’s Choice Plush
Quilt layers:
Micro Denier Jacquard Ticking
1 1/2" of 1.8lb Density Convoluted EF Foam
1" EF Foam
Natural Rayon Fire Barrier
Comfort Layers:
1 1/4" of 1.8lb Density Convoluted EF Foam
1 1/4" of 1.8lb Density Convoluted EF Foam
1 Flex Net Insulator
Support System:
Coil Density: 750* Foam Encased
Pressure Response Zoned Coils
14.5 Gauge Twice Tempered Steel
Durango Firm
Quilt Layers:
Double Knit Ticking
1 1/2" of 1.8lb Density Convoluted EF Foam
1" EF Foam
Natural Rayon Fire Barrier
Comfort Layers:
2 1/2" of 1.8lb Density Convoluted EF Foam
1 Flex Net Insulator
Support System:
Coil Density: 744* Foam Encased,
INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED Coils
14.5 Gauge Tempered Steel
Madison Plush
Quilt Layers:
Double Knit Ticking
1 1/2" of 1.8lb Density Convoluted EF Foam
1" EF Foam
Natural Rayon Fire Barrier
Comfort Layers:
2 3/8" of 1.8lb Density EF Foam
1 Flex Net Insulator
Support System:
Coil Density: 567* Individually Wrapped
Foam Encased Coils
15 Gauge Tempered Steel
I posted the specifications here for you all in one spot to make it easier for you to compare. All of the mattresses use mostly better quality 1.8 lb. density polyfoam, with the 1" EF quilt foam being unlisted for density in all of the beds. This could be a bit lower density, but being compressed in the quilt layer it would be within the “inch or so” or lower density foams that I normally recommend is acceptable so I wouldn’t have a concern if it is a little lower density.
The spring unit in the Doctor’s Choice is different from the Madison and Durango (those are “pocketed” springs). You may find that you like the supportive feel of one spring unit versus the other. Pocketed springs usually travel a bit more than their open-ended sensory arm comparable counterparts. On the surface, the Doctor’s Choice Firm has less foam than the Durango Firm and you may find this preferable based upon your history.
I am in agreement with you about avoiding the Madison Plush and you may wish to avoid the Doctor’s Choice Plush as well, just based upon all of your previous comments about your old mattress and your reaction to your Saatva. But of course your own careful testing will be most important. The salesperson was offering good advice about which models to avoid.
It’s nice that you’re able to go drive and test these out, and I’m looking forward to your opinions and what decision, if any, you make.
Phoenix
Thanks again Phoenix!
Could you post a link to the testing guidelines for pressure point relief? I know they’re in here somewhere, but I’m having trouble finding them. I am thinking I’m in agreement with you about possibly avoiding the Doctors Choice plush from what I remember them feeling like in the store. However, I also don’t want something that’s going to be too firm for a side sleeper. Just initially I didn’t feel that the Doctor’s Choice firm felt extremely firm (compared to some other firm mattresses at least), but I’d want to do a more thorough test and see. Oh man I’m starting to feel like I’m one of those princess and the pea type sleepers haha! I hope one of these is a winner!
Hi agims,
While I really don’t have a definitive guide on testing for pressure, as that is accomplished by you taking the time to test a product in person and your reaction after that activity, you may be referring to some of these posts:
Post #15 here talks about softness and pressure.
Post #2 here talks about the differences of firmnesses and the steps in the mattress shopping tutorial regarding what I call PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences).
There is also more about primary or “deep” support and secondary or “surface” support and their relationship to firmness and pressure relief and the “roles” of different layers in a mattress in post #2 here and in post #4 here that may also be helpful in clarifying the difference between “support” and “pressure relief” and “feel”.
There are some general comments about the properties of an “ideal” mattress in post #4 here.
There is an article here about comfort and pressure relief.
I hope that helps. If not, let me know specifically what you had read and I’ll see if I can find it.
Phoenix
Thanks! It was this article that I had read! In other posts, I’ve seen you refer to using the testing guidelines in the mattress shopping tutorial to test out a mattress before purchasing one. Is this article what you are referring to (or part of what you’re referring to)?
On a positive note, Saatva is probably the nicest company I’ve ever had to return a major purchase to :lol: (although I don’t know that I’ve ever had to return a major purchase before :lol:). So far so good.
Hi agims,
Yes, that was the last link I proved in my earlier reply. That certainly is a good guideline. There are so many links, replies and comments I’ve accumulated over the years on these topics that I’m never sure which one someone needs/wants! But you’ve found it.
I’m very happy that Saatva is taking care of your return for you in a nice manner. It’s to your credit you purchased something that does allow for a return/exchange. Good job!
I’m interested to learn of the results of your “mattress testing trip”.
Phoenix
Ok all, here are some updates.
First of all, I received and tried out this 100% cotton comforter I ordered (I got the lightweight version) as well as these bamboo sheets I ordered. I also received these cotton sheets, but haven’t tried them out yet.
I have to say, I felt like the bamboo sheets combined with the all cotton comforter was a really great combination for me! (At least for the one night I slept in that combination so far.) So I’m pretty excited about that.
Also, I went to Denver Mattress and I ended up ordering the Doctor’s Choice Plush mattress. I was tempted to get the firm, just due to heat concerns, but I really think I would be waking up with sore hips and shoulders with a mattress that firm. So I am going to keep my fingers crossed that with the comforter/sheet combo, the bed will work out well for me (or at least be good enough most nights haha). And I expected that the Denver Mattress bed would be a little less than what I paid with the Saatva, but it was actually about half the price so that was an unexpected bonus surprise (I think I can actually buy a new phone now even, which I’ve kinda been wanting woo whoo! :lol:)!
Still have to wait on pickup of the Saatva and then get this new bed delivered. Will keep you all updated!
Hi agims,
Thank you for the update.
I’m glad you like your new comforter and bamboo sheets, and I hope they work out well on your new mattress.
The Doctor’s Choice Plush seemed to be a better choice for you than the Madison Plush, so I’m glad you went that route. While this may be a bit softer than your old mattress, our bodies need different levels of comfort as time goes by, so I hope this mattress will offer “just enough” softness without insulating you too much.
Looking forward to your progress.!
Phoenix
Thanks for the update agims! You’ve made a great deal of progress very quickly. Hope it all works out and can’t wait to hear more. Starting this weekend, I get out from behind the computer and start hitting the mattress stores around here to at least get a feel for some of this stuff I keep reading about. My first stop is a shop that carries Therapedic mattress with microcoils in the comfort layer — interested to see how that feels overall as I hear microcoils are “cooler” than foam (although yes, I know it has foam too!)
Haha yes well my trial period on the Saatva was ending somewhat soon, so I kind of was forced into working on this more than I may have otherwise.
Yeah I’d be really interested in microcoils for comfort as well! [strike]There’s just not anywhere in town that carries anything like that unfortunately![/strike] Correction. We have an American Furniture Warehouse which carries Therapedic. So I guess that’s another option to explore if this one doesn’t work out or in the future! You’ll have to tell us how you like it!
I definitely will. I feel like we are on the same mattress hunt agims 
I didn’t get a chance to go out today like I thought but since it is a long weekend (off on Monday) hope to get there tomorrow or Monday… stay tuned!
So fwiw, I hit the local mattress store today (one of the only truly local shops around here in sea of big chains).
I tested out something with memory foam / cool gel memory foam (yeah - no way AT ALL), a Therapedic with microcoils in the comfort layer, few other Therapedic variations, and finally an all latex Savvy Rest mattress. In short, I completely surprised myself and LOVED the all latex Savvy Rest. (Of course, the most expensive by a long shot)
The Therapedic with the microcoils was just a tad too soft for me. Compared to the other Therapedics without the microcoils it did feel a bit springier which I liked - had the overall plushness been a bit less and more in line with what I apparently prefer, it would have given me a lot to think about.
The Savvy Rest was a Med Talalay, Med Dunlop, Firm Dunlop set up. As far as comfort goes, it felt pretty near perfect for me. I tried it multiple times as I compared against the Therapedics as well as laying on it for a solid 15 minutes. Of course my only concern, beside the budget, would be the temperature. I know of no way of truly testing this without actually sleeping on one overnight. Of course I guess that is pretty true of any mattress (minus memory foam - we all know not to go there if you have heat issues!)
Nice! If you do end up getting it and trying it out you’ll have to tell me how it is. I have been curious about latex as it’s supposed to be the most breathable of the foam type of materials. We have no stores that have any mattresses with latex in them at all in town.
Hi photocat,
I’m glad you were able to get out and try some mattresses. As you discovered, there is replacement for careful personal testing of an item.
You’re certainly considering a mattress that uses higher quality componentry and there would be no “weak links” in a mattress like this. Savvy Rest mattresses contain high quality componentry, but as you mentioned they are in a higher price range. If you want to consider an all-latex mattress, you may wish to look online and use the experience and expertise of the members listed in post #21 here who are all very experienced and knowledgeable and specialize in providing the type of help and guidance on the phone that can help you make good choices and compare to the Savvy Rest you liked in-store. There are a wide range of latex options included in the choices there and I believe that all of them compete well with the best in the industry in terms of their quality, value, service, and transparency, and they offer pricing that can be in a more affordable range than the Savvy Rest products.
I know you’ve ben following this thread already, but there is more about the many variables that can affect the sleeping temperature of a mattress or sleeping system in post #2 here that I posted earlier. Talalay latex is the most breathable foam, and the covering you sampled containing wool is very good at being more neutral for temperature. Also, the combination you like is a bit of a “firmer” configuration, and you’d be “on” the mattress more than “in” it, which would help minimize the insulating effects of any foam. Of course, as you mentioned, there is no standardized testing for temperature regulation with different combinations of materials, and it is a very subjective experience.
Phoenix
Thanks so much Phoenix - you are truly an invaluable source of much needed information!!!
I am still surprised by how much I liked that latex bed! There really is no substitute for trying and feeling in person whenever possible. I will definitely look into the other choices you provided for similar but alternate versions to the Savvy Rest. Though part of me may still stick with Savvy Rest if I can swing it. I didn’t realize until I researched them (after my in store experience) they are actually a “local” company, approximately 60 or so miles away from where I live. Kind of nice to shop and support local when I can. Still much to consider and, as always, you’ve given me so much more to think about and research. I still have a ways to go before “my final answer”
Hi photocat,
Thank you very much. I’m glad to be of service.
Yes, even with the knowledge and resources I have at hand, your actual testing will tell you more about comfort than I could ever predict.
If you are near Charlottesville, it certainly would be worth a visit to their showroom. I’ve spoken with them and they are very knowledgeable and friendly. And they just announced that their Serenity mattress, Dunlop or Talalay, is now GOTS certified as a completed mattress.
Keep us updated.
Phoenix
Well…I got my new mattress. And unfortunately it still feels quite warm to me. I am actually currently sleeping with my parents sleeper sofa mattress on top of this mattress. This is reasonably comfortable for me as this mattress is made more how my old mattress was, with minimal padding and more pressure point relief from springs. So it keeps me cool without being too firm. I am considering purchasing something like this topper from Naturepedic. This is very discouraging.
I just really don’t think they make mattresses that are suitable for me these days in anything that is close to my price range. That being said, there are some other factors that I think could be exacerbating my insomnia (which in all fairness I’ve always had trouble with off and on) other than the warmth of the mattress, but the coolness of the sleeper sofa mattress definitely seems to help me sleep a little better. Ugh.
Hi agims,
Thanks for the update. I’m sorry you’re still sleeping warm on your new mattress.
It does seem that you are very sensitive to the insulating factor of almost any foam. Based upon using the sleeper sofa mattress, which generally uses very little poly foam of a low density, with a flexible spring unit, something like a microcoil topper might be a viable option, essentially reproducing, albeit in a higher quality, the sleeper sofa spring unit. My concern would be if this would eventually be too soft for you overall on top of your current mattress and if you’d have to switch to the firm version of the Doctor’s Choice.
Phoenix