Where can I test out a full latex mattress (with layers) in MN?

[phoenix]

Hi jm20w,

1. Where can we go near Mankato, MN to test out a full laytex bed (like SleepEZ and mattresses.net sell)?

Post #9 here has the better options and possibilities in the Mankato area that I’m aware of and there are more options in the Minneapolis area in post #2 here as well (including the 4 in the Mankato list). There are some that carry latex mattresses that are close to you in Mankato but the closest that are component latex mattress that I know of would be in the Minneapolis area.

2. Do my husband and I have different sleep profiles that would make it more beneficial for us to go with something like SleepEZ sells where we can customize each side?

It’s certainly possible that you could benefit from a side to side split but there are also other options and designs that may be suitable for both of you as well depending on the design of the mattress (see the first part of post #2 here). Your testing will tell you more about whether a particular mattress works well for either one or both of you than “theory at a distance”. A body pillow or a pregnancy pillow may also be worth considering while you are pregnant and can give you some of the “feel” of stomach sleeping.

3. If 2 is yes, how the heck do we figure out what soft/medium/firm layers would be best for each of us?

Either personal testing or a more detailed conversation with an online retailer or manufacturer (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here).

4. I love a plusher feel. He likes it a little firmer (he’s heavier so that probably makes sense). Even if we customize our sides, how much will the mattress covering and then pad/protector affect that plush feeling?

This will depend on the specifics of the cover and on how it interacts with the other layers in the mattress. Again … your own personal testing and/or more detailed conversations with an online retailer or manufacturer can be more specific to a mattress you are considering because they can all use different covers. There is more about the effects of a quilted cover with latex in post #12 here.

5. What are your thoughts on adjustable bases? Worth the whopping price tag? I had terrible acid reflux in my last pregnancy and had to sleep elevated for 4 months. Am I better off with a regular base and just get a wedge pillow or prop myself up like last time or to invest in an adjustable base (though my husband will then be sleeping elevated as well…)??

You can see my thoughts about adjustable beds in post #3 here which also links to the adjustable bed thread which has more information and includes some better sources that you can use as a “value reference”. They can certainly help with acid reflux (if you sleep on your back) but deciding whether it’s worth it or not or is something you would prefer over a wedge pillow or propping yourself up can only be answered by each person. I know we like ours and it was certainly “worth it” for us even though it’s not something we “need” or even use as much as some other people probably would.

6. I think I like the talalay vs. dunlop latex but even after reading all the articles you have on the differences, I still can’t determine if one is better than the other. For our profile/situation, do you recommend one over the other?

I would treat the choice between Talalay and Dunlop as strictly a preference choice not as a “better / worse” choice. There is more about the difference in how they “feel” in post #7 here (which you may have already read) but your own testing or experience is really the only way to know which one you would prefer.

Phoenix