Hi All:
So I began shopping for a mattress about 2 weeks ago, I started at SleepCountry and The Brick and negotiated some pretty good deals, but when I came home to research the specific mattresses, I came across this website (I’m new here), and well…I had to start from scratch knowing what I know now. This website has been pretty awesome with the wealth of information on materials and manufacturing of mattresses, buyer tutorials, and feedback/experiences from Phoenix and all the members. Thank you!
A bit of background on me: I’m in my early 30’s, 5’11 and 215lbs. I’m fairly active, mostly weight training at the gym. I suffer from back problems due to a car accident I was in. I have a compression fracture in my lower back and have bulging disc as well. Occasionally my sciatic nerves act up so I have pains running down both my legs. My back is often sore and aching from prolonged sitting or standing or bending over. When it comes to sleep, I have a pretty crummy hard rock mattress right now. I’ve had it for several years and there doesnt seem to be any softening. I begin sleeping on my back, but rotate often, and usually find it most comfortable on my side or stomach. My chiropractor has advised that I don’t sleep on my stomach because of the pressure it puts on my back, but I can’t help it.
In trying out the plethora of mattress options, I found that memory foam to be of most comforting to me, specifically the Tempurpedic available at most big box stores, which is where I started my search. I have broad shoulders, so when I sink into the mattress I feel the weight being transferred from my body to the mattress which is comforting. I didn’t feel comfortable with the stiffer/bouncier mattresses, especially on my upper body. Also, given that I sleep on my stomach and sides often, I don’t want to wake up with a stiff neck and sore and aching upper back and shoulders, hence I think a memory foam would assist with this the best as it molds to my frame. I did notice that my waist did sink a bit too low in the memory foam, which made it a bit uncomfortable for me and I didn’t feel much support in that area. Ideally, I’d like to find/make a mattress that allows me to sink in at my upper body so I can get used to sleeping on my back more often and also have a bit more support at my waist so that my back remains straight as its meant to be. So based on that, I think a 2 zoned mattress would serve my needs the best, unless someone thinks otherwise and can explain why. Any feedback would be appreciated.
As for what I searched and am interested in, I started at SleepCountry, I nearly purchased a Octaspring Dormeo 6700 mattress with 2 pillows, taxes and delivery for $1750. However, after coming across this website, I was unable to determined the specs of the mattress, specifically the densities of the foams. The only thing I could find is the information on their website and some mixed reviews. At The Brick I negotiated a deal for an even lesser price for a Sealy iComfort EFX30 mattress ($1300), but once again minimal information and worse reviews. After reading the step by step Buyer tutorial, I decided to forgo these two mattresses in search of something better. Let me know if you think that was a mistake and I should scoop up one of these mattresses. I looked up some of the manufacturers recommended by this website in the Greater Toronto Area. I went to go see 5 of them and here are my findings.
Foamite:
Great store with several mattresses to try out. Staff is very informative and knowledgeable. They manufacture their own foam from what I gather, rather than purchasing from other vendors. I was quoted $1329 for the following mattress for a custom built 2-zone queen mattress.
Top Layer - VG10 - Koosh VG - 2" 4LB (VG - VISCOELASTIC - SPACE AGE TECHNOLOGY FOR GREAT PRESSURE RELIEF)
Mid Layer - KN26C Medium - 1" 2.5LB (KN - KOOSH NATURAL (KN) - The best 2.5 lb and most natural high resiliency foam)
Bottom Layer - EC38 Firm - 5" 2LB (EC - ECOCELL - GOOD 2.0 lb. HIGH DENSITY SOY-BASED FOAM)
Here’s a link for more detail on their website to the various foam grades their carry: Different grades of foam for Sitting, Sleeping and Real Comfort | Foamite Custom Cut Foam
The sales rep did mention that for the top layer they would split it into 2 parts - the top and bottom areas (head and feet) would be a higher density memory foam for comfort, whereas the middle area (thigh/waist to mid back) would be a lower density so I wouldn’t sink in too much and there would be more support, but the sales rep didn’t provide specifics on the density.
DreamTime Bedding:
They manufacture their own mattresses and have several on display to try out and select from. Although they know what they’re doing and manufacture in the same building, the sales rep didn’t seem like she knew much or wanted to share/educate me much. In either event, I got a quote for a custom 2 zoned queen mattress $1100.
I’m not sure where they source their foam from, but I think it’s from Carpenter Foams.
Top Layer: 3" of 5LB (Lower/Feet), 3LB (Mid/Waist) 5LB (Upper/Head) Memory Foam
Mid Layer: 3" 3LB Memory Foam
Bottom Layer: 6" Blue Foam, she didn’t specify the density - although from speaking to other manufacturers, Blue Foam seems to be pretty good quality material.
SpringMade Mattresses
Seems like he’s in the business of custom orders and repairs. Seemed relatively knowledgeable about mattresses and material, but not so much as to how it should benefit a person when they are sleeping. Gets his foam from Carpenter and was willing to make a custom 2 zoned mattress for me for $800.
Top Layer: 3" of 4LB (Lower/Feet), 5LB (Mid/Waist) 4LB (Upper/Head) GEL Memory Foam
Mid Layer: 1" 2LB 3414 Foam
Bottom Layer: 4" 2.5LB - 3024 Foam
He said that after the Bottom Layer, he would add another Mid and Top Layer (so that I could flip the mattress every 4-6 months to prolong the life of the mattress. So in total it would be 12" thick. So to simplify, it would be 3" (5LB), 1" (2LB), 4" (2.5LB), 1" (2LB) , 3" (5LB). Not sure if this makes sense, or is a good idea.
TON Furniture
Showroom is connected to DreamStar mattresses and in fact, they manufacture his mattresses. There are many on the showroom floor to try out and select from. He advised that a 2 zone mattress is not a good idea as the different foams are glued together. Over time he advised that the mattress may rip at the seams where the foams are glued together which would make the mattress useless. Not sure how true this is as no other manufacturer mentioned this. So I don’t know whose being truthful. He advised that if you do get 2 zone mattresses, the mid layer should be 2 zoned, not the top or bottom layer as they will rip easier. He’s very informative however, definitely knows a lot about mattresses and will inform the consumer. He high recommended a pre-made mattress which he currently sells for $999, queen size. It’s called Reloks, here are the specs:
TOP:
Removable Deluxe Zippered Bamboo Cover
LAYER ONE:
2" Natural Mineral Foam
Copper Infused, All Natural Latex - Hypo-Allergenic.
All natural Talalay Latex - sourced from the rubber tree.
LAYER TWO:
2" Soy Transition Foam
A transitional foam layer allows a gradual exchange between the natural latex foam and the base to optimize comfort and support.
LAYER THREE:
6" High-Density Soy Foam Core
Made from high-density Soy Foam to keep you propped up and supported.
MATTRESS IS MADE IN TORONTO, CANADA
BB Bedding:
They know what they are doing. Good knowledge about mattresses, transparent in what they make and have to offer. Said he they would call me back on a custom order mattress but never did.
My thoughts are that Foamite and TON make quality mattresses, although Foamite is relatively more expensive and TON is resistant to making a custom mattress - and the Reloks mattress isn’t a memory foam mattress so it’s not my ideal choice. SpringMade offers the best price and a reversible mattress, but I don’t know if the density, inches and overall design makes sense. As for DreamTime and BB Bedding, I think I will forgo them. So, here I am at last, typing out my last sentences in hopes that someone has some insight, experience or feedback on any of the mattresses, quality build, materials and manufacturer that can steer me in the right direction. My budget is about $1000, with some wiggle room. Your comments and suggestions are encouraged and welcomed. In the end, I’m looking to spend my money where I can get the best good nights rest.
Many Thanks!!
NotSleepingWell