Help with Recommendations?

General
1

I've looked back through the posts about mattresses, but I could use some help, as memory foam is pretty much useless for me.

I went from innerspring to 11" multi-layer memory foam when the Fibro first got diagnosed. (after a few years of not figuring out what the problem was.) I hate it. It was nice when I got it and was supposed to last about 10 years. Problem is, no offense, I sleep hot and sweat like a pig on it. (Even in winter) I think the sweat is actually degrading the foam, because for the past year it's been like sleeping in a divot. It's not that supportive-feeling anymore, and hard to get out of. If I sleep more than 5-6 hours, my hips and back are killing me when I get up. I also shouldn't have gotten one that thick because I'm always tugging down the corners of my sheets, even deep pocket sheets.

I've decided this year's tax return will go towards a new mattress, but I can't figure out what to get. (I don't need a box spring, I have a twin platform frame.) I'm afraid any other memory foam will also be too hot. I've heard the natural ones like wool and feathers and such mat down rather fast. I honestly can't afford Sleep Numbers or TempurPedic things. I do plan on actually going out and trying mattresses in-store, but I'd like to have an idea to narrow it down a little. I'll have a budget of $800 max for a twin mattress. Does anyone have recommendations? Anyone?

Thanks,

Meg in Seattle

2

Hi I can relate to this too. I bought a memory foam mattress too. Loved it st first. Now I feel it lost support too and its only 3 yrs old. It is supposed to be a cool top but its still too warm a bed.I would go back to a traditional type bed medium firm support. I haven’t heard very good things about the air mattress type either. You should be able to get a decent twin with your allotted budget. My advice is keep it simple and go to several stores and lie on them all lol

3

I can't sleep on anything other than a water bed. Regular mattresses are torture devices. :/

4

Try the Sterns and Foster latex mattress, I don’t like my memory foam either. If I had the money I would get the S & F latex… Try it out, they come in 3 levels, good , better, best.
Hugs & blessings
dee

5

Hi Meg,

I sold mattresses, along with furniture for about 6 years, so I can give you my opinion as to what works for me, and some things I have learned.

First, I agree about the foam, it does not 'breathe', and breaks down faster than a good spring mattress. I prefer the Simmons Beauty Rest with individual pocketed coils and strong edge support. These springs contour to fit your body rather than fight it. I recommend that you stay away from pillow tops, as once the foam flattens, you are usually left with a mattress either much firmer or softer than you had selected.

Many like the down mattresses, but they carry many allergy issues.

If you think you may have found one you like, try it more than once, and make sure you are not so tired that lying down on anything would feel good.

As for warranties, I do not think that a mattress should be expected to last the full warranty time, IF you really read the details of the warranty, it does not cover normal wear, the qualifications for replacement are stricter than you think. Speaking as one with a bad back, I have found that a mattress will usually last about half of the suggested warranty time if you need to maintain good support.

These are just my preferences, and opinions. Mattresses are like shoes, everyone needs or likes something a little different. Hope that you find your 'perfect sleeper'. I have found the perfect mattress covers, they are a breathable waterproof one, you can just google those words, and they will come up.

Good hunting, and sweet dreams,

SK

6

Sleep was my enemy for so many years. My wife was so generous early in our relationship. Here is the progression and ultimately what worked.

  • For three+ years, we pulled the mattress out of a fold out sofa and put it on the floor. My wife, who was healthy, slept well and it was a nice hardness. In addition, we got to role play camp games (oops, wrong topic)
  • the next mattress was something called "Cement" and was the firmest on the market in the early 1990's.
  • We then bought a massive structure of a bed that had underneath drawers for storage, a headboard section, etc.,This meant that the mattress was placed directly on wood and therefore NO BOX SPRING. That worked beautifully and we kept that for about five years.
  • The next and BEST thing that worked for us was the SLEEP NUMBER BED. We bought a King Size. I had my 100 (the hardest) set and my wife would set hers at 40 or so. It was a great option for us and my recommendation for anyone looking for a better sleep option.

So, the bottom line, I highly recommend the Seep Number Bed. When I bought it, the price was comparable to a very good mattress, if not a little cheaper. It also has options like the head and feet can go up and down (like a hospital bed), vibration and heat.

Good luck

Marc

7

One of the major manufacturers makes a memory foam with cooling built in. There is also a cooling mattress cover for sale at Bed Bath & Beyond. It's a little pricey but may be worth trying since you already have the MF bed. I haven't tried it personally but if you buy it from BB&B and it doesn't help they will take it bake. Just a thought.

8

I should also mention I'm a side sleeper. I find it very difficult to sleep on my back.

9

Interesting topic for me. I am on bed two in 3years (an expensive hobby). This one felt great in store. I’ve had it three months and still feel every night like I’m getting into a bed of concrete. I hurt everywhere when I get into bed at night. I’m considering going through an occupational therapist to secure a roho mattress. I have a roho cushion for sitting and while it doesn’t take pain away it’s far less when I’m seated on this. Im not much help but just wanted to say you are not alone in a quest for something to rest in that doesn’t make the pain worse. Good luck in your search. Lynda

10

I had all sorts of hassles with my mattress and in the end bought a ten inch deep innerspring mattress and no problems since then Hope that helps.Barb

11

I wish I could afford one of those number air beds, to change the firmness of the bed depending on my pain level.

12

Hey Meg,

My name is Ryan and I am Scott Orn's brother. I have been working in the mattress industry for 14 years and I would be happy to answer any mattress questions you may have. If I don't tackle your questions in this response, please don't hesitate to call me directly at 510-■■■■■■■■. The offer to help goes out to anyone who has questions or just wants to know more about beds. Although I may not be needed as I see a lot of great advice and feedback from others.

My first suggestion is to check on the warranty for the mattress you have that is breaking down. Mattresses have really good warranties and if your's is sagging, you could possibly get a credit to use towards a new one which would extend your budget. Most warranties are non pro-rated which would be a full credit for what you paid. Typical innerspring warranties cover any dip past 1.5 inches. Memory foam manufactures have less requirements and will cover a bed with over 3/4 inch sag. There are some other guidelines but the sagging is the starting point.

Sleeping hot is pretty common and the great news is that mattress manufactures have some new technology that helps alleviate the temperature issue. Features that are actually cool to the touch and not just hidden inside the bed somewhere. Sealy uses Outlast which you can check out at outlast.com. Simmons uses a lot of venting and mesh along with TruTemp technology to do some thing very similiar and helps the bed breathe. Tempur-pedic has just come out with a line of product called the Breeze line which is also cool to lay on. I also have a gel pillow that is cool like the other side of the pillow all of the time that could help with temperature. Most importantly, If you can't feel the benefits then pass and don't purchase the items.

The next important thing in my opinion when buying a new bed is to get the longest "satisfaction or comfort quarantee". Top retailers will give you 90-120 days to try out the bed. Any new bed is going to take 45-60 days to break in and for you to adjust to the new support. I also like to ask if its a money back satisfaction or just an exchange only. Also check into restocking fees or re-delivery fees for exchanging.

I suggest staying with a top manufacture like Simmons, Sealy, Stearns and Foster, Select Comfort, Serta, and Tempur-pedic. They offer the best support systems and are much more likely to stand behind their product if something goes wrong.

A great way to extend any budget is to inquire about Clearance models which will get you a higher end bed for more of a midline price. Usually they are beds that were scuffed up, floor models, or a model that another customer returned which is then cleaned. Clearance models aren't for everyone so just ask what the retailer guidelines are to be sure. Clearance models usually have the same manufactures warranty but some retailers will take away the comfort guarantee in exchange for the reduced price.

I hope some of what I listed helps. SK said it perfect when she said a mattress is like a pair of shoes and everyone needs are a little different. Take your time and give every bed more than a couple minutes when trying them out in the showroom.

Sincerely,

Ryan Orn

13

That's very helpful, thank you. I have no problem with clearance models. I was considering going to look at Simmons and Sealy stuff this weekend. I just got a Tepur-pedic brochure, and whoo. That would take nearly my entire tax return, those are ridiculous. That's for the tips though. (fingers crossed)

Meg

14

Hi, I have tried different mattresses & the only thing that works for me is a sleep # bed. About the only place I can go without PAIN. Try one I think you will be glad you did. My sleep # is 45. Hope this helps.

15

Do any of you sleep in nice recliner chairs? which ones, if you do? I love the idea of an adjustable bed, but can't afford it. Again, my budget will not in any way allow for a sleep number OR a tempurpedic bed. It's just not going to happen.

16

Yes Meg,

Yes I slept in a rocker recliner for a long time. I don't know the brand, but it held up really well for 20 years. I really miss it. I moved to Canada and brought little with me.

17

I GOT A NEW BED YESTERDAY!! Lupus got into my spine, so it kind of helped me to pick a mattress. Picking a mattress while I was in bad pain helped me figure out which mattress felt good even when I'm really hurting. My bed is 40 years old, and has big dips and springs poking up from when my Dad had it, and day before yesterday another spring poked into my back.So it has no spot that is comfortable and safe. Now I have to hire someone to help me strip the bed, wash all the bedding ,clean under the bed etc. before the bed gets delivered It was a $1000 bed and I got it for $499.I felt like I was in a luxury hotel when I laid on it. Best luxury I ever bought. .They didn't have any of the air beds I wanted. They said they are really junk. The company would not replace the bed when the air bladders broke. The salesman said the company was so desperate to sell them, they gave each salesman $250 to sell one bed, and still they couldn't get rid of them. I got a Simmons with the individually wrapped pocket coils.I felt just like Goldilocks. lol. The first one really hurt, I looked on the tag and it said 'firm", so I went to the next one. It was high and soft, called a Euro Top.I sunk in so deep it was almost impossible to get up with a painful back. So I went to this third one, a soft touch, and wow, I didn't want to get up. lol.I didn't know a bed could be pain free! I'm so eager to get it delivered. THANKS GUYS FOR ALL YOUR ADVICE HERE!! That;s what finally made me stop procrastinating and go get a decent bed.