Mattress suggestions?

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

At the first of the year, my mattress sort of conked out. It was a quality "firm", and seemed to be among the last of the flippable style. It kept it's support but lost its cushion, to the point where I'd get up each day feeling like I'd been beat on all night.

Looking at new mattresses, I was told several times that turnable mattresses are not made anymore. So I settled on a Serta "pillow top", firm. Firm, because I have had trouble with mid and lower back pain, in the past, from too soft beds. I'd laid on the floor model for several minutes and it seemed fine. Once I spent a night on it, it was like being beat on again, all night. Sore shoulders and hips from laying on my sides.

Searching for solutions, I hit on and got a 4 inch memory foam pad. It worked great for cushion, but I woke up every hour drenched in sweat because it was so unbearably hot beneath me. After a little research, I got an 1 1/2 inch "egg crate" foam cooling pad, which knocked the heat down a notch from unbearably hot to uncomfortably warm. Still woke up every hour, a little sweaty, and still having to move off the warm spot.A little more research, I started layering cotton quilts and comforters over the foam pads. Never really got rid of the hot spots, but it started affecting the cushion aspect.

So now, after 4 months with a new bed I'm in the market for another one. Can anyone suggest a decent mattress in the $500-$800 range? Everything I've looked at is not flippable and has some thickness of memory foam in it.

[femmocrat]

1. Thank you! I am also in the market for a new mattress!

Eagerly awaiting the replies!

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

2. I'm considering going back to a waterbed

Assuming I can find one.

The problem there is, we're in a rental condo, for a year, while we dress up and list our house, and look for another one. They are a pain, not only to set up, but to drain, move and set up again. We're hoping to move after this year lease is up and I'd rather not deal with that now.

The last waterbed I had, back in the 90s, had the baffles so it wasn't like being on the high seas every time I moved. Once I got the temp and water level set, it was the best bed I've ever had. Should've kept it.

[noamnety]

3. I was just going to suggest a waterbed

I still have one and love love love it. I sleep on my side a lot and if I am travelling, the pressure points on my shoulders and hips are insanely noticeable, not to mention the whole breastsquishing thing that happens if I try to sleep on my stomach.

Plus I can keep cool without having to run massive amounts of air conditioning through the entire house, when I just want coolness against the 5x2(?) foot surface of my skin.

And I don't have to deal with a mattress that has years of dust buildup in it right under my sinuses.

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

5. I've asked about waterbeds in all the furniture stores

We've been to the past couple weeks. I have to assume the salesmen have all been repugs, since they've all told me waterbeds aren't even made or available anymore. That level of baldfaced blatant, demonstratable lie can only come from rethugs. I've googled waterbeds and while there are no stores in my area that carry them, there are a few that can order them and have them shipped to me and any number of places I can order from online.

[A Little Weird]

4. I'm going to get a flippable mattress

Last edited Wed Jun 1, 2016, 04:59 PM - Edit history (1)

One furniture store I know of still sells them. They're made by a company in Indiana. I can't recall the brand but I will update later when I get home.

UPDATE:
The brand is Bowles (http://www.bowlesmattress.com/) but it looks like it's just a regional brand so I'm not sure if you can get them in other areas.

[JimDandy]

27. Flippable ones are still manufactured for the hotel industry

My local mattress store rep told me this. He said that our regional mattress manufacturer (I also forgot the name of mine) who makes them will take orders. They are about $1200 now, but really good quality.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

6. consider a pallet bed

I had bad sciatic pain from doing hard labor, and as a last resort the internet said to try it. In two weeks, after adjusting to sleeping on the fricking floor, the pain started decreasing. It took a year to completely go away. A few years ago i got a 'real bed' with back support but like you say, the pillowtop sucks. I think i am going to turn the bed frame to a platform for a japanese pallet type mattress. I'm too old now to deal with getting off the floor first thing in the morning lol

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

7. At 6-2 and hovering around 300lbs

I'm afraid I may be too big and heavy for something like that. I tried the mattress from a futon we keep tucked away, and it nearly killed me.

I got a self inflating air mattres a couple weeks ago. The hot spot on it was as bad as the foam pad. Rolling off the hotspot was like moving onto an ice cube. Returned after one night.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

9. i think futon mattresses suck by design

Try this link, it explains japanese beds.. mine will be a homemade on a budget version. Existing 4poster, top mattress replaced by fabric covered 12 plywood slab, the mattress itself is pricy so my plans are on hold

http://myjapanesebed.com/japanese-bed-basics/

[LynneSin]

8. Find someone who knows something about Mattresses and sleeping styles

Honestly, I went to those discount mattress stores and the people working there knew nothing about how people sleep, just wanted to sell me the most expensive mattress (I didn't have a clue what I wanted).

I went to Macy's and the person working there asked the right questions. He saw that my shoulders were wider than my hips and asked how I normally slept at night. Then he had me test mattresses that would work for my style and the fact that I sorta limp because of a bum hip.

He picked out a nice mid-price mattress for me (Pillow Top) that was an excellent choice. I probably could have taken the name of that mattress and going to one of those discount stores and saved a few dollars but was it worth it when this guy from Macy's knew what he was doing.

My Queen size Mattress was in the $800 range (but cheaper and more expensive options were shown). But some of my extra cost including a new bed frame (never owned a Queen before) and I got top of the line, will not bend or break mattress frame. Also Mattress covers were offered and again I got top-of-the-line 10 year warranty cover that will even prevent bed bugs from getting into my mattress. (not that I ever had an issue with bed bugs but if they were found in my bed I can just remove the mattress cover and replace with a new one. I also had to pay extra for a split box frame since my stairs to the 2nd floor are narrow. So in the end I spent about $1300 for the mattress but it was worth it.

Also, if you have pains from sleeping look into some specialized pillows that can help. I have a knee pillow that works for side sleepers that keeps my legs slightly apart and the hips better aligned.

[TexasBushwhacker]

10. I got this one on Overstock

http://www.overstock.com/8351825/product.html - medium firmness

I am also big - around 260 lbs. I do tend to sleep hot. I use 100% cotton sheets and a cotton mattress pad. I have my thermostat on 72 and use a pedestal fan. All this together keeps me comfortable.

My only complaint is that I have to roll out if bed in the morning because it's so squishy. However, I'm 59 and have arthritis. I wake up rested and not in pain. Normally I'm a side sleeper but sometimes I wake up on my back which I never used to do.

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

11. I am gun shy

Over this memory foam stuff. My experiences with it have been nothing short of horrible. I really want to find another two sided, flippable mattress, if I can. So far with no luck. I keep being told they aren't even made anymore.

Thanks for the reply.

[kiva]

12. From another hot sleeper.

I got a new bed and mattress last week and avoided the pillow top because of the heat issue. I also spent some $$ on this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ZK9BUK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and it helps a lot. It's not perfect, but definitely better.

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

13. I'm reluctant to put another $139.99 or more

Into an $800+ bed I bought only 4-5 months ago. Especially in light of the fact that with the two foam pads, 2 comforters and 3 quilts, to give it the cushion it lacked, and dampen the heat. I spent around another $400-$500.

Thanks, but I'm ready to cut my losses and run. Fast and far.

I made a bad, bad purchase and just wanna move on.

[kiva]

14. Sorry, I wasn't clear.

I don't think this topper would help with the mattress you have now - several of the reviews say it can't overcome the heat from a foam topper - but when you get another mattress, if you still have a problem with the heat, you might consider getting one. Pricey, but worth the cool.

Good luck!

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

15. Ah ok

Cool! No pun intended.

[auntpurl]

16. We got the high end one from IKEA.

It's flippable and has no memory foam. I can't deal with memory foam because I swelter at night. It was in your price range and is nice and firm.

I'm in Europe though; I don't know if you have the same selection in the States at IKEA.

[PasadenaTrudy]

17. I love my Leesa mattress nt

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

18. I'm putting my search on hold

Over the past few weeks I've been to too many furniture stores and mattress factories/outlets to count. I've learned that in an Amish community, within an hour from me, is at least one shop that builds mattresses to order, among other things. I've been assured that they will build a two sided flippable mattress, though they must stick to materials that are within recent guidelines/regulations required for fire-proofing and whatever else. A bit pricey, beginning around $1200, but worth a closer look if/when i resume my search.

Meanwhile, my wife who is a research freak, found an outfit in California that makes a 3 inch alpaca wool mattress pad, which comes with a cotton cover. Supposedly it's extremely breathable and keeps an even temp winter and summer. The con POV, in the worst review I could find, pointed out that it wasn't as cushy as a foam pad, while pointedly not mentioning the heat problems with foam, and that at first, there may be a rather strong smell of wool.

So I've got one of those on the way. Should be here in 7 days.

[hopemountain]

38. i have a wool blanket over the cotton pad

on my mattress and only use cotton sheets and find them very comfortable.
wool is very breathable and moisture readily evaporates.

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

40. Good to know

[Coventina]

19. I am also in the market for a new mattress, so I love this thread!!

Does anyone have any input about either Sleep Number beds or Tuft and Needle?

My arthritis doctor said that some of her patients swear by those, but she said she could not recommend one, as everyone is different and different things work for different people.

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

20. I've never heard of

Tuft and Needle and when I got a whiff of the Sleep Number beds pricing, just for their basic models, I stayed well away from even a cursory look.

[Coventina]

30. Tuft and Needle has a 100 day return policy, which is nice.

Sometimes, testing for a few minutes just doesn't give you the full picture.

https://www.tuftandneedle.com/

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

31. After being burned, almost literally, at every turn

By Foam beds and cooling foams pads claims of comfort and coolness, I'm gunshy and unwilling to risk it again. Thanks anyway.

[Coventina]

32. I've heard the same about foam mattresses, which is why I'd like to know someone personally

who has tried Tuft & Needle.

I'm a hot sleeper myself, which is why I find the Sleep Number idea interesting, as I've found air mattresses while camping (go figure) some of the most comfortable I've ever slept on!

I hope you find your solution. As my doc said, everyone has different needs, but we ALL need our sleep to be healthy!

The last month or so, I cannot sleep through the night without taking more pain meds around 2 am or so.

I need a new mattress DESPERATELY! I'm currently sleeping on a futon I bought in 1997.

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

33. I got an air mattress that was advertised as

Cool and comfortable. BS! If I recall right, it was an "Invecta". It was self inflating, with a little electric fan built in, and really just took a few minutes to fully inflate. It got every bit as blistering hot, under me, as the 4 inch memory foam. Like every hour I had to move to the other side of the bed to escape the heat, but each move was like rolling out of a fire onto an icecube. I returned it after one night. POS!

I didn't get mine there but K-Mart carries them.

[mythology]

37. I really like the Tuft and Needle mattress

It's really not hot like memory foam mattresses as it's not memory foam. It has helped me with my lower back issues. I do agree that a mattress is a very personal thing, but as somebody else noted, Tuft and Needle does come with a pretty decent return policy.

I paid $600 for mine and actually got a twin mattress that I turned into a couch as I like it so much.

The one thing that is slightly annoying is that the mattress bottom has a tendency to slide a bit. I was regularly having things slide down between the bed frame and the wall.

I was a little nervous at the idea of buying a mattress without laying on it, but none of the mattresses in my price range felt comfortable and the return policy was good enough that I was willing to take that leap of faith. There was a faint smell for a day or two, but that quickly goes away.

One other thing, if you do get one, they really do mean it with the instructions saying lay the mattress on the bed and cut the shrink wrap carefully. It does tend to attack.

[Coventina]

41. Great information! Thanks so much!

[Mosby]

21. costco and sams club sell mattresses

I would check them out, mattress stores are notoriously overpriced.

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

22. There is no Costco near here, and

Being owned by Walmart, I wouldn't set foot in a Sams, much less pay for the privilege, but thanks anyway.

[Mosby]

23. OK, but be careful if you find very low priced mattresses

A lot of people take old mattresses and sew on new covers.

http://www.azfamily.com/story/28389404/3oys-warning-investigation-reveals-your-new-mattress-may-be-used

MESA, Ariz -- Several times this year, 3 On Your Side has exposed a dirty little secret regarding mattresses.

The problem usually starts when your new mattress breaks down rather quickly or maybe has bed bugs. As you're about to find out, your new mattress may not be new at all.

It's not really the place you would expect to find mattresses being made, but that's exactly what was going on at a self-storage facility located in Mesa.

"So, are these used mattresses?" Gary Harper asked Javier Morales, who was working at the facility.

"Yeah, well, these are mattresses we sell rebuilt," he replied.

By simply plugging in some generators, this mother-and-son team has been making "rebuilt mattresses" for six years.

"So, where do you guys get the mattresses from?” Harper asked.

"We get them here locally from the Goodwill, from those kinds of people. We don't pick them up from the streets, though," Morales said.

But in the streets and on the curb is exactly where you'll find old, dirty mattresses.

For months, our investigative team drove around the Valley, and we saw men picking up mattresses off the street and hauling them away. We found used mattresses in alleys, on sidewalks and behind stores. We even saw used mattresses being driven around in the rain.

You’ll find the mattresses being sold at deeply discounted prices all around the Phoenix area, but what's inside is what you have to look out for.

Allison Kiefer described what she found when she bought a mattress: "The mattresses inside my new mattresses were actually refurbished old mattresses complete with bed bugs."

-snip-

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

25. I've suspended my search for a new mattress while

I check out a 3 inch wool mattress pad, that should be here next week. If that turns out to be another waste of money, as were the 2 foam pads, 3 cotton quilts and 2 cotton comforters I've already bought, I'm going,(probably) with a custom built Amish made mattress. I'm not looking for cheap, I've heard of what you warn about, I'm looking for comfort.

[Lars39]

24. Original Mattress Company sells flippable mattresses.

They might be able to ship to a place near you. We've had ours quite a while and still love it.
Here's a previous thread concerning mattresses: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10931064#post7

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

26. I looked up and explored their website,

Clicked the "contact us" button, looking for a phone#. There was none, but I did fire off an e-mail enquiry.

Thanks for the tip!

[Lars39]

28. We've been really happy with ours.

We did find out on picking up the queen set that they will not fit into a full size pickup truck bed with a topper on it.
But even with renting a UHaul trailer we spent less and got exactly what we wanted.

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

29. I have a full size pickup, no topper

I didn't look deep enough to see exactly where, but according to the website, the nearest of their stores to me, is somewhere in Ky. I'm in central Illinois. If they won't ship I'll have to pass.

[Lars39]

35. They shipped to us in TN from GA, so you might be in luck. :-)

[Wounded Bear]

34. I hate foam mattressess...

it isn't necessarily the heat for me, but that I don't move normally on one. I tend to sink in and can't roll over, unless I wake up and lift myself with my arms and roll over. I don't sleep well, but I'm kind of stuck for now for financial reasons. It's like when I fall asleep, I just lay there in the same position until I wake up to move. Not restful.

Next time I need to seek out some kind of firm mattress.

As was said above, great thread with good, useful comments.

[Nac Mac Feegle]

36. In my case,

The heat problem seems to be related to the amount of artificial fabrics used either in the mattress, the pads, or the covers. With a thick cotton pad between the mattress and my body, and cotton blankets, I'm most comfortable. My wife has one comforter that she likes to sleep under that is entirely artificial; cover and filling. To me, it's like sleeping under a sheet of plastic in a few minutes, so much heat and moisture is trapped.

Just my 2 cents.

[hopemountain]

39. try a 100% wool blanket over the cotton pad

cover with a fitted 100% cotton sheet, and cover yourself with a cotton sheets. i find the high thread counts to be too warm, too. 200-300 thread count are just about right.
the wool blanket acts as an aerator over the cotton pad and allows air to circulate while moisture dissipates.