The Mattress Expert

Linda - Coils popping in my Spring Air Mattress

Linda writes:
 
 
I recently found your site, and am very appreciative of the advice you
give concerning mattress selection. I recently purchased a Spring Air
mattress, less than 6 months ago. About a month and a half ago, I heard
a couple of the springs inside "pop", and now there is a noticeable
divet in the mattress toward one side. I know this should not be "normal
wear and tear". I have tried turning the "no flip" mattress, according
to the suggestions made by the company, but am experiencing severe lower
back, shoulder, and hip pain. Needless to say, I am not satisfied. I
have been looking at the Sealy Posturepedic Line of mattresses. I am a
thin person, body weight approx. 130lbs./ 5 ft. 8in. I do suffer from
lower back and hip pain from time to time, that started when my old
mattress became completely worn after almost 15 years(and I purchased
the Spring Air).What suggestions do you have for a Sealy Posturepedic
that would be good for my back and lower hips, not too expensive, and is
designed with "breathable" materials that won't increase my body heat.
Also, I noticed, trying a personal experiment-sleeping on this mattress
with no bedding, it seemed as if the mattress was absorbent of my
natural body oils. Even with bed sheets, the effect is the same, as if
the mattress materials are absorbant, and I wake up physically parched
(skin and body). In addition, do you have any suggestions for possible
recourse concerning the issues with my Spring Air? Thank you.
 
Hi Linda,
Coils going "POP" in the mattress is a sure sign of a defect. You should call your retailer and register the complaint. Most likely, they will send an inspector to check it out. Once thay have authorization to exchange it, you should be able to select whatever you want. Of course, there may be a price difference. But it's certainly better than buying outright.


Thanks, Pete
 
Always New...Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order
 
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Rebecca - We are looking to purchase a new mattress.

Rebecca writes:
 
Hi,
I am completely confused about what's good and not good...and don't trust sales persons
either. I have a bad left hip and tendonitis in my right shoulder. I
need something that's not so firm so I can lay on my side, but not so
soft that it doesn't give me support. Am 47--145 lbs. We prefer Sealy or
Stearns & Foster. What do you recommend? I was told memory foam was
good--euopean tops were good..but aren't sure what to go for. Can you
advise? Becky
 
Hi Becky,
Memory foam is terrible stuff. The longer you're in it, the softer it gets. It's heat sensitive, which means it softens when warmed. You're body heat will soften it quite a bit. So you see, it won't feel at home, like it did to try in the store. When a salesman says,"Euro-top", it's short for Euro-Pillowtop. Many salespeople push the thicker, plusher, pillowtop mattresses. They do that because they are more expensive, they make more money and they are easy to sell. In fact, the seductive nature of the beast sells itself. There comes a point in any of the mattress lines when more means less. Today's mattress filling materials compress more easily. More padding means deeper body impressions.
And memory foam is the worst of all the paddings available today.....contrary to the billions of dollars worth of hype you've been spoon fed over the years.
Having a bad hip and shoulder, you'll be more sensitive to the changes that a mattress goes through as it wears. Lots of my customers with physical problems are finding that a combination of firmer mattress for support and soft latex topper for long lasting comfort, works best. A latex topper will provide plenty of pressure relief to the surface. It absorbs much of your body weight, leaving under it a mattress that has worn more slowly....more gradually. One of the nice things about all this is the cost is less than you'd expect. Far less than you'd pay for most memory foam mattresses. Another option for you is a latex mattress. These beds keep their shape an incredibly long time. Body impressions (from the quilted top), are extremely minimal. These are more expensive, but last a lot longer also relieving all the pressure points. They will give well enough with your hip and shoulder while maintaining proper alignment. The Stearns & Foster Tower View Villa is an excellent choice for latex with good support and comfort.
Here are some links to follow...mattresses that can be used with latex toppers and a link to that latex mattress. Latex has been the best material available since the 1920s and out performs memory foam as if it wasn't even there...like comparing a Cadillac to an AMC Pacer...if you remember that piece of junk. 
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Simmons-Beautyrest-Worldclass-Raleigh--18737/
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Stearns-and-Foster-Heidi-Luxury-Firm/
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Accessories/
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Stearns-Foster-Italian-Garden-Villa-Plush-/


Thanks, Pete
 
Always New...Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order
 
Order on Line Today...It's Fast, It's Easy, and It’s Safe 
Visit our website @ www.themattressexpert.com
 
Free Delivery Nationwide...and, with NO SALES TAX. 
Pure Bliss (All Natural Latex Mattresses), Sealy, Simmons and Stearns & Foster...the most trusted names in the industry.

TWO SIDED, FLIPABLE MATTRESSES ARE BACK.
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Two-Sided-Mattresses/
 
Also Available: Fashion Beds...a nice selection of Platform Beds and Decorative Headboard/Footboards
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Fashion-Beds/
 
Also: A Full Line of Adjustable Bed Bases...
...Luxurious and Theraputic
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Adjustable-Beds/

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Nancy - S&F latex mattress for my disc problems

Nancy writes:

 

Hi Peter, 
I had back surgery eight years ago to fuse two discs in my
lower back (DDD) and have residule hip pain. I am 5' 115 lbs, and my
husband is 5'10 and 190 lbs. Both of us are side sleepers. We just
bought a Stearns & Foster Tuscan Summer Villa latex mattress, 
which now seems to not have enough support. Can you recommend an alternative?

 
Hi Nancy,
The Tuscan Summer, same as our Ocean View, is an ultra plush. It's much softer than I would have recommended for you. The Italian Garden/Tower View in plush, is as soft as I would risk, given your existing back problems. Because latex contours, the firmer River View would be better. And even though the River View is quite a bit different than what you thought you liked, it's probably your best choice. 
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Stearns-Foster-Private-Vineyard-Villa-Firm-/



Thanks, Pete
 
Always New...Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order
  
Order on Line Today...It's Fast, It's Easy, and It’s Safe 
Visit our website @ www.themattressexpert.com
 
Free Delivery Nationwide...and, with NO SALES TAX. 
Pure Bliss (All Natural Latex Mattresses), Sealy, Simmons and Stearns & Foster...the most trusted names in the industry.

TWO SIDED, FLIPABLE MATTRESSES ARE BACK.
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Two-Sided-Mattresses/
 
Also Available: Fashion Beds...a nice selection of Platform Beds and Decorative Headboard/Footboards
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Fashion-Beds/
 
Also: A Full Line of Adjustable Bed Bases...
...Luxurious and Theraputic
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Adjustable-Beds/

Are you a Fan? "Like" us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-mattress-expert/recent-advice/192852374116427 

 

Hip pain on a latex mattress

Anne of La Habra, writes:
Hi just purchased a new Latex mattress which was suggested due to hip and back problems. I have had the mattress for a week and my hips hurt much more than they did with my old mattress. Do I need to give it more time or find something else?

Hi Anne. Old mattresses have your body print in them. New ones don't and it does take some time to "break one in", so to speak. However, in lieu of suffering until then, get a soft topper to use...anywhere from a soft latex to a synthetic down. Avoid memory foam toppers, as they compress to easily and are a total waste of money. The down comforter will require fluffing. The soft latex is a "set it and forget it" product and the longest lasting.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923

Much of what we offer is delivered FREE, nationally.
We also offer a selection of high quality accessories: Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads, sheets and comforters.

Sealy Solana Beach Latex Super Pillow Top mattress

Peggy of Litchfield, ME, writes:
Hi Peter, I have been sleeping on a Sealy Solana Beach Latex Super Pillow Top bought in 2005...I am a side sleeper and have pain deep inside my hips...toss and turn constantly...I even put egg crate style padding ( 2 or 3 ) and am still having alot of pain...any ideas ??

Hi Peggy. Hip pain can come from too soft, as well as too firm. The Solana was a very soft mattress. The underside of the mattress is very firm. You might try flipping the mattress over, adding the egg crate padding you bought and trying it like that. That is a cost free experiment to see if too soft is the problem. You might also check with your doctor.

Delivery available everywhere in the contiental US.
NO SALES TAX outside of NJ.
You'll find discount pricing on our website: www.ccmattress.com
Toll Free phone number: 1-888-732-5923
Voted "Best Mattress Store in New Jersey"
Philadelphia Inquirer's "Neighbor's Choice Award"

Also available:
Latex Toppers...100% Talalay...US made.
Sealy "SpringFree" Latex Pillows....
Sealy "Pro-Guard" Protection Plus Stain Guard Mattress Pads
Very High quality sheets and comforters

A very firm mattress

Maria G of Denver, writes:
We are currently searching for a new, very firm mattress, and since you look like the online mattress guru, we would greatly appreciate any guidance you can provide. We currently sleep on a foam mattress that feels comfortable upon first laying down, but by morning, I'm wracked with terrible pain in my right hip. I've been sleeping on our very firm couch which has eliminated the morning hip stiffness and pain.  We've only looked at one store for a new mattress (a Denver manufacturer), but were not satisfied with their "firm" offerings. Any suggestions on not too expensive make/model of very firm mattresses? Thanks for your help! Maria

Hi Maria. There are two good choices for a very firm mattress. The first, a Sealy Posturepedic Signature 11, our Maymont, is the firmest in the line. The other is a Stearns and Foster level 2 Caravelle. See if you can find either of those. One of  those should fit your needs.

Delivery available everywhere in the contiental US.
NO SALES TAX outside of NJ.
You'll find discount pricing on our website: www.ccmattress.com
Voted "Best Mattress Store in New Jersey"
"2007 - 2008 Neighbor's Choice Award"

Also available:
Latex Toppers...100% Talalay...US made.
Sealy "SpringFree" Latex Pillows....
Sealy "Pro-Guard" Protection Plus Stain Guard Mattress Pads
Very High quality sheets and comforters

Too much hip pain on my mattress

lyndsey of wollongong, NSW. Australia, writes:
I had a new mattress that was bonnell spring, mid-zoned and firm (hardly any foam cushioning), which I found hurt my hip and pelvic area. After researching avidly I settled on a pocket spring non-zoned (to allow for my hip area to sink) with soft latex of 50mm (to alleviate pressure point pain). I am dismayed to find that the pressure point pain is worse, although I do not get sore lower back due to any actual sag in the latex cushioning. I am thinking the problem is that the latex is too soft and is therefore bottoming out and my hip bone (I am a side sleeper) is pressing down on the springs. I have no pressure pain if I lie on my back, but I find this too unnatural as I am a side sleeper. The mattress cost me a lot of money and I don't know what to do. My question is do you think another 50mm of medium density latex (a topper) will resolve the pressure point pain without giving me a sagging feeling and hence giving me lower back pain? If not, what can I do?

Hi Lyndsey. How are things down under? It sounds like the density of that topper is too soft. A little firmer density, not hard, would hold your hip up a little better. I would give that a try first.

Delivery available everywhere in the contiental US.
NO SALES TAX outside of NJ.
You'll find discount pricing on our website: www.ccmattress.com
Voted "Best Mattress Store in New Jersey"
"2007 - 2008 Neighbor's Choice Award"

Also available:
Latex Toppers...100% Talalay...US made.
Sealy "SpringFree" Latex Pillows....
Sealy "Pro-Guard" Protection Plus Stain Guard Mattress Pads
Very High quality sheets and comforters

Simmons Beautyrest Black™ "Gabriella" Firm Mattress

Dahlia of Sarasota, writes:
For the last 35 years I have been sleeping on a Simmons Maxipedic Caresse queen mattress and boxsprings with no complaint. The tag states for a FULL size it has 364 Adjusto-Rest coils with a 6 gauge border rod. Upholstery is a heavy Simcopad Insulator covered with a layer of top quality cotton with a layer of high density Simfoam. Amazingly it shows no sag and it still provides adequate support with a great night's sleep. I would like to duplicate the feel, not to mention the durablilty of this mattress. I am a 5'7"/145lb. 60yr. old woman and do suffer occasional hip pain on rising in the AM, but it is usually after a lengthy run/walk or vigorous workout. Three weeks ago I bought a Simmons Beautyrest World Class "Angelique" Firm Super Pillowtop Mattress Sets with Natural Latex Layer. The store has their own Simmons' names, so I have no idea what model this corresponds to in the regular Simmons line. I am NOT comfortable in this mattress. It is way too soft for me and I feel like I'm in a hammock, waking with aching hips more mornings than not. I think a pillowtop is not for me. I have a return policy of 30 days, so I am on a short deadline here to replace the mattress. The Simmons Beautyrest Black™ "Gabriella" Firm Mattress Sets with Memory Foam Layer are on closeout and after comparing the feel to the Angelique, this seems much more similar to what I am used to. Here are the Gabriella specs:

Advanced Pocketed Coil™ springs conform to your body, virtually eliminating motion between partners
5/8" visco memory foam helps reduce pressure points and improve circulation
Coil count: 850
Coil gauge: 15 (3 strands of 17-gauge wire wrapped together)
High-density foam encasement provides superior edge support and expanded sleeping surface
13" mattress height
Triton® box spring supports up to 2,000 pounds of pressure for long-lasting durability
Available box spring heights: 9" standard, 5.5" low-profile
Meets federal fire-retardant safety standards
10 year non-prorated warranty
What would you suggest? The prices are virtually the same and I would be taking a hit if I go elsewhere to replace the Angelique. I see that you don't feel that Simmons has a quality coil system. It's just that I have been so pleased with my 35 year old Simmons. Appreciate your input and your blog! Quite informative.

Hi Dahlia. You are right about the pillowtop being no good for you. They wind up being too soft, most of the time. Nothing is made the same now compared to 35 years ago. Things were made to last then. If the Gabriella feels more like what you are used to, then go with that one. Nothing will be exact, but you'll find one that comes close. The only down side to a closeout is that you probably won't get a warranty. You will want to double check that with them.

Delivery available everywhere in the contiental US.
NO SALES TAX outside of NJ.
You'll find discount pricing on our website: www.ccmattress.com
Voted "Best Mattress Store in New Jersey"
"2007 - 2008 Neighbor's Choice Award"

Also available:
Latex Toppers...100% Talalay...US made.
Sealy "SpringFree" Latex Pillows....
Sealy "Pro-Guard" Protection Plus Stain Guard Mattress Pads
Very High quality sheets and comforters

A mattress to help relieve hip pain

Lisa  of West Orange, writes:
Hi. I am about to do my first tour-of-duty (looking for a new mattress and box spring, that is) tomorrow evening. I am unsure where to spend the hour and a half I can spare in order to try something that might work for me (and possibly even something similar to what you carry). I was considering going to Sears and /or Macy's. I figured they'd have a decent selection and I (hopefully) wouldn't be accosted by over-zealous salespeople. I am 45 yrs old/ 5'4"/118 lbs. I basically always have serious of aches and pains. I tend to start out sleeping on my side and often wind up on my stomach. I wake up with either hip pain or back pain....lately I am noticing my hips hurting more and more. Sometimes neck or shoulder pain too. In general, I don't like a bed that is soft... can you offer me a few options of beds to try out in person in these stores? Also what would be your equivalent for each? Thanks so much! Lisa

Hi Lisa. The Sealy Bristow at Sears and the PurEmbrace at Macy's. These are latex mattresses that will contour to you and relieve the pressure at the hip. Our Sealy SpringFree River Crest is the same as the Bristow at Sears. The PurEmbrace is similar, also made by Sealy, but is slightly different.

Delivery available everywhere in the contiental US.
NO SALES TAX outside of NJ.
You'll find discount pricing on our website: www.ccmattress.com
Voted "Best Mattress Store in New Jersey"
"2007-2008 Neighbor's Choice Award"

Also available:
Sealy "SpringFree" Latex Pillows....Sealy "Pro-Guard" Protection Plus Mattress Pads
High quality sheets and comforters

A mattress to help relieve hip pain

Lisa  of West Orange, writes:
Hi. I am about to do my first tour-of-duty (looking for a new mattress and box spring, that is) tomorrow evening. I am unsure where to spend the hour and a half I can spare in order to try something that might work for me (and possibly even something similar to what you carry). I was considering going to Sears and /or Macy's. I figured they'd have a decent selection and I (hopefully) wouldn't be accosted by over-zealous salespeople. I am 45 yrs old/ 5'4"/118 lbs. I basically always have serious of aches and pains. I tend to start out sleeping on my side and often wind up on my stomach. I wake up with either hip pain or back pain....lately I am noticing my hips hurting more and more. Sometimes neck or shoulder pain too. In general, I don't like a bed that is soft... can you offer me a few options of beds to try out in person in these stores? Also what would be your equivalent for each? Thanks so much! Lisa

Hi Lisa. The Sealy Bristow at Sears and the PurEmbrace at Macy's. These are latex mattresses that will contour to you and relieve the pressure at the hip. Our Sealy SpringFree River Crest is the same as the Bristow at Sears. The PurEmbrace is similar, also made by Sealy, but is slightly different.

Delivery available everywhere in the contiental US.
NO SALES TAX outside of NJ.
You'll find discount pricing on our website: www.ccmattress.com
Voted "Best Mattress Store in New Jersey"
"2007-2008 Neighbor's Choice Award"

Also available:
Sealy "SpringFree" Latex Pillows....Sealy "Pro-Guard" Protection Plus Mattress Pads
High quality sheets and comforters