The Mattress Expert

Candice - My Stearns & Foster Fiona latex mattress hurts my back

Candice writes:
 
I recently purchased a Stearns & Foster Fiona latex mattress. It feels great
to lie on but every morning I wake up with a sore back and neck. I have
cervical degenerative disc disease and after reading your blog wonder if
latex might be wrong for me. We may be able to trade it out for a
Stearns & Foster traditional coil mattress. 
Can you advise what might be a better choice? 
I am 5'4 120 and my husband is 6'0 200. Thanks for any guidance you can offer.
 
Hi Candice,
Your back problems are being aggravated by the mattress being too soft. The Fiona is an ultra plush...wholy inappropriate for your condition.
There are firmer choices to be made in S&F's latex line and I suggest you try those before going to an innerspring.
But, even with the innerspring models, your back won't tolerate a mattress with as soft a surface as the one you now have.
Salespeople are advising their customers to buy softer mattresses, these days. They do it because they are easier to sell and not because they are better for you.
You simply need a firmer mattress. If you take what you have and flip it over, you'll see what I mean. Your back pain will be reduced dramatically.
Do that and sleep on it that way for a few days, before making a change to another mattress. It will give you a better sense of what you need....and alter your percetion.

Thanks, Pete
 
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Elizabeth - Stearns & Foster Ingrid, Heidi or Twila

Elizabeth writes:

 

We've had Spring Air Ashland euro pillow top for 5 years and are looking to buy a
king size bed for more room. I've looked at S&F as superior to Spring
Air for long-term investment. I've tried out the Ingrid at
Macy's but need to find the pillow top version. What is the alternate
name for the Twila that you speak highly of? 
Also, what's in the Ingrid-- latex or memory foam? I know you
recommend the Twila luxury plush and the Heidi luxury firm. I'm just wondering if I should get a Heidi and buy
latex topper for more comfort. We're spoiled by the Spring Air pillow
top we have but I'd like the flexibility of replacing the pillowtop with the latex topper to ward off aches from the deep body depressions. 
More suggestions? Many sincere thanks - Elizabeth.

Hi Elizabeth,
It's good to see you've been reading and that you are on point with your choices.
The Ingrid/Heidi is an excellent value. It has no latex or memory foam. That model in luxury firm with a latex topper will feel like you spent thousands and last a whole lot longer than anything you would actually spend thousands on.
The Twila, Macy's April, has S&F's best spec. with a layer of latex and no memory foam. That in a luxury plush is comfortable and durable and would require no topper.
You can't go wrong either way. Here are the links to all of these items.
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Stearns-and-Foster-Heidi-Luxury-Firm/
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Stearns-and-Foster-Twila-Luxury-Plush/
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Accessories/

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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Mike - Replacing a Simmons Beautyrest Exceptionale plush pillowtop mattress

Mike writes:
 
I have a Simmons Beautyrest Exceptionale, Granville Terrace, Ultra Plush
Super Pillow Top mattress. It has sunk on both sides where we sleep. The
store where we bought it (3 years ago) has sent someone out who says it
is defective. It has at least a 1 1/2 drop. So, they are going to credit
our purchase price and let us get something different. However, they no
longer carry Simmons. They have Englanders and couple models of Sealy.
The service guy who came out to look at our mattress told me not to buy
an Englander unless we wanted to see him again in about 3 months. So
that leaves me with 1 coil and 2 S&F latex choices. The latex models
are the Ocean View Villa and the Harbor View Villa. I don't know anything about
latex vs. coil beds and I definitley want to get one that won't sink
like this one. My other possible choice would be to go throught Simmons
to get the bed replaced by them. Do you have any advice based on your
knowledge of mattresses? I was referred to your web site, by a friend. 

Hi Mike,
Referrals from friends and relatives is our preferred method of advertising. It keeps prices lower and customer service higher than store that rely on mass media advertising.
The coils in your plush pillowtop Beautyrest use a very thin wire. When buying a Beautyrest, it's imperative that you opt for the "plush/firm" choice of comfort...which has the same comfortable surface as the plush, but uses a much heavier gauge of wire. Adding to your problem is the compression of all that padding in the pillowtop, which is another good thing to avoid. Each model is available with and without the pillowtop.  
What you liked so much about the Beautyrest is the contouring support provided by the individually pocketed coils. Latex provides the same support. There are no coils in the Stearns & Foster latex beds. It's almost all latex. Latex is very old technology and we know that it is the most durable material available. Slight body impressions will form in any bed, but you can expect it more with the thicker, softer mattresses. The Ocean View is an ultra plush, and Harbor View has a pillowtop. The Tower View Villa plush is the most popular model and plenty comfy. 


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
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Phillip - Stearns & Foster Shantel mattress

Phillip writes:
 
My wife & I are about to purchase a CalKing S&F Shantel luxury plush pillowtop. 
Please help us understand what's in this mattress and how it compares to others
in the S&F line.
We are big people with a big cat and need room and a sturdy bed! Thanks so much, Phil
 
Hi Phil,
I have an uncle Phil. My mother calls him Peter and me, Phil...has been doing that for nearly 60 years. You'd think she'd have gotten us straight by now.
Big Cat, huh? You mean like a lion or a tiger? It wouldn't happen to be that incredibly fat cat I saw on TV a couple of weeks ago, would it?
Anyway, you couldn't make a worse choice for your needs....starting with a plush pillowtop as a no-no for larger people.
That model is the N grade, the same as our Graciela, the starting level in S&F's Estate Collection. It uses an inch of memory foam, which also won't hold up well under heavier people. The Estate coil system uses a dual coil in fewer pockets and with a thinner gauge wire than the less expensive Luxury Collection.
The Estate models are build for greater comfort and conformability. If you're average weight or lighter, that's fine. But, the Lower priced Luxury Collection models have a stronger coil unit, and are a better choice for heavier people.
In the Estate Collection, the P level, Twila is your best choice, which has latex instead of memory foam....aka Michaela in the store that had the Shantel and April at Macy's
A favorite choice for heavier people is the Heidi in luxury firm for support and a 2" soft latex topper for comfort and extended longevity.
Here are links to both, the Luxury and estate Collections....and to the latex toppers.
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Luxury-Collection/
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Estate-Collection/
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Accessories/


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 

Stephanie - Returning a Tempurpedic memory foam mattress. I want latex.

Stephanie writes:

 

Returned my Temper Pedic as too hot, too firm, & depressions. Purchased
Macy's Hotel Collection Euro Pillow Top and it too has visco memory --
too hot, too hard, depressions at my hips/fanny. I'm 5'2" at 110 lbs. No
back problems. Just want to find a good latex with support and of
course, comfort -- that will last. A salesman at a mattress store tried to
sell me a Four Seasons. He indicated this mattress was made by
Consolidated Beds, who also made them for The Four Seasons Hotel.
However, I called Four Seasons Hotel and they told me theirs is made by
Stearns & Foster. I am a side sleeper and want to find a comfortable
bed, not too firm, but one that will not sag and not be too hot or leave
body impressions. Is top layer in terms of what it is made of important.
What should I look for if I plan to put a cotton mattress pad on top????
Appreciate any comments and or advise you could share. Thanks, Stephanie

Hi Stephanie,
I always shake my head, and chuckle when I hear a salesman's latest line. 
Every part of the mattress is important, in that each section plays a role. If you are exchanging this through Macy's try their Stearns & Foster latex bed called Daniela. It's the same as our S&F Tower View Villa. It has a nice medium plush feel. It's not too soft and very comfortable. Latex is the best for reducing body impressions. The top layers in the quilt are poly foam. There isn't much of it. It high quality and all stitched together. So over time, i'll leave only a slight impression. 
My wife and I sleep on an older version of this very same mattress. Here's a link to that mattress, so you can see how much it should cost.
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/
 
Are you a Fan? "Like" us on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-mattress-expert/recent-advice/192852374116427 

 

Eric - Stearns & Foster 100% Latex Mattress

Eric writes:
 
Hello Peter, I just purchased a Stearns & Foster latex mattress....
...not from you, sorry. I didn't see you until now.
It was sold to me as a 100% latex mattress with a dunlop core
and talalay pillow top. After the mattress was delivered I noticed that
the tag said it was 84% latex, 14% polyurethane, and 2% various fabrics.
I've called S&F twice, and sent one email to them, but I have not been
able to speak with someone who has technical knowledge, nor has my email
been returned. Assuming the label is correct, where is the polyurethane
in the mattress, and why is it there instead of latex? What are the
advantages or disadvantages of polyurethane in this particular
application? Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your reply is 
extremely helpful. -Eric

You can't quilt latex. The poly foam is in the quilt. The latex used is 100% synthetic....neither Dunlop or Talalay. The other 2% is the outer fabric. 
The tag on your mattress was also on the floor sample. You could have known what you were buying before you bought it...without having to rely
on the veracity of the salesman.
Only the Pure Bliss is 100% all natural Talalay latex. The cover is not quilted. 
Here's a link to the Pure Bliss line
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Pure-LatexBLISS/


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
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Sam - What mattress doesn't sleep hot?

Sam writes:
 
Beds are too hot (no a/c in SF...). Whats the best style to avoid being
hot? plush is needed, does latex vs regular have an advantage? (I know
from other posts memory foam isnt a good idea.) -Sam

Hi Sam,
You don't need a/c in SF. Every time I check, it's 68 degrees there. Hoping to be moving there soon...for that reason and because everyone seems so nice.
Perhaps you're all so pleasant because of the weather. My wife and I have been there a couple of times. I think there's more to it than just the weather.
Yes. Memory foam is the worst offender for sleeping hot. They're always coming out with new memory foams...mixed with gel or cut for better air circulation, but they all sleep hot. If there's a diffence between them, it's like the difference between fire and boiling water. "Better" than terrible is still bad.
Also, the plusher the bed and the more "in it", than "on it" you are, the warmer you will be. Pillowtops are also a major offender for sleeping warm. They also wear out quickly, adding insult to injury.
Latex tends to be cooler, but it's still important to get only "just enough" padding to sleep comfortably. If you go beyond and indulge your sense of luxury, as the mattress industry would have you do, you'll be back buying a new mattress sooner than later and can do structural damage to your body from sleeping on a too soft surface.
Here are some links to mattresses that have no memory foam and are not too soft....in order of price point.
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Simmons-Beautyrest-Worldclass-Raleigh--18737/
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Stearns-and-Foster-Heidi-Luxury-Firm/
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Stearns-and-Foster-Twila-Luxury-Plush/
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Stearns-Foster-Italian-Garden-Villa-Plush-/
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Pure-LatexBLISS-Nature-Natural-Talalay-Latex/
 


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 

Pan - A Stearns & Foster latex mattress for a slender man?

Pan writes:

Hello Pete! :D

Can you please recommend me a mattress?

I'm 23 years old male. I'm 5'11 and  154lbs so I think I'm pretty thin.

Due to being sedentary (I think), I got some arthritis. I have mild shoulder pain (from lifting), elbow pain, wrist pain, knee pain. Knee pain from basketball during high school. Cartilage wearing out. I don't feel the pain for the whole day though. They come and go. I have back pain when the bed is too soft. I sleep on my side, usually with things to cuddle and I always put a pillow between my legs. ( but I still think that sleeping on the side also contributes to my shoulder pain )

I read through you posts and thought you recommend Sealy Latex but I can't find those types that you recommend. Those river or beach ones..

So which one do you recommend me now? Are you going to recommend me buying firm mattress and soft topper? Which ones do you think are good for me and why?

Thank you, Pan

Hi Pan,

You can't go wrong with latex, if you can afford it. It is the best, most comfortable and most durable material available.

The Sealy latex mattresses you mentioned are now marketed under the Stearns & Foster label.

The one I believe you'll enjoy the most is the ultra plush, called Ocean View Villa.

Normally, I wouldn't recommend one this plush, but given you aches and pains and slender build, I believe it is your best choice from among that latex line. Here is the link to that mattress.

http://www.themattressexpert.com/Stearns-Foster-Tuscan-Summer-Villa-Ultra-Plush-/ 

If, however, the price is more than you had in mind, I have another choice for you to consider.

It is a World Class Simmons Beautyrest, the Raleigh in the Plush/Firm Pillowtop. Here again, a pillowtop is not the kind of mattress I would normally recommend, but there are exceptions to every rule and your particular set of circumstances are the exception. Here is a link to that mattress.  

http://www.themattressexpert.com/Simmons-Beautyrest-Worldclass-Raleigh--18761/ 

Lastly, there is the option for a firmer mattress with a soft layer of latex as a topper, which you had mentioned.

Normally, the 2" soft topper is enough, but I feel that you are among the few who would benefit from the 3".

Since the latex topper increases the longevity of the mattress, as well as soften the surface, you can get away with a much less expensive mattress for use under the topper.

Here are two such mattresses that I like a lot, at a lower price point. And also, a link to the toppers.

http://www.themattressexpert.com/Simmons-2011-Beautyrest-Classic-Adamsville-Plush-Firm-Euro-Top-/ 

http://www.themattressexpert.com/Sealy-Posture-Promo-Beckenham-Plush-Level-I/ 

http://www.themattressexpert.com/Accessories/ 

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 

Dan - Loving his new Stearns & Foster Mattress

Dan writes:

Stearns and Foster Estate collection is a great deal with its foam encasement, now if you're looking for pressure relief, then Latex mattress is the way to go, specially if you are side sleeper.

 

Hi Dan,
We are so happy that you're enjoying the S&F mattress you bought from The Mattress Experts...and hope you experience a good night's sleep for many years.
Thanks, Pete

Steven - Replacing a 20 year old Sealy foam mattress

Thank you for providing this service. I cannot believe the timing on this but I suspect it was almost 20 years ago that I purchased at sears a Sealy Posturepedic Premium Elite Opal Polyurethane Foam full size mattress. I have tried several times over the last 5 years to find a similar bed; as I recall the foam category used to be just a simple alternative to springs etc. Now "foam" sends sales people talking about a hundreds of options. I only know that this 20 year old bed has not shown much wear and is extremely comfortable. Any help you can offer would be appreciated and if it is possible to replace it with your company, I will. I am not especially price sensitive.

 

Hi Steven,

An all poly foam mattress wouldn't normally last that long. To be sure, please look at the white label that is sewn into one of the seams in the back of the mattress. It will give the percentages of materials used. I ask, because only latex tends to last that long.

Regardless, in today's market, only latex will last that long. As you've noticed while shopping, things have changed quite a bit in the last 20 years.

If you want a coilless mattress, latex is the best of them. Even here, though, you have to be careful, There are a lot of, so-called, latex mattresses that have very little latex in them. Here is a link to the S&F latex line, with levels 2 and above using a latex core. 

http://www.themattressexpert.com/Luxury-Latex-Collection/
We also carry a two-sided latex mattress. www.themattressexpert.com/Therapedic-100-Natural-Latex/ 

Thanks, Pete
www.themattressexpert.com 
1-888-732-5923
 
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