The Mattress Expert

Replacing a 20 year old mattress

Nancy of Northville, writes:
Hi, My current mattress is about 20 years old. It's firm, and was probably fine when I bought it. Now I toss and turn, wake up a lot, and have pain in my upper arm when I wake up. I've also had hip pain. I'm 5'4", 150lbs, and a side sleeper. I've been wanting a new mattress for years, but am terrified of buying the wrong thing. Though almost anything would be better than what I have.
I'm trying to decide whether to go with a mattress like the Sealy Signature Quaker Lane Ultra Plush, or spend the money for a latex one like the Sealy Spring Free Rivercrest Ultra Plush. But I'm wondering if I'm going to the other extreme and either of these would be too soft and I'd get lower back pain (which I've had before, not caused by a mattress). Maybe I should go with the Beachside, because it's a bit less soft? Could you say a few words on the pros/cons of these 3 mattresses? Thanks.

Hi Nancy,
Your inner voice has spoken. Use the common sense you are displaying and avoid going to the other extreme. If the ultra plush is too soft...which is likely to be the case, you're then just stuck. If the Beachside isn't as soft as you want it, you can always add a topper and make it feel anyway your heart...hips...shoulder...upper arm, desires.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

Sealy Springfree Brasswood firm mattress

Mark of Ridgefield Park, NJ, writes:
Hello Peter. After doing some research on the internet and reading your fantastic blog, I decided to splurge on a new mattress for myself. I am a 5'11" male who weighs about 500lbs. I am not excessivly large in frame but heavy in weight. The mattress that I ended up choosing was a twin size Sealy Posturepedic SpringFree Latex Brasswood Firm. Love the mattress. My problem has to do with the boxspring. I ordered a matching low profile boxspring because I have a leg and back issue that would not be helped by a standard height boxspring. That being said, I have had the bed 2 months now and the boxspring has basically collapsed around the outside. I assume that this occured because of my weight combined with the weight of the mattress and the fact it is a twin (I know, I should own a bigger bed but space was an issue) as well as the rolling off the bed because of my back issue. Does anyone make a "heavy duty" boxspring? I really would appreciate your help. Thank you

Hi Mark,
That is a heavy duty boxspring...considered so under normal use. Given your weight and use, I'd suggest having someone make you a platform with 2"x4"s and 3/4" plywood. That would give you a height of 4 1/4". Add to that a layer of 1/2" foam and then covered in a fabric for asthetic purposes.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

New to the mattress world

Gina of Los Angeles, writes:
Hello! I'm new to the mattress world and am wondering what you'd recommend... my husband and I are both back/side sleepers (though I'm pregnant, and will be on my side soon), and I'm 5'9 and he's over 6 feet. Currently the mattress we have is ancient, and I think pretty soft. If I've slept on my back, I wake up with my lower back hurting, and am wondering if I need to find one specifically for lumbar support. What do you think would be best? And would you recommend a latex mattress perhaps with a pillowtop, or a firm mattress with a latex top? We are looking up to the $2,000 range, and would love any suggestions.  Thank you!!

Hi Gina,
Pillowtops are not a good value, as they tend to lose their shape quickly.
A latex topper on a less soft mattress makes for a very comfortable sleeping surface. The topper also adds longevity to the mattress.
A latex mattress will provide contouring support. You'll find this to be an absolute must, as your pregnancy progresses. With the Sealy Springfree Beachside, a pregnant side sleeper will almost certainly need to add the topper. With the softer, Sealy Springfree River Crest, the topper may not be necessary.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

What mattress do YOU have?

Tim of San Diego, writes:
My wife and I would love to hear what mattress you have and why have. Well?

Hi Tim,
You only need to read some, to know that I, my mom and my daughter, all sleep on the same model mattress. That would be the Sealy SpringFree Beachside latex mattress. The contouring support is extremely comfortable and provides a great night's sleep. Latex has been the most durable material available for the last 80 some years. The Beachside model, in particular has a medium feel that is neither too soft nor too firm. It is the starting latex model in that line, which also makes it an extraordinary value.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

What is the best time of year to buy a mattress?

Matthew of Succasunna, writes:
What is the best time of year to buy a mattress?
And for side sleepers are the Beachside and RiverCrest Ultra Plush good choices and why would one be better than the other?

Hi Matthew,
The Beachside and River Crest are excellent choices....and one isn't better than the other. The River Crest is softer than the Beachside, but both are comfortable.
Mattress sales, for the most part, are bogus. Prices are inflated and slashed to create the illusion of a sale. This practice is common among the large chain and department stores. There are many smaller , independent retailers that offer a legitimate discount, with the best price you'll find....everyday of the year.
The best time of year to buy a mattress is the day you stop being snookered by media ads....and start doing some real shopping.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

New Mattress for my husband

Teresa of Pine Bluff, writes:
Hello,
My husband has had two back surgeries in the past for herniated discs. He constantly deals with large bone spurs on his spine and now has arthritis in his back. We both are overweight and when he gets out of bed his back is very stiff and is hurting, all the time. We have a very old mattress, we've been married for 12 years so I'm guess the mattress is 14 years old! I've never bought a new mattress and I want to make sure I get a good one for him. He's a side/tummy sleeper and we live in a small town so I think my only option is a Sealy...any suggestions??!! HELP! Thanks so much!

Hi Teresa,
The Sealy SpringFree Beachside is the first one I'd show you. The contouring support relieves pressure points. The Beachside, in particular, has a medium feel that is comfortable in both his sleeping positions and durable enough to support his weight.
 
www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

Sealy Springfree Bristow mattress

Barbara of Redmond, WA, writes:
My husband and I purchased a Stearns & Foster ultra-plush pillowtop 5 months ago, and we are trying to return it because of how it is now hammocking where we sleep (6"+ deep hollows!) Unfortunately, the store where we bought it won't return our money, because it's been longer than their 30-day return policy. The bed was OK until now, and I am experiencing much pain in neck, shoulders and back every time I lay down on it, and when I wake in the morning I can hardly move. Prior to this horrible mattress, we had a really comfortable Englander 100% natural latex mattress for about 10 years. Unfortunately, my husband didn't like it anymore because of indentations, and it seemed to be hot.
Well, to shorten this story, we want to return to a latex bed but the store will only allow an exchange and they only offer the Sealy Posturepedic Spring-Free latex mattresses: the Isabella LE; Bristow LE; and Arden Woods pillow top. So we guess we should try the Bristow. They don't have any in the store to try out, and the Sealy Rep. has told us that there aren't any stores in the area with any to try. So we would be buying it sight unseen. Do you recommend the Bristow? We are looking for support, so my spine will be straight (I have scoliosis, frequent pinched nerves in neck, headaches, and osteoporosis), but yet have a bit of plushness so that my hips won't hurt (I'm a side sleeper). I was VERY comfortable on the Englander latex mattress and wish we had it back! Thank you for any advice you have.

Hi Barbara,
That ultra plush is a favorite among women side sleepers with hip issues. I had one, myself, for several years...until changing from queen to king. It's an excellent product.
Your headaches are likely coming from your neck pain. It's important to keep your head level when you sleep...aligned with your spine, like when you're standing. Doing so will minimize your neck pain and the resulting headaches. A new mattress will often change your body's angle...and means getting a new pillow to compensate for that.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

Sealy Springfree Rivercrest Mattress

Andrew of Los Angeles, writes:
Is the Sealy Meadowcrest the same as your Rivercrest? Thanks!

Yes Andrew, it is the same mattress.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

Firm latex or S&F cushion firm mattress

Tom of Bradley:
What mattress is the next firm from the Sealy Beachside? It is just a bit too soft.Is the Stearns new Estate luxury cushion firm any firmer? Would you recomend the latex or S&F cushion firm? Thanks

Hi Tom,
We recommend the Beachside as the best on the market. It has a medium feel that most people sleep well on. Of course, no one mattress will suit everyone. Comfort becomes a matter of degree. The other SpringFree models...with the latex core, (there are 3 without pillowtops), are also very good mattresses. They cost a little more and comfort would be the only reason for stepping up in that line. The firm model is the Weybridge. The S&F Estate models are the best of the innersprings. Thereis a luxury firm at every level and the all differ to some degree. It's now a matter of choosing that which suits you best. If you'd like a second opinion, my wife finds the Simmons NxG to be the cat's meow. You might try those too.
 
www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

Which mattress should I buy?

Troy of Charlotte, writes:
My wife and I fell victim to the Kingsdown Sales Pitch I so often read about on your blog. I am 54 and have sleep apnea (although I live in denial) and my wife is 62 and suffers from severe rheumatoid arthritis. She, in particular, is having sleep problems with our 11 year old Kingsdown Pillowtop and constantly talks about getting some relief from the lower body pain she suffers from almost all the time, particularly in her legs, ankles and feet. I weigh 230 lbs. and she about 215 due to 9 years of steroids and medication. We have discussed turning in our Queen mattress for a more old-age friendly King Mattress. I won't be a Kingsdown. You are the expert, so, do you have any suggestions for our particular situation. I sleep on my back and stomach and she is mostly a side sleeper when she isn't tossing and turning. We would love to get a great night's sleep and I would love to see my wife get some relief from the pain she is in. I would appreciate any suggestions from you before we make another big mistake! Thank you!

Oh Great Pharaoh...(king of denial). Both Sealy and Stearns & Foster have a line of latex bedding that should help to reduce motion transfer on the bed. The Beachside is the plush model under the Sealy name and should be the right amount of softness that your wife needs without being too soft for you. If that model isnt soft enough for your wife, you can try the Rivercrest which is a plusher model (softer than the beachside)... or your wife can try adding a soft topper to just her side of the bed. RA patients usually like that extra layer of cushioning.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens