The Mattress Expert

A soft mattress for fibromyalgia that will last

Joan of Murphy, writes:
I have all sorts of body pain and issues with sleep. I don't have an unlimited budget and so the purchase of a Stearns and Foster is going to have to last me for 10 years at least. I fell in love with the pillow top (cost $2088.00) as it was so soft but I've been reading reviews on S&F  pillowtops and on how they sag, get lumpy and have body impressions in a short period of time. The reviews also say that since the top is foam the company doesn't replace the mattress because the body impressions bounce back just enough that there isn't a 1&1/2 inch sag that stays long enough to be measured. Even though I didn't feel like the coil on coil bed was qutie as comfortable when I tried it out, is that mattress the one I should get because it retains it's shape or does that mattress sag too? I'm afraid of making a big mistake here. Is Stearns and Foster really a good bed and worth the money? Please help. I have fibromyalsia, surgery on my back and sleeping problems. Thanks so much, !
Joanie

Hi Joanie, The body impression problem becomes more accute, the farther up the line you go. Thick, soft pillowtops have a lot of padding. The more padding you have, the greater the depth of compression. That holds true for every brand. The S&F line uses a stronger coil unit than most. Also, they recently enhanced the comfort layers to include latex, which doesn't sag. Even so, body impressions are to be expected with any bed and they tend to be deeper in the thicker, softer pillowtops. Your biggest problem is that you need a very soft feel for your fibro and if you buy a mattress that feels the way you want it to, it won't stay that way very long. The best thing for you is to side step the problem. Start off with a latex mattress. The base contouring support is such that it will relieve all the pressure points. For the surface softness your condition requires, use a thick feather topper. It's easy to keep fluffed up and easy to replace when it wear out, leaving you with a perfectly good mattress for many years.
The Sealy SpringFree beachside is a good choice and the least expensive of the latex models. The SpringFree River Crest is a little more expensive, but softer.

An Important Note: 

Any kind of moisture, be it from spills, accidents or perspiration causes a mattress to wear prematurely.

Protect your investment with high quality, Waterproof Mattress and Pillow Protectors that sleep cool and won't shrink.

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-protectors/

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Mattress feels like a hammock after a year

Erling of Portland, writes:
We bought a top-of-the-line Stearns and Foster mattress a year ago, and it was wonderful for the first few months. We then started noticing that it was sagging in the middle, and now when we wake up in the morning we are a good six inches below the reinforced sides of the bed. It's like sleeping in a hammock.
We're not only getting back aches, but we're often woken up if we happen to roll over in our sleep -- it's hard to roll up-hill. Shortly after we get out of bed, the mattress slowly rises back up to being fairly flat.
Today a rep from S&F came to look at the mattress, and said that the bed does not have a permanent one and a half inch depression, so there can be no warranty claim.
Do you have any suggestions for how we can resolve this? If S&F won't help, are there any ways to modify the mattress so that it stays relatively firm under the pillow-top? Or do you have any tips for selling a 1-year old mattress?
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Hello Erling, Inspections are very black and white. There's either an impression of 1.5" or more, or there isn't. It didn't help any, that you bought "top-of-the-line". That will only get you too much padding, which is the cause of your problem, but can also be looked at as being the "nature of the beast". I'm sure you thought, as many consumers do, that being top line, it would be better and last longer. The truth is, mid line will get you the best combination of comfort and longevity...but of course, if you're willing to spend more, why should the salesman talk you out of it. His commission is greater at the top of the line...and after all, we live in a "money is everything society". It's a vicious cycle, isn't it.
Whether or not you're stuck, depends a lot on where you bought it and how much they are willing to go to bat for you. I had a similar case recently, where I determined that the problem wasn't normal wear. And even though there was no measurable impression, I was able to get authorization for an exchange. Special dispensation is easier to get from the Pope, but it's not impossible.
If you end up getting nowhere, Selling off what you have through your local paper and starting over is your next best solution.

An Important Note: 

Any kind of moisture, be it from spills, accidents or perspiration causes a mattress to wear prematurely.

Protect your investment with high quality, Waterproof Mattress and Pillow Protectors that sleep cool and won't shrink.

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-protectors/

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Replacing a Sealy Posturepedic Forest Hush Mattress

Katie of Olympia, WA, writes:
Dear Peter,
My husband and I purchased a Sealy Posturepedic kingsize Forest Hush mattress in December '06. It has since developed large uncomfortable depressions on each side which the store's inspector has determined to be legitimate flaws and the store will be exchanging it. My question is, what would be a better alternative for us? We're pretty average sizes - my husband is 6'1" about 210 lbs and I'm 5'6" about 130lbs. This is the second mattress we've had that we've had to exchange for the "butt divot" problem. Should we be looking for a particular type of construction to avoid this? Any recommendations would be helpful. Thanks.

Hi Katie, I assume you got the plush pillowtop. Body impressions are to be expected with any mattress. They tend to be deeper with the thcker, plusher pillowtops. If you can make yourself comfortable on a mattress that is less plush and without the pillowtop, you'll experience less in the way of body impressions. You might want to cosider a firmer mattress along with a latex topper. Latex toppers are very comfortable, last a long time and when you do replace it, the mattress will still be in good shape. Also, rotate your mattress 1/4 turn every month. A king is square enough to do that. The padding will settle more evenly and the mattress will stay more comfortable, longer.

An Important Note: 

Any kind of moisture, be it from spills, accidents or perspiration causes a mattress to wear prematurely.

Protect your investment with high quality, Waterproof Mattress and Pillow Protectors that sleep cool and won't shrink.

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-protectors/

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Sealy Posturepedic Hollister Hills & St. Lucia mattresses

R. of Roanoke, writes:
Can you tell me the difference between 2 Sealy Mattress we have been trying - The Hollister Hills plush and I think the St. Lucia plush? I have read alot on the internet and on the Sealy site but can get little info on the specs on the makeup of the comforting material is. They both feel ok in the store but there is a $200 price difference between the too. I read your info on the Cedar Rose Plush and think it is a Level G, but how does it compare the the models I mentioned above? And what does the comfort genie nubmer mean? We can't find a retailer that will give us a comfort test so we would like to get it right the first time as we don't have a big budget. We are in our late 50's and we both have lower back problems and are looking for more confort and support than the air bed we now have.
P.S. Love you website and your willingness to help the consumer.

Hi, There are a large number of model names used for the Posturepedics. The ones you mentioned aren't on either of my lists. It's too difficult to shop by model name alone. Ask what level the mattress is. The coil count is higher at level "G", which makes it a better value than the lower levels. Going much higher than that, brings you to a point of diminishing return.

An Important Note: 

Any kind of moisture, be it from spills, accidents or perspiration causes a mattress to wear prematurely.

Protect your investment with high quality, Waterproof Mattress and Pillow Protectors that sleep cool and won't shrink.

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-protectors/

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

S&F, Stearns & Foster Terrace Room Dreams mattress

Maya of Edison, writes:
Hi
We are thinking about buying a king size s&f mattress "Terrace room dreams" or Simmons Beautyrest world class "balthasar" or "dade river". Both being Euro pillow top and same price, we are not sure where to go from here. My husband has constant lower back pain and i need little bit softerside , should we go for plush type in the same collections?
Thanks, Maya

Hi Maya, The Terrace Room Dreams and Terrace Room Elite are pretty soft beds. I think a better choice would be the Palm Court Dreams, same as my Chateau Orleans. It's very comfortable without the danger of being too soft. The coils in the Simmons Beautyrest are not made of tempered steel. The double tempered steel coils in the S&F make it the better choice.

An Important Note: 

Any kind of moisture, be it from spills, accidents or perspiration causes a mattress to wear prematurely.

Protect your investment with high quality, Waterproof Mattress and Pillow Protectors that sleep cool and won't shrink.

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-protectors/

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Sealy SpringFree Laurel Cove and Whistlewood latex mattresses

Kari, writes:
Peter,
I have been searching for a good mattress for years.  I had leg braces as a child so I have hip problems as an adult.  I really struggle with pressure points while sleeping.  We are currently sleeping on a simmons beauty rest innerspring with a latex topper that we have added.  It is the best that we have found for a sleep surface.  However, the coils are giving out and I have a rather large body impression that is causing some lower back pain.  So we are looking for a new mattress set. 
I am most interested in the latex mattress', but I wonder if you could advise me on the best model.  Because of my problem with pressure points, I am drawn to the plush pillow tops, the Sealy spring free Laurel Cove, Whistlewood, and the Stearns and Foster Ariel Sand.  I think the Laurel Cove and the Ariel Sand are the same mattress.  Am I correct?  Also, do you think I would be most happy with the most plush model (Laurel Cove) or the next step down (Whistlewood).  I would also be interested in any other recomendations that you might have for a mattress set.
Thanks, Kari

Hi Kari, The Laurel Cove and Ariel Sands are the same...the top of the line, same as my Brighton Hill. The Whistlewood is the next model down...a pillowtop, same as my Fairway Dunes. The difference between them is only an inch. There's a difference of $500 in queen and $600 in king. The profit structure is higher at wholesale and retail for the top model. In short, the pillowtop is a much better value. Latex will provide you with the contouring support you originally got with the Beautyrest, but will hold up a whole lot better.

An Important Note: 

Any kind of moisture, be it from spills, accidents or perspiration causes a mattress to wear prematurely.

Protect your investment with high quality, Waterproof Mattress and Pillow Protectors that sleep cool and won't shrink.

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-protectors/

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

S&F, Stearns & Foster Ellerslie House mattress

James of New Bedford, writes:
We are in process of having our Tempurpedic Deluxe picked up for return.  Although we were sleeping "deeply" for our 90 days, my wife's lower back is so painful that she is walking with a limp.  Shoulder pain was the culprit prior to the Tempurpedic, which has resolved on the Tempurpedic.  But this lower sacral, hip pain has developed while sleeping on the Tempurpedic.  She was a side sleeper, but has forced herself to become a back sleeper.  Previous to this mattress, we had a Natures Rest latex bed with pillow topper.  This bed was about 3 y.o. and the pillow topper started to bunch and become uncomfortable causing severe shoulder pain which resulted in injections and the search for the new mattress.  We are now out shopping again, hoping to a bit more informed with our research.  We have tried and liked a S&F that is a step below their Silver Dream, this one is called the "Ellerslie House" and I think is made specifically for the furniture store that sells it.  It is a coiled pillow top with some latex.  Again, seems comfortable in the store and they offer a 30 day trial.  This furniture store had the Silver Dream, but said they already had issues with the extra "padding" over the spring topper being an issue.  The other one we tried was at Mattress Giant and was a Kingsdown Renaissance that had this same coiled topper over the innerspring mattress that S&F had.  We then stopped into Sleepys, who had us try the computer selected Kingsdown mattress.  Again, a very comfortable mattress, but the salesclerk wouldn't give me the specifics of this mattress other than it is innerspring with orthofoam encased.  So the bells and whistles of the computer has me skeptical, especially after the Tempurpedic has not quite delivered the support it claims.   Sleepys only had a few S&F that were mostly a foam pillow top which had me a bit gun shy.  I guess my question is whether to continue to pursue my S&F quest?  Kingsdown just doesn't seem to explain how their mattresses are put together the way S&F does.  Do these newer coiled toppers offer the support for the lower back, but will release the pressure points in the shoulder for the side sleeper?

Hi James, The coil on coil S&F unit is an innovation. The Ellerslie House is a level 11, same as my Chateau Provence. It's an ultra plush boxtop and all that padding is reason for concern. That same construction starts at level 9. Being 2 levels lower, you'll still get the pressure relief from the top coil unit without having more padding than you need. There is a cushion firm and an ultra plush eurotop at level 9. I show the cushion firm on my floor, the Chateau Vitre. It'd be called Swansea Castle, where yo're shopping. The ultra plush is called the Sweetheart Abbey there, Marsaille Cathedral here. You save some money at level 9 and have it be a better bed too. Those will outperform anything else you've looking at.
You might also consider a Sealy SpringFree Fairway Dunes latex mattress. Nature's Rest insists on using latex in the quilted cover. The problem  is, you can't quilt latex...it tears. that why yours bunched up. Sealy uses a high grade of poly foam in the quilt, eliminating that problem.

An Important Note: 

Any kind of moisture, be it from spills, accidents or perspiration causes a mattress to wear prematurely.

Protect your investment with high quality, Waterproof Mattress and Pillow Protectors that sleep cool and won't shrink.

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-protectors/

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

S&F, Stearns & Foster Baroque mattress

Peter,
We have a S&F Plaza Baroque that has failed after 2 yrs and  it is being replaced.  The plush euro top turned out to be too soft for us anyway. 
What do you think about Kingsdown?
Many thanks. George

Hi George,
The Baroque was a level 3 ultra plush pillowtop. The replacement for that is the Terrace Room plush pillowtop, which isn't as soft as the ultra plush. The padding is better in the new line with latex near the top, so it'll keep its shape better. Rotating the mattress will also help it to wear evenly.
Kingsdown is that store's "push" line. they push it because it's more profitable.

An Important Note: 

Any kind of moisture, be it from spills, accidents or perspiration causes a mattress to wear prematurely.

Protect your investment with high quality, Waterproof Mattress and Pillow Protectors that sleep cool and won't shrink.

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-protectors/

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

S&F, Stearns & Foster Plaza & Dynasty mattresses

David of Poughkeepsie, writes:
Do any of your Stearns and Foster mattresses correspond to Manhattan Rest or Grand Ballroom Dreams from "The Plaza Collection?"  or to Golden Pavilion from "The Dynasty Collection"? These all felt as if they were "cushion firm," as you recommend for persons with bulging disks. There prices were obviously higher than the "fair value" price you mentioned for Stearns and Foster.  Thank you.

Hi David, The Manhattan Rest is a firm. The Manhattan Reserve is the cushion firm. The Reserve and the Golden Pavillion are the same. They are level 6 cushion firm, same as my Abbeville. My Chateau Paris firm is the same as the Manhattan Rest. The The Grand Ballroom Dreams is the level 9 plush. The cushion firm at that level is called Grand Ballroom Reserve, which is the same as my Chateau Vitre.

An Important Note: 

Any kind of moisture, be it from spills, accidents or perspiration causes a mattress to wear prematurely.

Protect your investment with high quality, Waterproof Mattress and Pillow Protectors that sleep cool and won't shrink.

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-protectors/

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

S&F, Stearns & Foster Reisling mattress

Chris of Los Angeles, writes:
Hi Peter,
My wife and I are on the market for a new king size mattress.  I am a side sleeper/stomach sleeper... I had a double disc-ectomy with fusion in my neck 7 years ago, so I think I need the support of a firm mattress. 
We've always been posturepedic people, but this time we're thinking of stepping up into a Stearns and Foster.
I've been reading your blog for a while, and feel you'll probably recommend the Reisling Euro Pillow top w/firm cushion (yes?) I haven't been able to find that to try it yet, and I even have your list of other names for the mattress too.
The two S&F mattresses I've found and liked are the Edwardian Room mattress in the Plaza Collection, and the Bouquet mattress in the Provincial Collection, both priced @ $1500 for a king set.
Do you have any thoughts on these two mattresses... and how they compare to the Reisling?  (Should I keep looking till I find someplace that I can try that mattress?)
I look forward to your thoughts.
Kind Regards, Chris

Hi Chris, $1500 is the right price for those mattresses. The Edwardian Room and the Bouquet are the same mattress. They are an entry level 0 in the S&F line. They have no memory foam and no latex. The Reisling is a level 4. It's a cushion firm pillowtop...softer than the two you saw, but not a soft bed. If you liked the feel of the the lewer level cushion firm, there's no reason not to buy it. You neck pain is better addressed with a pillow. Most people seem to like the latex pillows.

An Important Note: 

Any kind of moisture, be it from spills, accidents or perspiration causes a mattress to wear prematurely.

Protect your investment with high quality, Waterproof Mattress and Pillow Protectors that sleep cool and won't shrink.

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-protectors/

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.