The Mattress Expert

24 year old mattress

John of Radnor, writes:
Hey Peter, I've had the same bed for over 24 years. It's rag tag, mushy, lumpy, stained, sagging and generally mishappen. So I'm in the business of looking for a new one. I've gone to these so called sleep centers and some department stores (which are much more agreeable) and have become more confused that I ever thought possible. Which is better latex or synthetic rubber. I thought latex was synthetic rubber. Anyway, here's the story. Divorced 10 years ago. Won the bed in the custody battle. Met a girl 6 years ago. Dumped her after a month. No issue with the bed. Met a woman about 1 year ago. She wants a new bed (rightfully so). I want to hang on to this one so we've been bed shopping. She likes the soft, plush euro tops. I like the tight, firm latex (rubber) tight tops. A king won't fit in the room so we're looking at queens. Twins are out of the question. JcPenney had the best selection and price so far. But price is not the issue. What can you suggest?

TMI John, TMI. Synthetic latex is state of the art. We have all 6 Sealy SpringFree models for you to try, just over the bridge in Cherry Hill, NJ. The firm is likely to be too firm for her. The starting Beachside model has more of a medium feel, which I'm sure she'll find more comfortable.

Thanks, Pete

 

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/

 

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: themattressexpert@live.com

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

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Plush vs. Ultra Plush Mattress

Fi HS of NY, writes:
Please can you confirm what is the difference is between Plush and Ultra Plus. I ordered a replacement bed for an original Sealy Island Manor Plush. The replacement is Linden Springs Ultra Plush which the sales assistant told me was the same comfort level. However I am concerned that it will be too soft as it is Ultra Plush and not Plush. Please can you confirm what is the correct replacement for an Island Manor Plush ( which has now been discontinued).
Originally I ordered a posture Temp memory foam bed ( as they are so fashionable) but I am sending it back as it is rock hard, I can only assume this is because I sleep next to the air condtioner.( which in winter will be heater, and I fear then it will feel like jelly). The sales assistant at the time never told me hold temperature sensitive these beds were.
thank you in advance for youe help.

Actually, the older Posturepedics can still be ordered, but not for long. The replacement for the Island Manor would be a Reserve model. They are available in plush and ultra plush. Ultra plush is softer....not the same.

Thanks, Pete

 

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/

 

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: themattressexpert@live.com

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 Powell's Point mattress

Shelley of Cleveland, writes:
Hi! We bought a Sealy Powell's Point mattress in February, 2007. We were looking for the firmest Sealy (no pillow tips, plush, etc.) and a customer rep. sold us on the Powell's Point - however, it has more of a cushion top and now has over 1.5 inch body impressions in it. Levin Furniture will let us pick another to replace it. Could you recommend the firmest mattress that will hold up over time (no more dips!)
Thank you!

Hi Shelley. The firmest in the line is the Signature level 11 firm. Body impressions will occur, no matter what....in excess of 1.5" it's considered defective. The Sealy SpringFree Weybridge is the firmest in the latex line, which will give you the least body impression.

Thanks, Pete

 

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/

 

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: themattressexpert@live.com

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.

Happy on a Sealy Latex Mattress

Stu of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, writes:
Not a question, but a big thank you for the excellent information posted on your blog.
My wife and I had been "conventional" waterbed (i.e. bag of water, not motionless)users for over 30 years (until it wrecked my back). We had avoided all the mattress store horror stories that our friends told us- we knew the industry was rotten from the top (manufacturers) on down.
Following your advice, we purchsed a Sealy latex mattress (w/o pillowtop) at a very good price ($750) from a local store and we love it.
I only wish I lived in the NYC area so we could have given you the business.
Please keep up the great work, and we are telling our friends in your area what a great company you have (we know it's great by this blog).

Thank You Stu. I appreciate the good news. It's always nice to hear when someone is benefiting from this....and I appreciate the support.

Thanks, Pete

 

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/

 

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: themattressexpert@live.com

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 for pressure point issues

Maureen of Roswell, writes:
We have pressure point issues(hip and shoulder) and we were considering a Sealy Posturepedic mattress. Do you recommend this for us and if so, which one? We are trying to stay away from the polyurethane because of allergies.
We tested on the Kingsdown machine and it said that we should do a soft mattess. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Hi Maureen. Do you trust that machine? I don't. I get lots of people who right to me about a too soft mattress, that machine recommended. It's not a diagnostic, but a merchandising tool. It's there to help the salesman sell you that brand. If it's your hip and shoulder that hurts, the Posturepedics are likely to be of much help either. Consider a latex mattress, that has better contouring support and is the most durable. The Sealy SpringFree Beachside or River Crest would be the ones I'd have you try.
BTW, there's no totally getting away from poly foam. It's everywhere.

Thanks, Pete

 

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/

 

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: themattressexpert@live.com

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 for a restful nights sleep

Megan of La Plata. Maryland, writes:
You've provided terrific suggestions to my parents and aunt and uncle and now it's our turn! We're a young couple with a new born and now more than ever we need a restful nights sleep. The trouble? My husband feels the bed is too soft and he often wakes up the next morning with stiff lower back pain. He sleeps on his back. He's a very active individual and his job is physically demanding. At times he will sleep on the floor because his back is so stiff. I on the other hand prefer a softer mattress and sleep on my side. We currently have a pillow top mattress (Sealy I believe) and at only 5 years old the impressions in the pillow top are significant. We're disappointed and would love to find a replacement that will last longer than 5 years and be comfortable for both of us. Any suggestions?

Hi Megan. The longest lasting would be the Sealy SpringFree Beachside. Being a young couple with a new baby, there could very well be a budget issue. If that one is too expensive, the Sealy Posturepedic Dante Park plush would be the one to get. Both have some plushness, but neither is too soft. Even the less expensive of the two will last more than 5 years. The latex...more like 20.
And don't forget a mattress pad to protect the fabric. Babies = accidents.

Thanks, Pete

 

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/

 

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: themattressexpert@live.com

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 Signature Otter Trail Mattress

Judy of Santa Monica, writes:
Hi Peter,
Thanks for your blog, it has taught me a lot about mattresses. I have mild scoliosis, but it never gave my any problems or pain until recently. My previous mattress was a Simmons Beautyrest plush pillowtop called Newburg. It was very comfortable for about 1 1/2 years, and then I started experiencing low back pain. It took me awhile to realize that it was the mattress, and that this was common with pillowtops. After a year of pain, I finally decided on a Sealy signature Otter Trail firm. Unfortunately, the pain with this mattress was just as bad, but in slightly different places (more in my tailbone, and hips, and knees). I ordered two 1" latex toppers from foambymail.com, and they helped somewhat, so that I can stand to sleep on the mattress, but I still have bad pain for most of the rest of the day. I'm thinking that I went from too soft to too hard. My sister has a mattress in her guest room that I always find comfortable, and several nights sleeping on that bed seems to relieve most of my pain. That bed is a St. Julien Plush (Sealy), but it is several years old, so I can't purchase an identical one. The store where I purchased the Otter Trail will let me have one exchange. I tried the Otter Trail Plush, and the Paleseed latex, and found both comfortable, but now realize that I won't really know until I spend an entire night on the new bed. They will let me trade for the Otter Trail plush for $200 (which would be the 20% restocking fee) or the Paleseed for $400 (restocking fee plus $200 price difference). I'm afraid to go for the latex in case I am one of the people for whom it isn't suitable, and this is my one shot at an exchange. Do you think the Otter Trail plush (a Signature level) will work for me? I'm 5'10" and 130 lbs. (I thought I would mention for your other readers that I bought a terrycloth zippered cover from foambymail and it seems to work well at keeping the topper in place, if they are having problems with the toppers sliding around.) Thanks very much!

Hi Judy. Thanks for the info on the toppers.
You are one of those who will likely not react well to the contouring support of latex. Stay with the Otter Trail plush.
Just to double check, the ultra plush in that series is likely to be too soft for you. The regular "plush" is fine. It'll be most like the one at your sister's house.

Thanks, Pete

 

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/

 

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: themattressexpert@live.com

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 14 year old S&F, Stearns and Foster

Brigitte of Burke,VT, writes:
After sleeping on the most wonderful 1993/94 Stearns and Foster king mattress for the last 14 years, we had to finally part with it, due to a move and having to store our furniture. We were not sure it would be worth keeping (WRONG!). It was one of the early pillowtops (both sides) from the "Majesty Collection" at Dillards dept store in Houston,TX. I know this is going way back and they have completely changed. It was firm to medium firm, but soft when you got into the bed. It was heaven. After 14 years it had some body impressions, but nothing like the reviews I have been reading on S&F. I guess most people only review when they are unhappy. My husband and I are stumped as to what to get now. We bought a S&F SilverDream and loved it the very first night,but a week later can't move around in the bed. My husband has a difficult time even getting up, because he says there is no "push back."?? It did not seem to have Memory foam as one of the upper layers, but you still feel enveloped by the mattress. We can't move during the night. We are not so sure about whether it might be the pillowcoils on the eurotops. My husband has had several back/neck fusions, and I have scoliosis (sorry, way too much info here!) I know we should have stuck to a firm bed and we have a 30 day exchange, but I have no idea what to get. The dealer seems to be a fairly new S&F dealer, but is trying to get us what we need. They are not too familiar with all of the comparable names/specs. They are checking with their factory rep. We have considered the Chateau Vitre (you mentioned it on your blog), but it still has the pillow coils in the topper. If S&F has the best innerspring mattress, I'm not sure I want to have all these other layers in between. Is there a medium firm mattress with a simple pilowtop in the lineup that would give us a comfortable sleep but have "push back" when you move? We don't like memory foam at all.
Thank you for your time and all of the great information on your blog. I have spent several nights reading your blog, since I can't sleep on our "top of the line" mattress. Brigitte

Hi Brigitte. Well, it's easy to understand how and why you have the Silver Dream. But, lots have changed in 14 years. I had a S&F pillowtop from back then. It was very comfortable for a very long time. But, like I said, lots have changed...and not for the better. When all the factories saw that a little softer mattress was good, they took it to the illogical conclusion that more and more was better and better. Really, it's not unlike an addiction. They push soft, soft, soft...everyone loves the luxuriousness and can't get enough....then you're hooked on something that's bad for you. Everybody has a bad back, but continue to go to their local pusher for a soft mattress fix....and more is better, right?! Wrong!. And no, I haven't been smoking anything...I'm like this naturally. Ok, enough ranting,
Since you went so high up the line, it's financially traumatic to come too far down the line. The Chateau Vitre is the best value at the high end. I'm sure you'll find that one to be much more sleepable. That's a level 9 cushion firm eurotop.

Thanks, Pete

 

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/

 

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: themattressexpert@live.com

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.

Simmons Waverly Pillowtop Mattress

Denise B of Chicago, writes:
Hi Peter, I have a few questions regarding mattress choices. I first purchased a Simmons Pillowtop Waverly mattress from HSN and it was a disaster. The mattress was far too soft, not to mention it was far too huge even in a queen size for my room. After many phonecalls, they refunded me for the mattress, and I had to go in search of a new mattress.
I went to Macy's and narrowed it down to the Sealy Greer Eurotop and the Sealy Adrian.
I decided on the Sealy Greer Euro top and opted for a low profile box-spring and low profile frame because I did not want my bed to be too high off the ground. The new mattress arrived and the height of it all (boxspring, mattress, frame) are fine.
My questions/concerns are 1) Is there any difference in firmness or support that the low profile boxsprings provide vs. a standard size boxspring?
2) Are eurotop and pillowtop the same?
3) Firmness in a mattress is important for me, but I also need a bit of cushion there - what is your thought in durability in the Sealy Greer Eurotop vs. Sealy Greer tight top?
4) Would there be any point in investing in a firm mattress topper as well to go over the mattress - that is if there is such a thing as a firm mattress topper.
I hope you can provide some insight and answers to these questions. I have a little time to decide on keeping it or switching to another mattress. I like the mattress, but have not become very worried about mattresses going soft over time. I appreciate your comments and responses to the many questions that come in. The mattress blogger has been of great benefit in learning about mattress purchases. Thank you in advance for all the info you provide here. Best Regards,

Hi Denise. What you have is a euro-pillowtop, which means it's a thick pillowtop. A regular pillowtop is thinner. A eurotop is different...more like an extended tight top. Generally, a tight top keeps its shape better over time, than a pillowtop. The good news is that you didn't go too far up the line for it to be a real problem. The Greer, a level 7 Reserve, is a very good value. The plush tight top at that level is exceedingly popular. And lastly, there's no real way to firm up a too soft mattress. 

Thanks, Pete

 

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/

 

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: themattressexpert@live.com

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.

Need a New Mattress While I Wait for the Movers

Kate of San Francisco, writes:
Hi Peter, I've just moved to California, and am shopping for a new mattress while I wait for the movers to arrive with my furniture. I'm 5'7", about 200 pounds, with fibromyalgia - and the right mattress makes all the difference. Can you suggest which latex mattress to look at? I'd like to test a Sealy Springfree, although I am having a surprising amount of difficulty finding anyone who has them on their floor. Also, I did try an Englander latex yesterday, and it was quite comfortable. Would you please comment on the Englander vs. the Sealy latex? Thank you for your guidance!

Hi Kate. Latex is a great product. It's the other stuff you put with it that becomes the problem, so the less of it the better. Just check the specs for the model you're considering. The salesman may or may not know them. The manager certainly should. Spec shetts are provided by the factory....ask to see it. We choose to carry Sealy only. Over the years, it's become clear to me that Sealy and S&f products are the least problematic. Their service is good, too. I would suggest not getting a pillowtop. There are tight tops that are plush enough for your fibro. And you can always get a feather topper for more surface softness. Most pillowtops have too much depth of softness, which takes away from the support.

Thanks, Pete

 

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/

 

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: themattressexpert@live.com

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.