The Mattress Expert

DDD, Ultra soft latex foam mattress

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 ddd 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 with lots of soft poly foam...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...if not disappear all together.
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 perception.

If the underside is too stiff to sleep on comfortably, you can add a 2" soft Talalay Latex foam mattress topper. This will give you the syrface comfort you want, without sacrificing the firm suport under it. Shown here:

http://themattressexpert.com/talalay-dunlop-latextoppers/

Thanks, Pete

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

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Latex foam mattress toppers

Beatrice writes:
 
Are you still selling a latex toppers? When I visited your website, I couldn't find them.
Thanks, Bea
 
Hi Bea,
We sure are!

Click on "Latex Toppers" from our main menu under the banner, and there they are.
Better still, just click on this link.
http://themattressexpert.com/talalay-dunlop-latextoppers/
 
 

Thanks, Pete

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

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

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Stearns & Foster Heidi or Twila w/Latex Foam Mattress Topper

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 a latex foam mattress topper for more comfort.                                                                We're spoiled by the Spring Air pillowtop 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. 
http://themattressexpert.com/talalay-dunlop-latextoppers/

Thanks, Pete

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

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

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A Firm Latex Foam Mattress for herniated discs.

Anna writes:
 
First of all, your site is very informative and we are really hoping you
can help us. Our current mattress is over 11 yrs old, and causes both
myself and my husband to wake up tired and sore. We have been mattress
shopping and are having a difficult time deciding the best way to go. To
give you some background, I have had 4 back surgeries including a spinal
fusion, two disc surgeries, and bone removed to help widen my spine. (I
have a very narrow spinal canal so any herniation of my discs causes
pain with my nerves). I basically have degenerative disc disease from
L2-S1. I have a lot of scar tissue which causes me pain as well. In
addition to that I have neck pain which they say is frozen neck, as well
as fibromyalgia. My biggest problem is that my back is so sensitive that
a firm mattress is very uncomfortable. The latex S&F bed seemed to be the most
comfortable one we tried in the showroom, but everything you have
indicated seems to point away from latex for people with disc issues. We
are both back/side sleepers, and I especially turn throughout the night
because pain wakes me or I can't find a comfortable position. We have
tried tempurpedic and don't like it at all. I have trouble sleeping on
firm mattresses because of the pressure on my back and we both like the
feel of plush mattresses. Please help recommend something that may
benefit both of us and help me get a good night sleep. Thanks!!

 
Hi Anna,
It depends, mostly, on your weight and what you choose.
Latex with a hernitaed disc can be iffy. Generally, a herniated disc requires firm support.
If you are going with the firm model, you are likely to be ok with that.
You can always add a topper to soften the surface without sacrifficing the firm support.
If you are heavier and go with a softer feeling mattress, your disc problems are likely to be painful for you.
Personally, I have many back problems and am a larger fellow, to put it gently.
My orthopedist put it less gently, when he told me I have all these problems because my fat ass has been sitting at a desk all my life.
Normally, I would take offense to that, but he was only trying to be helpful...and I did tell him to give it to me straight.
But, I digress.
I have an all latex mattress. I puchased the plush and found it too soft for me. I flipped it over, which is the same feel as the firm and found it less comfortable than I like.
My wife and I now use it with a 2" soft latex topper, and it's just right.
Here are the links to the firmer latex models and the toppers.
http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-brands/all-natural-latex/evereden-latex-models/
http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-brands/all-natural-latex/pure-latexbliss/
http://themattressexpert.com/talalay-dunlop-latextoppers/

Thanks, Pete

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.

 

Ever-Eden & Pure Bliss all-natural Latex foam mattresses

James writes
 
Hi, 
I saw your blog and your website. I like what you have to say about
the S&F Latex line, and am curious when you would buy one with, or
without, the coils. (I saw the newly releases non-coiled mentioned on
your site.) Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
Hi James,
The S&F latex line has no coils. There are coiled units in their regular line that have some latex, but that is a completely different thing. 
An all latex mattress has always been the best mattresses available. S&F Latex is synthetic and their latex mattresses have poly foam on top. We also carry the Pure Bliss and Ever-Eden all natural, all latex foam mattresses. Here are links to both.

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-brands/all-natural-latex/evereden-latex-models/
http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-brands/all-natural-latex/pure-latexbliss/

Thanks, Pete

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

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Mattress warranties and inspections

Joni writes:
 
Mr. Cancelli, 
I am a mattress inspector for a medium sized inspection
firm in the US. I received very little training when I acquired my
position due to a relocation of my husband's (former) employer. I enjoy
your site immensely. I find your site to be very informative and
provides me with much needed information to assist each of my customers
to the best of my ability. Therefore I say thank you. The reason for my
contact is not only to thank you but to also solicit any additional
information you might provide me. I love my job and my husband has now
"joined forces" with me and we are now aspiring to create a family
business that we enjoy. I am currently doing my research to find my way
at establishing my own mattress inspection firm. If you could provide me
with any opinions, advise or further direction for information I would
greatly appreciate it. I value your opinion and direct customers to your
site for further research of their bedding selection. Thank you for your
time and attention to my inquiry. Joni 
 
Hi Joni,
I'm happy to hear that there is a mattress inspector who is interested in perfecting her craft and caring for the people she serves. Inspectors around here don't do a very thorough job of it and no one seems to care. 
A proper inspection includes all members of the sleep system...mattress, boxspring and frame.
A customer often perceives their problem as being the fault of the mattress. Sometimes the problem is the boxspring or inadequate support from the frame.
When you don't inspect all of it, you can go through the trouble and expense of exchanging a mattress unnecessarily...only to have the problem reoccur.
When this happens, your expense was for nothing and your customer loses trust that you know what you're doing.
A thorough inspection takes only a few minutes longer to perform...and is well worth the time and effort.

Thanks, Pete

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

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Osteoporosis, Sclerosis and Arthritis needs a soft latex foam mattress topper

Tony writes:
 
Hi Peter, My wife has Osteoporosis, Sclerosis and Arthritis and her
Orthopedic Surgeon suggested she sleep on an Egg Crate mattress topper.
I know nothing about the material these are made of and wonder if you
can offer any suggestions. Are some made of latex foam and others of                                    memory foam and if so which one would you suggest. Also, can I purchase this
from your store? Thank you for your help. Tony 
 
Hi Tony,
Toppers are designed to soften the top of a mattress that is too firm. Of all the different types, latex is the most durable, and most comfortable.
Two inches of soft latex does a fine job.
Here's the link to our 100% all natural latex toppers.
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Accessories/
 

Thanks, Pete

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.

 

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 and a delivery charge. But it's certainly better than buying a new mattress outright.

Thanks, Pete

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.

 

Hip & Shoulder Pain, Latex Foam Mattress or Topper

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 pain and tendonitis pain 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.

What do you recommend? I was told memory foam was good--euopean pillowtops 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 foam 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. 
Here are some links to follow...best choice mattress 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 car, it was a piece of junk too. 

Simmons Beautyrest World Class Annapolis Place in luxury firm

A 2" Soft All-Natural Talalay Latex Foam Mattress Topper

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-brands/all-natural-latex/pure-latexbliss/

Thanks, Pete

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 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 synthetic latex w/ poly foam on top. 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

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.