The Mattress Expert

My wife and I are needing to replace our Simmons Beautyrest Black mattress.

Gary & Melody write:

 

Hi Pete,

My wife and I are needing to replace our mattress.

And me being a research fanatic, I found your site, AND LOVE it, and all you've educated us with!  

A million thanks for your well-written documentation, and frankness.  

Your "need to know" page is the BEST ever!

 

Apologies in advance for such a long email!  

Here's our situation, followed by the usual questions you receive from all of us.

 

In 2008 my wife and I bought our very first expensive mattress, and we have LOVED it since day one!!  

13 years later, for the most part, we still love it today, but its body divots are a bit much.  

We need to replace it.  We bought a queen Simmons Beautyrest Black, Executive (paid about $2,800).  

You can confirm if my memory serves me or not, but I recall stats on this bed were something like...around 2,000 coils(?), latex, sides covered in cashmere.  

There is ZERO jiggle when the other gets into or out of bed, or when turning.  

We bought the thinner box spring for it. We are now 63 & 66 and we still sleep VERY comfortably in it.  

We want to replace it with the same type/firmness of bed.

 

Given all that you've written, we only want another bed with similar, if not exactly the same design....a ton of coils, and latex.  NO MEMORY FOAM.  Cost is not an issue.  

I weigh 195 (6'-0"ft), and she weighs 135 (5'-4").  I sleep 85% on sides, 15% back.  

She sleeps 5% side, 95% back.  I have no body aches/pains.  

My wife has minor aches/pain in lower left back and left hip.

 

So far, it looks like the Natura of Canada Greenspring pocketed coil & latex may be a match?

I don't know if the Firm or Luxury Firm is the closest match to our Beautyrest Black?

 

We have the old metal frame.  

We have a head board with storage doors (yes, it's from the 80's), and if both the Greenspring mattress and foundation are 12" each, that will put the mattress high for the headboard.  

Question: if both are 12" high, can the foundation/mattress sit directly on the floor?  

Does the warranty require the mattress/foundation be ON a frame, or is the carpeted floor OK?  

Is either OK?

 

Q:  Was the latex in our 2008 Beautyrest mattress Talalay or Dunlop?

 

Q:  What do you think about Greenspring as a match, and if so, which one?  

 

Q:  If not Greenspring, what brand/type do you recommend to be closest to our Beautyrest Black?  

 

Thanks very much for your time and expertise, and if you have any questions, please ask.

Gary & Melody

 

Good Morning Gary & Melody,

That was an excellent quality mattress, but now, it’s gone.

Simmons still makes a “Black” Beautyrest, but since being sold to investors, they’ve switched to memory foam upholstery.

 

The motion reduction comes from the individually pocketed coils, which all move independently from the others. The coil count depends on how you look at it.

Some fuzzy math was involved. In a queen size, there were 900 pockets.

The coil “density” was 1000, which meant that 1000 pocketed coils would fit, had it not been for the foam encasement around the perimeter of the mattress.

Each pocket had one wire co figured into two coils…hence the 2000 coil count.

 

The Natura of Canada Greenspring is the highest quality mattress I was able to find while shopping at the industry trade shows.

The coil count in queen is 1020…using heavy gauge double tempered steel.

Beautyrest coils for a plush model uses thinner, non-tempered steel.

 

There was a little latex in yours, a little memory foam and mostly poly foam.

The Natura mattress is mostly latex and a little plant based poly foam.

 

Due to the high density and quality of the components, the Ultra Plush model is the most comfortable, without being too soft.

That’s the one my wife and I sleep on at home, and it's our most popular mattress...with zero complaints.

Ours is several years old and still in like new condition, despite the fact that we are each over 200 lbs.

The Ultra Plush is the model I recommend for you.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices.

https://themattressexpert.com/liberty-ultra-plush/

The mattress is 13.5" thick. Order the 5" foundation to go with it and keep your frame.

White glove delivery is free and there’s no sales tax.

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Lower Back Pain is worse on a Tempur-pedic and Endy Mattress.

Ella writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I've come across your site many times and thought I'd reach out. 

I am 42 and suffer from a sports hernia and hip joint issue. 

Due to my injuries, I have a weakened core and suffer lower back pain if my core is not supported properly. 

I sleep on my side/tummy. 

I cannot have a bed that allows my core to sink, and it can't be too hard that my hips feel pressure.  

I am 35 lbs over weight, that seems to remain consistent no matter what I do!

I have been sleeping on an Endy mattress for 2.5 years and hate it.  

I have more pain now than ever and I can hardly get out of the bed in the morning because of it.  

I thought my injury was just getting worse until last week when I stayed at holiday inn express for 3 nights and quickly realized I had no pain in the morning. Since being back home, I can hardly walk.  

Before Endy we had a Tempur-Pedic which also caused me crippling pain. 

The hubby isn't a fan of the Endy, either.  

He sleeps back/side and has had upper back and neck pain ever since we got this stupid bed.  

Can you suggest a bed for us?

Thanks, Ella

 

Hello Ella,

An individually pocketed coil unit is designed to maintain the natural alignment of the spine, which is the best you can do to relieve pain from disc related back problems.

The worst you can do is any mattress upholstered with memory foam.

Memory foam softens as it warms from your body heat, allowing you to sink, which throws off your spine's alignment. Any mattress upholstered with memory foam will make any back problems worse.

That hotel mattress used an individually pocketed coil and no memory foam.

 

We specialize in mattresses that have no memory foam in them.

You have a couple of options at different price points.

I'm recommending the Wolf Brolynn Old Fashioned Two Sided Mattress.

You’ll what that in the choice of “Plush” for the surface comfort you need.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices.

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/two-sided-mattresses/

 

Since your current foundation is only a couple of years old, it won’t need to be replaced.

The Wolf mattress ships quickly, via ups…arriving in about a week.

 

UPS delivery is free and there’s no sales tax.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

What has replaced the old Simmons Beautyrest mattresses?

Lani writes:

 

Hi Pete,

As far back as 2000 I bought mattresses from our local furniture store.

They would ask if I wanted “plush” and I always said yes. 

Every mattress we bought was a Simmons Beautyrest and all were the most comfortable mattresses ever. 

All kept their shape…no sagging anywhere regardless of the size of the person sleeping on it. 

Now, I cannot find such mattresses and when I read the reviews of the replacement models, many people complain of the sagging. 

I recently bought a Simmons Beautyrest mattress, locally, for $3000 and there is sagging in the first year. 

Price doesn’t seem to matter when it comes to knowing whether or not your mattress will end up sagging.

 

I still have two of my original mattresses. 

One is a Simmons Beautyrest Classic Theodora Plush Firm.

The other is a Simmons Beautyrest World Class Wilmington Luxury Firm.

My question is, what has replaced these models and are they reliable not to sag?

 

Mahalo, Lani

 

 

Hi Lani,

Simmons is the only one of the name brands that has had a manufacturing facility in Hawaii.

Unfortunately, they’ve been sold to investors who have driven down the quality by using memory foam upholstery. The same is true for all of the major brands.

 

There must be hundreds of small independent mattress manufacturers across the country. 

It’s hard to believe that there isn’t one or two somewhere on the islands.

Do a google search for mattress manufacturers in Hawaii.

If you find any, look for two things…mattresses made using an individually pocketed coil system and mattresses made with no memory foam in them.

 

Your old Beautyrests would have had that type of coil system and upholstery that was either polyurethane foam or polyurethane and latex foams.

 

Nothing Simmons makes, today, is worth buying.

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Simmons and Saatva Mattresses gave me severe back pain.

Robert writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I recently purchased a couple of different mattresses.

One was a Simmons Beautyrest extra firm, and a Saatva innerspring firm mattress.

Both mattresses gave me severe back pain.

The Simmons Beautyrest mattress was too hard on my back and gave me severe back pain after 30 days.

The Saatva mattress kind of sunk in the middle after 40-45 days of use.

I am on the heavier side, around 235 pounds with 6 ft in height.

 

I read on your blog about the latex mattresses and its benefits.  

What are some of your recommendations in this category?  

I am really looking for a mattress that can alleviate the back pain.

 

I saw from your website, that latex mattress can be full latex or can be hybrid (innerspring and latex). 

How do I choose between these two categories?

For folks on the heavier side, such as me, what is your best recommendation?

Thanks for your advice!

Best, Robert

 

Hi Robert,

There is much more to choosing a mattress than simply the degree of firmness and softness.

To listen to all the advertising and sales pitches, you'd think that today's mattresses are all high quality. 

They aren't.

In fact, none of the name brands are made well enough to hold a large person for any length of time much beyond a year, or so.

The product in these mattresses that causes them to fail, is the memory foam upholstery.

Memory foam is a dream material, enhancing profits for the manufacturers and retailers, by causing mattresses to need frequent replacing...creating a nightmare for the consumer.

Memory foam is a temperature sensitive material that softens as it warms from your body heat.

Being so, memory foam will fail under people a lot lighter in weight than you.

To make a successful long term purchase, you must avoid mattresses with memory foam in them.

 

You're on the right track, with looking at latex. 

But, an all foam mattress...even one made entirely of high quality latex, may or may not be right for you.

What an all foam mattress does not provide, is push back support against your spine.

If you have any disc related back problems, you'd be better off with an innerspring mattress that's upholstered with latex...for the support worn discs require.

This condition is more common, the older and heavier we are.

I have several disc problems, being both, older and on the heavy side.

You can read more about that here...which will help you decide what's best for you.

https://themattressexpert.com/choosing-a-mattress-to-relieve-back-pain/

 

If an innerspring and latex mattress is best for you, the best made is:

Natura of Canada Greenspring.

Click on this link to view that line of mattresses. Click on each model to view specifications and prices:

 

https://themattressexpert.com/natura-greenspring-pocketed-coil-mattresses/

 

My wife and I sleep on the Ultra Plush model.

Our mattress is more than 6 years old and still in like new condition...each of us weighing more than 200 lbs.

I have a number of disc problems in my back. Yet, I sleep and wake without back pain.

 

These mattresses come with White Glove Delivery.

Delivery includes set-up in your bedroom and removal of all packing materials.

Delivery is Free throughout the US & Canada...and there's NO sales tax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Very expensive Tempurpedic mattress sagging after only 2 years.

Jeff writes:

 

Hi Pete,

We have a very expensive Tempurpedic mattress that is sagging after only 2 years.

I called the store to complain. They sent out an inspector, who measures the depth of the body impressions.

Those impressions measured 1" and we were told that they are within the normal range.

The sinking of the mattress is much worse when we're on it, but the inspector said that it didn't matter.

It matters to us. We are stuck with a mattress that is causing me back pain and my wife, hip pain.

What makes all this worse, is that we are still making payment on this pos.

Do I have any recourse with the store or Tempurpedic?

What can I do about this, short of buying a new mattress that we can't afford?

Thanks, Jeff

 

Hi Jeff,

You have no recourse with the factory or the retailer.

Memory foam is specifically designed to cause a mattress to need frequent replacing.

Memory foam is the only upholstery material that is temperature sensitive.

(As memory foam warms from your body heat, it softens, allowing you to sink into it.)

The diabolical part of memory foam is that it returns to its original shape, or close enough to it, as to make it highly unlikely that you prevail in a warranty claim.

 

Here's what you can do about it.

Flip the mattress over. The only bad part of the mattress is the memory foam, and that is only on top.

The memory foam is supported by firm, high density polyurethane foam....which is NOT temperature sensitive.

The flip side, as is, will relieve your back pain, but only exacerbate your wife's hip pain.

For both, relieving your back pain AND relieving your wife's hip pain:

Add a Suite Sleep All Natural, 3" Soft Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress Topper to the flip side of that mattress.

Shown here:

 

https://themattressexpert.com/latex-toppers/suite-sleep-toppers/

 

This has worked for many before you with the same problem.

(You aren't alone.)

 

FedEx shipping is free and there's no sales tax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

After spending thousands of dollars on mattresses...

Val writes:

 

Hi Pete, 

After spending thousands of dollars on mattresses, sleep number, latex toppers, all end up with an indentation where we sleep, and we're not big people.

20 years ago, we LOVED our Stearns & Foster. I've read your advice. Nothing is the same these days.

My husband is the “I want to lay on it, see it in person guy” so where can we do that around here? 

Any distributors in our area?

Thanks so much!

Val

 

Hi Val,
I’m sorry. What you want no longer exists.

Most mattresses, today, are upholstered with memory foam. 

This makes your husband's insistence upon "trying before buying" absolutely worthless.

Memory foam is highly deceptive by its nature.

That is to say, how a memory foam upholstered mattress feels when new, is quite different from how it will feel only a few months later.

It's not like the old days, 20 years ago, when what you chose remained supportive and comfortable for many years.

As long as you and your husband persist in doing this, I'm sorry to say that you will be spending thousands of dollars more before awakening from your dream.

 

Best advice? Shop for mattresses that have no memory foam in them.

 

We specialize in such mattresses, but you won't be able to try before buying.

If you bought a latex topper that didn't wear well, you can bet it was made in China, where they make cheap latex by adding fillers. Pure, all natural latex wears extremely well.

We sell no latex that's made in China.

 

  

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Sealy mattress "breaking down" within a few months of purchase.

Ruth writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I have a twin bed and had purchased a Sealy mattress in January of this year.

Just last month, I purchased a new box spring.

The mattress started "breaking down" within a few months of purchase. It's sagging in the middle.

I thought the box spring would help, but it didn't.

 

I'd like to know what mattress you would recommend for a 200 pound 66 year old woman.

The most I could pay would be $500 to $600.

I thank you for your time.

Sincerely, Ruth

 

Hi Ruth,.

The problem, specifically, is the memory foam upholstery in that mattress.

Since Tempurpedic bought Sealy, you can no longer buy a good quality Sealy mattress.

They are, all, junk.

 

You can use the box spring you have.

The Wolf Old Fashioned Two-Sided Mattress is at your price point and is much better quality than any mattress that any of the 'name brands' make today.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices:

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/two-sided-mattresses/

 

I recommend the Plush choice of comfort for you.

 

UPS shipping is free and there’s no sales tax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Flipping a Sealy SpringFree latex mattress.

Barbara writes:

 

 

Hi Pete,

I bought a Sealy SpringFree latex mattress, about 15 to 20 years ago.

5 to 10 years into it, it started showing a permanent dip in middle. 

I called Sealy. They were no help.

I did put a 2" latex topper on it, which helped for a while, but now my lower back is killing me, 

I'm now 65, with many pressure points. 

I was told by Sealy not to flip the mattress, but I saw some of the Q&As on your blog, where you suggested flipping it and adding a soft Talalay latex topper?

Any advice appreciated, oh my aching back.

Barbara

 

Hi Barbara,

Sealy wants you to buy new.

Flipping your mattress and adding your topper is a trick that often works and costs you nothing to try.

Try it. Your back will feel better.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Sealy Posturepedic Mattress sagging after 75 days.

Damon writes:

 

Hi Pete,

A year ago, I bought a Sealy Posturepedic West Salem Firm king firm mattress.

It was great for about 75 days, then began sagging and body contouring causing me hip and leg pain.  

I weigh about 245, sleep on back, my wife is 130 side sleeper.  We kept it for a year and took it back.

 

Next, we bought a Beauty-rest Silver BRS900 Extra Firm.  It's probably a little to firm and not that comfy.  

Although, it's not as bad as the Sealy. I feel it's probably heading down the path of body contouring in places.  

We just got back from the in-laws and their 15 year old guest bed has more edge support and less sagging than on 3 month old bed. We only have a couple weeks to return within our sleep trial so need to get something ASAP

 

I have seen you post some about hybrid innerspring with latex and no memory foam from Wolf. 

Do you think that is a good choice?  

Is Wolf good for this or is there another brand? 

What do you think?

Thanks, Damon

 

Hi Damon,

The Wolf Pocketed Coil/Hybrids are an excellent choice.

The Adara is better for your size, but The Tulah is more comfortable...better suited to a female side sleeper.

Shown here:

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/wolf-mattresses/wolf-hybrid-mattress/

 

The problems you’ve been experiencing are due to the memory foam upholstery.

That old guest bedroom mattress and the hotel mattress had no memory foam.

Hotel mattresses, without memory foam, are not available at retail stores....only through the hotels.

And, as you see, they charge an arm and a leg for them.

 

Avoiding mattresses made with memory foam is the key.

Those Wolf mattresses will hold up quite well.

The double tempered steel coils and latex upholstery make them quite substantial.

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

A Latex Topper for a Simmons Beautyrest Recharge Luxury Firm mattress.

Courtney writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I am 5’7", 140 pounds, and my husband is 6’, 170 pounds. We believe it’s 6-8 years old.

Currently, we have a Simmons Beautyrest Recharge Luxury Firm mattress.

It has indentations on both sides of the mattress where we each sleep, and is higher in the middle.

Both my husband and I suffer from muscle-induced back pain, as well as hip pain from side sleeping.

Would you recommend replacing the mattress or purchasing the Suite Sleep Organic Latex topper?

https://themattressexpert.com/latex-toppers/suite-sleep-toppers/

Thanks for your help, Courtney

 

 

Hi Courtney,

It would be a waste of money to put a latex topper on a mattress that is already visibly worn.

The time to add a latex topper to a Simmons Beautyrest mattress, is when it's new.

The latex topper will prevent the premature wear that is common with a Simmons Beautyrest mattress.

 

For similar money, you can have a new mattress with latex in it.

The Wolf Tulah Plush Eurotop mattress is very well made.

It uses the same kind of coil system that’s in your Beautyrest.

The coils in the Tulah are stronger than those used in the Beautyrest.

It provides excellent support and pressure relieving surface comfort and far better longevity than you can get from any Simmons Beautyrest made today.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices:

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/wolf-mattresses/wolf-hybrid-mattress/

 

Shipping is free and there’s no sales tax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.