The Mattress Expert

Time to replace our 17 year old Stearns and Foster Knightsbridge pillowtop mattress.

William writes:

 

Hi Pete,

My wife and I have loved sleeping on our 17 year old Stearns and Foster Knightsbridge pillowtop mattress. 

But I think it's getting time to replace it. 

It doesn't seem horrible, but was wondering about what would be best replacement. 

Or, should we try a latex topper?

We are both around 200lbs, some side sleeping but mostly on our backs.

We're looking to choose between the Saatva or the Natura GreenSpring.

If you could help give some input on these, I would be much appreciative.

Thanks, William

 

Hi William,

Your mattress is older than you think. It’s likely to be about 20+ years old.

It was one of the best mattresses S&F ever produced.

S&F is now owned by Tempurpedic.

Nothing they make today comes close to the quality of the Knightsbridge.

 

We had been a Sealy/S&F dealer for many years prior to Tempurpedic buying them.

The sale of those companies to Tempurpedic is what sent us shopping at the industry trade shows for high quality alternatives.

The Natura of Canada Greenspring is what we found to replace S&F.

The specifications of the Natura of Canada Greenspring mattresses exceed those of S&F mattresses when S&F was “The Cadillac of the Industry”.

 

I hear lots of complaints from Saatva customers, which is likely due to them using latex that’s processed in China.

 

We’ve sold a ton of these Natura mattresses since 2013, and without a single complaint. 

It’s what my wife and I sleep on at home.

We’ve had ours for 9 years, and it’s still in like new condition, despite each of us weighing more than 200 lbs.

We sleep on the ultra plush model, which is their most comfortable.

Due to the high quality of the components, it’s not as soft as it sounds.

It strikes me as ideal for the two of you.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices.

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

 

This mattress comes with white glove delivery.

Delivery includes setup in your bedroom and removal of all packaging materials.

Delivery is free

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

 

A waterproof mattress protector will extend the life of any mattress, keeping it clean and dry.

https://themattressexpert.com/waterproof-mattress-protectors-encasements/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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I've been searching for a mattress that will last longer than all these horrible reviews I keep reading.

Tiffany writes:

 

 

Hi Pete,

I've been searching for a mattress that will last longer than all these horrible reviews I keep reading.  

I've had my current Cali King mattress (Serta Perfect Sleeper, Artistry Collection (Odani)) for over 20 yrs. old now. 

Yes, it's still awesome and I'm still sleeping on it and of course they do not make them anymore. 

I'm about to move into my new house, so I'm ready to say goodbye and replace it.  

I've been looking at Stearns and Foster and after doing reviews on numerous websites and the BBB I learned a few things:

1.  Weight restrictions on beds.  Some beds only hold the weight of 500 lbs., so if you and your partner's combined weight exceed this don't buy certain mattresses.

2.  Make sure the frame for the bed will hold you and your partner and the weight of the mattress and box springs.  

3.  Make sure if you do not purchase a box spring that you pay attention to the frame the mattress will sit on.  

The spacing in the planks will also cause the mattress to sag in time.

 

With this being said, I was told by numerous people in the mattress industry, as well as reviews, that Stearns and Foster mattresses sag in the middle because they weren't made with enough support in that area. 

Tragic, most people eventually migrate to the center of the mattress during the night.  

So, moving on from them. It just seems every mattress I look at the reviews always state how the bed sags within the first 2-3 yrs. of owning it.  

I've tried three mattresses at this store in Huntsville, AL. 

Of course, there is no literature online about them and the company's salespeople do not know anything about them, except for the fact that they were made exclusively for that store. So, I can't even read reviews on them.  

I am looking for a pillow top mattress over 14" high, med/firm

Thanks, Tiffany

 

Hi Tiffany,

The only thing that’s true, about the information you have so far, is that most mattresses aren’t made nearly as well as they had been. Your notion as to why is completely wrong.

What most of today’s mattresses have in them that your 20 year old Serta doesn’t have in it, is memory foam upholstery.

 

All of the mattresses that you’ve asked me about are upholstered with memory foam.

All of the name brand mattresses that you could once trust to make a quality product have been sold. 

Sealy and Stearns & Foster were purchased by Tempurpedic.

The investment group that bought Serta also bought Simmons.

 

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

Not only is it a poor quality product, memory foam also off gasses the toxic chemicals from which memory foam is made…creating a health hazard.

 

And, a mattress with a pillowtop will show wear faster than one without.

 

What you say you want won’t work for you for very long.

Since your mattress is "Still Awesome" I recommend that you take it with you when you move.

DO NOT BUY A NEW MATTRESS!

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

 

A waterproof mattress protector will extend the life of any mattress, keeping it clean and dry.

https://themattressexpert.com/waterproof-mattress-protectors-encasements/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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Time to replace a Simmons Beautyrest Plush Mattress.

Robin writes:

 

Hello Pete,

My husband and I are ready to purchase a new mattress.  

Our favorite mattress in the house was inherited from our grandmother. 

It was a Simmons Beautyrest Expedition Plush Mattress. It's time to replace it.

We read your blog recommendation for a modern equivalent. 

But before purchasing, I wanted to share some of our needs and see if the equivalent is the best fit.

 

I am 5’4” and 120 pounds.  My husband is 5’10” and weighs 175.  We mostly sleep on our stomach or side.  

I’ve been having issues with pressure points from my hips.  My husband needs firms back support. 

Our bed frame is beautiful but only provides a wood frame around the edges of the mattress and three horizontal wood slats.  For our current mattress we added a vertical two by four to the center of the frame to provide an extra touch point with the floor.

 

We appreciate your guidance!

Thank you, Robin

 

Hi Robin,

At your sizes, the Wolf Tulah Plush Eurotop Mattress is the perfect choice...providing excellent support and comfort in any sleeping position. This mattress uses the same type of coil system and support as the Simmons Beautyrest. 

The upholstery layers are also similar to those used in that Beautyrest mattress.

 

Click on this link to view specifications and prices:

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/wolf-mattress-2/tulah-luxury-plush-eurotop/

Shipping is Free.

 

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

 

A waterproof mattress protector will extend the life of any mattress, keeping it clean and dry.

https://themattressexpert.com/waterproof-mattress-protectors-encasements/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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Years long 'mattress saga' in search of better sleep and comfort.

Emily writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I came across your website while researching options after what has been a years long 'mattress saga' in search of better sleep and comfort.

 

In 2017 my parents bought me a Sealy Golden Elegance cushion firm mattress. 

In 4 years, it sagged horribly. As a side sleeper, I had bad hip and shoulder pain and was in physical therapy. 

I was able to get a warranty exchange and thought if I upgraded with a Stearns and Foster pillowtop, it would resolve my issues and improve my sleep. 

Unfortunately, in less than a month I could feel the pillowtop losing its integrity and felt a sagging or sinking feeling that wasn't supportive.

 

I contacted the retailer and they said they could do a 'comfort return' so I decided to forego the pillowtop and upgraded, yet again, mistakenly thinking I would have better quality.

I got the upgraded Stearns & Foster tight top plush.

 

Again, within a few weeks it started to feel as if I was sagging or sinking without uniform support, especially in my lower back and hips. I have rotated it and this has helped somewhat as a temporary solution, but I wake up most mornings with the thought 'I hate this mattress'!

 

I am someone who has suffered with long term autoimmune disease and have chronic pain and inflammation. 

As a side sleeper I'm trying to find a mattress that will offer comfort with relief and support. 

I am a petite 48 y/o woman and weigh about 105-110 lbs. 

I'm also sensitive to all the horrible off gassing odors with each new bed.

 

Your website is the first that I've come across that acknowledges how important a mattress is to our health. 

It's truly amazing to me how little the customer service people know!!

 

I also learned from your site that Tempurpedic bought out S&F which was extremely disappointing, but that explains everything! I wasn't buying the product I thought I was buying and feel disillusioned.

 

The retailer does not offer a refund and my only options now are: 

1) try for another warranty through the retailer and then get a firmer S&F (or a different brand from the retailer- Serta, Sealy, Simmons), 

2) try to get a warranty through S&F and get a firmer model with latex topper, 

3) try to sell the mattress myself and take a loss on some of the cost and go something completely new and different.

 

I'm low income so this has been a big financial strain as well as stressful. I want to keep things simple. 

I read that you recommend getting a firm mattress with a soft latex topper.

 

Do you have any guidance or recommendations for how I can make the best of this situation and eventually get a good mattress that offers the comfort and support I'm seeking? 

I would be most grateful for any advice or direction on this.

 

I apologize for how lengthy this is and appreciate your time.

Thank you, Emily

 

Hi Emily,

All of the name brands have gone bad…all having been sold.

Tempurpedic bought Sealy and S&F.

A separate investment group bought Simmons and Serta.

All are upholstering their mattresses with memory foam.

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

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

Memory foam softens as it warms from your body heat.

It reflects that heat back to you, causing the mattress to sleep hot.

Memory foam off gasses the toxic chemicals from which it’s made.

Memory foam is the worst upholstery material ever invented.

The memory foam is why you sink and why your chronic pain persists.

In switching to one of the other name brands, you will only repeat the mistakes you’ve been making.

The key to a successful purchase is in avoiding any mattress upholstered with memory foam.

 

Unfortunately, most of today’s mattresses are upholstered with memory foam…not just the name brands.

 

You won’t need to replace your foundation, just the mattress.

What I recommend is the Wolf Tulah Luxury Plush Eurotop Mattress.

The Certipur Upholstery layers do not off gas.

 

Click on this link to view specifications and prices.

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/wolf-mattress-2/tulah-luxury-plush-eurotop/

 

This mattress provides excellent support, comfort and longevity for your size.

Adding a latex topper is something you can do to soften it further, should your chronic inflammation make it necessary. I recommend thinking about that only after you have the mattress and have determined that you want it to be softer.

 

UPS shipping is free

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

 

A waterproof mattress protector will extend the life of any mattress, keeping it clean and dry.

https://themattressexpert.com/waterproof-mattress-protectors-encasements/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Replacing a Simmons Beautyrest World Class pillow top plush mattress.

Paul writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I just finished reading your response regarding replacing a Simmons Beautyrest World Class pillow top plush mattress and really appreciate the information you provide.

https://themattressexpert.com/2018/03/07/replacing-and-old-simmons-beautyrest-world-class-mattress/

Here are my questions:

 

I would like to pursue buying a queen size mattress but have difficulty knowing which would suit a back sleeper: Greenspring Liberta Firm, Luxury Firm, Plush or Ultra Plush. 

 

You have a great blog and website and you have done a great job educating me about mattresses 

(no memory foam for me ever)!

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Thank you kindly, Paul

 

Hi Paul,

All 4 Natura of Canada Greenspring Mattresses provide the same firm support. 

The Ultra Plush is the most comfortable.

The Ultra Plush is what my wife and I sleep on at home.

I have a very bad back, yet I sleep and wake without back pain.

Our mattress is now 9 years old and still in like new condition, despite each of us weighing more than 200 lbs.

 

Click on this link to view specifications and prices.

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

Delivery includes setup in your bedroom and removal of all packaging materials.

Delivery is free

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

 

A waterproof mattress protector will extend the life of any mattress, keeping it clean and dry.

https://themattressexpert.com/waterproof-mattress-protectors-encasements/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Natura of Canada Greenspring Liberta Ultra Plush Mattress.

Janet writes:

Hi Pete,

I saw an article where you recommended the Natura of Canada Greenspring Liberta Ultra Plush Mattress.

This was to a lady who told you about her worn out Simmons Beautyrest World Class Exceptionale.

 

I have seen you recommend many other mattresses since I read that article.

My husband and I are needing a new king and possibly wanting a Cal King since he is 6'2" tall.  

Can you help me?

We are both side sleepers, both over 65 and like a softer feel to a bed with a stable coil system.

Thanks, Janet

 

Hi Janet,

The Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush Mattress is the very best we carry.

The components are far higher in quality than any of the materials used by most other brands.

If you’re looking for a really good one, that would be it.

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

 

This mattress comes with white glove delivery.

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

Delivery is free.

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

 

A waterproof mattress protector will extend the life of any mattress, keeping it clean and dry.

https://themattressexpert.com/waterproof-mattress-protectors-encasements/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Simmons Beautyrest Black Mattress and Latex Topper. It's been WONDERFUL!

Diane writes:

Hi Pete,

I ordered a Simmons Beautyrest Black Mattress from you, about a decade ago.

We also bought the 2" latex topper and waterproof mattress protector, too.

We followed your recommendation and it's been WONDERFUL! 

But it's a queen size and we'd like to get a king size. 

 

Because we LOVE this one, we want to replace that bed with something similar.

I wasn't able to find that same mattress on your website.

Can you send me links to what you're recommending today?

Thank you, Diane

 

Hi Diane,

I'm so pleased to hear that you're still enjoying your mattress.

My wife and I had that same sleep system combination at that time.

We kept it for a few years and then gave it to our sone and his wife.

They, like you, are still enjoying theirs.

 

Since then, Simmons was sold to an investment group which also bought Serta.

Back then, Simmons was using a higher grade of memory foam that didn't off gas.

Since being sold, a much cheaper and toxic memory foam is being used.

That mattress with a latex topper, today, would not prevent the chemical off gassing.

And since the memory foam is also less dense, it won't last as long.

 

It had been our habit to home test mattresses for a few years and then pass them along to family.

The last one we tested, the one after the one you have, has been such a great mattress, we decided to hang on to it. It is now 9 years old and still in like new condition, despite each of use weighing more than 200 lbs. And, despite having a very bad back, I sleep and wake without back pain.

 

The Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush Mattress uses the same type of coil system as the Simmons Beautyrest...individually pocketed coils, that contour to the shape of the body and maintain the natural alignment of the spine.

What's more, the upholstery is 3" of Soft Natural Talalay Latex....NO Memory Foam.

Latex is and has been the best upholstery material for the last 100 years.

The coil count is higher and the latex upholstery is far more resilient.

As a result, it's not a too soft mattress...despite the "Ultra Plush" designation.

In fact, only about 10% of the people who have purchased this mattress go on to add a separate topper.

 

This is the mattress I'm recommending for you.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices.

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

White Glove Delivery is Free. 

 

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

 

A waterproof mattress protector will extend the life of any mattress, keeping it clean and dry.

https://themattressexpert.com/waterproof-mattress-protectors-encasements/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Our next mattress will be the Natura of Canada Greenspring.

Brian writes:

 

Hi Pete:

I've decided that our next mattress will be the Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush Mattress 

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

We're coming from an old "luxury firm" S&F and it sounds like this is a best option.

I'm really struggling as to what type of latex topper to get. 

I've never had a topper before, but I've read lots of good things about them. 

I'm wondering about the brands, which thickness, and even which comfort level? 

I had no idea toppers had so many options.

I'm 6' around 285, wife is 190 and 5'9" -- we're in our mid-40s.

Can you make some specific recommendations?

Thanks and look forward to hearing from you,

Brian

 

Hi Brian,

Given your size, I recommend going with the Natura of Canada Greenspring Luxury Firm Mattress and a latex topper.

The firmer model is better for supporting a man of your weight.

Shown here:

https://themattressexpert.com/greenspring-liberta-luxury-firm/

Add to that, a Suite Sleep 2" Soft Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress Topper.

Shown here:

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

This latex mattress topper is comfortable and extremely resilient...the highest quality latex on the planet.

The Dunlop Latex will wear better than Talalay Latex under a 285 lb. person.

Beside providing surface comfort, it will absorb much of your body weight, which in turn, will cause the mattress to retain it's shape and comfort life better over the years to come.

 

 

You have to be careful with latex toppers. The quality can vary greatly.

Over the past several years, latex made in China has become available and popular due to the lower prices. The prices are low because the Chinese use clay as a filler when they make the latex foam.

Clay is a natural material, so it’s sold as all natural latex…not bothering to mention the clay. 

It does not wear well.

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

 

A waterproof mattress protector will extend the life of any mattress, keeping it clean and dry.

https://themattressexpert.com/waterproof-mattress-protectors-encasements/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

A replacement mattress for an old Simmons Beautyrest World Class Baymont Plush.

Jim writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I have an old Simmons Beautyrest World Class Baymont Plush, king-sized, that I’ve owned for 20+ years.  

It’s finally worn out and in need of replacement. Can you tell me what today’s equivalent is?  

It’s been the best mattress I’ve ever owned and I’d like to replicate it as much as reasonably possible.

Thank you, Jim

 

Hi Jim,

There is no equivalent from Simmons.

Simmons, along with all of the major brands, has been sold to investors.

20 years ago, it was nearly impossible to buy a bad mattress.

Today, just the opposite is true.

 

I can recommend a mattress that is similarly made to Simmons Beautyrest.

The type of coil system is the same. The type of support is the same.

The differences are:

The coil count is higher and the coils are stronger than in any Simmons mattress.

The upholstery material is Natural Talalay Latex.

Simmons now uses memory foam.

There is no memory foam in your old mattress.

 

The mattress that you will enjoy as much and for as long is:

The Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices:

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

 

White glove delivery is free 

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

 

A waterproof mattress protector will extend the life of any mattress, keeping it clean and dry.

https://themattressexpert.com/waterproof-mattress-protectors-encasements/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Simmons Beautyrest Black Ava mattress with a 3" latex topper.

Carole writes:

 

Hi Peter,  

I'm a returning, happy customer.  

In early 2016, I took delivery of a Cal King Simmons Beautyrest Black Ava mattress with a 3" latex topper.  

It was so perfect. But when I had to move, less than a year later, I couldn't take a Cal. King set with me.

I gifted that to my daughter and her new husband who is 6' 3", and they still love that set so much!  

That's the good news.  

 

The bad news is I had an accident in late 2016 that resulted in mobility issues.

I now have extreme swelling in both of my legs (lymph nodes missing behind my knees).  

I was gifted a Queen size Beautyrest, Recharge World Class, Keaton Plush Pillow Top Mattress.

I bought a 3" latex topper for only $319, but I haven't been comfortable in the bed since day one.

I don't think the latex topper is sturdy enough to hold my weight up from the mattress.

It started to indent within a few months.

 

In October, 2022, I moved to Washington State, to be close to my daughter and grandbabies.

I need to buy a new mattress set and have it delivered directly to my new studio apartment.  

Budget is a concern, but I also need to be able to sleep as well as I did in the 2016 set I purchased from you.  

I need a heavy duty mattress.  

Thank you in advance for your recommendations,

Thanks, Carole

 

Hi Carole,

I do have a less expensive alternative for you.

The keys to the 2016 mattress were the firm individually pocketed coils and the quality latex topper.

Cheap latex is made in China, where they add clay as a filler...and sold as all natural latex, since clay is a natural material. But it's the added clay that causes it to break down so quickly.

 

My recommendation is for the Wolf Jessica Mattress...also using a firm individually pocketed coil unit.

Shown here:

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/wolf-mattress-2/the-jessica/

 

Add to that, a Suite Sleep 3" Pure, Organic Latex Mattress Topper in Extra Soft.

Shown here:

https://themattressexpert.com/xcart5/suite-organic-latex-topper.html

As always, Shipping is Free.

 

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

You Should Know 

 

Using an old box spring to support any new mattress will cause premature wear and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

https://themattressexpert.com/mattress-foundations/magniflex-kd-foundations/

 

A waterproof mattress protector will extend the life of a mattress by keeping the upholstery materials clean and dry.

https://themattressexpert.com/waterproof-mattress-protectors-encasements/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894