The Mattress Expert

Does a mattress bunch up on an adjustable bed base?

Meredith writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I really appreciated your response last month about problems we are having with mattresses buckling on a RIZE adjustable bed.  It looks like the retailer won't take the base back but will refund the price of the mattress, if we want to purchase from another retailer.  The mattress is a Serta Serene Sky Plush Tight Top.  

I'm not sure if it's a great mattress to begin with.  

Do you think the latex topper you sell make this more comfortable?  

And does it bunch up when put on an adjustable bed?

I need to do what I can to make her more comfortable.

Thank you, Meredith

 

Hi Meredith,

An adjustable bed may solve problems like, Gerd and Sleep Apnea, by raising the head of the bed, but create other problems.

The mattress buckles and bunches, and wears prematurely at the point where it bends. 

More importantly, the spine’s natural alignment is lost.

 

The best way to get the lift you want without all of the problems that is created by it, is to leave the bed flat and tilt the entire unit, using bed risers…like the ones shown here:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bed+risers&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_KjMyrW-9QIViiitBh3e4QKhEAAYASAAEgJvovD_BwE&hvadid=409949824722&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9010115&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=11005385212457439775&hvtargid=kwd-37253832&hydadcr=24665_11410949&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_7xmuy98o8c_e

 

 

Even back in the day when it wasn’t possible to buy a bad mattress, Serta was on the low end of the quality scale. Today, they are the worst of the bad.

The Brolynn Old Fashioned Two Sided Mattress in Plush is a good choice.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices:

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

 

You could try a latex topper on that Serta, but I’d recommend flipping the mattress over to the non-memory foam side before adding it. But I consider this approach to be "throwing good money after bad".

The Suite Sleep 2” or 3” Soft Organic Latex Topper is the best available.

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

Either way, 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

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.

I want a soft pillow that doesn't flatten out.

Jason writes:

 

Hi Pete,

Every pillow I've purchased, (5 of them), were comfortable at first and later flattened out within months.

This is getting to be a pretty expensive habit..."The Pillow Habit"...LOL!

Anyway, as you may have already guessed, I need you help finding a nice, soft pillow that will stay the way.

Whatcha got?

Thanks, Jason

 

Hi Jason,

A Pure Bliss Soft Talalay Latex Pillow is as soft as they come and stay that way for years....YEARS!

I use Pure Bliss pillows at home.

Here is a link to our pillows page. The first one, (at the top of the page), is the softest.

https://themattressexpert.com/organics/organic-pillows/

 

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

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.

Sleeping on a 12 year old Westin Heavenly Bed Mattress.

Geoff writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I have read a lot about choosing mattress type and firmness based on a person's weight and sleep position. 

The information is all based on individual sleepers and never addresses any special considerations for couples.

 

My wife and I are both 63 years old, physically fit and active. 

We are currently sleeping on a 12 year old Westin Heavenly Bed Mattress. 

I am 5'11", 162lbs and a side and back sleeper who has begun suffering pressure point problems in both shoulders. My wife is 5'9", 107lb and a strict side sleeper with no current pressure point problems.

 

We sleep on a queen bed and spend a lot of time spooned tightly together front to back. 

But we also spend time apart particularly when shoulder pain drives me onto my back or it is too warm to be cuddled together.

 

So, while my wife is in the <130lbs petite category and I am in the 130lb - 230lb average category, when we are spooned together, we fall in the >230lb large category.

 

What does this mean for choosing a firmness and support level? 

Everything I read would suggest a soft (4 - 5) firmness for my wife, a medium (5 - 6) for me and more like a medium firm/firm (6.5 - 7.5) to gain the support required for our combined weight to maintain spinal alignment when spooned together.

 

Any insight you can provide on how to think this through and select the best firmness level would be appreciated.

I would also be interested in any specific bed recommendations you might put forward.

Thank you in advance, Geoff

 

Hi Geoff,

Frankly, you’re over thinking this.

A good strong individually pocketed coil unit will provide the contouring support any body needs for proper spinal alignment.

A soft latex mattress topper will provide the surface comfort you need to sleep deeply.

Rotating your new mattress on a regular basis will cause the mattress to wear evenly, providing long lasting support and comfort for both of you.

 

The mattress I’m recommending is the Wolf Jessica.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices.

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

 

Add to that a Suite Sleep 2” or 3” Soft Organic Latex Topper.

Shown here:

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

 

The 2” provides excellent comfort and longevity.

The 3” provides a more luxurious surface feel, but wears faster.

Both last for years…more years with the 2”.

 

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.

A Suite Sleep Soft Organic Latex Topper for a Too Firm Mattress.

Gary writes:

 

Hi Pete,

Like many of your blog posts indicate, there are lots of people with my same problem.

I have a mattress that is, simply, too firm.

Your advice points to adding a Suite Sleep Soft Organic Latex Mattress Topper.

I've done some sopping online and can find latex toppers for a lot lower price.

What's up with that?

Why the Suite Sleep over the others?

Thanks, Gary

 

Hi Gary,

There's a very old saying, "You get what you pay for".

Suite Sleep offers the highest quality latex toppers on the planet.

The result is "Value", due to the many years you will enjoy their product. 

Latex starts as the sap from the rubber tree and the process it takes to turn it into a foam is quite expensive.

 

Cheap latex is cheap for a reason. Cheap latex comes from Chine, where they use fillers, like clay, to reduce the cost of making it. The result is a product that needs replacing within months, not years.

And because clay is a natural product, it's touted as all natural latex...never mentioning the clay filler.

 

As a small child, I learned from my grandfather that there is no substitute for quality.

High quality products last so much longer than poor quality products, which end up being far less expensive in the long run. So, the choice is yours...Buy the best, or cheap out.

 

Here's a link to the Suite Sleep Pure, Organic Latex Mattress Toppers

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

 

Delivery is FREE and there's NO Sales Tax.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

******************************

 

Hi Pete,

Wow! I haven't been lectured to in quite some time.

But, what you say makes sense, so I'm not offended.

Which one do I order...2" or 3", Soft or Medium Soft?

Neither my wife nor I are large people.

Thanks again, Gary

 

Hi Gary,

I'm glad you're not offended. Being offensive was not my intent.

For maximum surface comfort, the 3" Soft is the best choice.

 

 

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.

Pure Bliss or Suite Sleep Latex Mattress Topper.

Betsy writes:

 

Hi Pete,

After reading some of your blog posts, I see you often recommend a latex mattress topper.

Your website offers Pure Bliss and Suite Sleep. What's the difference? Why one over the other?

And, what about the latex toppers I see online for a lot less cost?

Thanks, Betsy

 

Hi Betsy,

The Pure Bliss latex toppers are made of a blended latex, (70% Synthetic-30% Natural).

There's nothing wrong with synthetic latex, as it is a molecular clone of natural latex.

Pure Bliss costs less because of it. It's an excellent value.

Unfortunately, Pure Bliss was hit hard by the pandemic, and are taking several weeks to ship.

 

Suite Sleep makes a 100% Pure Organic Latex topper, which is the highest quality latex on the planet.

And, they have it on hand and can ship within a week's time.

 

Cheap latex is made in China, where they add fillers to the mix when processing their latex.

The end result is a latex topper that lasts about 6 months...a terrible value.

The Pure Bliss and Suite Sleep Latex Mattress Toppers remain comfortable for many years....far less expensive than Chinese latex in the long run. There's no substitute for quality.

Here's a link to the Latex Mattress Toppers we offer:

https://themattressexpert.com/mattress-toppers-latex-more/

UPS/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

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.

The Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush Mattress is fantastic!!

Laura writes:

 

Hi Pete,

The Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush Mattress is fantastic!! 

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

 

We received it just in time for Christmas!!! 

Thank you for your help. 

I will be ordering mattresses for the kids bunk beds asap

Stay warm, Laura

 

 

 

 

 

Good Morning and Happy New Year Laura,

Thank you for your feedback. I’m happy for you.

That mattress is designed to last for many years.

That same mattress, which my wife and I sleep on, is several years old and still in like new condition.

You can look forward to many years of good sleeping. 

 

 

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.

Sealy Posturpedic mattress made of memory foam. Terrible Off-Gassing. A Horrible Mistake.

Stacey writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I made a horrible mistake and bought a Sealy Posturpedic mattress made of memory foam.  

The off-gassing is terrible (I wish I had seen your website earlier).  

Luckily, my store in Canada has an exchange policy so I can exchange the mattress for another.  

 

I'm thinking of taking your advice and buying a pocket coil mattress with no memory foam and then purchasing a latex mattress topper. 

Have you heard of the Distinction brand of mattresses? If so, do you recommend a specific mattress?  

 

Also, I noticed that you are temporarily out of stock of the Pure Vita Talalay Latex Topper.  

Do you know when they will be in stock?  

Do you recommend 2" or 3" topper for a back/side sleeper, female 130 lbs, late 40's.

 

If the Pure Vita will take a while to get in stock, how comparable is the Natura line?  

Thank you so much for your help,

Stacey

 

Hi Stacey,

I’ve not heard of that brand, but that isn’t meaningful.

What’s important is that your mattress has no memory foam in it.

The Suite Sleep Vita Talalay Latex Toppers have just arrived, and ship quickly.

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

 

 

However, I can’t ship them into Canada.

The only way to get one is if you have a U.S. postal address, like you can get at a UPS store.

The Natura latex topper adds comfort, but isn’t as thick or as soft.

https://themattressexpert.com/latextopper/

 

Shipping is free and there’s no sales tax.

 

Thanks, Pete

 

**********************************

 

Hi Pete,

Sorry to bother you again.

I thought I had read on your website that you recommend getting a mattress with a minimum number of pocket coils for adequate support (unfortunately I can't find this info).   

The mattress I had been looking at has about 800 pocket coils but the sales person is recommending the Beautyrest Unity Coast mattress which has 1100 coils for better support (it's also more expensive).  

Does the number of pocket coils matter?

 

Also the Beautyrest is made with "Seaqual Sustainable Panel Fabric made from recycled plastic water bottles" - do you know if there are any issues with this type of fabric (off-gassing/toxins)?  

 

Thanks so much for your help!

Stacey

 

Hi Stacey,

No bother, at all.

The more coils you have, the better the support.

However, Simmons does not temper the steel they use to make the coils.

And, their plush models use a much thinner gauge wire than their firmer models.

The thing that gives you toxic off gassing is the memory foam upholstery they use.

 

 

 

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.

 

 

A Mattress for an overweight woman with Deteriorated Lower Spine and Lupus.

Ellen writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I need your help! My sister is a very sick woman. 

She suffers with Systemic Lupus, Diabetes, and her lower spine is deteriorated at several levels.

She desperately needs a mattress but the specifics we are concerned about is as follows:

 

Overweight - every mattress we get ends up like a hammock due to the weight

Back -  she needs something that is very supportive of her spine.

We have an approximate budget of $1,800 - $2,000.00.

 

Thank you so much!

With warmest regards, Ellen

 

Hi Ellen,

Most mattresses hammock under any weight, due to the memory foam upholstery that you’ll find in most of the mattresses made over the last decade.

An individually pocketed coil system will provide contouring support that maintains the natural alignment of the spine. This is the best you can do to relieve chronic back pain.

A high coil count, made of heavy gauge double tempered steel is the best you can do for a heavy person.

All natural latex is the most resilient upholstery material available.

Latex provides surface comfort that doesn’t allow you to sink.

The feel it provides is best described as ‘floating’.

What’s more, latex will absorb much of her body weight, which extends the life of the support system in the mattress.

 

A mattress alone that’s comfortable enough from the start, won’t long stay that way under a heavy person. 

So, my recommendation comes in two parts…

…a firm mattress and a soft latex topper.

 

The Wolf Jessica is the mattress.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices.

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

 

The Suite Sleep Organic Latex Topper is what you’ll add to that.

The question then becomes, “which one?”.

If by heavy, you mean a couple of hundred pounds, then she can get the Soft version. If she more like 300 lbs. or more, then the Medium Soft is better for wear.

However, Lupus can be quite painful. She may want to trade some durability for more comfort.

Normally for a large person, I recommend the 2”. But, the 3” is more comfortable.

And trading the Medium Soft for Soft will also add more surface comfort.

A 300 lb. person on a 3” soft, may only get a few years from that topper.

All in all, it’s better to be more comfortable for a shorter length of time than less comfortable for a longer period of time. But that’s a personal call, usually based on finances more than any other reason.

Here’s a link to that Latex Topper.

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

 

These products ship via UPS/FedEx, delivered to the front door.

Delivery takes about a week, maybe longer with the coming holidays.

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.

Latex Mattress Topper for more comfort.

Jane writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I have an older, well made mattress that's still in great shape.

But I'm older too, and I need to make it more comfortable.

Which latex mattress topper would you recommend that will give me for comfort at the surface?

Thank you for your blog, which is where I learned that a topper is all I need, and NOT a new mattress.

Jane

 

Hi Jane,

It's gratifying to know that my efforts on our blog had been of value to you.

If you can wait a month, the Pure Bliss 2" or 3" Plush Natural Talalay Latex Mattress Topper is the best value.

If you'd like to get it more quickly, consider the Suite Sleep 2" or 3" Soft Organic Dunlop Latex Mattress Topper.

3" creates a greater depth of softness than the 2"...usually a better choice to cushion the curves of a female.

Here are links to each of those latex toppers.

https://themattressexpert.com/pure-latexbliss-toppers/

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

UPS/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

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.

I cannot sleep on mattresses with memory foam.

Terri writes:

 

Good Morning Pete,

I have a few questions. I cannot sleep on mattresses with memory foam. My hips are wide. 

I'm looking for an old fashioned mattress like they made before the inclusion of memory foam.

Because I've had such issues with memory foam, (9 mattresses in 3 years), I'm terrified of any kind of foam.

Can you explain how and why foam is used in your bedding?  

Why does it differ from memory foam and why it's better?

Also, because I'm afraid of memory foam, I'm uncomfortable with latex. 

Can you explain the difference between the two?

 

I had a pillow top mattress for 20 years. It went bad and that's how I ended up with memory foam. 

My budget is tight because I've lost almost 5k on bedding.

I'm trying to make the right choice. 

Is your RV Eurotop equivalent to the pillow top I had or is it firm?

To care for the RV Eurotop, I'd rotate it correct?

What is the life span of the RV.?

What is the benefit/difference between a two sided vs the RV..

Also, besides PayPal,  do you offer any other financing?

 

Can I, if I get the RV use the mattress on the floor for a few months before I get a box spring? 

Is this mattress okay on a platform bed.

 

Please let me know,  sorry for all the questions.

Thank you for responding.

Terri

 

Good Morning Terri,

Memory foam is the worst upholstery material ever invented.

Proven so over It’s a little more than 20 history.

Memory foam was specifically designed to cause a mattress to need frequent replacing…and not under the terms of the warranty.

Memory foam is the only foam upholstery that’s temperature sensitive.

As it warms from the body heat you give off, it softens…allowing you to sink into it.

This sinking throws off the natural alignment of the spine, causing pain.

Memory foam sleeps hot. It absorbs your body’s heat and reflecting back to you.

Memory foam consists of 61 different chemicals, some of which are highly toxic.

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

Memory foam creates a health hazard to every living being in your home.

Only memory foam is a problem.

 

The mattress you had for 20 years prior to the last 3 years, was upholstered with polyurethane foam and maybe had some latex in it.

Latex foam is a natural material, derived from the sap of the rubber tree.

Latex foam was introduced about 100 years ago and has been the best of the foams, although the most expensive. (“Best” meaning most comfortable and longest lasting).

Of late, cheap latex from China has become available. It’s cheap for a reason.

It wears quickly because it isn’t pure latex…latex mixed with clay.

 

Polyurethane foam was invented in the late 1960s.

It has the feel of latex, not as durable not as expensive and not made of natural materials.

Unlike memory foam, polyurethane foam was cured before it was used, which eliminated the chemical off gassing.

 

Today, there is natural, plant based polyurethane foams that have NO VOCs.

That is the type of polyurethane used in the Wolf mattresses.

 

The RV mattress is thin, thus not suitable for someone with wide hips.

My recommendation for proper support and comfort comes in 2 parts.

The Wolf Jessica mattress and the Suite Sleep 3” Soft Organic Latex Topper.

Here are links to those items.

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

 

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

 

You can apply for financing through PayPal.

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

 

At this point in time, everything will arrive before Christmas.

Any mattress can be used on the floor or on a platform bed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.