The Mattress Expert

A Mattress for a Third Floor, Tight Staircase .

Elsa writes:

Hi Pete,

My husband and I sleep on the third floor of our house which is accessed by a tight staircase with low head height that you can only fit a full size regular type mattress up. We're going to finally treat ourselves to a bigger mattress and don't know what type is best. We like a firm but comfortable mattress and are planning on forgoing the box springs and building a platform to set the new mattress on. We don't know whether it would be better to go for 2 twin mattresses on the same platform or to look at memory foam or latex which we assume could be folded over to get up our low head height stairs? 

We have the space for either a queen or king once it gets up to our room. From what I'm reading it seems like latex is the better choice? Do you think the twin bed approach would work - if so do you have a recommendation for firm mattress. If we go the latex route, what would you recommend for $2,000?

Is solid plywood better than slats for the platform?

Thanks, Elsa

 

Hi Elsa,

A solid plywood base is better for heavy people. It also makes the mattress you use with it feel firmer.

But for most people, the slatted platform beds are perfectly fine.

In the old days, making a 3rd floor delivery with a tight staircase was all but impossible for a queen or king size mattresses, due to the steel perimeter edge support and the Bonnell coil system of mattresses made years ago.

Today, almost no mattresses have either of those things.

I recommend a mattress that uses a pocketed coil system, which maintains the natural ailment of the body and spine.

A mattress that that uses Pure, Organic and Hypoallergenic upholstery that will give you many years of support and comfort.

The PlushBeds Luxury Bliss Mattress is my recommendation.

Click on this link.

 

Hybrid Latex Mattress - The Luxury Bliss plushbeds.com

 

Heads up: this post includes affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally vetted.

 

Thanks, Pete - TME

 

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A king size foundation for a latex mattress.

Tammy writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I just got married and my husband has a newer latex king size mattress.  

He was using some sort of metal frame for the mattress without a bed.  

We're buying a new bed, but aren't sure what sort of foundation to get for it.  

Thank you for your help, Tammy

 

Hi Tammy, 

Latex mattresses are heavy. Add the weight of 2 adults and you'll want a strong one.

This MagniFlex Foundation is very strong and will hold as much as 1200 Lbs.

It's available in 8" and 5" heights, so you'll want to measure how high you want the bed before ordering.

It's an upholstered foundation, available in your choice of Gray, Black or Brown.

It assembles easily and without tools.

 

Click on this link to view:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/foundations_and_bases.html#/

 

 

 

Shipping is Fast & Free.

4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with AfterPay

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

You Should Know 

 

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

https://www.themattressexpert.com/store/p169/Organic_Cotton_Waterproof_Mattress_Protector.html#/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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Moving, and it’s time for a new king size mattress.

Bill writes:

 

Hi Pete,

My wife and I are moving and it’s time for a new king size mattress.  

I’ve read your website from front to back as well as perused other sites.  

Of all the stuff I’ve read, trying to figure out what to believe or not, your decades of experience are a big influence on my thinking.

 

My wife and I are a youngish and active, 65 and 73, respectively.  

She is 5’7 and 120 lbs.; I am 5’11 and 159 lbs.  

She has a slightly weak back and swims 3 x per week to keep it from stiffening up.

 

Also, the finished height of the bed is important.  

If we shoot for a 26" finished height, we won’t be able to use the recommended foundation.  

I assume we can buy a 5" low-profile foundation to make it work?

 

Looking forward to your recommendation.

Thanks, Bill

 

Hi Bill,

Given all of the particulars:

My recommendation would be the Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush.

It's a 13.5" mattress and the foundation is available in your choice of 5" or 8"

This is the mattress my wife and I have been sleeping on for many years..

Click on this link:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/natura_mattresses.html#/

This mattress provides excellent support, comfort and longevity.

The individually pocketed coils are designed to maintain the natural alignment of your spine.

The upholstery is Natural, Talalay LatexFoam...no chemicals to worry about.

 

White Glove Delivery is Free.

4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with After Pay

 

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://www.themattressexpert.com/foundations_and_bases.html#/

 

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

https://www.themattressexpert.com/sleep_and_beyond_protectors_and_encasements.html#/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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What do you recommend as an Alternative to Memory Foam Mattresses?

Bethany writes:

 

Hi Pete,

What do you recommend as an Alternative to Memory Foam Mattresses?

Memory foam mattresses always feel so good in the store, but not so much after a short while.

As I've read many of your blog posts, and agree with your displeasure with the chemical off gassing.

It actually made me sick.

Can you recommend a mattress that feels similar, without all the negative side effects?

Does such a mattress even exist?

Thanks, Bethany 

 

Hi Bethany,

Actually, such a mattress does exist...and there is good selection of them.

 

As you may have read, common memory foam consists of 61 different chemicals, some of which are highly toxic.

It's the off gassing of these toxic chemicals that made you sick.

Memory foam sleeps hot because it's a temperature sensitive material. 

It softens as it warms from your body heat, and then reflects that heat back to you.

Memory foam is specifically designed to wear quickly, so that it needs frequent replacing.

And once it starts to wear, it throws off your spine's natural alignment, causing back pain.

 

Made in Italy

Magniflex Mattresses are Thee Healthy, Chemical Free, Cool & Durable Alternative to Memory Foam.

Magniflex Mattresses really are so much better than common memory foam!

Magniflex mattress have a similar feel to memory foam without any of the negative side effects.

Magniflex mattresses are not temperature sensitive, so they sleep cool, and lasts for many years.

 

There are 8 different models in their line of mattresses.

 

The MagniCool 12 Gel Model is the softest of them.

There are 3 Models in the MagniCool Series.

Ideal for cooling off those of you who tend to sleep hot.

 

 

The MagniStretch Series is designed to relieve back pain, by gently stretching your spine as you sleep.

Ideal for reliving strained and aching muscles. 

There are 3 models in this series, as well.

 

Here is a link to the entire line of Magniflex Mattresses.

The Classico is their most reasonably priced

The Toscana is their most popular model.

Shown here:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/magniflex.html#/

 

 

All are available as Mattress Only, with their Foundation, or with their Adjustable Bed Bases.

UPS Shipping is Fast & Free

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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://www.themattressexpert.com/foundations_and_bases.html#/

 

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

https://www.themattressexpert.com/sleep_and_beyond_protectors_and_encasements.html#/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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Sealy SpringFree Beachside Latex Mattress.

Lori writes:

 

Hi, Pete.

I hope all is well on your end.

Many years ago, I bought a Sealy SpringFree Beachside Latex Mattress from you that I have loved.

It’s lived quite a long life, but needs to be replaced now. Can you recommend one just like it?

 

Just a bit about me. I’m 73 now, so pressure points need to be comfortable.

I’m 5’6”, have a bad back that’s killing me lately, weigh 180, most of which are in my stomach, hips and butt. Side sleeper 90%/back sleeper/10%.

I need a full-size mattress (sleep with 3 fur babies) with good edge support.

I sleep only on one side of it, and spend 4 or more hours with my elbow digging into the bed while on my side watching tv. Like the Sealy was, I need a bed that’s easy to turn or move around on – NO sinking or sagging. I’m like the old Princess who could feel a pea if it were under her mattress.

 

This is my last hurrah for buying a mattress. For health and financial reasons, I can’t ‘afford’ to make a mistake (not that anyone can, I know..)  So, I’m turning to you… What do you think I should do?

Any advice would be sooo appreciated.

Lori

 

Hi Lori,

You've had that mattress a very long time. I'm happy to hear that you've slept well for so long.

And while that mattress was discontinued about a decade ago, there is a mattress with that exact same feel.

The quality of the latex is even better in the mattress I'm recommending, so you can expect even longer longevity.

My recommendation is for the Natura of Canada Blossom Plush Mattress. 

Shown Here:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/store/p201/Natura_Level_2_Blossom_Latex_Mattress.html#/

 

White Glove Delivery is Free.

4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with After Pay

 

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://www.themattressexpert.com/foundations_and_bases.html#/

 

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

https://www.themattressexpert.com/sleep_and_beyond_protectors_and_encasements.html#/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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My husband and I are very big people in need of a durable mattress.

Eva writes:

 

Hello Pete,

My husband and I are very big people in need of a durable mattress.

We currently have a queen size Simmons Beautyrest mattress set. It didn't last a year.

What do you recommend that is firm enough to hold us, but also comfortable?

Thank you, Eva

 

Hi Eva,

Our firmest and longest lasting mattress is the Natura of Canada Greenspring in Firm.

Shown Here:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/natura_mattresses.html#/

 

When you buy a mattress that is comfortable, it's the comfort layers that wear quickly under heavy weight.

That causes you to need a new mattress frequently...especially if the upholstery material is memory foam.

The most durable upholstery material is pure latex foam....and has been for the last 100 years.

 

Add to that mattress a Suite Sleep 2" Medium Soft Organic, Hypoallergenic Latex Mattress Topper.

This will give you long lasting surface comfort.

Shown here:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/latex_toppers.html#/

 

 

In several years from now, all you'll have to replace is the topper...and NOT the mattress.

 

White Glove Delivery is Free

4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with After Pay

 

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://www.themattressexpert.com/foundations_and_bases.html#/

 

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

https://www.themattressexpert.com/sleep_and_beyond_protectors_and_encasements.html#/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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A Low Profile Foundation for a Natura Greenspring Mattress.

Akbar writes:

Hi Pete,

I have one of your Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush Mattresses, that I've had for a few years.

I'd like to now get the Natura 5" low profile foundation to go with it.

Can I order that through you?

Thanks, Akbar

 

Hi Akbar,

I can order one for you. However, I doubt if you’re prepared to see the price.

If you had ordered it when you bought your mattress, the additional cost would have been much less.

It’s the cost of shipping a fully made foundation that makes it so expensive.

You’re looking at $699.00 delivered, which is why we don't offer them separately.

 

Let me suggest the Magniflex KD Foundation.

It's a bit dressier...and upholstered foundation available in a choice of colors: Black, Brown or Grey.

It's easy to assembly, requiring no tools.

This foundation is similar in construction to the Natura Foundation. 

Both Low Profile models measure 5” high.

The price for the Magniflex KD Foundation is a whole lot lower.

Shown here:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/foundations_and_bases.html#/

 

 

Delivery is Always Free
Online ordering is Easy & Secure
Visa, M/C, Discover, Amex
Or choose 4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with afterpay

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

 

https://www.themattressexpert.com/sleep_and_beyond_protectors_and_encasements.html#/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

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My Tempurpedic Luxebreeze memory foam mattress is causing me massive back pain.

Kevin writes:

 

Hi Pete,

My memory foam Tempurpedic Luxebreeze mattress after a year is causing me massive back pain. 

My hips just sink right down as soon as I get in. 

I can't even get in it anymore without triggering sciatic pain. 

I found your recommendations to flip the mattress and put on a 2 or 3 inch latex topper. 

My only question is should I go with medium firmness and/or thicker: 

My fiancée and I are shy of 6' tall and over 270 lbs. She is a side sleeper and I am back or stomach. 

I am pushing to be back sleeping with my herniated lumbar disc issues worsening. 

I was thinking I should start with a 3" soft Dunlop, but I've read Talalay is a bit more breathable and might do better since I sleep hot. Any advice on a latex topper is welcome.

Thanks

-Kevin

 

Hi Kevin,

That recommendation you found on our blog is a temporary solution.

Your body weights mitigate to make it even more temporary and not your best option.

Your mattress is providing inadequate support. Using a latex topper with it is not a long term viable option.

 

My recommendation is The Natura of Canada Greenspring Mattress in Luxury Firm.

This is an extremely high quality, long lasting mattress that provides the kind of support that relieves chronic back pain.

That line of mattresses, shown here:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/natura_mattresses.html#/

 

Add to that, a Suite Sleep 2” Medium Soft Organic Latex Topper.

Shown here:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/latex_toppers.html#/

 

 

Together, they provide the spinal support necessary to relieve your back pain and provide long term surface comfort.

It’s the memory foam in your mattress that is causing your problems, including sleeping hot.

There is no memory foam in this sleep system combination to cause you pain nor to sleep hot.

The quality is much higher than you have now.

You’ll enjoy this bed for many years to come.

It is designed to hold up well under people your sizes.

 

Your current foundation does not need to be replaced.

 

Delivery is Always Free
Online ordering is Easy & Secure
Visa, M/C, Discover, Amex
Or choose 4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with afterpay

 

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

 

Thanks Pete!

I figured we'd need to move to coils for better support.

Would doing a 3" soft-medium latex topper over 2" improve the comfort for my side-sleeping fiancée?

Or is it too thick to risk spinal mis-alignment?

Regards,

-Kevin

 

Hi Kevin,

The choice of 3” soft vs. 2” medium soft has nothing to do with proper spinal alignment. 

The mattress does that job.

The choice of a latex topper is one for surface comfort.

But here, you face something of a trade off because of your sizes.

The thicker, softer topper, while providing more comfort, but will require more frequent replacing than the thinner, less soft topper. There is a financial aspect to this and my recommendation was geared to maximizing your dollars.

 

My wife and I are each over 200 lbs and sleep on the Suite Sleep 3” Soft Vita Talalay Latex Topper, which tends to need replacing every 5 years, or so.

To maximize the life of the topper, regular flipping and rotating helps a lot.

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://www.themattressexpert.com/sleep_and_beyond_protectors_and_encasements.html#/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

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Time to Replace a Stearns and Foster Knightsbridge Pillowtop Mattress.

Woodrow writes:

 

Hi Pete,

Thanks for this informative site. 

My wife and I have had a Stearns and Foster Knightsbridge pillowtop mattress for about 15 years. 

And we have loved sleeping on it. 

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, Ever-Eden Pure or the Natura GreenSpring.

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

Thanks, Woodrow

 

Hi Woodrow,

Your mattress is older than you think.

It’s, certainly, 18 years old at the very least…likely 23 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 Greenspring mattresses exceed those of S&F mattresses when S&F was “The Cadillac of the Industry”.

 

Ever-Eden switched from latex to memory foam last year, due to the pandemic disrupting their latex supply lines. As a result, we stopped selling that brand.

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 6 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://www.themattressexpert.com/store/p142/Natura_Greenspring_Liberta_Ultra_Plush.html#/

 

 

 

This mattress comes with White Glove Delivery.

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

 

Delivery is Always Free
Online ordering is Easy & Secure
Visa, M/C, Discover, Amex
Or choose 4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with afterpay

 

Thanks, Pete - TME

 

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

 

Thanks Pete. 

I thought paying $700 for that S&F mattress in 2006 was a lot of $$. Young and uneducated at the time. 

If purchased through you, does this come with a trial period ?

Is the box spring included or just add a foundation ?

Do they haul old bed away ?

Thanks again, Woodrow

 

Hi Woodrow,

That was an excellent buy for a used mattress of that quality. Not bad for young and uneducated.

Trial periods were a result of mattresses being made with memory foam.

That practice didn’t exist prior to that.

It didn’t exist when that Knightsbridge was made, which has no memory foam in it.

Comfort guarantees are the kind of hook that’s needed to sell poor quality products.

So no, it doesn’t come with a trial period. It isn’t necessary.

 

If you opt to buy this mattress, you can choose a 9” or 5” foundation.

I recommend taking a measurement before choosing. That mattress is 13.5” thick.

 

Removal of the old mattress ended during the pandemic.

The trucking industry never liked doing it, so they used the pandemic as an excuse to end that service.

Most towns have a bulk trash pickup day. Check with your local municipal office.

 

Thanks, Pete

 

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

 

Thanks again Pete. 

It's a tough decision to make for the $$$, only because there's no trial and once you buy it, it yours. 

Since Talalay latex is supposed to be softer than the Dunlap latex, should go with a firmer Greenspring?

Woodrow

 

Good Morning Woodrow,

Due to the high quality of the components, all of the Greenspring mattresses are firmer than they sound.

The coil count is high. The gauge of wire is heavy and the steel is double tempered.

You don’t have a Dunlop/Talalay Latex frame of reference.

Talalay Latex is more resilient than the polyurethane foam in your S&F.

The Ultra Plush model is my recommendation.

 

If you go with a firmer model, you will likely have to soften the surface with a soft latex topper.

As it is, about 10% of the people who buy the ultra plush model have to add a topper.

No one considers that mattress to be too soft.

It, certainly, won’t be any softer than your Knightsbridge PT.

 

Thanks, Pete

 

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

 

Pete, that was very nicely explained and informative. Getting ready to make our final decision.

This mattress is 13.5", correct?

Can they make the 5" foundation in 2 pieces? 

It's pretty tight corner coming around to the steps.

Thanks, Woodrow

 

Hi Woodrow,

Yes. A split foundation is standard in king size.

If you’re downsizing to a queen, just leave a message that you want it split.

That mattress is 13.5” thick.

 

 

Thanks, Pete - TME

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://www.themattressexpert.com/store/p169/Organic_Cotton_Waterproof_Mattress_Protector.html#/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

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I need a new foundation for my queen size mattress.

Heather writes:

 

Hi Pete. 

I am in need of a new foundation for my queen size mattress. What can you recommend for us? 

We are not skinny people so it must be durable.  We are also disabled so money makes a difference.  

Please help us.

Thanks, Heather

 

Hi Heather,
The least expensive places to buy a new foundation:

Costco...Sealy, Sam’s Club...Serta and Big Lots...Simmons. 

At these places, you have to go and pick it up. Delivery is not available.

 

We carry a foundation from Magniflex. It's a bit dressier...an upholstered unit, available in 3 colors.

It's also available in 2 heights...5" or 8"

It's very strong, holding up to 1200 lbs. It assembles easily with NO Tools needed.

Shown here:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/foundations_and_bases.html#/

 

Delivery is Always Free
Online ordering is Easy & Secure
Visa, M/C, Discover, Amex
Or choose 4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with afterpay

 

 

Thanks, Pete - TME

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://www.themattressexpert.com/store/p169/Organic_Cotton_Waterproof_Mattress_Protector.html#/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram