The Mattress Expert

A Latex foam mattress topper for my new and old bed.

Shirley writes:

 

Hello, I hope someone is still minding this email as I am in need of some help.  We have just purchased a new mattress and are trying to decide if it is the one for us before our trial time is up.  In 2002 we bought a Stearns & Foster Chesterbury and we have loved it.  But recently I have been having a lot of pain in my hip & leg while sleeping.  I am a side sleeper and so is my husband.  I have gained some weight and I now weigh about 200lbs, and my husband weighs about 180 and he also is a side sleeper & he snores!  Anyway, the person at the mattress store that we purchase our mattress said we needed a firmer mattress, he had a computer type thing that we answered questions and we laid on the bed and it popped out a print out and told us what bed we needed.  He showed us several which was supposed to be in our comfort level and we finally decided on one.  We got the Simmons beauty rest Black “Evie”.  It is call a luxury firm.  It has a pillow top and is a tall mattress.  Anyway, it felt good at store, soft, but not as good as some of the plush beds I tried, which the sales person said was not for me if I was having problems and I needed the extra support because of our weight.  But after getting it home, I think it feels soft when I first lay down, but then it gets hard.  And I still have the pain in my hip and leg and I am tossing and turning all night, and wake up sore.  They say I need to give it 30 days and it will soften, but I’m not sure. Plus I have been reading the bad reviews on Simmons mattress and the poor customer service, and everyone is having problems with the beds sagging after just a few months, I don’t want to go through this, I just want a good mattress that doesn’t cause me pain while I sleep.  I feel I need a softer mattress.  I want a bed that when I come home and lay in it I love it, and that’s the the way it was with my old S&F Chesterbury.  And it still feels that way when I lay on it, but during the night and in the morning I wake up sore, just think it’s too old.  Can you tell me if there is a S&F comparable to that one?

Thanks for your help.  Sorry this is so long.

Sincerely,

Shirley

 

Hello Shirley,

The time to research is before you buy.

A pillowtop model is a poor choice for heavy people. The foams in the pillowtop will compress quickly, losing much of its initial comfort within months.

The Ava would have been a better choice...adding to it a 2" layer of soft Talalay latex foam for surface comfort that lasts for years.

In fact, that latex mattress topper is likely to have been all you needed, added to your Chesterbury.

The quality of your old mattress was very high. The padding may have compressed, but the coil unit is still providing adequate support. All it needed was the latex topper to restore the surface comfort.

Simmons' poor reviews stem from all the "plush" Beautyrests that are sold. The plush models are so consistently a problem, we don't even list them on our website.

You bought a firm. Except for the usual problems with pillowtops, your firm Beautyrest will hold up well.

Here's a link to the latex foam toppers.

 

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

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

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Back Pain, Firm Beautyrest Mattress with a Soft Latex Foam Top.

Cezar writes:

Hi Peter,

I had sent you an email last year to which you addressed quite nicely.  Unfortunately my wife and I did not have much time to research and make a purchase last year.  We are committed to making a purchase this year.  When I tried the links in your email, they appear to be broken.  I imagine models have changed since then.  Do you have an updated recommendation and perhaps web links to go along with it?

Also, any recommendations on nearby stores where we can try the mattress?

Thanks, Cesar

 

Hi Cezar,

Do to circumstances beyond my control, it became necessary to rebuild our website. All of the previous links now show as broken.

In your case, it's a moot point, in that the mattress I had recommended to you is now discontinued, with nothing from S&F to adequately replace it.

Your needs and my recommendation to you remain the same in principle...only the recommended mattress will change.

The idea of a firmer mattress with a soft latex foam topper remains the same.

The mattress will now be the Simmons Beautyrest World Class Annapolis Place in luxury firm. 

Here are links to that mattress and to the latex foam toppers.

 

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-brands/simmons/beautyrest-recharge-world-class/

 

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

Macy's Beautyrest Sonora is the same mattress, but it's the latex topper that is key to the comfort and longevity.

 

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

 

(Original question and answer from May 21st, 2013)

 

Hi,
My wife and I have been sleeping on a queen Serta? mattress coupled with a memory foam top we purchased from Target a few years ago.  My wife finds it very comfortable while I think it may be the source of the back pain that I've been having lately.
We're considering purchasing a new mattress, preferably King, that we both find comfortable.  That's where I think the challenge is.  She likes the plush, "cushy" feel while I prefer more firmness.  I'm not saying I want to sleep on a rock but she thinks that how our existing mattress is without the foam top.
With that being said, I'm not even sure how to begin our search for a new mattress.  Obviously we're willing to make the investment of a new mattress as long as it provides the comfort we need for a good night's sleep.  The problem is we don't even know how to get started since there's so many different brands and models.  What's your recommendation?
Also, because of our differences in preference we have been considering the Sleep Number beds.  Do you have any thoughts or advice about those?
Thanks in advance, Cesar

Hi Cesar,
Your wife must be petite. Otherwise, memory foam is worthless for that purpose.
Your wife is comfortable, in part, because the mattress is providing firm support...something that every body requires. What varies between individuals, is the degree of surface comfort.
A sleep number bed is a very expensive mistake...relying on the displacement of the air, which is not proper support for anyone.
You aren't going to find a mattress that will do everything you need it to do. There are literally tens of thousands of different mattresses out there. Most aren't worth buying for a variety of reasons. Many appeal to your sense of comfort with little regard to the support your skeletal and muscular systems require.
That you are going to a king is good news for you. Each half of the mattress can easily be customized to provide both, the firm support you each need and your individual taste in surface comfort.
Start with the Stearns & Foster Heidi in luxury firm. Add to that a latex topper for pressure point relief and comfort...each in a Twin XL, one soft for her and one medium for you.
The toppers lay directly on the mattress. They grip the mattress so that they don't move around.
Each of you has the support you need and your individual taste in surface comfort satisfied.
Here are links to those products. You can order on line. Delivery is free and there's no sales tax.

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

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All-Natural Latex Foam Mattress Topper for older S&F Blisswood.

Ray writes:

Hi Pete,

Purchased the S&F luxury firm Blisswood mattress, several years back.  It seems to have lost some of the comfort but not the overall support.  I'm thinking of adding a 1 1/2" or 2" latex topper to help regain original comfort - any ideas?

Thanks, Ray

Hi Ray,

The latex topper that we sell the most and the one that accounts for the vast majority of the positive feedback, is the 2" soft Talalay Latex Topper.

If all you want is a little extra comfort, then the 1.5" is an appropriate choice.

Here's the link. When you check out, the price will reduce by 10%...as part of the July 4th Holiday Sale.

 

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

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Stearns & Foster Blisswood / Heidi Mattress

Jennifer writes:

 

Hello!

I have been reading several of Pete's posts on Pennlive.com regarding mattress woes.  I was very excited to find the blog and start to understand what to look for in a new mattress.  This is my first mattress purchase.  I currently have an off-brand double pillow top.  I flip the bed frequently but after 10 years, it has a definite sag in the middle.  When I started using this bed I was a stomach sleeper, now I am a side sleeper with ~50 extra pounds adding to the mattress as well.

I am 5'4" and weigh about 230lbs.  I haven't noticed any pain upon waking from my mattress, but with the definite sag, it needs replacing.  I read through all the plus size category and saw that the mattress most recommended was the Stearns and Foster Blisswood with the latex topper for comfort.  Just as I had decided to blindly follow, it has been replaced by the "new" line (assumedly) and is no longer available on your website.  I did see that it was still available at Sear's as the Hearthstone.  Today, I went to Sears and tried the mattress.  I laid down for ~15 minutes on the luxury firm side of the mattress.  After ~5 minutes I had a tingling in my lower back, it just didn't feel very good. 

I know that I need the support of a firm mattress because of my excess weight.  Would you still recommend this bed for me?  What is the replacement called?  I noticed in another blog that Pete writes that there is a change between the Blisswood and its newer version which might not prevent the sagging of the mattress as efficiently as it previously held.  If this is still recommended would it be in my best interest to order the Hearthstone from Sear's versus the newer model from you?  Would adding the latex topper make enough of a difference to my back pain? 

I'm so confused, I wish there weren't so many options.

Thank you so much, Jennifer Indianapolis

 

Hi Jennifer,

The Blisswood is long gone and the Heidi had taken its place. 

The Heidi, too, will soon be discontinued. All of the lew line S&F models have lots of memory foam and there isn't a one that is worth buying. So, call me right away to order the Heidi.

It will very soon, be too late to order that.

The latex topper on the Heidi Luxury Firm Tight Top, together, will do the job you want it to do...and do it well.

2" of soft all-natural Talalay latex foam is all you need. 

Call me to order this right away. The Heidi will soon be no more. All of the 

 

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

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

 

Simmons Beautyrest Dartmouth Drive ultimate firm mattress

Grace writes:

 

Dear Mattress Expert,

I'm having a difficult time comparing two mattresses, the Stearns and Foster Blisswood and the BeautyRest Dartmouth Drive Ultimate Firm.

Which is a better bed? I'm not finding anything positive on either brandof the beds.

Also, do you know when Blisswood was discontinued?

 Thanks for any advice that you can provide.

 Grace

Hi Grace, 
The Blisswood was replaced with the Heidi. 
The Dartmouth Drive ultimate firm is the better of the two.                                                           Complaints are more frequent with plush and pillowtop models. Extra firm models rarely go bad.  Most of the mattresses sold are plush and pillowtop, which is why the reviews are so bad. 

Here is the link to the Dartmouth Drive.
 http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-brands/simmons/beautyrest-recharge-world-class/

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

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

Grace writes:

Dear Peter,

Thanks for the reply.  We ended up going with the Beautyrest. Only because we saw bad reviews for the S&F and couldn't find any comments Pos or Neg for that Beautyrest.

Thanks for the advice. We love the mattress and the service you provided.

 

Thanks,

Grace

 

 

How to make use of The Mattress Expert Q&A blog

 

Hello Everyone,

This blog will provide you accurate information about mattresses and the mattress industry. It is designed to custom fit each person, along with your unique set of circumstances, to the mattress best suited to meet your needs. You will find "Categories" for the blog posts that address each question genre. Highlighted words will also aid you in finding posts that address circumstances similar to your own. In most of my responses, there are links to mattresses that are recommended for that particular questioner. Click on those links and it will take you to the information about that mattress, including: photo, specifications and pricing. If that particular mattress interests you, you can order it on-line or by phone. Any question that you may have, that you did not see answered here, can be asked via email at [email protected]  You will receive a direct response to your email. Your question and my response to it, will later be posted onto the blog.

Visit our website to view the the specifications of the products that interest you...and, to place your order.

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

 

Testimonial & Recommendation for our child's mattress.

Heather writes:

Hi Peter, 

I must give the biggest shout out to you and your company. 

I e-mailed you several times, quite a few years or so ago, and you always replied with excellent information. 

We ended up purchasing a bed from you and it 

was one of the best decisions I have ever made. 

Every night is heaven in my bed. In fact, it has made vacation difficult because nothing beats the 

bed you recommended for me and my husband. 

We ended up with a Stearns and Foster Plush Edenbridge and even after all these years, I can never thank you enough. 

That said, now the time has come for our daughter to get a bed. She is just turning three years old and is very tall. 

She outgrew her toddler bed already! I am not sure what type of mattress to go with. I was thinking either Sealy or Stearns and Foster, but am not sure. 

Do you have any recommendations for a mattress that will last as she continues to grow?

Thanks!! Heather 

Hi Heather,

I don't know which I find more satisfying, as a retailer....your long term satisfaction or that you remembered me for your daughter's mattress.

Many years have passed and much has changed. Yours, was among the last great mattresses that S&F produced. Quality, across the board, hasdiminished to the point where we no long handle those brands. 

We recommend a couple of different routes these days. 

In the same price point as what you would expect to pay for a Sealy product, we carry The Simmons Beautyrest. The individually pocketed coils provide firm but contouring support that is designed to maintain the natural alignment of the spine. You can imagine the advantage this has or a growing body. For your daughter, the Classic Flatbrook luxury firm model is the one to get. Shown here:

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-brands/simmons/beautyrest-recharge-classic/

In the S&F price range, you can get the very best available....and all-natural, all-latex mattress that she will take with her to college and beyond to her first apartment.

Latex has always been the best you can buy. Both, latex mattresses and the Simmons Beautyrests were introduced in the 1920s and each has dominated their respective fields since then. The 8' or 9" Ever-Eden latex mattresses would be what I'd recommend for her...and here is the link to those mattresses.

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

 

The major difference between them is in the longevity. The Classic Beautyrest will, certainly, get you through the next 10 years and perhaps until she is grown and gone.

In terms of support and comfort, you can't go wrong with either of them...with just the price difference as a determining factor.

My thanks for returning to us. Your patronage is greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Simmons Beautyrest or S&F Twila Mattress?

David writes:

Dear Peter,
A few days a go I sent you an email about either purchasing a Twila or a Recharge World Class. I am 220, male, still single, with some lower back and hip pain. Which is better?
Do you carry them? I heard the Twila has changed at the box stores since tempurpedic bought them--is that true/should it now be avoided?
Thanks so much, David

Hi David,

The Sealy/S&F factory, that we deal with, is the last remaining franchise operation. As such, they are always the last to complete a line change.

As of right now, I can order a Twila for you.

The line change started in January, so there is little time left to order a Twila...exactly how long, we don't know. We will be informed of that when it happens with no real warning.

We were told in January that we had a few months.

The new S&F models all have lots of memory foam. They are all to be avoided and we will not be selling those models.

 

The World Class Annapolis Place in Luxury Firm with a 2" soft Talalay latex topper is an excellent choice. However, at your weight, it would be better to go with a Simmons Black model.

The Black Line uses a triple strand wire coil in every other row of coils, making it the strongest one-sided mattress on the market.

At about your same weight, an Ansleigh Black model with a latex topper is what my wife and I sleep on.

 

The World Class model will be the least expensive of the three.

The Twila in the middle.

The Black models are the most expensive.

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Degenerative disc on a latex mattress.

Angelique writes:

 

I am returning a S&F Ocean View Villa 

latex mattress which felt lovely at first but 

I find doesn't work well with my degenerative disc problems [purchased 

before I read your website!]  

Of the available choices, the S&F luxury plush

 feels good but I am worried that it might be a little soft.  There's a 

Sealy cushion firm that seems about right but I feel significantly more

body motion when my husband and I are both on it.  If we go that route, 

would a latex topper help with the motion?  Or, do you have a suggestion 

for something different?  

How do the S&F and Sealy compare in terms of good 

support?   This whole process is pretty frustrating! Angelique

 

Hi Angelique,

Ya know, I haven't heard that name since I was kid, rushing home after school to watch Dark Shadows.

I just recently answered a question on the complexities of buying a mattress, specifically a latex mattress, when adding disc problems to the mix.

Here is a link to that post, which will explain a lot.

http://mattressexpert.typepad.com/the_mattress_expert/2014/06/herniated-disc-pain-and-foam-mattresses.html

The mattress you chose is an ultra plush...much too soft for a degenerative disc problem.

S&F also makes a firm model, the River View Villa, which I'm sure would be fine for you. Add a soft latex topper to that for comfort.

If going with a S&F innerspring, stay with a luxury firm model...and avoid the luxury plush.

Add a layer of soft latex to the surface of that, as well.

Adding a layer of latex to a Sealy will help with comfort, but will do little to counter the motion transfer created by that coil system.

The best of that type of mattress, are the two-sided models that we have available from Therapedic. They are, no less than, the strongest innerspring mattresses available anywhere.

They were engineered by me and we have had them on the market for the past 5 years.

Here is a link to those mattresses and to the latex mattress toppers.

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-brands/therapedic-two-sided-flippable-mattresses/

http://themattressexpert.com/latex-toppers/

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

S&F Warranty? A guest room mattress?

Melissa writes: 

I purchaed a Stearns and Foster "Knights Bridge" double sided mattress in June of 2000 and paid over $2000. It began to have problems a few years later and we got it exchanged. A few years later, the new one sided model they sent me had terrible body impressions. We tried to get it replaced under their warranty. An inspector came out and agreed it was a bad mattress but found a small stain. He said that even though it was a bad mattress, the warranty is void if it is at all "soiled." They quoted a California law that does not allow them to handle soiled mattresses. We tried to have it cleaned but the 3 inch stain had set. Is there any way to get them to honor their warranty? As you can see, I've been stewing about it for a few years. We have since purchased a Simmons Beautyrest mattress with a latex topper from you and couldn't be happier with those products, our quality of sleep, and the lack of pain.

The one I'm asking about has been in our guest room. Our guests have complained about waking up stiff and sore. 

Once Again, Thank You, Melissa.

 

Hi Melissa,

I'm happy to hear that you are sleeping well.

The warranty on your mattress has expired. Your original mattress had a 10 year warranty and the mattress you got in exchange continues the original warranty. The new mattress does not come with a new warranty. All a moot point, I'm afraid. The warranty's "stain clause" is written in stone by every mattress manufacturer. California's law has nothing to do with anything, concerning it.

For the guest room, we recommend a lower end, lesser expensive, Simmons Beautyrest with a latex topper. In case you are interested in making a change, I'm including the links for those items.

 

http://themattressexpert.com/mattress-brands/simmons/beautyrest-recharge-classic/simmons-beautyrest-recharge-classic-lumberton-luxury-firm/

 

Soft Talalay Latex Mattress Topper

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 (PST Hours 9am to 5pm, Daily)
Email: [email protected]

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Factory Direct to You....All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Free Delivery Nationwide....NO SALES TAX.

 

Featuring: Simmons Beautyrest, Pure Bliss & EverEden Latex Mattresses, All-Natural Latex Toppers

All Brand New, Factory Fresh to You.

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