The Mattress Expert

Chattam and Wells Mattress, not living up to expectations.

Kelly writes:

Hi Pete,

I (60F) and my husband (61M) are in need of a new mattress set. 

We replaced our 20 year old Chattam and Wells firm mattress (due to pressure pain) with their plusher mattress about 5 years ago and it’s been downhill since. 

Our bed dips badly on both sides and we are desperate for a good night's sleep. 

This set has not lived up to our expectations.

 

My husband is 5’10” 230 lbs with a bad back. He also has some heart issues. 

He is mainly a side sleeper. I am 5’4” 191 lbs with hip and shoulder pain and some neck issues. 

I am a side/stomach sleeper. He sleeps hot, I sleep cold.

 

Recently we traveled and stayed at a LaQuinta. 

To our surprise we both slept great! No pain! And we both slept through the night. 

Now we realize our problem isn’t age related. It's mattress related. 

We are on a mission to replace our mattress.

 

I know we can purchase the mattress that LaQuinta uses but is that advised? 

I believe it was a medium firm, tight top. They are currently having a great sale. 

And they even have the moveable platform base. Is that recommended? 

I'm definitely not a fan of pillow top mattresses. 

We currently have a memory foam topper to help with pressure points. 

I’m not a fan of that, either.

Would love to hear what you would suggest for us.

Thanks, Kelly

 

Good Morning Kelly,

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

Back then, memory foam could only be had through Tempur-Pedic.

Today, most mattresses are upholstered with memory foam…now that all of the name brands have been sold. Tempur-Pedic owns Sealy and S&F. An investment group bought Simmons and Serta…all using memory foam to enhance profits by making the consumer a frequent buyer.

 

LaQuinta features Simmons Beautyrest.

The problem is that the mattress you slept on may be an older mattress with no memory foam in it. Any new mattress you buy from them will have memory foam, which will bring you around to where you are today within a couple of years or so.

 

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

The mattress most like the older mattresses used in hotels is:

The Thomasville Artisan Collection Franklin Mattress 

Click on this link to view that mattress.

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/thomasville-artisan-collection/

 

This mattress uses the same components used it that hotel mattress, an individually pocketed coil system for support and polyurethane foam for comfort.

 

My first choice for anyone the size of your husband, is a mattress upholstered with latex foam…the most durable of all the upholstery materials for the last 100 years.

Latex is cushy, but doesn’t allow you to sink. The feel it creates is one of Floating.

 

We carry two brands that use pocketed coils for support and latex upholstery.

The Natura of Canada Greenspring Mattresses are all on the firm side, even their ultra plush model.

The Williams Mattress Co. Mattresses provide more surface comfort, with their Bristol model being the most luxurious.

Any of these mattresses will give you the longevity you had been used to.

Click on each of these links to view those lines of mattresses.

 

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

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/the-williams-mattress-co/

 

These mattresses come with white glove delivery.

The first mattress arrives via UPS.

 

I’m not a fan of adjustable bed bases.

Their therapeutic value is minimal and with the head raised, all of your body weight shifts to a central point in the mattress, just under your butt.

THIS spot in the mattress is where it will wear first…and much quicker than when your weight is more evenly distributed. It’s a lot to spend for so little benefit.

 

Your body’s natural alignment should be maintained when sleeping…for that, flat is best. If you need a new foundation, I recommend this one from Magniflex:

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

Everything we carry comes with Free Delivery

 

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: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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Four Seasons Stearns and Foster Hotel Mattress.

Raj writes:

 

Hi Pete,

Which Stearns and Foster mattress is same as the Four Seasons Hotel mattress?

What do you mattress you recommend?

I’m a side sleeper 190 lbs with shoulder pains on the side I sleep. 

I prefer plush Hotel mattresses as never had issues when I sleep in hotel.

Thanks, Raj

 

Hi Raj,

S&F was purchased by Sealy decades ago.

Tempurpedic acquired S&F when they bought Sealy in 2013.

 

Hotel grade mattresses are not available at any retail store.

They must be purchased through Tempur/Sealy’s Hospitality Division or through the hotel.

Here’s the contact information you’ll need to shop for what you want.

 

Holly Shoaf 

 1-800-707-3259…option 2

[email protected]

 

We had been a S&F dealer for decades before they were sold.

Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush is what we recommend.

Shown here: 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: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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A Mattress for Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis.

Betty writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I am 76 yrs. old and have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis.  

I also have severe scoliosis.

Due to several episodes of blood clots, I have been on permanent Coumadin for 24 years and also have a blood filter implanted in the artery below my heart.

 

In 2006 I bought a Sealy Jacaranda Queen mattress and adjustable queen base/platform with motor.

 

For the last several years I have been suffering from back, hip, knee and shoulder pain.   

At times I suffer from a pinched nerve in my back.

All the doctors want to operate on my back, but with me on Coumadin and at my age, I feel the risks outweigh the benefits.  

 

I have found a chiropractor who is really helping my back and hips with stretching maneuvers.

 

Last week I almost bought a Simmons Beautyrest mattress to go on the base I already own.  

I have since read bad reviews on that mattress and am glad I didn't buy it.  

I have been told that I need a firm mattress because of my back, but need a soft mattress for my shoulders and hips.  I am confused.  

Also, I'm not a millionaire and can't afford a mattress that costs thousands of dollars.

 

To add to all of the above, my son thinks my back problems worsened when I got the adjustable bed.  

Do you have an opinion regarding this, as well?

 

I need your help and advice.

Thank you, Betty

 

Hi Betty,

An adjustable bed base is fine for sitting up to watch TV, but for sleeping, the bed needs to be flat in order to maintain your spine's natural alignment. It should be flat when you're sleeping.

 

The Sealy Jacaranda latex mattress was quite firm and should be ok for your back...but it's too firm for your other issues. 

While made as a one-sided mattress, you can flip that mattress over for more even surface support. 

 

If the mattress has worn, you can flip it over. 

The underside will provide all the firmness that your back requires.

 

Add to that, a Suite Sleep 3" soft Talalay Latex Mattress topper 

Shown here:

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

This soft latex topper will relieve the pain of your Fibro, Osteo and Rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Continue with your chiropractor. They do excellent work.

You might ask him about a product called "Bio-Freeze". 

It's topically applied, providing excellent and almost immediate pain relief.

 

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: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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We are very confused as to which mattress to buy.

Joann writes:

 

Pete, 

We are very confused as to which mattress to buy.

We do a lot of traveling and always stay at a Hilton property, which is usually a Hampton Inn.

Their beds are Serta’s and I love them. Plush top, soft and supportive. 

When we vacation, we try to stay at a Wyndham property.  The beds are wonderful, I sleep very well. 

The beds at Wyndham are usually Simmons Beautyrest Recharge. I am wanting to replicate that feel. 

I know you said the beds made now will not hold up so we are exploring what the other options are.

We are not large people, 5’5” 140 lbs. 5’6” 150lbs.  

I have had both hips replaced and we both need a soft plush for shoulder comfort. 

We are mainly side sleeps, sometimes back.  

We are 72 and 73 years old...very active outdoorsy people.

We are using an old mattress, Goldens Orthopedic plush mattress, 16-year warranty.  

I don’t know how old it is. It’s just too hard. It came with a 3" topper which all in all I have back pain. Since we have a high-profile bed, we bought a Serta bunkie for king size. 

Using that, plus slats, we did this so we could get in and out of bed easier. 

We would like to be able to keep using the slats and bunkie board for the mattress to rest on.

I have looked and read about all the beds you sell. 

We are leaning towards the Natura of Greenspring Liberta Plush Mattress. 

We just don’t want a too hard firm mattress because of hips and shoulders.

Thank you, JoAnn

 

Good Morning JoAnn,

The Natura of Canada Greenspring Mattresses are what we recommend for larger people. 

Due to the components being of such high quality, all of the models are firmer than they sound.

Even the Ultra Plush model will be firmer than I think you want.

 

My wife and I are large people and have the ultra plush model.

We needed to add a topper to make the surface softer for her sensitive hip.

Our mattress is still in like new condition after almost 9 years.

At your sizes, this would be the last mattress you’d need to buy if you lived to be 100.

So, it’s an excellent value given the longevity.

And, those mattresses come with white glove delivery.

 

The mattress with the feel that I think you’d enjoy is the Wolf Tulah Luxury Plush Eurotop.

shown here:

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

The type of support is the same, but it’s not as strong…more surface comfort.

It’s a better choice for comfort for people who weigh as little as the two of you.

The downside is the UPS delivery to the front door.

It’s likely that you’ll need help getting it in and unpacked.

 

If going with the Greenspring, you’ll most definitely need a topper to soften the surface. 

We carry a wide variety of those…shown here: 

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

Again, I recommend the Ultra Plush Greenspring Mattress…shown here:

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

I suggest waiting until after it arrives to determine which topper to get.

 

Everything comes with Free Delivery.

 

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: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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A pillow for neck, shoulder muscle pain.

Karin writes:

 

Hi Pete, 

I've had neck, shoulder muscle pain x 25+ years. 

I've even had a cervical laminectomy at three levels with fusion in 2019 with NO pain relief. 

Lately, I've found that sleeping with NO pillow has eased my pain greatly!! 

I'm only 4-11 3/4" tall, and my space between the neck and mattress is not very large. 

I've had a TempurPedic Pillow for many years and bought many after they wore out. 

Now, I'm thinking it may be the CAUSE of all of my pain! 

Can you recommend a pillow that you sell, that won't get me right back into the pain I've had all these years? 

I've always been a side sleeper/stomach sleeper which my physical therapist said is "the worst position!" 

However, I know how I like to sleep! Thanks in advance for your assistance. 

Thanks, Karin

 

Hi Karin,

The wrong pillow can make matters worse. 

And I’ve never heard anyone say how their product made of memory foam made anything better.

Memory foam is the absolute worst upholstery material ever invented.

 

The pillow I’d recommend is Pure Bliss Soft Classic Talalay Latex.

Also important is that you opt for that as low-profile.

Here’s a link to that pillow.

https://themattressexpert.com/organics/organic-pillows/purebliss-latex-pillows-page/

 

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: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Sleep Number Mattress causing back pain.

Hi Pete,

We have an old Sleep Number Mattress with their standard foundation and metal frame. 

My husband has a lot of back pain. He had surgery in 2016 at L4/5.

He thinks the bed is causing his pain and I don’t doubt it.  

I have some hip and shoulder pain, and periodic arm numbness but I generally can sleep on anything.

I am 5’2” and weigh 160 and he is 6’ tall and weighs about 250. 

 

We really don’t know where to start with getting an expensive mattress that we won’t be replacing in 2-3 years, but I’ve read your website and I’m convinced that we need something innerspring with a latex topper if that would seem to fit our profile.  It would be nice if it was able to be flipped, and it would also be nice if we could just keep the base system and frame that we have for our sleep number bed.  

 

Thanks for your advice! 

Kathy & Dan

Hi Kathy and Dan,

The foundation and frame that you have, has no give.

So, it shouldn’t need to be replaced. 

Just check it to make sure that it’s still nice and solid.

 

Our two sided mattresses will work for Kathy, but not recommended for someone Dan’s size.

Let me recommend to you the mattress that my wife and I have.

We are, each, over 200 lbs., and our mattress is now 9 years old and still in excellent condition. I have had a very bad back for 20 years. 

Yet, I sleep and wake without back pain, since having this mattress.

Here is a link to the Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush Mattress.

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

It has pocketed coil support and 3” of Talalay Latex upholstery.

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

In fact, about 10% of the people who have purchased this mattress have gone on to add a soft mattress topper. It is not too soft, by anyone’s standards.

We added a soft topper to ours to further cushion my wife’s sensitive hip.

 

I don’t recommend getting a topper right away.

I suggest waiting until you’ve had this mattress for a week before deciding if further softening of the sleep surface is even necessary.

It takes about a week for two things to happen…for a new mattress to loosen up, as a new mattress is a little stiff in the beginning…and for your bodies to get used to their new home. The second part of that can even be a little painful for the first couple of nights…as your bodies are forced back into their proper alignment.

 

White Glove delivery is free.

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

Your mattress will be freshly made to fill your order and can take a few weeks, or so, to arrive.

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: pete.themattressexpert@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: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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Two sided mattress, other than Wolf Brolynn and Brandy-Lynn?

Jack writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I stumbled on your website looking for info on 2 sided, non memory foam mattress. 

Do you sell any other brand of two sided mattress, other than Wolf Brolynn and Brandy-Lynn?

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

 

My old Spring Aire cotton/wool that is giving me shoulder problems, when I switch from back to side sleeping.

Mattress toppers offer short term relief and actually have to take them off from time to time. 

Also a few coils are pushing out the one side so I believe it's time. 

Although, since I've flipped the mattress every time I changed the sheets. there's no sag.

Thnx, Jack

 

Good Morning Jack,

We also carry a Two Sided Organic All Latex Mattress from Suite Sleep.

Shown here:

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/suite-sleep-latex-mattress/7-two-sided-firm-organic-latex-mattress/

I can highly recommend the  One Sided Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush Mattress, which my wife and I sleep on at home.

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

 

Since your mattress isn’t sagging, you can snip off the coils that are pushing through the side and add a high quality, long lasting latex mattress topper.

The Suite Sleep Vita Talalay Latex Mattress Topper will provide the greatest degree of comfort for your shoulders.

Shown here:

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

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: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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We have an old mattress and need a new one.

Linda writes:

Hi Pete,

We have an old mattress and need a new one. Could you give me a recommendation?

I am 58 yr old woman, 140 pounds, a lot of lower back pain, shoulder pain, muscular pain and stiffness throughout. Husband weighs 250 and has neck pain.

I want comfort, support, and pain pressure points relieved and feel better when getting up instead of so stiff!

Can you recommend if a topper should be added with it?

Thanks a bunch, Linda

 

Hi Linda,

The recommendation comes in three parts. 

First, the mattress set for the firm support you need.

The Wolf Jessica Mattress has firm, contouring individually pocketed coils, which will maintain the natural alignment of the body and spine. This is what will relieve back pain.

Shown here:

 

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

Second, the plush upholstery that will relieve pressure point pain, and do it long term.

The Natura of Canada Plush Latex Mattress Topper.

 

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/natura-of-canada/natura-of-canada-latex-mattress-toppers/

And third, PureBliss shredded Latex Pillow to relieve neck pain.

Shown here:

 

https://themattressexpert.com/organics/organic-pillows/purebliss-latex-pillows-page/

Shipping is free.

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

Never:

Use an old box spring/foundation with any new mattress. 

Doing so voids the warranty of the mattress.

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

 

Always:

Use a waterproof mattress protector. 

Your new mattress will last longer if kept clean and dry.

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

 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter 

 

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

Firm mattress, soft topper for back, hip and shoulder pain.

Linda and Chuck write:

Hi Pete,

We need a firm mattress, and a soft topper for back, hip and shoulder pain.

We know that what We need, because that’s what we’ve had, and it was great.

We bought that “sleep system combination”, as you called it, many years ago.

And just as you promised it would, it made all our various aches and pains go away.

Now, these many years later, it’s time to replace them.

I’ve looked on your website for the same items, but couldn’t find them.

What would you recommend today to achieve those same results?

Thanks, Linda and Chuck…long time fans of The Mattress Expert.

 

Good Morning Linda and Chuck,

Welcome back.

I’m so pleased to hear that my recommendation worked so well for the two of you, and for so long.

 

So much has changed over the years, which is nothing new for this industry.

Products change, come and go, on a regular basis.

But rest assured that my recommendation will include high quality products that will do the job just as well as your previous purchase.

 

The Wolf Jessica Mattress will provide the firm, contouring support necessary to relieve chronic back pain.

The Suite Sleep Pure Vita Talalay Latex Topper will provide the cushioning needed to relieve hip and shoulder pain.

This sleep system combination is ideal for the inside and outside of your body.

Click on each link to view specifications and prices.

 

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

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

You should also replace the foundation for your new mattress.

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]

Voicemail: 856-874-6894