The Mattress Expert

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.

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'm looking for a new queen mattress that doesn't sleep hot.

Kelsey writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I'm looking for a new queen mattress that doesn't sleep hot.  

My current one is a memory foam that is starting to indent after about 4 years, heading towards 5 years. 

Overall, it's comfortable, but I am starting to have back pain. For work, I sit in an office chair for hours.  

It replaced a double sided innerspring mattress I had for at least ten years that I loved but I couldn't find anything similar in mattress shops around me.  

For a new mattress I want a one that doesn't run hot.  

Do the latex mattresses run hot?  

 

I'm not sure what characteristics you'd need to determine a recommendation.  

I'm a woman, in my early thirties, and I weigh roughly 175 pounds.  

If you need to know anything else, please let me know.

Thanks, Kelsey

 

Hi Kelsey,

Only memory foam sleeps hot.

Only memory foam is a temperature sensitive material that softens as it warms from your body heat. It absorbs your body heat and then reflects it back to you.

Memory foam allows you to sink…the heavier parts of your body, more so.

This throws off the alignment of your spine, which enhances your pain.

 

The pain is caused by your job.

A deck job is the main cause of disc deterioration.

You might want to invest in an ergonomic chair.

Also, take a 30 minute walk every day.

 

Latex is the best of the foams, much more resilient and much longer lasting.

However, no all foam mattress provides the pushback support necessary to relieve your back pain. Only a good quality individually pocketed coil unit will do that.

 

My recommendation for you comes in two parts…mattress and latex topper.

The Wolf Jessica Mattress, uses a strong individually pocketed coil that contours to the shape of the body and maintains the natural alignment of the spine.

For surface comfort, add a Suite Sleep Pure All-Natural 2” Soft Organic Latex Topper.

Together, they provide the support, comfort and longevity you want and need.

 

Click on each link to view each of those products.

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

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

 

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.

Wolf Jessica Mattress and Suite Sleep 3" Soft Organic Latex Topper, Heavenly.

Dan writes:

 

Hi Pete,

We just got the Wolf Jessica Mattress and Suite Sleep 3" Soft Organic Latex Topper.

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

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

 

My shoulders already feel better, and that is after only one night's sleep. 

My wife told me this morning that she almost couldn't bear to leave this "heavenly" bed!

 

Thanks again for your help in assisting us to get such wonderful mattresses! 

Our sleep is going to be blessed for a long time because of your expertise and your willingness to share it.

All best wishes, Dan

 

Hi Dan,

I'm happy for both of you.

This mattress/topper sleep system combination provides everything a body needs...

...firm, contouring support and an extraordinarily comfortable sleeping surface.

So, I'm not surprised by the results you're experiencing.

The support and comfort are provided by high-quality components, so you should continue to experience this high level of quality sleep for many years to come.

Enjoy, and sleep well.

 

These products are still available for delivery before Christmas.

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

Phone: 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 New Mattress as a Christmas Gift.

Jason writes:

 

Hi Pete,

My wife has been complaining about our mattress ever since we got it, 3 years ago.

It's a Tempurpedic, which we spent a lot of money on.

I can't tell you how disappointed we both are with this...especially after all the hype it took to sell it to us.

We were told that it would relieve my back pain and that it had cooling technology.

Well, my back did feel better for the first couple of months. Now, I'm in more pain than ever before.

My wife was told that it would provide relief to her hot flashes. 

Not only does it not do that, the heat factor is now worse.

After registering a complaint and having the mattress inspected, we were told that there's nothing wrong with the mattress. We can't return it and we can't live with it.

 

We have been jammed together in our queen size guest room for the past few months and miss our king size.

We are having company over the Christmas Holiday and will have to go back to the Tempurpedic.

We are absolutely dreading that.

I want to surprise my wife with a new mattress as a Christmas Gift before that happens.

Can you help me?

Thanks, Jason

 

Hi Jason,

The reason for all of your problems is the memory foam in that mattress.

You may or may not need to buy a new mattress. Let's find out.

The memory foam in your mattress is only on top. The memory foam is supported by high density poly foam.

So, flip your mattress over today and add whatever you have, like a comforter, to soften it.

After a night or two sleeping on the flip side, you'll better know what you need....if anything.

 

If that trick works for you, and it has for many over the years, you'll have a couple of options.

If whatever you use to soften the surface allows you to sleep comfortably, then you need not buy anything.

If the degree of softness isn't enough, but the firm support is good for your back, then add a latex topper.

The Suite Sleep Soft 2" or 3" Pure, Organic Latex Topper provides extraordinary, long lasting surface comfort.

Shown here:

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

 

If your back pain doesn't improve sufficiently, then you'll need a new mattress.

There's no better support for relieving chronic back pain than an individually pocketed coil system.

This type of coil system provides firm, pushback support against your spine that contours to the shape of the body, maintaining your spine's natural alignment. 

The mattress I recommend is very well made...The Wolf Brolynn Old Fashioned Two-Sided Mattress in Plush.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices:

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

Wolf Brolynn Old Fashioned Two-Sided Mattress

 

Suite Sleep Latex Topper

 

Regardless of how this goes, your wife's heat situation will no longer be a problem. 

Only memory foam is temperature sensitive...absorbing your body heat and reflecting it back to you.

There is NO Memory Foam in anything on our website.

 

The Suite Sleep Latex Topper ships via FedEx.

The Wolf Mattress ships via UPS.

Both will arrive in about a week's time...well before Christmas.

 

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

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Mattresses for the children that double as guest bedrooms.

Brett writes:

 

Hello Pete,

I'm upgrading both of my children to Queen size beds and looking for a good mattress for them.

They need to be good, long lasting mattresses to double as guest bedrooms.  

What can you suggest for a good mattress for kids, and guests alike?  

I'm pretty sure I'm leaning towards a good firm mattress with a nice topper, or one with a euro top included.

Many Thanks, Brett

 

Hi Brett,

The thing to concern yourself with most, is in buying mattresses that have no memory foam in them.

Most memory foams are made of toxic chemicals that off gas.

Memory foam is specifically designed to cause a mattress to need frequent replacing…even non-toxic plant based memory foam.

 

The tailoring of the mattress is of secondary importance.

Firm contouring support and a comfortable sleeping surface made with long lasting components should be your primary focus.

 

I have a couple of suggestions.

The Wolf Brolynn Old Fashioned Two Sided Mattress in plush provides all the support, comfort and longevity you’ll need for long term use.

Going with that mattress in Duo Comfort, (Firm on one side and Plush on the other side), allows you to provide your guest with their desired feel.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices.

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

 

 

If a luxurious surface feel is what you’re after, then consider the Wolf Jessica Mattress and a Suite Sleep 

2” or 3” Soft Organic Latex Topper.

Together they give you that “Eurotop” look. 

Pure, All Natural Latex is far more luxurious and much longer lasting than any Eurotop mattress.

Click on these links to view specifications and prices.

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

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

 

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

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Replacing an old Sealy SpringFree Reflexion Jacaranda All Latex Mattress.

Kharma writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I have a 15 year old Sealy SpringFree Reflexion Jacaranda All Latex Mattress.

The top has a bit of a dip in it and I'm not sleeping as well as I once had been.

I think it needs replacing.

I found you blog while researching this and have discovered that these mattresses are no longer being made.

Do you have a recommendation for a high quality, all latex mattress that is similar to this one?

Thanks, Kharma

 

Hi Kharma,

You may or may not need a new mattress.

The Sealy SpringFree Reflexion Jacaranda all latex mattress has two lives.

The poly foam on top of the latex is what has worn.

Even though this is made to be a one sided mattress, you can flip it over to bring the latex core to the surface.

The worn poly foam will then be at the bottom.

The underside is very firm, but the Jacaranda was the firmest of their latex mattress line.

So, you may, very well, like the feel just the way it is.

This trick works for many different types of mattresses and delays the need for a new mattress for years.

 

Please, let me know how flipping the mattress works for you.

If you need a topper to soften the surface of the mattress, the Suite Sleep Organic Latex Mattress Topper represents the highest quality latex on the planet. 2” Soft is enough.

Shown here:

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

If going with a new mattress, here are some to consider.

Both are made by Natura of Canada.

The Blossom/Bourdolay Firm is an all latex mattress and will be most like your Sealy Jacaranda.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices.

https://themattressexpert.com/canada/natura-mattresses/natura-latex-level-2-mattress/natura-bourdolay-firm/

 

The Natura of Canada Greenspring mattresses use an individually pocketed coil unit and is upholstered with latex. My wife and I sleep on the Ultra Plush model, which is nowhere near as soft as it sounds.

There are 4 models in the line and the other 3 are noticeably firmer.

The “Firm” model is quite hard.

Click on this link to view that line of mattresses.

Click on each model to view specifications and prices.

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

 

Both mattresses come with white glove delivery.

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

The latex topper ships via FedEx.

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

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.