Mattress Advice Blog

Advice, Lots of problems but need a mattress for a good night’s sleep

adviceonmattresses — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:07:17 +0000

First of all, your site is very informative and we are really hoping you can help us. Our current mattress is over 11 yrs old, and causes both myself and my husband to wake up tired and sore. We have been mattress shopping and are having a difficult time deciding the best way to go. To give you some background, I have had 4 back surgeries including a spinal fusion, two disc surgeries, and bone removed to help widen my spine. (I have a very narrow spinal canal so any herniation of my discs causes pain with my nerves). I basically have degenerative disc disease from L2-S1. I have a lot of scar tissue which causes me pain as well. In addition to that I have neck pain which they say is frozen neck, as well as fibromyalgia. My biggest problem is that my back is so sensitive that a firm mattress is very uncomfortable. The most comfortable I have tried during our search is the Dormia mattress but we have decided against it based on the info we have read. The latex S&F bed seemed to be the most comfortable one we tried in the showroom, but everything you have indicated seems to point away from latex for people with disc issues. We are both back/side sleepers, and I especially turn throughout the night because pain wakes me or I can’t find a comfortable position. We have tried tempurpedic and don’t like it at all. I have trouble sleeping on
firm mattresses because of the pressure on my back and we both like the feel of plush mattresses. Please help recommend something that may benefit both of us and help me get a good night sleep. Thanks

With all those disc problems, even a firmer latex mattress is likely to make matters worse over time. The support you get from the Sealy Posturepedic mattresses is better suited to your back. The Reserve level 7 plush is as soft as you should go. You might also try adding a latex topper to make the surface softer, if need be. It’s better to err on the side of too firm because you can always soften the top. If a mattress is too soft, there won’t be anything you can do to fix it. Neck pain is better addressed with a pillow that will keep your head aligned with your spine…just as it is when you’re standing. A pillow that is too thick or too thin will change the angle of your head, throw off the alignment and cause pain.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

Advice, Sealy and S&F latex mattress are the same

adviceonmattresses — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:54:21 +0000

Your information to this point had been invaluable and we finally went out and did some shopping today. We are looking at latex matresses and have found two that seem interesting. S & F Cove Haven and Sealy Springfree Garden Vine. Please comapre and contrast these models. We were leaning toward the Sealy due to more synthetic construction of all latex while it was my understanding that the S & F incorporates several foams in the top layers. Finally, I was told that the Venice Beach and other models have been discontinued by Sealy in favor of a new method of
latex manufacturing. Could you please offer some insight into this
statement as well. Thank you for your continued help and information

In fact, the S&F latex is the same as the Sealy SpringFree. The Cove Haven is a non-pillowtop plush, same as our SpringFree Beachside. The Garden Vine is also the same as the Beachside. The padding in the quilt is poly foam in both. You can’t quilt latex…it tears. The Reflexion line will soon be discontinued, but are now still available. Synthetic latex is consistantly the same and is produced in a continuing sheet. This allows it to be cut to the desired size. Natural latex is piced, unless buying a twin. And there are inconsistancies from one piece to the next…as there is with any natural product.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

Advice, Altering the feel of my memory foam mattress

adviceonmattresses — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:16:50 +0000

Hello: I am hoping you can help me. I started sleeping on a
four-year-old memory foam mattress two months ago. Every morning my hip and lower back hurt and continue to hurt during the day. I have had problems with my lower back and hip before but they had abated. My boyfriend loves this mattress so ideally we would like to keep it. What can I put on as a topper to the current memory foam that will help my back and hip not hurt so badly? I would certainly appreciate any advice you could give me. Thanks: Eve

That’s one of those love it or hate it items. Guys are built in kind of a straight line, while women are curvier. This probably has more to do with the difference of opinion than any other reason. You’re sinking in too far. Memory foam mattresses are usually made as a few inches of memory foam glued to 5″ or 6″ of poly foam.
You should find that poly foam to be more supportive for you. If at that point, you need to soften it, get a soft latex topper. It is far superior to memory foam in comfort, support and durability. Without spilling the beans, turn the mattress over. If he mentions that the mattress feels different, tell him you rotated it or it’s just his imagination. Or find some creative way of distracting him, if you know what I mean. Eventually, he’ll forget it and adapt. That’s what guys do.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

Advice, Latex or Memory Foam mattress

adviceonmattresses — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:01:43 +0000

Please advise. I am currently sleeping on a Simmons Beautyrest pillow top which was very comfortable for the last 2 years but has started to produce low back and hip pain over the last 2 months that is definitely related to sleeping as it resolves once I get up and move around. It reoccurs when I go to bed each night. I am comparing memory foam and latex foams. I have never slept well on a firm mattress and had previously always had foam mattresses positioned on a slatted base of a platform bed. If I decide on a latex mattress could it be positioned directly on the slatted platform base or would you suggest a box spring.
I know that Tempurpedic recommends there wood foundation. I never used any foundation with my previous foam mattresses but I am unsure what type of foam I purchased in the past. Thanks for your help

You’ll find latex to be more durable, more comfortable (for most) and better support than memory foam. How any bed will feel on a platform depends on the platform. It should have the proper center support to the floor. Otherwise, the mattress will bow along with the slats. We believe that the best value in latex is the Sealy Springfree. You’ll find pricing for those on our website,

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

Advice, Mattresses for rental units

adviceonmattresses — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:35:28 +0000

We need to buy 5 mattresses for college guys in our rental. We will use them in the summer. The house is at the beach. We have latex at home, but kind of expensive for this? Need comfortable and durable-no body impressions!
Your advice? Thanks!

For your needs, consider the Sealy Posture Premier plush. They
are well made, plenty comfy, and reasonably priced. These are great for rentals, spare rooms and occaisional use. For your own support and comfort during the summer months, the one you will be using should be a little better. Consider a Sealy Posturepedic Reserve for that.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

Advice, Mattress for a platform bed

adviceonmattresses — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:10:55 +0000

Peter, You seem to have so much expertise in this area. I feel like I am taking a continuing ed course just reading your blog -Mattress 101. Are you familiar with the Sealy Posturepedic Whitby Mattress Collection. A friend told me that this line is geared towards platform beds with no box spring required. I am currently researching mattresses and the more time I spend investigating, the more unsure I am. My back is currently killing me at night from my Simmons Beauty Rest which is 2 yrs old. Your postings had me sold on latex, but my pocketbook says no way. I previously owned foam mattresses(polyurethane I think) which I always had success with for at least 7-8 yrs on my platform bed with 16 slats.
So since I cant afford a latex mattress, I was considering a decent Sealy as a base with a latex topper. Does this make sense? Do you have any suggestions? It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for all the great info you provide. Debbie

Hi Debbie,
Platforms work just as well as boxsprings, usually. There is no specially designed mattress for a platform. The better the quality, the better it will hold up…regardless of boxspring or platform. The Sealy Posturepedics are the best made innerspring mattress in their price range. Getting one and adding a latex topper, if needed, is an excellent idea. A topper keeps the mattress like new longer and latex wears like iron and is very comfy.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

Advice, Is it ok to put the bed on the floor?

adviceonmattresses — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:06:43 +0000

I have a Stearns & Foster mattress set and I ordered a heavy duty frame for it. In the meantime, is it OK to put the whole thing on the floor; I don’t want to risk ruining the mattress with improper support.

You can’t go wrong with the floor. The point of a frame is to hold the mattress at a convenient height, while supporting the set. There is no better support than the floor.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

Advice, Latex mattress best for minimal body impressions

adviceonmattresses — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:00:35 +0000

Looks like from many blogs, that the recurring theme is that you can’t avoid body impressions. I’m very sensitive to these. Is the jist of what I read is that perhaps a latex foam mattress would be the best option to prolong the life of a mattress?

Latex is rubber and won’t take a body impression to the same degree as other foams. However, latex doesn’t quilt. It’ll tear. So you need to use something else in the quilted top. A high grade poly foam is best, but that will take something of an impression.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

Advice, What mattress is better for my bulging discs

adviceonmattresses — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:46:37 +0000

I have a Natures rest mattress that is about 4 years old. I have bulging discs in L4/L5 region and it is not comfortable sleeping on the naturesrest. I have a Kingsdown emerald crowne which better but no perfect. I am 5’3″ and about 200 lbs and my husband is 5’10″ 185 lbs. Any thoughts on a better mattress

You might consider an interlocked coil system….like the Sealy Posturepedics. The more rigid base support works well with disc problems. The two you’ve had provide a more contouring support, which obviously doesn’t to work for you. A Reserve Series Posturepedic in a cushion firm with a latex topper will give you support, comfort and longevity.

Need Mattress Advice? Hello America!

adviceonmattresses — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:30:45 +0000

Welcome to my blog.

The purpose of this blog is two fold. First, to provide straight answers to questions you have about buying a mattress and helping with whatever problems you may be having.

If you’ve been shopping for a mattress, you’ll have learned that there is a never ending stream of hype and buzz words, designed to confuse and bewilder.

I’ve been in this business for more than 35 years, and I can tell you, it didn’t always used to be this way. Being from the old school, seeing to the customer’s needs is first priority.

Which brings us to the second part of the twofold purpose. In having provided you with the true and accurate information, which is designed to help you make an informed decision, I will have gained your trust to the point that you’d prefer to buy your bed from me.

However, puchasing is not a prerequisite for getting help. For those who do not buy, or have problem they need help with, I still get good karma points.

Your Friend in the Business, Pete