Category Archives: Mattresses

How to Buy a Mattress

Posted on by

I’ve written blogs on how to buy a mattress before, and I’m going to do it again.  Choosing a new mattress is not a light decision, you’re going to spend eight hours in it a night (hopefully), for about the next ten years.  That’s 29,200 hours in this mattress.  It’s longer than you spend in any other place, or with any other home furnishing.  It had better be comfortable.

ShowroomThings have changed a lot since you last bought a mattress.  Here are a few changes that you should be aware of before you go out shopping:

  • Surprise…they are one-sided now.  That’s right, no flipping.  No, they didn’t just cut the bottom half off, the support of these new one-sided mattresses is actually better than the old two-sided ones, and they last just as long, if not longer.  Just less effort for you.  Really.
  • Manufacturers are now putting memory foam, latex, and gel into mattresses.  This is GREAT, because they offer more pressure relief, durability, and comfort.  Mattresses with gel can also keep you cooler throughout the night.
  • Prepare yourself, you’re not going to pay the same amount that you paid ten years ago.  If you compare the inflation of gas, you paid $2.01 for a gallon then, and about $3.39 a gallon today.  By this same increase, if you paid $800 for your bed ten years ago, the same quality bed will be $1349.

It’s really easy to get confused with all of the new technology out there, as well as all the different brands and models.  Some tips:

  • Don’t try out all of the beds in the showroom.  That’s why there is a salesperson who is (hopefully) versed in all sorts of useful information about the beds that they carry.  They should be able to skillfully navigate you through the store and eliminate beds in groups depending on your comfort preferences, body type, and medical/pain issues.  If the salesperson isn’t helpful, go to a different store.  You’re going to need help on this one.
  • Make sure that you try out all of the different types of mattresses: memory foam, latex, air, and innerspring.  Just because your neighbor bought a memory foam bed and hated it doesn’t mean that you will too.  Don’t limit yourself.
  • Different brands have different features, some of which may be important to you, some which may not be.  Don’t get hung up on a certain brand or manufacturer.  Remember that every manufacturer makes a great top of the line mattress, and every manufacturer also makes a not so good bargain mattress.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
  • If you’re trying to compare two different brands, don’t concern yourself about the coil counts.  There are so many different types of coil systems, different thicknesses of wire, and different support profiles that you can’t compare this way.  You CAN compare foam density, edge support, warranty, and height.
  • Feel free to go to more than one store, but don’t expect to price shop that much.  Each store will have a different variety of manufacturers and models, you won’t find much the same from store to store.
  • Don’t put too much stock in customer reviews.  The problem with beds is that everyone’s body is different and need different types of support.  The same way that not everyone fits into or looks good in a size small purple shirt, different bodies need different feels and comfort levels. Most reviews are because someone made the wrong decision with their purchase, not because the mattress is not fit for anyone to sleep on.

The biggest piece of advice that I have?  Don’t overthink your selection, it will make you crazy.  Purchase the mattress that feels the best to you after laying on it for about thirty minutes in your normal sleep position.  Buy the most expensive bed that you can afford, there really is a difference.  Stores will usually negotiate, so try for a great deal.  After you purchase, give your body at least two to three weeks to adjust to the new mattress before you decide if you like it or not.

Remember, the purpose is to go mattress shopping to find the most comfortable bed that you can that will offer you the best support.  Don’t worry about all the bells and whistles, the coil counts, the foam layers, the reviews, or what your mom says.  Get what you feel is the best fit for your body, at the best price possible.

To Pillow Top, or Not To Pillow Top?

Posted on by

Pillow tops are a source of much debate, and some pretty strong opinions.  I’ll admit, I’ve owned a few, and I’ve sagged a few.  I find them comfortable, but I don’t own one right now (my beloved Comforpedic is a plush firm).  So what’s the deal with pillow tops?

pillow topWhat is a pillow top?

A pillow top mattress is a mattress that has a separate looking piece on top, that looks like a pillow.  It is attached to the bed, and is not removable.  They usually consist of various padding layers.  The SOLE purpose of a pillow top is to add extra padding to the mattress, thereby making the mattress softer.

Who is a pillow top good for?

Anyone that wants a softer feel combined with firm support.

Who is a pillow top not good for?

Anyone that wants a firmer feel.  You’d be surprised how many people come into mattress stores and want a hard bed, but want a pillow top.  It’s just not possible, people.  More padding equals softer bed.  While there are firmer feeling pillow tops, none are going to be hard as a rock.

pillow topSome people have an extreme hatred for pillow top mattresses, which usually stems from a previous purchase sagging or dipping over time.  I understand being once bitten and twice shy, but there have been so many advances in mattresses, even in just the past five years.  The way that pillow tops were made ten years ago is DRASTICALLY different from how they are made now.

Higher density foams, such as memory foam and latex have replaced easily compressed foams, making sagging and depressions a thing of the past.  Pillow tops are also now “tacked down” from the top of the bed all the way down to the coil system, about every three to four inches across the bed.  This stops shifting and bunching.  Also, since all mattresses are now one-sided, the pillow top is never smashed under the weight of the coil system and the sleepers, so it maintains it’s loft and feel for much longer.

A note on body impressions and being realistic…if you think that you’re going to be able to purchase a soft, comfortable mattress, and have it look exactly the same after ten years of sleeping on it every night for eight hours, then you’re crazy.  If you sat on your couch for eight hours a day, every day, would you expect it to look exactly the same after ten years?  What about the driver’s seat in your car?  Mattresses are made out of foam, and foam will compress.  Consider that you’re laying your entire body weight on that bed, and not moving much for 6-8 hours.  The foam that you’re laying on is going to compress, and eventually, it won’t be able to recover back to normal.  This is perfectly acceptable.  Body impressions in your mattress don’t change the feel, support, or durability.  They are just a by-product of you sleeping on the mattress.  If you want a bed that will be exactly the same after 29,200 hours of a 160 lb person laying on it (that’s ten years of 8 hours a night), then you should purchase a slab of granite, not a mattress.

Sorry for the snarkiness, but it’s true.

So if you’re in the market for a new mattress, take a look at a pillow top mattress: they are more durable, and more comfortable than ever before.  One might just be your key to sweet dreams!

By the way – great options for a pillow top mattress, as chosen by me:

Beautyrest Recharge Flatbrook Plush Pillow Top – for those who like a soft feel

Beautyrest Recharge World Class Trident Luxury Firm Box Top – for those who like a medium feel, with the extra support and durability of a coil system in the pillow top!

BeautySleep Fancy Pillow Top – budget conscious, but still super comfy!

The NEW CURV Beds are Here!

Posted on by

I posted on the new CURV by Simmons beds a few weeks ago, and we’ve finally gotten them listed on the website!  You should really check them out, the product is great, and the price is even better.

Here’s some quick info on CURV beds:

  • They aren’t price regulated.  What does that mean to you?  That we have the lowest prices, guaranteed.  We shop everyone else, and make sure that we’re the cheapest.
  • The two better models have gel memory foam.  What?  A cool night’s sleep for under $1000?  It’s possible.
  • All models come with a ten year warranty.
  • All models work great on adjustable bases.
  • All models are designed and built in the USA.
  • All models are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning that they passed the non-toxic tests, and you can breathe easily.
  • They’re marketed towards the “Millenial” generation, but they’re great for anyone to sleep on every night, for guest rooms, for kids, for RVs, for anything!
  • The queen set prices range from $643 to $888 on our site.  INCLUDING DELIVERY.  You seriously can’t beat that with a stick.
  • All of the models are on the firmer side, with the middle one (the Swanky) being the softest of the three, but still quitre firm.
  • The three models have 1.5″, 2.5″, and 3.5″ of memory foam, respectively.

If you’re in the market for cheap memory foam, then the CURV beds are a great option.  They are the ONLY ones in this price range that are made in the US, most others are manufactured in China.  They are one of the only product lines that has gel memory foam at this price point.  The amount of memory foam in each bed is pretty generous, and the patented form of the memory foam increases air flow and comfort.

The new CURV models are:

  1. Amazing Style (aka The Latest Thing in stores) – This mattress is firm, has 1.5″ of memory foam (without gel), and is 8″ thick.  We have it listed at $643 for the queen set.
  2. Swanky (aka All The Rage in stores) – This mattress has a plush firm feel, with 2.5″ of gel memory foam.  It’s 9″ thick.  We have it listed at $697 for the queen set.
  3. So Chic (aka Vogue in stores) – This mattress has a firm feel, with 3.5″ of memory foam, some with gel.  It’s 10.5″ thick, and we have it listed at $888 for the queen set.

So, check it out, tell your friends, and sleep better for less!

iComfort vs Comforpedic: The Smackdown

Posted on by

I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about the differences between iComfort by Serta and Comforpedic by Beautyrest.  Sure, both are gel memory foam beds, but what are the real differences?

I have set aside my obvious love for Comforpedic to learn about the iComfort, and to give an honest evaluation.  And I must admit, I was surprised by some of the features and reviews of iComfort.  Check out the comparisons:

AirCool with TruTempConstruction: Memory Foam with Gel

iComfort calls their foam “Cool Action Gel Memory Foam”, which is memory foam infused with Serta’s Micro Support Gel.  Comforpedic calls their foam “AirCool Memory foam with TruTemp Gel”, which is memory foam infused with TruTemp Gel.  I couldn’t find any info on either company’s proprietary formula, meaning that I can’t compare the amount of gel that’s actually in the foam.  So, we’ll call this one a draw.

Pressure Relief

Like all memory foam, both of these manufacturer’s beds offer exceptional pressure relief.  Memory foam, by design, evens out the pressure and holds the body in it’s most natural position, allowing for muscles to relax.  Both the iComfort and the Comforpedic do this well.  This category is also a draw.

Increased Targeted Support

iComfort advertises that their “MicroSupport” beads gather in areas that need extra support, like the small of your back.  Comforpedic makes no such claim, they advertise increased support over the entire bed.  Edge: iComfort.

Comforpedic Air Flow Diagram

Temperature Regulated Sleeping Conditions

Due to the gel that both manufacturers blend into their memory foam, all of these mattresses will have a cooling effect, and will be cooler than other types of memory foam.  In lab tests, Comforpedics have proven to dissipate heat 2.8 times faster than the competition, but the word “competition” is never defined by manufacturer.  Therefore, we can’t be sure that iComfort was tested.  Comforpedics also have ventilated edge support and mesh borders, which are designed to increase air flow.  However, because of the I’m scoring this one as a draw.

Warranty

Both iComfort and Comforpedic have 25 year limited warranties.  Both are 15 year full replacement, and 10 years pro-rated.  Score: Draw

In-Home Trial

Both companies offer an in-home trial, Serta iComfort’s is 120 days, Comforpedic is 365 days.  According to the Serta website, you can return the bed for a refund, less a 15{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} disposal fee, and a $200 return shipping and handling charge.  These fees and charges are the same in the case of exchange also.  Comforpedic’s exchange has no fees, and in the case of www.drsnooze.com, we only charge the return shipping fee of $176.  Comforpedic does not offer a return for refund program.  Both companies mandate that you must sleep on the mattress for a minimum of 30 nights.  Due to the lesser exchange fees, and the extended exchange period, I’m giving this round to: Comforpedic.

Ease of Movement

Comforpedic claims that their proprietary formula allows for easier movement on the mattress.  According to review site SleepLikeTheDead.com, they give iComfort a C- in ease of movement, and give Comforpedic a C.  Slight advantage: Comforpedic

Adjustable Bed Friendly

Both manufacturer’s entire line-ups are adjustable bed friendly – this one’s a draw.

Latex Options

Serta offers iComfort Directions, which is a sister line to the iComfort.  These mattresses have latex layers in them, in addition to memory foam.  Comforpedic does not offer latex in any of their mattresses.  If you’re looking for latex and memory foam, iComfort wins this round.

Firmness Predictability

According to SleepLikeTheDead.com, 14{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} of iComfort owners state that the feel of their mattress at home is significantly different than the firmness that they felt on the floor sample in-store.  There is no data on the site regarding Comforpedics, but I will tell you that I haven’t heard many complaints about different feels between home and store, definitely much less than 14{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a}.  Edge: Comforpedic.

iComfort and ComforpedicOwner Satisfaction

Again, according to SleepLikeTheDead.com, 81{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} of iComfort owners are satisfied with their purchase.  83{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} of Comforpedic customers are satisfied with their bed.  While these numbers are close, Comforpedic wins this round.

Price Comparison

I did my best in trying to compare specifications and layers, but it’s difficult to find exact layers and densities of the iComfort beds.  From the information that I found, I deciphered that “Renewal Redefined” by iComfort is closest to the Restored Spirits/Enlightened days”.  Both of these beds in a queen size set are priced at $2499 by the manufacturer.  I also figured that the iComfort “Genius” is closest to the Comforpedic “Advanced Rest/Alive”.  The Genius is listed in a queen set at $1599, while the Advanced Rest/Alive is listed in the same size at $1299.  Serta’s iComfort line seems to be price regulated, as every site that I went on had the exact same pricing, with no available discounts.  Comforpedic is not as stringent – some sites (ahem), run sales with discount codes, or gives a lower sale price when the item is added to the cart.  For example, that Restored Spirits/Enlightened Days on www.drsnooze.com pops up in the cart at $2157.17.  Due to the fact that even the regular price is better with Comforpedic, I’m giving them this round.

So, really, they are pretty even in many ways.  Overall, there were five draws, two votes for iComfort, and five for Comforpedic.  Both mattress line-ups are similar, and I can honestly say that going with either one wouldn’t be a bad choice.  The only factor that I didn’t evaluate was feel, since I don’t have an iComfort to sleep on.  However, since this is such a personal decision, it’s probably better that I left that out.

If you’re trying to decide between iComfort and Comforpedic, hopefully this comparision is helpful and informative.  Let me know in the comments which one you chose!

Memory Foam vs Innerspring

Posted on by

So you want a memory foam vs innerspring showdown?

I’m sure that you’re well aware of my intense love affair with memory foam, but is it for everyone?  No, unfortunately not.  I’ve had a few customers ask me which is better for them, and I must admit, sometimes its…gasp…not memory foam.

So, to promote fair and balanced analysis, I’ve decided to step back from my pro-memory foam stance, and give you a list of pros and cons of each bedding medium.  Objectively.  I promise.

Innerspring Mattress Pros and Cons

  • Pro: There are a huge variety of different manufacturers, styles, feels, and price ranges.  It’s virtually impossible not to find one that’s comfortable for you to sleep on.
  • Con: Sleeping on metal creates pressure points.  This means that no matter how much padding your bed has, it will still cause you to toss and turn, eventually.
  • Pro: They are bouncy, making them easier to move around on, and better for other…ahem…bedroom activities.
  • Con:  Innerspring mattresses are more likely to sag, squeak, or creak.
  • Pro:  You can find comfortable models for cheap.
  • Con: Innerspring mattresses lose their comfort level over time – it’s not going to feel the same in 5 years as it does now.
  • Pro:  There are many different manufacturers, with many different coil systems, designed for different levels of back support, weight, etc.
  • Con:  There are many different manufacturers, with many different coil systems, designed for different levels of back support, weight, etc.  Totally confusing!

Memory Foam Mattress Pros and Cons

  • Pro:  The back support on a foam mattress is far superior to any innerspring, regardless of coil system or price.
  • Con:  The “sinky” feeling doesn’t appeal to some people.
  • memory foamPro:  Memory foam provides excellent pressure relief, so you toss and turn 80{d066f20f781a5b527d275b31e1f8758c7870657f3e5775941a299b25a4f5af5a} less, and they increase circulation.
  • Con:  If you don’t opt for a gel version, they can sleep warm.
  • Pro:  The density of the foam makes the bed last for about twice as long as innerspring without developing body impressions, sags, etc.  No creaking or squeaking, either.
  • Con:  They can be difficult to move around on, and get off of.
  • Pro:  No dust mites, mildew, or mold.  Additionally, many brands (like Comforpedic) certify their components, meaning that they are non-toxic and there’s no off-gassing.
  • Con:  They can be more expensive than innerspring, but they do last longer!
  • Pro: You can’t feel your partner moving around.
  • Con: The profile isn’t as high as many innerspring mattresses.

Innerspring vs Memory Foam Recommendations:

If you’re a young person, and like the feel of memory foam, I say go for it.  It will benefit your health and your wallet in the long run.

If you’re an older person who may have arthritis or circulation problems, memory foam may be the better option.  Just make sure that you can move around on it easily.  Additionally, it can be used with an adjustable base down the road, if you need it!  If memory foam is too hard to get out of, or it’s not comfortable for you, innerspring will work too!

If you’re a person on a budget, innerspring may be the way to go.  Less expensive memory foam is less dense and won’t last as long as comparably priced innerspring beds.  They will also sleep hot.

If you’re a couple who like different feels, try out a memory foam mattress.  They are often the happy medium, since each partner is supported according to his or her weight.  Additionally, you won’t get the hump in the middle of the bed, and won’t feel like you’re rolling into each other.

If you like a bouncier feel, or sit on the edge of the bed a lot, innerspring is your option.  The edge support is much better, and nothing bounces like a steel coil!

 

Hopefully this helped you find decipher what is good and not so great about memory foam and innerspring.  The last piece of advice that I have is to try them out.  The feels are very different, and your body may prefer one over the other.  If that is the case, go with whatever feels the best to you, and disregard the rest.  However, if you’re indifferent, remember that memory foam offers superior support, durability, and value in the long run.  Sorry, I just couldn’t resist!!!

CURV Mattresses are Almost Here!!!

Posted on by

A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about the new Simmons line-up of memory foam beds under $1000 called CURV, geared towards the “millennial generation”.  Well, some new info has been released, and I think that you’re going to be really excited.

Highlights of the Simmons CURV line-up:

  • Supremely Comfortable – they offer great pressure relief and conformance, for exceptional support and long lasting comfort.
  • Cool Sleeping – the curved memory foam pattern allows for better airflow.  Also, some models have gel infused memory foam for even cooler sleeping.
  • Local – all CURV beds are made in the USA.  They are pretty much the only ones making inexpensive memory foam beds in this country.  Really.
  • Certi-Pur Certified – just like with their Comforpedic line-up, all the components of these mattresses have been certified non-toxic.  They are also low emission, make without ozone depleters, mercury, heavy metals, lead, formaldehyde, PBDEs, and phthalates.  The production process won’t hurt the environment, and the beds won’t hurt you.
  • 10-Year Warranty – Non-prorated.
  • Adjustable Ok – because you never know when you want to put your feet up!

CURV Models

  1. The Latest Thing – This is the start of the line-up – it’s an 8″ thick mattress with a firm feel.  1.5″ of 2lb CURV memory foam is layered over 1″ of Plush Comfort Foam, which sits on the 5.5″ SturdyCore.  The entire mattress is wrapped in an “Integrated FR-Z Cover”, which is soft and breathable.  At a price point of about $699 in a queen set, who couldn’t afford one of these?  Put them in your kid’s rooms, your guest room, your master bedroom, make everyone comfortable!
  2. All The Rage – One step up from the Latest Thing, this is a 9″ Plush Firm, great for all types of sleepers.  It has 2.5″ of 2.5lb CURV memory foam with gel, over a 6.5″ SturdyCore.  Wrapped in the FR-Z cover, and this mattress feels soft and conforming.  The price will let you sleep at night – it’s about $799 in a queen size set.  Again, why wouldn’t you?
  3. Vogue – 10.5″ of memory foam bed, for under $1000!  There is 1.5″ of 2.5lb CURV memory foam with gel, then 2.5″ of 3lb memory foam, over a 7″ SturdyCore.  This mattress has a firmer feel, while still maintaining it’s conforming feel.  A great option, it’s only about $999 in a queen set.

Mattresses of this caliber by other manufacturers are usually made internationally, prone to sags, or are made by no-name manufacturers.  Simmons CURV beds fill a need for everyone…now you can make sure that your guests, your kids, and that you yourself are comfortable and supported, all night long.

Keep an eye out for these beds online, we’re getting them up and running as soon as possible!

Need a Special Size Mattress?

Posted on by

I get some strange requests from customers – an odd size for an RV, a mattress with a notch out of it for one reason or another, even round mattress sets.  What is possible, and what’s not?

With all of the mattress manufacturers out there, really anything is possible.  Many companies will custom make a special size mattress for you, but they will definitely charge you accordingly.

Special Size Mattresses from National Manufacturers

You’re pretty much out of luck if you want a recognizable name on your special size mattress.  Most of the major brands (Sealy, Simmons, Serta, etc.) do not make custom sizes.  A lot of it has to do with the coil systems, since most companies buy their coil systems from a third party.  If you’re in the market for an odd size, you are limited to smaller manufacturers that can fabricate their own coil systems.

Special Mattress Sizes

The most frequently requested size is a Short Queen.  These mattresses are 60″ x 75″, and are common in RVs and campers.  All of our King Koil mattresses come in a short queen size, for only $100 more than the regular queen size.  These mattresses are special order, and may take an extra week for shipment, but are a great option if you need a Short Queen.

If you have an older hi riser that used 30″ x 75″ mattresses, they are now pretty much obsolete.  Some models from King Koil can be made into 30″ wide beds, give us a call to find out which ones.  These are special order, and are usually priced about $50 more than a twin size.

Desire a round mattress?  Before I ask why, let’s talk about availability.  I know that Ikea makes one, but other than that, you’d better start looking around at local small manufacturers.  And forget about an innerspring bed, it’s going to have to be foam.  And before you go crazy looking for your dream round bed, remember that your feet will probably hang off the end at some point, and you’re going to have to basically make your own sheets.  That’s just crazy talk.

How to get a special size mattress for less?

The simplest way is to make it yourself – or really, change an existing size to the size and shape that you want.  You can do this with any foam mattress.  Just take the cover off, and use an electric knife, electric saw, or other cutting implement to shape it into your ideal mattress size.  Do we really recommend this?  Only if you have no other choice, and don’t mind not having a warranty on your bed, and basically doing irreparable damage to it.  But it is an option…

There are some sizes that are considered “odd”, that are readily available: Twin XL, Full XL, and California King.  If it’s a space issue, think about going one size smaller (such as a full xl instead of a short queen).  All of our brands come in most of these other sizes.

So good luck with your special size mattress search, and remember that you can always call us to see if we can work a miracle for you at 855-377-6669.

 

5 Tips to Comparing Mattresses

Posted on by

I’ve written blogs and articles on different model names of mattresses before, but I’ve found that the confusion remains.  Therefore, I have created a few tips on how to “beat the system” so to speak, to make sure that you’re comparing the same models.  Remember, no one is trying to trick you, deceive you, or otherwise cheat you.  It’s just one of those things that all manufacturers do, to keep the price integrity of their mattresses. 

So, if you’re interested in comparing the same model in different places, try one of these tips:

  1. Just tell the salesperson what you saw, and where you saw it.  They will usually have comparison sheets, or be able to call a manufacturer’s representative to find out what the comparable mattress is.  Don’t be worried about them trying to sell you a different bed – most salespeople would rather have another associate at a different store do all the heavy lifting of helping you pick out the perfect bed.  It’s much easier to just undercut the price, and write up the order than to try and convince you that a different mattress is the same, or move you to a different model.
  2. Still not convinced?  Ask for the specifications.  Most retailers will have sheets that have all of the layers of the interiors of the mattresses.  If the inner layers of mattresses are EXACTLY the same, in the same order, and of the same quantity, it’s the same bed.
  3. You can always call the manufacturer, and they may be able to help you.  This is a good idea when you cannot seem to find the same bed anywhere else.  The manufacturer can look up the mattress by the model number (which is on the law tag of the bed), and check to make sure that it’s a current year model.  They can also tell you if that store has exclusive rights to that bed, which is why you may not be able to find it anywhere else.
  4. Some stores may have exclusive features on their beds, such as upgraded covers.  Usually, these are superficial additions, and should not factor in to your price comparison.  Sure, a cotton stretch cover in a beautiful weave is great, but is it going to make you sleep $100 better?  Probably not.
  5. There are websites (like this one) that will post as many alternate names for their products as they can find.  It’s usually an attempt to create transparency, and show that their prices are truly the best.  Again, there is no reason to deceive the public on this – retailers want their sales to stay sold, and want to avoid costly exchanges and returns.      

Overall, if you want to compare the same mattresses at different retailers, it is possible with a little help from the retailer themselves.  Most stores are more than willing to help you, if they think that they can earn your business. 

Alternate Mattress Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Beautyrest and Comforpedic

Posted on by

If you’re a savvy comparison shopper, you’ve probably noticed that the same mattress can have alternative names, depending on the region and store that you’re in.  If you’ve tried shopping on the internet, you’ve seen a whole different set of names there, too.

Many customers have asked me why this is done, and to be perfectly honest, like you, I wish that it was cut and dry, that everyone had the same name.  It would be so much easier for retailers to compete and show that they really had the best price!  Unfortunately, this is not the case, and there will always be different names for the same mattress.  It’s partly to protect the small Mom & Pop local dealers from having to go up against the big retailers and internet resellers, it’s partly to uphold the price integrity of the brand.  Either way, I’m about to blow up everyone’s spot.

Comforpedic Mattress Names

We have compiled a pretty good list of different names for our Simmons beds.  Comforpedic mattresses only go by two names: an in-store name, and an online name.  They are, specification-wise, the SAME mattress.  The only difference is the name on the tag.

 

Beautyrest Mattress Names

Beautyrest Recharge mattresses have many more name variations than Comforpedics.  The chart below contains all of the different names of Beautyrest mattresses that we have compiled.  It is not, however, an exhaustive list.

The easiest way to see if one mattress is the same as another is to compare the specifications.  Many sites (including this one) have the individual layers of the bed listed, in as much detail as possible.  Mattresses that are the same will have the exact same layers, in the same order, in the same amounts.

Don’t be discouraged by the fact that there are many different names for the same product out there.  Once you decipher the different names, you can often use this to your advantage, and get the best deal possible.

Great Mattress Expectations

Posted on by

I’m a firm believer of people doing what they say that they are going to do.  There is nothing worse than not meeting expectations.  I was thinking about this today, and believe that this idea extends to mattresses.  What expectations should you have from your mattress, and what is just wishful thinking?

Once you go out and survive the selection process, you really want to believe that you’ve purchased the perfect mattress, and that it will solve all of your sleeping problems.  Here are some tips so that you won’t be let down after that first night:

  • Chances are, you’re not going to fall in love with your new mattress the first night.  In fact, you might not sleep really well.  Your body is used to the certain feel and support level that your old mattress was giving (or not!), and adjusting to a new mattress may take a little time.  We recommend that you sleep on the bed for at least fourteen days before deciding if it’s the one for you or not.
  • A mattress is not a miracle worker.  It’s not going to fix your slipped disc, or make your fifty year old body feel like it’s twenty again.  You’re not going to wake up feeling great after a day of yard work outside, no matter how expensive your mattress is.  Your fibromyalgia will not miraculously disappear, and it’s probably not going to make your spouse stop snoring.  It will, however, help you stay comfortable and supported, for long term well-being.
  • When you sit on the side of a mattress, it’s going to depress.  Period.  If you purchased a soft mattress, the edge support is going to match the feel of the bed.  If the edge was super hard, and the rest of the mattress was soft, you’d be sleeping uphill.  Edge support is meant to be durable, not necessarily firm.  Some hard mattresses may have very firm edge support, but most beds do not.  It’s all about durability, not feel, when it comes to edge support.
  • Mattresses with a significant amount of padding, such as pillow tops, euro tops, and box tops are going to develop body impressions.  They are completely normal.  They don’t change the support or the feel, they don’t mean that the bed is failing, and they don’t denote a defect.  Foam is soft and porous.  If you put 150lbs of anything on a piece of foam for eight hours a night, every night, for ten years, it would probably leave an imprint.  Beds are no different.  Only when the coil system sags is there a difference in the feel and support of the bed (which of course is covered by your manufacturer’s warranty).
  • Buy what is the most comfortable for YOU.  Don’t buy a particular model because your sister has one and likes it, and don’t let the salesperson steer you to a different bed than the one that you really like the feel of.  No one is sleeping on this bed but you, and you know your body the best.
  • Finally, my pet peeve – don’t expect a cheap mattress to perform the same way as an expensive mattress will,  There are HUGE differences between price ranges.  Don’t expect a cheap bed to last for ten years, and always feel great.  If you want to get a lot out of your bed, you’ve got to put at least something into it.

Bottom line, a new mattress isn’t going to solve all of your problems.  It can, however, ease some pain, help you sleep better, keep you cooler at night, even keep you from tossing and turning.  Keeping your expectations realistic can really help you have a positive bedding experience, and be satisfied with your purchase.