Once Upon A Mattress -- 51st Tony Awards

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Mattress Reviews: Product Tips

Offering insight into various mattress manufacturers and brands.

The following provides one opinion:
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Mattress Reviews Tips

Author: Nguek-fluek Nguang

Researchers of mattress products have done a deep research and they are ready to spill the beans on the mattresses they saw. Reviews say the Simmons Beautyrest line is the best overall mattress for couples. Each of the five products in the Beautyrest line has a no-flip design and the Simmons Triton Foundation, which both help prevent mattress sagging. The Beautyrest line has perimeter edge support and pocketed coils, which minimize the transfer of movement from one sleeping partner to the other. Those who weigh more than about 250 pounds may need additional support.

[Ed.-- This author's article was written originally in March 2006 and addresses the Simmons 2006 Beautyrest products. For 2007, Simmons Beautyrest has re-engineered and enhanced their World Class line substantially, increasing the coil count in a queen from 850 coils to 980 coils and adding edge-supporting foam encasement surrounding the inner-spring core. These are among the strongest mattresses on the market. The Simmons' Exceptionale/Dreamwell product line of coil-on-coil mattresses is arguably the strongest, firmest product line, having 1960 coils in the queen size.]

Where to buy: Singles and heavier individuals. Reviews say that if you don't expect someone to sleep next to you, you don't necessarily need the pocketed coils on the more expensive Simmons Beautyrest. In reviews, experts say the number one thing to look for when mattress shopping is body alignment. The latest [Sealy] Posturepedic mattresses help you to accomplish that with heavy-gauge steel coils that are hinged together for stability. Reviewers also say the Posturepedic line is better for heavier sleepers.

[Ed.--Here again, Mr. Nguang's article, preceded the Simmons' re-engineering of their 2007 product line. With the introduction in 2007 of the Beautyrest Classic line (800 coils in the queen size), Simmons has produced a highly-competitive product line of surprising comfort.]

Where to buy: Viscoelastic foam. Tempur-Pedic mattresses are on a bit of a rage. Many consumers like them, in reviews, medical experts and chiropractors do say the Tempur-Pedic foam bed can provide excellent spinal support, allowing your hips and shoulders to sink in to the bed while supporting your legs and waist. Proof that foam mattresses are healthier than traditional innerspring beds, however, is lacking. Owners also report that foam beds require some adjustment time. They aren't as 'squishy' or plush as traditional mattresses, and some owners say the Tempur-Pedic can feel cold or too firm. As with all mattresses, an in-store test is a good idea. Tempur-Pedic offers a ninety-day at-home trial.

[Ed.--The Tempur-Pedic and other viscoelastic foam mattresses also reported by some users to "sleep hot" because the viscoelastic foam is a good insulator and does not permit body heat to dissipate as readily as inner-spring mattresses. Also, the firmness or stiffness of a visco foam mattress is impacted by the ambient air temperature of the bedroom: with the mattress being stiffer in cooler temperatures.]

Where to buy: Air. In lieu of springs, the Sleep Number [bed] uses inflatable air chambers to adjust firmness with a remote control. Dual chamber models allow two people to adjust each side of the bed to their own preferences—a bonus if one likes a firmer mattress while the other prefers a softer bed. As with all mattresses, we read some complaints in owner reviews that this bed is not as comfortable as expected, and that it is too expensive. Reviews say an in-store test is essential before you buy one of these.

[Ed.--Other details to investigate are how warranty issues are handled, due to questions of the longevity of the electromechanical pump and the thermo-sealing of the air bladders.]
Where to buy: Viscoelastic foam. We read many reviews on Epinions from owners who assert that despite the lower cost, the Bergad Isoform is comparable in comfort to Tempur-Pedic. But we also read a number of disconcerting comments about Bergad customer service, including concerns about unresponsive representatives and an unspecific return policy. Since you can't test this bed before you buy (Isoform is only available online), you should be very confident that you want a foam mattress, which, isn't for everyone.

[Ed.--There are a number of viscoelastic foam mattress products now available, both online (see eBay) and from brick-and-mortar stores (Costco, among others).]
Where to buy: Budget. Reviews say Simmons DeepSleep innerspring line is the best choice if you're on a budget. The DeepSleep has a variety of comfort levels, but the biggest difference compared to the Beautyrest line is the lack of pocket coils. Instead, the mattress consists of double tempered, heavy gauge coils, but they are not hinged together as on the Sealy Posturepedic line. The DeepSleep lacks the benefits of pocket coils, weight support, or other costly extras like a pillowtop.

[Ed.--The Simmons DeepSleep line uses the Bonnell-coil inner-spring core, which is a time-proven coil system.]
So now you have no reason not to know your stuff when your back aches for a new mattress next time!

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