What's the best mattress out there?

[Dottore]

Originally Posted by SLO-BOB

On the other hand, there are many, many people such as yourselves that swear by Tempurpedic. Again I say it was the most comfortable bed I've been - maybe bested only by the SpringFree (subjective). My guess is certain batches are worse for outgassing than others

I can't comment on the Springfree, having never tried it. I also haven't heard of any smell problems with Tempurpedic.

In other words I wasn't disagreeing with you, just relating my experience.

For us the Tempurpedic has made such a difference that it has entered our little personal pantheon of brands that we completely trust.

[SLO-BOB]

Originally Posted by Dottore

In other words I wasn't disagreeing with you, just relating my experience.

Likewise.

Really, my main point is not "what is good and what is not" but rather, make sure you can return, or at least exchange, whatever mattress you buy. The mattress in the store is not what you will get at home - only an approximation. Also, spending a few minutes on a mattress may not reveal even hints to the overnight experience. In other words, you may love it at the store and hate it at home.

[jyl]

I like Select Comfort. Aside from being able to set different firmness for each side, I like to switch between firm and soft for myself. Firm on hot summer nights, soft for cushy winters, or just for a little variety. The one negative is, if the two sides are set very different, e.g. 25 versus 65, there will be a discernible transition in the middle.

[RWebb]

First, and most importantly - have you been tested for sleep apnea? It is very common and can be debilitating.

Mites are an issue only if you are allergic to them. The rwest is just psychological. You can get a skin test in 20 minutes by your allergist, and a PCP can refer you. Talk to your PCP re apnea at the same time.

I would be surprised if mites are a big issue in AZ - they cannot handle dry climates. BUT, if they can disperse to an island of favorable micro-climate (your bed) then they will be warm, moist & happy.

Mites can be killed by washing your bedding in hot water. That is what I do and I am allergic (and have asthma whenever I live anywhere moist). You can buy a Gore-tex like mattress/box springs cover (AND pillow covers). These will "fix" any mite problem with the mattress. Tape over the zipper after closing it.

Mattresses and box springs have a finite lifetime - maybe 10 years or so. After that, they are ready to be recycled.

Age significantly reduces your ability to sleep on hard surfaces. In my 20's I often slept on the bare ground or even atop boulders, with not even a foam pad. Today, the very best foam pads are not comfy enuff.

[RWebb]

BTW - Cons. Reports reviews mattresses every so often.


And Rick - I see your posts are fairly old - but do not neglect to check into the sleep apnea thing.