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My bed (king size) finally came. I need to buy a mattress for it. Went to one store and my how things have changed since I last bought a mattress. Not just springs and coils or Sealyham and Serra anymore. Now memory foam, latex, air etc. Looked at therapedic - of course the one I like is 10k plus an extra 4 if I wanted it to be adjustable. What about the sleep number bed? Anyone with that one? I like a firm mattress. I don't get consumer reports so I don't know which ones they rated highly.

I know people like the sleep number bed but...I hate it. I have never been comfortable in that bed. Never could find the right number. I want a new bed but don't want to spend more money on another bed. Sigh

Sometimes too many choices can make one's head spin and in the case of a mattress where sleep is vital and the cost can be high, it's even more daunting.

BTW, I've been "burned" by CR in the past so I take them w/ a grain of salt. Seeking opinions from consumers themselves vs. "test kitchens" may be your best source. Check out web links that offer them such as Epinions.com Also, take a "test drive" in a store that has many brands on display.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Froo Froo,

Also look at the return policy and take it seriously. Don't let a salesperson tell you something different. What's in writing will stand.

Some will take the mattress back before 30, 60, or perhaps 90 days, but YOU have to bring it back OR pay to have them come with a truck to take it back.

Some may not take it back at all, or may charge a restocking fee because it's no longer "new".

Many of the memory foam mattresses, whether toppers or mattresses, hold heat. There is a new one out that is supposed to better regulate body temperature. Don't know how that works.

Sleep Number beds--the lower end ones without all those toppers and padding they add at the higher end--feel like an air mattress to me.
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I have a sleep number bed. I hated it at first but now I love it.

I just tried posting a url to the Mattress Expert (Peter Cancelli) who gives really good advice but HGTV doesn't allow me to post pictures or urls (or even smilies above) anymore for some weird reason. Others do it, so I am alone. I suggest you google this site.
You can ask a question and he will respond.
I have purchased 2 mattresses from his suggestions and have always been pleased.
Ours is a Stearns and Foster.
Always remember, you pay for what you get. A mattress is something you use more than anything else in your life -- make it a good purchase -- don't skimp.

With memory foam and latex, be aware of the chemical fumes AND the overexposure to Latex (fast becoming a large allergy in the US). Can cause illness in some chemical sensitive people.

Too bad they don't let you spend the night on the mattress in the store! lol some do not have return policy.

Quite the conversation here about this topic.
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forum...011427182902.html?67 (link icon not working)

We purchased our mattress from our Relax the Back store. We chose their proprietary brand, "Pure Fit," which is a memory foam mattress much like Tempurpedic but doesn't retain body heat as much as Tempurpedic (which they also sell). We've had it for two years and absolutely LOVE it. It has made sleeping on other mattresses very difficult. Selecting a mattress is a very personal matter, so what is wonderful for one person may not be for the next. However, you just need to go try them, and allow 10-15 minimum before formulating an opinion. A generous return policy is also a must. Good luck on your search for the perfect mattress.

~Lady50

Good luck with your search. I know it can seem daunting. DH and I have purchased many mattresses over the years, in search of one that would help him sleep comfortably with his back issues. We now have a Sleep Number at camp and a Tempurpedic at home. We are very, very happy with both. The Tempurpedic does hold in some body heat, but living in Maine, that can be a welcome thing. I no longer put flannel sheets on the Tempurpedic bed, but still use a down comforter. Both companies gave us the 30 day trial. It didn't take 30 days for us to be sold on either.

Thanks so much for the input. I do have sleep issues and prone to back and hip pains. I tend to like a firm mattress. Now that I think about it I do get hot quite a bit. I use regular sheets year round. I'm sensitive to smells. I'll pick up smells before anyone else does. Think I'll look at a spring one with a natural latex topper as my next move and see how I like that. The top of the line therapedic did feel nice but I'd hate to be out 9k if it didn't workout. These mattress people seem to always find a way to make returning it a major problem which I just as soon not deal with. Many talk of 20 year warranties but I don't event pay attention to that. Maybe I'm too cynical but I don't even trust their 30 day return option if dissatisfied.

I have a coil spring mattress - one of the S companies. I've had it 10 yrs and still get a good nite's sleep. I do flip and rotate it semi-regularly. I'm a side sleeper and needed something softer so that it's comfy when i'm sleeping on my side.