TOPIC:

I had to laugh at that quote --"latex isn't durable" -- today from one of the mattress makers I spoke with on my (continuing) quest to find a new bed.

Couldn't believe what I heard -- especially after studying the tutorial here, reading many of your detailed posts, and marveling at Phoenix's knowledge. So I asked how that could be -- was he sizing up my 6'1", 240lb frame and thinking I'd destroy an inch of talalay at first recline? No -- he went right to a 3" comfort layer as an example. "It's notorious for body impressions. They're great for a couple years and then people complain about the deep body impressions. I take them apart, and sure enough, there they are."

I offered that that goes against everything I've read about latex -- a foam I'd never considered before lurking around this site. The conversation moved on after that: he had me try some innerspring mattresses with a foam-encased innerspring comfort layer (separate from the core). I quizzed him on the specs -- very knowledgeable; he even took me to the factory where they construct the mattresses. He mentioned this site, which itself pointed toward this store (OK, it's a Verlo location) as something to consider.

I just couldn't get past the latex comment. Especially when I my top queen models under consideration are the Brooklyn Bedding Aloe Alexis and another local shop's Amish-made offering with a 2" talalay 19ILD/1.5" quilted cover and a 12.5 gauge spring unit core. I like the idea of buying local (Magic Sleeper in Pottstown, PA, noted by this site as likely to have better-value products, is fantastic: everyone I've spoken with there is patient and can answer any question I toss their way, and even suggested other non-S shops to try while comparison shopping). The Amish mattress is comfortable, but I'm slightly concerned about 2" talalay 'not being enough' for my weight. (I tried the 100% latex mattresses they had on offer; while they're out of my price range, I liked the comfort of the 19ILD talalay, which I also worried wouldn't 'support' my weight successfully). I appreciate the 6" of talalay in the Aloe Alexis, along with its high-density base layer, but I'm a bit scared to make such an important purchase without getting to try it -- despite the comfort exchange, etc.

I'm searching for near-cloud comfort without sacrificing much in the way of durability. This is my first mattress (the others have been bought by or handed down from my parents) so I'd like not to screw it up!

Thanks for your input.

Hi ibush01,

Thanks for your feedback and comments.

I have to laugh at their comments about latex as well. They are certainly going against decades of industry experience. It's unfortunate to hear that this is coming from a Verlo location but different stores or franchises may vary widely in their level of knowledge of different materials or the products they sell and if a store doesn't sell latex mattresses then it's not uncommon for them to "speak against it" as part of their selling techniques for the mattresses they do sell.

The Amish mattress is comfortable, but I'm slightly concerned about 2" talalay 'not being enough' for my weight. (I tried the 100% latex mattresses they had on offer; while they're out of my price range, I liked the comfort of the 19ILD talalay, which I also worried wouldn't 'support' my weight successfully).

I'm not sure what your weight is but your testing should tell you whether it's "enough" and whether the mattress is a good match for you in terms of PPP.

I didn't see any questions in your post but it seems to me that you are doing some good research and asking the right questions when you visit or talk to the retailers or manufacturers you are considering and you appear to be heading in the right direction and following the steps in the tutorial post.

I'm looking forward to finding out what you end up deciding and of course any other comments or questions you may have along the way.

Thanks again for the feedback so far.

Phoenix