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Hi Phoenix. I've been researching mattress for awhile now pulled the trigger on a Sleep Inovations Shiloh medium feel. Had it for about a little over a month. Girlfriend says it's to firm. Ok so I walked on it still says its firm. She says she likes the feel of a pillow top and likes a soft mattress. Both of us are side sleepers about 220lbs 5'6'' so do you recommend for under $550 on Amazon Queen Size. I've read and read and came up with Dreambedding Ultimate Latex in 7 or 8 comfort?? what are your choices? thank you so much

Hi luke543210,

Welcome to the Mattress Forum!

I've been researching mattress for awhile now pulled the trigger on a Sleep Inovations Shiloh medium feel. Had it for about a little over a month. Girlfriend says it's to firm. Ok so I walked on it still says its firm

I’m sorry to hear your Sleep Innovations hasn’t worked out for your comfort preference. Hopefully you’re able to arrange a return with amazon.

She says she likes the feel of a pillow top and likes a soft mattress. Both of us are side sleepers about 220lbs 5'6'' so do you recommend for under $550 on Amazon Queen Size.

While I can certainly help with "how" to choose, it's not possible to make specific suggestions or recommendations for either a mattress, manufacturers/retailers, or combinations of materials or components because the first "rule" of mattress shopping is to always remember that you are the only one that can feel what you feel on a mattress and there are too many unknowns, variables, and personal preferences involved that are unique to each person to use a formula or for anyone to be able to predict or make a specific suggestion or recommendation about which mattress or combination of materials and components or which type of mattress would be the best "match" for you in terms of "comfort", firmness, or PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and your own Personal preferences) or how a mattress will "feel" to you or compare to another mattress based on specs (either yours or a mattress), sleeping positions, health conditions, or "theory at a distance" that can possibly be more reliable than your own careful testing (hopefully using the testing guidelines in step 4 of the tutorial) or your own personal sleeping experience (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here ).

The first place to start your research is the mattress shopping tutorial here which includes all the basic information, steps, and guidelines that can help you make the best possible choice, and perhaps more importantly know how and why to avoid the worst ones.

Two of the most important links in the tutorial that I would especially make sure you've read are post #2 here which has more about the different ways to choose a suitable mattress (either locally or online) that is the best "match" for you in terms of "comfort", firmness, and PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and your own Personal preferences) that can help you assess and minimize the risks of making a choice that doesn't turn out as well as you hoped for and post #13 here which has more about the most important parts of the "value" of a mattress purchase which can help you make more meaningful quality/value comparisons between mattresses in terms of suitability (how well you will sleep), durability (how long you will sleep well), and the overall value of a mattress compared to your other finalists based on all the parts of your personal value equation that are most important to you (including the price of course and the options you have available after a purchase if your choice doesn't turn out as well as you hoped for).

Outside of PPP (which is the most important part of "value"), the next most important part of the value of a mattress purchase is durability which is all about how long you will sleep well on a mattress. This is the part of your research that you can't see or "feel" and assessing the durability and useful life of a mattress depends on knowing the specifics of its construction and the type and quality of the materials inside it regardless of the name of the manufacturer on the label or how a mattress feels in a showroom or when it is relatively new so I would always make sure that you find out the information listed here so you can compare the quality of the materials and components to the durability guidelines here to make sure there are no lower quality materials or weak links in a mattress that would be a cause for concern relative to the durability and useful life of a mattress before making any purchase.

As you’re at a high BMI, this presents special challenges and generally requires firmer materials (in the support layers especially). This could be firmer latex or innersprings (the type of support component would be a personal preference and in the right design either could be suitable) or even a zoned construction. The same overall guidelines apply with higher weights though that PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences) along with using high quality durable materials that will maintain their feel and performance for longer periods of time are the way to make the best choices. Heavier people in general will need firmer and thicker comfort layers and firmer support layers than those who are lighter and because no materials will last as long with much higher weights the quality and durability of the materials and components is even more important than normal. I wouldn't "rule out" any types of mattress and base your choices on your own personal testing. Post #3 here has more information and suggestions about higher BMIs that is worth reading, but I know your budget may rule out certain materials.

For a more restricted budget, post #4 here and the posts it links to also include many of the better lower budget online options I'm aware of as well.

I've read and read and came up with Dreambedding Ultimate Latex in 7 or 8 comfort??

The Ultimate Dreams Latex could certainly be a good value choice, using a 6” 1.8 lb polyfoam core with a convolute on top, and then 3” of Talalay latex atop that which can be customized for plushness. As you’re side sleepers , it is common to make sure that you have a measure of surface plushness that allow for conformation to your shoulders and hips. Before making any decisions about plushness, I would recommend a detailed phone conversation with any manufacturer you’re considering, as trying to describe very complex, subjective, and "nuanced" sensations and perceptions using written and more "linear" communications is much more difficult than a verbal conversation on the phone (see post #4 here ).

Phoenix

(Update) I purchased the Dreamfoam Ultimate Dreams Latex in comfort level 7. I talked to customer service on comfort level based on our weight and height and side sleepers they recommend level 6 but I told them my girlfriend prefers a pillowtop feel and soft they said 7 would give us that feel while still giving support. I just hope it will last. Now the second guessing comes in that i should’ve got the 6 but got to keep the girlfriend happy. Ordering factory direct is about $70 cheaper for a queen than amazon. currently 10% off 799.00 and below orders over 799.00 20% off.

Hi luke543210,

Thanks for your update and congratulations on your new mattress purchase! I'm happy that you took the time to deal directly via the phone to receive "real-time" advice versus sending emails or chats.

I'll look forward to your future updates, and I'm happy you were able to receive a "special value" with your purchase.

Phoenix

Recieved our mattress. It is again in comfort 7. It has almost been a week first night I asked was it soft? I got a smile and a yes I think this mattress sleeps like a cloud.

Hi luke543210,

Great news! Thanks for the follow-up.

Phoenix