Hi Phoenix,
As you know we are just beginning our mattress buying 'adventure'!
We started at Colton Mattress in Asheville NC. The owner, Mike Emerson was very pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable.
The Pantheon model is the one that 'felt' best. I believe that it is their top of the line, other than custom made to order. The mattress appears to be well made with well structured edges, they didn't sag when we sat on the edge (as you advised as important, Mike did show us a cross sction of how they construct their mattresses)). It is somewhat firm, which would normally not be our choice but with a 3" natural/synthetic Talalay topper it felt just right. Good support but no pressure points. My wife and I are side sleepers and tried your suggested hand under the waist test.
We also looked at a split King size Liggett and Platt 'Lifestyle' S-Cape adjustable bed base (massager - seemed loud to us). Also tried a medium latex pillow which we liked.
So, we enjoyed our visit with Mike then talked price. We should have priced each item, Mattress, Topper, Base and pillows seperately but we didn't. Putting aside that whole discussion about 'sales' pricing (the mattress was on sale) Mike did agree to make a couple of reductions on price plus no delivery or charge for tax. The total for the Pantheon, 3" natural/synthetic Talalay topper, L & G Lifestyle split King base (no massager) and one pillow would be $3,999.95 'out the door'. More than we wanted to spend, because of we were tempted by the adjustable base (we asked uorselves, how many hours do we spend in bed and what should be the cost to be as comfortably as possible - good qustion!).
I would like your thoughts on our 'bargain hunting' pricing (some bargain $4,000!!!). Also a couple of questions. I understand from reading your Forum that Talalay is a method of processing latex. What is a 'synthetic Talalay? Understanding that the 'feel' to us personally is the most important factor should we buy a medium support 3" all natural Talalay or is a blend okay? We read in bed every night, if we were to buy the L & G adjustable base would raising and lowering the mattress have an effect on its integrity? Any comments etc. would be appreciated.
We told Mike that we read about his store on your Forum and he said other people had arrived at his door for the same reason. I suggested, gently of course, that it woould be to his advantage to become a Member of Mattress Underground. Further, I told him that you personally have more knowledge than about anyone in the industry, you care very much about what you do for both the trade and the public alike. Your 16 hour days reflect that caring and commitment. Mike seems to be a good guy and he seemed to take my suggestion seriously. We will see.
Thanks again.
Michael