Hi theanalogman,
There are a couple of factory direct manufacturers in or near Chattanooga that would be the first place I would visit. These are the types of outlets that generally have higher quality and value mattresses and also tend to be much more open about the materials in their mattress and have more helpful and knowledgeable staff.
Chattanooga, Hixson, Cleveland, TN. Fort Oglethorpe, GA. They make a range of mattresses of all types including innerspring, latex, and memory foam but I would be very cautious about the major brands they also carry and they may not be as transparent about the materials in their mattresses as most independent manufacturers (see
post #8 here
).
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www.furniturerow.com/locations/locationsByState.jsp?state=Tennessee
Chattanooga. They make a range of mattresses that use higher quality materials including innersprings and a mostly latex mattresses that can include either a latex or memory foam topper. I would focus on the mattresses they manufacture which have good value and not on the major brands they also carry.
There are also some local retail outlets that have some possibilities but these would generally require a little more research to make sure that they are able and willing to let you know the "quality specs" of the materials in their mattresses (particularly the density of any polyfoam or memory foam unless they are available online). This is the only way to know the quality of a mattress, identify any weak links that may lead to premature softening and sagging, and make more meaningful comparisons with other mattresses. I would also call each outlet before visiting them to "interview" them along the lines of
this article
to get a sense of what you can expect if you choose to visit them.
I've also listed the brands they carry that I would focus on that may have better quality and value.
www.mafe.us/
(Mattress and Furniture Expo) Cleveland, TN. Pure Latex Bliss, Bed Boss, Medipedic (Mid South).
chattanoogafurnitureshop.com/
(E F Brannon Furniture Store) Chattanooga, TN. Jamison
www.beechwoodnet.com/thebeddingstore.html
Rossville, GA. American Bedding.
www.yellowpages.com/fort-oglethorpe-ga/mip/slaten-discount-furniture-inc-6242749
Fort Oglethorpe, GA. Carries Dutch Craft and Therapedic (including two sided) and said he would call the factory to find foam densities for customers that know enough to ask.
www.merchantcircle.com/business/The.Mattress.Connection.706-861-5800
Fort Oglethorpe, GA. Symbol and Serenity.
www.merchantcircle.com/business/Lindermans.Furniture.Sales.706-937-3972
Ringgold, GA. Medipedic (Mid South), Bed Boss.
shopcochranfurniture.com/all_brands.html Ringgold, GA. Jamison including latex and memory foam.
mattresseschattanooga.com/ Ooltewah, TN Jamison, Bed Boss
grossfurnituretrenton.com/index.html Trenton, GA. Jamison (incl latex but no gel)
scottsfurniturecompany.com/scotts-mattress-bedding-center/
Cleveland, TN. Dutch Craft
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You are right that stomach sleepers generally do best with a thinner firmer comfort layer and good support to prevent sleeping in a swayback position. Personal testing with the help of some good guidance (which is usually a sign of better outlets) and spending at least 15 minutes fully relaxed on each mattress you are seriously considering to test for PPP (Pressure relief, Posture and alignment, and Personal preferences) will greatl improve the odds of making a much better choice.
Phoenix