If its over 8.....

[RandyC]

I recently saw a spate of commercials by mattressfirm.com suggesting that if you mattress is over 8 years old, you should replace it. My mattress is about 25 years old and I have started noticing that it is soft and sagging in places (kind of like me) so it is time to replace it. My first questions are, how old is your mattress and how often do you replace it.? My second questions are about buying a new mattress. I tend to sleep hot so from what I have heard, I need to stay away from memory foam mattresses. I went to a mattress store and found 2 things... a new Queen size mattress and box spring will cost around $2500 (on sale, which they always seem to be) and they are much thicker than they used to be which might cause some issues with my headboard and bedding. After shopping around online I found a company called Saatva which has slimmer mattresses and seems to have great ratings. A mattress and box spring will cost about $1100. Since they don't have stores I can't try it out before purchase although they do have a liberal return policy. Has anyone bought a Saatva mattress and would you recommend it? What mattress would you recommend?

[+ Truereview]

Hey Randy. Saatva mattresses are great quality. the guy I'm seeing has a Saatva and it is incredibly comfortable. I have an Aireloom California King. I like my mattress firm and although the surface of my mattress has an impression, you wouldn't notice it. It is a "handmade" mattress with "natural" materials...all code for expensivo but it was a splurge and I needed a big bed pronto. Turned out great. I also have a Spring Air mattress in my guest room that unfailingly gets great comments from friends/relatives who sleep over. It was a third of the price of the Aireloom. Interestingly the Spring Air mattress is heavier than my own. Materials matter. My guess is that mattresses are like BFs or escorts: some are firm, some are soft, some can last you a long time while others are a pain on your...back. Good luck shopping!

 

EDIT: forgot to say, I change my mattress when it is no longer comfortable. That's my signal to go shopping.

[+ not2rowdy]

Sleep is very important to me but I refuse to pay ridiculous amounts for a mattress.

 

Both of these are on a queen size platform style foundation (no box spring). I sleep quite well on both.

 

My older Bed #1 is a “firm” low priced coil spring mattress about 8” thick that I got at Mattress Firm for about $250. On top I have a 4” dual layer memory foam mattress I got at WalMart for around $120.. On top of that I have about a 2” thick cotton mattress pad that was about $40. It’s now about 6yo and doing fine.

 

Bed #2 is a Hybrid spring coil and memory foam mattress obtainable via mail order from Mattress Firm (H&R Trinidad) for about $300 It is 10.5” thick. I found it to be a bit too firm for my liking. So I put a 2” thick memory foam topper on it from Target for about $65. Then about a 2” thick cotton mattress pad on top of that. It now about 2yo.

 

I recently saw a memory foam topper that had numerous small air flow channels punched through the foam. That might help any concern about being too hot for you.

 

I like the concept of independent, separate pieces. My thought is when the memory foam starts to show its age I will try replacing just that piece - not the entire ensemble.

[rvwnsd]

Hey @RandyC ,

 

$1,100 for a mattress is a steal! My Seeley was probably $1,400 and I like it a lot. Aside from memory foam mattresses being hotter, if you are sensitive to chemicals and odors (like me) you might not like that type of mattress.

[+ quoththeraven]

Or if you like or need very firm mattresses. Memory foam mattresses - any relatively "giving" mattress, actually - magnify my aches. They are not for me.

 

Bonus: traditional innerspring mattresses are less expensive than memory foam.

[Nvr2Thick]

I bought a basic Sealy queen innerspring mattress about 18 years ago. At the time they had about 20 choices based on two different types of springs, "firm" and "comfort," and various permutations of paddings, foam toppers, and pillow tops. This one had firm springs and the second from the bottom tier of padding. I liked it because it was two-sided, where the more expensive models had top/bottom and couldn't be flipped. I added a three inch foam topper from BB&B about eight years ago. I flip the mattress twice a year using the daylight savings time changes as a reminder. I used to rotate the mattress every two months, but that doesn't happen as often anymore. This was my only bed for ten years, until I moved into a house and bought a king bed for the master. I sleep in the king about 60% of the time, but often I'll switch out this queen in the guest room. The queen mattress is still going strong.

 

The king was a bad choice. It's a Serta with a "comfort" spring that is supposed to be a firm coil with a softer coil on top. There's a few layers of different density foams, and they're aligned so that there's not only a top side and bottom side, there's a head and a foot. It can't be flipped or rotated. The queen has seen a lot more use than the king, but the king is shot after the equivalent of about five years of use - mostly by a single 210 lb. man, solo.

 

I've read that one of the best approaches to buying a mattress is the one I stumbled upon with the Sealy queen: buy the most basic firm innerspring mattress and augment with a good foam topper for comfort and thick cotton mattress pad for coolness and breatheability. Complex springs wear out fast. Multiple density foam layers wear out fast. A well-built innerspring will provide a sturdy foundation, and you can bring a layer or two of extra comfort to suit your tastes, and to dispose of when they wear out. Unfortunately, I'm told that it's hard to find a well-built, basic, firm innerspring anymore; the industry is focusing on memory foams and latex foams, and the manufacturers are trying to differentiate by each creating unique combinations of springs and foams.

 

With that said, here is an interesting site for analysis of mattress compositions and brands. I found that it had so much information that it was tough to use it to make a decision.

 

http://www.sleeplikethedead.com/bed-mattress-review-home.html

 

edit: I do think you can do much better than $2500 for a queen mattress. I've also gathered that, counterintuitively, the features that make a mattress more expensive also often reduce its lifespan.

[+ TylerandAce]

There are ranges of mattresses in every category. MattressFirm carries a really broad line, but they do the bulk of their business thanks to their cheap financing. They are, however, a good source for effectively priced product in the industry. That being said, I always put more stock in a reputable, local retailer who really knows what they are talking about. There are $500 mattresses out there that can be as good as the $20,000 mattresses, depending on what you want. Companies with online-only business models like Casper and Saatva have made a splash lately, though, and people seem to really like that product.

 

If you like the feel of a tempur-type product but are concerned about the heat, try a gel-infused product. Some even have a gel top which does make a difference. iComfort from Sealy is a good option there. Hell, even Corsicana can give you a good experience and for WAY less money.

 

Try www.themattressunderground.com for some good resources if you're into research. If you're not, just let your back do the work. Go try what you like at a local store and buy it there. They'll give you much better service if you end up getting something you're not crazy about.

 

Oh, and I don't recommend the topper route if you have a sagging mattress. It only adheres to whatever is beneath it.

 

Good luck!

[rvwnsd]

I bought a basic Sealy queen innerspring mattress about 18 years ago. ... This was my only bed for ten years, until I moved into a house and bought a king bed for the master. I sleep in the king about 60% of the time, but often I'll switch out this queen in the guest room. The queen mattress is still going strong.

 

The king was a bad choice. ...The queen has seen a lot more use than the king, but the king is shot after the equivalent of about five years of use - mostly by a single 210 lb. man, solo....

 

This is just my little theory, but I think about 10-15 years ago mattresses manufacturers started making their mattresses differently. My parents bought a mattress in the 1980s. After my dad passed away in 2011 I slept on it. It was just fine! Mattresses I've bought more recently have not held up as well.

 

One other thought: your mattress might have been defective. I bought one at Macy's in 2008. By 2011/2012 it was not feeling very comfortable. I finally bought my current mattress in 2014, again from Macy's. When I mentioned my previous mattress to the sales associate she replied that a mattress should last longer than six years. The purchase was no longer in the POS system, so she asked me to bring in my receipt. I did, and they pro-rated the price of the old mattress and applied it to the new one.

[+ Truereview]

This is just my little theory, but I think about 10-15 years ago mattresses manufacturers started making their mattresses differently. My parents bought a mattress in the 1980s. After my dad passed away in 2011 I slept on it. It was just fine! Mattresses I've bought more recently have not held up as well.

 

One other thought: your mattress might have been defective. I bought one at Macy's in 2008. By 2011/2012 it was not feeling very comfortable. I finally bought my current mattress in 2014, again from Macy's. When I mentioned my previous mattress to the sales associate she replied that a mattress should last longer than six years. The purchase was no longer in the POS system, so she asked me to bring in my receipt. I did, and they pro-rated the price of the old mattress and applied it to the new one.

To your theory...Maybe you are just working your mattress a little harder now than before?

[Guest]

I recently saw a spate of commercials by mattressfirm.com suggesting that if you mattress is over 8 years old, you should replace it. My mattress is about 25 years old and I have started noticing that it is soft and sagging in places (kind of like me) so it is time to replace it. My first questions are, how old is your mattress and how often do you replace it.? ?

 

My mattress is also 25 years old and is as firm and comfortable as when I bought it. I have no intention of replacing it anytime soon. No surprise that a mattress-selling company suggests that one should replace our mattresses every 8 years. I bought a good quality mattress at the time, so it's still in good shape. I prefer firmer, but that's a question of taste. I don't think I'd like a memory foam. Also, I would not buy a mattress I couldn't try out first.

[RandyC]

Interestingly enough my current mattress is a Sealy Posturpedic that I bought at Macy's for about $750 in the late 80's (come to think of it, it is probably closer to 30 years old). I had not even thought about replacing it until I noticed that it is sagging in spots. If I could get something with the same comfort level and quality for $2000-$2500 I would be happy. My concern is that the quality will not be there.

[+ Truereview]

Interestingly enough my current mattress is a Sealy Posturpedic that I bought at Macy's for about $750 in the late 80's (come to think of it, it is probably closer to 30 years old). I had not even thought about replacing it until I noticed that it is sagging in spots. If I could get something with the same comfort level and quality for $2000-$2500 I would be happy. My concern is that the quality will not be there.

Is your current mattress uncomfortable & gets in the way of your having a peaceful/restful sleep? Or is the sagging something aesthetic that you want to fix? Reason I ask is that maybe the mattress doesn't look good, but it may be fitting u like a glove.

Lol, suddenly I'm getting an image of someone dumping his partner bc of "sagging"

[RandyC]

Is your current mattress uncomfortable & gets in the way of your having a peaceful/restful sleep? Or is the sagging something aesthetic that you want to fix? Reason I ask is that maybe the mattress doesn't look good, but it may be fitting u like a glove.

Lol, suddenly I'm getting an image of someone dumping his partner bc of "sagging"

 

Actually.... the real issue is that the edges seem to have less support that they used. After reading a bit on some of the sites recommended by @TylerandAce and @Nvr2Thick (thanks guys, who knew there was so much info out there) I am going to try rotating it and flipping it over. I don't have a pillow top so I can do that. Perhaps I can get a few more years out of it that way. I am fixing up my living areas right now and don't really want to tackle the bedroom now if I don't have to.

 

I am single so no fear of me dumping a sagging partner. I have to say though, I prefer my partners to be on the firmer side.

[+ Truereview]

Actually.... the real issue is that the edges seem to have less support that they used. After reading a bit on some of the sites recommended by @TylerandAce and @Nvr2Thick (thanks guys, who knew there was so much info out there) I am going to try rotating it and flipping it over. I don't have a pillow top so I can do that. Perhaps I can get a few more years out of it that way. I am fixing up my living areas right now and don't really want to tackle the bedroom now if I don't have to.

 

I am single so no fear of me dumping a sagging partner. I have to say though, I prefer my partners to be on the firmer side.

If flipping pays off, I suggest you invest some of the mattress savings into having a firm good time with Tyler & Ace.

[+ deej]

This is just my little theory, but I think about 10-15 years ago mattresses manufacturers started making their mattresses differently.

 

Not just mattresses. Planned obsolescence seems to be the watchword in all consumer goods.

 

I recently had the opportunity to tour my childhood home (which was on the market) and was amused as heck to see the refrigerator my folks bought nearly 50 years ago still in service. (And none the worse for wear apparently.) Sure, it doesn't have modern features like an icemaker or a touch screen, but it still keeps stuff cold. By comparison, the refrigerator I bought 10 years ago for the house I currently own is already a little wheezy.

 

We sound like our parents when we complain "they just don't make stuff like they used to" but it's actually true.

[rvwnsd]

Not just mattresses. Planned obsolescence seems to be the watchword in all consumer goods.

 

I recently had the opportunity to tour my childhood home (which was on the market) and was amused as heck to see the refrigerator my folks bought nearly 50 years ago still in service. (And none the worse for wear apparently.) Sure, it doesn't have modern features like an icemaker or a touch screen, but it still keeps stuff cold. By comparison, the refrigerator I bought 10 years ago for the house I currently own is already a little wheezy.

 

We sound like our parents when we complain "they just don't make stuff like they used to" but it's actually true.

If it is any consolation, my 42 year old sister in law expresses the same sentiment all the time.

[RandyC]

If flipping pays off, I suggest you invest some of the mattress savings into having a firm good time with Tyler & Ace.

 

Sounds like a good idea! Although something tells me that after a firm good time with @TylerandAce, my old mattress will give out!

[+ Truereview]

Sounds like a good idea! Although something tells me that after a firm good time with @TylerandAce, my old mattress will give out!

I fail to see the problem!

[+ sniper]

Just FYI a lot of people don't know this but mattress prices are generally negotiable. I haven't done it yet myself but supposedly there's a fair amount of wiggle room at most furniture stores, even places like Macy's where you wouldn't think to haggle.

[Nvr2Thick]

This is just my little theory, but I think about 10-15 years ago mattresses manufacturers started making their mattresses differently. My parents bought a mattress in the 1980s. After my dad passed away in 2011 I slept on it. It was just fine! Mattresses I've bought more recently have not held up as well.

 

One other thought: your mattress might have been defective. I bought one at Macy's in 2008. By 2011/2012 it was not feeling very comfortable. I finally bought my current mattress in 2014, again from Macy's. When I mentioned my previous mattress to the sales associate she replied that a mattress should last longer than six years. The purchase was no longer in the POS system, so she asked me to bring in my receipt. I did, and they pro-rated the price of the old mattress and applied it to the new one.

 

The Sleep Like the Dead site suggests that the major manufacturers aren't making innerspring mattresses with the same quality and durability that they used to. Twenty years ago Sealy used to have two basic innerspring "cores" of different spring strength and density. The models just wrapped the cores in different paddings, tops, and covers. Serta had a similar approach. If you bought the cheapest model with the good core you still had a long-lasting mattress; it just might feel hard because there wasn't much padding on top.

 

I'm trying to find the article, but I had read one that suggested that the major manufacturers abandoned their old business of competing by creating quality spring cores in favor of differentiating by creating models with permutations of springs, memory foam, latex, gels, and tops. The industry changed from "who has the best, most reputable durable springs?" to "who has the niftiest combination of features and layers?" -- the reputation for durability has been phased out of marketing. Some of these new designs break down noticeably within a year or two.

 

The most irritating practice has always been that traditional manufacturers customized models for each retailer. Macy's, Mattress Firm, and Mattress Warehouse might have effectively the same mattresses. One model across retailers might have exactly the same innerspring core and the same layers of padding, but they'd have different-looking quilt patterns, sheens, and colors to the cover, as well as wildly different list prices. Each retailer might have different names for the grades of padding; one might call the top of the line pillow top feature the "Comfort Nest™" while another called it the "Elite Cloud®" while the models themselves might be The Sealy Provincial for Macy's vs. The Sealy Comfort Joy Plus for Mattress Firm - making comparison shopping confusing.

 

Regarding my lousy king, there's a thin line between a defect and poor design. This mattress has combination coil design. Each spring is firm on the bottom and softer on top. The bottom 2/3 of the spring is a typical Serta firm spring, but then the top 1/3 of the metal coil is wound differently so that it's softer. From a marketing standpoint it sounds like the best of both worlds (soft, but firm support), but in reality it's a lousy world on top of a good one. Based on how the mattress has deformed I'd bet that if I pulled apart this one I'd find that the top 1/3 of the springs have been squashed in the sag areas.

[Nvr2Thick]

Actually.... the real issue is that the edges seem to have less support that they used. After reading a bit on some of the sites recommended by @TylerandAce and @Nvr2Thick (thanks guys, who knew there was so much info out there) I am going to try rotating it and flipping it over. I don't have a pillow top so I can do that. Perhaps I can get a few more years out of it that way. I am fixing up my living areas right now and don't really want to tackle the bedroom now if I don't have to.

 

I am single so no fear of me dumping a sagging partner. I have to say though, I prefer my partners to be on the firmer side.

 

One of the best practices for preserving a mattress is to never sit on the side of the bed. A comparatively new practice in mattress construction is to great a sturdy edge. This is done to both prevent wear due to customers sitting on the edge, and to deal with the fact that foam mattresses depend on adjoining foam for support; they naturally sag as you reach an edge. I have found that the firm edge creates its own problems. The edge feels like a warning track; you can feel that you're getting close to the edge. Also, as the foam core settles over time the contrast between the firm edge and the center makes it seem as though the center is sagging.

[Rudynate]

One of the best practices for preserving a mattress is to never sit on the side of the bed. A comparatively new practice in mattress construction is to great a sturdy edge. This is done to both prevent wear due to customers sitting on the edge, and to deal with the fact that foam mattresses depend on adjoining foam for support; they naturally sag as you reach an edge. I have found that the firm edge creates its own problems. The edge feels like a warning track; you can feel that you're getting close to the edge. Also, as the foam core settles over time the contrast between the firm edge and the center makes it seem as though the center is sagging.

 

I think anyone should spend as much as they can afford for a mattress. You really get what you pay for in a mattress.

[+ Lance_Navarro]

I have a pillow top mattress that I bought almost 15 years ago for only like $800. I love it! It's still so comfortable, not sagging anywhere and still plenty of support. Though all the ads out there tell me I should be replacing, I see absolutely no reason to. If it ain't broke...

[gallahadesquire]

For three years I slept on top of a sleeping bag on the floor. For another five years, I slept on a futon on the floor. My mattress then lasted 25 years.

 

I now have a Natura mattress. Almost the perfect padded rock.

[+ kent]

My bed is about 28 years old, and I regularly flip and rotate the mattress and it's essentially as good as new.