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Anyone else pass up on Memory Foam Mattresses?

Discussion in 'Fred's House of Pancakes' started by cycledrum, Jun 2, 2011.

  1. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Been shopping mattresses for a couple weeks here and there and have seen more than a few commercials for Tempur Pedic memory foam ones. Their prices are quite steep, but I placed an order at Sears for a Serta iComfort memory foam mattress set cause it felt good in the store.

    So, I spent some time researching these memory foam mattresses to find out they are totally synthetic and that visco elastic foam is derived from petroleum products. Also, off-gassing from VOC's and talk of numerous chemicals found in these 'new tech' mattresses really turned up the turn-off meter. 'Course the negative reviews come from natural mattress makers IIRC.

    Cancelled the order today and re-ordered a Stearns set instead. Yes, I know there will be some HD foam in there too, but at least the rest are coils. The organic mattress from Berkeley or Palo Alto stores will have to wait 'til next time around.

    Anyone else been through the icy waters of foam mattress shopping or have a differing opinion?
     
  2. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    I bought the add-on memory foam type at Costco. Opened it up and let it air out for a week. If you are a side sleeper it's the best.
     
  3. stefano5777

    stefano5777 Member

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    Living in Florida memory foam mattresses are to hot. They do not breathe.
    We went with the select comfort a bit pricey as well but love the fact that depending on how my back feels I can adjust my firmness accordingly.
     
  4. tomlouie

    tomlouie Member

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    We use the memory foam pillows and love them.
     
  5. hyo silver

    hyo silver Awaaaaay

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    Have you tried a latex mattress? Unfortunately they're mostly synthetic, which means more oil derivatives, but they're non-allergenic and not nearly as hot as memory foam.

    Personally, I prefer a hammock of organic cotton with natural dyes. It's a bit of a trick to get into and out of, but it's supremely comfortable. :)
     
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  6. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    We tried a memory foam enhanced mattress set (brand: Bragada)... for a few years. Nope. That memory foam crap just compresses down, and doesn't actually support you - it just feels hard. I tended to feel like I was sleeping in a bowl (and we'd picked a really firm version, too).

    We have a nice Simmons extra firm set now. Individual pocketed coils. We are sleeping much, much better. A hard(er) mattress with support works better for some people.
     
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  7. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    I tried a latex 2" topper one time in store. Has a springy feel to it in a good way.
     
  8. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    I've heard Bragada name before listed on www.sleeplikethedead.com
    Sounds like it stunk. 67% owner satisfaction which is low for mem foam (80% avg.) and F rating for BBB.

    Simmons are nice. Looking forward to the individual coils in the S&F.
     
  9. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    We got a Temperpedic memory foam mattress a little over a year ago.

    It's by the most comfortable bed we have had in over 40 years of bed using together.

    Our summers are low humidity and we got a thin cotton mattress cover so no overheating problem. It is a little warmer than a conventional mattress but not a problem.

    YMMV, but knocking memory foam mattresses because of experiences with a brand-x mattress isn't doing anyone a favor.
     
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  10. darelldd

    darelldd Prius is our Gas Guzzler

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    There is simply nothing better than a Tempur-Pedic mattress. When I'm away from home, I dream about it. When I'm home I'm in nirvana. I know very little about the toppers or the other knock-offs. I only know what I've purchased and have been using. Yes, it is made with petroleum products - like almost everything else we use - the computer I'm typing on, and the computer you're reading this on, for example. Oh... and just about any other mattress (that doesn't last nearly as long). A durable product like this is made ONCE and ours has already lasted ten years with no sign of needing replacment. If you drive a gas car (hell, if you drive ANY car, and use roads) and worry about a one-time purchase like this, I think your priorities need a review. I am glad that you consider these things, however!
     
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  11. J5A

    J5A Active Member

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    IME you either love them or hate them.

    I love the feeling of support under me, so foam was a no-go.
     
  12. barcelona11

    barcelona11 New Member

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    When we have slept on memory foam, we have not liked it due to it being hot because we sink down into it.

    We bought our daughter a Lifekind mattress which does not emit VOCs. It is quiet due to not having springs, which also prevents jiggling of the mattress when someone rolls over. It has a terrific warranty. The last time I slept on it, my hips felt tired; perhaps it is a touch too firm for me.

    There are non-toxic alternatives out there. I agree that we should be concerned about the contents of the air we breathe during that 1/3 of our lives we spend on the mattress.
     
  13. Seamaster

    Seamaster Member

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    Likewise. I paid a king's ransom for my Tempur bed, but if my home burned down tomorrow, it's the first thing I would replace.

    Other "memory foam" mattresses are nothing like Tempur.
     
  14. twittel

    twittel Senior Member

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    Have a very solid Stearns and Foster. We flip/rotate the mattress every 2 weeks. After 10 years, it still as comfortable as the day we got it.
     
  15. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    I've slept on a 4" memory foam matress topper for nearly a decade. Probably why I have cancer. Bleh

    I recently ditched it when I moved to a new house so now I am sleeping without the pad and I find that the Simmons Beautyrest (World Class) pillow-top mattress I bought 8yrs ago works just fine. :) If you are looking for a new mattress I suggest Mattress Discounters which is a division of Sleep Train. You can pick up "blemished" mattresses for MUCH cheaper. I paid about $850 for mine vs. retail of $2699 (Cal King). It had a bit of dirt on it from the moving truck so whoever purchased it originally didn't want it. It was brand new and still in the ripped bag they delivered it in. lol
     
  16. dropshot

    dropshot New Member

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    +1 :rockon:

    We live in Central Texas and were worried about complaints of them being hot but our Tempurpedic isn't to us, we love it! :cheer2:
     
  17. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    Word, love mine

    The lumbar cushion in my '06 is a small memory foam unit that makes an unsittable position ... heaven.
    Sit on one at the computer, another life saver.
     
  18. stevemcelroy

    stevemcelroy Active Member

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    We have had a Tempurpedic mattress for about 6 years and it is terrific. The back support is amazing and it is not at all hot - that was one of the listed benefits of it. Another great thing is that because it does not have coils it does not need to be flipped - it is a king and flipping one of them is a huge pain.

    I have been asked my opinion on it a few times and tell people that it is a great mattress - the only problem is that it will really spoil you - when you are away from home and have to sleep on a regular mattress you will notice the difference.
     
  19. Seamaster

    Seamaster Member

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    I travel a lot with work and have invested in the Tempur travel pillow.

    Hotel beds really remind you what life's like back there in the non-Tempur world.
     
  20. barcelona11

    barcelona11 New Member

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    Unless the hotel is the Proximity Hotel or the O'Henry Hotel in Greensboro, NC. Their Magi mattress is fabulous.

    BTW, The Proximity is the US's first LEED Platinum hotel, and it has carpool/hybrid parking places!