At the beginning of the year I began searching for a mattress. I searched chains, regional bed stores, and Costco, as well as other stores ( including Amazon) online. The result was overwhelm and over saturation with all the choices, knowing full well that most of them would be bad ones for me.Then I got busy . Now, I'm returning to the search. Today, I saw the sale offer from Sleep EZ (
sleepez.com/specials.htm) offered for a huge 40% off normal reasonable prices, and another interesting Amazon deal on the Ultimate Dreams (
www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Dreams-Eurotop-Latex-Mattress/dp/B008KQ8YC2/ref=sr_1_7?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1345480601&sr=1-7) . To me, I am thinking, regardless of the claims, that I need to focus on what is going to help me remain COOL ( I sleep very warm or hot, even in our mild CA winters). I am also built like a lineman ( 6'2", 300 lbs, with extra weight around my stomach, but generally ht/wt proportional- i.e. I'm built thick and solid from my head through my 22 inch neck all the way down to my size 16 feet). So, I was at Costco last night where I saw Road Show featuring a Spring Air "Back Supporter w/ Gel", which the reps are trying to pass off as latex, but it isn't...as it has a measly 1" of BIO H GEL INFUSED latex under 1.5 inches of (plush certipur foam ( which Phoenix has said elsewhere is not so good where MORE than 1" covers the latex). So that got me curious about whether or not Latex NEEDS infusion of GEL to be cool enough for a hot sleeper like myself, OR if the natural latex is fine by itself. IF I keep the climate of my bedroom at 65 degrees or less ( my body temp is ok then). Anyway, I am both a side and stomach sleeper, but 85% of that is on my side. Some years ago, I injured my right sacrum ( between the back and pelvis), so despite my weight, I cannot tolerate a pressure point near the hip and have spent more than a few nights in my lazy boy recliner because of it keeping me from being able to lay down. So, I may also consider an adjustable base with a good bed.
I realize I present a lot of information here. I am interested IF there is a best "configuration" of Latex ( or American made memory foam or a hybrid of both) for my size AND that will both protect me from pressure points at the hip and shoulders while side-sleeping, AND still provide a plush/ Euro feeling of comfort ( I realize my size will pulverize any pillow-top), but have firm enough support for my size. Generally I have enjoyed a medium-firm bed, but the old-school steel spring mattress I have now is failing and I need to get shopping. I had hoped to spend closer to $1,000, but will consider spending $2,000 or more if I can get some assurance of longevity while getting the issues addressed as best as possible. I really wanted to shop at Costco due to their return policy, but What they are offering online looks suspiciously HOT or low quality to me.
Of course, I am prepared to hear that there is NOTHING that can withstand my weight. But it never hurts to ask questions.
Thank you