Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with mattresses

Mattress questions: Ikea & Macy's edition

needs more cowbell — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:01:12 -0800

Inexpensive firm mattress options: how does the Ikea Hanestad hold up? How do firm MacyBed mattresses hold up? Can you haggle at Macy's like you can with mattress chains? (+ more discussion inside.) I am looking for a firm, inexpensive, full or queen-size mattress in the SF Bay area. I'm on a tight budget--I'd like to spend something like $350 or less (mattress only, no boxspring.) I feel relatively confident that I can figure out which mattresses will be comfortable by laying on them, more or less, but I'm not confident about how they will hold up--sagging, springs popping out, or getting much softer. I know that there are warranties, but often this only kicks in when there is a lot of sagging, and with IKEA at least, you have to transport the mattress back to them for evaluation, which will be a pain and an expense. So I want something I'm pretty sure will hold up.

The IKEA Hanestad ($249 for a queen size, and reportedly on the very firm side) felt at least as comfortable as anything else in my budget at a chain mattress store, but several friends have told me that IKEA mattresses are bad quality. I would love to get people's comments on how specific models of IKEA mattresses held up, especially the Hanestad.

I'm open to hearing other ideas for firm + inexpensive stuff as well. Caveats: I do not want a pillowtop mattress. I also do not want memory foam (I know everyone here likes that memory foam mattress from Amazon but sadly I haven't liked a lot of the memory foam I've tried in stores.)

My bed is too small. His bed is too soft. Where can we most comfortably sleep?

JoannaC — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 05:22:09 -0800

My bed is too small. His bed is too soft. Where can we most comfortably sleep? Boyfriend and I have been spending a lot of time together. Everything is going well. But the sleeping issue is a bit of a problem. We have been spending more time at my place because it's more set up than his (he does not care about 'decorating' and lacks such basic amenities as lamps and kitchen tables) but my bed (a double) is a little on the small side. I just spent my first night at his place and loved his giant king-sized bed, but hated his super-squishy mattress.

The problem is that both of us are kind of restless sleepers, but while he sleeps like the dead, I am a very light sleeper. Every time he fidgeted, it felt like a little earthquake in his bed! I just didn't feel like I ever properly fell asleep. I made it through the next day as normal so clearly I did get some sleep, but it was not a restful night.

Short of him (or me) buying a new bed, is there anything we can do to make things more comfortable? In my bed, he sleeps so close to me that I overheat. On the other hand, I love the space of his bed, but feel like it is vibrating every time he turns over! Ideas? Assistance? And if he does decide to buy a new mattress, what should we look for so that both of us can get a good night's sleep?

Choosing Between Mattress Or Boxspring?

goalyeehah — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:03:02 -0800

Boxspring? Mattress? Or Both? I've got a king-size bed and need to purchase a new mattress. Looking at former MeFi posts it looks as if IKEA mattresses have been getting the best responses. My question is would I need both a boxspring and mattress? And how does a boxspring benefit the mattress?

I need a "new" mattress.

Surinam Toad — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 16:29:59 -0800

Why are there so many "new" mattresses on Craigslist and on hand-written signs at intersections? Are they really new? And then there are the Mega Mattress Wholesale Blowout Stores. The prices seem too good to be true. Are these mattresses actually new? Are they really name brand, or do they somehow sew labels onto no-name mattresses to make people think they're Sealy, or Serta, or whatever?

And where do they come from? Are there frequent mattress heists that I don't know about?

Aside from the obvious pee stains (or worse), how can I tell if a mattress is actually new? Have you had success in buying a mattress on the cheap? Horror stories are also welcome.

I'm looking to buy a new (or very nearly new) king-size mattress. This is a major purchase for me and I don't have a lot of money, so I'm going a little OCD with the decision-making process.

Recommendations for stores, brands, or particular models are much appreciated. I'm in the St. Louis, MO area, if that matters.

Can this mattress be saved?

Anonymous — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 16:53:57 -0800

Is our peed-on mattress salvageable, or do we need to get a new one? My boyfriend has been a bedwetter all his life, but whereas previously it was an occasional thing, lately it's been happening nearly every night.

We've finally gotten a system down to keep pee off the mattress, but initially, we weren't well equipped, and so despite our best efforts, the mattress has been soaked in pee multiple times (approximately 10-12 times). We've used urine remover, but it's hard to tell if it's been completely effective.

We're planning to put a zip-up waterproof mattress protector on the mattress from now on, so there will be no chance of the mattress getting wet. Given its previous soakings, however, should we go ahead with that, or do we need to start over with a new mattress?

Anon because my boyfriend would rather not have everyone know about his bedwetting. And yes, if you're wondering, he's sought medical advice.

Best Tempurpedic Alternative

gogomickey — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:46:30 -0800

Does anyone know of the best alternatives to a Tempurpedic matress? They are just too expensive for me to justify purchasing, but I love the way they feel. I have been researching memory foam mattresses, but it is very hard to filter out the hype and get real information. First hand accounts from the hivemind would be greatly appreciated.

Can I put a mattress directly onto the floor without issue?

You Should See the Other Guy — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 15:16:59 -0800

Any issues with putting a mattress directly onto the floor? I have a mattress I love but am moving into a loft space with very little headroom in the loft. Getting rid of the bed part of the bed would help out greatly but a few friends have told me this is a bad idea--two specifically claiming it'll cause mold. Thoughts? Recommendations? Solutions (links to really low beds)? Thanks!

SEATTLE: Suggest mattress stores

Bob Dobbs — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 02:36:46 -0800

We are looking to comparison shop mattresses in Seattle or the surrounding area. Not so concerned about price right now; what we want are as many quality mattresses as possible to lay down on and try out. Where would we find the broadest range of quality mattresses? We are looking at the medium to high end price range. Secondarily, where to go for the best prices on said mattresses? Thanks!

Sleep Number Beds

ewagoner — Thu, 08 Jul 2004 07:42:15 -0800

Does anyone here have experience with "sleep number" type mattresses? [more inside] I'm specifically looking at the Cerulean king-sized mattress from Comfortaire, the company that originally developed the adjustable air mattress. [A fellow from Comfortaire left to found Select Comfort, who sells the seemingly inferior Select Number beds at twice the price.] They cost the same as a quality traditional spring mattress, have a 20 year warranty, and seem to have nothing but rave reviews. We've discussed mattresses many, many times here, but never air mattresses. What say you?