Itt: please recommend a mattress for me.

[girl gone mad]

I don't know why I'm asking this question of insomniacs, but I guess I trust you more than salespeople.

I'm a side sleeper, and I'm stuck on the sofa because I can't lay on my crappy (hard) mattress for more than a few minutes without getting pain in my hips.

I've never bought a mattress before. Didn't realize it was so complicated. Now I've got analysis paralysis.

[WildClarySage]

1. I LOVE our mattress

we bought a new one after I started developing what turned out to be bursitis in both shoulders, aggravated by sleeping on a bad mattress. We bought a Spring Air Ventana and it was expensive but well worth every dime. The huge pillowtop cradles you and eases muscle and joint stiffness.

I suppose someone out there will look it up and find out that Spring Air donates all their money to republican 507's, but if so don't tell me. I freaking love my bed. :boring:

[RadicalMom]

2. Been using "Simmons Beautyrest" mattresses for 25 years..

we replaced the first one after 10 years and we just finished 15 years on this one (just celebrated 25th anniversary this fall). May want to replace it eventually, but so far it's fine. They are designed with individually pocketed coils which distributes weight more evenly. The other occupant can turn over and you don't notice it. Don't know about the expensive foam ones they advertise.

[girl gone mad]

4. I've read that the tempur-pedic mattresses..

lose their memory capabilities after a couple of years, so I think I would wait until they've been around a few more years (and the prices come down).

[andino]

3. Went to Sams Club a few years back

and got a Serta Pillow Top... It ROCKS. Best sleep I have had in a LONG time.

BTW, since you are a side sleeper you might need a leg pillow for those hips. ;)

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

5. Air mattress

after years of sleeping on a waterbed, I got tired of the leaks. My husband did research and we got one of those air mattresses with memory foam on top. Each side has its own controls so each sleeper can make the mattress as hard or soft as they want. I also have a pillow I bought at the chiropractor's office, which helps to align the spine and stop neck pain. I'm a side sleeper, too, and I find the combination air mattress/pillow works great!

[unblock]

6. try 'em and if you don't like 'em, return 'em.

mattresses are very personal. what's great for one might suck for you and vice-versa.

there's just no substitute for living with a mattress for a week.
be ABSOLUTELY SURE before you buy that you can return it for a full refund (be willing to accept a modest delivery fee, though).

we really liked the select comfort mac daddy independent air mattress with foam pillowtop in the store. when we got it home, the thing REAKED of this nauseating plasticky smell that still hasn't gone away (it's now in the guest bedroom still awaiting their return pickup) after 3 weeks.

we're now on a kingsdown mattress, very nice (also very expensive).

but honestly, to each his own. don't make the mistake of thinking that more expensive means better for you. try it and see what really is better for you.

[sbj405]

7. Just went through the mattress buying routine here

Had a Simmons Beautyrest that was seriously sagging after only 5 years (we're not big people either). Got a Sealy Fenway from Costco. Had it a week and hated. My back hurt more than with the old one. Returned that one and went to a mattress store and got a Stearns and Foster. A bit more expensive, but it's nice. Perhaps a little hard, but I think I may add a memory foam topper. We also went to a bed and back store where they analyzed which mattress was best. Might be worth doing. The guy wasn't all that high pressure either.

Some tips for shopping: you won't find the exact same mattress model at any two stores. They are the same, but have different names. I found a website that listed the equivalents. Also, don't be shy about bargaining, we got the last guy to give us $600 off based on a price match on a similar model. Also, look for a place with a guarantee in case you hate it. Laying on it for a few seconds in the store sometimes isn't enough. Good luck and remember if you get a good mattress, it should last 10-20 years.

[colinmom71]

8. Here are some resources that may help you out...

http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/ - While this forum may not necessarily simplify your search, the people that post there are very experienced and knowledgeable about everything mattresses! You'll find a lot of invaluable info on the variety of mattresses out there (and there are LOTS of them!)...

http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/living/home/design/ask_expert_front.htm - This is Pete Cancelli's Q&A forum. He is very biased towards Sealy and Stearns&Foster, but there is a lot of good info on mattresses in general here too, particularly in regards to what type mattress best suites what personal sleeping issues.

It is definitely overwhelming trying to decide what mattress is your best option. Based on what you're describing, you're having problems with pressure points. Hip pressure in side sleeping women is a very common complaint, especially with firm mattresses. Something that may help you out in the short term (until you find that right mattress set) would be a 2-3 inch soft (14 or 19 ILD) latex topper or a "memory foam" topper for your current mattress. You can order them online or buy them at most specialty bedding stores. I have the same problem with pressure points at the hip and shoulders that's been relieved by a 1.5 inch memory foam topper under a soft quilted mattress cover.

I agree with what Unblock said above. Make sure that you buy from a retailer who has a well defined return policy. Most will offer a "comfort guarantee", where you have anywhere from 30-90 days within which you can return the mattress for either an exchange or money return. If the retailer seems in the least bit evasive about their return policy, walk away and go elsewhere. Also, check out your local Better Business Bureau for retailers with a good history of customer service. Mattress retailers are one of the most commonly complained about specialty retailers.

Hope this helps, and good luck finding a good night's sleep!

[hayu_lol]

9. Also a side sleeper...

Very satisfied with my Simmons Beautyrest...now some 18 years old and doing very well.

[girl gone mad]

10. Thanks for all of the great information, everyone.

Looks like I've got my work cut out.

:)

[jukes]

11. ggm

pardon, but i don't think you need to purchase a replacement. it seems the trouble cd be more easily repaired by properly breaking in that old unit.

girl, you need to do lots more floppin' around, isall...