Help! I'm buying a new bed and want the best! - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

ruggerp11 · 05-29-2007, 10:44 AM

Ok, so I'm willing to spend as much as I need to in order to get a bed that will help me sleep well at night and make my back hurt less. I am a little lost as to where to start. I'd like a Queen (possibly eastern king, though a California King would be sweet) and I want to be comfortable.

The problem is that I've never bought a bed before. I've had dorms and hand me downs. I call on you TFP to help me get the best bed possible!

Help!

Thanks!

The_Jazz · 05-29-2007, 10:53 AM

1) Go to a store that sell beds.
2) Lie down on one.
3) Repeat until real comfort is discovered.
4) Try the rest of the beds in the store for confirmation.

ruggerp11 · 05-29-2007, 10:59 AM

lol, I guess I should have wrote this better.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Serta, Sleep Number, etc.

The_Jazz · 05-29-2007, 11:46 AM

My advice still stands. I hate those sleep number beds whenever I'm in a hotel. I have never once slept well on one.

My bed, however, is the epitome of comfort.

It's all subjective. Go find out what's comfortable for you. Personally I recommend going to a department store that carries a bunch of different brands, especially if price isn't an issue. I bought from one of those stand-alone bed stores and from Marshall Field's (when there was such a thing), and the bed that we found at Field's is far superior to anything that either of us have ever slept on.

Glory's Sun · 05-29-2007, 12:04 PM

Kingsdown offers a service that you can take for free when you are looking for a mattress.

Not all stores carry this service so you'll have to check first. What they have done is basically set up a computer and bed that after you punch in your information, you lie down on an air mattress looking thing that analyzes your body type and which mattress will suit you best in their line. You could start there as it would be able to pinpoint areas that you need more firmness etc.

JStrider · 05-29-2007, 12:12 PM

I got a 4 inch memory foam pad from overstock.com, makes almost anybed I sleep on so nice.

and one tip, buy the serta ones, all the different sizes of pads are the same cost, get one bigger then your bed and cut off the extra, and use it on chairs and stuff. for some reason the twin is the same cost as a king... and order it on a $1 shipping day... those things are heavy!

Willravel · 05-29-2007, 12:12 PM

I like the Tempur-pedic. Dust mites can't live in it. Dust can't get in it. It's perfect for those who have allergies (like me). It's on my wish list.

doubleaught · 05-29-2007, 02:20 PM

Someone wanting the best bed possible needs to do a little more than try every bed around. When I was researching with the exact same idea you have, I found out a ton about beds. I searched using some of these terms and found a pretty good "how to buy a quality bed" type article:

Quote:

1) type of coil
There are three main types of coils. They all have their own names for brand recognition but when it comes down to it there are truly only three. The first type is bonnell coil. A bonnell coil is a simple coil system. The bonnell coil is shaped like an hour glass and is featured in most of your low end beds. In other words, if you like your back do not get a bonnell coil. PRO: Its cheap. CON: tend to sag and "spin out" quickly.
The second type of coil system is a continuous coil system. This system takes a coil and runs it from head to toe creating a network of coils. PRO: low incident of spin out and sagging. CONS: because your shoulders are pushing on the same coils as your butt and feet you create a straighter sleeping surface which isnt perfect for your back. It's better than bonnell though.
The third type is the independent coil system. This is a system of coils than all work independently of each other. PRO: excellent back support as your shoulders and rear are pushing down the coils are pushing up on your lower back. CON: if you get one that has individually wrapped coils they can tend to sway and sag quickly as they are sometimes non-tempered.
So, now, that said, the best coil system out there is the independent coil system. Remember, get one thats NOT individually wrapped coils.

2)coil count
People come in everyday and ask me "how many coils does this bed have?" This is the one thing that seems to bond all mattress buyers together. The coil count is very important to a mattresses integrity and resiliency. I won't say the higher the number the better and I'll explain why when I go over working turns but around 600-800 (queen size) should be your target range. Anything lower than that and you have probably found yourself a bonnell coil spare room special.

3)working turns
Like I said above, everyone wants to know "how many coils?" but no one ever asks me how many working turns? A working turn is the amount of turns a coil has in its structure. To best explain it, imagine a simple spring. Now use your imagination and put your finger at the very top of the spring and run it down the spring. every time your finger goes 180 degrees around the spring, that is a working turn. So now imagine taking a spring that had only 4 working turns and strapping it to your feet, and jumping up and down. What if that spring had 8 working turns instead of 4? it would bounce higher and last longer before it broke, right? Same thing for mattresses, the more working turns in a beds coils the better and longer life its going to have. When you are looking for a bed multiply the number of coils by the number of working turns. The bed with the higher number is going to be, over time, more resilient. For example, bed 1 had 500 coils and 5 working turns, bed 2 has 600 coils and 3 working turns. Most consumers would automatically assume the 600 coil bed is better than the 500 coil bed, but if we do the multiplication we see 500 coils x 5 working turns=2500 working turns in the whole bed and 600 coils x 3 working turns=1800 working turns in the whole bed. Now we can see that for long life and resiliency of coils the 500 coil bed is by far the better bed. Any more questions on working turns email me. Working turns can be confusing but they are very important. By the way, mention working turns to your salesmen and if he doesn't know what you are talking about I personally wouldn't trust him on any other info on the bed. If he does know what you are talking about he'll be impressed and know you are a savvy consumer and not to be messed with.

A few other quick things you wanna know about buying a mattress are: get one with a NON-PRORATED warranty. A pro-rated warranty means that to get warranty work done in the future YOU WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I don't care if they offer you 30 years. If its pro-rated its not good. The foundation or boxspring of the set should have coils. This takes a lot of stress off the coils and helps the mattress live longer as well. Finally, if the store you are buying from offers a fabric protection for your bed, take it. Haggle the price on it but take it. I shouldnt speak for the U.S.A. but in Canada any sort of stain on your mattress, whether it be urine, coffee or juice, voids the warranty as per WCB regulations. If you have any further questions regarding buying a new mattress please feel free to email me . In your e-mails let me know where you are from. I've been receiving tons of e-mails and would love to know how far reaching my article has been.

On a daily basis I am asked "what is a good place to buy a mattress set?". Unfortunately, I've never been good at answering this question because the e-mails I get are from all over. I looked into some online mattress sellers and came across a good one. I've looked into these guys and like them because they have a 30 day exchange guarantee if you don't like your choice, they deliver anywhere in U.S.A. at no extra charge and they carry ALL the best names ie) Sealy, Serta, Crown Jewel, Stearns and Foster etc. Check them out via my profile. Thanks.

Oddly enough I found the best mattress for me was a Simmons Beautyrest, pretty common high quality mattress. Individually wrapped coils, good number of turns per coil and coils count, a good warranty, and relatively inexpensive. I got mine with medium firmness and a pillow top. I was concerned the pillow top might sink over time but hey! that's what I have a warranty for (and it does cover the top within a good tolerance).

I have friends who purchased high quality but hard mattresses, both loved them at first but even reported over time they sometimes cause a bit of discomfort. So be careful.

Last tip, don't be shy!! Let the salesperson know you're going to be lying on your top choice beds for a little while, you'll find them when you've made your decision. Don't just jump on and off, spend several minutes in your actual sleeping positions. You might be embarrassed but hell, what's a few minutes of looking goofy versus 10+ years of sleeping comfort?

Arc101 · 05-29-2007, 02:20 PM

I have also suffered with back problems in the past. After a lot of research I went for a water bed. Never had anything like this before, and I can totally recommend it. No matter what what position you sleep in your back gets total support. It is also amazingly comfortable, and they come with a heater so in winter you turn it up and it is like sleeping on a hot water bottle, and summer turn it down so you keep nice and cool.

tenniels · 05-29-2007, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JStrider

I got a 4 inch memory foam pad from overstock.com, makes almost anybed I sleep on so nice.

I also have a memory foam topper and LOVE love LOVE it!!! I enjoy sleeping and laying in bed, so I have to have something I adore. It's definitely worth getting.

I have a queen size bed and would even like a king. I actually bought it off a family friend that had it in their spare room and it wasn't used (well technically used as in second hand, but not used like slept on except for a couple times). When I get a new bed I wouldn't mind getting one with a pillow top, even though I'd put the memory foam on top. One thing I do suggest rugger is to buy some really nice sheets. I had never been all that picky with sheets and then a couple years ago I invested in a set of 800 thread count ones. They are the best! Very soft and comfortable, but light and breathable at the same time. It's nice to have such a soft pillow case as well. I use a down duvet, which is great too. Since the weather is warm now, I have taken the duvet out of the cover, and just have the cover over top of my sheets so it still looks nice but I don't end up getting overly hot. I use natural fill pillows as I find they are more comfortable. I use a feather down blend with a down pillow on top of it. Pure down pillows are much more expensive than a blend, but so nice and cushy. It wouldn't be enough support on it's own though. Anyways, I have successfully babbled on here, hopefully something helpful was said. Good luck getting a new bed, and let us know what you get!

aKula · 05-29-2007, 09:42 PM

I recently bought a new bed as well. I bought the bed from an antique store as I really like the look of older beds. The mattress I bought from a store specialising in mattresses. If you have the money not to have to rely on the absolute cheapest thing you can find you should have no problem finding something good for your back.

Push-Pull · 05-29-2007, 10:36 PM

I don't have much to offer as to which brand, but I will say this....buy as big as you can afford. The wife and I purchased a Beauty Rest Cali King, and it is NICE being able to toss and turn as much as needed to get comfy and still not bother your spouse.

Not to mention that after sex, there is less likely hood of either partner having to sleep on the wet spot.

thingstodo · 05-30-2007, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willravel

I like the Tempur-pedic. Dust mites can't live in it. Dust can't get in it. It's perfect for those who have allergies (like me). It's on my wish list.

We got one a few years ago. It's now tough to sleep in a hotel, even a really nive hotel, because I am so spoiled. You feel like you are floating. And they last a long time so the additional cost amortizes well.

maleficent · 05-30-2007, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ruggerp11

lol, I guess I should have wrote this better.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Serta, Sleep Number, etc.

there's a hotel chain who's name is escaping me that uses the sleep number bed and I was so not impressed...

the next bed I buy the feature the bed will not have is a pillowtop - while it's kinda comfy - it makes finding nice sheets for the bed difficult and it makes flipping the mattress impossible...

Somewhere in this forum, Redlemon has a post about the TempurPedic bed and why he loves it so - I just am too lazy to search for it

for some oddreaason I remember it...

Redlemon · 05-30-2007, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maleficent

Somewhere in this forum, Redlemon has a post about the TempurPedic bed and why he loves it so - I just am too lazy to search for it

for some oddreaason I remember it...

Hey sweetie.

Could have been Help me sleep.

, but also could have been Sleepin with your SO a problem? or even Bed sharing: Yes or No? or best bed for sex.

I was going to let the thread grow, but when someone calls out the librarian, I have to respond...

seretogis · 05-30-2007, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arc101

I have also suffered with back problems in the past. After a lot of research I went for a water bed. Never had anything like this before, and I can totally recommend it. No matter what what position you sleep in your back gets total support. It is also amazingly comfortable, and they come with a heater so in winter you turn it up and it is like sleeping on a hot water bottle, and summer turn it down so you keep nice and cool.

I had a water bed growing up and while it is nice at times, it can also be really irritating. If you live in a rental, don't even bother considering a water bed as you will need to get insurance specifically for it, perhaps put down a deposit, etc. A water bed can be more hassle than it is worth, but at least you can drain and transport it easily when moving unlike most other mattresses.

Halx · 05-30-2007, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willravel

It's perfect for those who have allergies (like me).

Ahh, so the man actually has a weakness.

In line with the topic, I don't think the brand makes a difference. If you can get a good modern mattress, just add a pillow or foam top to it.

abaya · 05-30-2007, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willravel

I like the Tempur-pedic. Dust mites can't live in it. Dust can't get in it. It's perfect for those who have allergies (like me). It's on my wish list.

Oh my god. You have just sold me. My worst allergies are to dust mite shit.

For now, though, I'll content myself with the used IKEA bed we picked up in Iceland. Anything else would be way over our budget, and this one actually isn't too bad. Ktspktsp had a decent IKEA bed in the States (that he bought new), firm foam core, I believe... I kind of liked it better than the usual spring-filled mattress.

What I really want to ask about are pillows... does anyone else use the curvy Swedish foam ones? I can't sleep on anything else, after a couple years of those... normal pillows are too squishy and non-supportive of my spine.

jewels · 02-22-2008, 04:17 AM

Reviving this one to see how those of you who've had a Tempurpedic feel about it now, and how long you've been sleeping on it.

I've had just about every bed, every price range. My last bed has been bothering me for about two or three years (it's a Simmons World Class extra-firm with deluxe pillow top etc). I also purchased a good memory foam topper that I've had on it for the past two or three years. But like every bed I've had, after about five years or so I can't seem to get comfortable in it and I know a mattress should be good for at least 10, possibly 20 years.

I'm ready to leave coil mattresses and despite The Jazz's good intentions, a few minutes on a mattress can't compare with a few years on it. ALthough there's something different for everyone, I would really like to hear some opinions.

I like the idea of Tempurpedic because of the no-pressure-point feeling. Do users of the bed find that's really so? And although I had "genuine" Tempurpedic pillow, I didn't care for it, but I'm hoping that's because the back-to-neck angle just bothered me.

Also, if anyone's tried the latex beds that Ikea carries and swears by, I'd love to hear the difference.

Thank you for your opinions.

Redlemon · 02-27-2008, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jewels443

Reviving this one to see how those of you who've had a Tempurpedic feel about it now, and how long you've been sleeping on it.

About 10 years, and I still love it.

Cynthetiq · 02-27-2008, 10:19 AM

very tempting these beds... we just hung out in the Chicago store laying in the bed chatting for a few hours.

http://www.hastens.com/en-us/
bed price range is $2,000 to $60,000

the most comfortable one we agreed on was $25,000. Beds are hand made and have horsehair in them along with other natural materials. The bed is very "green"

Odd I'm willing to spend $40,000 - $50,000 on a car that I spend only a few hours of my time once a month. In comparison to a bed which I spend 1/3 of my day, every day, I'm uncomfortable spending $2,000.

seems fucked up in some manner.

jewels · 02-27-2008, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynthetiq

Odd I'm willing to spend $40,000 - $50,000 on a car that I spend only a few hours of my time once a month. In comparison to a bed which I spend 1/3 of my day, every day, I'm uncomfortable spending $2,000.

seems fucked up in some manner.

Hehe, you're right. I wanted to get away from coil, although I did check out the website and customized my own bed at Hastens, which is cool.

As for other beds, I've checked into the beds Ikea carries, which are foam and/or latex. I don't think ordinary foam would make me happy, but the latex beds seem to have similar properties to the Tempurpedic. They are available at some other stores as well. I can't seem to find many owner reviews, though. Anyone know anything about the latex mattresses?

thingstodo · 02-27-2008, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redlemon

About 10 years, and I still love it.

I've had my Temerpedic for about five years and still love it. Pillows, too.

noodle · 02-27-2008, 04:33 PM

We have a Sealy True-Foam or True-Form and I can't sleep on anything else. It's been about five months, I think. Both of us have back problems, he's bot a screwed up shoulder and I've got fibromyalgia. It's the bomb diggity, yo.

05-29-2007, 10:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
ruggerp11 Cautiously soaring Location: exploring my new home in SF	Help! I'm buying a new bed and want the best! Ok, so I'm willing to spend as much as I need to in order to get a bed that will help me sleep well at night and make my back hurt less. I am a little lost as to where to start. I'd like a Queen (possibly eastern king, though a California King would be sweet) and I want to be comfortable. The problem is that I've never bought a bed before. I've had dorms and hand me downs. I call on you TFP to help me get the best bed possible! Help! Thanks! __________________ Patriotism means being loyal to your country all the time and to its government when it deserves it. --Mark Twain Do What makes you happy --Me BUT! "Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness" - Chuang-Tzu

05-29-2007, 10:53 AM	#2 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	1) Go to a store that sell beds. 2) Lie down on one. 3) Repeat until real comfort is discovered. 4) Try the rest of the beds in the store for confirmation. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

05-29-2007, 10:59 AM	#3 (permalink)
ruggerp11 Cautiously soaring Location: exploring my new home in SF	lol, I guess I should have wrote this better. Does anyone have any recommendations? Serta, Sleep Number, etc. __________________ Patriotism means being loyal to your country all the time and to its government when it deserves it. --Mark Twain Do What makes you happy --Me BUT! "Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness" - Chuang-Tzu

05-29-2007, 11:46 AM	#4 (permalink)
The_Jazz Asshole Administrator Location: Chicago	My advice still stands. I hate those sleep number beds whenever I'm in a hotel. I have never once slept well on one. My bed, however, is the epitome of comfort. It's all subjective. Go find out what's comfortable for you. Personally I recommend going to a department store that carries a bunch of different brands, especially if price isn't an issue. I bought from one of those stand-alone bed stores and from Marshall Field's (when there was such a thing), and the bed that we found at Field's is far superior to anything that either of us have ever slept on. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin "There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush "We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo

05-29-2007, 12:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
JStrider Poo-tee-weet? Location: The Woodlands, TX	I got a 4 inch memory foam pad from overstock.com, makes almost anybed I sleep on so nice. and one tip, buy the serta ones, all the different sizes of pads are the same cost, get one bigger then your bed and cut off the extra, and use it on chairs and stuff. for some reason the twin is the same cost as a king... and order it on a $1 shipping day... those things are heavy! __________________ -=JStrider=- ~Clatto Verata Nicto Last edited by JStrider; 05-29-2007 at 12:20 PM..

05-29-2007, 12:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	Kingsdown offers a service that you can take for free when you are looking for a mattress. Not all stores carry this service so you'll have to check first. What they have done is basically set up a computer and bed that after you punch in your information, you lie down on an air mattress looking thing that analyzes your body type and which mattress will suit you best in their line. You could start there as it would be able to pinpoint areas that you need more firmness etc.

05-29-2007, 12:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	I like the Tempur-pedic. Dust mites can't live in it. Dust can't get in it. It's perfect for those who have allergies (like me). It's on my wish list.

05-29-2007, 02:20 PM	#9 (permalink)
Arc101 Addict Location: Nottingham, England	I have also suffered with back problems in the past. After a lot of research I went for a water bed. Never had anything like this before, and I can totally recommend it. No matter what what position you sleep in your back gets total support. It is also amazingly comfortable, and they come with a heater so in winter you turn it up and it is like sleeping on a hot water bottle, and summer turn it down so you keep nice and cool.

05-29-2007, 09:42 PM	#11 (permalink)
aKula Psycho	I recently bought a new bed as well. I bought the bed from an antique store as I really like the look of older beds. The mattress I bought from a store specialising in mattresses. If you have the money not to have to rely on the absolute cheapest thing you can find you should have no problem finding something good for your back. __________________ "I am the wrath of God. The earth I pass will see me and tremble." -Klaus Kinski as Don Lope de Aguirre

05-29-2007, 10:36 PM	#12 (permalink)
Push-Pull I'll ask when I'm ready.... Location: Firmly in the middle....	I don't have much to offer as to which brand, but I will say this....buy as big as you can afford. The wife and I purchased a Beauty Rest Cali King, and it is NICE being able to toss and turn as much as needed to get comfy and still not bother your spouse. Not to mention that after sex, there is less likely hood of either partner having to sleep on the wet spot. __________________ "No laws, no matter how rigidly enforced, can protect a person from their own stupidity." -Me- "Some people are like Slinkies..... They are not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs." -Unknown- DAMMIT! -Jack Bauer-

02-22-2008, 04:17 AM	#19 (permalink)
jewels Eponymous Location: Central Central Florida	Reviving this one to see how those of you who've had a Tempurpedic feel about it now, and how long you've been sleeping on it. I've had just about every bed, every price range. My last bed has been bothering me for about two or three years (it's a Simmons World Class extra-firm with deluxe pillow top etc). I also purchased a good memory foam topper that I've had on it for the past two or three years. But like every bed I've had, after about five years or so I can't seem to get comfortable in it and I know a mattress should be good for at least 10, possibly 20 years. I'm ready to leave coil mattresses and despite The Jazz's good intentions, a few minutes on a mattress can't compare with a few years on it. ALthough there's something different for everyone, I would really like to hear some opinions. I like the idea of Tempurpedic because of the no-pressure-point feeling. Do users of the bed find that's really so? And although I had "genuine" Tempurpedic pillow, I didn't care for it, but I'm hoping that's because the back-to-neck angle just bothered me. Also, if anyone's tried the latex beds that Ikea carries and swears by, I'd love to hear the difference. Thank you for your opinions. __________________ We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess. Mark Twain Last edited by jewels; 02-22-2008 at 04:21 AM..

02-27-2008, 10:19 AM	#21 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	very tempting these beds... we just hung out in the Chicago store laying in the bed chatting for a few hours. http://www.hastens.com/en-us/ bed price range is $2,000 to $60,000 the most comfortable one we agreed on was $25,000. Beds are hand made and have horsehair in them along with other natural materials. The bed is very "green" Odd I'm willing to spend $40,000 - $50,000 on a car that I spend only a few hours of my time once a month. In comparison to a bed which I spend 1/3 of my day, every day, I'm uncomfortable spending $2,000. seems fucked up in some manner. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!