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Thread: mattress

  1. #1
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    Default mattress

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    Rip:

    This really isn't a train g question. But then again, as it greatly affects rest, recovery and adaptation, maybe it is.

    I need a new mattress. Current bodyweight is about 260 and the foam mattress i bought c. two years ago has a huge cavern where my ass goes; a permanent hollow. As a side sleeper this makes sleeping hell on my back, and really fucks up a good nights sleep. Rolling over requires sitting up and flopping. Generally, these foam mattresses suck. Dont even get me started on fucking on these things. Its like trying to run on sand - you just push the surface away and your body stays motionless for way too long. Wife's side is fine. She weighs 130-135. But my side is fucked.

    How do I buy a good but not overpriced mattress? What do I look for? What's a reasonable price point? I am talking about normal mattresses, not heated or cooled or Craftmatic adjustable bed style folder-uppers or anything crazy.

    As a sleeper and opinionated guy for close to 80 years now, what do you recommend?

    Thanks

  2. #2
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    I recommend an extra firm inner-spring mattress like the hotel trade uses in chain hotels like Wyndham/LaQuinta. Minimal pillow top, double-sided. Should last for years. Foam mattresses should be illegal.

  3. #3
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    Thin futon on top of a tatami mat.

  4. #4
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    Having gone through this a few months back and doing a lot of research I'll echo what Rip says. The mattresses from the chain stores like Denver, Slumberland et. al. are junk and only last about 5 years; in fact they're designed to wear out that fast, no matter how expensive. I just bought this mattress which is a super-firm double-sided mattress used by hotels - Golden Pedic Super Firm X
    – Golden Mattress Retail
    I'm 240lb at 5'10" and 63 and for the first time in several years I get a very good 5-6 hours restful sleep. Last thing, skip the shitty pillow top mattresses. If you or your wife want a pillow top, get an add-on cover.

  5. #5
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    A related question that might help the OP: how much legitimacy is there to the idea that the firmness of a mattress should be matched to the sleeper based on metrics like bodyweight and sleep position? Some of the marketing materials depict sleepers' spines in various degrees of alignment based on mattress selection, but both Rip and Steve have touted firm mattresses. Is there personal preference involved here?

  6. #6
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    Seems obvious to me that if you'd like your spine to remain in something close to normal anatomical position, the mattress had better be firm enough to provide that support, and the higher your bodyweight the more critical this becomes. But I'd like to hear any points of discussion.

  7. #7
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    The ad you posted is a little ambiguous: is this a mattress with coil springs, as Rip suggests or is it a firm slab of foam? Or is it coil springs covered by foam?

  8. #8
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    For what it's worth, I largely agree with foam mattresses. That being said, I have never had a better mattress than the classic Purple (I purchased one of them after they first came out). This after having slept on a very nice Tempurpedic that was both the worst and most expensive mattress I've ever owned.

    I initially thought that the Purple would be uncomfortable because you can very plainly see and feel the grid pattern across the top, but I find it to be incredibly comfortable while sleeping on. Definitely relieves pressure points on shoulders and hips. Has held up well for (I believe) seven years.

    It also doesn't turn sex into a challenge mode. The aforementioned Tempurpedic was acquired before we started trying for children, and in retrospect I think I prefer a prowler sled for my HIIT.

  9. #9
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    I had a Purple for about 3 years, started out beautifully and wore out.

  10. #10
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    starting strength coach development program
    Quote Originally Posted by FatButWeak View Post
    The ad you posted is a little ambiguous: is this a mattress with coil springs, as Rip suggests or is it a firm slab of foam? Or is it coil springs covered by foam?
    I agree, it's confused me too, as it seems to say both "416 - 13 Gauge Spring Unit" "All foam". But I can tell you that it does not sag at all compared to other mattresses; also, the store I bought it from on Columbus Day, I only paid $900 for a Queen, new foundation and delivery. I mainly posted the link to provide an example that old-fashioned quality mattresses are available outside the chain stores, you just have to carefully research and shop around. I bought mine from a private mattress store in a strip mall that caters mostly to business customers, not private.

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