Comfortaire, Innerspring + topper, or other for 200lb side and back sleeper?I
Apr 15, 2012 7:58 PM
Joined: Apr 15, 2012
Points: 2
Hey all, whats up?  I have been looking into getting a new matress for awhile now and I am having a lot of trouble coming to a conclusion, so I would like to thank you in advance for any help. 

 

Here is the relevant info

 

- I am a musclar 200lbs

- More weight in hip area

- I sleep on my side and back

- I sleep hot

- I have a tempurpedic (unsure what model) now that sags at my hips when on my back, is too firm in the shoulder area when on my side, and is too hot

- I am not looking to spend over $1000 and would prefer closer to $700

- I am looking for a Queen size

 

My question is which type of mattress is more suitable for someone with my weight distribution that likes to sleep on both my side and my back?  Can an innerspring be soft enough for side sleeping yet firm enough for back sleeping? Airbeds seem to be most versatile in this respect but I have read something (on this forum I believe) which said otherwise due to the nature of the type of support airbeds provide.  I have also heard that if your hips sink into an air mattress that air will be displaced, creating pressure elsewhere, usually in the shoulders.  Is this true?  Are there any other options I should be considering?

 

Some background info 

I have tried a sleep number bed at the mall and absolutely loved it.  I felt that "melting" sensation in my lower back that people talk about when your muscles feel your spine is supported and release.  I didn't try lying on my sides much.  If I end up getting an airbed it will probably be a Comfortaire since I have read they are basically the same thing except you do not have to pay for sleep numbers marketing.  Also Comfortaire has a 60 no risk return policy and they pay return shipping so this option is no risk. 

I also had a pleasant experience on my sisters $500 generic guest bedroom innerspring mattress that has a wool topper on it.  I have not been able to replicate this experience in the mattress stores I have visited.  The closest I have come is with the Original Mattress Factory Otho Firm and Plush models, however I haven't tried them with a wool topper.  One thing I do not like about this option is OMF's return policy is essentially an exchange policy with a hefty "restocking" fee, so there is a bit of risk if I go this route. 

 

Once again thanks for the help and have a nice day/night everyone!

This message was modified Apr 15, 2012 by jeffw86
Re: Comfortaire, Innerspring + topper, or other for 200lb side and back sleeper?I
Reply #2 Apr 15, 2012 10:43 PM
Joined: Apr 15, 2012
Points: 2
zang wrote:

I have similar dimensions to you, though maybe not 'muscular.' Back and side sleeper. I believe that an air bed would be a great choice for you. I slept very well on a Sleep Number for over 10 years and got rid of it after it more or less died on me. I now regret having not simply bought a replacement.   If you're on a budget, just get the cheapest model. When your ship comes in, unzipper the mattress and toss in a quality topper.


Thanks for the quick response!  Did you notice any pressure on your shoulders when you slept on your side even if you were on a soft setting?  Is there anything someone who has no experience with airbeds should know before buying?  I am familiar with a few of the cons such as potential mold issues (I have read those have been fixed for the most part), sag in the center (I have read this is worse with sleep number beds due to using foam in between the dual air chambers), assembly required and some maintenance necessary (not a problem for me), and pump noise. Should I go with a dual chamber or single chamber?  It seems to me like any issues with dual chamber such as unequal firmness settings can be remedied by setting both sides to the same setting temporarily.  Is this presumption correct? 

Thanks again!

Re: Comfortaire, Innerspring + topper, or other for 200lb side and back sleeper?I
Reply #3 Apr 15, 2012 11:35 PM
Joined: Apr 15, 2012
Points: 2
jeffw86 wrote:

 


Thanks for the quick response!  Did you notice any pressure on your shoulders when you slept on your side even if you were on a soft setting?  Is there anything someone who has no experience with airbeds should know before buying?  I am familiar with a few of the cons such as potential mold issues (I have read those have been fixed for the most part), sag in the center (I have read this is worse with sleep number beds due to using foam in between the dual air chambers), assembly required and some maintenance necessary (not a problem for me), and pump noise. Should I go with a dual chamber or single chamber?  It seems to me like any issues with dual chamber such as unequal firmness settings can be remedied by setting both sides to the same setting temporarily.  Is this presumption correct? 

Thanks again!


First . if you mostly sleep alone, get a single chamber. With a dual chamber in queen, you essentially have what amounts to two small beds side-by-side, and you'll be stuck to one side even though you have a big bed. It is really bad with Sleep Number since there is a foam divider which has no support under it. I made the mistake of getting dual chamber and seriously messed up my neck and back because I would find I drifted over to the foam divider.So I quickly replaced the bladder with a single chamber. 

With mine, the air bag eventually developed a deep depression, which is the main reason I got rid of it... but since an air bed is nothing but component parts, you can just replace an air bladder when it goes bad. If the padding or springs give out on a regular mattress, you're SOL.

I did not notice shoulder pressure, but I do have shoulder and neck issues, which I would attribute to working on the computer most of the day, not the bed.

Re: Comfortaire, Innerspring + topper, or other for 200lb side and back sleeper?I
Reply #4 Apr 18, 2012 12:15 AM
Joined: Sep 10, 2007
Points: 84
Boyd U.S.A makes zoned air beds of high quality that suits your sleeping habbit but perhaps not the budget unfortunately.

regardless of the size of the mattress, you can adjust the lumbar and shoulder areas independently.check their website:

http://www.boydspecialtysleep.com/6chamberairbeds.html

This message was modified Apr 18, 2012 by canuck
Re: Comfortaire, Innerspring + topper, or other for 200lb side and back sleeper?I
Reply #5 Apr 18, 2012 11:16 AM
Joined: Apr 18, 2012
Points: 2
My husband has the same stats that you do and we had a lot of luck with a furniture store in Overland Park, KS (where we live). They were really helpful in looking at what our needs are and then evaluating what we needed from there. Since you're a hot sleeper (I am too) I definitely would stay away from a memory foam mattress since I've heard that they retain heat. Anyway if you're in our area I would definitely consider looking into Ormans 3 Day and seeing what their custom mattresses are. Like I said, they were a big help to us and they might deliver to you- you'd just have to check :)
This message was modified Apr 18, 2012 by a moderator

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