NovaForm Gel (Costco) Major Issues...............
Oct 15, 2011 6:52 PM
Joined: Aug 16, 2011
Points: 26
We suffered through high end (S&F) pillowtops for years (yeah, I now know, don't buy a pillowtop).

 

So after reading plenty of reviews on foam and laying on, but deciding not to spend $5K on a King size Tempurpedic or $2500+ on the "S" brand new age foams, we decided to try the NovaForm Gel 12" foam mattress from Costco both due to the price and the liberal return policy.

Well, all was good.................. for a while.

Purchased King size Novaform Gel Memory about 1 1/2 months ago. Let it air out for 2 days and complaints about the smell were non-existent.

There is however a huge issue with the mattress.

It took a few nights for myself and my wife (both average size) to become accustomed to the mattress. No problem, as that is to be expected.

After the initial adjustment period, we both loved the mattress, or so we thought. After a couple of weeks, the weather started getting cooler, and I would wake up with lower back pain every morning. (never an issue before) and that escalated into leg/foot pain. My wife still sort of liked it.

Now that the weather is cool every night, both my wife and myself get no sleep (tossing and turning) and we both wake up with aches and pains.

Problem? The mattress is as hard as a rock in cool weather. What will happen when it actually gets cold? Might as well sleep on a board.

Sleep Innovations specifically states NOT to use a common box spring type foundation. The mattress therfore is on a custom built platform (2x4 frame with OSB top & bottom, with quilted moving blankets on top of the platform) and is no different than laying it on a floor, so it gets the full support they call for. Bed frame itself also has side to side & center supports

Can't wait to bring this back to the store. Maybe then we can get a decent nights sleep.

I would like to stay with Costco as in my state, mattress returns are not legal (though Costco allows it, probably because they can ship out of state)

So now the big question is , where do we go from here?

This message was modified Oct 15, 2011 by robertwhite
Re: NovaForm Gel (Costco) Major Issues...............
Reply #21 Oct 16, 2011 2:15 PM
Joined: Jun 2, 2011
Points: 481
robertwhite wrote:

 

 


Mattress feels OK, but still a bit too firm in warmer weather. Obviously, there is no way to try the bed out in Costco and the reason we bought it is due to the liberal return policy. Didn't think we were going to need it after the first week or so, but now we will take advantage of it.

You also said that Sleep Innovations is not in any chain store near you, but if the store has the Serta iComfort, they absolutely have Sleep Innovations in the store.

I would imagine that you may be correct about the middle core being the root cause of the problem. I would REALLY like to try out the TP, but the "no store has the 90 day trial" thing has REALLY turned me off. Why does every store you walk in (I remember them when I lived in the Northeast) that carries TP, boldy have the signs posted? To me, that is a huge scam. As I said, TP freely admits the stores don't have it, and I surely would not trust a stores word. If they will put it in writing, I may then take a chance, until then its not going to happen.

  


I'll see if I could pick out a better looking king foam mattress on Costco ....

It seems all of the Novaform mattresses have 2.5" gel memory foam over some type of 2 ish inches of support foam or 'wave foam', then a 7" core.

At least the $999 11" Hybrid Bliss has 2" combined memory foam over 2" medium latex over the 7" core.  That should give a little softer feel than the 2.5" gel foam over the 'firm layer' that's in your basic Novaform.

---------------------------------------

Are you saying the stores in NE had '90 day trial' TP signs posted yet they didn't offer refunds when buying from store?  I'm not sure what the TP scam is your speaking of.  Scam because they have big ad signs in store?? 

Tempurpedic is a BIG advertiser.  Easy to say they are the biggest advertising bed company today.  The rep explained that Sealy, Simmons and Serta are still much bigger than Tempurpedic now.  The don't need to advertise at 6pm on primetime TV.  But, Tempurpedic believes in their products and they obviously spend tons of money on advertising.

Every store has a sign or neon signs.  They are not shy about their products.  Mine is worth the money I spent on it.  After what I've been through the last five months, I'm happy to have spent $1450 + tax for a twin XL Cloud set.  I could have spent $899 for an iComfort insight set from Sears, got a cheesy box spring with 2.75" gel memory foam over 6" core foam and no air flow channel to vent air, just a promise that gel foam magically dissipates heat better.  

 


 

This message was modified Oct 16, 2011 by slpngoc
Re: NovaForm Gel (Costco) Major Issues...............
Reply #22 Oct 16, 2011 2:45 PM
Joined: Apr 15, 2011
Points: 163
slpngoc wrote:

 

 

Here's a description of the Costco deluxe 12" Novaform mattress -

'The top layer is our 2.5" premium memory foam, for a balanced combination of cradling comfort and gentle support – with the revolutionary addition of NutraFresh™ treatment, for lasting freshness and no "new foam smell."  The 2.5" middle layer is made of deeply sculpted premium foam, for dramatically improved air circulation and firm support. And the 7"  bottom layer is made of premium base foam which adds stability and therapeutic support.'

 

Ok, so there's only 2.5" of memory foam, total in the mattress.  That's not much.  And it's Sleep Innovations memory foam which is NOT Tempurpedic memory foam.

Then there's a 2.5" layer of regular foam that provides 'firm support'.  I think that's the problem.  Just a bit of memory foam, then a firm support layer just underneath.  Sounds like an iComfort genius which always felt too firm to me in the store.   Don't think I'd like this Novaform mattress either.

 


I'm sorry, but the commercialized hyped up lingo in this description makes me want to gag. "Nutrafresh" treatment "for lasting freshness" and no "new foam smell"? They are trying to make it sound like the smell is nutritious? Good for you like freshbaked bread? Gimme a break.

And what's with the "deeply sculpted premium foam"? Hunh? Scupted as in how? Is it or flat or is carved out in some way? Or just what is "deeply sculpted' supposed to mean?

It's nonsense like this that steers me away from products like this. When they start hyping up the language to make it sound like something it is not, that is the first sign of dishonesty, and I'm not about to reward it with my hard-earned dollars.

How about some straight facts instead of jazzed up commercialized nonsense?

Bwah. Spit em out and steer clear.

Re: NovaForm Gel (Costco) Major Issues...............
Reply #23 Oct 16, 2011 3:04 PM
Joined: Aug 16, 2011
Points: 26
slpngoc wrote:

 

 

 


I'll see if I could pick out a better looking king foam mattress on Costco ....

It seems all of the Novaform mattresses have 2.5" gel memory foam over some type of 2 ish inches of support foam or 'wave foam', then a 7" core.

At least the $999 11" Hybrid Bliss has 2" combined memory foam over 2" medium latex over the 7" core.  That should give a little softer feel than the 2.5" gel foam over the 'firm layer' that's in your basic Novaform.

---------------------------------------

Are you saying the stores in NE had '90 day trial' TP signs posted yet they didn't offer refunds when buying from store?  I'm not sure what the TP scam is your speaking of.  Scam because they have big ad signs in store?? 

Tempurpedic is a BIG advertiser.  Easy to say they are the biggest advertising bed company today.  The rep explained that Sealy, Simmons and Serta are still much bigger than Tempurpedic now.  The don't need to advertise at 6pm on primetime TV.  But, Tempurpedic believes in their products and they obviously spend tons of money on advertising.

Every store has a sign or neon signs.  They are not shy about their products.  Mine is worth the money I spent on it.  After what I've been through the last five months, I'm happy to have spent $1450 + tax for a twin XL Cloud set.  I could have spent $899 for an iComfort insight set from Sears, got a cheesy box spring with 2.75" gel memory foam over 6" core foam and no air flow channel to vent air, just a promise that gel foam magically dissipates heat better.  

 

Funny, I just posted another thread about Sleep Science and the Hybrid Bliss. Trying to find out exactly who they are.

As for the signs in the stores. What I mean is that every store up North that carried TP, had big signs advertising the 90 day trial. Well, as TP plainly concedes that is a farce, who is telling fibs? I would say the local chain stores. I am not saying TP is trying to "take" customers at all. I AM saying that their advertising is HIGHLY misleading at bes and the fact that the chain stores play along just makes it worse. They may very well have a great product, but when I see "liberal" use of terms, that throws up a great big red flag.

This message was modified Oct 16, 2011 by robertwhite
Re: NovaForm Gel (Costco) Major Issues...............
Reply #24 Oct 16, 2011 3:27 PM
Joined: Jun 2, 2011
Points: 481
robertwhite wrote:

 

Funny, I just posted another thread about Sleep Science and the Hybrid Bliss. Trying to find out exactly who they are.

As for the signs in the stores. What I mean is that every store up North that carried TP, had big signs advertising the 90 day trial. Well, as TP plainly concedes that is a farce, who is telling fibs? I would say the local chain stores. I am not saying TP is trying to "take" customers at all. I AM saying that their advertising is HIGHLY misleading at bes and the fact that the chain stores play along just makes it worse. They may very well have a great product, but when I see "liberal" use of terms, that throws up a great big red flag.

From TP 

"Our 90 Night Tryout is exclusive to Tempur-Pedic, and covers mattresses purchased direct from us, on our website or by phone. Tempur-Pedic mattresses purchased from retail stores are not covered by the Tempur-Pedic 90 Night Tryout."

-------------

I just confirmed with Sleep Train - If you buy a new mattress from them including Tempurpedic, it is covered by a 100 day trail period and would be returnable with no fee up to 100 days. Including Adjustable bases. Pillows, not.

Any clearance beds or floor models are not returnable.

So, the store policy overrides mfr. policy I think in most cases.

Tempurpedic is simply stating, they have a specific policy purchasing from them, and stores have their own policy.  It sucks that some small stores can't offer refunds, but that's just the way it is. 

I would imagine small stores purchase their stock and store it.  They just cannot afford to take returns because ..........

Used mattresses sell very poorly.  Very few people want a used mattress, and if they buy one, they expect a BIG discount. 

I've seen 3 week old mattresses stacked up at Sears outlets for 1/2 original price. 

This message was modified Oct 16, 2011 by slpngoc
Re: NovaForm Gel (Costco) Major Issues...............
Reply #25 Oct 16, 2011 5:11 PM
Joined: Aug 1, 2009
Points: 175
robertwhite wrote:

Mattress feels OK, but still a bit too firm in warmer weather.


This is different from your original post, which stated that you & your wife liked the mattress just fine until the weather got cooler. That's why I suggested adding something to either soften the mattress or keep the top of it warm (which presumably would help it stay soft).

If you don't like the mattress enough to keep it under any circumstances, that's an entirely different situation.

 

Re: NovaForm Gel (Costco) Major Issues...............
Reply #26 Oct 17, 2011 10:48 AM
Joined: Aug 16, 2011
Points: 26
Catherine wrote:

 


This is different from your original post, which stated that you & your wife liked the mattress just fine until the weather got cooler.

 


Well, problem is that we only like it for a couple of weeks or so as the weather was still very warm. Even then, I wasn't completely happy, and now, absolutely unhappy.

Re: NovaForm Gel (Costco) Major Issues...............
Reply #27 Oct 17, 2011 10:53 AM
Joined: Aug 16, 2011
Points: 26
slpngoc wrote:

 

 

I just confirmed with Sleep Train - If you buy a new mattress from them including Tempurpedic, it is covered by a 100 day trail period and would be returnable with no fee up to 100 days. Including Adjustable bases. Pillows, not.

Any clearance beds or floor models are not returnable.

So, the store policy overrides mfr. policy I think in most cases.


That is the point I am making about the chain store (or any retail store) must back up their words. Any store can tell you they will, but what happens when you go to claim a refund could be a whole other story. In all the years we have been purchasing mattresses (married 23 yrs) I have NEVER found a store that I would trust without fail.

Re: NovaForm Gel (Costco) Major Issues...............
Reply #28 Oct 17, 2011 8:28 PM
Joined: Jun 2, 2011
Points: 481
robertwhite wrote:

 


That is the point I am making about the chain store (or any retail store) must back up their words. Any store can tell you they will, but what happens when you go to claim a refund could be a whole other story. In all the years we have been purchasing mattresses (married 23 yrs) I have NEVER found a store that I would trust without fail.

Sleep Train written guarantee -

"If within 100 days ... you are not satisfied ... you can receive a full refund ".

The policy is in writing and they honor it.  No questions asked they picked up my $1500 adjustable base and delivered the fixed foundation.

My card should be credited within a couple days.

If it's in writing and it's clear, it happens or else I would call something like channel '7 on your side' news.  They would return the money.



 

This message was modified Oct 17, 2011 by slpngoc
Re: NovaForm Gel (Costco) Major Issues...............
Reply #29 Feb 10, 2012 2:56 PM
Joined: Feb 10, 2012
Points: 1
A couple of memory foam comments: I ahve been looking for something for my wife to use on a single (trundle) bed in a spare bedroom when she's having trouble sleeping. We just bought a Costco novaform 2 1/2" topper for $100. I'm trying it because Costco will take it back for a full refund if we don't like it. One thing that worries me, though, is that I can't find a phone number for novaform on their literature or on the internet to ask any questions. That's always a red flag for me. Like they have so many problem calls that they do all they can to discourage customers contacting a live person with a problem or complaint. Only Costco's Customer Service policies allay that concern.

We've looked at Tempurpedic and the local "Mattress Firm" retailer offers a couple options if you don't like the Tempurpedic after a 90-day trial. If you bring it back, they will credit your expense toward any other product in the store. They said if you don't want anything else, they will refund your money. But my sense is that it would be a lot of hassle to get the money back.

Another option they offer: They have previously-owned mattresses at a substantial savings. A couple hundred off on a twin mattress-only, up to $500 or more off the higher grade, larger mattresses. But, in addition to the price reduction, they take away the returnable feature. They said when they take a mattress back, it goes through an expensive, thorough cleaning process before they resell it. They will not sanitize it a second time. So you better be sure you want the mattress before you consider a previously-owned Tempurpedic mattress. But this would be OK if you tried a smaller or lower-level Tempurpedic with the understanding that you could return it after 90 nights and upgrade to a larger size and/or more premium model, if you were happy with Tempurpedic.

Re: NovaForm Gel (Costco) Major Issues...............
Reply #30 Jun 18, 2013 3:38 PM
Joined: Jun 18, 2013
Points: 9
robertwhite wrote:

 


As I said, there is no major retailer anywhere near me, much less a TP factory store. I might have to take the 2 hr ride (each way) to a major city and find a TP factory store or reputable chain type store. I will be calling Tempurpedic directly tomorrow and getting straight facts about their return policy. There is no way I am laying out $2500-3000 just to "try" a bed for <90 days and then when it doesn't work out, and we have to return it, we lose 10% + tax. I can't afford to just throw away $400 to try out a bed.

As for the iComfort, you do realize it is made by Sleep Innovations, the same company that makes the Novaform, right? And BTW, if you can find an iComfort Revolution or whatever they call it for $1200 in a King size, please let me know, as I will buy it just to try it out. A King size is WELL into the $2K range without an adjustable base.

DIY foam is not going to happen. Why would I take the chance on an unknown feel if we are having trouble with a known memory feel? That makes zero sense.


It's available for $600 at PriceBuster Mattress.  If you want it with an adjustable base...you'd spend around $1000!!!  Just thought I'd let you know!  And the Icomfort material is not made by Sleep Innovations.  Serta does have a "sleep innovations memory foam" but it's called just that.  The Icomfort is a completely different bed!

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