I was cleaning out the email box today and came across a correspondence with someone from this forum about Bender Mattress in Champaign/Urbana, IL.  I purchased a bed from there just about 3 years ago now, as did this person, and thought I would provide a few moments of follow-up on the bed since it's been some time.  Many posts/reviews are done within a few weeks of purchase, and the longer-range reviews are the most helpful.

I forget exactly the model I got, but it's the old-school version, with a ton of cotton, looks nice on the ticking, no add-on pillowtop.  It's been awhile since I was up on the mattress jargon thanks to this site.  I got a queen, and it's an ordeal to flip the thing, and I'm in the gym 4-5 days a week lifting weights.  The trade-off to this bimonthly test of brute strength is a mattress that really does not show significant valleys from where I sleep on it (the middle).  They usually go away on the flip, or at most there's a slight indentation.  I should mix up sleeping on the sides more but I always wind up in the middle. 

I feel no springs poking me, just supporting me, and the sides have held up remarkably well, really feel like the day I dragged it through the door.  I also don't sit on the edge much to tie shoes and such.  There are a few loose threads on the box spring I notice when vacuuming, maybe some friction with the frame. 

I'd not hesitate a moment to go back to Bender, despite being a few hours away if I had a need for another mattress all of a sudden.  It's clear to me with the general lack of change of my bed over almost 3 years that they make a quality product, and if you are in the Midwest and can drive on over, I don't think you'll be disappointed.  In fact, you'll probably save money from what you'd be able to get locally and get a bed that lasts longer too.  I only hope they are still in business when it comes time to replace the current mattress, which I don't see needing to be done for many many years, as long as they are still making their mattresses the same way.

If you are looking for the high quality, American craftsman, this company produces that sort of product at a good price.

Good, old fashioned, traditionally made beds are just the best!  There are many small, independent mattress makers around the nation, ones that have not bought into the cheap foam crap and gimmicks that are all over, and they are worth finding.
My mattress, locally made the old fashioned way, is quite comfy now(had a rather long break in period...but a fiber filled topper made it better).  No more back pain, no more dreading going to bed, no more stiffness.  I can lay in bed just as long as the animals let me anymore!  Yay!
Thanks for the input.  Good to hear.
Kait