Mattress Review
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Mattress
Manufacturer: Stearns & Foster
Avg. Price: $1480 |
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danieledeming
Joined: Apr 8, 2008
Points: 15
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You need to remember that they're not perfect, just like any other bedding manufacturer out there. I am writing this to clarify a few things and hopefully, ultimately, help the anonymous consumer.
First off, Serta did not buy S&F, Sealy did - and if you take a look at their insides, you'll see they're pretty similar mattresses overall. Secondly, the days of alphabet-based mattresses are over and I for one am glad.
I work for a furniture retailer that does about 18% (23% personally) of its annual business in bedding. And I'd like to think we're doing it better than the other guy, or at least that I personally am. Ultimately, it's just like buying a house - you need to find an expert who knows what they're talking about, now and the history, but more importantly, you have to be able to trust what they're saying.
As far as your concerns, I've seen and handled a lot of them because we are not a company who leaves our customers out in the cold when they have an issue, and here's what I can tell you: depending on when you bought your bed, it may have been a gamble even going with the reliable S&F name. Let me explain what I mean.
A few years back (approx '04/'05) S&F decided to develop a mattress that no longer needed to be flipped, making it easier for their customers and cheaper to produce, and the technology was available to make it happen. Unfortunately, there's a reason the Model T isn't around; no matter how much research the company does, the kinks need to be worked out of the system. The 1st generation of no-flip mattresses had A LOT of issues. They (S
&F) are now into their 3rd Gen of the no-flip mattress and the results are startlingly better.
Personally, I sleep on 2nd gen plush level. It was called the Yonge St (Boulevard collection). Now there's no way of comparing what that was to other lines out there, but I can say this. I know many people that DID have issues with that line but I am happy to say that I do not and look forward to my sleep at night.
Now as for recommendations in the sea of confusing advertising and sales propaganda? There's a few things you can do to make your life easier. One - if you abhor body impressions (like most people who've had b-i issues) the only no-body-signature-solution is a memory foam. And don't let other people's opinions decide for you - heat sensitivity and comfortability on a memory foam mattress is a very PERSONAL thing. Try one out for yourself and make sure you buy somewhere that has a comfort guarantee so you're not left with a $2000 paperweight. Also, avoid brand names you've never heard of before - these companies don't manufacture a quality product and it will end up ruining your experience with a proven product.
If you find you don't like the memory foam material and want to avoid the pitfall of another spring mattress sagging on you, my other recommendation would be a latex-type foam mattress. These types of mattresses almost always offer a comparable warranty to a memory foam bed but provide an experience that more closely resembles a traditionally mattress. Again, try to stick with reputable brands, as the marginally higher dollar amount will be negligible in comparison to the experience you get from a better quality mattress.
Finally, I'll reiterate what I said before - work with someone you trust. A mattress can be an integral purchase for your way of life; if it's done right it can change your quality of life and have a huge impact on the way you live. Avoid any salesperson who tells you they know what mattress you should be buying rather than asking you which mattress has felt best. If you run into one of those, either tell them you want someone else or take your business elsewhere. No matter the choice, they're sure to get the message!
Anyway, happy hunting and I hope this helped at least a little.
Date Purchased: 02/06
Price Paid: $1400
Recommend: Yes |
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liljaker
Joined: Mar 2, 2008
Points: 15
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Interesting review. I, too, am in the midst of mattress shopping and sifting through all the sales talk about what mattress is the best. It is daunting. My current S&F was also purhcased in 2004, tho it is an Edinborough (I think), not as high end, although I spent about $1200. I have all the same issues that you do, which is why I am searching again. Each sales person has their own read on who is the best and worst, and I swear, ALL start out with "I have been the mattress business for 37 years and X is the best mattress, etc." Well, that changes depending on the store you are in. In American Mattress stores, (Serta/S&F), they have all great stuff to say about S&F, then go to a dept. store and they knock S&F and praise Simmons, or in another praise Sealy, etc. It really is confusing. Anyway, I have been told that when Serta purchased S&F, it was having problems and they have just begun to rebuild the name. Not sure if I believe it, but thought I'd post since the same thing happened to me. I am debating now between a Serta Perfect Day mattress, and Simmons Beautyrest Black. Sigh....
Date Purchased: 10/2004
Price Paid: $1400
Recommend: No |
Pros:
Was great for a couple of years
Cons:
Only lasted a couple of years, yet they are supposed to have the tempered coils? |
This message was modified Mar 2, 2008 by liljaker
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Glenda
Joined: Feb 23, 2008
Points: 15
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I have been doing some mattress research for a friend and decided to write this review for a Stearns & Foster mattress I had personally purchased in May of 2004 since I noticed the same complaints for the Stearns & Foster mattresses in doing this recent research. I bought a Stearns & Foster "S" line mattress, which was at the higher end of the alphabet scale. It was called the Standish at Sleepy's. I had seen it also at Macy's called the Stonefield and at Bloomindale's as the Salehurst. I did a lot of research at the time to determine how to compare the different names at different stores for a particular alphabet designation. I had settled on Stearns & Foster as I reasoned that it was an old, reliable/quality name with the best overall reputation. I did purchase it at Sleepy's. I had originally purchased the Spalford, but after sleeping on it, realized it was too soft, maybe because of the pillow top, so I exchanged it (for a $100 additional charge) for the Standish, which was supposed to be up one step as far as firmness. At any rate, it is not yet 4 years old and I am very disappointed. It is a queen size and I sleep alone and early on I found that the mattress dipped in the area where I sleep so that there is a permanent indentation. In other words, it does not resume its original shape. When I sit on the edge of the bed, it is still firm, but once you go towards the center, you sink. I am a normal weight (well, maybe I could lose 20 pounds) so this is not the problem. Just want to make you all aware.
Date Purchased: May 2004
Price Paid: $1640
Recommend: No |
Pros:
Cons:
Dips toward center. Lost its firmness. It's also one of these non-flip high mattresses, and therefore very heavy to even lift the corners when making the bed.
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