Need help on new Spring Air Mattress
Nov 4, 2010 8:39 PM
Joined: Nov 4, 2010
Points: 2
i recently went into the brick because im tired of the old one im using now. I decided to buy this one

http://www1.thebrick.com/brickb2c/jsp/catalog/product.jsp?prod=WINTERFQP&navAction=jump&navCount=5

after picking it out ive been doing research and alot of people dont like spring air so i dont want to spend good money on something that wont be as good as a different brand like sealy or serta. Has anyone baught this particular set up or can tell me anything interesting about the specs? any advice would be appreciated because i can still cancel the order and pick something else out. thanks

Re: Need help on new Spring Air Mattress
Reply #31 Dec 21, 2010 12:13 AM
Joined: Oct 3, 2010
Points: 809
I have only seen the ikea bedframes via the catalog so I'm not sure what their tendency to sag in the middle may be with a queen. It may also be helpful if you could describe the pain you experience. Is it from pressure (sounds like it could be from description) or from alignment (usually lumbar but could also strain hips, upper back or other areas). If it is from misalignment, then having a very firm and flat base could make a big difference. How firm does it seem to you? I am guessing it is fine.

Typically the bedframes that need "floor support" in the middle are the metal ones that go around the edge of a boxspring like this or this. Neither of these are a slatted base like you have and wouldn't be suitable to put directly under a mattress. Perhaps this is what the salesman thought you meant. Slatted bed bases with a midbeam are usually fine. The obus base looks to me like it is a foundation rather than a boxspring which would be very similar to your bedframe.

Phoenix

Just realized too that you bought the "plush" version which has more of the "soft poly" in it in the comfort layers which may feel softer but could present an alignment problem either now or as the foam degrades. I've added the stats and added a few comments in the previous post.

This message was modified Dec 21, 2010 by Phoenix
Re: Need help on new Spring Air Mattress
Reply #32 Dec 22, 2010 8:16 AM
Joined: Dec 14, 2010
Points: 10
Thanks for the info on bed frames, Phoenix. And thanks as well for updating your post on the mattress layering for the plush model. When I had to choose between the firm and plush models, I went for the latter as a reaction to spending a couple years on a 4.5" foam mattress. My thinking was, my outer thighs and hips hurt because there's no cushioning on my old mattress, so I better buy something with a REALLY THICK pillow top. Also, I assumed that extra comfort layers were appropriate for thin types like me (the foam would cushion the bony parts). Yet another example of how some research before purchasing would have helped!

I'm assuming that my problems are due to pressure points. Now I have a dumb question for you: how do you know if you are properly aligned? Is it just a feeling or is there a way to check?

Re: Need help on new Spring Air Mattress
Reply #33 Dec 22, 2010 10:27 PM
Joined: Oct 3, 2010
Points: 809
You can go by feel or you can have someone look at you as you are laying down in each of your sleeping positions. On your side, your spine should be straight (they can use a yardstick for reference) and on your back (and stomach) it should have the same natural "S" curve as your spine does when you are standing up straight with good posture. It may help to stand up straight and have them look at the natural curve of your spine and then see how close you are laying on your back on the mattress. They should also check that there are no gaps under the recessed parts of your body (shoud be difficult to slide your hand under) in each position you sleep in

A proper pillow to keep your head and neck in a proper position is also an important part of alignment

Here is a rough example of good and poor alignment on a mattress

Phoenix

This message was modified Dec 22, 2010 by Phoenix
Re: Need help on new Spring Air Mattress
Reply #34 Dec 24, 2010 8:57 AM
Joined: Dec 14, 2010
Points: 10
Great info on alignment, Phoenix. The illustration really helps. I think I'm fine for now in this regard. I used my new Natura pillow last night for the first time and it gave me great support (I just have to get used to the smell, which, though less than pleasant, is at least non-toxic!)

Out of curiosity, I checked out some "natural latex" mattresses while I was Christmas shopping. Went into the Keetsa shop ( I noticed that the products are made in China...not very environmentally friendly for a self-promoting "green" company!) Someone like you should write a "Dummies Guide to Buying a Mattress" or an online manual that, for a small fee, helps to cut through all the misinformation and hype...or else a documentary expose on the industry. 

Re: Need help on new Spring Air Mattress
Reply #35 Dec 24, 2010 4:44 PM
Joined: Oct 3, 2010
Points: 809
Keetsa ... IMO ... is a prime example of "greenwashing". This is not to say their products are bad ... but to call "green tea" memory foam "green" because they've replaced a little bit of their oil based polyols with plant based polyols is a little like saying just try this "reduced arsenic" drink. It tastes great and has less of the bad stuff in it.

Their latex is probably an example of some of the latex I was referring to in the Ikea thread. This too is not bad as there seems to be some very good latex coming out of Asia (both Talalay and Dunlop) but there is also some "not very good" latex coming from the same area. It certainly makes it more difficult to know what you are getting. I wish they (and others) would be more open about the source of their latex ... but of course this could take away the "story" that sells their mattresses.

Phoenix

This message was modified Dec 24, 2010 by Phoenix
Re: Need help on new Spring Air Mattress
Reply #36 Jun 1, 2011 12:47 AM
Joined: Jun 1, 2011
Points: 1
I am so glad I found this thread!  We are considering the Spring Air Obusforme Winter firm ... we have a $1200 credit to use @ the Brick and would welcome any advice on the best way to use it ... we have had a string of bad luck with mattresses and wish we had went the DIY route to start ...

We have learned from our mistakes and realize that we don't want a thick topper or a plush unsupportive mattress!

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