You MUST sleep on the sleep-number bed. I want to know if they are really that different!!

We really need a new mattress, but are really confused as to what to get -- not sure if we really need to get one that costs the same as our car. This test couldn't come at a better time. We will be keeping track of the results with great interest.

What a great idea. We need a new bed really bad so I will be reading your reviews!!!

this is the perfect mission. i really want to know about natural mattresses that don't have all that toxic factory off-gassing. What about the one that's made of horse hair?

this is a great idea, and will be so helpful since I am coming to that time and age for a new mattress.

I'd like to know how you convinced Hästens to loan you a bed for a month! And I also wonder what they plan to do with it once you return it.

I recently purchased a new mattress and they allowed one free return after 2 weeks, so a month seems awfully generous...

What a fun experiment. And honestly you should be able to test-drive a bed before buying!

I test drove (at my in-laws house) my sleep innovations memory foam mattress before I bought one and I definitely recommend it. A $350 mattress that I have had and loved for 4 years. It has ruined me for other mattresses. I've got a bad back and the firmness of this mattress provides excellent support for my back. I even did the wine glass (well we used water in a glass, no one wants to risk spilling a good red!) and it held up.

I strongly recommend trying the organic latex Euro mattress from Lifekind. It's delicious and nutricious!

I would really like you to try a Keetsa mattress. I've been looking into buying one.

I am curious about the new straw mattresses at ABC. I can't imagine sleeping on one without a 4 inch foam topper. However they might might be nice looking since they are upholstered in decorative fabric.
I would love to find a couple of cot sized mattresses to put together in L for that room. Short of getting high density foam cut to order, I don't know how to do this. Any ideas?

What a great idea! I'll be following you all the way. Several years back, after spending a month in Thailand sleeping on the fairly thin but hard foam mattresses along the backpacker trail, I had a local mattress maker do this for me. Despite degenerating discs (ah, age), I sleep well on this and it cost less then $400.

I'd love to see you test the Hampton Inn bed, I've thought about buying one because every time I stay there the bed is awesome!

I would love to know if a Dux bed is worth it...

I highly recommend a Dux bed. The mid-range is about $6000, but lasts 50+ years. We got ours 3 years ago and love it. The worst part is when you travel, other no bed compares. Although in Copenhagen there is a Dux hotel.

How about the Dreamton - cotton,wool, foam, 6" mattress from White Lotus (not the futon).It may be called the Foam Dream. This seems like the simplest before going to a futon. The Dreamton mattress has some foam and doesn't compact like a futon (theirs is just cotton & wool).
We are thinking of going with this after looking at too many other beds. I have also read about someone who just uses a piece of foam (I think somewhere in the 6-10" range of thickness) paid under $50 for it and has used it for 20 years!!! Now, that might be worth trying.
Also, can you please discuss what you put the mattresses on. I am also getting mixed information about the box springs (which I don't like) and slats vs. single sheet boards on platform beds. We are finding this whole process arduous so we are looking forward to all your posts. Thanks!

I have the Sultan and would love to seek how it stacks up to other mattresses. So far, so good.

I bought a new bed in July. After lots of research, I chose the Orthopedic Luxury Firm mattress from the Original Mattress Factory. I based my choice on Consumer Reports review and on price. Would love for you to test this one, or another OMF mattress, and give your opinion.

We have the Vera Wang by Serta-it is wonderful, went back and bought three more for all the other beds, my two adult children then bought them for their own homes.

This is a great idea - just one question - what happens to the mattresses after you sleep on them?

I have a Kingsdown for about 5 years, and while I LOVE it...(it is so comfortable and I notice a huge difference when I return from long trips how much I "sink" into the comfort of the mattress and say, "Aaah!")...I have been having some lower back pain lately. I don't know if it is the mattress or the way I sleep! Would love to have you try this one!

I have a sleep number (actually, two - one for the guest bedroom) and I love them. You can get away with buying the least expensive version and topping it off with an inexpensive foam topper, which is what I did. It add just a little bit more plushness.

Hi Maxwell,
I've been reading Apartment Therapy for over a year now and though I love the blog, this is the first time I've been inspired to post a comment. I suggest looking at European Sleepworks, based in California. Their mattresses are available at the Scott Jordan furniture store in SOHO. I used to sublet a place years ago and loved the European Sleepworks mattress provided with the room, so when it was time to buy a new bed that's what we chose. We currently have it on an old boxspring but are interested in possibly upgrading to slats, so we'll be following your experiment closely to see what you learn!

I'd like your impression of the Sleep to Live mattresses. Some people are fairly bonkers about them.

Try out the SULTAN ERFJORD. I'd love to know how Ikea's take on a natural latex bed holds up to the FAR more expensive versions that other brands sell!

Sleep Number Bed, please! I'd love an unbiased report!

What criteria will you be using to compare the beds?

One of the nicest beds I've tried, but can't afford are the ones by European Sleepworks in Berkeley, California. http://sleepworks.com/

They are firm without being hard, soft and enveloping without being mushy, and are made with organic wool, cotton and foam. I have a friend who swears by hers.

Are any of these beds mechanical? After years of miserable sleep, we went mechanical to raise the head and feet slightly. Now, going on a trip where we have to sleep on regular beds is misery. Our backs ache and we have a terrible time sleeping. Laying flat is really not the optimum way to go, in our experience.

I have been thinking about a McRoskey, owned and operated out of San Francisco for over 100 years.

I'd like to see you try a traditional Japanese futon. However there are many ways to configure it. Multiple layers of various thicknesses as well as different arrangements of layers. I know that futuna are heavily used but I haven't heard much based off of people like me who live in the USA and use matresses. Whatever you decide, I find this project extremely interesting! Good luck.

Hilton has sleep number beds.
Best mattress I ever slept on was a resort in Phoenix.
I am interested in learning about your findings and recommendations.

I'd love it if you found an inexpensive non-toxic low-off gassing mattress - that is also available in Canada... since we're wishing here :)

re the final height of the bed: remember that instead of a boxspring or a platform you can always use a BUNKYBOARD. A Bunkyboard gives you a little height (about 2"), and is a great compromise between a boxspring and a platform.

Nice sentiment, but I'm afraid it won't be helpful to most people. First, bed comfort is very individualized. What's great for you might be miserable for me. Secondly, there is no standardization among mattresses. Even the same brand and model can have different materials and construction from month to month and depending on which factory they were made. Basically, mattresses are a crapshoot and the only way to choose one is by personal testing and buying from a reputable dealer who will give you an in-home testing period with exchange rights. Even then, your body will change over time and it may still become uncomfortable.

Save yourself the trouble. Start with a Simmons Beautyrest NXG 250.

Yes I agree with a post above, please have the mattress sit in two different surfaces if possible, one week in boxspring, one week in slats? and let us know what you think.
I have been looking at a mattress for a year now, and contemplated buying wool mattresses, placed on slats, but before doing that placing latex strips on the slats - http://www.shepherdsdream.com/c-6-wool-mattresses.aspx from this web site, but cost and lack of space (we need a queen and can't fit in the bedroom at the moment)

They say that if you want a healthy back you need an excellent mattress. I have been brought up to swear by Sealy Posterpedic. Still I am very interested in the results of your research.

I need a new bed! I'll be excited to read this. A really nice alternative to the Temperpedic is the Comfurpedic.

i'm really looking forward to this project. i'm not necessarily in the market for a new bed (dollar-wise), but my back sure is.

Your picture of a bed in stairs brings back baaaaaad memories of our last move.

Lesson learned: Always ALWAYS buy a split box spring.

TempurPedic Cloud Supreme. Our old Nature's Rest Latex was more expensive and sagged after only a couple of years (and we're svelt folk!) We have an awkward stairwell and needed a mattress that would fold in half, thus the latex options were our only choice. After the bad experience with the Nature's Rest, and a few hotel stays on Tempur Pedics, I was sold.

You've tried the Hastens, now for the sake of comparison, try the No. 2 bed by Savoir Beds, as well as a Vi-Spring model... there are many to choose from, but the one I think is the closest to the other two would be the Vi-Spring Classic with the Prestige Divan.

We had an IKEA Sultan, and it was okay for a time (better than my husband's hard futon!), but did not last a day past its warranty. Horrid. A brief trial does not give you the full story on the Sultan...

I recently had the opportunity to try the no. 2 by Savoir, and was in heaven...

McRoskey, I've had one for over 10 years and it's still as wonderful as day one.
http://www.mcroskey.com/

Will you please try a truly pure organic mattress with a natural latex rubber core, wool for the flame retardant and organic cotton? Danny Seo's and most of Keetsa's are eco-friendly but do not have completely natural and non-toxic ingredients. The Essentia claims to be the organic version of the Tempurpedic without the overheating, smell or slowrecovery. I'd love to hear your opinion.

Royal Pedic
http://www.royal-pedic.com/

@ddg425- bunky board-are you serious? talk about back pain!

For the Tempurpedic you're going to have to borrow one from someone who already has broken it in - it can take a month just for the chemical smell to go away.

As someone who bought one and isn't happy, I'd love to hear your review. For me, it's too hard, and I have trouble with my arms and even shoulders getting pins and needles unless I sleep straight on my back. Ug.

Oven Mitzie, I've had a McRoskey for six years and love love love it. Plus as a San Franciscan it was fantastic to be able to make such a large physical purchase that was manufactured right here in town and save all that shipping cost and pollution.

Sawyers Design, it really truly is better sleeping isn't it? Ahhhhhh... :)

- Dinah

Shifman Mattress
www.shifmanmattress.com
Handmade in New Jersey for over 100 years. I've had one for 3 years now and love love love it.

oops
www.shifmanmatresses.com

Are you keeping the same pillows throughout the year? I think a good pillow makes a big difference too.
LOVE your idea and really looking forward to the critiques.

Oh this is wonderful, but I want all your test results and I don't want to wait a year before I get a new mattress!

Wow, this thread blew up quick. I'm with flynngrrl. I bought a Tempurpedic because i was sick of the difficulty in finding a conventional mattress that worked for me, and now i can't sleep on my side anymore. Not sure i made the right choice.

Please try 100% natural latex core, wool/bamboo/organic cotton exterior. Perhaps flobed or foamsweetfoam.....

This is going to seem like an awkward statement, but make sure you cover *how* you sleep, too. I have a sore back and some other issues that make me feel much more comfortable sleeping on my stomach or side than back, and mattresses don't always cater to the belly-sleeper.

Yes!! I second the Sleep Number request!

Please try McRoskey and Dux.

We had a Sleep Number Bed, but kept having issues with mold building up between the layers of foam and the air bladders, no matter how often we unzipped and aired out. Select Comfort sent us replacement foam and bladders, but not even that stopped the issue. When we started getting sick all the time (probably from breathing in spores), we replaced the Sleep Number with a Sultan Evje. It's been one of the best sleeping experiences we've ever had, but sadly Ikea discontinued it, and now that we have kids we would like to get a bigger bed.

Where's the Twitter feed??

This is perfect timing! Getting married soon and we'll definitely be looking for a new mattress.

Is the twitter page not up yet, I cannot find it. Can you post the full twitter url?

This reminds me of a funny conversation I overheard the other day in a Scandinavian furniture shop near my house. A salesperson was extolling the virtues of the Hastens mattress to an elderly lady. She seemed totally sold on it, and I was pretty sure she would buy one. But when she asked him the price, he said "$27,000." After a pause, she said, "imagine--a mattress that costs more than my first house," got up, and left.

Can you throw the W bed into the mix....contemplating buying one of those....

Aireloom Natural Bamboo Hybrid - http://www.aireloom.com/bamboo.html

I just bought this bed. I thought it was the very best value out there that had some eco-friendliness. It's a hybrid between memory foam and coils.

Or you could go big and sleep on a Kluft - http://www.kluftmattress.com/kluft_products.html

Have fun!

Thank you for doing this for all of us. Please be sure to try a thick natural all-latex mattress (not just a mattress pad). I'll hold off buying a bed until you've finished and reported on your research.

Suggest taking a look at Ikea's natural latex mattress option. Marketed as fairly eco-friendly, have had one for a month and so far so good.

Beauty Rest World Class Simmons FELICITY IIb Super Pillow Top Plush is the mattress to try. (i know it's a long name) I slept on it for a whole week in a hotel before I ripped the sheets off to see exactly what it was. I want to get it asap!

I have a Sultan and I love it. Never tried anything else, but really, I haven't needed to.

Any mattress by OMI - they are made in the same eco facility as Lifekind. Curious about springs and latex/foam vs all latex.
Don't waste your time on a Kingsdown - ours had to be replaced after 4 months and now the "new" one after almost 3 years is sagging.

Please try the all natural cotton and wool mattress from Vivetique. They are health, and i'd love to know how they rate.

I would love to see how the hotel beds stack up... the W and the Westin....

I love sleep number beds. So comfy.

We just went through the whole process and ended up with a sleep number bed. We bought a less expensive one and put a foam topper from costco on it. And it has been absolutely wonderful. My husband has debilitating back issues and it has made a huge difference. When our crazy energetic toddler climbs on it he suddenly lays really still and and quiet for a while - that is just how comfortable it is.

We have natural latex that came topped with 3" of memory foam. After about six months the foam permanently compressed and I've been in misery since. We've tried flipping it, but the straight latex doesn't work for the hubby at all. We've only had the thing for 2 1/2 years and just can't afford to replace it.

God, I hate mattress shopping. And being poor.

For Green / Natural options, I would love to see you try the following: All wool mattress by Shepard's Dream, Latex mattress by Lifekind, All Cotton by Royal Pedic, Wool + Cotton Futon by White Lotus, Organic Cotton by Naturepedic, Traditional Japanese Shiki Futons, Essentia, and the various Ikea options (although they aren't green or natural).

I own both Temperpedic and Sleep Number mattresses. They are both "the best" in each company's product line. Without a doubt I very much prefer the Sleep Number. In fact, I would actually go as far as to say I dislike the Temperpedic. It's in my guest room, however, and I had a friend who lived with me for 6 months who absolutely loved it and found it helped with back pain. My sister and BIL (an iron bridgeworker) also swear by their Temperpedic. Me; it's a pillow-top Sleep Number forever! I guess my point is that nobody should pick out a mattress based on other's people's opinions...it's really something you gotta try for yourself.

We have the Essentia (Canadian natural memory foam) and we love it. Have had it for a month. Each bed is made to order.

Love this idea! I own a mattress store and can't wait to hear your results. I agree with typicalguineapig - nobody should pick out a mattress based on other opinions, however, it will be a great spring board to conversation! I carry 6 brands in my store, so not super partial to any one. Can I make a couple suggestions? Carpe Diem is a bed close to Hasten's quality and construction but much less expensive. Also, please try an Eco Haven Organic Mattress from Natura. This bed is available both in the US and Canada!

KayinKCMO, I wonder if you still have a warranty with this much hated bed. Go after the manufacturer and the store. If they have a good reputation, they should want to try to help you and keep that reputation. I replaced a bed for one of my customers even when the manufacturer said no. Be persistent!

Re: Sleep-Number Bed.

Do folks realize that this is an electric bed?

There's an air-pump that has to remain plugged in and run for a time every day to keep the air at the proper pressure and to make any adjustments. It's a classic electric "Vampire" - so it's neither a smart nor remotely "Green" choice.

I researched mattresses and beds for months and finally decided on a "Tempur" memory foam mattress and a slat bed. My husband moves a lot in his sleep, so partner movement was a prominent issue. So far I've found the Tempur mattress extremely comfortable and I sleep very soundly in it. However, I'm a bit worried about how I will go once winter finishes as it's fairly warm to sleep in. It was also VERY expensive. The slat bed is good, but if I could turn back time I'd ask the manufacturers to put in the slats lengthways rather than cross ways. This would significantly reduce partner movement transference. I really don't know why I didn't think of it before I ordered it. Good luck with your very useful experiment.

I bought a Tempurpedic mattress about 2 months ago and I gotta say that I haven't slept his well since I was a teenager. Also, there was no "breaking in" period, nor was there any chemical smell—it was just awesome from the get go. I also recommend the symphony pillows—just amazing—but those did take a few nights to get used to.

My double (4ft 6 in) bed has two by one inch wooden slats and the mattress sits on top. I had been troubled by lower back pain for years so decided I needed a new mattress. Financial constraints prevented my from spending much money so I looked for cheaper options. I found the cheapest was foam. I was told in the store that the softer foam mattresses were all right for holiday cottages as they were rather soft. The next price range was better and it was a firmer type of foam. It was $NZ250 and this is the one I bought. It felt hard in comparison with the old mattress, but by the end of the week my back pain had gone. I haven't noticed any ill- effects from what is probably plastic and also not "green". However, my back is thanking me.

We just purchased a Heavenly bed, after sleeping @ a Seattle Westin. We've only had it about 3 weeks, and at first, it felt too firm for me, but my husband LOVED it. The Manager at Nordstrom's told me to walk on the bed for 30 minutes since it's new and tight. I have to say, that the bed has gotten more comfortable and I am happy with our purchase. I don't roll into my husband in this bed and that was an issue with our old mattress, and we can cuddle in it comfortably! We are very happy with it. We've tried the sleep number beds in hotels and they just don't work for "cuddling" couples as there is a hard center dividing the two air mattresses. And anytime he moved, I moved due to size difference. Good luck and I'm looking forward to your findings!!

I'm getting an anxiety attack from reading all the comments - I really need a new mattress and seriously researched and shopped for one some months ago and then just put the whole thing aside because it was such an ordeal and it was so hard to know how to make a decision.

Maxwell, I did something TOTALLY crazy! I ordered a mattress that I hadn't tested out, and I LOVE IT!!! I ordered it from http://www.foamsweetfoam.com/home, it's natural latex and comes in layers. The customer service was great, and I wound up getting a three layer med-firm-xfirm and have never slept better. They will send sample pieces of the different densities to help with your decision. Bonus-no mattress flipping EVER. It does sleep warmer than a spring mattress, because you don't have all that air underneath you.

I bought my Sleep Number bed fifteen years ago, when I was working for the company, Select Comfort. This bed has been amazing, and only recently have I been considering a new bed. Unfortunately, I am now sleeping alone, and, for some reason, always seem to end up in the middle of the bed, so am not getting the back support that I need. For lots of years, this bed was amazing, and helped with my low back pain. So, now, I am considering my options, whether to get another Sleep Number, or something else, like one of the eco friendly bamboo options. Also, I am trying to talk myself into downsizing from a King to a Queen, since my new bedroom is way too small for a King. What's more important. The size of the bed, for the future, or the space to walk around it? Any input would be welcome!

Looking forward to hearing about the bed research!

I have had a McRoskey for 6 years now and I think it's fabulous - handmade in San Francisco but nowhere near the insane Hastings price. Try it!

The Tempurpedic bed called "the solution" gives you all of the comfort of the memory foam they invented without any of the waterbed after shock. If you like a firm mattress that will change the way you sleep and remove all back and major joint pain, get "the solution" mattress by Tempurpedic. I love mine and my brother got and loves it too...

I'm in the same boat as Pixie; I was gonna buy one about a year ago and after much deliberation and testing, I decided on the natural latex, highest model SULTAN, but it's a $1,000, so I'm saving. I don't like the feeling of slats and definitely want a mattress pad and pillowtop/memory foam topper. I am very excited to hear your findings!

I'm certainly interested in the boxspring vs. slats and spring beds vs. foam/latex beds. I think electric beds are against all the things responsible consumer readers of AT are about, no? I'm very excited for your experiment!
@nashvillenicole

You really should take the BodyDiagnostics test at Kingsdown and see what they recommend. My husband and I did a few years ago and have been sleeping like babies ever since. Seriously, I miss my bed terribly when I travel. (and I second the other poster's comment about the right pillow making a world of difference. My physical therapist recommended a Tempur-Pedic SidePillow and I'll never go without one now. I pack it in my suitcase!)

Definitely try a natural Rubber mattress. My husband and I went back and forth with foam toppers and the whole gamut ... trying not to replace the whole dang mattress. We finally got a thick, natural, rubber mattress to top our old mattress. We LOVE it ... and there are no "fumes" or unhealthy chemicals seeping from it! And it is very, very comfy!!!

Ikea latex Sultan Erfjord, please. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80110962

I tested it out this past weekend, and it felt pretty good, but I do have questions about it's eco bona fides after reading the "ingredients" list:

Comfort material: 85% natural/15% synthetic latex, 100% lamb's wool
Stockinette/Ticking/Fire-retardant interliner: 100% cotton

First --"synthetic" latex...is that just foam?

Second -- what's the fire-retardant used in the interliner? If wool (naturally fire-retardant) good, but if chemical, is this really a "green" mattress?

If I may, Eriqua, synthetic latex is man-made latex. They have come up with the chemical composition of latex and can reproduce it in the laboratory. The positive side of synthetic latex is its consistency. It keeps the latex from developing any soft spots. It's harder to do that with natural latex, but not impossible. That's one of the reasons for the expense of latex.

As for the fire-retardant interliner, how can this be 100% cotton? The interliners are made up of synthetic material to make them fire-retardant. Perhaps ask more questions at Ikea.

Pillows!! These are very important to your overall comfort (80% mattress 20% pillow!). BUT, if you are buying a new mattress, wait until you have the mattress before buying the pillow. The 2 go together and you'll be surprised by the difference the pillow can make. In fact, if you're not loving your mattress but it's relatively new - examine your pillow. Have someone look at your profile and see if you're lying straight. If you're a back sleeper, your chin should be pointing toward the ceiling, not your chest. If you're a side sleeper, you should be in a straight line from your head to your tailbone. Stomach sleepers should have no pillow or a flat pillow at most.

If you have any further questions, you can contact me via email at debichewerda@hotmail.com

Debi

Just as an aside: We finally bought a decent mattress and ditched the old one that was giving us back and neck pain. After sleeping on it for a few days, not only do we actually feel rested in the morning, but we feel like we grew a couple of inches!

The old mattress was causing so many back problems, that our mid-sections were compressed - I thought my body was changing in horrible ways (I hadn't gained weight) - and voila, a month later I look like my old self.

I am very eager to see the results as I have been tossing and turning over a new bed purchase for about a year now. Focus began on the sleep number, but something about electronics/mechanics in my mattress deterred me.

Either way, and I sincerely HOPE this is addressed, it's not so much the initial comfort I'm concerned with, but rather the long term change in the mattress integrity. I currently have a $800 pillow-top mattress from a leading brand, and after just 3 years, it's shot. I've been told it can be exchanged under warranty but I simply could do without the hassle.

I'm curious to know, once the results are posted, if users with experience using the bed for a period longer than a year, could chime in on the change, if any, that has occurred over the period of ownership.

With all the posts it is like it is mattress therapy not just Apartment Therapy. I have a PB platform bed with a sealy that came with it, and I am really disappointed in the mattress. I don't have a brand name for you to investigate but if you could keep these points in mind when testing and reviewing I'd be thrilled.
1) temperature does it sleep hot?
2) ease of getting out of bed
3) ease of turning the mattress is it a one person event? (yeah, I know what they say but ...)
4) allergies, many aspect of allergies can be deterred with mattress protectors but not so much when you are allergic to the mattress itself.
5) do you really need a special mattress for a platform bed?
6) please review some mattresses that are not pillow topped!

Happy ZZZZZZs!

My suggestion is the Sonno Prima Medium mattress from Design within Reach. We bought ours this Spring. I've never slept better! We took our old bed (old Simmons Beautyrest I think) to my inlaws' house to my husband's childhood bedroom. The few times we've stayed there since, it's like sleeping on a trampoline. We're so happy to get back home onto our awesome new bed!

I'm very interested in your results. Currently, am sleeping on a Sealy Posturpedic with Pillow Top and love it.

On vacation, I paid extra money to sleep on a $40,000 Hastens bed, and it was the worst night of my life.

Another time, I had the pleasure of staying in a friend's apartment in Paris on a Duxiana bed -- had no idea what it was, but it was the best week's sleep I've ever had before or since. Definitely give the Dux a try.

Sweet dreams!

LATEX!!!

For an entirely different experience, I think you should try a stone bed from Korea. You literally sleep on a surface of stone (often quartz or jade) that is heated by coils, like sleeping on a radiant floor.

JangSoo is the major distributor of these beds in the U.S. There's a store in Queens. Check it out!

My bf tried out the Keetsa mattress that his brother bought and he loves it! We're currently using the Westin Heavenly bed.

I'd also love to understand whether natural latex beds can trigger allergies in people. We don't have latex allergies and are on verge of buying an organic natural latex bed, but, I am a bit concerned about what the relationship is between latex mattresses and latex allergies. Anyone know? So far no one in our family is allergic to latex, but I worry about whether long term exposure to Latex when sleeping on it could cause an allergy.
I'm also wondering about all wool mattresses and whether they are too hard or whether they have a strong odor. We tried an organic cotton innerspring mattress but as soon as the weather got warmer and humid the mattress started to smell really bad... like sleeping in a barn! We are trying to go the organic route but having a hard time finding the perfect solution.

I love, love, love my sleep number bed!! We just moved into a larger home and bought a king size one and gave our daughter our old queen size. We all love our sleep number beds. They are perfect for couples. Definitely try one! I don't think I could sleep on anything else--memory foam beds creep me out for some reason--but I am interested to hear about your experience with the Hastens bed.

I personally sleep on a hastens bed and it's amazing...

A few clients of mine sleep on the bed sold at the Wynn Hotel in Vegas, look into that. Apparently, they did the same experiment!

If only I was the editor of Apartment Therapy...

I agree with the few above that mattresses are too personal to be reviewed in any other way beside durability, which cannot be measured by your testing time. At the very least, before you review them, you need to tell us how you sleep (side, back, stomach), if you sleep with someone else (don't mean to pry but it's important), and please keep $27K beds out of the test.

sorry "If only I were the editor of AT."

Just wondering, how is this getting funded? Are they all donated to you by companies who want the exposure?

Another suggestion to try: the Coco Mat
http://www.coco-mat.com I saw these at ABC in nyc and they look really interesting.

I am a research Queen and became infuriated with the misinformation and marketing hype regarding mattresses. I challenge you to learn the truth about the Eco-friendly mattresses. You'll be surprised when you learn that only a portion of the mattress breaks down. And not all in the Natural Care line are as eco friendly as the others.

Here are some key points in making a decision:

• Do not pay full price for a mattress! Known fact--Mattresses are marked up like new cars. The actual price is half of the full retail price. Read Consumer Reports article. $800 is considered the entry-level price for a good quality mattress (real, not inflated price).

• Determine if you have a narrow space or staircase to negotiate. Spring mattreses can only bend a certain amount without damage. We were forced to buy a foam, latex or futon type mattress due to space constraints.

• If you want your mattress to last more than 5 years or so...purchase one without the 6 inches of fluffy stuffing over the structure. This is a new invention and is why mattresses now don't last as long ad they used to.

• Layered mattresses (several separate layers built up into one), although not commonly seen at major retailers, may be the perfect solution! If the top layer compresses with time...you only have to replace the top layer--genius!

• Most latex beds are not all latex. The largest amount of material is actually foam (this replaces the springs in other types). IN many cases there may only be 3 inches of latex in the bed.

• Latex is NOT proven to reduce allergies. Our new latex bed did nothing to hlep my husband's allergies.

• Latex is not all natural as noted by comment above. Latex also comes in varying types of cushiness.

• Recently, many Manufacturers have produced No-Flip mattresses and market them as a No Hassle product. The truth is they save money but you loose longevity in your purchase.

Good luck!!!!!!!!!

for your green option, you must add to the list the vimala mattress by green sleep; it's widely known as the rolls royce of organic mattresses. no off-gassing, no chemicals, and no flame retardants as it includes organic wool which meets all open flame test requirements for mattresses sold in the u.s. although it is also available in canada.

not to mention it feels heavenly!

http://www.greensleep.ca/concept/materials.aspx

There is some kind of Swiss hospital foam kind of bed that they used to (and may still) sell at that store with all the gadget that isn't Hammacher Schlemmer, and it's not Sharper Image, it's the other one. It's supposed to not even give bed-bound patients bed sores.

Geesh, whoever thought buying a **** mattress would turn into such a hassle, not to mention taking years to pay off!!!!!!!

Denver Mattress Company. My sister has one and loves it and I've slept on them in hotels. But, we got a Sealy 3 years ago and hate it. It has holes where we sleep (well, wallows) and as we're so tall, even if we move the foot end to the head end, our tuckuses end up in the same place on the mattress. (We have a queen.)

I am a bit interested in the Foam Sweet Foam line, thanks to whomever posted about those before. My only issue is the wool - hubby is allergic. I like the idea of natural but not sure if I can avoid wool...

I'd also like to avoid the crazy expensive lines, too. $1000 is about our range, but this time we'd really like to make 8 years or more instead of the 3 we're currently at...

Does anyone know where one can buy a 100% cotton futon in NYC? Everywhere I look I can only find ones that are mixed with polyfoam or with polyester batting.

Maxwell, I think it would also be interesting to try out the beds which are most popular in central Europe -- i.e., Switzerland, Germany, Austria...

Here, the most common type of bed is a sophisticated slat base, often electronically controlled to raise head and foot areas. The mattresses are multi-density foam, often with springs inside. They were invented by a Swiss engineer to help resolve his wife's back pain.

Here is probably the top of the line in Switzerland:

http://www.riposa.ch/index.php?cat=produkte

Here is one that seems to have made it Stateside:

http://www.swisssleepsystem.com/

Oh, and there is always Samina, the all-natural (non-metal) version of this:

http://www.samina.com/Welcome-to-SAMINA.m200.l2.html

Have fun!

Oh my! This quest could never end! Wish you had started last year so I could take advantage for this year's labor day sales! Looking forward to your reports!

OK - definitely interested in hearing about a Dux and a Temperpedic BUT I understand that there are *different* kinds of Temperpedic - that is, there are ranges in Temperpedic land. Also, would love to have the experiment include links to articles about "green" mattresses and why I should care-or not.

Slats vs box springs.....I was in Liberty, NY over a weekend this summer and met a guy there who designs furniture. One of his items is a bed frame with slats that includes storage boxes that fit underneath it. Very cool, very clean perfect for apartments. I would have gotten one but I, unfortunately have recently purchased a set w/box springs. He is in claryville, NY and his company name is Manifold design - Google it. If you are looking for slats for your mattresses, take a look. I thought it was very clever.

Please let us know if you're a side sleeper, a back sleeper, or a stomach sleeper. This made an enormous difference the last time I bought a mattress. The Kingsdown that felt amazingly comfortable while I lay on my back in the store was terrible when I went to sleep on my stomach in my home; it was too soft, and because it arched my back, it gave me a terrible backache. As a stomach sleeper, I had to switch it for a firmer mattress.

My husband and I use two beds tied together at the legs (I'm a light sleeper and would be more disturbed if we used one bigger bed). They are DUX and great! One of them is about five years old now and still like new, so it's likely that they will last 50+ years the way someone suggested earlier in the comments. The other one was bought only last year and cost about 1000€. Five years from now we'll see how the top mattresses are doing and will decide whether they should be switched to new ones. Hästens was our first choice, but they are insanely expensive.

We are just about to get a new mattress and I was very excited to read about your project when it showed up in my inbox. I will definitely be following this adventure in sleeping. I'd like to make the following suggestion that you divide up your recommendations into a few categories of "Green":

Very Green - Essentia - natural latex + all non-petroleum foam
http://www.myessentia.com/
and
Sheppard's Dream - all wool mattresses
http://www.shepherdsdream.ca/

Greener than most -
Keetsa
http://keetsa.com/about/

Regular industry standard - I'm not interested in these no matter how comfortable they are but there are many suggestions from others on this.

Generally I don't agree with electric beds for people just looking for luxury, but having been lucky enough to have seen my grandparents live to be very old I would recommend an electric bed for home care of the very elderly and infirm. Essentia has a "green" option for those who can manage it:

http://www.myessentia.com/product-info.php?flexdrive-pid23.html

McRoskey Mattress in SF has been around since the turn of the century and would love to know how they compare. I'm an Interior Designer at The Wiseman Group and this has been our "go to" mattress at the firm.

http://www.mcroskey.com/history.shtml

Also I have always been very interested in European Sleepworks, which many friends rave about. It is the slat system some of your European readers have mentioned and you choose different combinations of latex and coils. Nordic and Nordic II look most intriguing. Underneath that you can further refine with adjusting the slats. Very intriguing.

http://www.sleepworks.com/

Lastly in your reviews, hope this isn't too personal, can you PLEASE mention motion control between two people sleeping in the same bed. This is a bigger issue than anyone will care to bring up, but so important. Relationships can be crushed over reverberation in a bed.

I needed a new mattress. I didn't have the finances to replace my current mattress .My " recommended by Dr. " mattress was too firm for me and caused lower back and hip pain. I did the research thing-" All About Mattresses" etc. and found a side bar stating the inexpensive route was to get a mattress topper ( Costco has a fabulous 3 inch topper that worked out fine) . Bought the topper for $109.00 ( there was a $30.00 coupon) saved several hundred dollars and I sleep like a baby ! No pain or discomfort. Sweet dreams !

I too would love to hear a review of the Sonno Prima from DWR. We have space constraints and ruined a king size bed forcing it up the stairs. They (DWR) claim the mattress cover keeps you cool. Would love to know if that is true.

Wow so many unhappy sleepers! We have been selling high quality foam beds in NYC for over 40 years http//www.dixiefoam.com, stop in and give our beds a try. Your body will thank you.

Maxwell--Might you consider trying a Craftmatic or similar adjustable bed? They look ugly and I'm a bit embarrassed to ask. My aesthetic is minimalist but as my husband & I get older, utility (a higher profile making it easier to get in and out) and functionality (the ability to raise & lower) begin to edge out looks. I would love to hear your opinion, or that of any AT community member. Thanks.

Please try the natural latex bed from Room and Board- It looks lush.
http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=19517&catalog=room&category=rm_bedrooms&subcategory=mattress

I'd like to know if the Berkeley Ergonomics latex mattress and slatted bed base are worth the ~$2K more than the same thing from Ikea (Erfjord).

While 'all natural' sure is nice in theory, I suspect such mattresses are uber expensive no? So for the average Joe, I think there are just a few keys things you need to have a great sleeping experience. 1) Know whether you like firm or soft...whether you like 'solid' or with a little give. (I happen to love a box spring, with a firm/hard mattress on top, topped off with a featherbed. 2) I think neutral colored sheets are best as they immediately create a serene environment. All my sheets are in solid shades of beige, tan, etc. 3) Get the best quality (highest thread count) sheets you can, but at least be sure they are all cotton regardless. Also, contrary to intuition, HEAVIER cotton sheets (or the higher thread count sheets) actually seem to keep me COOLER in the Summer, as they are less apt to STICK to me. Thinner cotton sheets are more likely to cling to my skin on a warm night and are also less effective at absorbing any sweat. 4) In the Winter, go flannel. I mean, why not? :-) It's absolute heaven not having to wait for your regular cotton sheets to warm up! 5) Down comforters are great for the Winter. Way better than heavy blankets etc. They are incredibly effective at keeping you warm yet feel like a feather on top of you... 6) Also for the Winter, kitty cats (or a small dog I suppose) are a great addition to the top of your bed. I cover my bed with an extra 'cat sheet' at all times, to ensure cat hairs never get directly on my bedding.

This is wonderful! I have been duped time and time again, trying to find the perfect bed for my husband and I, only to end up with backaches. I also recall being able to sleep on the floor as a kid but alas age has gotten the best of me and a comfy sleep is a necessity! LOL I did try the 2nd from the top of the line sleep numbers bed. But we returned it after a few nights unrestful sleep. Purchased an expensive Beauty Rest (that we now hate). Which we cannot return. I wish I had given the sleep numbers bed a full 30 days. The trouble is you need to try a few different numbers until you get it right. I would love it if you reviewed that.

This is a wonderful idea!! I'm going to follow your progress!! I hope I'm not to late in my suggestion, but you should try a Sonno mattress, I think DWR sells them. People swear by them. To me it's like a higher end Ikea foam matress...I'm wondering if there really is a difference....

i have an englander latex bed and have been very happy with it. have you thought about trying that one?

You HAVE to try an Essentia mattress. They are amazing. We have had one for about 1.5 years and my husband and I been having the best sleeps of our life (well as good as one can sleep with a 3yo and 1yo in the house).

We have a Tempurpedic and love it. For us, it is the perfect balance of softness, while still being firm. Great for our backs!

When sleeping on other mattresses, I feel so disrupted when my bf, another lousy sleeper, tosses in, out, and around the bed. Who wouldn't wake up from a gelatinous bed earthquake like that!

If your sleep is disturbed by bed jiggling, I can't recommend Tempurpedic enough.

On a side note, The Westin Heavenly Bed is quite comfortable, but not as good as the Tempurpedic... in my opinion :) Happy sleeping!

Have you considered Sleep Number mattresses?

lately I've been having back pain too - never before in my life has a bed been the source of pain. I (like writer) could sleep on anything and get perfect sleep every time. Now I'm wondering if we should upgrade. Although I have a reputable $800 mattress currently. Husband is pushing sleep number since he loved their original models 10+ years ago.

I see you wrote about wanting to try Keetsa-have you tried it yet? I love mine. I got their mattress after much research and wanting to no longer sleep on a coil mattress since I was rising with terrible back pain everyday. Been sleeping on their Cloud for about 8 months now. Love it-couldn't be happier.

I went through an involuntary test of 4 mattresses a year ago, before your brilliant scientific story. Nightmare (ha ha). But I can't bare the thought of buying yet a new one. BTW there's no such thing as a "free trial" or "replacement." Ouch!

Help please? So after researching on the mattress websites for the current top 2 contenders, I went to C&B and Bloomingdales and non had the models tested. We tried a higher end Natura bed and it was dreeeeamy but $4k. We got the impression that maybe the Natura was for us but without testing the actual model, how can I decide? Certainly the deliciousness decreased as the price did on the models we tried. Buy it and return it if we don't like it after our own test?

When we decided to buy a new mattress about 5 years ago, we went to sleepy's and tried out every model. after trying out natural latex, sleep number, tempurpedic, etc., it ended up being one of the most confusing experiences i have ever had! we decided to research a bit before buying. while doing so, we came across a california company called "flobeds" that combines all of these! their reviews were amazing, and the company seemed to be small and personable, so we decided to order a queen-size version with all the bells and whistles. The mattress arrives in a relatively small box, and you put it together (easily) yourself, by layering all the parts within what looks like a regular mattress outer fabric with a zipper around the pillow-top. The bottom layer is natural latex, then a layer of air pockets, then another layer natural latex, and topped by a tempuredic layer. my partner's side is medium and mine is extra firm support. the entire mattress is then enclosed in a zippered pillow-top outer layer that can be washed. we originally ordered a massage feature as well, but it wasn't that great, so we took it out of the mattress. i think our entire order was around $2200. THIS IS THE BEST MATTRESS WE HAVE EVER SLEPT ON!!! I don't know how to explain it other than to say that I literally comment about how noticeably comfortable it is whenever I return home after a trip away. it's crazy comfortable. and it has not worn down at all. They air layer is a feature that we ordered, so not one that would have to be included, if it's not something that one wants. bottom line--if you want a mattress that's like a party and everyone is invited, flobeds is for you--why choose just one type of mattress? ha!

DONT BUY KINGSOWN MATTRESS OR ANY MATTRESS AT SNOOZE AS THEY ARE SNAKEOIL SALESMAN SELLING A DUD WHICH DEVELOPS A HUMP AND SLANTS WITH USE,IS FULL OF CHEMICALS AND THE WARRANTY IS IGNORED BY THEM .

can someone answer my question: is "NaturaLatex Tranquil" or similar models by that brand/manufacturer available anywhere in Europe or more specific: Germany? can't find it on the web!

We have just launched a new product which is made for us by WJ SOuthard it is all natural latex (9 inches and customizable on both sides) with an organic cotton cover. This will be selling around $1800 in a Queen which is better than most of the internet retaillers out there. Would love to discuss with any of the readers visit us at www.theorganicbedroom.com as we can ship nationwide.

Joey

I think you shopuld try a company based in Petaluma; called Flo-Beds (they used to sell waterbeds). When we were looking for a new bed because my husband had fibromyalgia, and auto-immune disease related sleep disorders, we decided to find the right new bed, and the search was endless. We eliminated any bed that wasn't natural, outgassed, or over $5000. Finally I found this bed. It is Talalay, natural rubber. They customize it for you, so each side may be different. Don't be put off, it comes in plastic bags and you layer them into a zipped cover that ends up looking like a real mattress. We have had it now for 4 years and love it (I read Barbara Barry loves it too). The website says it lasts a lifetime. By the time we customized it I think it was over $3000. But again, we love it. (it smells like fresh bread at first). Good luck!!!