Over the long weekend, as we sat around with friends in Vermont drinking too much and throwing logs on the fire, we interviewed everyone to find out their favorite mattress. Most didn't have a particular preference, but one REALLY did. She had done a great deal of research a few years ago and bought a Royal-Pedic mattress. It is now her all time favorite.
Royal-Pedic is a California company founded by a British fellow who emigrated after learning his chops at Heals of London, the makers of mattresses for the British Royal Family. Famous Royal-Pedic customers include Ronald Reagan, JFK and Wilt Chamberlain (with a 10'x10' mattress).
These guys are the real-deal too: http://www.mcroskey.com/
I recently shopped across NYC for a new mattress and learned it isn't hard to get overwhelmed. It's impossible to compare models because each store changes the names. After endless research and 'testing', I am thrilled with the Stearns and Foster that I've had for about 2 months. The euro-pillow top over a relatively firm mattress is the most comfortable thing I've ever felt. It's like sleeping in a 5-star hotel every night. The model I purchased from Sleepy's was the Ambassador (although their newest models' names are changing). After negotiations (for mattress only--not box spring), the price was about $1,150 including delivery, removal of old mattress set, and a mattress pad (always work with a manager--they have more pricing leeway). I can't imagine using a box spring with the mattress because you would need a ladder to get into bed given the 17" thickness. My b/f purchased a slightly plusher version called the Baroque for about $1400. I found it a bit warmer to sleep in and not as great for me (I like to sleep on my stomach so a firmer bed is better), but it's all-in-all an amazing thing to sleep on. Word of caution: Foam in top layers of mattresses may feel great in the store, but foam retains heat and can make you sweat all night. Ask salespeople about how warm a mattress gets when shopping because that's something you won't find out until it's already in your bedroom). One last hint: the mattress business is an annoying racket like car sales. Straight pricing is non-existent. So I say play the game back. If you delay delivery a couple weeks, go back to store a few days after the sale to cancel your order explaining the mattress is too expensive. The manager will further discount the price rather than lose the sale. It seems sketchy, but so is the way they sell. Be much nicer if a price tag meant what it said to start with.
Ronald Reagan seems to be a big selling point for mattress professionals. A few years ago, when I was shopping for a new mattress at the horrible Sleepy's chain, the salesdude used him to try and sell me a mattress. As though knowing an addled ex-prez had the same mattress would make it somehow more appealing. I can't remember which model it was, but I bought something else.
OK - I am new to AT and am going to ask a question a bit off track - anyone out there have an opinion on a Sterns and Foster (Tribeca, sold by Bloomies) or a Shifman (either a Van Gogh or Soft Cloud)? Thanks in advance.