I Tried a Mattress Called The Brick — and I’ve Never Slept Better (Bonus: It’s on Sale!)
I have been recently binge watching episodes of “International House Hunters,” and it’s so funny to me how anyone viewing an apartment in an Asian city always comments on just how firm the bed is. I grew up in India, and I can confirm that mattresses are indeed a lot firmer on the other side of the world. Anything with even a smidge of bounce is immediately deemed European-style bedding and meant to be enjoyed during vacations at fancy hotels. When it comes to picking an everyday mattress, super firm top layers is the way to go! Add to that the fact that most Indian beds don’t even have slats — it’s usually a firm mattress atop a solid plank of wood.
So you can imagine my surprise when I moved to the United States and could only find slatted frames and mattresses marketed as “firm” that by Indian standards would be deemed too soft. And before you think I’m being fussy, let me tell you, it’s not just me! In fact, discussing mattress brands and sleep solutions is often a favorite topic among my Indian friends who live abroad. So after years of testing out a slew of different solutions (everything from various mattress toppers to adding a plywood plank on top of my slats!), I had all but given up on a good night’s rest. And then I discovered The Brick.
This hybrid mattress from Allswell is the brand’s most firm launch yet, and the proof is in its solid construction. For starters, the mattress contains individually wrapped coils that help to minimize motion transfer and enhance spine support. The coils are further topped with a two-inch layer of high-density foam, providing even more added support. On top of that layer is an additional one-inch layer of memory foam, which helps circulation and keeps you cool throughout the night. And finally, that’s topped with a firm top layer for, yup, added support. Translation: This is a concrete block!
But despite this level of firmness, The Brick isn’t uncomfortable by a long shot. Unlike many other mattresses I have tried, The Brick holds my body instead of collapsing against its weight, and it makes my lower back, shoulders, and neck feel supported, especially after a long day of sitting on a chair typing away at my computer.
While The Brick is definitely on the firmer side of medium-firm, thanks to its supportive memory foam layer, it does have a curve-conforming cushioning. And if you’re a back sleeper or stomach sleeper you’ll definitely appreciate the extra thickness and pressure-relieving, firm feel. But most importantly I share a bed with a restless sleeper, and the firmness of the mattress makes me immune to any tosses or turns.
Best of all, The Brick is normally priced at $699 for a Queen and $875 for a California King, but right now it’s 20 percent off as part of Allswell’s Labor Day sale. With the code LABORDAY20, you can take advantage of this deal. That’s an incredible value for a mattress so thoughtfully designed. And if you’re still debating if this level of firmness is right for you, Allswell offers free shipping, a 100-night trial period, and a 10-year warranty for peace of mind. As for me? I’m finally enjoying eight hours of uninterrupted sleep without feeling like I’m sinking deep into my mattress. So I’m giving The Brick a firm thumbs up.
Buy: The Brick, $559.20 (normally $699)
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