Need to buy a good mattress

[umasubra]

Hi,

We need to buy a new firm queen mattress. Any suggestions for how to go about this? What types of stores do you recommend and what's the price range for a decent mattress?

Thanks,
Uma

[Finallyunderstand]

Saatva is a great mattress at a reasonable price.  Check out their website.

[GuitarStv]

Is the room that you sleep in carpeted*?  If so, you can save a lot of money by simply sleeping on the floor.  Mattresses aren't necessary for a good sleep, they're just expensive junk that wears out.


* Yes it's possible to sleep on bare floors as well . . . My experience is that you want some kind of firm material/under padding to insulate you and for comfort though.

[kissthesky]

Sleeping on the floor is badass. I don't think I could do that though!

I've had the standard ~$275 queen spring mattresses all my life from insert whatever department store was selling them & had free delivery

A year ago our mattress had to go. I was always in pain, and so was the BF. It had lasted a few years but the springs were shot. I put the BF in charge of getting a new mattress as long as it was firm and a queen and inexpensive.

He bought tuft & needle. I freaked out because it was like $600 (over double what I wanted to spend).

Aaaaand.... I love it. I will never go back to springs. Better quality, will last longer, and is the most comfortable thing ever. Worth every penny.

[RecoveringCarClown]

Couple I know quite well got one of these.  They love it, but I haven't tried it, I think it might come off a little weird to ask to "try their bed".  https://www.saatvamattress.com

[GuitarStv]

I'm trying to figure this out myself. The conventional wisdom of the internet led me to buy a mattress that was 1 notch down from the firmest option and had a pillowtop layer. It felt the best in the showroom and was very comfortable for ~6 months. Eventually the pillowtop foam has become compressed. Now the mattress is extremely uncomfortable, screws up my posture, and creates back and neck pain. I flipped the mattress over to the unpadded side and this helped a bit, but the springs still didn't feel stiff enough. I also replaced my pillow with a towel folded over several times to be a bit thinner.

Now I'm sleeping on a wood floor with 4 layers thick of blankets as padding. It was mildly uncomfortable for less than a week but now is a meaningful improvement. I'd say it's roughly as comfortable as the bed was when I first bought it. I'm still trying to figure out the ideal pillow thickness. I might also try getting rid of the blanket padding but keep the towel pillow. Some padding is essential for the back of my head.

FWIW, I've been experimenting with no pillow as well.  As somebody who used to require two pillows to be able to sleep this has been a slow process.  Benefits include . . . You stay much cooler in the summer without a pillow (better airflow around your head?).  I'm at about 85% nights no pillow now.  It can be done I am sure, and it's really not less comfy once you get used to slightly different positions.  :P


I know many will look at the idea of no bed as being crazy out there . . . but especially anyone who lives a firm mattress would do well to give it a try for a couple weeks.  You'll start thinking that paying money for a mattress/box spring that will start to suck in a couple years is the crazy idea.

[GreenSheep]

The Frugalwoods recommended this mattress, and it has plenty of good reviews. So we bought two of the Twin XL size and are currently using them side by side on the floor. The plan is to build a frame for them at some point, so they'll be like a king size bed, but we each get our own sheets. (He's a thrasher, and my side looks like I was never in it when I get up in the morning.)

We LOVE them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050JL384/ref=twister_B071P8RDNC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[tipster350]

Saatva all the way. It costs more than other internet mattresses, but it is also in a different class. Beautiful luxury sleep for a price you will not find in the stores.

[paddedhat]

The Frugalwoods recommended this mattress, and it has plenty of good reviews. So we bought two of the Twin XL size and are currently using them side by side on the floor. The plan is to build a frame for them at some point, so they'll be like a king size bed, but we each get our own sheets. (He's a thrasher, and my side looks like I was never in it when I get up in the morning.)

We LOVE them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050JL384/ref=twister_B071P8RDNC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

We bought two basic 8" memory foam mattresses from Amazon and couldn't be happier. They were $160-180 or so, and are rated by an independent review site as being just as well liked, by users, and as long lasting, as similar units costing many times more. Our used RV came with a hyper overpriced Tempra-Pedic memory foam mattress that is awesome, but at ten times the price of the Amazon units, it's far from ten times as awesome.

[golden1]

I got one of those memory foam mattresses that comes in a box last year.  Ghostbed.  $800 10 year warranty.  I love it.  I sleep a lot better than I used to.  I know you can get all latex ones that are in the 200-300 range.  This has some memory foam (TPU foam) which makes it more expensive.  When I was younger I could get away with sleeping on cheap mattresses or the floor but not anymore, sadly.

[iluvzbeach]

Huge fans of Loom & Leaf. Owned by the same company as Saatva mentioned by others above.

[kpd905]

We discussed some affordable memory foam mattresses in this thread: https://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/reader-recommendations/memory-foam-mattress-easy-on-the-wallet/

[Finallyunderstand]

Glad there was a second vote for Saatva.  Read the reviews.  Worth every penny.

[undercover]

I own both a Casper and Tuft & Needle. For price/comfort, I'd save the money and go with the Tuft.

Since buying those I've had family purchase the Zinus (Amazon) / Spa Sensations (Jet) mattresses which range anywhere from $150-250 for a queen size on depending on if they're on sale. Honestly, I can't tell a huge difference between the Zinus and either of the mattresses I own.

Saatva (never owned) is unique in that it's a hybrid between spring and foam so it will feel a bit more traditional. They also have three different levels of firmness which is nice. Definitely the priciest of the bunch though.

All of the online mattresses are fully refundable with a return so why not try the cheapest and go from there?

[Optimiser]

We got a brand new Leesa mattress from a thrift store and have been very happy with it.

[Mr Mark]

I always prefer to spend what it takes on a really good mattress/bed combo and nice, thick, crisp cotton sheets.

That way for 8hrs a day you're living as well as Bill Gates.

[kpd905]

I always prefer to spend what it takes on a really good mattress/bed combo and nice, thick, crisp cotton sheets.

That way for 8hrs a day you're living as well as Bill Gates.

This sounds like a good idea, but how do you know if spending more will get you a better mattress?  Some of these memory foam mattresses are ~$200 and have really high ratings.

[paddedhat]

I always prefer to spend what it takes on a really good mattress/bed combo and nice, thick, crisp cotton sheets.

That way for 8hrs a day you're living as well as Bill Gates.

This sounds like a good idea, but how do you know if spending more will get you a better mattress?  Some of these memory foam mattresses are ~$200 and have really high ratings.

I feel like this sentence should be the lead in this thread, in red, using all one inch tall script. It really is that important.  As mentioned earlier, we have two of these. Specifically they are Amazon Zinus Memory Foam 8" Green Tea Queen Mattresses. They were in the $160-180 range with the last year or so, and are currently listed for $129, with free prime shipping.  There are ten thousands reviews on this product, and the average review is 4.5 out of 5. Amazon also offers the Tuft and Needle product, with the same number of reviews and same 4.5 stars, for 5X the price at $675. If you go to sleep product review sites like sleeplikethedead they are clear that you can spend  ten, twenty, thirty times as much for a mattress that will not provide a better sleep experience, or last any longer. As I mentioned, I ended up with a similar 8" memory foam Temper-Pedic  a few years back, and it didn't cost me a dime. It listed for $2700, and who knows what the original owner really paid for it, but I doubt it was much less than $2000. It's s great mattress, but it's feels like nearly a dead match to the Zinus, and according to the research sites, long term users report that it is no more durable than other memory foam units that are less than a 1/10 of the price.

[jtraggie99]

Check out this website:  https://www.themattressunderground.com/.  They have a ton of great information there.  I bought my last mattress from a local store a year and a half ago, based on some recommendations I found there, and it's worked out fairly well. 

[lbmustache]

I have a Tuft & Needle and love it.

[HipGnosis]

The Frugalwoods recommended this mattress, and it has plenty of good reviews. So we bought two of the Twin XL size and are currently using them side by side on the floor. The plan is to build a frame for them at some point, so they'll be like a king size bed, but we each get our own sheets. (He's a thrasher, and my side looks like I was never in it when I get up in the morning.)

We LOVE them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050JL384/ref=twister_B071P8RDNC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

That's a great price, but...  The 8 inch Zinus cost less and gets better reviews on Amazon.
I prefer separate latex foam mattress and a memory foam topper (in a mattress cover) because the mattress lasts longer than the topper, but at that price I would use it until the topper wore out and then cut it off to replace it.

The 'frame' for my mattress is a waterbed pedestal w/ 6 drawers.  And the waterbed headboard has 2x8's nailed to it to make it self standing.

[RedmondStash]

Mattresses are one area where I will spend serious money. We usually go for Sealy Posturepedic, but we did try a Tempur-Pedic once too. Didn't love it, but we got a pretty bare-bones model. I think CostCo sells mattress too, though we haven't bought one there.

We generally spend around $1200 to $1700 on a queen mattress, but if you already have a set of box springs and nothing seems wrong with them, don't be pressured into buying a new set. Just buy the mattress. At this point, we buy from our local Macy's furniture store, because they have a good selection of models, and because I've come to hate Sleep Train, where we used to buy our beds.

Oh, and check return policies. A lot of mattress stores will let you swap out a mattress that isn't working for another model, but only once. I always insist on a full return option, even with a 15% restocking fee, just in case I need to go through 2-3 iterations to find the right fit. I usually get it right on the first try these days, but I refuse to be locked into an option that isn't working.

Hey, face-punch if you like, but money is for spending on important things. And good sleep is no joke, especially as you get older and creakier.

[dodojojo]

I have a mania for extra firm mattresses.  Eleven years ago I ordered an extra firm foam mattress from a no name site.  I can't remember the name and googling, I haven't come come across sites that remind me of them.  IIRC, I paid less than $300 for a queen. I would like to replace the 11 year old mattress but am wary if the highly rated, but affordable brands on Amazon are firm enough for me.

When I visit my mom, I sleep on my old twin bed which is actually a boxspring with a thin soft layer.  There isn't actually a mattress.  So that's my idea of extra, extra firm. What worked 20-30 years ago isn't all that great nowadays and I'm going to order a cheap thin (2-3 inches) foam mattress in time for my next visit. That should bring it down to extra firm.

[Huskie87]

sleeplikethedead.com is the best place to do your research

+1 for saatva, though I've only had mine for a month now

[Cwadda]

Mattresses are one area where I will spend serious money.

We generally spend around $1200 to $1700 on a queen mattress,

Hey, face-punch if you like, but money is for spending on important things.

Yup, I'll take you up on that face punch. Here you go.

[RedmondStash]

Mattresses are one area where I will spend serious money.

We generally spend around $1200 to $1700 on a queen mattress,

Hey, face-punch if you like, but money is for spending on important things.

Yup, I'll take you up on that face punch. Here you go.

Face-punch taken. And I'm off to spend big $$ on a mattress this week.

[Cwadda]

Mattresses are one area where I will spend serious money.

We generally spend around $1200 to $1700 on a queen mattress,

Hey, face-punch if you like, but money is for spending on important things.

Yup, I'll take you up on that face punch. Here you go.

Face-punch taken. And I'm off to spend big $$ on a mattress this week.

Take another face punch too. Definitely unmustachian on this one. Enjoy purchasing your McMattress!

[paddedhat]

I don't recall if I read it on sleeplikethedead.com or another site, but the claim was that a typical mattress store sells their products for at least eleven times the production cost.  Discounters, and higher end online sellers run about eight times. Coming here to boast of spending $1200-1700, because that's what it takes to end up with a premium product is like saying I only lease five series BMWs, since nothing else is good enough for me. The difference is that the $50K BMW is clearly superior to a used Focus.  In many cases, wasting $1700 on a mattress only means that you weren't willing to figure out how to end up with an equal, or better, product for 70-80%less.

A few years back I had a totally custom, odd sized, traditional coil spring mattress, custom built for an RV. It was equal in specifications, and construction, to the $2000 units in the bedding stores. It was built in Tennessee, and I actually ordered the thing directly with the owner of the company. I had it shipped to PA. Total cost was $300.  Don't kid yourself, when you hand that greasy "sleep specialist" $1700 for a mattress, you bought a $300 mattress, paid a sweet commission, and dropped a grand into the store owner's  trophy house/boat payment jar.

[Cwadda]

I don't recall if I read it on sleeplikethedead.com or another site, but the claim was that a typical mattress store sells their products for at least eleven times the production cost.  Discounters, and higher end online sellers run about eight times. Coming here to boast of spending $1200-1700, because that's what it takes to end up with a premium product is like saying I only lease five series BMWs, since nothing else is good enough for me. The difference is that the $50K BMW is clearly superior to a used Focus.  In many cases, wasting $1700 on a mattress only means that you weren't willing to figure out how to end up with an equal, or better, product for 70-80%less.

A few years back I had a totally custom, odd sized, traditional coil spring mattress, custom built for an RV. It was equal in specifications, and construction, to the $2000 units in the bedding stores. It was built in Tennessee, and I actually ordered the thing directly with the owner of the company. I had it shipped to PA. Total cost was $300.  Don't kid yourself, when you hand that greasy "sleep specialist" $1700 for a mattress, you bought a $300 mattress, paid a sweet commission, and dropped a grand into the store owner's  trophy house/boat payment jar.

Not only that, but you're also contributing to socially irresponsible practices and discouraging competition between direct sale manufacturers. All with an illusion that you need a $1500 mattress.

Great points paddedhat.

[Huskie87]

Take another face punch too. Definitely unmustachian on this one. Enjoy purchasing your McMattress!

Not sure you're using the term mustachian correctly here.  People are free to spend their money as they see fit, in whatever way brings them the most joy in their lives.  This site just asks that we be conscious in our decision making and be aware of the impact that our spending has.  In the case of spending money on a high-quality mattress, that seems perfectly mustachian.  OPs thought about the decision, been given multiple places to research, and has made a decision.  If OP was $50,000 in credit card debt, sure this might be a poor decision.  But mustachian does not mean cheap, which seems to be your insinuation. 

[paddedhat]

Take another face punch too. Definitely unmustachian on this one. Enjoy purchasing your McMattress!

Not sure you're using the term mustachian correctly here.  People are free to spend their money as they see fit, in whatever way brings them the most joy in their lives.  This site just asks that we be conscious in our decision making and be aware of the impact that our spending has.  In the case of spending money on a high-quality mattress, that seems perfectly mustachian.  OPs thought about the decision, been given multiple places to research, and has made a decision.  If OP was $50,000 in credit card debt, sure this might be a poor decision.  But mustachian does not mean cheap, which seems to be your insinuation.

Horseshit.

This is about doing the exact opposite of what you claim. It's about sharing knowledge, education and experience to do more with less, and not spend your life chained to a job, while keeping the consumer sucker hamster wheel spinning. If your opening line is, "mattresses are one area where I spend serious money" The response here IS going to be, "why are you bragging about poor decision making skills, and wasting money?"  NOT, "cool, we are all about needless spending and wasting money, since it brings you the most joy in your life" Most consumers willingly get screwed over by purchasing entire categories of products and services, from insurance and extended warranties, to mattresses and even funeral services. Being a stache is about knowing how and why those sectors of the economy are designed to rob you, and how to hack your way around it. Not bragging about spending "serious money" to bring yourself joy. That entire concept is a fallacy.

[RedmondStash]

I don't spend serious $$ on mattresses for the lulz. I do it because of health issues that both limit my ability to shop in person and require me to get mattresses with very specific properties, which I can't determine from online shopping, only in person. I've tried going the cheaper route, and have only suffered for it. Trial and error has led me to more expensive mattresses. I apologize to no one for that. My life, not yours.

It's unfortunate how many people here immediately jump to "Unmustachian! Burn them!" without bothering to find out why someone does what they do. No wonder some people call this community cult-like.

So face-punch away. I'm immune.

[paddedhat]

I don't spend serious $$ on mattresses for the lulz. I do it because of health issues that both limit my ability to shop in person and require me to get mattresses with very specific properties, which I can't determine from online shopping, only in person. I've tried going the cheaper route, and have only suffered for it. Trial and error has led me to more expensive mattresses. I apologize to no one for that. My life, not yours.

It's unfortunate how many people here immediately jump to "Unmustachian! Burn them!" without bothering to find out why someone does what they do. No wonder some people call this community cult-like.

So face-punch away. I'm immune.

If you wanted to provide adequate information, right out of the gate, it would be a whole other conversation now. If you have some sort of special need, there are still other avenues to take to not pay an additional $1000 or so. For example, you mentioned Tempra-Pedic. When we mentioned how well my disabled wife was sleeping on one, her Chiropractor let us know that he had the ability to get a couple of them every year, at huge discounts, roughly 40% less that the best price you can negotiate at a dealer.  Sorry, but regardless of specifics,  boasting of spending huge money, providing no explanation as to why, then defaulting to claims of "cult like",  is a bit odd.

[I'm a red panda]

The Frugalwoods recommended this mattress, and it has plenty of good reviews. So we bought two of the Twin XL size and are currently using them side by side on the floor. The plan is to build a frame for them at some point, so they'll be like a king size bed, but we each get our own sheets. (He's a thrasher, and my side looks like I was never in it when I get up in the morning.)

We LOVE them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050JL384/ref=twister_B071P8RDNC?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

We bought the frugalwoods recommended mattress in king size. It is wonderful.

[Mr Mark]

I always prefer to spend what it takes on a really good mattress/bed combo and nice, thick, crisp cotton sheets.

That way for 8hrs a day you're living as well as Bill Gates.

This sounds like a good idea, but how do you know if spending more will get you a better mattress?  Some of these memory foam mattresses are ~$200 and have really high ratings.

Fully agree. I guess I should have said something like "get a really good mattress that gives you a great sleep experience for as little outlay as possible"

FWIW Our latest mattress we got from Ikea and we love it. You can try them out in the store.

[IsaacEmbley]

Hey, There are many physical and online available offering mattress at cheap. Most preferred will be Online. You should try online branded store like Amazon and similar can be accessible.

[Cwadda]

Take another face punch too. Definitely unmustachian on this one. Enjoy purchasing your McMattress!

Not sure you're using the term mustachian correctly here.  People are free to spend their money as they see fit, in whatever way brings them the most joy in their lives.  This site just asks that we be conscious in our decision making and be aware of the impact that our spending has.  In the case of spending money on a high-quality mattress, that seems perfectly mustachian.  OPs thought about the decision, been given multiple places to research, and has made a decision.  If OP was $50,000 in credit card debt, sure this might be a poor decision.  But mustachian does not mean cheap, which seems to be your insinuation.

I am using it correctly. I wasn't just referring to cheapness. That's far from the correct definition. It also encompasses minimalism, stoicism, baddasity, and environmental & social responsibility. Another informed choice you could make when mattress shopping is to purchase a mattress from a company with socially responsible practices.  For example: some companies donate the mattress to those in need if you return the mattress.

I don't spend serious $$ on mattresses for the lulz. I do it because of health issues that both limit my ability to shop in person and require me to get mattresses with very specific properties, which I can't determine from online shopping, only in person. I've tried going the cheaper route, and have only suffered for it. Trial and error has led me to more expensive mattresses. I apologize to no one for that. My life, not yours.

It's unfortunate how many people here immediately jump to "Unmustachian! Burn them!" without bothering to find out why someone does what they do. No wonder some people call this community cult-like.

So face-punch away. I'm immune.

I'll echo a lot of what paddedhat was saying. TWICE you stated you spend "big money" on mattresses and gave no background info. You gave zero indication of having health issues both times. So yup, that warrants a face punch.

Maybe our views of this website are very different. To me, it's NOT saying "Ohhhh RedmondStash, I'm so happy for you paying thousands of dollars for your warm, comfy mattress!!" There is no substance there. Mustchianism is a challenge, for fuck's sake!

Challenge yourself and challenge others in this community.

[autogunner]

you spend on average 1/4-1/3rd of your life on a mattress. Its so important to get proper rest and not have your mattress cause you back and neck problems. All the online sellers have a 100 night return policy, so get one, try it out for 2 months, then try an amazon one for a week, or how ever long their return policy is, and keep whichever one is best.

also facepunching needs to go die, its such a pathetic meme.

[GuitarStv]

you spend on average 1/4-1/3rd of your life on a mattress sleeping. Its so important to get proper rest and not have your mattress cause you back and neck problems.

Agreed with the above.  Sadly, most people have been brainwashed into thinking that a mattress is necessary for sleep and fail to realize that back and neck problems are caused rather than fixed by them.

[Krolik]

Posting to follow

[Whatsername]

Damn, now I want a new mattress. Mines only five years old but sags where we sleep a couple inches. Might have to try out one of these.

[I'm a red panda]

you spend on average 1/4-1/3rd of your life on a mattress sleeping. Its so important to get proper rest and not have your mattress cause you back and neck problems.

Agreed with the above.  Sadly, most people have been brainwashed into thinking that a mattress is necessary for sleep and fail to realize that back and neck problems are caused rather than fixed by them.

I'm going to say a mattress is necessary for sleep.

When I was young I LOVED to sleep on the floor.  Now my hips hurt so badly that I can't walk if I do that.

[autogunner]

you spend on average 1/4-1/3rd of your life on a mattress sleeping. Its so important to get proper rest and not have your mattress cause you back and neck problems.

Agreed with the above.  Sadly, most people have been brainwashed into thinking that a mattress is necessary for sleep and fail to realize that back and neck problems are caused rather than fixed by them.

Excellent point - my ancestors slept rough in the heather in just a kilt, with a battleaxe for a pillow, whereas I'm building a campervan with a full-size mattress in it so I can stretch out and not get cramps when I go mountain-biking in the middle of nowhere.

I think its possible to wean yourself off mattresses if you want to, but the title of the post is Need to buy a good mattress, not I needs to sleeps for cheaps.

[GuitarStv]

you spend on average 1/4-1/3rd of your life on a mattress sleeping. Its so important to get proper rest and not have your mattress cause you back and neck problems.

Agreed with the above.  Sadly, most people have been brainwashed into thinking that a mattress is necessary for sleep and fail to realize that back and neck problems are caused rather than fixed by them.

Excellent point - my ancestors slept rough in the heather in just a kilt, with a battleaxe for a pillow, whereas I'm building a campervan with a full-size mattress in it so I can stretch out and not get cramps when I go mountain-biking in the middle of nowhere.

I think its possible to wean yourself off mattresses if you want to, but the title of the post is Need to buy a good mattress, not I needs to sleeps for cheaps.

If someone asked you for the best way to hammer a quarter in their eye for better eyesight . . . would you try to talk them out of it, or help them pick out a mallet?  :P

[autogunner]

you spend on average 1/4-1/3rd of your life on a mattress sleeping. Its so important to get proper rest and not have your mattress cause you back and neck problems.

Agreed with the above.  Sadly, most people have been brainwashed into thinking that a mattress is necessary for sleep and fail to realize that back and neck problems are caused rather than fixed by them.

Excellent point - my ancestors slept rough in the heather in just a kilt, with a battleaxe for a pillow, whereas I'm building a campervan with a full-size mattress in it so I can stretch out and not get cramps when I go mountain-biking in the middle of nowhere.

I think its possible to wean yourself off mattresses if you want to, but the title of the post is Need to buy a good mattress, not I needs to sleeps for cheaps.

If someone asked you for the best way to hammer a quarter in their eye for better eyesight . . . would you try to talk them out of it, or help them pick out a mallet?  :P

Depends if I own the hardware store ;D I dunno, if your response to the question of where to get a cheap mattress is 'SLEEP ON YOUR FLOORBOARDS YOU AWFUL CONSUMERIST' you should probably do offering advice. I'm pretty sure their god emperor MMM sleeps a mattress.

[Optimiser]

also facepunching needs to go die, its such a pathetic meme.

Do you know what forum you are on?

[autogunner]

also facepunching needs to go die, its such a pathetic meme.

Do you know what forum you are on?

Yeah, I've been reading MMM for years I just don't do anything on the forum;  just bored at work today.

The facepunch thing always bothered me, especially in this thread. Don't you think it's silly to threaten someone with physical violence (even as a joke) because they have different spending habits/priorities? It's not funny, it doesn't get your point across...

[Mr. Green]

you spend on average 1/4-1/3rd of your life on a mattress sleeping. Its so important to get proper rest and not have your mattress cause you back and neck problems.

Agreed with the above.  Sadly, most people have been brainwashed into thinking that a mattress is necessary for sleep and fail to realize that back and neck problems are caused rather than fixed by them.

Up until earlier this year, my wife and I slept on an insanely expensive, plush king mattress ($3,600) we bought when we just graduated from college. I started having back problems two years ago and found myself sleeping on the floor frequently because it felt better. I realized that my lack of physical activity over my last few years of working allowed all my core muscles to get weak so anything I laid on that put my back out of alignment was uncomfortable.

It was about this time that I started reading about floor sleeping. I learned that doing so actually causes your body to have to use your core muscles while you sleep and that it's ultimately better for you because of the improved stability you develop. For most folks the conversion is uncomfortable for the first couple weeks because your stabilizing muscles have to get stronger.

This summer we spent 3 months on the road, mostly sleeping in our car as we traveled the US. We used 2.5" think foam/inflatable camp pads from REI to sleep on. Before the trip my wife still enjoyed sleeping on our plush bed. Now it's intolerable. S our bed has been disassembled and leaned up against one wall of our bedroom for now and the camp pads are on the floor where the bed used to be. It kinda looks like a crack den at the moment but we're still sleeping great and I don't really see a reason to go back to a bed. My wife still kinda likes the idea of a bed though so we're trying to find something that is as hard as our pads. I want to build a platform for our pads and call it a day.

[ecchastang]

I bought a Leesa mattress 2 yrs ago and it has been my best sleep ever.  For someone that sleeps warm and can wake up in a sweat even if the air temp inside is in the 50's, the Leesa does a fantastic job of heat dissipation. 

[GuitarStv]

you spend on average 1/4-1/3rd of your life on a mattress sleeping. Its so important to get proper rest and not have your mattress cause you back and neck problems.

Agreed with the above.  Sadly, most people have been brainwashed into thinking that a mattress is necessary for sleep and fail to realize that back and neck problems are caused rather than fixed by them.

Up until earlier this year, my wife and I slept on an insanely expensive, plush king mattress ($3,600) we bought when we just graduated from college. I started having back problems two years ago and found myself sleeping on the floor frequently because it felt better. I realized that my lack of physical activity over my last few years of working allowed all my core muscles to get weak so anything I laid on that put my back out of alignment was uncomfortable.

It was about this time that I started reading about floor sleeping. I learned that doing so actually causes your body to have to use your core muscles while you sleep and that it's ultimately better for you because of the improved stability you develop. For most folks the conversion is uncomfortable for the first couple weeks because your stabilizing muscles have to get stronger.

This summer we spent 3 months on the road, mostly sleeping in our car as we traveled the US. We used 2.5" think foam/inflatable camp pads from REI to sleep on. Before the trip my wife still enjoyed sleeping on our plush bed. Now it's intolerable. S our bed has been disassembled and leaned up against one wall of our bedroom for now and the camp pads are on the floor where the bed used to be. It kinda looks like a crack den at the moment but we're still sleeping great and I don't really see a reason to go back to a bed. My wife still kinda likes the idea of a bed though so we're trying to find something that is as hard as our pads. I want to build a platform for our pads and call it a day.

Ikea sells some extremely hard foam mattresses that aren't bad.  Not quite as good as the floor, but then all the brainwashed mattress people won't constantly be telling you how wrong you are.  :P