Mattress help!!

Tim_Deegan

demonloop wrote: »

After a very boring day in Dreams and on eBay/Google the search has been narrowed to

1) La Romantica Madrid
2) Kozeesleep Max Pocket

If ANYONE has had any problems with either of the above please, plase post ASAP!

I don't want to buy another mattress for a very long time!

You will be lucky to get the Madrid in N Ireland

Tim_Deegan

fsdss wrote: »

tim - you confuse me in the fact that you say stay away from the big shops and visit the independants.
yesterday i went to both dreams and an independant large bed shop - the latter was the dearest by far for similar quality same make bed!

i have seen silentnight, sleepeezee, reylon, myers, comfilux amongst others. and why would i buy on line? surely you need to test these beds before you buy?

So how many models for sale in Dreams did you also find in other stores????........I'd guess none. This is because Dreams and many of the other big chains have models made to their own low spec, and sold exclusive to them. Have you noticed how little they tell you about the spec? Well this is so that they can compare their lower spec mattress to another one that is far better quality. You say similar quality, but they aren't.

The 5 manufacturers that you mentioned all appear to have lowered their quality, and automated production over recent years in order to cut production costs. If you go for smaller independent manufacturers then most of them still make their mattresses by hand, and you are likely to get more for your money.

Trying a mattress in a shop only gives you a very rough idea, as you only get to lay on it for about 10 mins with your clothes on. If you find a seller with a proper satisfaction guarantee (check their terms and conditions) they you actually get to sleep on it, and it is in their interest to make sure that they get it right the first time.

Tim_Deegan

rachbc wrote: »

Why would silent night specifically cause problems?

Also you don't need to advertise your site to recommend a good brand or type of mattress. Sometimes I get really fed up of experts on this site telling us that what we are buying is rubbish and that there is something far better out here without telling us what - happens all the time with kitchens, bathrooms, carpets and now this!

Rant over!

Do a search for any member of the Silentnight group (includes Rest Assured, Sealy, Layezee, and the pocket sprung bed company) in the MSE forums, and you will see why.

I am bound by forum rules. If I recommend a brand that I sell then I will be breaking them, because I would be promoting that product.

fsdss

Tim_Deegan wrote: »

So how many models for sale in Dreams did you also find in other stores????........I'd guess none. This is because Dreams and many of the other big chains have models made to their own low spec, and sold exclusive to them. Have you noticed how little they tell you about the spec? Well this is so that they can compare their lower spec mattress to another one that is far better quality. You say similar quality, but they aren't.
].

ok i take on board what you say and appreciate it- however i was looking at 2 beds
say they were made by Comfysleep (made up name i hope), 1400 pocket sprung - med comfort mattress, ones called pocket dream, the other dream pocket (see where i'm coming from ?) both made with the same material and same thickness of mattress,hand tufted - the one from dreams its £799 and they will throw in some bedding too - from the independent its £999. with the same delivery wait?

now comfysleep have a good name in matresses as i can find only positive reviews on t'internet from satisfied customers, but its also one of the leading makes in the uk (cos that what the adverts say)

now tell me why i should steer clear of this company? how do i find a similar bed on t'internet cheaper because each trader of this bed has a slightly differing name of the product which is exclusively made for them!!!!

Tim_Deegan

fsdss wrote: »

ok i take on board what you say and appreciate it- however i was looking at 2 beds
say they were made by Comfysleep (made up name i hope), 1400 pocket sprung - med comfort mattress, ones called pocket dream, the other dream pocket (see where i'm coming from ?) both made with the same material and same thickness of mattress,hand tufted - the one from dreams its £799 and they will throw in some bedding too - from the independent its £999. with the same delivery wait?

now comfysleep have a good name in matresses as i can find only positive reviews on t'internet from satisfied customers, but its also one of the leading makes in the uk (cos that what the adverts say)

now tell me why i should steer clear of this company? how do i find a similar bed on t'internet cheaper because each trader of this bed has a slightly differing name of the product which is exclusively made for them!!!!

There could be a huge difference between two mattresses that are both 1400 pocket sprung, the same depth, and are both hand tufted. It's the other fillings and quilting that can make a huge difference.

Most people leave reviews within a few days of delivery. This does not reflect long term reliability. This only reflects comfort when new.

Do you really believe what the adverts say????? Adverts are designed to sell, and will convince people who don't know better that the advertised product is better than other products on the market. The power of advertising often means that people are so convinced that the advertised product is so much better, then they will pay far more for it, and so the prices tend to be higher......This is the power of advertising, which the big companies can afford.

I have been told by 100's of customers that their previous mattress that was made by a company that is probably the biggest name in the industry, have lasted 12 to 18 months.

rachbc

so what you are saying is that we shouldn't buy a brand name, shouldn't rely on reviews, shouldn't rely on testing a mattress in the shop and shouldn't rely on the technical specification of the mattress as its too vague...

What should we do?

Tim_Deegan

rachbc wrote: »

so what you are saying is that we shouldn't buy a brand name, shouldn't rely on reviews, shouldn't rely on testing a mattress in the shop and shouldn't rely on the technical specification of the mattress as its too vague...

What should we do?

Technical specification is deliberately too vague in many of the big stores. I didn't say all sellers were vague.

Buy from a seller who gives a proper satisfaction guarantee (check their terms and conditions). It will then be in their interest to make sure that you make the right choice the first time. So tell them as much as possible about what you are after, and ask as many questions as you want. Then you can actually get to sleep on the mattress without waking up in the morning thinking you have made a terrible mistake, because you can exchange it, or get a refund.

Mob-Mat-Man

demonloop wrote: »

Any thoughts on the best 'brand'?

First Post - long time lurker. I think I have read nearly every post made about mattresses. As mattress retailing is my business (11yrs +) it makes sense to see how people think (Declaration of interest).

This is going to be a fairly long post but will not be regular however, if I see a post that really begs to be answered I will respond.

Firstly, I must say that I admire the time that TD spends on here. Although I do not agree with all he says - he does offer advice that I would endorse - in particular about Brands! - but that should be 'well known' brands.

There are over 100 independant UK mattress manufacturers - each with their own 'brand'. It is quite imposible to say which one is the best as it is equally imposible for any retailer to check them all out. As TD says, they mainly use traditional methods of manufacturing which in my mind would be the closest you will get to a hand made mattress. The detail finish at times may not be absolutely machine perfect, but when you are paying £100s or so less then this is a well accepted compromise.

Regarding which mattress is the best: This is like saying which car is the best. Look at what is on the inside - Model names and manufacturer's name really does not count for anything. Component parts and the price asked for such should be what you are comparing. If £200 can get 1000 pocket springs why on earth would you want to spend £200 on a cage sprung system no matter what is covering it?

TD is spot on about specs - When he talks about this you have to read between the lines as there is only so much that can be said. I have a fairly comprehensive database of Silentnight models and current retail prices and there is no posible way that all the models can be different (the prices certainly are) - other than at best fabric colour and quilting design.

As you now should know, this is to inhibit you from comparing prices. To further make the point - Bensons for Beds sell 'EXCLUSIVELY' Silentnight Miracoil 5 - No other retailer sells this model and it is not even on the Silentnight website. If it was any good, do you not think Silentnight would offer it to other retailers? So how can you do a price comparison? Furthermore - Silentnight have recently launched a product called PocketZing - Advanced Pocket Spring Technology(Oh please!) - have a look on the internet to see if you can find prices for this range - You can certailnly find them in stores! and unless you trawl through every shop in the country you will be unable to see if the price asked is the best price.

If the specification is not relevantly detailed such as depth of Memory Foam, Depth of latex, spring gauge and so on, then ask! SN is the worst offender of this 'Flowery Description' technique. To prove the point, look at all their high end latex models. It will more than likely say - sumptious layer of innergetic latex. Now Innergetic latex (Brand Name - but equally a premium product) is a premium natural latex, no qualms about that but how can you compare another model that uses latex without knowing how deep it is? BTW, as far 'as I can gather' the depth is actually 3cm. But as the retail prices are high you really can get better for your money.

As you will have concluded by now due to the size of this mattress thread, there are hundreds of whats, whys, ifs and buts. There are no right answers and no wrong answers. Use common sense. The absolute wrong approach is to believe that the more you spend will get you a better mattress - it really does not work like this. I am proud to be able to sell a double size, double sided 1000 pocket spring mattress with a decent weight polyester wadding for £175. It's cheap (pricewise) but your money will be in the mattress components not excessive markup or advertising.

Finally, if you have read this far - realise this. A Mattress Buying Guide that will tell you all you need to know about how to choose you perfect mattress is rather imposible to compile. There are too many combinations, variations, hype and outrageous tactics to take into account. You have to place trust in your bed retailer to give you the best advice and if he or she gets it wrong then you should be entitled to a full and easily obtained refund. If small independant retailers can do this then surely you should quite rightly expect it from the Big Boys.

If you know that the spring support system is the absolute heart of your mattress - and I would encourage everyone to have a pocket spring system (they are not expensive) and that (any and all) cage / Bonnell sprung system (Bag of Springs) no matter what brand names they are given should be avoided you will be on the right path. People who spend more than £500 for a mattress .. ? Ask what exactly does it contain to warrant you spending this amount?

To conclude, and as an endorsement to the spoutings of TD there is a video on You Tube (mine I declare - but take it as something that everyone should know rather than a plug - although I truly believe like another poster that when you find someone who is reputable it should be broadcast) that shows just what is inside a SN mattress compared to a 'similarly priced' mattress from lesser known manufacturer. Search You Tube for 'inside a mattress'.. I hope you will then understand that when TD says avoid well advertised brands, he is saying it for a reason.

PS. Please dont be taken in by the Sales. If a mattress is offered at Half Price at £299 then you should be getting £600 worth of mattress - that would be 2000 pocket springs, hand side stitched with a 2" latex layer - No Less! If it is a cage sprung system - you are being conned.

I hope this helps

John.

fsdss

Tim_Deegan wrote: »

There could be a huge difference between two mattresses that are both 1400 pocket sprung, the same depth, and are both hand tufted. It's the other fillings and quilting that can make a huge difference.

Most people leave reviews within a few days of delivery. This does not reflect long term reliability. This only reflects comfort when new.

Do you really believe what the adverts say????? Adverts are designed to sell, and will convince people who don't know better that the advertised product is better than other products on the market. The power of advertising often means that people are so convinced that the advertised product is so much better, then they will pay far more for it, and so the prices tend to be higher......This is the power of advertising, which the big companies can afford.

I have been told by 100's of customers that their previous mattress that was made by a company that is probably the biggest name in the industry, have lasted 12 to 18 months.

No i dont believe everything that the adverts say! but most people i know do!! i did state in my scenario that the fillings were the same (although quality i can accept could be different - but how am i to know?)

i am wanting a new bed as our faithful 14yr old divan (have changed the mattress) is now too small (going for a kingsize as i now want some room from my oh )

i was looking at these ones but so confusing

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Suede-Sprung-Edge-Divan-Large-Drawers/dp/B002F7HRPW?ie=UTF8&ref=ord_cart_shr&mnSBrand=core

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Autograph-F500-Latex-Pillowtop-Mattress/dp/B002F7DLIY?ie=UTF8&ref=ord_cart_shr&mnSBrand=core

or this one
http://www.dreams.co.uk/divan-sets/divan-sets/pocket-spring-beds/pocketspring-divan/cleopatra-divan-set/311-00648/product/

i know that they are different beds / mattresses btw

Tim_Deegan

fsdss wrote: »

No i dont believe everything that the adverts say! but most people i know do!! i did state in my scenario that the fillings were the same (although quality i can accept could be different - but how am i to know?)

i am wanting a new bed as our faithful 14yr old divan (have changed the mattress) is now too small (going for a kingsize as i now want some room from my oh )

i was looking at these ones but so confusing

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Suede-Sprung-Edge-Divan-Large-Drawers/dp/B002F7HRPW?ie=UTF8&ref=ord_cart_shr&mnSBrand=core

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Autograph-F500-Latex-Pillowtop-Mattress/dp/B002F7DLIY?ie=UTF8&ref=ord_cart_shr&mnSBrand=core

or this one
http://www.dreams.co.uk/divan-sets/divan-sets/pocket-spring-beds/pocketspring-divan/cleopatra-divan-set/311-00648/product/

i know that they are different beds / mattresses btw

What did you want to know about them?