? about mattresses - foam vs. spring

[migirl]

Any insights into foam versus spring mattresses? I've only ever really had spring mattresses, but I've read in a couple of places that a good-quality memory foam is better than spring.

We're getting IKEA bunk beds for the boys in our new house and getting the mattresses from IKEA as well. They cost the same, I just don't know which would be better. Or is it just a matter of personal preference?

[GreyhoundsRUs]

We have a tempurpedic - and we LOVE it! People either love or hate memory foam.

Some things to think about:
Foam mattresses retain heat.
There is no "bounce" to a foam mattress (might be something good for the kids!)
Once you go tempurpedic - you can't go back IMHO We love going on vacation, but compare every bed to ours!

[Deebs]

My parents have a tempurpedic, and I think it's hot. BUT, once I had kids I became a hot sleeper, so if that's not a problem for you, you might just find the warmth cozy. When I pick out a mattress, I lay down on it in the store, try others, and come back and lay down again. I think it's the only way to pick one.

[peggyfromwastate]

I would look for a sale on mattresses somewhere else. Nothing against IKEA, but mattresses are constantly on sale, and you can talk down the price too. We've bargained at a mattress store before. Single mattresses for bunk beds can be pretty cheap. I would get as cheap as possible for bunk beds...

And I wouldn't get foam bc of the heat issue. That's a personal preference and also bc my boys sweat a lot when they sleep. I wouldn't want them even hotter! There's be a pool of sweat in the bed... And that reminds me-- your boys are young, so you may want some of the covers for the mattress just in case of bed wetting!

Have fun! I have a love hate relationship with bunk beds. Love the space saving. Hate changing the sheets. Huge PITA.

[Pollyanna]

And I wouldn't get foam bc of the heat issue. That's a personal preference and also bc my boys sweat a lot when they sleep. I wouldn't want them even hotter! There's be a pool of sweat in the bed... And that reminds me-- your boys are young, so you may want some of the covers for the mattress just in case of bed wetting!

Most people I know around here dump their foam mattress after about 5 years, the heat becomes just too much plus they don't seem to hold up as well. I completely agree on getting a waterproof cover because the kids will, pee, throw up, etc. How are foam mattresses to clean?

[GreyhoundsRUs]

We have had our mattress for almost 5 years, and it is as comfortable as it was day 1! We keep a waterproof cover on it - and it's my/DH's bed! We just didn't want to spill anything on it - especially in the middle of the night or when one of us is sick! We've never had to clean it

We've gotten used to the heat - it is horrible, though, when you don't have AC

We have a friend who bought a knock-off foam mattress, and it was crappy about 2 years after...so the extra $$ is worth it with the foam!

[scrub-jay]

We have a box spring, but are very curious about the foam. From what we've heard - there is a big difference between branded Tempur Pedic and other knock-off brands. Just a thought.

[migirl]

I decided to go with the box spring, the heat issue is what swayed me. The bedrooms are on the second floor of an old house, and my boys are always hot anyway! I have waterproof covers on their beds now, and that makes them even hotter at night.

[SoonerTexan]

We just bought a Sealy spring mattress with a memory foam top at TJMaxx for $500. Hopefully best of both worlds?

[ides]

I have to have spring mattresses. Foam and plastic waterproof covers make me sweat even if it's not hot out. My body just doesn't like it. We do have a breathable semi waterproof mattress cover on the bed that seems to work for us. I tried a plastic backed cover for it originally and it made me sweat and I was unable to sleep.

[diggitydot]

They now have cooling gel memory foam beds. They're pretty spiffy. Also, some of the bed pad/liners cut the thermal effect of the foam by a LOT.

I'm not a fan of soft beds, but after buying the memory foam one last year, I'll never have another traditional bed. Most comfortable sleep ever, but t did take a little while to get accustomed to the difference.

[Sheherezade]

Totally unnecessary aside on this but I stumbled on to an internet debate about foam vs. spring awhile back that seemed to indicate that foam mattresses were hard on your sex life because they lacked "bounce". Hmmm. There are even you tube videos on making the decision and whether the sex life issue is real or not. Anyhoo, that's what I always think of now when the Tempurpedic ads with young couples holding hands and gazing in to each others eyes come on. "We're closer than ever!" Ummm, yeah. Wonder if the ad department is silently addressing that issue...

[GrayMatterWife]

We have a foam. We like it.

Warning: can be some odd "traction" and "balance" issues...if you know what I mean...see Sheherezade's comments...

[GreyhoundsRUs]

It is odd getting used to no "motion in the ocean" Plus, your knees can sink in slowly...

[SuzySunshine]

We just got a memory foam a few weeks ago - we have no complaints