Hi luobingmel,
Welcome to the Mattress UnderGround and becoming a member of our community.
I hear you! Mattress shopping can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance comfort with your spine alignment and neck/back issues. It seems like you prefer something firm but with a little softness. Not too much different than from my preferences,
Since you’ve mentioned TMJ and Bruxism, along with your ongoing neck and back problems, it’s crucial to find something that supports natural spinal alignment. The firmness you liked in the floor setup with a tatami mat makes sense, but you’d like a little more cushioning for comfort.
When considering Avocado (Green tends to be their firmer model) and Sleep On Latex, both are popular for their latex construction, which tends to be firm, supportive, and breathable which is ideal for your back and neck needs. Companies sometimes change their materials or processes, and that could explain the new issues you’re seeing. Honestly, despite Avocado not being a Trusted Member here at TMU, most folks I speak with find that Avocado’s products have been getting better, not worse. I suppose it matters what exactly you are seeking in the mattress. If you’re still drawn to latex, Sleep On Latex could be a good alternative, particularly their “Pure Green” line, known for durability and firmness. Since it’s sold online, their return policy could give you peace of mind if you decide to try it out. One thing you need to be conscious of is that both Avocado and SoL, their mattresses are not adjustable, so what you order is what you get.
Since you have some medical and comfort issues, you may want to consider the route of something that is either customizable at home, or as needed when trying a mattress model in a showroom.
Naturepedic (@TheCleanBedroom highlights them here on TMU) is another solid option if you want a non-toxic, eco-friendly mattress that still supports healthy sleep. While they offer a lot of customization, which you find overwhelming, they do have some pre-configured models that might work for you without the need to make too many decisions. On the other hand, the fact that they are customizable allows for less invasive modifications once you get the mattress in your home and have trialed it for a month or so.
If you don’t want a customized mattress, companies like latex mattress factory (@Latex_Mattress_Fact1), @Arizona_Premium, and @My_Green_Mattress and might offer a simpler approach with straightforward options, without overwhelming you with choices. Keep in mind that most TMs here are happy to collaborate with you, to create an ideal solution for your sleep needs. I would strongly recommend you call each of them first before making a random purchase. All of these folks are experienced professionals and can sort out what would typically be the best combinations within their product lines.
Depending on geographical location, you may have additional options, for example, if you are in the Berkeley California region, I strongly recommend visiting TMU’s TM @EuropeanSleep Works.
You may have seen my shout-out to them after visiting their showroom during my vacation this past weekend. Like many of the Trusted Members at TMU, ESW is committed to sustainability, quality, and providing an experience that ensures you are fitted with the perfect bedding system, all while focusing on your comfort and sleep. An interesting thing to note is that their customization, personalized service, and precise fit don’t always come with a hefty price tag. While you can certainly spend as much as you’d like, prices for a queen start under $1500, which is a pleasant surprise given the private, independent showroom and the level of personalized attention.
Given that you prefer sleeping on firm, flat surfaces, it would be good to aim for a firm mattress, possibly with a thin, soft topper, to maintain support but add comfort. A hybrid or firm latex mattress might be the right balance. Since soft mattresses have proven to be too soft for you in the past, something firmer should help with spinal support, especially with your movement while sleeping.
One word of advice here that seems to ring more familiar as I test more and more mattresses, do not get hung up on a particular category of firmness level. I love a firm mattress and sleep on the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Luxe as most here know, and is known for being one of the firmest mattresses in the market. And yes my wife and I love it. While still loving a firm mattress, the overall construction is really what determines what might be a right fit and comfort.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to try a Hästens Grand Vividus mattress, which costs $659,000. Forgetting the price, the mattress was incredibly comfortable, even though it wasn’t as firm as my Plank Luxe. It provided a completely different experience, as it lacked latex, synthetic materials, or any foam.
On Saturday, I tested over a dozen mattress combinations at ESW. I quickly realized that I didn’t like the softer ones, but the firmer options were incredibly comfortable, contouring and pressure-relieving—much more so than my Plank Luxe. Several of them felt like they’d be a pleasure to sleep on. The Heritage and Nordic II models were so comfortable that I would have had no hesitation trading in my Plank Luxe for either one. This is a big deal, as I’m usually quite stubborn about my mattress comfort.
Steve at ESW really opened my eyes by showing me how I could customize a latex mattress to my liking, dismissing my initial concerns about the “push-back” feeling I thought would be uncomfortable.
The pillow! Pillows are my passion and specialty (this is my pillow journey) not including the new Oxygen Pillow I just ordered on Saturday, and finding the perfect one isn’t always easy. It needs to match your body shape, account for any physical limitations, complement your mattress firmness, and suit your sleeping position to ensure it’s the right fit for you.
I’ve experimented with a few “off-script” pillow materials, like hulls, plastic tubing (which was a bit strange), and others. However, I’ve found that more traditional options, such as latex, latex noodles, wool, horsehair, down/feathers, and even high-density memory foam, come closest to my preferences. I’ve also realized that I need a variety of pillow types and firmness levels. For example, after a long flight, my CozyPure Baa-Noodle (with added noodles) feels perfect. On other days, my horsehair pillow provides the ideal firmness and secure support I need.
I know I injected a lot of my own experiences here, but the takeaway should be is not to put yourself in a particular corner. Keep an open mind to some options that you might not have thought feasible. One thing that you will find, it there is more than one style mattress that will satisfy your comfort needs.
All the best,
Maverick
