Welcome to the MattressUnderGround, and we’re glad you decided to join the forum. It’s great that you’ve already spent time gathering information, and I’m sure that’s going to help you make a more informed decision moving forward.
When it comes to mattress shopping, I completely understand wanting to stick to a budget. We all have a price range that we need to work within. But I’d also suggest taking a moment to think about the big picture — what truly matters most when choosing a mattress? While it’s tempting to focus on staying within a specific budget, it’s important to also consider what will offer the most comfort, support, and durability for your unique sleep needs.
Sometimes, being a little flexible with the budget, or understanding that potentially, but not mandatory, a slightly higher investment might bring long-term benefits, can actually save you money in the future. A mattress is an investment in your quality of sleep and, by extension, your overall health and well-being.
So, when evaluating your options, try to take the time to really compare what’s best for you both in terms of comfort, support, and longevity. A mattress that fits your needs perfectly — even if it’s slightly above your target budget — can be well worth the extra cost if it means better sleep for years to come. If moving beyond that budget target is not possible, placing the budget aside temporarily, can open your mind to what you find the best suitable option and how to find that option within your budget. For example, you may find a high end name brand, a home run, at the same time, another manufacturer may offer an identical mattress, made with all of the same materials, fabrics, foams and springs, without the branded label that falls well within your budget.
Additionally, getting a sense of what’s available at different price points can help you calibrate your expectations, so when you do find a mattress that’s just right, you’ll have a clearer sense of whether it’s worth stretching the budget a little or finding ways to save elsewhere.
Your description of the “vibe” you felt at the national retail chain really strikes a chord, and it highlights some key issues within the mattress industry, particularly with legacy brands like the “S” brands. I’ve brought this up in previous threads, but it’s worth revisiting. I often compare the mattress industry — especially the major legacy brands — to the American auto industry of the 1970s. Back then, American automakers lost their way, and quality declined. Meanwhile, Japanese automakers entered the market with higher-quality, more fuel-efficient vehicles, effectively filling the void.
Similarly, after Y2K, the mattress industry underwent a similar shift. Many of the high-end legacy mattress brands started producing one-sided mattresses, and, as a result of mergers and acquisitions, the focus shifted from quality to profit. In an effort to prioritize shareholder equity, these companies began sacrificing the quality they had once been known for in favor of cutting costs. This change significantly impacted the overall reputation and product offerings of these brands.
This created a double-edged sword. On one hand, it paved the way for the rise of the “Bed in a Box” industry, but more importantly, it introduced a shift toward high-quality, American-made mattresses, as opposed to lower-quality, foreign-made alternatives. However, the marketing tactics that followed have led to significant confusion. Many marketing firms now pose as mattress companies, and there’s a lack of consistency and transparency regarding the origin of foreign-made products. These companies often over-promise on quality, yet fail to meet expectations, leaving consumers frustrated and misinformed.
I wanted to get these concepts out there so you can ultimately make a better informed decision and understand the shift in the market over the past decade or so.
Moving on to your mattress. Paying $4-5k sometimes will yield a super mattress and other times a high price for marketing and advertising.
Considering you are both plus sized sleepers, one of the first things you want to consider is your posture and alignment. Typically a very supportive support layer in the mattress, be it, firm quality appropriately gauge spring support, or a higher density quality foam support, As a side sleeper and a combo sleeper, and a 50lbs difference between the two of you, it may be necessary to split the internal comfort layer within the mattress. I would not say it is mandatory, particularly if you have been comfortable on a single feel mattress previously. Since you are in the market for a new mattress, rest assured there are many options for split comfort, without moving to a split king (2 twin xl) set up. Having purchased a split set up for an elderly relative, and other consumer reviews, a split internal comfort layer incorporated inside the king, goes virtually unnoticeable.
Regarding the adjustable base, the yawnder3 seen here, which is a private labeled ergo motion Rio 3, is an excellent choice for a better than basic adjustable base.
When it comes to mattresses, because you live in SC, one of the Trusted Members here at TMU, @EngineeredSleep comes to mind first. Their Duo line offers king mattresses that the comfort can be individualized, or uniform. They are above your budget target, since you are an hour or so apart, it may be worth the trip to “kick the tires” on what they have to offer. You may find that split comfort is not necessary and a mattress such as their classic hybrid, much like the two sided classic mattresses reminiscent of when you purchased your first mattress as a couple or what you may have had growing up.
This would be a good first step. These are folks who will treat you more like a patient than a car buyer. They will delve deep into your needs and preferences to find you the most compatible mattress.
If you are not afraid of buying on line, and you should not be, as the BinB industry are producing mattresses that more than rival their fully expanded counterparts. You have a host of manufacturers here at TMU along with quality American BiB manufacturers such as Brooklyn Bedding, Naturepedic and a notable few others. In that genre, mattresses like the Brooklyn Bedding Titan Series, Plank Luxe, Helix Plus, Nolah Evo Comfort+ are very capable options, but with with uniform comfort for both sleepers. Although the Plank Luxe is a flippable mattress with a super firm side and a traditional firm side.
This should get you rolling and your feeback is welcome with any questions you might have. Remember mattresses are subjective, everyone is going to have their own take on what is comfortable for them. What is comfortable for one person, may not be comfortable for another person of similar body profiles.
It is important to discuss these features with a true mattress professional. The folks here at TMU have been doing it for years, in some cases generations.
All the best,
Maverick.