Mattress guide
MattressKing

The Ultimate
Mattress Buying Guide

Buying a new mattress can be a real headache. How can something that is supposed to help you relax bring so much stress?

Between types of mattresses, sleeping styles, and added features, it can be difficult to even know where to begin. Mattress manufacturers will confuse things further, as they all claim they have the best mattress.

The truth is, everyone’s mattress needs are different.

Luckily, we’ve spent decades in the industry, helping countless people find their ideal mattress.

We’ve compiled those years of experience into this simple, straightforward guide, to help you rest easy as soon as possible! With that said, here is Mattress King’s ultimate guide to finding a new mattress in 2020 and beyond.

There are seven simple questions you’ll need to answer to find your ideal mattress.

1. Do you need a mattress?

First and foremost you should understand if you even need a new mattress.

This question alone can divide the average mattress buyer. There are typically two groups of people: those who replace mattresses too early, and those who are still sleeping on a mattress from the 1980’s.

Obviously both extremes have their own problems. Luckily the solution to both is understanding the signs your mattress is ready to be replaced.

In general, the rule of thumb is to replace your mattress every 7–10 years. However, this timeline varies based on a number of factors, and mattresses don’t have internal timers.

The best way to know when it is time for a change is to pay attention to the signs of an aging mattress.

If your mattress is over 5 years old, start to take note of how you are sleeping. For instance, are you noticing back pain that wasn’t there a few years ago? Maybe you are waking up groggy, or notice you toss and turn in your sleep.

These can be signs of a number of issues, including a sad, tired mattress.
Understanding your mattress Lifespan
It is also important to understand the average lifespan of your mattress. If you have a newer mattress based on your type, other issues may be at the root of your sleeping problems, such as incorrect pillows or too much light in the room.

We have broken down the average lifespan of a mattress by type below.
Mattress Type
Average Lifespan
Comment
Innerspring Mattress
7-8 years
Innerspring mattresses – The “classic” mattress style. While innerspring mattresses are affordable, the foam within them starts to stick to the springs over time, making for an uncomfortable sleeping experience sooner than other mattress types.
Memory Foam Mattress
5-7 years
Memory Foam Mattresses – Memory foam mattresses or gel memory foam mattresses ditch springs for a responsive foam that supports the body. The one issue that we’ve experienced over the years of selling mattresses is that memory foam mattresses that are all foam end up developing soft spots where you lay and customers will have a complaint of sleeping in a hole, this is the reason hybrid mattresses have become much more popular over the past 5 or so years.
Latex Mattress
10-13 years
Latex Mattresses – Latex mattresses also ditch springs altogether, using a highly resilient latex as the core of the bed instead. These are the ultimate mattresses when it comes to longevity, and can easily last over a decade with good care.
Pocketed Coil Mattress
8-12 years
Individual pocketed coil mattresses – Pocketed coil mattresses take the original spring mattress design and greatly improve it by encasing individual springs in their own pockets of foam. This leads to a longer lifespan and often much more comfortable sleep. Back pain sufferers can also be better accommodated with a zoned pocketed coil that provides extra support for the lower back and hip.
Hybrid Mattress
8-12 years
Hybrid mattresses – Hybrid mattresses are a mix of individual pocketed coils and a topper such as memory foam, gel memory foam or the specialty foam. Many consider the Hybrid to be the best of both worlds. They provide the desired comfort of rich memory foam with the individualized personal comfort of the pocketed coil and sleep much cooler than all foam mattresses. They can last longer than both spring mattresses and memory foam mattresses, as using both pocketed coils and foam helps compensate for the weaknesses of each.
Other factors affecting the lifespan
There are other factors that affect the lifespan of your individual mattress as well.
Other factors that may reduce the lifespan of your mattress include:
  • Not turning the mattress regularly
  • Sleeping in the same spot and position each night
  • Being overweight
  • Allowing animals on the mattress
  • Allowing children to jump on the mattress
  • Food and drink spills on the mattress
The other thing to consider is the health of the mattress. Any mattress over 5 years old is full of a number of unwanted guests, such as:
  • Dust mites
  • Bacteria
  • Sweat
  • Oils from your skin
  • Dead skin cells
It doesn’t matter how clean you think you are – these things will get into your mattress with time.
1. Buy a mattress protector
Keep those dead skin cells and oils out of your mattress with a washable protector.
2. Use a good foundation
Foundations help promote airflow and reduce impact and wear on the mattress.
3. Rotate the mattress
Rotate your mattress about once every three months to keep it from getting lumpy or wearing down in one area.
4. Wash your bed sheets regularly
Regular washing helps keep extra oils, dust, and skin cells from seeping into the mattress.
5. Keep the pets away
No pets on a mattress means no accidents, and keeps their dirt from getting onto your bedding.
6. Jump-free zone
Kids jumping on the bed puts stress on the mattress, and can age the bed very quickly.
7. Air out the mattress
Once a month, let the mattress get some sunlight, as UV rays can help kill bacteria and evaporate any lingering humidity in the bed.
Signs you need a new mattress
With all of these variables to consider, it is easy to see how a simple question such as “Do you need a new mattress?” – is anything but simple.
So here are some strong signs you need a new mattress:
  • You do not wake up feeling rested
  • You wake up in pain
  • You feel pressure points of pain where your body contacts your mattress
  • You wake up groggy
  • Your mattress looks or feels saggy or lumpy
  • Your mattress squeaks or creaks as you move
  • You sleep much better in a hotel room or friend’s house
  • You feel as if your mattress swallows you each night
  • You toss and turn to get comfortable each night
  • You wake up to change position throughout the night
If this sounds like you – the answer is yes, it’s time for a new mattress.

2. Which mattress types are available?

Once you know you need a new mattress, its time to explore your options. Understanding the mattress types available to you and how they differ is going to help narrow down your search in a big way, and is a huge step towards buying a new mattress.

We’ve condensed the research here for you to make it both comprehensive and easy to understand.
Innerspring Mattress
Made of:
Metal springs lined with foam
Average Price:
$300-$700
Satisfaction rating:
6/10
An innerspring mattress is what most people think of when they think of a mattress. It has been the standard for sleep for decades, and is only very recently losing its tight grip on the world of sleep.

With that said, it is still by far the most common type of mattress, as it provides relatively good customer satisfaction at a great price.

The core of the mattress is a series of sturdy, intertwined steel springs, supported from the outside by more steel for strong edge support.

Foam is packed all around these springs to provide the cushion to the mattress. The overall mattress weight is generally high due to the steel springs, and they have to be shipped full size.

Innerspring mattresses are cooler because they do not hug the body. However this also means they do not contour to the body much and may be less comfortable. Overall they still provide stronger support at a good cost. However, they do break down faster than other options.
Sweetnight | Plush
Traditional Mattress with Softness
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Plush
Mattress Type:
Traditional Innerspring
Starting at $259.95

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5900 Mattress Front View - Foam Encased Edge Support & Standard Innerspring for Value-Driven Comfort and Medium Feel | Mattress King, Oklahoma
5900 | Medium
Great Starter or Guest Bed Choice
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Medium
Mattress Type:
Traditional Innerspring
Starting at $299.95 $379.00

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Cascade | Medium
Our Budget Pick
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Medium
Mattress Type:
Traditional Innerspring
Starting at $185.95

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Cascade | Firm
Traditional Entry Level Mattress
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Firm
Mattress Type:
Traditional Innerspring
Starting at $169.95

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All Foam “Memory Foam“ Mattress
Made of:
Layers of foam with varying densities
Average Price:
$600-$5400
Satisfaction rating:
4/10
All foam or Memory foam mattresses are more popular than ever, especially with people who look to move away from innerspring mattresses.

The entire structure of a memory foam mattress is made from specific low-resistance foam. This foam has a good response to pressure, and helps contour the body much better than spring mattresses, thus reducing pressure points.

The mattresses tend to be medium-firm to firm, and may provide the ideal comfort and support for people with aches and pains during sleep.

As the now-famous commercials show us, memory foam mattresses do not transfer motion from one part of the bed to another. This is great for partners who work different hours or those who move throughout the night. Movements on a foam mattress are much less likely to disturb someone sleeping next to you.

However, foam mattresses have a reputation for being much hotter than other options. Luckily, technology has also helped the mattress world evolve. Now there are a number of cooler foam options to choose from, including specific cooling gel foams or foams which allow more air to circulate to the body. They can be packed and shipped much easier than innerspring models. Also, keep in mind these All foam or “Memory Foam” Mattresses do tend to develop soft spots where a person lays over a period of a couple of years.

The type of foam is important to note here, as most models are not made of 100% memory foam. Some may contain other harmful ingredients, such as formaldehyde or flame retardants. There are a bunch of lesser expensive All Foam or Memory Foam mattresses that are being sold on Amazon, Wal-mart, and Wayfair that are imported from China and these mattresses have lots of complaints about strong chemical smells. Look for CertiPUR-US certified mattress foams to avoid these issues.
Craftsmanship and Style of Nectar | Medium Mattress - Mattress King
The Nectar Mattress | Medium
Classic All Foam Mattress
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Medium
Mattress Type:
All Foam
Starting at $359.00 $599.00

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Craftsmanship and Style of the Nectar Premier | Medium-Firm Mattress - Mattress King
The Nectar Premier | Medium-Firm
Most Popular All Foam Mattress
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Medium-Firm
Mattress Type:
All Foam
Starting at $699.00 $1,049.00

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Latex Mattresses
Made of:
Natural or synthetic latex
Average Price:
$1,800-$5,500
Satisfaction rating:
7/10
Latex mattresses are often marketed as an alternative to memory foam. They provide sturdy support, but do not give as much as you lay on them. This means you are less likely to feel swallowed up by a latex mattress compared to a memory foam mattress.

Additionally, latex mattresses are cooler than memory foam – even with the advanced cooling foams on the market. Latex mattresses are much more responsive to motion than memory foam. The more you push on them, the more they push back.

Because of this, hybrids tend to be good for many sleepers, and provide a nice mix of comfort and support. They also tend to be cooler than memory foam or all foam mattresses, but not as pricey as latex.

They also have a much higher lifespan than other mattress options, as they are extremely durable.

However, latex mattresses are very expensive compared to other options. They are also very heavy.

They can also give off a chemical smell for the first few days that can make it difficult or impossible to sleep on, though this goes away with time.
Front view of Powell | Medium mattress showcasing craftsmanship and style - Mattress King
Powell | Medium
Hybrid Support + Hypoallergenic
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Medium
Mattress Type:
Upgraded Hybrid
Starting at $739.95

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Lanier | Luxury Plush
Superior Comfort + Hypoallergenic
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Plush
Mattress Type:
Pocketed Coil
Starting at $999.95

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Radiance | Luxury Plush-Medium Mattress in Room Setting
Radiance | Luxury Plush-Medium
Hybrid Support + Hypoallergenic
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Plush-Medium
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,099.95 $1,299.95

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Wrangell | Luxury Medium-Firm
Hypoallergenic + Copper Infused
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Medium-Firm
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,299.95

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Haven | Luxury Plush Mattress in Room Setting
Haven | Luxury Plush
Our Pinnacle of Luxury and Softness
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Plush
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,299.95 $1,499.00

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NXT 3000  | Luxury Medium Latex Hybrid Mattress front view and is a King's Choice at Mattress King Oklahoma
NXT 3000 | Luxury Medium
Lumbar Support + Hypoallergenic + Copper Infused
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Medium
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,399.95 $1,629.00

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NXT 4000 Latex Gel Memory Foam Premium Hybrid front view of the mattress - Mattress King
NXT 4000 | Luxury Plush
Hand Tufting + Lumbar Support + Hypoallergenic
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Plush
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,579.95 $1,979.00

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Pocketed Coil Mattresses
Made of:
Individual pocketed springs topped foam for added comfort
Average Price:
$550-$2,700
Satisfaction rating:
8.9/10
Individual pocketed coil mattresses make a good choice for many people. They take the strong support of a spring mattress and add new levels of comfort to it.

They can have a lower price than many more “luxurious” options such as latex and foam, but may offer comparable features.

In many areas, pocketed coil mattresses are taking over the “industry standard” slot from innerspring mattresses.

The main reason for this is that the mattress is made up of hundreds of individual springs. These individual springs allow for new levels of comfort and responsiveness in the mattress that the design of an innerspring could never achieve.

Because these springs move independently, they can also contour to the body better than intertwined springs. The added foam on top of these mattresses helps provide more comfortable support as well. Together, these features mean these mattresses also have less motion transfer than innerspring mattresses.

At the same time, pocketed coils are more sturdy than foam mattresses, and provide stronger support for those who need it. The spring strength also means they tend to last much longer than a foam core.

However, these mattresses can also be very heavy, and they have to be shipped full size. Additionally, foam quality can really make or break these mattresses. Low quality foam can make for a very uncomfortable sleeping experience down the road.
Essence | Plush
Great Starter or Guest Bed Choice
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Plush
Mattress Type:
Pocketed Coil
Starting at $369.95

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Indigo | Luxury Plush-Medium
Unique Comfort + Lumbar Support
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Plush-Medium
Mattress Type:
Pocketed Coil
Starting at $949.95

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Presidential Luxury Plush Cooling Hybrid Mattress and it's the King's choice - Foam Encased Pocketed Coil with Lumbar Support, Micro Coil, and Proprietary Silk Foam for Luxurious Plush Hybrid Feel. Unique Black Ice Top Cover with Phase Change Material for Cooling | Mattress King
Presidential | Luxury Plush
Silk-Like Comfort + Ice Feel
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Plush
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,399.95 $1,749.00

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Majestic Chill | Luxury Medium
Tempur-Pedic Feel * Lumbar Support
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Medium
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $999.95

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Florence | Medium
Upgraded Traditional Mattress
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Medium
Mattress Type:
Pocketed Coil
Starting at $499.95

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Abigail | Firm
Best for Money
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Firm
Mattress Type:
Pocketed Coil
Starting at $449.95

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Sapphire | Plush-Medium
Premium Comfort + Unbeatable Price
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Plush-Medium
Mattress Type:
Pocketed Coil
Starting at $449.00

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Craftsmanship and style of the Dreamer | Plush Mattress and is a King's Choice at Mattress King in Oklahoma.
Dreamer | Plush
Premium Traditional Mattress
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Plush
Mattress Type:
Pocketed Coil
Starting at $819.95 $1,029.00

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Hybrid Mattresses
Made of:
Individual pocketed springs with specialty foam non-quilted top
Average Price:
$1,100-$2,600
Satisfaction rating:
9.2/10
A hybrid mattress may refer to a blend of one or more mattress types, though it initially meant a blend between a pocketed coil mattress and a memory foam mattress. Plus hybrid mattresses have a smooth top fabric without the traditional tack and jump quilting that an innerspring or pocketed coil mattress may have.

Hybrids aim to make up for the ways mattress types are lacking by combining them with other supportive mattress types. For instance, the individual pocked coils in a hybrid mattress provide strong support, but the memory foam top provides the needed comfort the pocket springs may lack.

Because of this, hybrids tend to be good for many sleepers, and provide a nice mix of comfort and support. They also tend to be cooler than memory foam or all foam mattresses, but not as pricey as latex.

The memory foam or gel memory foam on these mattresses will make for better motion transfer, while the pocketed springs will help keep you from feeling swallowed by the foam.

However, hybrids are very heavy, which makes shipping and delivery a chore. They can also be much more expensive than simple spring or foam options. With that said, people who are willing to spend the money may be much more satisfied with their purchase. Hybrids are a great choice for someone that wants to dial in their comfort and maximize support.


Becca | Plush
Hybrid Support + Cloud Like Feel
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Plush
Mattress Type:
Upgraded Hybrid
Starting at $629.95

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Pikes | Medium-Firm
Conforming Comfort + Hybrid Support
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Medium-Firm
Mattress Type:
Upgraded Hybrid
Starting at $739.95

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Powell | Medium
Hybrid Support + Hypoallergenic
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Medium
Mattress Type:
Upgraded Hybrid
Starting at $739.95

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Ballard | Medium
Hybrid Support + Unbeatable Value
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Medium
Mattress Type:
Upgraded Hybrid
Starting at $849.95

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Majestic Chill | Luxury Medium
Tempur-Pedic Feel * Lumbar Support
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Medium
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $999.95

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Majestic Chill | Luxury Firm
Tempur-Pedic Feel * Lumbar Support
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Firm
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,099.95

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Radiance | Luxury Plush-Medium
Hybrid Support + Hypoallergenic
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Plush-Medium
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,099.95 $1,299.95

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Presidential | Luxury Medium
Silk-Like Comfort + Ice Feel
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Medium
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,199.95 $1,499.00

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NXT 2000 | Luxury Medium-Firm
Lumbar Support + Hypoallergenic + Copper Infused
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Medium-Firm
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,229.95 $1,539.00

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Haven | Luxury Plush
Our Pinnacle of Luxury and Softness
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Plush
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,299.95 $1,499.00

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NXT 3000 | Luxury Medium
Lumbar Support + Hypoallergenic + Copper Infused
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Medium
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,399.95 $1,629.00

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Presidential | Luxury Plush
Silk-Like Comfort + Ice Feel
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Plush
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,399.95 $1,749.00

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NXT 4000 | Luxury Plush
Hand Tufting + Lumbar Support + Hypoallergenic
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Plush
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,579.95 $1,979.00

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NXT 5000 | Luxury Plush
Hand Tufting + Lumbar Support + Hypoallergenic
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Plush
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,579.95 $1,979.00

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3. Which mattress type is best for your sleeping style?

Now that you understand the different beds on the market and have an idea for your price range, it’s time to understand which mattresses will work for you in particular. This has a lot to do with how you sleep.

In general, people either sleep on their side, back, or stomach. The way you sleep will determine the kind of support you need. Finding your match is a huge part of buying a new mattress.

Mattresses for side sleepers
Most people are side sleepers. Side sleepers have to consider a few things when buying a mattress. Most importantly, side sleepers do not distribute their weight evenly on the bed. This can create pressure points. The best mattresses for them will be mattresses that relieve these pressure points to reduce pain and discomfort.

Aim for a mattress on the softer side, usually including a blend of :
  • Latex
  • Memory Foam
  • Gel Foam
  • Serene Gel Foam
  • Graphite Memory Foam
Serene Gel Memory foam is the go-to here, as it is very contouring and relieves pressure points very well. Some people may also benefit from the support of hybrid mattresses or innerspring mattresses topped with memory foam. A hybrid is generally the best all around option for a side sleeper because of the added support and ability to sleep cooler.

Essence | Plush
Great Starter or Guest Bed Choice
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Plush
Mattress Type:
Pocketed Coil
Starting at $369.95

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Indigo | Luxury Plush-Medium
Unique Comfort + Lumbar Support
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Plush-Medium
Mattress Type:
Pocketed Coil
Starting at $949.95

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Ballard | Medium
Hybrid Support + Unbeatable Value
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Medium
Mattress Type:
Upgraded Hybrid
Starting at $849.95

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Florence | Medium
Upgraded Traditional Mattress
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Medium
Mattress Type:
Pocketed Coil
Starting at $499.95

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Haven | Luxury Plush Mattress in Room Setting
Haven | Luxury Plush
Our Pinnacle of Luxury and Softness
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Plush
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,299.95 $1,499.00

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Radiance | Luxury Plush-Medium Mattress in Room Setting
Radiance | Luxury Plush-Medium
Hybrid Support + Hypoallergenic
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Luxury Plush-Medium
Mattress Type:
Premium Hybrid
Starting at $1,099.95 $1,299.95

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Becca | Plush
Hybrid Support + Cloud Like Feel
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Plush
Mattress Type:
Upgraded Hybrid
Starting at $629.95

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Sapphire | Plush-Medium
Premium Comfort + Unbeatable Price
Support
Pressure Relief
Air Circulation
Feel:
Plush-Medium
Mattress Type:
Pocketed Coil
Starting at $449.00

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