I've always owned Beautyrest mattresses. A friend in the furniture business recommended them and I have always been really happy with that choice. Whenever I have had family stay at my house and slept in my beds, they all ask me what kind of mattresses I have because they are so comfortable. I have found that they hold up well too. The one I have now is 12 years old and still very comfortable, not matted down at all. Their independent spring system makes for a really nice support and never sags. Can't go wrong with their products. I have also found that the Beautyrests tend to be among the highest rated when they do consumer surveys, definitely the best value when you consider cost. I would not bother with the gel foam though -- you don't need it and it could mat down with time. Stick with their mid level regular Beautyrest models. I have used the gel foam mattresses (in rental vacation homes and camper rentals) and found them to be uncomfortably hot and really not that supportive after the initial comfort feeling.

It sounds like a natural latex mattress would be a great option for you. Mattresses made of this material are more "low-profile" than conventional inner-spring mattresses (typically around 7" thick) and they are much longer-lasting because there are not any moving parts to bend or break over time. Natural latex provides better pressure-point reduction than memory foam (because it has a quicker response time) and it is much cooler to sleep on because it is a natural, breathable material. Natural latex is mold-, mildew- and dust-mite resistant... so if you suffer from allergies at all, this material will create a much healthier sleep environment.

On top of al that, traditional mattresses are full of harmful chemicals... flame-retardants, anti-fungals, fixatives, anti-felting agents, etc. Memory foam is actually petrochemical-based (so it is like sleeping on crude oil). It looks like most of the mattresses you are considering are pretty "high-end"... so why not consider a healthy, organic mattress (that is also incredibly comfortable and long-lasting) for the same price as these conventional ones? Here is a link to the mattress I sleep on: http://www.lifekind.com/index.php/site_c... Before I got this mattress, I was sleeping on the floor because of back pain! These mattresses are even made in a certified Eco Factory in California... hands down the best (and purest) mattress you can find!

Mattresses by Sealy are good up to my knowledge. I have used them and they are very comfortable and come in all sizes.

Simmons beautyrest is an excellent choice. And don't be afraid - these mattresses are not too warm. You can buy for example Recharge mattress - it uses CoolAir technology

My mattress is ancient and falling apart.

I'm an overweight short middle-aged woman who weighs about 210 lbs. I have occasional mild lower back pain and (recently diagnosed) mild sleep apnea. I fall asleep either on my side or my stomach. I tend to get too warm sometimes when I sleep, I don't want a mattress that would increase that.

I have an old bed that doesn't have a lot of space for the new mattresses; the current mattress and foundation take up a total of 12 inches in height; and I can't go beyond about 13 or 14" in height, or the mattress will be higher than the footboard. A new bed is a possibility, but not at the moment.

I've looked at four mattress retailers and found four mattresses I liked, but I can't decide which one to buy.

1. Simmons Beautyrest Legend Firm - it feels pretty good, definitely firm. The saleswoman swore that this was the mattress that aligned my body/spine the best. It has memory foam/gel; but I can't find out how thick. I don't want to get too warm.

2. Gardner Mattress "Sacro Quilted" mattress; I think it's Firm. This one felt wonderful, softer than the Simmons. More expensive.

3. Stearns & Foster Balerno Firm - the salesgirl at this retailer said they don't stock Simmons because Simmons doesn't have titanium coils, which provide more flexibility (is this true?). This mattress felt nice.

4. Natura World Latex Torrence Firm - felt good.

Advice is appreciated. I'm not sure I can trust the salespeople!