I made my bed but I'm tired of lying in it

[and1grad]

Its time I upgraded my bed game. I'm still sleeping on a full and I need something bigger. I've been thinking Queen but is there a noticeable difference b/w that and King or Cali King? Also, how do I shop for a mattress? I have one now thats kind of firm and I'm not a big fan. I want it to be crazy soft...I'm talking cotton candy here. Also, are there certain name brands that present the best quality? Frames I should try to avoid or look for? Stores I should avoid?

Any advice?

[wordsmith]

There IS a noticeable diff. between a queen and a king/cali king (just like between a full and a queen).

I have a queen. I would recomment going the king route, though, b/c it's easier to move a king than a queen, because a king usually has two twin-size box springs, not a large queen sized box spring, and the box springs are the ones tough to transport/move, b/c they're not flexible like mattresses. When I got my queen, I ALMOST got a king, because it was NEGLIGIBLY more expensive...but the only problem was that I knew I had some more moving around from apt to apt in my future, and I didn't want to have to base my apartment choice on whether or not the bedroom would accommodate such a large bed. Also consider that headboards, etc. will be more for a king.

[embrassezla]

I have a queen-sized memory foam mattress. Not Tempur-Pedic, but some generic brand. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I sleep crazy good on that thing. It came in firm or soft - I got the firm with a pillow top. Definitely recommend the memory foam mattress. I paid $1K for it about 5 years ago.

[spokes]

king beds are much better - because bigger is usally better, however that being said bedding is more and sometimes in smaller bedrooms a king with a couple of night stands could be a tight fit.

buying a bed is like buying a car, ya gotta test out a bunch to find one you like. I would recommend making the investment (i.e. $1,000 or more if it is possible) of buying a good bed - the extra money is well worth it.

Matress can also be custom made to your specs.

[Winter Storm]

There IS a noticeable diff. between a queen and a king/cali king (just like between a full and a queen).

Second this. I have a queen and while it's okay for just me (and two fluffy butt cats), it's kinda small for two people. At your size, I'd go with at least a king.

[meatwad]

Get this one.

http://www.sptimes.com/2002/08/26/NorthPinellas/When_king_sized_just_.shtml

[Quench]

I recently started sleeping on a king, and I love it. I always hated kings because I think they are too big and therefore ugly, but now I just love the extra space. I have sleeping problems from time to time and sometimes can't stand having to sleep really really close to my boyfriend. With a king it's like I have my own twin bed to myself, kinda. I still don't like the look or how it takes up tons of room, but it's worth it to get a good night's sleep!

I have a Serta mattress with a bit of a pillow top. It's kind of on the firm side though, so I have no advice regarding really soft mattresses.

[pisces2473]

And1, you're a tall, bigger guy...I'd get a king.

[Winter Storm]

Get this one.

http://www.sptimes.com/2002/08/26/NorthPinellas/When_king_sized_just_.shtml

Wow, I know people whose bedrooms are only that big.

[SmilesSoSweet]

I have a full size bed. I should have gotten a queen size. My bf has a queen size and the beds at my parents' house are queen size as well, and I like having more room.

I'd say go for the king size.

[wordsmith]

I have a queen-sized memory foam mattress. Not Tempur-Pedic, but some generic brand. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I sleep crazy good on that thing. It came in firm or soft - I got the firm with a pillow top. Definitely recommend the memory foam mattress. I paid $1K for it about 5 years ago.

The memory foam is outta my price range, but my parents have a memory foam mattress topper (also not Tempurpedic, but the Target or whatever line) on the bed in the spare bedroom at their house, and it's awesome. I'm thinking about getting one.

[embrassezla]

The memory foam is outta my price range, but my parents have a memory foam mattress topper (also not Tempurpedic, but the Target or whatever line) on the bed in the spare bedroom at their house, and it's awesome. I'm thinking about getting one.
Yep! My dad did the same thing and said he really noticed the difference. You can get those for a few hundred dollars, or less.

[cheshrcarol]

Be careful with any bed you get that there's a warranty. I know you love to make fun of the dent in my bed (from constantly sleeping in the middle, get your minds out of the gutter! :p) but it's pretty common. And if you get a pillow top mattress you can't flip it over. I think I'll eventually get a tempurpedic bed because they're guaranteed to last for like ever.

Oh, and to make my bed super soft (and eliminate the dent) I have an egg crate folded in half in the middle and a fiber bed topper on it. If you're not familiar, fiber beds are like feather beds, but w/o the allergy problems.

[meatwad]

The memory foam is outta my price range, but my parents have a memory foam mattress topper (also not Tempurpedic, but the Target or whatever line) on the bed in the spare bedroom at their house, and it's awesome. I'm thinking about getting one.

Is it Bobopedic? (The New Englanders will know what I'm talking about. :D )

[embrassezla]

Be careful with any bed you get that there's a warranty. I know you love to make fun of the dent in my bed (from constantly sleeping in the middle, get your minds out of the gutter! :p) but it's pretty common. And if you get a pillow top mattress you can't flip it over. I think I'll eventually get a tempurpedic bed because they're guaranteed to last for like ever.
Yep, good point. And the memory foam mattresses don't need flipped at all. I think the warranty on mine was 20yrs. Not sure if they really do last that long, though.

[Quench]

Is it Bobopedic? (The New Englanders will know what I'm talking about. :D )

HAHAHA! We have that in Jersey too. Do you get the commercial with the courtroom scene?

[cheshrcarol]

Yep, good point. And the memory foam mattresses don't need flipped at all. I think the warranty on mine was 20yrs. Not sure if they really do last that long, though.
Okay, *maybe* I exaggerated a little :D . But they are supposed to last a long time, which would be great since my current bed caved in after just a couple years.

[pisces2473]

Is it Bobopedic? (The New Englanders will know what I'm talking about. :D )
I won't go anywhere without MY Bobopedic!

[pisces2473]

HAHAHA! We have that in Jersey too. Do you get the commercial with the courtroom scene?
Nope, boxing ring for CT'ers.

Um guys...all mattresses made now can't be flipped. NONE of them. Sorry to disappoint.

[and1grad]

At your size, I'd go with at least a king.
How did I KNOW you would say something like that?

Come on chesh, your bed just caved in cuz you were sleeping in the middle? I dont buy it!!!

So what I'm hearing is memory foam. I'm assuming thats soft. Soft is the most important quality I'm looking for. Cali king is just longer than a king, right? What about the bedding? Someone brought it up earlier, but isnt it harder to find bedding in Cali King size?

words, I dont think there was anything harder to move than my futon. That floppy madness...almost gave myself a hernia with that damned thing.

[wordsmith]

What, Jen? I flip my mattress all the time.

[wordsmith]

So what I'm hearing is memory foam. I'm assuming thats soft. Soft is the most important quality I'm looking for. Cali king is just longer than a king, right? What about the bedding? Someone brought it up earlier, but isnt it harder to find bedding in Cali King size?

words, I dont think there was anything harder to move than my futon. That floppy madness...almost gave myself a hernia with that damned thing.

Honestly, the real pain with finding bedding that fits right is the pillow tops. Most sheets are pretty accommodating in terms of the width/length of bed, but some are made too shallow to accommodate the extra tallness of a pillowtop mattress. I loathe pillowtops, but since you like soft beds and might get one, know that fitted sheets can be a bitch, because they're not all made to accommodate the extra mattress height. You may have to spend more, and be very discerning when shopping.

Memory foam is both soft-textured and firm support. It comforms to your body. Not everyone likes it, though, so I might try a topper before springing for a full foam mattress. I like the topper my folks have, but I also have a memory foam pillow, and i don't like that AT ALL. Just doesn't work for me. Everyone's different.

[pisces2473]

What, Jen? I flip my mattress all the time.
When did you buy it? The ones made in the past few years--not flippable. Seriously.

[wordsmith]

About four years ago, and my sister just bought the same one last summer when she upgraded her bed size, far as I know, it flips. What makes it not flippable?

[Bocheezu]

My mattress has a rubber grippy-type thing on the bottom that basically says "don't even think of sleeping on this side of the mattress."

[pisces2473]

About four years ago, and my sister just bought the same one last summer when she upgraded her bed size, far as I know, it flips. What makes it not flippable?
They want people to buy them more often, instead of having a longer life by just flipping. They other side is totally different, and you can't sleep on it.

[Winter Storm]

Pillow tops are usually unfllippable. But I flip mine from up to down. And vice versa.

[ugarachel82]

I know you can buy feather beds to attach to the top of any matress to make it softer, but don't know where. That's about all I know in the bed department.

[meatwad]

HAHAHA! We have that in Jersey too. Do you get the commercial with the courtroom scene?

BUT I'M A TEMPERPEDIC!

[J-girl]

Just an FYI - we dont sell Cali Kings in Canada so in case you decide to move back, you wont be able to find an appropriate mattress.

:p :p :p

My sis had this problem actually when she moved back

[and1grad]

Just an FYI - we dont sell Cali Kings in Canada so in case you decide to move back, you wont be able to find an appropriate mattress.

:p :p :p

My sis had this problem actually when she moved back
HA! Thanks. So, I could just crash at your place?

About your user title...the Raptors DID go. :D

[embrassezla]

you can find extra-deep fitted sheets everywhere now, and they aren't that much more expensive, if any more at all. Bed Bath & Beyond is a good place for sheets - they have every kind imaginable.

EDIT: And yeah, memory foam isn't really soft. Even the soft option one wasn't *that* soft. It's meant to support you, which a super soft mattress isn't going to do.

[J-girl]

HA! Thanks. So, I could just crash at your place?



umm yeah sure ... lol


"About your user title...the Raptors DID go. :D"

but they left with a good fight! Down with Vince in round two! :mad:

[wordsmith]

yeah, obv. pillowtops can't be flipped, which is another reason I hate them.

Mine doesn't have any grippies or anything on the reverse side..it's exactly the same on each side, except one has a satin brand-name label on it in one corner. Maybe it's just a cheap mattress thing. My mattress came from an outlet, and was WAY cheap. I think it's funny that the high end ones want to FURTHER gouge you, like you're not already paying out the ass.

[embrassezla]

I think it's funny that the high end ones want to FURTHER gouge you, like you're not already paying out the ass.
Another good point - you can TOTALLY haggle to get a good price on a mattress.

[wordsmith]

you can find extra-deep fitted sheets everywhere now, and they aren't that much more expensive, if any more at all. Bed Bath & Beyond is a good place for sheets - they have every kind imaginable.

EDIT: And yeah, memory foam isn't really soft. Even the soft option one wasn't *that* soft. It's meant to support you, which a super soft mattress isn't going to do.

Yeah, see, I don't buy expensive sheets...like, more costly than Hanes jersey knit sheets at Target? Not buying it. Knowing and1 as I do, I don't see him splurging on sheets. But, I could be wrong.

[wordsmith]

Another good point - you can TOTALLY haggle to get a good price on a mattress.

Absolutely. Factory outlet, man.

[embrassezla]

Yeah, see, I don't buy expensive sheets...like, more costly than Hanes jersey knit sheets at Target? Not buying it. Knowing and1 as I do, I don't see him splurging on sheets. But, I could be wrong.
How much do the sheets at Target cost, and what do they feel like? You can get a sheet set at BB&B for under $30 for a queen-sized bed. You can also pay over $100 there, as well. It seemed to me like they had a nice selection - plus the 20% off coupons they send in the mail.

[wordsmith]

Sweet. I have no Bed, Bath and Beyond within 100 miles, so I don't know their price range since I don't shop there. I just assumed, based on the prices on my SILs' bridal registries.

A set for Hanes jersey/tee shirt sheets for a queen at Target or Wal Mart was like $15-20, last time I replaced. I don't think I'd go lower end for woven cotten sheets, because lower thread count is scratchy. But jersey sheets are always soft.

[embrassezla]

Sweet. I have no Bed, Bath and Beyond within 100 miles, so I don't know their price range since I don't shop there. I just assumed, based on the prices on my SILs' bridal registries.
Haha, oh, gotcha. Yeah you can get 1000 thread count sheets there, which are more likely to be on those registries than the 250 count ones (which they also sell).

A set for Hanes jersey/tee shirt sheets for a queen at Target or Wal Mart was like $15-20, last time I replaced. I don't think I'd go lower end for woven cotten sheets, because lower thread count is scratchy. But jersey sheets are always soft.
Admittedly, I do tend to "splurge" on sheets, but only because like you said, the lower thread counts are scratchy/stiff, and the low-cost knits make me sweat. A good, 300 TC, Egyptian cotton sateen sheet probably runs somewhere around $70 for a set at BB&B, but that's what keeps me comfortable. I think I'm notorious as a picky sleeper, though. And1, are you out the second you hit the bed? :)

[pisces2473]

I just assumed, based on the prices on my SILs' bridal registries.
Um, consider the registrants! LOL

And, BB&B has a website so you could have something delivered.

[embrassezla]

And, BB&B has a website so you could have something delivered.
It's nice to know what it feels like before you order, though. I like how they have a sample of each type of sheet out for you to feel it. For example, the egyptian cotton feels soft at low thread counts, so you don't have to pay a lot for a higher thread count to get away from sleeping in cardboard.

[blueyes]

I have zero input on the bed - other than test a LOT of them before you buy - but I do have some sheet recommendations.

Try bamboo or a woven cellulose fabric. That stuff is soft. I have a set of cellulose sheets and they are my very favorite. I've had them for years now and they will wear out faster than cotton sheets, but they are cool in the summer and warm in the winter - no lie. They are perfect weight at any time, except maybe in the dead of winter. Sadly, my sheets are really on their last leg, but I will replace them with bamboo or another cellulose set.

And yes, it is really cellulose, the stuff in trees. Don't ask me how it works b/c I just don't know, but besides being eco-friendly (lower impact to gather cellulose than cotton and less chemical treatment to manufacture the bedding, and it's at least a partially recycled material), it's so so comfy.

[NorthernAngel]

yeah, obv. pillowtops can't be flipped, which is another reason I hate them.



Uh... I have a queen pillowtop/bottom I guess... I flip the thing around on a regular basis. Sheets aren't that bad to find - I have a harder time with "older" sheets - you know, the kind your mom gives you.

[and1grad]

And1, are you out the second you hit the bed? :)
Nope. I also like watching TV in bed. Plus, I got the "jimmy legs." I just saw the size dimensions of a king-size bed and I think that'll work. I like the 2 twin box springs. Wont a mattress support me regardless of if its soft or not?

words is right about me not spending a whole bunch on sheets. A comforter maybe..but I'm whatever on the rest.

blue, that sounds expensive. Having my sheets be made from trees sounds very "Jungle Cruise" to me...which actually might be kinda sweet if I made my bedroom into some kind of jungle theme. Get an alarm clock with safari sounds or something. I'm seeing how this can work.

[blueyes]

Having my sheets be made from trees sounds very "Jungle Cruise" to me...which actually might be kinda sweet if I made my bedroom into some kind of jungle theme. Get an alarm clock with safari sounds or something. I'm seeing how this can work.
You need some palms and maybe a sleepy lizard to lay on them. Oh - and palm fronds for the ceiling fan. The ladies love palm frond ceiling fans. Ha.

(In all seriousness, the bamboo and cellulose sheets are actually no more expensive than quality sheets. Nowhere near as expensive as the billion-count, triple-combed, woven by blind shepardesses on a farm in the mountains cotton sheets (or the higher count Egyptian cotton ones), but equally as comfy, IMO. They actually sell some at BB&B, so next time you swing through (whenever the crap that is), give them a feel.)

[and1grad]

You need some palms and maybe a sleepy lizard to lay on them. Oh - and palm fronds for the ceiling fan. The ladies love palm frond ceiling fans. Ha.

(In all seriousness, the bamboo and cellulose sheets are actually no more expensive than quality sheets. Nowhere near as expensive as the billion-count, triple-combed, woven by blind shepardesses on a farm in the mountains cotton sheets (or the higher count Egyptian cotton ones), but equally as comfy, IMO. They actually sell some at BB&B, so next time you swing through (whenever the crap that is), give them a feel.)
I love it that you put "swing through."

"I mean the bare necessities, thats why a bear can rest at ease..."

Come to think of it, I'm not sure I've ever been to a BB&B. If I do a jungle theme bedroom, I'll post a pic of it on the boards.

[pisces2473]

Hey And1:

Here's some stuff for your crib:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14573836

[pisces2473]

Or this:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=13808163

[wordsmith]

Hey And1:

Here's some stuff for your crib

Hilarious mental image of and1 in an adult-sized crib. Bwah.

[CTGirl]

Is it Bobopedic? (The New Englanders will know what I'm talking about. :D )

I definitely know what you're talking about, gotta love Bob

Contrary to what others have said, I have a full, and find it plenty big. I believe there is only a 6-inch difference between queen and full, and the bedding and stuff for full is cheaper. I've slept in this bed with other people too (the larger, male types), and find there to be plenty of space, never had any complaints. Course I've shared a twin bed with people too, so to me this is luxurious by comparison, lol.

I sleep in king sized beds when i travel, and those things are gigantic! Unless you have a huge bedroom, I dont see how you'd fit one.

[Quench]

My last bed was a twin (daybed) b/c that's what would fit in my bedroom at my first apartment. When I moved, I couldn't afford a new bed so I kept the twin for a bit, but my boyfriend sleeps over a lot and both of us were getting annoyed sharing a twin. He had a king bed in storage and he gave it to me.

[coll214]

Hilarious mental image of and1 in an adult-sized crib. Bwah.
LMFAO... those two links were great. Choking on laughter here, luckily its dead today :D .

I've got a full and have had no issues w/ company; but then we were cuddlers ;)

[nikorock28]

I have a twin mattress that rests comfortably on the floor. Who needs a frame or headboard?

[J-girl]

I have a twin mattress that rests comfortably on the floor. Who needs a frame or headboard?
Storage???

[nikorock28]

Storage???

Good point, but I have plenty of space since I don't have any couches, tables, etc. (just a computer desk and chair) and I live by myself in a studio.

[embrassezla]

Nope. I also like watching TV in bed. Plus, I got the "jimmy legs." I just saw the size dimensions of a king-size bed and I think that'll work. I like the 2 twin box springs. Wont a mattress support me regardless of if its soft or not?
HAHAH!! I have the jimmy legs too.

I meant the mattress won't support your spine as well if it's super soft. In other words, your back might hurt after awhile.

[Winter Storm]

Good point, but I have plenty of space since I don't have any couches, tables, etc. (just a computer desk and chair) and I live by myself in a studio.
Wait. No bed frame, couches or tables? So do you do everything on the floor? Any other furniture? Do you ever have company?

[embrassezla]

Ok, I gotta ask. What are "jimmy legs"?
It's when your leg spontaneously jerks.

My cat has the jimmy arms.

[pisces2473]

I think the proper term is RLS or restless leg syndrome.

[embrassezla]

I think the proper term is RLS or restless leg syndrome.
I don't think that's the same. RLS is when you move your leg voluntarily because you feel like you have to. Jimmy legs is when it just jerks spontaneously, like a twitch.

[Winter Storm]

Jimmy legs is when it just jerks spontaneously, like a twitch.

Ahh, yes. I'm familiar.

[wordsmith]

I, too, like an elevated bed for underbed storage. I don't care much if I have a headboard. I didn't have one for ages, and then got one on sale for like $60, and attached that to the frame/casters.

[Winter Storm]

I, too, like an elevated bed for underbed storage.

I just need my bed elevated, period. I can't stand really low beds (like those one-mattres joints from Ikea). Feels too much like sleeping on the floor.

[wordsmith]

I also prefer box springs. I don't like the look of the IKEA beds and the like that are a mattress that sits on a flat platform.

[embrassezla]

I had a low ikea bed and changed to a high, canopy bed. I still miss the low bed. You really get used to it.

[Winter Storm]

I also prefer box springs. I don't like the look of the IKEA beds and the like that are a mattress that sits on a flat platform.
I HATE those beds. They are so close to the floor, I can't stand them.

[wordsmith]

Yup, my choice is to be higher up, too. Low beds feel like cots to me.

[and1grad]

Jimmy legs is a Seinfeld reference. Anyway, pisces, if I ever get sheets with a frickin station wagon on em, shoot me. Like if you were at a safari...or Dick Cheney.

ct, I doubt I'll have any trouble fitting a king-sized bed in my bedroom. My apartment is a pretty big deal. I have many leatherbound books and my dresser smells of rich mahogany.

[Quench]

I like high beds. And I don't have a headboard. I've seen stuff in magazines and on TV about making your own headboard.

[wordsmith]

You're like a miniature buddha...covered in hair. :rolleyes:

[wordsmith]

I like high beds. And I don't have a headboard. I've seen stuff in magazines and on TV about making your own headboard.

One cool thing I saw in Real Simple, though not always feasible for apartment dwellers, was painting a "headboard" of contrasing color on the wall. It looked cool and fresh.

[and1grad]

"I wanna say something. I'm gonna put it out there; if you like it, you can take it, if you don't, send it right back. I want to be on you."

[pisces2473]

I don't think that's the same. RLS is when you move your leg voluntarily because you feel like you have to. Jimmy legs is when it just jerks spontaneously, like a twitch.
Hmmm, in my experiences, the RLS happens at night...and I don't want it to move, but it does.

[pisces2473]

Jimmy legs is a Seinfeld reference. Anyway, pisces, if I ever get sheets with a frickin station wagon on em, shoot me. Like if you were at a safari...or Dick Cheney.

ct, I doubt I'll have any trouble fitting a king-sized bed in my bedroom. My apartment is a pretty big deal. I have many leatherbound books and my dresser smells of rich mahogany.
LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What about a crib though?

[and1grad]

What about a crib though?
I'm aint nobody's baby daddy! Betta acks sumbody. Nah mean?

[nikorock28]

Wait. No bed frame, couches or tables? So do you do everything on the floor? Any other furniture? Do you ever have company?

Correct, no bed frame, couches or tables. I moved 6 weeks ago to a new location and my bed frame/headboard/etc doesn't fit into either mine or my parents' car (the two vehicles all my stuff were in), so I just left it behind. No table... I just eat at the desk my computer is on. In my apartment, there is an "island" that divides the "living room" from the "bedroom", so my tv rests on that. I am constantly rotating the tv 180 degrees to either watch it from my comp (which is in the living room) or from my bed, which is in the other section. It works pretty well. I am debating on whether to get one of those nice leather recliners. So far, no company.

EDIT: I do have a small lamp that rests on the island and also one of those steel folding chairs.

[CTGirl]

ct, I doubt I'll have any trouble fitting a king-sized bed in my bedroom. My apartment is a pretty big deal. I have many leatherbound books and my dresser smells of rich mahogany.

LOL, now I feel the need to watch that movie, may have to put in the DVD......

In response to the IKEA beds, I have one, and I love it, I have a bit of an Asian style going on in my bedroom, and the low bed on a simple black frame works really well for that eastern feel.