Given that Memory foam mattresses can’t be fully turned like a traditional mattress we have devised a product which minimises this draw back and provides you with a more durable and flexible mattress construction.
All of our Memory Foam, Hybrid and Latex mattresses come with our dual construction method, not seen in many of the retailers. This consists of a high quality Memory Foam / Latex mattress base with a complimenting matching high quality topper. This means that you can rotate and turn the topper when you normally would turn your mattress. The general rule is that a mattress should start off at its firmest at the base and then each layer should get progressively softer, until the topper layer. This allows for progressive comfort and enables the mattress to support you as you sink into each of the layers. If the mattress is too soft for your weight, you will sink quickly down to the firmest layers resting solely on the supportive base. If the mattress is too firm you will simply sit on the top layer without benefiting from the other materials. Both scenarios result in an uncomfortable mattress. The correct mattress will allow you to sink in to the layers and equalise, ie its holding, supporting and comforting you just at the right level, not sinking too deep, not resting too high.
The mattresses have been specially created with this in mind to give you not only a superior mattress in terms of comfort, but the option to turn your matching topper and change it later down the line should you need or choose to.
What’s the benefit of the dual construction and topper? – Quite simply you can turn your Memory Foam topper which should reduce compression and allow you to extend the life of your bed. It also means that in the future should your body weight change, preference for a firmer or softer bed change, you can replace the topper and continue to use the base. Its far more cost effective to replace this topper than an entire bed.
In addition to this it allows our mattresses to offer more of a progressive comfort when compared to the standard two or three layer construction methods. The increased depth and layering offers more comfort, as Memory Foam requires a certain depth, usually 5cm to really provide comfort, something that is paramount. We offer 5cm as a standard depth, compared to 2-4cm in other standard mattresses and on top of this our toppers are also 5-7cm meaning your getting much more mattress for your money.
If you compare our mattresses to standard construction mattresses you will see our mattresses range from 25cm (10inch) to 30cm (12inch) across the range. We therefore recommend that extra deep fitted sheets are used as they are higher than a standard mattress.
For comparison the following market leaders of quality Memory Foam mattresses depths are:
- Tempur – 19cm to 25cm across their range
- Ergoflex – 21cm standard depth of their one range
- John Ryan Contemporary – 25cm – 32cm
Cheaper Memory Foam mattresses usually start at 15cm overall depth with only 2cm of Memory Foam. Again we are providing you with the facts to make your own decision, remembering its not just the depth but the construction and density of the foams that will determine the suitability and quality of the mattress.
Can I use any shop bought topper for this? – The simple answer is Yes! But you will again run into a myriad of questions about the quality of topper, materials used, and firmness rating. Here at John Ryan contemporary we have undertaken significant research to match our topper with our mattresses for you and can provide advice on what is suitable for a certain type of mattress. We only sell the highest quality toppers with generous depths to ensure minimal compression and the longest life span for the type of bed.
John
Hi,
I am interested in a Super King Latex Fusion 4 mattress. However, I would prefer a 2 mattress zip and link version to 1 super king mattress.
Please advise as to whether a 2 mattress zip and link version is available, as I can not see this option on the website.
If not available, please could you explain why this is, as I see that you do zip and link sprung mattresses.
Many thanks,
John
Hi John,
The reason you won’t find many solid core zip and link mattresses, if any, is that the stretch material that such a mattress necessitates doesn’t lend itself well to being zipped together. The zips required for a zip and link are really heavy duty and the stretch fabric simply can’t take the stress of this as they need to move and flex far more than a traditional mattress which has edge support. Latex mattresses don’t have edge support as they are a consistent piece of latex, Adding edge support would compromise the over all comfort of the mattress and is necessary given the fantastic support properties of natural latex.
We can do a bespoke order of two singles and a matching topper to give the appearance of a zip and link bed, or two singles and single toppers that can be pushed together. Given how heavy latex mattresses are there is minimal movement with them, this maybe the best compromise.
Hope that helps. Lee
Jeremy
Hello,
Firstly many thanks for your incredibly informative websites.
My query is that whilst I prefer natural materials, I’m not sure how to compare latex against traditional construction. In particular, I’m wondering about the Fusion Zero Firm against the Artisan Naturals, the former of which is on your contemporary site and the latter on your original site, so it’s difficult to make comparisons.
I currently have a traditional style king size 10 year old 1000 pocket spring Hypnos Mattress purchased from House of Fraser which has recently lost some of its support. I sleep alone and I’m just over 6 feet tall and weigh about 12 stone.
In terms of budget, I’m looking to make my money go as far as possible so I’m particularly attracted to models available from your Outlet. The Fusion is the lower cost option which is a consideration, but also I want whatever I purchase to last as long as possible.
Thanks for any advice.
Regards,
Jeremy.
Hi Jeremy, Thanks for getting in touch and asking one of the most frequent of questions! What’s the difference between a traditional mattress and a contemporary latex mattress?
The answer is that they are very different in the way they react and behave for a sleeper. Most people have a definite preference for one over the other. Its very subjective.
The traditional style of mattress usually, I say usually as there are exceptions, has a more robust feel to it overall. Ie perimeter support gives a firmer edge and the mattress itself can have softer top layers they are not as progressive in terms of sinking. The sink is slower and more forgiving without fully moulding or contouring to you. Traditional mattresses can also be two sided, turnable where as some of the contemporary models by very nature are one sided.
The contemporary latex or foam mattresses have a more uniform look, i.e. there are usually no tufts and so no way that the top layers can move about and away from one another which sometimes can happen with a traditional mattress over time. The contemporary mattresses usually don’t have a firm edge as the entire comfort surface is the same tension, this allows great progressive comfort, i.e. sinking followed by support. This means they usually contour more than a traditional mattress. The foam mattresses however do get warmer than traditional ones and are usually one sided only, meaning you can only rotate your mattress.
As for longevity, it depends on the maintenance of your mattress, how consistent your weight is over time, i.e. if you suddenly put on 5 stone the lifespan may decrease due to excess stress on your mattress etc.
The two mattresses you’re looking at are very different, the fusion zero is a very firm mattress the artisan naturals is a very medium feel in the top layers and can have a tailored tension spring in our full price model. It maybe best to give us a call, 0161 945 3757, to get some more details to assist you Jeremy.
Nessie
I need a mattress and pillow topper for a king sized bed. I have a shoulder injury and am a side sleeper so the mattress must have excellent support on the edges – no squishing down or collapsing. I prefer a pillow top for comfort but on a firm base. Any suggestions
Hi Nessie,
We don’t recommend pillow top mattresses for the simple reason that once the pillow top compresses theres no way to remove or replace it. This leaves the entire mattress pretty much useless. We always recommend removable replaceable toppers for this very reason, and all of the contemporary mattresses come with a removable matching topper.
I would need to know your weight /height to provide a accurate recommendation Nessie. If you are looking at contemporary mattresses then you won’t find one with firm edge support. The reason for this is that latex and foam mattresses provide consistent level of support and comfort from the centre to the edge. Adding firm foam around the perimeter introduces more materials that can over time start to degrade or settle at a different rate to the main foam / latex. This can lead to issues with settlement. If you’re wanting a more traditional mattress please look at our John Ryan By Design range at http://www.johnryanbydesign.co.uk. It maybe easier if you give us a call and we can help narrow down your search further on 0161 945 3757.- Lee
Sarah
I am looking for a new kingsize mattress to replace our 15 year old Sealy Posturepedic which has been very comfortable until quite recently and hope that you can advise me. My husband is 94 kg and has a partially prolapsed disc in his lower spine. I am 47 kg and suffer from problems with my right hip and shoulder and neck which is most definitely exacerbated by our current mattress. I am also sensitive to chemicals so do not want anything which will outgas too much, the more natural it is the better. I am looking at a latex mattress because of the power relieving properties but am not sure if this is the best option for my husband’s back problem or the weight differences, perhaps one of your traditional ones would be better? We are both mostly side sleeper but do also sleep on our back and fronts, my husband does not like anything too soft and I don’t like anything too firm. The mattress will sit on a pine slatted bedstead.
Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated and I look forwards to hearing from you.
Hi Sarah From what you have described in your email, and both your preferred feels, it is unlikely you would find a Latex mattress to achieve this. Because your husband at his heavier weight, not wanting a soft feel, would want a firmer feel mattress, then you would find that extremely firm. Also if you got your softer feel mattress, at his heavier weight this would be extremely soft.
The only way you will both achieve your desired feels, is with a traditional zip link mattress. Please have a look at our zip and link Artisan models on our John Ryan By Design site and get in touch. Gary.
Comment via email
I suffer from back pain and I’ve been advised by one of the main bed retailers to go for an orthopaedic mattress in a firm tension? They said this would help with my spine problems? Can you advise what kind of bed I should therefore choose to help reduce my back pain?
You’re correct that with a back issue you do require support. The industry has taken this to mean really firm beds, as if that will some how ‘straighten’ out your ailments. This will just lead to discomfort. What we recommend is that you need an adequate match of support, without it being so firm you feel like you’re on concrete, and comfort ie softer top layers. With latex for example, you will get an initial sink, the comfort factor, before the support kicks in. People often equate firm to solid and this is also incorrect. Lets take the latex example. A firm latex will be supportive and firm but not solid. This is because although its firm its not like a cheap ‘firm’ solid bed ie springs that are far too firm and cheap dense reflex comfort layers. We also match our latex range with medium toppers to give that lovely comfort soft top feel but with the support underneath.
As for bed retailers stating this will help your back issue, be careful. Unless its your doctor or chiropractor then I wouldn’t take any assurance that a bed will ‘fix you’. What you can do however is take advice on how the bed will react and feel for you, as we do, to make your own informed choice. There is no one size fits all so please get in touch with us at John Ryan Contemporary for more assistance. Ultimately a high quality bed should allow you to find a comfortable position, down to the comfort layers, then be supported there so you don’t sink too far or rest too firmly on the mattress. Lee