Estate Collection Firm Pillow Top

Hello- I have l4/l5 lumbar herniation (acute) that developed from a chronic few-year old bulge. & with some lingering term chronic stuff (slight misalignment leading to disc degeneration due to childhood injury) Vast majority of pain currently is in lower leg. But more chronically comes in the low back region. May have surgery soon - developments pending. In dire need of a new mattress. Tested some and here are some thoughts- Was looking at bear elite hybrid prior to this acute pain. But checking it out again I’m worried it’s too firm to really go to sleep easily. Also laying down on it made me sad it made me “feel” like there’s a problem with me, hahah. I still want to feel like I’m going into a nice cozy bed. I tried helix’s latex line, the birch elite hybrid and was pleasantly surprised. I have a tendency to sleep in the “mountain climber” position with one leg hiked up and I found this mattress supported that the most without needing a lot of additional pillow support on my leg. Although I hear the longevity of latex is poor. However it seems a lot of people here don’t like latex. Why is that? (Other than poor longevity?) I was under the impression it “holds” you the best? I also tried helix twilight elite hybrid and helix twilight luxe hybrid. Both were good. I think twilight elite is better but the mattress itself is so physically massive it’s really off putting. Seems like a task to get in and out of. Was looking at Saatva rx, saatva firm and saatva latex. All were good but when I think of the mattress i tried, they don’t leave a strong impression on my memory. Very flexible on price right now. But I’d like to stay in the $2800 USD And below. I’m willing ti invest in a good mattress.

Oh you know I did try this one a few months ago and it was good!

I spent a couple of frustrating years trying out different mattresses that caused terrible hip and leg pain, most after a couple months of use. We sleep together, I’m 100 lbs and the wife probably 75. It’s been now over 6 months that we’re pain free, we purchased a Stearns & Foster whose coils can hold 500lbs. [https://www.stearnsandfoster.com/mattresses/estate-collection/v/510/?srsltid=AfmBOoqd6HPnU7tDrIO9d9gbqVZtJb3y38232cUhoIhNh\_4SWhqyC887](https://www.stearnsandfoster.com/mattresses/estate-collection/v/510/?srsltid=AfmBOoqd6HPnU7tDrIO9d9gbqVZtJb3y38232cUhoIhNh_4SWhqyC887)

I am also a side/mountainclimb sleeper, and have an L5-S1 herniation. I had a memory foam mattress previously, but my pain improved greatly when I invested in a new mattress. I have this one, and I love it. Haven’t slept on anything that I find as comfortable, even in 5* hotels. https://www.mattressfirm.com/estate-15-firm-euro-pillow-top-mattress/5637349339.p?variantid=5637349466

I find the firmness supports my back, but then the tempurpedic foam layer provides cushioning for my hip/shoulder.

I have S&F euro pillow top firm bought in 2025.. I have best sleep in life now. It is very comfortable and firm at the same time. Money well spent.

Appreciate your perspective. I’m a fan of Costco for mattresses for a different reason. I purchased a Novoform maybe 8 years ago, to replace a Stearns and Foster. Honestly, hated it from day one, just wasn’t the right fit for us. However, Costco was so gracious and offered to pick up the mattress for a no questions asked return. Instead, we gave the mattress, sleigh bed and all, to a family member and bought a Stearns and Foster. About to upgrade our guest room, so I’m purchasing the pillow top Stearns and Foster from Costco. They won my trust with the last purchase.

The Novoform felt hard to me, and it also had that weird memory foam sink. When I’d flip over, it felt I needed to “climb out” of the hole if that makes any sense. So I realized as a side sleeper, I need an interspring. I’ve loved my last Stearns and Foster, and realize the Lakeview pillow top won’t be the same as what I’ve got, but I expect it will be nicer than many hotel beds. That’s all I want.

We bought a Novaform California King from Costco. Absolutely hated it within a month or so. They were incredibly gracious and offered to pick it up and refund us. Instead, we gave the Cal King Sleigh Bed away, mattress and all, as we decided it is easier to outfit a standard king with linens. Ended up buying a Sterns and Foster, which we still love. We are looking at the Costco Sterns and Foster Lakewood for our guest bedrooms. Our experience was exceptionally positive.

Same here, S&F estate plush firm turned to mush after five years, when I turned it on its side to get rid of, it bulged outward like a balloon as everything inside collapsed! Bought a Beloit Orthopedic medium firm , old school manufacturing technique, (flippable, encased coils, tufted cotton, no memory foam) reasonable cost, excellent bed and company.

I had the exact same concerns when mattress shopping. Yeah, every mattress felt different degrees of 'good' but $4k good? Went with the Costco S&F that's basically the S&F Estate Firm (although they call it a medium) for about $1k and sleep great.