Stearns and Foster Mattress Review: Luxury Beds Worth the Splurge?

Are you considering investing in a high-end mattress to upgrade your sleep experience? Stearns and Foster is a top name in luxury beds, but with prices ranging from $1500 to over $5000, you want to be sure you‘re making a smart purchase. In this comprehensive Stearns and Foster mattress review, I‘ll take a closer look at this prestigious brand, examine their best-selling models, and help you decide if one of their beds is the right choice for you.

About Stearns and Foster

Stearns and Foster has an impressive history that dates all the way back to 1846. The company was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio by George S. Stearns and Seth C. Foster. They originally manufactured cotton goods and horse carriage upholstery before shifting their focus to mattresses.

Over the past 175+ years, Stearns and Foster has earned a reputation for crafting some of the world‘s finest beds. In 1993, the company was acquired by industry giant Sealy, but they maintain their own distinct brand and continue to produce a line of ultra-premium mattresses.

Today, Stearns and Foster proudly handcrafts their mattresses in the USA using certified craftsmen, high-end materials, and patented techniques and technology. Their attention to detail and uncompromising standards have made the brand a top choice for those seeking an exceptional sleep surface.

Overview of Stearns and Foster Mattress Collections

Stearns and Foster offers three main collections of mattresses:

• The Estate Collection
• The Lux Estate Collection
• The Reserve Collection

As you go up in collections, the mattresses get more plush and indulgent with additional layers and premium touches. Within each collection, there are several mattress models that vary by comfort level and design.

All S&F mattresses feature a gel memory foam top layer called Indulge HD Memory Foam, which is designed to conform and adapt to your body for pressure relief. Underneath are layers of high-density foam and patented innersprings for support and durability.

S&F coil systems are a cut above most innerspring mattresses. Estate and Lux Estate models use an IntelliCoil system with densely packed coils in the center third for extra back support. Reserve models have an even more advanced coil system called IntelliCoil HD, with a denser coil concentration for the ultimate support.

The mattresses are topped with a stretch-knit cover of soft, breathable Tencel fabric. Handles are attached to the sides for easy moving and rotating. All S&F beds are compatible with adjustable bases.

Now let‘s take a look at some of the brand‘s most popular mattress models and see how they compare.

Stearns and Foster Estate Hurston Mattress Review

The Estate Hurston is an approachable entry point into the Stearns and Foster brand. It has a streamlined design compared to higher-end models but doesn‘t sacrifice quality. You‘ll still find premium gel memory foam and innersprings for an exceptional sleep experience.

The Hurston comes in a range of comfort feels, from extra firm to plush. For an additional cost, you can add a pillow top with an extra foam layer and cushioned upholstery for a cloud-like feel. This bumps up the height from a standard 13.5" profile to 15".

Compared to Lux Estate and Reserve models, the Hurston has a slightly simpler design. It uses a single layer of Indulge memory foam rather than multiple foams. The coil count is a bit lower, with the queen containing 1192 coils vs. up to 1864 in higher-end beds. However, the Hurston still delivers excellent support, pressure relief, and temperature regulation.

The Hurston is priced from $1499 for a twin XL up to $3199 for a split king. Adding a pillow top brings the cost up to $1799-$3598. While not cheap, this is one of the best values you can find for a premium mattress with high-quality memory foam and innerspring construction. Customers give the Hurston an average rating of 4.7/5, calling it supremely comfortable and supportive.

Estate Hurston Key Features

• 13.5" profile (15" with pillow top)
• Gel memory foam Indulge HD layer
• 4 comfort options: extra firm, firm, cushion firm, plush
• IntelliCoil innerspring (1192 coils in queen)
• Soft Tencel stretch-knit cover
• Precision edge support

Stearns and Foster Lux Estate Cassatt Mattress Review

The Lux Estate Cassatt is a best-selling model that offers elegant design and exceptional quality. It‘s earned accolades from Good Housekeeping and House Beautiful magazines.

What sets the Cassatt apart is its use of two unique memory foams – one gel-infused layer to maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature, and one deeply conforming layer for pressure relief. The result is a mattress that‘s both cushioning and supportive in any sleep position.

The Cassatt also has a more advanced innerspring system than the Estate collection. It uses an IntelliCoil HD system with up to 20% more coils. The coils are densely packed in the center third of the mattress for extra support where you need it most. With a queen containing 1558 coils (compared to 1192 in the Hurston), you get even more responsive support and motion isolation.

As a Lux Estate model, the Cassatt comes with premium features like velvet upholstery and embroidered handles. You have four comfort options: ultra firm, firm, cushion firm, and plush. A 2" foam pillow top is available to add a layer of plushness.

Given the premium materials and design, the Cassatt has a luxury price tag. A queen retails for $3499 without a pillow top or $3799 with. Other sizes range from $2599 for a twin XL to $5798 for a split king with pillow top. While a major investment, many customers find the superb quality and comfort are worth the cost. The Cassatt has an impressive 4.8/5 rating.

Lux Estate Cassatt Key Features

• 14.5" profile (16.5" with pillow top)
• Indulge HD gel foam top layer
• IntelliCoil HD innersprings (1558 in queen)
• PrecisionEdge border for edge support
• 4 comfort levels: ultra firm, firm, cushion firm, plush
• Soft Tencel cover with velvet border
• Embroidered handles

Stearns and Foster Reserve Hepburn Mattress Review

For those seeking the ultimate luxury sleep experience, the Reserve collection is the creme de la creme of the Stearns and Foster line. The Hepburn mattress is truly a masterpiece of craftsmanship with premium components and an innovative design you won‘t find anywhere else.

Exclusive to the Reserve line is the Indulge HD Encore Foam, a gel foam with 25% more airflow than previous generations thanks to unique air pockets. This material works with moisture-wicking Tencel fibers and open-cell foams to provide unparalleled cooling and breathability.

The Hepburn also boasts an advanced IntelliCoil Micro HD spring system. Thousands of micro coils are nested inside the main coil system for the ultimate contouring support. With a whopping 2030 coils in a queen, it has nearly double the coils of the Lux Estate Cassatt.

Plush layers of foam, a stretch-knit cover made of Tencel, and a lofty pillow top create an opulent feel suited to the most discerning sleepers.

Of course, innovation like this comes at a cost. The Reserve Hepburn starts at $5,598 for a queen and goes up to $6,598 for a king or California king. But can you really put a price on the best sleep of your life? Many customers say no. The Hepburn has an average rating of 4.9/5 from those who have splurged on this ultra-premium mattress.

Reserve Hepburn Key Features

• 16" profile
• IntelliCoil Micro HD springs (2030 in queen)
• Indulge HD Encore gel memory foam
• PrecisionEdge HD border foam
• Hand-tufted design
• Cooling Tencel cover
• Plush pillow top

How to Choose the Right Stearns and Foster Mattress

With so many luxury features, how do you choose the best Stearns and Foster mattress for you? Here are some factors to consider:

Sleep Style and Firmness Level
Your preferred sleep position and comfort preferences will guide which firmness level is the best fit. In general, side sleepers do best with a softer feel, stomach sleepers need a firmer surface, and back sleepers fall somewhere in between. However, it also comes down to personal preference.

Stearns and Foster makes it easy to find your ideal comfort feel with multiple firmness options for each model. The brand uses the following firmness scale:

• Ultra Firm (1-2) – a very firm feel with minimal conforming, best for stomach sleepers and those who prefer floating "on" the mattress
• Firm (3-4) – a supportive feel with light conforming, ideal for back sleepers and larger body types
• Cushion Firm (5-6) – a mid-range feel with moderate cushioning, well-suited for combination sleepers
• Plush (7-8) – a softer, deeply conforming feel ideal for side sleepers and those who like to sink "in" to the mattress.

Adding a pillow top will make any of these firmness levels feel a bit plusher. Your body type also affects the feel – lighter weight people (under 150 lbs) will experience a firmer feel, while heavier folks (over 250 lbs) will find mattresses feel softer.

Cooling Features
If you tend to sleep hot, pay close attention to the cooling features of each S&F mattress. While all models use breathable Tencel fabric and open-cell foams to promote airflow, some have additional cooling touches.

For example, the Reserve collection has exclusive Indulge HD Encore foam with micro air pockets for added breathability. The high coil counts also allow for more air circulation compared to lower-end models.

Certain comfort levels also sleep cooler than others. Firm and ultra firm models allow you to sleep more "on" the mattress, while plush beds will hug your body more. Adding a pillow top can contribute to heat retention for some.

Budget
There‘s no getting around the fact that Stearns and Foster mattresses are a luxury that comes with a high price tag. Decide how much you‘re willing to invest in a high-end mattress, and let your budget guide you to the model that delivers the best bang for your buck.

The Estate Hurston offers the entry-level price point, while the Lux Estate and Reserve collections will give you more premium features if your budget allows. During major shopping holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day and Black Friday, you may be able to score a better deal on a S&F mattress.

Also consider the costs of foundations and other accessories. Stearns and Foster sells a matching foundation for each mattress to provide optimal support. An adjustable base is another great option to pair with your mattress.

Lastly, don‘t let the initial cost deter you from investing in a high-quality mattress. Keep in mind that you‘ll be spending a third of your life in bed. Amortized over the life of the mattress (S&F beds are built to last at least 10 years), the nightly cost is low compared to the major benefits of better sleep.

Final Verdict – Is a Stearns and Foster Mattress Worth It?

After an in-depth look at Stearns and Foster mattresses, I can confidently say that yes, these beds are worth the splurge for anyone who wants a truly luxurious sleep experience. The brand‘s attention to detail, premium materials, and innovative designs set their mattresses apart from other brands in terms of quality, comfort, and durability.

While the price tags may induce sticker shock, thousands of happy customers will tell you that S&F beds are a worthy investment in your sleep health and overall quality of life. Comfort is subjective, but the vast majority of S&F mattress reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Across multiple retail sites, Stearns and Foster mattresses consistently earn average ratings of 4.5/5 or higher.

Plus, when you buy a Stearns and Foster mattress, you‘re getting:

• Certified master craftmanship and uncompromising quality
• High-end, durable materials like Tencel, Indulge Memory Foam and IntelliCoil springs
• Cooling features to prevent overheating
• A range of firmness levels to suit every sleep style
• Excellent edge support and motion isolation
• A 10-year warranty against manufacturer defects

Of course, a luxury mattress isn‘t in the budget for everyone. And if you prefer the feel of a different material like latex or an all-foam bed, then a Stearns and Foster may not be your cup of tea. The only way to know for sure is to try them out. Look for retailers that offer generous return periods so you can get a true feel for the mattress.

The bottom line – if you‘re willing to make the investment, a Stearns and Foster mattress is a top-of-the-line choice that can deliver the comfortable, restful sleep of your dreams for years to come. You spend a third of your life in bed – make it count!