DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress Review By 25 Year Mattress Industry Pro
The DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress is a luxury grade foam and pocket coil mattress that can be purchased in several firmness options from soft to medium, as well as firm. It costs $1599 in queen, and $1999 in king.
You’ll get free shipping, a 120 night trial, and what the company calls an “honest lifetime warranty“. Built in New York by Jamestown Mattress, it’s an American made mattress, not outsourced to other fabricators or venture capital firms.
My 10 point test and internal inspection of the components is the best way to get a sense about the comfort, support, pain and pressure relief, and quality of this 14″ tall mattress.
Overall, I found the DLX Premier Hybrid to be one of the best hybrid mattress options for the money-but let’s take a look at why it’s a strong contender. Available in three firmness options, it can appeal to any kind of sleeper, and as a veteran mattress manufacturer for 25 years, I like the versatility this offers a potential buyer.
How The DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress Scored A 9.6 In Grueling Objective Test
I tested a queen size sample which arrived in a thick, unscuffed, undamaged cardboard shipping container. Inside, the mattress was rolled in a very thick plastic sheeting layer and then sleeved inside a thick plastic bag.
The queen size sample weighed about 125 lb. and I was able to shimmy it into our test facility pretty easily.
The core of the mattress, which allows you to tailor your own feel and choose from any of the three firmness options, including soft, medium, or firm, is the 3″ layer of memory/gel foam which sits right below the quilted top (see #2 in image below).
The density of this foam layer is 2.4lb vs. industry standards of 2.0 (or even less on occasion) which means more durability and lifespan. (click here to learn more about foam density).
Detailed Assessment Of DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress Components
Let’s get into the components that are built into the DLX Premier Hybrid and talk about the workmanship, performance issues, and design of the mattress. Below, I’ll also show you my 10 point test results and explain how it scored a 9.6/10 rating. You can choose from one of three firmness options, soft, medium, or firm.
The quilted top, which is made using a flexible and stretchy outer material (it won’t gather or snag) that is very breathable, is 2″ thick, and is easily detached to allow customization. Whether you choose soft, medium, or firm, the quilted top is a bit more body embracing and very slightly immersive.
In any case, the DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress has identical components except for the softness (density) of the 3″ layer of performance foam situated directly underneath the quilted top piece.
This 3″ foam comfort layer, called “FusionBalance Performance Foam” is situated close enough to your body so that you immerse just enough to get the body contouring you want.
I found the softer foam option to be easier on my hips and shoulders, and I’d call it about 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, with 10 being extremely firm (bordering on hard) and 1 being a sloshy waterbed.
The medium firm option will appeal to most people including couples who want a bit of a softer feel. Bigger bodies who don’t like a lot of body immersion will also find the firm option easier to turn on and to transfer in and out of the mattress.
The bones of this mattress are designed for longevity and pocketed coils that resist compression and forming ruts are essential to lifespan.
The DLX Premier Hybrid is outfitted with an outer edge of firmer support coils for sitting and transfer, and a centralized core of larger, independent coils which cradle, lift, and support your body whether you are a back sleeper or side sleeper (see 3 and four in image below of inside view).
The mattress contains several other layers of foam and textiles designed to separate the coil core unit from other components, and this also prevents against wear and tear, promotes active ventilation and cooling, and provides cushioned support at edges, corners, and underside.
Coils Provide Better Support Than Foam: Here’s Why
Pocketed coils have been used for decades and are not like old school innerspring mattress coils which were spun on one continuous run of steel wire. Because they are stiffer and springier than foam, they provide better pushback and up-lift, so long as there is a comfortable surface above them.
While an all foam mattress can initially feel comfortable, over the long haul, I’ve found that they do not have the ability to keep your body properly supported-I’ll explain this in detail in my video review below.
My Test And Review Took A Look At 10 Important Elements
Hybrid mattresses, which are made using a combination of pocketed coils and foam, are everywhere and seem to be the most popular category of mattress these days. Buying just the right match for you or for you and your partner takes a lot of time and energy, and it’s hard to choose without having some degree of buyers remorse or second guessing.
Because the DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress is actually very simple in design, it’s easier to review and rate, too-even for a seasoned manufacturer who’s designed a lot of similar mattresses.
Jamestown Mattress (they manufacture DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress in their New York factory) has been building mattresses since 1886, and pretty much builds each mattress by hand from scratch, with no imported components.
The degree of firmness is controlled by using higher densities of foam in each model as they increase in firmness. Increasing densities of foam mean an ever so slightly increase in resistance. So, you’ll immerse a little more in the softer version, and less on the firmer options.
I will stress though that with many hybrid coil/foam mattresses I’ve reviewed before that so-called “plush” vs. firmer models can have a wide degree of variation. I tested the soft and medium option, but personally I’d opt for the softest version of a hybrid mattress that I could find simply because I’m a side sleeper and like a mattress to be immersive and very body embracing.
The DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress is ideal for people with the following preferences:
- Hot Or Warm Sleepers– due to cooling foams and textiles right up top, and the use of a breathable outer covering. Also, pocket coil systems help actively ventilate hot air away from your body.
- People Seeking A More Luxurious Mattress-but wanting an affordable price. The DLX gets around all of the middleman costs by building everything in house and selling direct to consumer, with no distributors, suppliers, or arrangements with third party fabricators.
- Back Sleepers– the quilted top on all three levels of firmness help fill in void areas like between pelvis and rib cage, and effectively moves weight away from your body. This is due to increasingly supportive layers, pocketed coils used, and the design of the mattress edge using a microcoil system rather than foam.
- Side Sleepers– excellent for side sleepers, even if you opt for the firmer version, though I’d recommend soft or medium if you have shoulder or hip pain. Couples who are side sleepers might have found the perfect last piece in the puzzle when opting for this mattress.
The DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress might not be the best choice if:
- If you are seeking a mattress without coils, or an option that is less than the $1599 queen or $1999 king size price.
- Stomach Sleepers– I’d recommend checking out something with a lot of latex inside. It’s a tad more flexible for belly sleeping, and will immediately bounce back and won’t keep your spine in a sway back position.
- People looking for a super firm mattress- even the firmest model is not really extremely firm, and if you need it to be similar to a carpeted floor, consider other options.
We’re going to get into what makes this mattress tick, layer by layer below, but first, here’s what we experienced after resting, reading, and sleeping on DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress for 24 hours:
| Ideal For: Hot sleepers, side and back sleepers, those needing pressure and pain relief. Offers three firmness levels to choose from. | Considerations: Not ideal if you want a really firm mattress. Not ideal for bigger bodies (over 275lbs.), and at 15″ tall, not the ideal low profile mattress |
Our Results: My DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress Ranked At 9.6 Out Of A Possible 10- Here’s Why:
I reviewed the DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress in a simulated bedroom environment with the mattress placed on a solid deck surface of platform bed in queen size. All of the data I collected was incorporated into the individual scores for each characteristic.
Overall Comfort– initial feel, level of immersion, initial body contact experience, choose from Soft, Medium, and Firm options ( I preferred soft model the most, but also liked the medium) 9
Support– spine alignment, pain relief, pressure relief in 30 minutes or less (opt for medium) 10
Solo Sleeper– overall impressions with comfort, ease of turning, back and side 9
Couple Experience- minimal sink in middle (1.5″), snugglers dream, quiet motion transfer 10
Edge Support– no sliding off, as experienced by 190lb test subject 10
Cooling Power: superior cooling, noticeable immediately upon immersing into pillow top 10
Sex– as reported by online reviews and voluntary reporting- great edge of the bed sex,too 9
Bounce, Motion Transfer, And Liveliness-just right, quiet motion transfer 10
Cost Value– 1-10 rating 10 being best bang for your buck-10
Trial Period, Warranty, Shipping And Delivery Experience– ease of delivery, clean packaging, ship time, setup 9
Overall Rating Of The DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress: 9.6 Excellent+
Notes: Who got our sample? We decided to use the test mattress on an adjustable base to further evaluate it.
ANALYSIS OF MY RESULTS FOR THE DLX PREMIER HYBRID MATTRESS
1. Overall Comfort: 9 out of 10
The DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress is available in three levels of firmness, including Soft, Medium, and Firm. The primary difference between the softer version and the firmest option is the density of the foam layers inside.
They vary in density a bit from model to model, but I rated the comfort level of the Medium a solid 9, a very good score. I’d rate the “Firm” model at around a 8.5 as I thought it was too firm, and the Soft at 10 (I actually really liked the softest model, but for many it might be too enveloping…I loved how it reduced pressure at my hips and shoulders).
One thing you won’t experience on this mattress is bottoming out, unless your total weight (either solo or with a partner) is over 300lbs. The pocket coils are quite supportive, and the overall feel of the mattress whether on side, back, or belly, is inviting, buoyant, and extremely easy to turn on. Edge of the bed experience, not sliding off, adds to my rating.
2. Support: 10 out of 10
Support is always the important consideration in all of my mattress reviews. The DLX Premier Hybrid Mattressis really great at helping you relax muscle groups, joints, and connective tissue which prevents pain and inflammation during sleep.
I scored this option higher because it is available in three firmness options that allow you to dial in on your preference more effectively.
After resting on my sample for 30-45 minutes without moving, I noticed the following benefits:
- A good level of suspension that prevented pressure points minimizing constant position change
- Excellent support while on my back, with pillowtop and comfort layers kept me from sinking in
- I sleep on my sides and back, changing position 6-7 times during the night. Easy to turn on, excellent choice for combination sleepers of people who change position a lot.
- Zoned layers in both upper layers of comfort foam and in pocketed coil system provide better support for key areas like lower back, between shoulder blades, even legs and arms. This also helps to distribute load sideways rather than down.
3. Solo Sleeper: 9 out of 10
The DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress is a terrific option for solo sleepers because of its three firmness options, and if you are of typical height and weight or have a bigger body, you’ll get the support you need. It’s an investment grade mattress that is about 50% of the price of retail store brands offering cooling, pressure relief, and the slightly springy yet immersive comfort it offers.
Another solo sleeper advantage is that because the mattress is gently pre-compressed and vacuum packaged, it is easily handled and setup using two people. You can opt for in home delivery on the web site, for $125. After conducting my DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress review and setting up a queen size myself (weighs 125 lbs.) I’d advise getting one other person to help you. A king size weighs 135 lbs.
4. Couple Experience: 10 out of 10
There’s a common complaint from couples when mattress shopping that drives them nuts? Without question, it’s motion transfer. For bigger couples, it’s really hard, and even the slightest movement can send jiggles and shakes through the top of a mattress.
By incorporating dampening high density foam layers and a pocket coil system built with just the right amount of tension, the DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress resists motion transfer and is highly effective.
Checkout the real reason why we are all very sensitive to motion transfer in this NIH study. Evidence suggests that auditory levels when moving around at night become enhanced if one partner is sleeping restlessly.
Being mammals, evolution has wired us to respond to predatory alerts, kind of like cats, who sleep just below the fully alert level, to protect themselves. Not being cats, though, we require deep REM sleep to experience restorative sleep. So, it’s essential to invest in a mattress with minimal motion transfer.
5. Edge Support: 10 out of 10
Superior edge support can be found in the DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress largely due to the use of a stiffer microcoil perimeter edge around the longer side of each mattress. This also makes this option terrific for people who are bedbound, disabled, or otherwise confined to bed for lengths of time.
You can check out my Best Mattress For People With Disabilities page for more mattress options on this topic, too. For full service setup with this mattress, the extra charge of $125 is well worth the price. Note that during my Nolah Evolution Mattress review, we found that transfer in and out compared to other hybrid brands was easier due to better edge support.
6. Cooling Capability: 10 out of 10
Outfitted with a breathable, light weight and quilted outer encasement fabric, DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress is cool to the touch. I noticed continued cooling for hours when lounging and testing out my initial perception of this pocketed coil hybrid.
We Sleep Deeper When Our Bodies Are Cooler
When you are hot, whether created by room temperature, menopause, or other medical conditions, falling asleep is much more difficult. this causes you to toss and turn which generates even more heat.
Your body will naturally lower your internal temperature by 1-2° F as you fall asleep, which is why you can’t easily fall asleep when you have a fever. If you are hot sleeper, you need effective cooling technology to help you get to sleep and stay there.
DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress has multiple elements built in that help cool you down, and keep the immediate environment around you cool, too. It’s also ideal for couples and larger people that naturally sleep hot.
Another note: when I tested our sample, we kept our room temperature at about 68°F, which research suggests is ideal for your body and your brain.
If I had to single out one component or ingredient in my Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress review that really sets this mattress apart, it’s definitely the use of the brand’s Graphite Infused Air-Foam Ice™ layer which is strategically place near the top.
I noticed fast cooling and a super body contouring sensation while not feeling trapped or stuck in the middle of this mattress.
7. Sex And Intimacy: 9 out of 10
Note that most mattress review sites are not actually testing every mattress sample by pairing up reviewers to make love and record each datapoint- but- actual owners do write about it.
As a mattress designer myself, I’ve custom made mattresses for couples who specifically ask for a bedding option designed for optimal sex. What this usually meant was incorporating a comfortable and softer surface rather than too firm, the use of motion dampening and energy absorbing materials like memory or gel foams, and in some cases natural latex.
I gave the DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress high marks and offer the following value feedback to consider:
- Not bouncy or jiggly, ideal motion dampening without having a typical “dead memory foam slab kind of sensation”
- Excellent support for edge of the mattress sex, with minimal sliding
- Cooling capabilities prevents overheating even when using cover-ups like sheets and comforters
- Just the right amount of sink- get firmer options for couples that weigh over 350 combined
- Really great for after sex cuddling
If you are looking for something with some serious bounce or spring back with minimal sinkage, you could consider Natural Latex Mattresses which are a bit springier allowing for better “grip” on bodies, however options might be limited for larger couples to keep from feeling trapped.
8. Bounce, Liveliness, And Motion Transfer: 10 out of 10
I found that DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress delivers a pretty good level of subtle bounce, better described as responsiveness when it comes to motion transfer, which is a common complaint heard from larger couples, especially when there are light sleepers and restless sleepers in the mix.
The pilowtop section, which has an organic cotton covering, has a lot of motion dampening ability, primarily due to the taught feel that the pillow top area has. It has just the right amount of tension to keep is a bit tighter up top. Generally, mattresses that use a sleeker fabric, such as the ArcticTex used in the Nolah Evolution, you’ll experience a bit more flexing and springiness.
9. Cost vs. Value Delivered: 10 out of 10
For the money, DLX Premier Hybrid Mattress pricing is on point. I’ve seen Sealy, Serta, and Tempur-Pedic mattresses that cost a lot more ($3,000 and up for a queen) that don’t deliver what you get with this mattress. Selling for $1599 in queen, and $1999 in king with free shipping, it is a pretty decent value.
10. Trial Period, Warranty, Customer Service 10 out of 10
Saatva’s premium delivery and setup service, factory and fulfillment network of 15 strategically located facilities helped drive up my score for this category.
The turnaround time of 5-7 days to receive your mattress is acceptable considering each mattress is made to order and not rolled and compressed, collecting dust in a dusty warehouse. Customer service is something I thoroughly checked out too, with 6 different chat questions regarding pretty technical questions being answered rapidly and effectively.
11. Shipping And Delivery Experience 10 out of 10
Overall, 10 out of 10, with excellent packaging and timely shipping. Your order will arrive within 9-12 days after the day you place your order. Jamestown Mattress ships from one facility in New York state. Shipping and delivery is typically reliable with most online mattress companies, but with enhanced services, the ability to coordinate production and scheduling in home setup services takes some effort. I did it for years with my own online mattress companies.