Hi Lita,

Thank you for your question.

My first instinct would be to go for the John Lewis Natural Linen 4000 (Manufactured for John Lewis by Harrisons).

The Dreams Bleinham was introduced as a new arrival earlier this month (March 2014) and the sceptic in me thinks this is overpriced for what it is (see below) [Official Description - Bleinham Pocket - Dreams - Product Code: 131-00387 - March 2014: £1200 - King] Firm can be comfortable, as our exclusive, sumptuous Blenheim mattress proves. Our top quality mattress provides you with an orthopaedic level of support and has a luxurious feel with the detailed finishing. The finest Belgian damask fabric is gentle to the touch, covering a superbly supportive mattress that contains two layers of 4000 extra firm pocket springs. Adding to the firmness and stability is the generous filling of high quality fabrics, including wool and silk. As well as offering you luxurious comfort and support, the Blenheim springs/" title="pocket spring">pocket spring mattress is a practical choice. It is double sided featuring eight handles to make regular turning as easy as possible, while the stitched border maintains the shape of the mattress. Specifications: - 4000 Pocket Springs - Key fillings: polyester, cotton, silk and wool Finish - Hand tufted mattress panel Double sided with 8 handles - Comfort grade 2 – Firm [END] For you at 10st this will be far too firm for you but right for your husband - but that is just the support properties. As with most retailers you are not told what the comfort layers comprise of - although for £1200 I would not expect the majority to be polyester!

The specification above is pretty worthless and I would be inclined to question Dreams what the actual breakdown is as without this key information it is impossible to do any kind of comparison.

The John Lewis Linen is exceptionally well finished by comparison (Hand Side Stitched compared to the machine side stitching on the Bleinham - and Dreams are asking £400 more!). With John Lewis you will have the option of tailoring the spring gauge to suit yourself and your husband respectively (dual tension). Aside from this detail - you are also up against the lack of any information regarding the upholstery content - and - the specification says 'Rotate Only' which leads me to believe this is a one sided mattress - worth investigating. Just because both these mattresses have 4000 springs they are not the same configuration. The John Lewis (Harrisons model) use Revolution (Spring in Spring) and mini springs to get to this number. The Dreams Bleinham use two rows of 2000 springs.

The advice given to individuals who suffer with back problems used to be to purchase a firm orthopedic mattress, no however it seems this was VERY bed advice! We always advise that you stay clear from anything labelled as a firm in the upholstery as this will only worsen your aches and pains by pressing on to your pressure points.

Our Artisan range is a natural fibre pocket sprung range that we make close comparison to some models in the Vi Spring range. The Artisan Naturals is described as the 'true medium' of the Artisan range. The Naturals is our most popular, unbeatable model with 85% natural fibres. Containing a huge GSM of fillings, including wool and mohair, on a Calico Pocket spring unit. This medium feel hand crafted mattress is where we stake our reputation as ‘The Mattress Specialists’.

 

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	John Ryan By Design Artisan Naturals	Vi Spring Regal Superb
1	1200gsm Blended British Fleece Wool and Cotton.	900gsm Blended real Shetland Isle Fleece Wool and Cotton
2	Hairproof Cambric Cover	Hairproof Cambric Cover
3	1250gsm Rebound Poly Cotton	1200gsm long stranded Horsetail blended with British Fleece Wool
4	1500gsm 100% Pure Mohair	1000gsm Bonded British Fleece Wool and Cotton
5	1600 Calico encased Pocket Springs [ 49mm ] [1.28mm ]	1720 Calico encased Pocket Springs [48mm ] [1.28mm ]
Total GSM	3950gsm	3100gsm

The models in the Artisan range can be paired with either a soft, medium or firm spring tension. The springs within a mattress are to support an individuals body weight, the correct spring tension is determined by the body weight of the individual. We can also offer a dual tension for two individuals with different body weights

Bodyweight	Spring tension
Upto 16 Stone / 50-101kg	Medium (1.4mm)
16 Stone / 101kg Upwards	Firm (1.6mm)
Available in Bespoke Products (Please Call)	Soft (1.2mm)

I hope this information helps but should you have any further questions or you would like to discuss the suitability of our products please do not hesitate to contact the office on 0161 437 4419.

Kind regards,
Amy.