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The DLX Premier is a modular hybrid from DLX that combines pocket springs and ultra high-density poly foam. But is it right for you?
Founder of GoodBed, Leading Mattress Expert
The DLX Premier is a modular quilted-top “hybrid” with an adjustable comfort layer. In effect, the quilted-top panel easily zips off and allows access to the inner layers of the mattress so that you can replace and/or adjust the internal foams to suit your preferences. We think that this style of mattress increases the chance that the mattress will work for you (as it can be made softer or firmer) and increases the overall durability of the mattress (as you can replace the comfort layer if it wears out).
We think that the DLX Premier Hybrid should suit a wide-range of sleepers. Of course, this does depend on which foam comfort layer is present and the height of the coil unit within the mattress. In general, we found the six inch coil unit found in the 12” mattress to be slightly firmer than the eight inch coil unit found in the 14” mattress. Thus, the 12” Firm configuration would likely be best for a heavier back or stomach sleeper, while the 14” Soft configuration would likely be better for a lighter side sleeper.
We also found the Medium and Soft options to have excellent pressure relief. The UHD poly foam does an excellent job of balancing bounce and pressure relief. The Firm is likely to be somewhat less effective at this, but this is par for the course with firmer mattresses.
In terms of Softness, we'd put the 14” DLX Premier Hybrid was a Medium Soft, a Medium, and a Firm depending on the comfort layer used in the interior panel. This is a wide range that should work well for most sleepers. We should also add that substituting for the 12” model is likely to make each configuration just a bit firmer, as shorter coils tend to have fewer turns (and less working steel), and feel firmer as a result.
In all configurations, we found that the Cushioning Depth was just a bit more pronounced than the Softness. In other words, there is slightly more deeper contour than there is upper surface softness. And again, this sense of deeper contour is diminished somewhat in the 12” configuration, as the coils are firmer and there is less mattress to sink into.
In terms of Memory Feel, we didn’t think there was much in the DLX, although this will again vary somewhat in terms of the comfort layer. The Soft and Medium Configurations have just a touch of a slow-response, although this isn’t dramatic when it’s zipped into the overlying quilt layer. The sense of Bounce is also highly dependent on the comfort layer. There’s a bit more with the firmer configurations than the softer ones.
The DLX Hybrid also performed well in terms of Motion Isolation. As you might expect, the Soft configuration performed slightly better here, as soft foam tends to isolate motion a bit more than firmer foams. Additionally, the DLX is also offered in split configurations with a different firmness for each side of the mattress. We’d expect Motion Isolation to be even better in these cases.
We also thought that the DLX performed well in terms of minimizing heat retention and edge support. The DLX has a reinforced edge on all four sides, although this is a bit stronger at the lateral edges of the mattress, and not at the head or foot.
The DLX Premier Hybrid is a modular pocket spring mattress with an unzippable quilt and adjustable comfort layers. We think it should work well for a wide range of people. It also sleeps cool and is uniquely well-suited to a split firmness where one side might be Firm and another might be Soft.
This review is related to the DLX Premier Hybrid Medium. Learn more about this model:
The “feel” characteristics of a mattress cannot be universally better or worse. They can only be more or less desirable to you, based on your personal preferences. For this reason, we call these “preference-based” attributes. Our ratings here are based on objective measurements that we apply to a consistent scale for products from all brands.
(note: the ratings shown are for the Medium configuration)
The DLX Premier's Softness is going to vary dramatically depending on the comfort layer used in the mattress. We tested the Medium and Soft layers, which we'd put at a Medium-Soft and a flat Medium. We'd expect the Firm layer to be a couple notches firmer than the Medium, so just about a true Firm. Additionally, all of these options will be somewhat firmer with the 12" model, which uses a lower-profile but higher coil count coil unit that feels firmer than the coil unit used in the 14" model.
In terms of Cushioning Depth, we'd put the Premier at just a notch greater than it's overall Softness. In other words, the sense of deeper contour on the Premier is more pronounced than the sense of surface softness. For the Medium side, we'd put this at Slightly Deep. For the Soft Side, this is close to Deep. Again, this is sense will be less pronounced on the 12" model.
In terms of Bounce and Memory Feel, there is more bounce than there is a sense of a slow-response. The underlying pocket springs feel quite responsive, although this sense is somewhat muted by the UHD poly foam above it. Similarly, the poly foam has a slightly slow-response, but it's not as pronounced as you might see with memory foam. We'd say that there is a Medium-Low amount of Memory Feel, although there is slightly more in the Soft configuration.
The key to good back support is for the mattress to support your spine in a “neutral” position while you sleep, meaning that the shape of your spine is roughly the same as when you're standing. The ability of any given mattress to do this will vary by sleeper, depending on its “fit” for your weight, body shape, and preferred sleep position(s).
(note: the ratings shown are for the Medium configuration)
We thought Side Sleepers would do very well on the Medium DLX Premier. The UHD poly foam creates a lot of pressure relief, which is essential for side sleeping. The Soft configuration is even better at pressure relief, although for some people it may be too soft to maintain an optimal position during sleep.
Similarly, we thought that the DLX Premier would do very well for back sleepers. It's not too soft that your hips sink, and it's so firm that it creates awkward pressure points or interferes with your posture. The Soft configuration performed slightly less well here, although it might still work for a very light sleeper.
Stomach sleepers are also likely to do well on the DLX Premier, although we'd caution heavier stomach sleepers. They might prefer a firmer mattress to maintain optimal alignment. And we'd certainly steer stomach sleepers away from the Soft configuration.
Inadequate pressure relief from your mattress results in “pressure points,” which can be a source of pain, soreness, loss of circulation, restlessness, and other problems. Pressure relief requirements will vary be sleeper, with side sleepers needing the most. Likewise, the amount of pressure relief that a given mattress provides will also vary by sleeper, depending on its “fit” for your weight and body shape.
We found the DLX Premier to be Pretty Good to Very Good in terms of Pressure Relief. The UHD poly foam used in the mattress feels is quite soft and enveloping, and does an excellent job of relieving pressure. In fact, some studies of this kind of foam have shown it to perform better than similar types of memory foam. The sense of Pressure Relief is even better on the Soft configuration, although some people may run into alignment issues with the Soft models. In general, we don't think expect there to be an issue in terms of pressure buildup on this mattress.
With the “features” of a mattress, performance will tend to be consistent across all sleepers – without regards to your body type or preferences. However, these attributes have differing levels of importance to each sleeper, which is why we consider them “priority-based” characteristics.
In terms of Motion Isolation, we also thought the DLX Premier did a Very Good job overall. The adaptive comfort layers and underlying pocket springs are able to effectively isolate a partner's movement on the mattress. This is further enhanced by the ability to make this a split firmness design and have a comfort layer that is separate from a partner's comfort layer.
We've recently incorporated lab-measured heat retention testing into all of our mattress reviews.
We use a device that measures initial coolness-to-the-touch AND all-night temperature regulation and evaporative capacity. In the case of the DLX Hybrid, we thought that this performed well, although we would say that it's more of a mattress that just doesn't retain heat rather than feels initially cool-to-the-touch.
We thought the overall Edge Support was Excellent. The lateral edges have a narrow, reinforced coil that does a great job of supporting a person while in a sitting position. The head and foot of the bed are also reinforced, although this is slightly less prominent on the 14" model.
We had no issues repositioning on the DLX. The foams used have a bit of a slow-response, but it's not overwhelming and is much less pronounced that memory foam or other slow-response materials.
We wouldn't say that there are many Green Features with the DLX Premier, although the internal comfort layers could be swapped out with latex if you were to choose to do this.
The DLX Premier performed well on an adjustable base. We did notice just a bit of fabric bunching at the quilt layer, but this is common with quilted and thicker mattresses. Overall, we think it should perform just fine here.
The DLX Premier is a 14" mattress comprised of five overall layers:
At the surface of the mattress, you have a slightly stretchy quilt that feels comfortable and premium to the touch. This unzips to reveal a three inch internal chamber where the comfort layer sits. This comfort layer is totally removable and can be swapped with firmer or softer layers to change the overall feel of the mattress. In the case of the Medium and Soft configurations, it's a three inch layer or Ultra High Density (>2.5lb) poly foam with a slightly slow-response.
Just underneath this there's a layer of a fabric and poly foam and the underlying pocket springs. Of note, the 12" and 14" models currently use slightly different coil units. The 14" model uses a taller eight inch coil unit that is slightly more conforming, while the 12" model uses a six inch coil unit that has a slightly higher coil unit and is a bit firmer overall. At the base of the mattress, there's a layer of HD poly foam for support.
The “value” of any mattress is both subjective and personal – reflecting how well it meets that person’s unique sleep needs and preferences, relative to their budget. As a result, our ratings in this area are focused on more objective factors like quality and longevity.
We've recently incorporated scientific lab testing for durability into our mattress reviews. We use a machine that simulates ten years of regular use and checks the mattress for height and firmness loss not only at the end but also at several intervals throughout those ten years of simulated use.
We thought that the DLX Premier was Very Good for both Durability and Overall Value. It uses a robust and highly durable pocket spring set, and one of our favorite materials in slow-responding UHD poly foam. In our experience, this poly foam is comfortable, highly durable, and doesn't retain heat like traditional memory foam. We think it's an excellent choice for a comfort layer and would expect it to perform well for years to come. And in the event that it does start to wear out, this layer is easily accessible and replaceable by way of the unzippable quilt layer.
DLX mattresses are sold online through DLXmattress.com, although you may be able to find these in stores via their parent company (Jamestown mattress) if you live in the Northeast United States.
See more on delivery and returns here: DLX delivery info.
Warranty information for each mattress is included on the mattress "Law Label" at the store, and vary depending on the model. Be sure to talk to your salesperson about warranty terms, and particularly about the body impression warranty, which will tell you how much of a permanent depression may form to be covered under warranty. For these DLX pocket spring mattresses, it's 1.5".
DLX also offers a unique Lifetime Comfort Assurance. If at any time you find the mattress uncomfortable, you're able to purchase a replacement at 50% off the original price. Also, after the 10-year limited warranty ends there is an additional pro-rated period.
See more on this here: DLX warranty info.
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