When it comes to luxury innerspring mattresses, two big names stand out – Kluft and Shifman. Both companies have been handcrafting high-end mattresses for decades and are known for their exceptional quality and comfort.
But when comparing Kluft and Shifman, which mattress comes out on top? In this detailed review, we’ll compare the key features, pros and cons of Kluft and Shifman mattresses to help you decide which is the better fit for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Kluft | Shifman |
| Type | Hybrid, latex, innerspring | Innerspring |
| Coils | Individually wrapped pocketed | Bonnell interconnected |
| Comfort Layers | Foams and latex | Organic upholstery |
| Flippable? | No | Yes |
| Responsiveness | Moderate | High bounce |
| Cooling | Very good | Moderate |
| Durability | 10-15 years | 15-20+ years |
| Warranty | 25 years | Lifetime |
| Price Range | $$2,000-$10,000 | $$4,000-$15,000 |
| Best For | All sleeper types | Back and stomach sleepers |
Overview of Kluft and Shifman
Kluft
Kluft is a luxury mattress brand under the larger umbrella company E.S. Kluft & Co. Founded in 2004, Kluft mattresses are entirely handmade in the USA using premium materials.
They are best known for their patented Springlux® innerspring unit which provides zoned back support through sturdy foam-encased coils.
The plush comfort layers on top use high-density foams and natural fibers like cashmere, wool, silk, and cotton for a luxurious feel.
Some popular Kluft mattress models include:
- Aireloom – hybrid and latex options
- Luxury firm and plush Euro-top designs
- High-end natural latex and wool mattresses
Kluft mattresses typically range from $2,000 to over $10,000 for a king size.
Shifman
Shifman Mattress Company was founded in 1893 and is one of the oldest American mattress manufacturers. For over 125 years, Shifman has been handcrafting ultra-premium two-sided innerspring mattresses in their factory in New Jersey.
Shifman is renowned for their eight-way hand-tied boxspring design that provides superior back support and durability. Their mattresses feature a thick layer of upholstery stuffed with natural cotton batting for plush, pillow-top comfort.
Some popular Shifman mattress collections include:
- Two-sided flippable designs
- Handmade with natural cotton, wool, silk
- Luxetop hybrid and natural latex options
- Hotel collection – luxury firm feel
Shifman mattresses are priced from $4,000 up to $15,000 for their top models.
Construction and Materials Comparison
When it comes to construction, both Kluft and Shifman use high-end materials and excel at craftsmanship. Here is an overview of how their mattress designs compare:
Innerspring Coils
- Kluft uses their patented Springlux® encased coil system made from tempered steel for durability. The coils are individually wrapped for targeted support and minimal motion transfer.
- Shifman uses a traditional Bonnell hourglass shaped coil design. The coils are interconnected and not individually wrapped. This provides a very responsive, traditional innerspring feel.
Comfort Layers
- Kluft uses high-density foams like polyurethane and viscoelastic memory foam combined with natural fibers in their Euro-top designs for plush comfort.
- Shifman focuses on all-natural upholstery layers like cotton, wool, silk, and horsehair fibers for a more old-world luxury feel. They use minimal foam or latex.
Covers
- Kluft covers are typically made from luxurious fabrics like Belgian Damask, organic cotton, and Tencel. Natural fibers like cashmere, silk, wool, and alpaca are also used.
- Shifman uses premium fabrics like Belgian Damask ticking or luxurious quilted covers with natural fibers like Merino wool, pima cotton, silk, and cashmere.
Box Spring/Foundation
- Kluft often pairs their mattresses with a standard rigid foundation or adjustable base. Some models come with the 8-way hand-tied boxspring option.
- Shifman is renowned for their hand-tied 8-way boxsprings made from hardwood frames. These provide superior support and shock absorption.
Certifications
- Kluft has OEKO-TEX and CertiPUR-US certifications for safety and indoor air quality. Their materials are tested for harmful substances.
- Shifman mattresses are made with all-natural materials and are GREENGUARD Gold certified for low emissions.
Pricing
- Kluft ranges from $2,000 to $10,000+ for a king size mattress.
- Shifman ranges from $4,000 up to $15,000 for their top king size designs.
Kluft Mattress Pros and Cons
Here is a summary of the main benefits and potential drawbacks of Kluft mattresses:
Pros:
- High quality handmade construction
- Excellent motion isolation from foam-encased coils
- Zoned back support from Springlux® unit
- Plush, pressure-relieving comfort layers
- Broad range of firmness and material options
- Sleeps cool from Tencel covers and airflow
- Luxurious, durable materials and hand-tufting
- Good for couples with different preferences
- Lengthy 25-year limited warranty
Potential Cons:
- Very high price point
- Not as responsive as Bonnell coil designs
- Questionable long-term durability
- Minimal natural fiber used in upholstery
- Heavy mattresses not easy to rotate
Shifman Mattress Pros and Cons
Here are the key pros and cons for Shifman mattresses:
Pros:
- Time-honored quality with true handmade craftsmanship
- Durable two-sided flippable design
- Unmatched pressure relief from upholstery comfort layers
- Natural, breathable materials regulate temperature
- Eight-way hand-tied boxsprings excellent for support
- Traditional responsive innerspring bounce
- Excellent choice for back and stomach sleepers
- Stays like new for over a decade
- Lifetime non-prorated warranty
Potential Cons:
- Significantly more expensive than the average mattress
- Less motion isolation due to Bonnell coils
- Needs frequent rotating to maximize lifespan
- Very heavy and harder to move
- Limited firmness and height options
- Can sleep hot for some without cooling gels
- Not ideal for side sleepers under 130 pounds
Key Differences Between Kluft And Shifman Mattresses
To recap, here are the main differences between Kluft and Shifman when it comes to construction, feel, and performance:
- Pricing – Shifman is typically more expensive than Kluft
- Coils – Kluft uses foam-encased pocketed coils while Shifman uses traditional interconnected Bonnell coils
- Comfort Layers – Kluft uses more foam and latex while Shifman focuses on organic upholstery
- Responsiveness – Shifman has more “bounce” from Bonnell coils
- Cooling – Kluft may sleep cooler from advanced foams and covers
- Lifespan – Shifman may outlast Kluft by 5-10 years
- Flippable – Shifman offers two-sided flippable designs, Kluft does not
- Warranty – Shifman offers a lifetime warranty, Kluft is 25 years
Ultimately, Shifman mattresses represent a very traditional old-world style of luxury mattress while Kluft has more of a modern high-tech spin on luxury.
Which Is Better For You?
Choosing between Kluft and Shifman comes down to your sleep style and preferences. Here are some key considerations:
- Sleep Position
Stomach and back sleepers may prefer Shifman for the extra support from Bonnell coils. Side sleepers and those under 130lbs could benefit more from Kluft’s pressure relief.
- Responsiveness
For bounce and ease moving around, Shifman is best. Kluft conforms closely for restricted movement.
- Cooling
Kluft’s advanced covers and cooling gels give better airflow and temperature regulation. Shifman can retain more heat.
- Durability
If you want a mattress to last 15-20 years, Shifman is the better investment. For 10-15 years, Kluft is also quite durable.
- Value
Given their handmade quality using premium organic materials, Shifman offers better value for money long-term.
- Ease of Care
Shifman’s two-sided design needs regular rotating. Kluft is easier to manage as a one-sided mattress.
Reviews and Ratings
Here is an overview of what real mattress reviews and ratings say about Kluft vs Shifman:
Kluft Owner Ratings
- Very good to excellent ratings on comfort from most owners
- Average heat retention and motion isolation scores
- Mixed durability results after 5-7 years for some
- Complaints of sagging and indentations forming
- Satisfaction depends heavily on specific model
Shifman Owner Ratings
- Consistently excellent ratings for comfort and support
- Many report over 15 years of consistent performance
- Retains shape and support extremely well over time
- Runs warm for some sleepers
- Very heavy to move but a worthwhile investment
Both brands have solid reputations overall for luxury quality and comfort.
Shifman mattresses tend to have higher satisfaction over the full product lifecycle.
Prices and Models
Here is an overview of sample pricing and popular models for Kluft and Shifman:
| Brand | Model | Type | Price (King) |
| Kluft | Aireloom Karpen Luxury Firm | Hybrid | $$7,000 |
| Kluft | Eternity Natural Latex | Latex | $$6,500 |
| Kluft | Wave Luxury Plush Pillowtop | Innerspring | $$4,000 |
| Shifman | Hotel Collection Ultra Plush | Innerspring | $$9,000 |
| Shifman | Natural Luxetop Majestic Pillowtop | Latex Hybrid | $$12,000 |
| Shifman | Two-Sided Ultimate Plush | Innerspring | $$15,000 |
In general, Shifman’s pricing starts around $4,000 and goes up to $15,000+ for their top models. Kluft pricing ranges from around $2,000 up to $10,000.
While the sticker price is certainly eye-watering for both brands, keep in mind these mattresses should provide at least double the lifespan of an average mattress. The long-term value for money starts to make sense given their quality materials, lifetime warranties, and lack of sagging issues over time.
Warranties Compared
The warranty coverage provides insight into how long a mattress should last.
Kluft Mattress Warranty
- 25 years non-prorated
- Covers sagging greater than 1.5 inches
- Defects in materials and workmanship
- With compressed foam models – 1.5 inch indentation for 5 years then prorated
Shifman Mattress Warranty
- Fully lifetime non-prorated
- Covers sagging and indentation issues
- No limit on comfort layer compression
- Defects in materials and workmanship
- Requires using a Shifman boxspring
Shifman clearly expects their mattresses to last a lifetime, as evidenced by their exceptional warranty terms. Kluft offers a generous warranty period but it falls short of true lifetime coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Kluft mattresses are expensive due to their high-end materials like latex, cashmere, organic cotton, wool and silk as well as handmade construction in California using expert craftsmanship. The patented Springlux coil units are also unique and add to costs.
With regular rotating, Shifman mattresses are designed to last easily 15-20 years or more. Many owners report their Shifman mattresses lasting 25 years and still going strong. Their lifetime warranty demonstrates the long-term durability expected.
Kluft mattresses are made by E.S. Kluft & Co. which is part of the larger company Heritage Home Group. Their factory is based in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The brand has been around since 2004 when the trademark was acquired.
Former President Obama is said to sleep on a Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Luxury Plush mattress, according to reports. The Stearns & Foster brand is also owned by the parent company that makes Kluft mattresses. So Obama chose a high-end mattress but not the priciest Kluft designs.
Final Thoughts
When choosing between luxury brands Kluft and Shifman, you really can’t go wrong. Both offer exceptional comfort, support, quality materials and craftsmanship.
Key factors to consider are your budget, preferred feel, sleeper type, and desired lifespan. Shifman is ultimately the better long-term investment if you want a mattress to last 20+ years. But Kluft offers more diversity in models and feels while still being extremely luxurious.
We hope this comprehensive comparison helps give you clarity around the Kluft and Shifman debate. The most important thing is choosing the luxury mattress model that best fits your sleep needs and background. For high-end mattresses, small details in construction and materials make a big difference.
Research carefully, read professional reviews and owner experiences before investing. With proper care, an ultra-premium mattress like these should provide many years of restful sleep.
