12 year latex veteran with a question
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Hello All. Let me first say that this is a wonderful site and I'm really impressed with not only the wonderful information being shared here but also the civility in which it is being communicated. <BR>I bought my first (and only) latex mattress 12 1/2 years ago and it is still the mattress that I use to this day. When I bought it at Mattress Giant back in 1997, latex mattresses were just starting<BR>to come onto the market. It was the only latex model that they had and when I laid down on it, I knew that I needed to purchase it. It is a 6 inch natural latex mattress made by Associated Sleep Industries.<BR><BR>I've been so pleased with this mattress for so long, that I've been out of the loop of what's out there, as far as latex mattresses go. Coming to this site has been quite an eye opener as far as all the options that now<BR>exist, it's quite dizzying. The reason for my post is that my current mattress is starting to get a bit of a dip in its center and I think it may be time for a new latex mattress. Ideally, I'd like to get the same mattress<BR>that I have but it's no longer available. I don't know what firmness my mattress is or if it is dunlop or talalay. About all I know is that it is very heavy and there are no other materials interwoven (i.e. cotton, wool,<BR>synthetic latex, PU foam, memory foam) into the mattress. It's just a 6 inch slab of natural latex with a mattress cover sewn around it. <BR><BR>I've read quite a few posts on this forum about folks building their own latex mattresses with different layers of latex of varying firmness. I'd like to keep my next purchase simple and just replace what I already<BR>have with it's present day equivalent. For those in the know, would the Foam By Mail 6 inch latex mattress fit the bill? Is their mattress 100 % natural latex with nothing added? I'm open to any comments or <BR>suggestions about FBM or any other manufacturers. Thank you so much for your help.<BR><BR>Jay This message was modified Sep 16, 2009 by enlighten
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Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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I'm not a latex expert but I have used it here and there. I THINK the answer to your question is yes, you can use the foambymail as a core, it's pure latex. If I'm not mistaken Eagle just bought from them, so look for him to answer this and look for his review of his newly bought latex slab. Can you give us any details on where you bought your mattress, what ILD it is, ANYthing... are there any labels anywhere? An old receipt or bill of sale? Could you take some pictures of it and upload them - let us see how it looks... Some people here might be able to make a good guess as to how firm it is (ILD) if they knew who made it or what type of latex it is... You might consider cutting off a full 6" from the bottom corner and taking it to a foam store that sells latex or even sending it to foambymail or one of the others... and from that they could make a pretty good guess I think. Hopefully some others with more knowledge of latex can help you. It would be great if you could post some photos so we could see the color, the way it's made, etc... If not, tell us what color it is and describe the pattern of holes... Look around on the net at "latex" and see if you can find one that looks like it and link us to that...? |
Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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jimsocal wrote: I'm not a latex expert but I have used it here and there.<BR><BR>I THINK the answer to your question is yes, you can use the foambymail as a core, it's pure latex. If I'm not mistaken Eagle just bought from them, so look for him to answer this and look for his review of his newly bought latex slab.<BR><BR>Can you give us any details on where you bought your mattress, what ILD it is, ANYthing... are there any labels anywhere? An old receipt or bill of sale? <BR>Could you take some pictures of it and upload them - let us see how it looks... <BR><BR>Some people here might be able to make a good guess as to how firm it is (ILD) if they knew who made it or what type of latex it is... <BR><BR>You might consider cutting off a full 6" from the bottom corner and taking it to a foam store that sells latex or even sending it to foambymail or one of the others... and from that they could make a pretty good guess I think.<BR><BR>Hopefully some others with more knowledge of latex can help you. It would be great if you could post some photos so we could see the color, the way it's made, etc... <BR>If not, tell us what color it is and describe the pattern of holes... Look around on the net at "latex" and see if you can find one that looks like it and link us to that...? Hi Jim, thank you for the prompt response. I purchased the mattress from Mattress Giant in 1997. It is called a Foam Royale and it is made by Associated Sleep Industries of Chelsea, MA. The mattress cover is sewn into the latex like a typical coil mattress is, so accessing the latex would mean cutting into it. As far as firmness, I have no clue, when I purchased it, latex mattresses were just coming onto the market and there weren't all of these options. Would posting a picture of the outside of the mattress still help? Thanks again. Jay |
Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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I have the 6" FBM latex core (firm) and it feels good by itself but is too firm alone for me to be comfy. I have 2" of soft foam from FBM on top of it. But if you were take some pictures I could see if yours looks anything like my core. Also, the idea of sending a sample to FBM seems like a really good one to me.<BR><BR>The 6" core from FBM is all latex and we're quite happy (so far!) with our purchase. I'll be posting a thread soon with pictures and a detailed review. Edited to add: I just read that it's encased like a traditional mattress. It probably won't help to take pictures of it as it is, but if you're willing, there are a lot of threads about mattress surgery and you could probably do just a teeny bit to get a sample. This message was modified Sep 16, 2009 by wifecat
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Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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Jim: I just bought from FlowBeds. It is an all natural organic Talalay 3 cores of 3" and the top most layer of 2" soft convoluted Talalay. I won't trouble you with foam density at this stage, because I don't know what's going to work or what I will replace it with. But as I am 6' 2"and weigh 210 pounds I'm going with a more firm mattress to begin with. Jay: Possibly you need to look into http://www.habitatfutons.com/latex_mattress.html They sell a six-inch Dunlop mattresses including the cover, for $1600 with free shipping for a California King. They have an excellent trial period of six months. If you don't like the mattress during that period of time you can return it for a full refund no questions asked. They also sell the same mattress with a 2 inch top layer of soft Talalay, and another mattress with the same 6 inch Dunlop core topped with 3 inches of soft Talalay. In all cases you have no choice other than the initial choice of picking one of the three. It comes with its cover already in place and you take it out of the box and it will expand into a bed, as they use a vacuum processing to reduce shipping. They do not have any exchange of layers or anything like that. So they operate differently than most every other company. But they have an A+ rating with the BBB and people who like their mattresses think they're great. They don't even say what the ILD of the mattresses are. So if you want a simple straightforward dea, they look like the choice. They have an excellent website that is most informative with several really good videos. You might want to check them out. I personally like to have more choice about layers, so I went with FloBeds as I have never slept on a latex mattress before. This is going to be a whole new adventure for me. This message was modified Sep 16, 2009 by eagle2
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Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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wifecat wrote: I have the 6&quot; FBM latex core (firm) and it feels good by itself but is too firm alone for me to be comfy. I have 2&quot; of soft foam from FBM on top of it. But if you were take some pictures I could see if yours looks anything like my core. Also, the idea of sending a sample to FBM seems like a really good one to me.<BR><BR>The 6&quot; core from FBM is all latex and we're quite happy (so far!) with our purchase. I'll be posting a thread soon with pictures and a detailed review.<BR><BR><BR>Edited to add: I just read that it's encased like a traditional mattress. It probably won't help to take pictures of it as it is, but if you're willing, there are a lot of threads about mattress surgery and you could probably do just a teeny bit to get a sample. Thank you wifecat, I'm glad to hear that the FBM core is firm enough for you, that is one of my concerns. I'm 6 foot 3 and weigh 220 pounds but what I have had for the last 12 plus years has more than do the job. I also wanted to inquire about the durability of FBM products(in terms of how long their mattresses last). I don't know if they've been around long enough to actually get a fair assessment on this. Thanks again and I look forward to your review. Jay |
Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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eagle2 wrote: Jay:</span> Possibly you need to look into http://www.habitatfutons.com/latex_mattress.html<BR><BR>They sell a six-inch Dunlop mattresses including the cover, for $1600 with free shipping for a California King. They have an excellent trial period of six months. If you don't like the mattress during that period of time you can return it for a full refund no questions asked. They also sell the same mattress with a 2 inch top layer of soft Talalay, and another mattress with the same 6 inch Dunlop core topped with 3 inches of soft Talalay. In all cases you have no choice other than the initial choice of picking one of the three. It comes with its cover already in place and you take it out of the box and it will expand into a bed, as they use a vacuum processing to reduce shipping. They do not have any exchange of layers or anything like that.<BR><BR>So they operate differently than most every other company. But they have an A+ rating with the BBB and people who like their mattresses think they're great. They don't even say what the ILD of the mattresses are. So if you want a simple straightforward dea, they look like the choice. They have an excellent website that is most informative with several really good videos. You might want to check them out.<BR><BR>I personally like to have more choice about layers, so I went with FloBeds as I have never slept on a latex mattress before. This is going to be a whole new adventure for me. Thank you eagle, I definitely appreciate the straightforward approach. I will check them out. My only concern is the durability of the dunlop latex. I've consistently read that the dunlop latex degrades faster. If you've heard differently, I'd love to hear your feedback. Thank you, Jay |
Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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enlighten wrote: Thank you eagle, I definitely appreciate the straightforward approach. I will check them out. My only concern is the durability of the dunlop latex. I've consistently read that the dunlop latex degrades faster. If you've heard differently, I'd love to hear your feedback. Thank you, Jay Jay: It would be wonderful if someone like "Consumer Reports" would get their head out of the sand and really do a scientific study on mattresses. They won't do it, they just don't want to spend the time and money. But I believe that's what it would take to really be able to answer a lot of the questions that people have about latex. I have heard that both Dunlop and Talalay 100% natural latex are both wonderful products. Dunlop uses the older method of pure vulcanizeing of the latex and Talalay uses a more complicated process in an effort to get a more consistent product. But if both processes use 100% natural organic latex, then they should both last for a very long time. Basically, it seems to me, that you can hear anything you want to based upon the individuals bias or prejudice for one type of latex foam over another. Some people are convinced that a blended latex with synthetic latex mixed with natural latex is the best product. For instance Latex International, one of the largest manufacturers of Talalay latex in the world, and manufactured right here in America, has a 65 synthetic 35 natural blend that some people swear by. And since they make an all natural product as well, it can become quite confusing. But just guessing, and that's all I'm doing is guessing, I would guess that the all natural product, both Dunlop and Talalay, would be the most durable product, and the better product. But I am simply guessing. Like you I would love to know, but until someone who does this kind of testing scientifically tests both Dunlop and Talalay method of manufacturing latex alongside the blended product, we're going to all just keep guessing. Like you I am a larger male at 6' 2" and 210 pounds (side sleeper). And I just purchased an all natural latex mattress. Since I am 72 years of age I doubt that I will live long enough to really test out the longevity characteristics of the mattress since they are reputed to have 15 to 30 year life expectancies. And so it goes! Good luck in your quest. This message was modified Sep 17, 2009 by eagle2
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Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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No, it wouldn't do any good to take a photo of the outside of the mattress. But if you're going to trash the old one anyway, you may want to both cut into it to take a photo AND cut a sample for foambymail or another supplier so they can guess what you need to replace it. If on the other hand, you plan to keep the mattress as a spare, then I can see your not wanting to cut into it. My guess is that latex would probably be good if you could turn it over... but that would require surgery... I think you definitely should try to find out what ILD it is, especially if you've really liked it because if you get a different ILD you may not be happy. ILD can usually be guessed pretty easily -within a few digits - by a latex expert or one who deals in latex. Is there a latex seller anywhere near you? Even if you just cut into the bottom corner of the mattress, with an exacto knife, you could take a piece out (cut with a $10 electric carving knife) and use that sample to find out what ILD it is. Then, once it's covered with a sheet, no one will feel or see the surgery scar. That's what I'd do, but then I'm a mattress surgeon. |
Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
| Foamorder.com sells only dunlop latex now (they call it 'natural sense') as they claim that the Talalay broke down too fast. Go figure... |
Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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electracat wrote: Foamorder.com sells only dunlop latex now (they call it 'natural sense') as they claim that the Talalay broke down too fast. Go figure... electracat: I have heard the same thing. Both ways! If the seller is into Dunlop, then it is the best. If the seller is into Talalay, then it is the best. It seems impossible to get an unbiased opinion. And if they are principally into a blended product, of both natural and synthetic, then it is the best. We are going to have to rely on those folks who have experience with their personal latex mattresses to have any opportunity to find out even a little of the truth. And in far too many cases we are all, more or less, ignorant of what our mattresses are actually made out of. We have to take the sellers word for what we've purchased. It's a shame, but that is where we're at.  As much as I hate our federal government getting involved in more and more of our lives, it seems that would be the only way to make the manufactures state exactly what the material is in our mattresses. Under the threat of possible federal prosecution, possibly then we might get the truth. Sad state of affairs.  |
Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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Speculation on exactly how long latex will last aside, my entire family slept on blended Dunlop latex mattresses and they lasted 20 years before the foam began to dry up and powder. That's not speculation--that's fact. Unfortunately I don't think it's possible to find blended Dunlop any longer. It's all "natural" which means it's derived from rubber trees rather than petroleum. Eagle is quite right. You really can't get a straight answer on what kind of latex is the most durable and long lasting. It seems like whatever the vendor sells is the "best." But it does make sense to me that sap is like wine--a natural product whose quality will vary from harvest to harvest. The theory behind blended latex is that the quality of the synthetic element can be maintained to a specific standard, and will compensate for any deficiency in the natural element. I don't know if there is really any truth to it, I just know my blended Dunlop mattress lasted a really long time. |
Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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eagle2 wrote: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Jay:</span> It would be wonderful if someone like "Consumer Reports" would get their head out of the sand and really do a scientific study on mattresses. They won't do it, they just don't want to spend the time and money. But I believe that's what it would take to really be able to answer a lot of the questions that people have about latex.<BR><BR>I have heard that both Dunlop and Talalay 100% natural latex are both wonderful products. Dunlop uses the older method of pure vulcanizeing of the latex and Talalay uses a more complicated process in an effort to get a more consistent product. But if both processes use 100% natural organic latex, then they should both last for a very long time.<BR><BR>Basically, it seems to me, that you can hear anything you want to based upon the individuals bias or prejudice for one type of latex foam over another. Some people are convinced that a blended latex with synthetic latex mixed with natural latex is the best product. For instance Latex International, one of the largest manufacturers of Talalay latex in the world, and manufactured right here in America, has a 65 synthetic 35 natural blend that some people swear by. And since they make an all natural product as well, it can become quite confusing.<BR><BR>But just guessing, and that's all I'm doing is guessing, I would guess that the all natural product, both Dunlop and Talalay, would be the most durable product, and the better product. But I am simply guessing. Like you I would love to know, but until someone who does this kind of testing scientifically tests both Dunlop and Talalay method of manufacturing latex alongside the blended product, we're going to all just keep guessing.<BR><BR>Like you I am a larger male at 6' 2" and 210 pounds (side sleeper). And I just purchased an all natural latex mattress. Since I am 72 years of age I doubt that I will live long enough to really test out the longevity characteristics of the mattress since they are reputed to have 15 to 30 year life expectancies. <BR><BR>And so it goes! Good luck in your quest. All great points eagle, there are so many variables in all of this. Let me ask you, since we are both about the same size, what firmness(es) did you get with your current latex mattress? And......let's hope you live a long, healthy life. Thank you again, Jay |
Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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jimsocal wrote: My guess is that latex would probably be good if you could turn it over... but that would require surgery...<BR><BR>I think you definitely should try to find out what ILD it is, especially if you've really liked it because if you get a different ILD you may not be happy. ILD can usually be guessed pretty easily -within a few digits - by a latex expert or one who deals in latex. Is there a latex seller anywhere near you? <BR><BR>Even if you just cut into the bottom corner of the mattress, with an exacto knife, you could take a piece out (cut with a $10 electric carving knife) and use that sample to find out what ILD it is. Then, once it's covered with a sheet, no one will feel or see the surgery scar. That's what I'd do, but then I'm a mattress surgeon. Jim, I'm intrigued by your point about the latex being good if it were turned over but I'm completely new to the idea of surgery. I wish you were closer by. If I were to be able to take a photo of the inside of my mattress would you be able to tell what the ILD is? Many thanks. |
Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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cloud9 wrote: Speculation on exactly how long latex will last aside, my entire family slept on blended Dunlop latex mattresses and they lasted 20 years before the foam began to dry up and powder. That's not speculation--that's fact. Unfortunately I don't think it's possible to find blended Dunlop any longer. It's all "natural" which means it's derived from rubber trees rather than petroleum. </p><p>Eagle is quite right. You really can't get a straight answer on what kind of latex is the most durable and long lasting. It seems like whatever the vendor sells is the "best." But it does make sense to me that sap is like wine--a natural product whose quality will vary from harvest to harvest. The theory behind blended latex is that the quality of the synthetic element can be maintained to a specific standard, and will compensate for any deficiency in the natural element. I don't know if there is really any truth to it, I just know my blended Dunlop mattress lasted a really long time. Thank you for that wise and broad view. It's really difficult given that a lot of the companies that people are going with are mail order. We can't really try the mattresses until we have already purchased them. That is why this site is so helpful, real people, giving real feedback from their own experience. |
Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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Jay: Have you gone here? http://www.habitatfutons.com/latex_mattress.html They have some of the best explanatory video's regarding latex I have seen. They are also the company with the super simple purchasing program. Pick one of three types of mattresses and you are all done. If you do not like it there is no exchange but, there is a 6 mo. trial period, and if you do not like it you can return it for a full refund no questions ask. It seems to me like a good deal if all you want is a replacement for your old mattress and do not want to, "Wade In The Water" so to speak. This mattress business can drive you crazy. I have spent the last two mo. going over this stuff on an almost 24/7 bases. It gets old!!!  But I do like more control, sooooo! I am paying for it. I believe my FloBed product will work for me however. I am going firm at first as Talalay is a softer foam than Dunlop. One side is med, over firm, over extra firm. The other is, firm, over extra firm, over extra firm. This will give me something to experment with. Hopefully I will not need to exchange cores at all. If I do, hopefully, it will be a minimal exchange procedure. I was always going to call Habitat to see if I could not find out more about what the ILD of the two different layers were. I did not do so, so I do not know. I would recommend calling them and trying to get some additional information. While they have no exchange policy, their return policy is the best in the business, and their prices are very good, some of the best around. PS: I just decided to go ahead and call habitat and see what their core layers were. They are as follows. Their 6 inch Dunlop is there least expensive mattress, it is 26 ILD. Next, the same 6 inch Dunlop with a 2 inch Talalay, this Talalay is 19 ILD. The third mattress is the same ILD's the only difference is the top layer is 3 inches of Talalay instead of two. They all come glued together inside a mattress cover with all the air sucked out of them for shipping, so you simply unpackage them, unfold them, and give it about an hour to become a bed, and you're ready to go. That's it. Jay: My guess is that Habitat's approach might be to soft for us. This is a very soft mattress it seems to me. However, although ILD should be the same for Dunlop as well as Talalay, Dunlop has always felt different to me, more firm, less "springey" than Talalay. So who knows? I would just have to sleep on it to find out for sure. Boy, with their most costly mattress it sure is going to give a sleeper a sinking feeling, with 3" of 19 ILD Talalay! The only thing I can say is, if their approach to betting for the "average person" is correct, then one of two things is going to happen. Either I'm not average or, the bed that I have ordered is going to feel like concrete! It is obvious that Habitat has taken the minimalist approach to latex mattresses. They looked around the Internet and decided they wanted no part of exchanging cores and other "foolishness" when it came to ILD. So they did some testing and decided that this selected mattress ILB was going to appeal to the vast majority. While they do not have a one-size-fits-all, they do have a three sizes fits all. And those sizes all have the same ILB. But their prices are very good, and their return policy is excellent, probably the best in the industry. This message was modified Sep 18, 2009 by eagle2
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Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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enlighten wrote: Jim, I'm intrigued by your point about the latex being good if it were turned over but I'm completely new to the idea of surgery. I wish you were closer by. If I were to be able to take a photo of the inside of my mattress would you be able to tell what the ILD is? Many thanks. One cannot tell an ILD from looking at it, one has to feel it. Even then, it takes someone very familiar with latex. I could guess but might be off by as much as 5 ILD which is too much. An expert could probably guess it within 1-2 ILD, I am guessing. As to mattress surgery, unless you really need to keep the mattress what have you got to lose? My first surgery was on a Sealy. I had no idea if I would end up with anything usable or not. I just got out an exacto knife and cut into it, guessing how to do it. Turned out it was easy as pie and was very usable. I suspect MOST mattresses can be cut into. I just re-read your 1st post and I am confused: Can't you just turn it over and use the other side, as is? If you've been using one side the whole time, the other side probably does not have a dip and would be just fine. What would prevent you from doing that? If you can't do that for some reason, or if both sides have a dip then the thing you'd need to do would be to haul the whole thing into a foam store where they cut their own foam and have them take it out of the cover and cut off the top 1" or so, to get rid of the dip. I wish you were here in L.A.. I know a couple places that I THINK could do that for you for probably under $50. Then you'd just put the cover back on, or buy a new cover for it (many places sell covers for foam cores). The thing is, if I had the perfect ILD and type of latex and only needed to fix the dip, I'd try to do that instead of buying a new one. Not JUST for the money, but for the comfort. See if you can find a foam cutting place - foam store or foam distributor for the furniture industry. Then call them and explain that you just want to cut off about an inch of latex off the top, completely level to sleep on. Otherwise, again, just cut into it as best you can ; I'd say start at the bottom corner with an exacto knife or sharp scissors and pull back a piece of the cloth and see what's going on in there, then proceed. If it's just a cover, it should come off real easily. It might just be "stuck" to the latex from years of use. Pull it off, and you can buy a new one if need be, for $100 or less, or just use a fitted sheet over it and leave the bottom uncovered, no big deal since it's old anyway. You MAY indeed NEED a new piece of latex, but I'd try a) turning it over and b) cutting off an inch or so off the top, first, before investing $500-1000 on a new one. Then, if need be you can cut a 6" square off and send it to someone like foambymail to tell you what type and ILD it is. This message was modified Sep 18, 2009 by jimsocal
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Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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<BR><SPAN CLASS="quotedmessageheader">eagle2 wrote:</SPAN><BR><DIV CLASS="quotedmessage">&lt;span style=&quot;font-weight: bold;&quot;&gt;Jay&lt;/span&gt;: Have you gone here? http://www.habitatfutons.com/latex_mattress.html&lt;BR&gt;&lt;BR&gt;They have some of the best explanatory video's regarding latex I have seen..........This mattress business can drive you crazy. I have spent the last two mo. going over this stuff on an almost 24/7 bases. It gets old!!!<BR><BR>I <BR><BR>I will definitely check out Habitat eagle, I'm playing Mr. Mom for my 5 month old son today so as soon as he goes down<BR>for a nap, I will take a look. Yes you are right, this mattress stuff can make you bonkers.<BR><BR>Since you've created your own hybrid, I'm curious to hear your feedback about which side of your mattress that you prefer. Is it firm <BR>enough, too firm, etc. I'm trying to gauge what firmness would suit my needs as I look into purchasing a new mattress.<BR><BR>Thanks eagle. <BR> This message was modified Sep 19, 2009 by enlighten
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Re: 12 year latex veteran with a question
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jimsocal wrote: <BR><BR>I just re-read your 1st post and I am confused: Can't you just turn it over and use the other side, as is? If you've been using one side the whole time, the other side probably does not have a dip and would be just fine.<BR><BR>What would prevent you from doing that?<BR><BR>If you can't do that for some reason, or if both sides have a dip then the thing you'd need to do would be to haul the whole thing into a foam store where they cut their own foam and have them take it out of the cover and cut off the top 1" or so, to get rid of the dip. I wish you were here in L.A.. I know a couple places that I THINK could do that for you for probably under $50. Then you'd just put the cover back on, or buy a new cover for it (many places sell covers for foam cores).<BR><BR>The thing is, if I had the perfect ILD and type of latex and only needed to fix the dip, I'd try to do that instead of buying a new one. Not JUST for the money, but for the comfort. See if you can find a foam cutting place - foam store or foam distributor for the furniture industry. Then call them and explain that you just want to cut off about an inch of latex off the top, completely level to sleep on.<BR><BR>Otherwise, again, just cut into it as best you can ; I'd say start at the bottom corner with an exacto knife or sharp scissors and pull back a piece of the cloth and see what's going on in there, then proceed. If it's just a cover, it should come off real easily. It might just be "stuck" to the latex from years of use. Pull it off, and you can buy a new one if need be, for $100 or less, or just use a fitted sheet over it and leave the bottom uncovered, no big deal since it's old anyway. You MAY indeed NEED a new piece of latex, but I'd try a) turning it over and b) cutting off an inch or so off the top, first, before investing $500-1000 on a new one.<BR><BR>Then, if need be you can cut a 6" square off and send it to someone like foambymail to tell you what type and ILD it is.<br type="_moz"/> Hi Jim. I've actually been treating my latex mattress like a regular spring coil mattress since I bought it, I've been flipping and rotating it every six months. I love you advice about replacing the compromised latex in my mattress, I had no idea that you could do that. There is a foam store here in Boston that I know of but I'm not sure how good they are. I've called a few times inquiring about having them build me a mattress. I've spoken to an older woman who runs the place and she didn't seem too friendly. Thank you again for all the sage advice. |