Flobeds memory foam and latex combo - opinions?
Sep 19, 2007 11:52 PM
Joined: Sep 19, 2007
Points: 5
I've decided that a kit is the way to go for us.  We've tested various memory foam and latex beds locally but the price of the latex is just too steep and after realizing how customizable the kits are, it seems like a no-lose proposition.  After the showroom tests, my partner really loves the feel of memory foam.  We've both used memory foam pillows for over a year and really like them. Has anyone tried the memory foam/latex combo from Flobeds?  Everyone here seems to stick to latex only.  Is there a reason for the avoidance of MF? 

Oh and for our stats:  I'm 5'6" and 190 lbs (side sleeper) with a back that needs fairly firm support  and he's 5'10" and 170 lbs and a stomach/side sleeper.

The flobeds adviser recommends firm over firm for him and firm over medium for me (which I worry won't be enough support), with a memory foam top.   I'm torn between this and going straight latex.  Any advice?
Re: Flobeds memory foam and latex combo - opinions?
Reply #4 Sep 20, 2007 1:13 PM
Joined: Sep 19, 2007
Points: 5
Thanks for all the info.

I'm leaning towards going firmer rather than softer.  Especially since I'm on the heavier end of the scale and I really want some decent support.

As far as memory foam goes, I really would like something more "natural", especially since I have a young son that often ends up in bed with us. (Even though we have the pillows.)  As well, even though my partner likes the feel of memory foam, he really likes the durability of latex. (As in, not having to go through this process again soon). 

Oddly enough, the hardest part for me is trying to decide which company to go with, not the idea of a kit itself. Well that, and how to configure the layers.  I am going to be importing this bed into Canada, so I really, really, really don't want to do more than one exchange.  Luckily, I live about 30 minutes from the boarder (in western Canada) and am going to have it delivered into Washington State and then pick it up there and bring it across myself.

Currently, I'm leaning towards Sleep-Ez 10000 in this configuration:
    Medium 30-32 ILD
    Firm 38-40
    X-Firm 44

I'm hoping that will give me enough layers to play with.  Any thoughts on whether 30-32 is enough cushioning for a comfort layer?

I don't see many people going for the Posture Select from Flobeds (with only two layers).  Otherwise, I'd be going with the Posture Deluxe and that ups the price quite a bit.  But with only two layers (plus the convoluted topper) I worry about not having enough options to play with.
This message was modified Sep 20, 2007 by wildintheory
Re: Flobeds memory foam and latex combo - opinions?
Reply #5 Sep 20, 2007 1:34 PM
Foam Nerd
Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605
Is off-gassing an issue with Foamex' VPF process? I read the concerns about off-gassing all the time, but wonder if it's a legitimate concern. [uh-oh, another research project?]

As for where to buy, SleepEz and FloBeds are both excellent choices. The only two I would personally recommend, for what that's worth, especially if you want the ability to exchange layers. Either company will give you excellent advice on how to configure the mattress. They would just as soon get it right the first time too! I would suggest you talk to Dewey or Dave (Flobeds) and Shawn (SleepEz) and decide which company you like better, considering the entire package of latex, mattress cover, foundation, return policy, exchange policy, and whatever else is important to you. Both have superb websites, but once you get "educated," give them a call for a little one-on-one.
Re: Flobeds memory foam and latex combo - opinions?
Reply #6 Sep 20, 2007 1:43 PM
Joined: Sep 19, 2007
Points: 5
haysdb wrote:
Is off-gassing an issue with Foamex' VPF process? I read the concerns about off-gassing all the time, but wonder if it's a legitimate concern. [uh-oh, another research project?]

As for where to buy, SleepEz and FloBeds are both excellent choices. The only two I would personally recommend, for what that's worth, especially if you want the ability to exchange layers. Either company will give you excellent advice on how to configure the mattress. They would just as soon get it right the first time too! I would suggest you talk to Dewey or Dave (Flobeds) and Shawn (SleepEz) and decide which company you like better, considering the entire package of latex, mattress cover, foundation, return policy, exchange policy, and whatever else is important to you. Both have superb websites, but once you get "educated," give them a call for a little one-on-one.

Ahhh, you are probably right about the off-gassing.  I too, hear about it a lot but don't really know how legitimate it is with the Sensus.  Sometimes it is really hard to resist the urge to be afraid of anything not natural - which is just about everything, heh.

I think that my next step is a few phone calls.  I'm at that place where I've read a lot and I'm ready for the next step.
Re: Flobeds memory foam and latex combo - opinions?
Reply #7 Sep 20, 2007 4:07 PM
Foam Nerd
Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605
Off-gassing may be an issue with all memory foam, but the reason I ask about Foamex is because their manufacturing process is very different from every other memory foam except Vita, which is manufactured with the same process.

It is worth further investigation. What I need is for my ex-wife to smell each of the samples. I swear her olfactory sense is comparable to that of a blood-hound. I on the other hand am the olfactory equivalent to blind or def.
Re: Flobeds memory foam and latex combo - opinions?
Reply #8 Sep 20, 2007 10:33 PM
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 191
<BR> wildintheory wrote:
Thanks for all the info.&amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;I'm leaning towards going firmer rather than softer.&amp;amp;amp;nbsp; Especially since I'm on the heavier end of the scale and I really want some decent support.&amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;As far as memory foam goes, I really would like something more &amp;quot;natural&amp;quot;, especially since I have a young son that often ends up in bed with us. (Even though we have the pillows.)&amp;amp;amp;nbsp; As well, even though my partner likes the feel of memory foam, he really likes the durability of latex. (As in, not having to go through this process again soon).&amp;amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;Oddly enough, the hardest part for me is trying to decide which company to go with, not the idea of a kit itself. Well that, and how to configure the layers.&amp;amp;amp;nbsp; I am going to be importing this bed into Canada, so I really, really, really don't want to do more than one exchange.&amp;amp;amp;nbsp; Luckily, I live about 30 minutes from the boarder (in western Canada) and am going to have it delivered into Washington State and then pick it up there and bring it across myself. &amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;Currently, I'm leaning towards Sleep-Ez 10000 in this configuration:&amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;amp;nbsp; Medium 30-32 ILD&amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;amp;nbsp; Firm 38-40&amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;amp;nbsp; X-Firm 44&amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;I'm hoping that will give me enough layers to play with.&amp;amp;amp;nbsp; Any thoughts on whether 30-32 is enough cushioning for a comfort layer?&amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;BR&amp;amp;gt;I don't see many people going for the Posture Select from Flobeds (with only two layers).&amp;amp;amp;nbsp; Otherwise, I'd be going with the Posture Deluxe and that ups the price quite a bit.&amp;amp;amp;nbsp; But with only two layers (plus the convoluted topper) I worry about not having enough options to play with.
Regarding the question about the 30-32ILD for a comfort layer...that is exactly what I use with my SleepEZ 13000.As a matter of fact your latex combo choice is the very same as mine (Medium/Firm/X-tra Firm) but I have a spare layer of medium which is at the base of my mattress.If the need arises I can change out my top layer for my bottom be it due to any breakdown or any issues.Jeff
This message was modified Sep 20, 2007 by JCturboT
Re: Flobeds memory foam and latex combo - opinions?
Reply #9 Oct 6, 2007 2:36 AM
Joined: Sep 10, 2007
Points: 690
I have a question for you, Mequon Jim. How does the 5lbs. density Sensus (2" or 3") feel compared to the 4 lbs. 2" Premier memory foam topper? (Both from Sleepwarehouse.com).

I just ordered a 4lbs. 2" topper from Sleepwarehouse.com to put over my 1" 32 ILD talalay latex and under a Cuddle Bed fiber bed type topper. Will the 4 lbs. feel more supportive since it will be over the frmer latex? I thought I read where the 5 lbs. tends to keep the indentations longer, hence feeling like you're in a hole when trying to turn over. Is this true? If so, I'm glad I got the 4lbs. I hope that doesn't happen with that density.

Thanks!


MequonJim wrote:
I love the feel of memory foam.&nbsp; Nothing beats it, in my opinion.&nbsp; Sensus is a fantastic product.&nbsp; If you want something even cushier, the cheap stuff at Walmart feels great.&nbsp; However you will have to replace the cheap stuff more often (probably every 2 years).<BR><BR>There are a couple of things I don't like about memory foam:&nbsp; I don't like the lack of breathabilitiy.&nbsp; I am also concerned about off gassing of chemicals from memory foam.<BR><BR>Nothing is perfect, so you have to go with whatever characteristics are most important to you (and your partner).
Re: Flobeds memory foam and latex combo - opinions?
Reply #10 Oct 6, 2007 9:08 AM
Location: Mequon, WI
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 363
BeddyBye,

I have never tried the 4 lb. 2" Premier memory foam from sleepwarehouse.com, so I can't say how fast or slow that foam is.  Sensus is very slow, I know that for sure.

Re: Flobeds memory foam and latex combo - opinions?
Reply #11 Oct 6, 2007 5:41 PM
Joined: Sep 10, 2007
Points: 690
MequonJim wrote:
BeddyBye,</p><p>I have never tried the 4 lb. 2&quot; Premier memory foam from sleepwarehouse.com, so I can't say how fast or slow that foam is.  Sensus is very slow, I know that for sure.

When you say slow, does that mean the body impression stay there for awhile? Hmmmm....not sure I like that. Thanks.

Also, while I have your attention, is there a noticeable difference in density between the 3 lbs. and 4 lbs.? I sure hope so! The two, cheap almost-1 inch memory foam toppers I have from Overstock.com offer no support. In fact, I usually end up with a back ache due to their squishing down. I really hope the 2" 4 lbs. topper doesn't do that. My husband, the math teacher figured out about how much a Twin XL 4 lbs. 2" memory foam topper would weigh. That's if it's 4 lbs. per cubic foot. I'm not even sure if I gave him the right formula!
Re: Flobeds memory foam and latex combo - opinions?
Reply #12 Oct 7, 2007 9:14 AM
Location: Mequon, WI
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 363
BeddyBye,

Yes, the Sensus retains body impressions longer, although I couldn't make anything permanent.  However you did not order the Sensus, so this shouldn't effect you.

There definitely should be a noticeable difference between 3lb & 4lb foam.  The higher the weight per cubic foot, the longer the foam should last.  However, this does not mean it will give support.  Support comes from firmness, which is measured in ILD for foams.  There is also a support factor and deep down support factor, that would help you make a better decision when considering layers.  haysdb found that information and posted it somewhere around here.

Re: Flobeds memory foam and latex combo - opinions?
Reply #13 Oct 8, 2007 2:08 PM
Foam Nerd
Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605
Unfortunately when it comes to memory foam, ILD's aren't typically known, and there is no measure for how "slow" a foam is. Very generally speaking, lower density memory foam will recover faster. Not universally true, but the lower density samples I have are all faster than the higher density samples. I don't have any 4 lb Foamex.
This message was modified Oct 8, 2007 by haysdb

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