Flobeds question
Dec 11, 2009 12:21 PM
Joined: Oct 8, 2009
Points: 192
Just what I dont want to have to do, more hassle, ignore me as I am beginning to suffer actual depression over waking up in extreme pain every morning while laying on a $4,000 mattress 

OK, now, the first thing I see on flobeds sight is I have to choose between

Latex Mattress/Talalay/V Zone/Natural Vzone

What?

(I will have more questions, I know I can ask Flobeds but I want unbiased opinions if possible)

Which one do I choose?  Why would I choose this over that?








also, for those of you who have had latex beds during warm times of the year, doesnt the bed react to that and dont they sleep warm?
This message was modified Dec 11, 2009 by randys
Re: Flobeds question
Reply #1 Dec 11, 2009 12:46 PM
Joined: Aug 21, 2009
Points: 486
I did not choose the VZone.  The reason is the Flobed has three layers of latex, and you choose the firmness of each layer (well and there's also the convoluted topper on top of the three layers).  The VZone is one layer where you have different firmnesses for different zones of your body - for example, you might have softer latex in the hip area and firmer under your legs for that one layer of latex.  For me, I thought I'd have a hard enough time just deciding how firm to make the three layers without the added confusion of deciding on multiple firmnesses for one of those layers.  Maybe one of their mattress options has four layers of latex, I dont' remember.

I believe the other choices among their mattresses have to do with how thick you want the mattress to be, whether you want 100% botanical latex or blended latex.  To be honest, I just looked at all the choices and picked a price point that I was comfortable with.  I have blended latex, eagle has the botanical.  Reports are coming back that the botanical is denser and might offer more support. 

As to the sleeping warm, I think my mattress is warm, but I don't feel like I sleep uncomfortably hot.  I haven't had it for the summer months, but last night was pretty chilly and I woke up feeling comfortably toasty.

No one can answer your questions for you Randy.  You have to jump in and talk with an expert (Flobeds) about your situation and then buy one, or make the drive out to Flobeds, talk to them and try out the mattress.

Every time you come on these boards you want someone to tell you what you should do, and you haven't even taken the time to call the people who can give you the best answer, which is Flobeds.
This message was modified Dec 11, 2009 by KimberlyH
Re: Flobeds question
Reply #2 Dec 11, 2009 1:00 PM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
I have the v-zone, which is mainly for side sleepers.  So, you can have it a bit softer (or firmer) under the shoulders or hips.  I don't think it makes a huge difference.  I find the main advantage for me is having it softer under the shoulders.  That can be a source of pressure for me on a firm bed.  I initially had softer under the hips, but felt like I was sinking in too much.  So, I have that firmer for now.  I don't think it matters too much what is under the head or legs.  Firmer at the rib and knee area is a slight plus.  In your case where you might need more customization the vzone might be a slight plus, but it does add an additional level of complexity.

The natural is denser and thus might provide better support according to eagle.  I would probably get that if I had to do over, but I don't think it would be a big difference.

Yes, latex can be warm.  Probably about the same as tempurpedic or other foam beds, based on my experience.  If heat has not been an issue with the tempurpedic, I doubt it will be one with the latex.

Re: Flobeds question
Reply #3 Dec 11, 2009 2:25 PM
Joined: Oct 8, 2009
Points: 192
KimberlyH wrote:
I did not choose the VZone.  The reason is the Flobed has three layers of latex, and you choose the firmness of each layer (well and there's also the convoluted topper on top of the three layers).  The VZone is one layer where you have different firmnesses for different zones of your body - for example, you might have softer latex in the hip area and firmer under your legs for that one layer of latex.  For me, I thought I'd have a hard enough time just deciding how firm to make the three layers without the added confusion of deciding on multiple firmnesses for one of those layers.  Maybe one of their mattress options has four layers of latex, I dont' remember.

I believe the other choices among their mattresses have to do with how thick you want the mattress to be, whether you want 100% botanical latex or blended latex.  To be honest, I just looked at all the choices and picked a price point that I was comfortable with.  I have blended latex, eagle has the botanical.  Reports are coming back that the botanical is denser and might offer more support. 

As to the sleeping warm, I think my mattress is warm, but I don't feel like I sleep uncomfortably hot.  I haven't had it for the summer months, but last night was pretty chilly and I woke up feeling comfortably toasty.

No one can answer your questions for you Randy.  You have to jump in and talk with an expert (Flobeds) about your situation and then buy one, or make the drive out to Flobeds, talk to them and try out the mattress.

Every time you come on these boards you want someone to tell you what you should do, and you haven't even taken the time to call the people who can give you the best answer, which is Flobeds.

again you assume things about me, yes i have emailed back and forth with them several times, but i wanted unbiased opinions too

are you the same one that keeps criticizing me for the way I ask questions?    nevermind, you dont have to answer that...

the purpose of these boards is to get the real inside scoop about what something is as opposed to what the sales person tells you it is...for instance, I will be asking people who get the new sleep science costco latex mattress with two sides to it, what they think

and my real problem with flobeds is the assembly and taking this layer out and put that layer in, etc...i may end up getting one someday anyway...dont know
Re: Flobeds question
Reply #4 Dec 11, 2009 3:20 PM
Joined: Dec 4, 2009
Points: 7
The Vzone sounds complicated to me. We just got a Savvyrest split mattress  and it has been fine for us.  It's Talalay with soft, med., and firm layers, with a zippered top.  We can switch them around to get the feel we want and have the option of trading out pieces of it if  we can't find a comfortable combo.  I did a crash course before deciding on this company and it's hard to wade through all the conflicting information on latex beds.  It helped that there was a dealer a couple of hours away where we could go try them out as long as we wanted.  Keep in mind that I'm still new to this. You just need to do your research and decide what's important to you. Good luck!
Re: Flobeds question
Reply #5 Dec 11, 2009 4:06 PM
Joined: Aug 17, 2009
Points: 542
randys said; "and my real problem with flobeds is the assembly and taking this layer out and put that layer in, etc...i may end up getting one someday anyway...dont know"

What you're calling a problem is actually a benefit to those of us who are willing to do what is necessary to find the best sleeping surface.

Both Kimberly and I have threads that we posted regarding our FloBeds purchases that are quite extensive. You can get all the unbiased (or as a few prefer... "biased" according to some critics) opinions you want about FloBeds in these two threads. There are many other threads that have all kinds of information that you claim you're trying to acquire.

You just need to do a little research and the information is there ad infinitum.

In the end, you can call FloBeds, toll-free, and talk to either Dave or Dewey Turner and get all the information you need.

But if what you're worrying about is moving layers around than possibly what you want is Habitat. Go to their website and read all about it. It is one of the best websites on the Internet as regards video demonstrations about their products. It sounds like they were made for you.


Re: Flobeds question
Reply #6 Dec 14, 2009 2:53 PM
Joined: Oct 8, 2009
Points: 192
eagle2 wrote:
randys said; "and my real problem with flobeds is the assembly and taking this layer out and put that layer in, etc...i may end up getting one someday anyway...dont know"

What you're calling a problem is actually a benefit to those of us who are willing to do what is necessary to find the best sleeping surface.

Both Kimberly and I have threads that we posted regarding our FloBeds purchases that are quite extensive. You can get all the unbiased (or as a few prefer... "biased" according to some critics) opinions you want about FloBeds in these two threads. There are many other threads that have all kinds of information that you claim you're trying to acquire.

You just need to do a little research and the information is there ad infinitum.

In the end, you can call FloBeds, toll-free, and talk to either Dave or Dewey Turner and get all the information you need.

But if what you're worrying about is moving layers around than possibly what you want is Habitat. Go to their website and read all about it. It is one of the best websites on the Internet as regards video demonstrations about their products. It sounds like they were made for you.



excellent input...seems habitat has 6 month full return policy, minus $75 which is a bargain!

thanks...i know i seem to be a pain, but i am in pain most of the time, unable to do much physically regards picking up stuff and moving it around, etc....

your help is appreciated, i may ask here about experiences at habitat...randy
Re: Flobeds question
Reply #7 Dec 14, 2009 4:04 PM
Joined: Aug 17, 2009
Points: 542
Randy: Good luck trying to find information on this site about Habitat. I'm sure that it is here, but unfortunately the subject you're looking for, more times than not, are not in the header of the thread. It will be buried down inside some thread about another topic.

The thing about Habitat that turned me off is the fact that you cannot specify the ILD of the layers. All they do is sell the same 6 inch Dunlop core either without a topper, or with a 2" soft Talalay topper, or a 3" soft Talalay topper all glued togeather, this should prove to be quite heavy and hard to move around. You cannot exchange one for the other, or do any adjusting at all. They do have an excellent return policy. They return all of your money within a six month trial period and only reduce the payback by $75 to cover return shipping. This is the best on the Internet as far as I have been able to learn.

There is no question Randy if you have a bad back that is giving you a lot of pain that moving the layers around can be quite difficult. I'm an older man with a bad back and every time I have to move these layers I wind up with a sore back even though I use a back brace. So I hear you loud and clear!! But I'm willing to pay the price in pain to have the ability to adjust my bed to fit my needs.

FloBeds is the best on the Internet in this regard. I have had three additional layers of latex sent to me since the original mattress was delivered to my house. And I have a fourth layer that is shipping later this week. It has certainly been worth the time, the money, and the extra effort, to be able to find the best mattress for me given the fact that I have paid this much money, and purchased it over the Internet. I feel that I have the best that is currently offered, whether that is the Internet, or a brick and mortar store.

To actually know what is in my mattress and what feels the best for me after having slept on it for several nights is hard to evaluate. For a man of my age this will probably be the last mattress I will ever buy. And someone will inherit an excellent bed.
Re: Flobeds question
Reply #8 Dec 14, 2009 5:41 PM
Joined: Aug 21, 2009
Points: 486
What's this fourth layer you're having shipped out?
Re: Flobeds question
Reply #9 Dec 14, 2009 6:48 PM
Joined: Aug 17, 2009
Points: 542
KimberlyH wrote:
What's this fourth layer you're having shipped out?

Kimberly, I am having FloBeds shipped me a 100% natural firm piece of latex. This will take the place of the blended piece of firm latex that they had recently shipped to me.

As you may recall I had this shipped as an experiment. This was due to the fact that it is so hard to find information comparing blended to natural by someone who is not selling it but actually sleeping on it.

My medium piece of natural is on the lower end of the ILD range. It is 26.2 ILD. But the firm piece of blended actually felt quite similar to my medium piece of natural. The surface tension of the blended felt a little firmer, but as I laid on it the more dense material in the natural made them feel very similar after laying on them for about an hour.

There is nothing wrong with blended latex! It is good material. It is just that I had all natural from the beginning and had come to appreciate the density factor. This was stipulated quite clearly in the PDFs newsletters that I have posted from The Polyurethane Foam Association. Density and ILD are two very different things. What I have found is that the latex industry does not seem to want to talk about this. The polyurethane foam people talk about it all the time. As you know the principal ingredient in furniture is polyurethane foam. The density of the material makes a great deal of difference in how this works out over time in furniture. Polyurethane foam is much less expensive than natural rubber. You can do more things with polyurethane foam for a much cheaper price than you can with natural latex. Blended latex is a compromise (and a good one I believe) between polyurethane foam and 100% natural latex.

I believe, from my brief experience with my piece of blended latex, that Latex International's blended latex is a good product.It just has a less dense feel to it compared to hundred percent natural.I think the density factor can be compensated for if you go to a high enough ILD. This is probably the reason that Dunlop processed latex has such a different feel, ILD for ILD in regard to Talalay. There is just more material in Dunlop. So, we are right back to the old argument, what works for you? It's just very unfortunate that no company wants to do the experimenting necessary to give us a full and complete picture of the difference in various foams as applied to bedding.

I am waiting until I have had more experience with this new piece of firm natural latex before I post my results on my thread, "Just bought a new FloBeds."
This message was modified Dec 14, 2009 by eagle2
Re: Flobeds question
Reply #10 Dec 15, 2009 1:07 AM
Joined: Aug 21, 2009
Points: 486
Ok, somehow I was under the impression that you had 7 layers of latex on hand (excluding the topper) so I was confused about what you were going to try next.  But I see that you're just bringing yourself back to the six layers  . . .

Maybe the density difference is why I'm using 36 ILD and you're using something a bit lower.  I've been thinking about this density issue and wondering if I should order a natural layer to check it out.  But my curiosity hasn't been able to overtake my inertia.