Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
Apr 5, 2009 10:11 AM
Joined: Feb 8, 2009
Points: 18
My FBM latex mattress has arrived.  I have a 2" soft latex topper over a 6" firm core. I ordered firm due to my size, however,  I prefer a plush feeling sleep system.  I am still waking up sore in several places.  My existing box spring was shot, so I discarded it.  My mattress is currently on the floor.
My question is where to start to go about making it more comfortable?
  •  Do I need to add more latex? 
  •  Do I need to order a cuddlebed from Costco?
  •  Will a slatted foundation neccessarily make the mattress any softer?  I have been thinking of getting the Versiflex foundation from online.
I think I won't need the foundation anymore once I purchase my platform bed. (It's expensive and I'm still saving for it), but if it will help I'll have to order it. I don't have a lot of money, so I don't want to sink money into the wrong thing.  Suggestions greatly appreciated, as to I have no clue where to begin.
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
Reply #16 Apr 16, 2009 3:05 PM
Joined: May 3, 2008
Points: 827
Did the mattress maker say WHY not put the latex on the box spring? Too heavy? I can see just putting 2-3" latex on a regular mattress, but probably not more than that. I also think you are sinking into the firm layer. What is the ILD of the soft? 22? Not sure what your weight is, so can't not sure what you need. But unfortunately it is trial and error. What is the firm ILD? Maybe memory foam would help. Not sure. Good luck and let us know what finally works. I had a cuddlebed, it didn't help me, I removed it. Everyone is different though.
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
Reply #17 Apr 16, 2009 4:45 PM
Joined: Feb 8, 2009
Points: 18
He stated the latex needed to breathe and should be put on slatted foundation.  (Shaun at SleepEz advised it was ok to use coil box spring).  The 6" core is firm, (not sure of ILD, maybe 40), the 2" topper is 20ILD.  I am a large person.
This message was modified Apr 16, 2009 by gracie14
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
Reply #18 Apr 16, 2009 6:52 PM
Joined: May 3, 2008
Points: 827
Latex only needs to "breathe" if in high humidity states. It only needs to breathe to prevent mold, if you live in dry climate I believe you are fine.

I think you need something else on the top layer other than the super soft latex on top. Do you have a memory foam topper in your closet?
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
Reply #19 Apr 16, 2009 11:04 PM
Joined: Feb 8, 2009
Points: 18
Well, I live in Houston,Tx and it can get pretty humid during the summer.  No, I don't have a memory foam topper.  I'm not a fan of memory foam, at least the beds I've tried haven't been comfortable.
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
Reply #20 Apr 17, 2009 2:36 AM
Joined: Feb 8, 2009
Points: 6
gracie14 wrote:
Well, went to see the guy who makes the coil box spring.  He stated he's been making mattresses for over 50 years and was vehemently against placing a latex mattress on a coiled box spring.  He had me to try several mattresses, some latex, some not.  When we finally found the mattress with the softness I desired.  He suggested he build a slatted foundation for $100 bucks, and I should add a 2"-3" layer of medium latex between the firm core and soft topper. He suggested I may be sinking in the soft topper and reaching the firm core.  He advised that it would be more expensive for me to purchase latex layer from him, b/c his price is much higher than FBM.  I am so frustrated, and just want a good nights sleep.  I just can't keep spending money with no results. Does anyone have experience or suggestions, will the medium layer really make a difference?

You likely are sinking through the top layer into the firm base - if you lay directly on the firm base, does it feel too firm? I'm in a simillar situation - we have a firm foam base /w a memory foam topper, and we sink through and it's too firm - even with a 2" convolute the base is too firm. Trying a couple of inches of medium latex makes sense, but it may be that the base is just too firm.
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
Reply #21 May 3, 2009 6:16 PM
Joined: Feb 8, 2009
Points: 18
Well, I've purchased a box spring.  And to no avail, the mattress is still too firm.  When I lay on my side my pressure points began to ache after an hour or two. I added 2 old toppers, folded,  (zoned, eggcrate I believe) and it was somewhat better, but I woke up with an aching back.  I am so frustrated, I don't know what step to take next.  FBM staff are not very knowledgeable, I've received conflicting suggestions. I was told adding latex would only make it firmer. (i.e. the more latex, the firmer the mattress no matter what the ILD is), then I was told add convoluted topper or more latex.  I'm beginning to feel as if I've wasted my money, and that never makes me happy. 

Yes, when I lay on the base without the topper, it is way too firm.
This message was modified May 3, 2009 by gracie14
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
Reply #22 May 4, 2009 9:27 AM
Location: Oregon
Joined: Oct 25, 2008
Points: 130
Still too firm...  So what is the exact setup right now, top to bottom?

Is the box spring just a box foundation, or does it actually have springs in it?

Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
Reply #23 May 4, 2009 9:32 AM
Joined: Feb 8, 2009
Points: 18
I have a 2" soft (20ILD from FBM) latex topper, 6" firm core (not sure of ILD, from FBM) atop a 10" coiled box spring. When I lay on the bed initially, it's okay-but after a while maybe 30mins to an hour it begins to hurt my pressure points and feel uncomfortable, it feels too hard.
This message was modified May 12, 2009 by gracie14
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
Reply #24 May 6, 2009 4:24 PM
Location: Oregon
Joined: Oct 25, 2008
Points: 130
gracie14 wrote:
I have a 2" soft (16ILD from FBM) latex topper, 6" firm core (not sure of ILD, from FBM) atop a 10" coiled box spring. When I lay on the bed initially, it's okay-but after a while maybe 30mins to an hour it begins to hurt my pressure points and feel uncomfortable, it feels too hard.

Gracie - at this point, if its still too firm, its either the core being too firm, or not enough comfort layer.  I think the easiest, inexpensive thing to do now is to try the $50. Costco Cuddle bed.  It will add about 1" of soft fiber in the comfort layer and should not cause any back pain.  With this product from Costco, if it doesn't work, you can send it back. I think they are only available at costco.com.  
This did the trick for my wife who complained about shoulder pain in our setup before adding the cuddle bed mattress pad.
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
Reply #25 May 9, 2009 9:21 PM
Joined: Sep 6, 2008
Points: 87
After reading your thread Gracie, I wonder if a "Euro-Slat" foundation would be the thing to give you some "give and support" where you need it.

You mention you sleep on your side ... as I.

Recently, my wife and I just purchased and Ottoman with a PULLOUT SINGLE BED. What is really great about this is it has "Euro Slats" or flexible birch slats with a really cheap thing PU pad ... and I have to say it is REALLY comfortable ... more so than my 12 year old Simmons Pocket Coil.

I am getting ready to make my purchase and believe this is a critical component for future sleep filled nights. Type Euro Slats in the search engine for this site and you will find some great threads.