Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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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?
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Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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First of all, I saw your other post about the latex having imperfections. Don't worry that the latex does not look perfect. None of it does. It will not affect its performance unless there are huge spots missing. Some say that FBM's excellent prices on their latex products is a because the products are 2nds. Who knows? Just know that these slight imperfections are not going to affect the way it performs at all. You should feel good that its too firm. You can do something about that. Too soft and you're back to the drawing board. The first thing I will tell you is that you need to be with it for a few days to a week to get used to it. What might seem too firm now, just might be OK in a few days. I know that has been the case for me every time I have made a change in my bed - it just takes my body time to adjust. What kind of mattress pad do you have over it? This is where the Costco Cuddle bed would help. It is about 1 inch thick poly fill and does help to ease some of the pressure points. It did for my wife. The King size only cost $55. shipped too so its a cheap easy fix if that will solve it. Again, give any change a few days to get used to unless it's out and out just wrong. The last thing I would do is add more latex. But if you did, you could do this with 1 inch soft latex toppers. I know you can get at least 9" into the FBM's terry cloth cover. If you need more you could add in 1 inch increments until you found what would be right. The slatted foundation might help just a touch on the firmness but I doubt enough that you will even feel it. I have seen some fancier $$ models that have more adjustment in them but I have no personal knowledge of whether they would help to a great degree. To sum up: 1. Give a new bed and any changes time for your body to adjust. 2. Try the Costco Cuddle Bed mattress pad to soften up the comfort layer - excellent product - cheap. 3. Add 1" increments of soft latex toppers until you get it right. Bill |
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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I chased the ideal latex combo for many attempts (started same products as you), all I really needed was a mem foam topper. I thought from reading here that I would like the latex feel better than mem foam, but the plushness isn't what I wanted. FBM mem foam is suspect ( I tried a sample) I would bet you can add all the latex you want and all it does is soften it, but the feel is the same. Try to think what it is you miss. I tried the cuddlebed and sent it back. Good for the money but cheapened the experience for me. Cloud9 mem foam gets good talk here, and Healthy foundations is very nice, but more expensive (got good review from Wall Street Journal). I liked the plush of 3", but 2" is nice too. I made 2 beds, so I had materials a zillion options for combos of foam, etc. 3" of cloud 9 4.3 lb foam for a king-sized bed is $220, the cuddlebed is $60, but you won't need it with the foam IMO anyway. Healthy foundations is more, but their return policy is easier (I bouight that and liked it enough to order more). Read both sites and call and ask questions PRN. |
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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Jeff, Too bad about your experience with the latex. Maybe you can sell the 6" core on Craigslist and get some of your money back if you live near a major metro area. It should bring close to what you paid for it from FBM. Is there anything we can do for you as far as what to try etc? |
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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I'm not unhappy, it just took too long to find what I wanted (you have to be careful when judging using other peoples opinions, after reading here I thought latex would feel more luxurious). I had to make a spare bed anyway, and the 6" base, 2" soft latex, and 2" mem foam are fine for that. Its still a very nice bed that will be used a lot by us and others. Its just that having all these different layers gave me the option or really tweaking the master bed to a really great one. The best layers are going to the master bed (basically a slightly softer core and 3" of mem foam instead of 2". I meant that I assumed to much about how much I would like the all latex. We tried in stores first (for 10-15 min) before starting the DIY, but when we slep[t on it, we just found it lacked just what the mem foam gave. The combo is awesome. I don't need a cuddle bed, and so far all the layers I bought are going to good use. I haven't returned any. I still got 2 killer kingsized beds for under $2000. Maybe I would have been happy with a package bought mem foam bed from the start, but FBM's got iffy reviews for mem foam. Cloud 9 has them for under $700 (under $1000 for pillow top), with polyurethane bases, so I could have saved there. Most "nicer" online mem foam beds are way over $1000, so I still feel I did well price wise for 2 kings. I do wonder why no one uses latex bases for mem foam beds...maybe just cost, but the combo feels very good. |
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
| Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I actually think it's the foundation that's more of the problem. I placed the mattress atop my old coiled mattress, which is atop a piece of plywood, and now it's too soft. I guess you do truly feel whatever is underneath the latex. I am going to start by ordering the slatted foundation, I guess. And if it's still too firm, I will add maybe a mem foam topper? I spoke wtih FBM who advised that adding more latex would only make the bed firmer and suggested a convoluted topper or memory foam topper. |
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
| Now I'm really confused. I spoke w/Shaun at SleepEz, I explained my situation to him. Even though I told him I did not buy a mattress from him, he still took the time to answer my questions (He is one great guy). He suggested that I purchase a coil box spring. He explained that a slatted foundation will only help mattress maintain it's firmness. He advised that a coil box spring will have the give I need to soften mattress. He suggested I try Sam's Wholesale or Costco. I did not find one at Sam's Club. I wonder if I should get coil box spring and maybe another topper? |
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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Hi, Gracie! My set up in the works will be close to yours, -2 inches of latex. I have some FBM latex on the way now, few more days, they sent me a ups tracking number a couple days after ordering and a confirm order invoice right after ordering also. (not sure why some other posts were saying FBM didnt inform you of shipping or ordering information via e-mail) Plan on going for 12" and right now its at 8", Queen size. Weight 140lbs but 2 years ago did weigh just over 160. It depends on what and how much I eat. 3" 32 ILD Latex (FBM) 1" 32 ILD Latex (FBM) 1" 20 ILD Latex (FBM) 3" 14 ILD 5lb Density Cloud9 Memory Foam. Right now, I'm using the Memory Foam on top of a very old coil mattress. I plan to throw this mattress away after I find the correct firmness of HR+Latex base foam. I also plan to use the 1" 20 ILD over top the memory foam just to see how it feels. I will be buying some HR foam for under the latex, 43 ILD 2" and 36 ILD 2" as the mattress base, on top of hard wood frame. Some people said don't get that much memory foam (2"+) but I love it, it depends on your weight and the density of the foam. I can place my memory foam on the ground and it feels great, after it warms up there is a slight bottom out on the floor with 3". When I double up the memory foam on the floor to 6" and watch a movie (around 2 hours and the foam is warmed) I never bottom out. I could sleep on 6" of memory foam. I think most people under 160lbs can sleep on as much memory foam as they want with out bottoming out. IF the foam is higher density 5lb, 6lb or more. This message was modified Apr 7, 2009 by Phalse
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Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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WOW - After reading all of this thread and a few that are similar I have to ask if anyone that buys a latex core and then experiments with DIY bed design and engineering ever crosses the goal line and "scores" the perfect combo and regular good sleep??? Buying different toppers of different thickness and density and etc. sounds extremely expensive and time consuming and from what most posters share all that is frustrating and unsuccessful and, worse, at the end no one seems to get a consistently good night's sleep. Please know that I am not trying to sound negative or critical of this approach and I sincerely wish all you DIY bed engineeers/designers the very best of luck!! (and the more I read the happier I am that my bride and I didn't take this route.) Best Wishes to All and Good Sleeping! This message was modified Apr 7, 2009 by imjay
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Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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Almost bought a core, except it was just so heavy to move. That was the only reason I don't just have a 6" latex FBM 32ILD + 2"-3" memory foam. I was so close to buying the core but the freaking thing is gigantic! Also I wanted a 12" profile so If I did get the huge core 6" latex + 2"-3" memory foam, I would still need 3"-4" of either more latex or HR/HD foam. This way is the same price (because I want 12" with good base foam or a full base of latex) but I don't have a huge core and I get a 1" 20 ILD latex topper for on top of my memory foam. Even if I didnt go with a 12" and just went with 8"-9" , in this example your not spending any more money by getting layers vs the core. The cost is the same. Now if you mean, why don't we just buy a mattress, the reason is I don't want to carry that huge heavy 12" mattress around and its glued together so it must be replaced all at once if one layer fails (or spend money for a warrenty, ship it back, oh what fun) AND the reason those are cheaper to buy in the store is because they give you crap materials. (Unless you spend around $1000 or more on a mattress with all high quality components, then we are saving they money!) This message was modified Apr 8, 2009 by Phalse
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Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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The reason you see these cheap mattress prices online or in threads is because those people buy base foam from FBM/JC penny Foam/ or other cheap HD-Lux Foams. Then throw a FBM latex topper or memory foam on top. It's impossible to buy lower quality materials.....the cheapest you can get, THIS is what you get when you buy stuff from costco. Thats not for me, I would rather have all quality components. The lowest quality component I have in my mattress is FBM latex and judging by the pictures here its quality is decent compared to FBM Lux-foam/memory foam quality. Probably because you can't really screw up rubber/gum, it all comes imported from china/asia anyways, they just pour it into molds here in the USA. Actual HR foam from foamex that has a warrenty is not cheap. Thats how you save money and why you think we are spending a lot ordering FBM latex + memory foam + HR foam. Imagine the price on actual latex beds....that dont use FBM latex, jesus your talking $2000 for just the mattress with nothing else, no box sping, no nice hardwood base nothing, just the mattress. This message was modified Apr 9, 2009 by Phalse
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Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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Hi, Phalse Well, I found a mattress manufacturer locally who makes coiled box springs. The cost for a queen is $136 bucks. I may give that a try. |
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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Wow, thats a cheap price for a box spring. I think it worth a try! Good luck! This message was modified Apr 10, 2009 by Phalse
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Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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I just got my FBM latex in, just tonight and after laying on it, I would say "add" more latex. x2 1" FBM latex 20 ILD. Or 1" 32 ILD + 1" 20 ILD I'm making a thread right now on it so you can read my opinion on the latex. The rest of this post is about a nice box spring, which I also want to upgrade mine later to a tension slat frame. Now if he hand makes you the box spring, he could make the top of the box spring have more boards going across which would support your foam without it slipping between large cracks. I'm sure you have seen this thread but it has pictures of slatted foundation but you should upgrade the frame later and have him make you a hybrid box spring + slatted top So here is slatted foundation http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/forum/diy-slat-foundation-pictures-included/4898-0-1.html It would be nice to have a custom box spring with a slatted top. Instead of a box spring, like I use with a flat thick oak board between it and the mattress. You can just lay the mattress right on your custom box spring. This would be a really nice custom job. If you decide to not get a box spring for foam mattress, you can get a slat foundation like the one in that thread OR they make one where the slats are longer than the frame, this adds tension to the slats as they bend upwards, they need to be very close together for a foam mattress though. They make these foundations for both spring and foam, the difference is how far the slats are apart. When you place the mattress on top, these slats push down from the weight, they also push upwards, just like a box spring would do. As you lay on the mattress the slats bend downwards, increasing upward tension even more, like a box spring. I think the best foundation is a custom made "close slat" top box spring OR a "close slat" tension frame. I have a ghetto middle road solution, box spring for coil mattress and since foam will slip between the frame slats (very wide apart) there is a board between. I'll upgrade my frame later. This message was modified Apr 11, 2009 by Phalse
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Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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Sorry you are still having pain......I hope you find a combo that works for you. FYI on slatted foundations: we ordered the slatted foundation from Michigan Discount Mattress, size queen. Hubby put it together only to discover that it won't fit in our queen bed with rails. It is too wide at the headboard, where there is an extra amount of wood. We had to disassemble it and return it at our expense. So, if anyone else is considering ordering one, beware. Our standard queen spring box foundation fits in the frame fine, maybe b/c of the flexibility of it. Off to try the DIY one in thread or buy a box foundation locally. |
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
| 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? |
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
| 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.
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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
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Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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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.
| 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.
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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.
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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
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Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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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.
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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
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Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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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.
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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. |
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
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I was told that a slatted foundation would only make the mattress firmer. I am thinking of scrapping the whole mattress and just start over with something local and safe. Something I can try out before buying. I spoke with Bambi at FBM as to my options, she only seemed to confuse and frustrate me. I am convinced no one there really knows what they are selling. She first stated she could not provide the ILD number of the 6" firm core, because they do not receive exact ILD info, they just know it's within the range of 33-38. I asked if the info was documented/provided before my mattress shipped? She stated it was not because it was not known. Later when I advised it is far too firm for me, she claimed that I had a 33ILD and would not see much difference in the medium firm with ILD of 32. I then asked how would she know the exact ILD of medium firm and not firm? She could not answer, only stated I would not feel a difference between firm and medium firm. And she also gave me the typical mattress needs about a month or so to be broken in, to which I explained that is kind of uselss since you only have 30 days to return mattress. She became silent. I became so frustrated at the contradictions, I just decided to stop there. I was considering purchasing a 3" medium topper to place between soft topper and firm core, but am reluctant to sink more money into this project. Now, I'm stuck with a mattress I can't sleep on. I may now have to opt for a less expensive mattress from the local Sam's Club. It's a 12" memory foam/latex mattress by Night Therapy. I'm not crazy about memory foam but I'm running out of $$$ to throw at this problem. |
Re: Latex Mattress has arrived, suggestions needed.
| Have you tried BillB's suggestion about a memory foam topper or Cuddle Bed? I also like a soft bed, and I've had success so far with my FBM 6" firm core with 3" soft topper on a platform bed. I have a Cuddle Bed mattress cover from Costco; it has a pillowtop section filled with batting (polyester, I think) and adds about an inch or so of additional softness. Good luck in whatever decision you make. |