On suggestions of eagle2 and KimberlyH, I'm starting my own thread. I hope my experience may possibly help someone else as I continue to receive help from all the wonderful posters on this forum .Summary from two previous posts (edited): 1) Background (sorry, if you've already read it skip it): 60 yr old F, 5' 7", 128 lbs, side sleeper -- Fibromyalgia. Extreme pressure points in hips, (tingling, burning, numbness, pain). Currently sleeping on aTP Cloud Supreme... not really sure it's right for me (How can something feel so soft when you first lie down, and be so hard a few hours later?). Still have 6 weeks before deciding to either exchange it for TP Rhapsody (a special "thank you" here to budgy for all his TP information) or get refund and start over. OR new option - try FloBeds and compare! I had tried an Englander Natures Finest Latex and was in so much pain on it, I had quit the idea of latex altogether because of it (I never was able to find the exact content of that particular bed). I admit, at the time I made that decision, I was totally ignorant about different ILD's, thicknesses, customizing layers, coverings, latex actually helping with pressure points, etc. 2) Well, I did it! My new bed should be here no later than Monday. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. Dewey was very nice and helpful and thanks to you all I had a list of questions, but he really answered most of them before I could ask. Which was great because I don't do phone very well, and I did do the "ah... ah... ah.."  . I went with all his recommendations except for the vZone, which we decided I could upgrade to later if needed. So my new bed is:Natural Deluxe - Natural Talalay Latex Green Mattress Organic Cotton & Wool Cover Natural Talalay Latex Convolute Comfort Pad Both sides: Natural Talalay Latex Core-Soft Natural Talalay Latex Core-Medium Natural Talalay Latex Core-Firm I told him about how informed and extremely helpful you've all been, (though I think most of you spoke with Dave who was unavailable) Dewey was glad to hear about how impressed I was about this great forum. These large purchases always scare me, but he assured me if for any reason I didn't love the bed, I would only be out the shipping cost of sending it back, which is very reasonable. Eagle, you are so right about how reassuring it is to deal with the owners! I do realize no bed is going to cure my fibromyalgia and all the issues it creates, but I am hoping this bed will provide some relief and comfort... without all the rules the TP demands you follow. -------------------- This message was modified Jul 15, 2010 by Natalia
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| We'll all be looking forward to hearing how the bed works out for you. Best wishes! |
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Congrats Nat! I am so excited for you. Can't wait to hear all your updates. Alice I wish you only the best. |
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Natalie: I am so glad to hear about your purchase. I have yet to hear anything negative about the customer service that people receive from FloBeds. Dave Turner has established a business model that is a throwback to the days when I was a young man living in the Midwest and this kind of a business was the order of the day and not something you just rarely stumbled across. It's so reassuring when you make a purchase of this magnitude on the Internet, especially when it is for something that's as important and personal as a mattress and a good nights sleep, to have people who understand and care about that purchase. And they're willing to do almost anything, within reason, to make sure that you're satisfied. There have been several on this board who have purchased a FloBeds and for reasons other than the satisfaction with the company, had to return it for a full refund. Still they have nothing but complementary statements to make about the service that they received. This is most reassuring for the reasons I stated above. If for any reason you find that you need to exchange a layer or two, or three or four, this is when the extra money that FloBeds charges for their mattress comes into play. Nobody else is offering the exchanges and return privilege that they do, that I am aware of. Keep us posted, in this thread you started, how everything goes for you. |
| Cheers Natalia, I am sure I am not the only person here who is sharing your excitement for your new mattress :) |
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I am very glad you have taken the opportunity to make a customized bed. I hope it all works out for you. Hopefully the natural latex is just what you need for extra comfort and support. Keep us posted on all your journey on the new mattress. Has anyone taken pictures of their Flobed setup? I don't think so. I imagine it is hard to take pics when you are all excited and setting up the mattress. But it would be nice to see. |
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Update Tuesday 02/23/10 Here is my experience in setting up my new Flobed. I've posted a few pics here, but a full picture gallery can be viewed <a href="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed"target="_blank">here</a> (thanks to a special friend for letting me use the web space and teaching me the html) : Whew... UPS didn't arrive until 6 pm. Son had left and it was just Hubby (with his own physical problems) and myself UGH! The UPS man was nice enough to bring the boxes inside, but we didn't realize he'd place the heaviest one on top!  Four boxes totaling 170 LBS: 1) 60 lbs contains cover and and 2 soft cores (my top layers) 2) 22 lbs contains 1 convoluted top cover 3) 42 lbs contains 2 medium cores (my center layers) 4) 46 lbs contains 2 firm cores (my bottom layers) <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed/images/01-boxes.jpg" />My adjustable base purchased last year when I bought the Englander: <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed/images/02-adjustable-base.jpg" /> First step was laying out the cover on top of the base and unzipping it: <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed/images/04-cover-layed-out.jpg" /> Next we folded the side of the cover down over the adjustable base.. tight fit: <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed/images/05-cover-folded-down.jpg" /> Then we layed the first firm layer: <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed/images/08-first-lower-layer.jpg" /> Note: when removing each layer from its bag, I recommend you let the bag fully fill with air and expand before trying to remove them as the latex is soft and easily torn... especially on the softer layers. We didn't rip any, but we were very, very careful. Then the second firm layer: <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed/images/09-lower-layers.jpg" /> Now hubby realized/ decided he wanted the the smooth outer sides of the layers on the top, bottom and sides for a neat look. He also wanted to keep the holes closest to edge of each layer toward the center of the bed. He ALSO decided he wanted the large holes to remain facing upward. This posed a tiny problem. The instructions say to put all the labels at the foot of the bed for "easy reference", but some of the labels were placed to where this couldn't be achieved without flipping the layers. So we stopped and re-flipped a few to match them up the way he wanted. Personally, I didn't think it mattered!  It was basically "rinse, repeat" for the middle and top layers. Eagle you and Leo were so right... it was like handling a limp drunk person.  Side view of three layers: <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed/images/12-three-layers-side.jpg" /> Next came the convoluted topper peaks facing up. It was glued together about 12" in on one side, so we put that on the side I usually don't sleep on: <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed/images/13-convaluted.jpg" /> All during the process we shook the jello like pieces into place until they lined up perfectly. Now came time to pull the cover sides up all the way around to enfold the layers and topper. We did this very carefully while gently pushing the layers inward to clear the cover. Then we laid the top cover in place before zipping it all up: <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed/images/15-cover-top-unzip.jpg" /> <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed/images/16-cover-unzip-side.jpg" /> Let the zipping CAREFULLY begin! Be sure to hold the flap connected to the top cover down between the latex and zipper while zipping. This prevents the latex from getting anywhere near the zipper: <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed/images/17-zipper-at-bottom.jpg" /> <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed/images/18-zipping.jpg" /> <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed/images/19-cover-finished.jpg" /> I finally got to lay on it. I felt like I was on a kid's jumpy house floor! I was afraid if I bounced I would hit the ceiling... LOL. It felt soft and sooo good, but at this point I hurt so badly anything would've felt good. My bed is made! Just in time to unmake it:  <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed/images/21-made-bed.jpg" /> We started this at 6:30 pm, and didn't finish until 11:00 pm. We stopped and took a LOT of breaks and at midnight, after putting the room back together we were both in so much pain, but had a great feeling of accomplishment. After a soaking hot bath to ease my aching muscles (and taking a pain pill... or two), I folded down the bedspread, pulled back the blankets and got in.... I got to use my electric blanket which I missed so much while on my TP!!! The only thing I know right now is my kitty loves it. Ignore the furniture. I've had it since my fourteenth b-day, and hubby's been promising me he'd refinish it since I turned 25! Maybe now he'll be shamed into having it done. My impressions on how it feels will follow in another post... I don't want to be premature, so I'm going to give it a few nights. Thanks for all help! Couldn't have done it without you all! Natalie This message was modified Feb 24, 2010 by Natalia
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Dear Natalie, Well good on you. Damn, isn't it just like good old UPS? They're always late and you need them to be early! Well thank goodness you had your husband to help you. If you go back and look at my thread you'll see that I had a waterbed to remove and screwed up draining it, so my little wife and I had to move a big old sloshy and mushy waterbed that probably had 150 pounds of water left in it into the bathroom where we could finish draining it into the shower. Then finally we got around to doing what you did, put the bed together! We started at one in the afternoon and didn't get done till around 10 PM, if memory serves. No damn fun! But like you it was well worth it to finally crawl into that wonderful cushy bed. Not going over anymore of it here as it's all in the thread "Just bought a new Flowbed." Well, the good part starts now. Good sleeping and the comforting thought that if you want to change any of your layer's FloBeds will be right there to take care of you. You sure want to give it a couple weeks, it'll probably take that long to, first of all get the true feel of the new mattress, and second of all, to get over putting it together in the 1st place. You sure took some wonderful photographs and documented your minor engineering feat the best of anybody that I have seen on this board. You may have trouble with your conversation on the phone when you're stressed out (according to your statement), but you have no problem whatsoever communicating on this board and illustrating what it is you want to show us. Congratulations, and I hope everything works out wonderfully for you and your husband and the new Flowbeds. Sweet dreams! This message was modified Feb 24, 2010 by eagle2
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cant wait to hear from you as often as possible as to your reaction...problem is with me sometimes when i spend a lot of money i tend to tell myself it is better than it is to justify it i had to admit that this worked and that didn't, etc... thanks for your info This message was modified Feb 24, 2010 by randys
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| Awesome thread, thanks for the pics and all! |
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Thanks for posting those pictures, so nice to see. P.S. Your furniture looks great. Don't see a thing wrong with it, you should see my old waterbed pine furniture from the 70's! |
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Great pictures, and looking forward to hearing how it works out for you. It's nitpicky, but . . . it's Flobeds people, FLOBEDS, not Flowbeds  |
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Yes Kimberly I hear you. You would think by now I would always get it right, but....... oh well! Possibly a bit of explanation regarding the name Flobeds might be useful. I believe I have the story correct. When Dave Turner first started out he was principally involved with waterbeds. In fact he still manufactures some waterbeds, along with the air beds and of course his principal product, latex mattresses. But when he was searching for a name he just took the word flow (as in water flows) and removed the W. and added beds. I wish he hadn't done that and had left the W. in there and then possibly I would not make so many mistakes when I go to spell it. I am a terrible typist and a worse speller. Thank God for the edit button that lives in perpetuity on this website. I have used it a ton of times. And I still make mistakes that I do not get edited out! This message was modified Feb 24, 2010 by eagle2
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Hello everyone! I'm finally able to move a bit... LOL I am adjusting to the my new Flobed, and with a few minor caveats, I really like it! The first night was not so good, but my pain from assembling the bed was a MAJOR factor in that. The worse part was my hip pain was not relieved at all.  2nd Night - Better, but still some hip tingling, numbness, pain, but not as bad as night one. 3rd Night - Much better. I raised the head of the bed and slept straight through and well! YAY!  (neck and shoulders just a tiny bit sore). It's a HUGH difference going from 100% TP foam to 100% Talalay latex. Soft kinda sinking into vs. Soft, cuddly bouncy, so I'm still adjusting. I will give it another week, but have a feeling I will need to call Dewey and go with the vZone. Oh good more "ah... ah... ah.." (eagle, it's true! I'm awful at phone! I hope they make an extra soft layer? I think I may need that for the hip zone. I'm not having any back pain at all (yet), so I'm glad I went with the soft, medium, and then firm layers. I have a tight 100% cotton mattress pad on it right now, but I plan on removing that tonight and seeing what difference it makes. eagle and others have stated many times that tiny changes make a huge difference, and I know this was so true with the TP Cloud. Getting into bed is fun! Soft, squishy, and bouncy all at the same time. As stated before, I get to use my electric blanket and don't think I ever want to give that up again!!! My kitty is 17 1/2 yrs. old and she and I both love the soothing heat.  Kimberly, you're not nitpickin'! This great company deserves it's recognition and the least I (we) can do is spell its name correctly. Also, how will anyone find it using search if we keeping posting "Flowbed", so I corrected the post name. Also a shout- out for your posts. They were and are extremely helpful to me. Randy, when going from a TP to other type of mattress, (for those of us who love the feel of Tempur-pedic) you described it best... Sorry if I'm misquoting you, but something like "going from a Mercedes to a Hyundai". Except... the Hyundai seats ARE the most comfortable and cause no pain, and the Hyundai gets better gas milage... so in the end it's much better than a painful gas guzzling Mercedes. (No offense to Mercedes owners). I don't mean that the Flobed is a less luxurious mattress, I'm just using this as a metaphor. It is a most comfortable bed and comparing it to anything not 100% Talalay latex is apples vs oranges. Leo, my brother had a '70's waterbed furniture set forever, and always teased me about my "froo froo" girly set well into my '50's! Also, thank you, you're posts are a huge help!eagle, I can't imagine having to ever do this again! Hubby (who has his own bedroom) likes my Flobed, but I'm not sharing! A special thank you for all your invaluable information. Without your reassurance of the company, I probably wouldn't have given this a try. I know I keep saying it, but ONE last time... thanks to everyone here, budgy, Alice, jimsocal, TJ12, everyone! There is so much great information on this forum. You can glean something from EVERY post whether it be for Flobeds, big S brands, chairs, saddles, pads, sheets... just incredible! I will keep updating, but if any of you have any suggestions, please jump in. Especially about the vZoning with an extra- soft layer at hips. It's still too early to tell if I will need it, but I'm wondering if it will through everything else off? Natalie <--- long winded as usual  |
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Natalie, keep us posted. You are an inspiration, and I hope you get the comfort you deserve. Hopefully someday I will too Keep your furniture as is, doesn't look like it needs refinished to me. It will take you days to recover from carrying that latex around, it is heavy. Natural is suppose to weigh more than blended latex. I forgot you have an adjustable base don't you? I was thinking of getting that when I FINALLY get a new bed. Question for you about the wool cover and the sewn lines, since you are as sensitive as I am (probably, just assuming) do you feel any puffiness or lines from the cover? I only ask because I can't stand mattress pads because of the sewn lines every few inches and the polyester stuffing. But the Flobed cover is wool and cotton so I am hoping it is soft. I would try not to put a tight mattress pad on it, since you want the softness. This message was modified Feb 25, 2010 by Leo3
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Natalie said: "I have a tight 100% cotton mattress pad on it right now, but I plan on removing that tonight and seeing what difference it makes. eagle and others have stated many times that tiny changes make a huge difference, and I know this was so true with the TP Cloud." Yes, do take off the mattress pad and see how that feels. Remember, please remember, it's going to take some time to adjust to your new bed. Particularly in light of the fact that you strained yourself putting it together. I think the biggest mistake we all make, as I have stated many times before, is that we want our beds to be so cuddly, cushy, and soft. If I could make some magical arrangement where I could lay down on this soft cuddly floating cloud of a mattress, and still get the kind of proper support for my spine that would keep it aligned, I would do it in a heartbeat. Alas it is not to be for me. I tried it! I went so far as to get a soft piece and another medium piece after putting my mattress together, and put it on top of an extra firm piece. I had back and hip pain almost immediately. I don't recall now, but I think I only slept on it for two or three nights before I had to give up. Now I weigh a lot more than you do, so what you need is going to be much different than what I need. I just state the foregoing to try and make the point that we all want a mattress that is softer than probably what is really good for our spinal alignment. In any event, good luck, and keep us posted. This message was modified Feb 25, 2010 by eagle2
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| Leo3, the FloBed zippered cover is wonderful for me since I am sensitive also to stitching on mattress pads that I am no longer using. I just prefer my fitted sheet (that I wash) to be directly over the zippered cover so I can feel the latex the best. |
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Hi Lynn, Nice to see you posting again Some day I will get an all latex bed, maybe Flobeds will be having a sale soon. Thanks for the response on the wool cover, that was one of the reasons I didn't want a bed with the stitching and puffiness like other beds have, and the mattress pads. Glad you like yours still and the mattress pad does make a difference. Do you sleep on the other side of your mattress for a softer feel like some people here do? That would be a plus, when you want to side sleep switch to the softer side. My problem is my O-stock latex is too soft and I sink in too much, but since I have no clue on the ILD I have no idea on what ILD to order. You are so thin, and I really don't think you can go by weight to know what ILD to get, because when I did the Flobed test I was suppose to get medium, firm. I think I may want firmer after my experience of my hip being painful from sinking in too much, as well as my leg has pain from side sleeping. Do you sink in with medium? I am looking at natural talalay instead of blended. I can't remember if you have all natural or some blended now. Also I would like to err on the side of too firm since I have extra layers of latex that is too soft that I could add. Is there room in the mattress casing for 1 1/2" latex added? That is what my latex is exactly 1 1/2". I still do have the 1" brylane home latex I use too. |
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Leo3, I just lost my post from trying to see the whole thread. I am tired since 1 hour ago I took the cough medicine that is a prescription to help me sleep tonight since I can't stop coughing with this cold that has lingered on for three weeks. Hence, I hope my post makes sense. My bed started out with the Natural Talalay Split Latex Cores (3 on each sides) with a topper over them on top of the pine slat box. I keep making the bed firmer and then I finally had to cave in to request blended latex cores since the Super Firm Latex (44 ILD to 46 ILD) did not come in the natural Talalay Latex. Hence, the two bottom cores are the 44 - 46 ILD blended Talalay Latex while the next two cores on each side range from 35 ILD to 39 ILD (Extra Firm cores... one I wish was a 36 ILD but it averaged to a 35 ILD) . My topper is the 1" soft Brylane Topper. I took the Overstock too short topper off my bed. I had to cut the Queen Size Brylane Topper to fit my queen bed since it was a little bit big but it fits perfectly and I love it. My zipped up Mattress bed is made for up to three 3" split natural latex cores on each side and a 2" convoluted topper on top. Hence, I deducted 1" on top for having a less thick topper and another .2" on top from using one blended latex core on each side of the bed that is only 2.8" thick. I actually like this set up. There would be no room inside if I had all 3" latex cores and the 2" latex topper. When I was sleeping on my carpeted floor with the 1" topper, I needed to put a thin exercise mat under it since it was just too hard. Even very firm latex has a tiny bit of give and is better than sleeping on the floor. My set up is very comfortable for me right now with the set up described above and my medium Natural Talalay latex pillows. By the way, Natalie, I love the look of your headboard and footboard. Please keep us updated. |
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Thanks, Lynn. Sorry bout your cold, hope you get well soon. So you mattress cover isn't baggy with 1.2" less room? You don't sleep on wrinkles? I was just thinking if I did get that I would probably just use my Brylane Topper since I have it and not sure I would really like a convoluted topper. The cover is very important for my comfort I know I am extremely particular. But maybe the reason you don't feel lines from the mattress cover is because it isn't stuffed like it would be if the convoluted topper was on it. Is there a time of year Flobed has sales? Guess I should ask them but I am no way ready to make phone calls. I just know my toppers have softened up in the year I have had them (and it never was pain free on my hips anyway), and I need to get a new bed. I keep checking their website and they haven't had sales lately.This message was modified Feb 28, 2010 by Leo3
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My mattress cover fits just right without being too tight and is not baggy just the way it is. Before I felt it was difficult to zipper it up when I had the thicker latex topper and the thicker latex core on the bottom of the bed. I think sales happen around holidays so I would wait to see what the Easter Sale is, the Memorial Day sale is and then there is the labor day sale. I think I bought my bed in May on one of the sale days and ended up getting a price reduction with the labor day sale. |
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Hi Everyone, Here is my update with more pictures - until my camera battery went dead  :After trying every configuration possible with two layers each of Soft, Medium, Firm, and still not being able to find a compromise between softness, needed for Fibromyalgia, and support, Dewey sent me two vZones. 1 Medium, and 1 Firm. (For those interested here is a <a href="http://www.flobeds.com/pdf/vZoneSpecs.pdf"target="_blank">link</a> to the vZones configurations.) First the inevitable heavy box arrives with the vZones: <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed2/boxvzones.jpg" /> The follow pics show setting up the vZone on my side. What you see on the other side is the rolled back convoluted topper. The Meduim vZone placed on top of the Middle under layer: <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed2/mediumvzone.jpg" /> vZone from head to almost foot (couldn't get it all into one pic): <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed2/vzone1.jpg" /> The rest of the vZone: <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed2/vzone2.jpg" /> Showing the canvas with velcro strips that hold the vZone layers in place. Also, you can see the different layers waiting to be placed. Each individual layer has velcro attached on the front and back of the bottom which line up with the velcro strips on the canvas. There is also a square of velcro on all four corners of each layer. The small layer at the top is a spacer which counts as one of the 7 zones: <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed2/canvasvelcro.jpg" /> <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed2/canvasvelcro2.jpg" /> All but the bottom layer attached to canvas: <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed2/layersoncanvas.jpg" /> Over the past 10+ days, we have changed layers around from both vZones, trying to find the best combination, only to end up with the original Meduim vZone over Medium, over Firm. The most comfortable the bed has been for me was the way it was when first bought... S/M/F. Unfortunately if you've read my other post "<a href="http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/forum/need-help-flobed-back-pain-please/10081-0-1.html"target="_blank">Need help with Flobed and back pain, Please!</a>", you know this wonderfully soft configuration caused me lower back pain. I will be trying it again just in case the backache was a fluke... oh I SO hope it was!! I do have one other problem and that's with the stitching on the cover. I feel it through the sheet and it does irritate my hips, but even a wrinkle will do that. I am THAT sensitive. Though I don't know if you can see them clearly, here is a picture of the indentations left on a thin jersey bottom sheet. (I now use an old blanket over the cover under the sheet... thank you Leo): <img src="http://webpages.charter.net/nickit/flobed2/sheetwaves.jpg" /> Now, I am NOT giving up!!! I do believe this is a great bed and the components are top notch! If I can get it to work for me over the next few weeks, I'll definitely be keeping it. The company provides the utmost in customer care, so if there is a problem, it lies with me and my fibro... not with FloBeds! I'll keep you up to date on my progress and yes..... once again, I must thank you ALL. You are each so helpful and openly supportive.  Natalie This message was modified Mar 18, 2010 by Natalia
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Natalie, Thanks for such good pictures, I will have to look that over again tomorrow, it is after midnight! Glad the blanket helped. Finally someone who is as sensitive as me  lots of challenges. Hope you get it all worked out soon, I know how tiring it is and frustrating. I ordered the Natura wool on top to make my latex toppers more firm and help with the hip pain. Note I am trying to sound positive as if it is going to work. Also even sheets make a difference, I hope the thicker jersey sheets help. My point is, as you know, any small thing can aggravate or help the hip pain. Keep the faith that it will work in the end. |
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Natalie, are you sure you've exhausted all the combinations on the vzones? I ask because I only have one vzone and I think it took me longer than 10 days to work through it. I have kind of the opposite problem from you - I need a lot of firmness for my fused middle and lower back. A very firm mattress supports the back but makes my arms fall asleep during the night. So I need to balance support for my back with at least some softness for the aging joints. I started out with a natural F/F/XF, which didn't quite work for me (too soft) and upgraded to the extra firm vzone, which Dave customized for me. But after a couple of weeks of moving around the vzone pieces I was getting close to giving up on the latex bed - nothing seemed to help. Until I took the small piece of superfirm foam and put that under my hips. Bingo. Now my shoulder/lumbar/hip area are M/F/SF, and I've had no pain in 10 days. None. It's a miracle. That's a pretty huge difference between the shoulders and the hips and I really did not expect that to work, but that's what my back wanted after all. They generally say that back pain means too soft and shoulder pain means too hard. That was true for me. You're kind of stuck since the softness that helps your fibro hurts your back. But I wonder how much you've played around with different levels of support under the less sensitive shoulders, lumbar region, and perhaps even the legs. Maybe there is a combination of those that would let you leave the hips soft. Or maybe use just a 10 inch strip of soft foam under the hip instead of the larger piece normally placed under the hips. 10" isn't much to aim for (that's how big the SF under my hips is; Dave is sending me a larger piece), but perhaps just a small soft spot would cushion the fibro while leaving the rest of the body supported. Don't give up. Pain relief is a very good thing. I know better than to get my hopes up too far, but I hope mine lasts. Linda This message was modified Mar 18, 2010 by lnkholder
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lnkholder wrote: Natalie, are you sure you've exhausted all the combinations on the vzones? I ask because I only have one vzone and I think it took me longer than 10 days to work through it. I have kind of the opposite problem from you - I need a lot of firmness for my fused middle and lower back. A very firm mattress supports the back but makes my arms fall asleep during the night. So I need to balance support for my back with at least some softness for the aging joints. I started out with a natural F/F/XF, which didn't quite work for me (too soft) and upgraded to the extra firm vzone, which Dave customized for me. But after a couple of weeks of moving around the vzone pieces I was getting close to giving up on the latex bed - nothing seemed to help. Until I took the small piece of superfirm foam and put that under my hips. Bingo. Now my shoulder/lumbar/hip area are M/F/SF, and I've had no pain in 10 days. None. It's a miracle. That's a pretty huge difference between the shoulders and the hips and I really did not expect that to work, but that's what my back wanted after all. They generally say that back pain means too soft and shoulder pain means too hard. That was true for me. You're kind of stuck since the softness that helps your fibro hurts your back. But I wonder how much you've played around with different levels of support under the less sensitive shoulders, lumbar region, and perhaps even the legs. Maybe there is a combination of those that would let you leave the hips soft. Or maybe use just a 10 inch strip of soft foam under the hip instead of the larger piece normally placed under the hips. 10" isn't much to aim for (that's how big the SF under my hips is; Dave is sending me a larger piece), but perhaps just a small soft spot would cushion the fibro while leaving the rest of the body supported. Don't give up. Pain relief is a very good thing. I know better than to get my hopes up too far, but I hope mine lasts. Linda There just aren't many "less sensitive" areas. Not to sound like a big boo hoo, but every area is sensitive.. whine, whine, whine So what's next? Trying the vZone configured a little firmer down one layer This message was modified Mar 18, 2010 by Natalia
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. After all, I'm just trying to find a combo that leaves my neck, shoulders, ribs, hips, knees, calfs, ankles, and heels pain free... joking, but one can dream.
, S/MvZ/F, or S/FvZ/M, or other combos. I'm on a mission and I'm not giving up before 90 days!|
so sorry you havent found the answer yet. this mutliple choice deal at flobeds worried me cuz knowing me i would try everything and not long enough to know if it worked, thankfully the costco bed worked for me, so far...... This message was modified Mar 18, 2010 by randys
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Thanks for your detailed and informative review, Natalie. I have a question about the convoluted topper. Have you (or anyone else) tried flipping it over or not using it at all? I have a sample that Flobeds sent me - I'm really not all that sensitive, but I don't like it much either.
I'm also curious about the cover, do you find it soft enough? Does it get overly warm? Is it necessary to have all that wool between you and the latex? |
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cynicaljones wrote: Thanks for your detailed and informative review, Natalie. I have a question about the convoluted topper. Have you (or anyone else) tried flipping it over or not using it at all? I have a sample that Flobeds sent me - I'm really not all that sensitive, but I don't like it much either.
I'm also curious about the cover, do you find it soft enough? Does it get overly warm? Is it necessary to have all that wool between you and the latex? I've never tried flipping the topper. I like the cushioning of it and I don't notice any bumps or uneven feel. I think the cover is very nice (minus my stitching issue). It's not overly stuffed as store mattress covers seem to be these days and I don't notice any heat retention at all. I also don't notice it feeling cold when I first get in bed as my Temper-pedic cover felt. I wouldn't characterize it as "all that wool". It's not really that thick, and I don't feel it detracts from the feel of the bed in any way. After a month, it looks like new. I sleep alone always on the same side and you can't tell which side. I don't see or feel any compression or stretching of the cover at all. Best to you, Natalie This message was modified Mar 19, 2010 by Natalia
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Final review. Hi Everyone, I've had my FloBed for close to 5 months now, and I LOVE it!  It took a few months to get the proper configuration. For someone with no physical limitations, it would have gone much faster. With severe fibromyalgia and nerve damage in hips I need a very soft bed, yet with enough support to avoid lower back pain. This makes for a very fine line, and "Team Flobeds" (Dewey and Dave), were able to fine tune my mattress to my special needs. My final configuration from FloBeds: Inside FloBeds cotton/wool cover:
The Dormeir Wool Pad is on order but won't ship until next week. I had to order the 24" drop as my mattress is a tad over 13". (Special shout out to Diane for sharing her Dormeir experience. Fingers crossed that I don't feel the stitching, and it doesn't wrinkle. If it does, it'll be for sale. Natalie This message was modified Jul 15, 2010 by Natalia
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So good to hear a success story. I am truly envious also. Just a note: I have a 16" drop Dormeir on a 13" mattress with no problem at all (even after washing and drying it on hot -- oh,oh, is budgy listening?). Oh well, you can just tuck the extra material under the mattress. My 24" drop on my 17" mattress has loads of skirt material left over that I have to tuck under. I just hope the generous 24" skirt doesn't cause too much shifting of the surface for you... |
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Natalia wrote: Final review. Hi Everyone, I've had my FloBed for close to 5 months now, and I LOVE it! It took a few months to get the proper configuration. For someone with no physical limitations, it would have gone much faster. With severe fibromyalgia and nerve damage in hips I need a very soft bed, yet with enough support to avoid lower back pain. This makes for a very fine line, and "Team Flobeds" (Dewey and Dave), were able to fine tune my mattress to my special needs. My final configuration from FloBeds: Inside FloBeds cotton/wool cover:
The Dormeir Wool Pad is on order but won't ship until next week. I had to order the 24" drop as my mattress is a tad over 13". (Special shout out to Diane for sharing her Dormeir experience. Fingers crossed that I don't feel the stitching, and it doesn't wrinkle. If it does, it'll be for sale. Natalie Hi Natatlie- great to hear this is working for you. But I don't see any soft V zone only medium/firm /xfirm v zones. Did you get a special one made for you? From where did you get this: Thanks Natalie. This message was modified Jul 15, 2010 by roy1
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roy1 wrote: Hi Natatlie- great to hear this is working for you. But I don't see any soft V zone only medium/firm /xfirm v zones. Did you get a special one made for you? From where did you get this: Thanks Natalie. Yes, FloBeds custom made my vZone. They can make them in any configuration you need. The Sensus foam is also from FloBeds, though I can't say if either the vZone or Sensus are available without purchasing a FloBed. Give them a call, or if you're phone phobic like me Best to you, Natalie |
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Natalie, I am so happy for you in finally getting the right combination that is just right for your back and body. I was glad I had all that time also to find what worked for me since I ended up having a car accident and needed more time to make my bed firmer. I really love the set up I have now and I love my latex pillows also. My FloBed is my most comfortable bed that I ever owned due to the fact that I built it to suit me. Dave and Dewey really work hard at making sure you are happy and comfortable. They were there for me and even extended my time to exchange two more layers for two super firm latex layers for the bottom of my bed. I have the opposite since I needed my best more firm than most people like a bed. However I still needed a little bit of cushion on top for my pressure points. I tried various mattress pads but they were not comfortable and the polyester ones were hot. I also hate feeling any stiching and the way I have my bed now with the fitted sheet over the FloBed zippered up cover, I am sleeping comfortably. I now just sleep on a fitted 300 to 600 count sheet (I have several ivory sheet sets so I can mix them up and they all kind of match.) and change the sheet on top of me and my fitted sheet under me every week but sometimes I change the sheet on top of me more frequently. I like to be as close to the latex as possible but that is my needs. Thanks for appreciating my help and everyone else on this forum that helped you since we all truly care and wanted to be there for you since in the past others on this list have been there for each one of us.
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Lynn2006 wrote: Natalie, I am so happy for you in finally getting the right combination that is just right for your back and body. I was glad I had all that time also to find what worked for me since I ended up having a car accident and needed more time to make my bed firmer. I really love the set up I have now and I love my latex pillows also. My FloBed is my most comfortable bed that I ever owned due to the fact that I built it to suit me. Dave and Dewey really work hard at making sure you are happy and comfortable. They were there for me and even extended my time to exchange two more layers for two super firm latex layers for the bottom of my bed. I have the opposite since I needed my best more firm than most people like a bed. However I still needed a little bit of cushion on top for my pressure points. I tried various mattress pads but they were not comfortable and the polyester ones were hot. I also hate feeling any stiching and the way I have my bed now with the fitted sheet over the FloBed zippered up cover, I am sleeping comfortably. I now just sleep on a fitted 300 to 600 count sheet (I have several ivory sheet sets so I can mix them up and they all kind of match.) and change the sheet on top of me and my fitted sheet under me every week but sometimes I change the sheet on top of me more frequently. I like to be as close to the latex as possible but that is my needs. Thanks for appreciating my help and everyone else on this forum that helped you since we all truly care and wanted to be there for you since in the past others on this list have been there for each one of us. I agree, Dewey and Dave are the best! My only regret is not finding FloBeds sooner. I really didn't think I'd ever sleep comfortably again. I'm so glad you posted your experience with them, and that you love your bed and are sleeping well too! |
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Lynn and Natalie: Since it's been such a long time since I've posted here I thought I would throw in my two cents as well, for those people who are still hesitating about latex mattresses and who to purchase them from. I am also sleeping well on my FloBeds. I was wondering how the mattress would perform in the summertime. And since the US Whether Service is reporting that we are having the hottest summer in our history, or at least for a very long time, the mattress is being put to the test in my part of the country, which can see 100+ degrees in the shade during the day, as normal. We keep the house at approximately 76 to 78°f and the humidity will usually run between 55 and 58%. I have had no trouble at all sleeping on my latex mattress. I did incorporate the following configuration however. I put on the heavier 100% cotton mattress cover that I had acquired some months ago, and did not care for during cooler weather, but rather preferred my old used up thin mattress cover that I kept from my waterbed days. I put this cover on top of the 100% cotton cover and find that it is quite adequate for this temperature that we are experiencing now. I would just end by reaffirming what you ladies have already said, that dealing with Dave and Dewey Turner at FloBeds is a very enjoyable and rewarding experience. As I have said several times before, they may charge somewhat more than the other leading latex mattress manufacturers but they make up for it in the way you are treated and their excellent exchange and return policy. I certainly used their exchange system. I am a happy sleeper, and I would purchase from them again. Don This message was modified Jul 20, 2010 by eagle2
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Natalia wrote: Final review. Hi Everyone, I've had my FloBed for close to 5 months now, and I LOVE it! It took a few months to get the proper configuration. For someone with no physical limitations, it would have gone much faster. With severe fibromyalgia and nerve damage in hips I need a very soft bed, yet with enough support to avoid lower back pain. This makes for a very fine line, and "Team Flobeds" (Dewey and Dave), were able to fine tune my mattress to my special needs. My final configuration from FloBeds: Inside FloBeds cotton/wool cover:
The Dormeir Wool Pad is on order but won't ship until next week. I had to order the 24" drop as my mattress is a tad over 13". (Special shout out to Diane for sharing her Dormeir experience. Fingers crossed that I don't feel the stitching, and it doesn't wrinkle. If it does, it'll be for sale. Natalie I was looking for Flowbed reviews and I am so happy I found yours. Like you, I also have Fibromyalgia. I have a couple of questions for you - 1. I am very sensitive to smells. My husband has a natural latex pillow and I can't stand the smell. Do you think I would have a problem with the mattress? 2. Is the Sensus Foam a memory foam? If so, does it get warm? I take it it doesn't come with the Green V-Zone Mattress, right? How much is it? 3. I am confused about the The Dormeir Wool Pad. What do you need that for? Thanks so much for your review and for all your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Claudia |
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riclach wrote: I was looking for Flowbed reviews and I am so happy I found yours. Like you, I also have Fibromyalgia. I have a couple of questions for you - 1. I am very sensitive to smells. My husband has a natural latex pillow and I can't stand the smell. Do you think I would have a problem with the mattress? 2. Is the Sensus Foam a memory foam? If so, does it get warm? I take it it doesn't come with the Green V-Zone Mattress, right? How much is it? 3. I am confused about the The Dormeir Wool Pad. What do you need that for? Thanks so much for your review and for all your help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Claudia |
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Hi Natalie, thanks so much for replying. You're so sweet! My husband and I are ready to order the mattresses. I wanted to get the same configuration that you have without the sensus foam. But there's something I don't understand - You write that you want a very soft bed, but I see that you have ordered medium and firm layers. Can you please explain that? Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!! Claudia |
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riclach wrote: Hi Natalie, thanks so much for replying. You're so sweet! My husband and I are ready to order the mattresses. I wanted to get the same configuration that you have without the sensus foam. But there's something I don't understand - You write that you want a very soft bed, but I see that you have ordered medium and firm layers. Can you please explain that? Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!! Claudia I do need a very soft bed, but I still need support. The medium and firm layers provide the support, while the soft layer on top gives some cushion. Then the convoluted topper gives even more cushion. I loved the feel of just these 4 layers (S/M/F and convoluted topper) when I first got the mattress. No pressure points!! Unfortunately, this gave me lower back pain. Changing to M/S/F got rid of the back pain, but didn't provide me with the softness I craved. So, on Team FloBed's suggestion, I tried the custom vZone and Sensus foam, which provided me with a more yielding type of support... (foam doesn't push back) almost perfect but... not quite. Placing the convoluted topper on it all.... PERFECT! Very, very soft on top, but supportive enough for my back's needs. My son sat on my bed and said, "No way is there ANY support on this thing!" Well, not for him or maybe anyone else, but great for me. That's the beauty of FloBeds, they help you configure the bed for what works for you. I hope you find the exact comfort you need, and Hubby too! Natalie |
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Hi Natalie, I just ordered the bed. Dewey suggested the v-zone with the last 2 layers being soft and medium. Then if it doesn't work, I can always exchange. Darn, I forgot to ask him if they charge me for shipping exchanges... Anyway, thanks for all your help. You've been truly wonderful!!!!!!!!!! Claudia |
| Well, since I have a bad back at L5S1 (ruptured disc, with sciatica to the foot) I was recommended a F/XF and a F/F for my wife. Hope it doesn't feel like the floor :) |