The FrankenBed
Sep 18, 2007 9:17 PM
Foam Nerd
Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605
    I initially called my creation the FrankenBed because it was made from "parts." The word is taking on a new meaning, as in, I am creating a monster.

The basic outline was a latex core, an Intelli-Gel topper from MyComfort, and something in between, possibly 2" of Foamex memory foam.

The first major piece to arrive (not counting the foundation on top of a set of Bed Beams), is the latex core. I'll get the Intelli-Gel topper on Monday or Tuesday.

I think I might already have a problem. I ordered an ILD 40 Talatech blend core, and I don't think it's going to be firm enough. I initially ordered a 44 but then changed my mind and went with a 40. I should have stayed with the 44. The core actually tested out at an average ILD of 37.8, but I'm not claiming the 2 points is what makes it too soft. Even on 3 2.8" layers, I can bottom out by sitting down on it hard. It's sitting on a concrete floor covered with carpet and I can definitely feel the floor. At the very least, I need to replace one of the ILD 38 layers, and possibly both.

I can't bottom out all 4 layers, but that's 11" of latex, and support-wise, it feels pretty soft. Laying on my back, it feels very firm, but it feels like my butt sinks down further than it should. In other words it's almost too soft AND too firm at the same time. Too soft for my butt but too firm for my shoulders.

Y'all can go ahead and laugh at me now for thinking I could save money by building my own mattress. Not happenin'. The best that can be said is that maybe my own mistakes can benefit others. I'm debating on what to do. I can be stubborn and order another core, or I can just admit that I made a bad decision and order a support  mattress from someone that allows comfort exchanges. I have to allow that even the 44 might not be firm enough, so a money back guarantee would be a good idea too, the second time around.

I have some decisions to make.
This message was modified Sep 18, 2007 by haysdb
Re: The FrankenBed
Reply #28 Dec 14, 2007 12:09 PM
Foam Nerd
Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605
novahelp wrote:
With that amount of cost, do you regret not just getting a Sleepez 10,000 or 13000 model?

That's certainly a fair question. I regret spending as much money as I did, but I'm pleased with what I have ended up with, and I learned a lot along the way.

Re: The FrankenBed
Reply #29 Dec 14, 2007 1:40 PM
Joined: Sep 3, 2007
Points: 167
haysdb, did I miss your review of your new 2" <20ILD layer?? Did you think it was softer than the FBM 20 or about the same? Did you like having the 1" 20ILD over the gel or under it?
This message was modified Dec 14, 2007 by donw
Re: The FrankenBed
Reply #30 Dec 14, 2007 8:51 PM
Foam Nerd
Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605
donw wrote:
haysdb, did I miss your review of your new 2" <20ILD layer?? Did you think it was softer than the FBM 20 or about the same? Did you like having the 1" 20ILD over the gel or under it?

The 2" of ILD 16-18 natural talalay from Sleep Warehouse feels exactly the same to me as the two 1" layers I have from FBM, one of which is supposed to be an ILD 20 and the other an ILD 32. To be honest, I don't know what I actually have, and I have no way to find out.

I'm happy with the current configuration (3" ILD 40 as a support layer, 3" ILD 20, then the Intelli-Gel overlay), but I still have two more to try. For tonight I have added the "spare" 1-inch layer on top, just under the fitted sheet. If that's too soft, I can remove 1" from under, leaving 2" under and 1" on top.

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