Got my flobeds!
Oct 17, 2009 11:30 AM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
I received my queen flobeds vzone yesterday in 4 boxes (including 1 pillow). I got the blended latex. It took about 1 hour (or less?) to put together. Although, first I had to lug the old mattress out of the way. I did not read the tip on folding the matress cover down over the foundation until after I was done. That might have made it a bit easier to get the first layer down. I also cut into the plastic on the first half layer, not realizing that it was just taped shut. Once I got the first layer down, the rest went pretty smoothly, although it is not always the easiest to line them up.

My configuration was firm vzone layer (I have 1/2 medium vzone as well) over xfirm over firm. The firm vzone is medium in the hip area and soft in the shoulders, so it probably overall might feel more like a medium. The medium is soft in the hips and shoulders.

Unfourtantely, the convoluted layer was king size (apparently they miss labeled a number of king size as queen size), so I had to fold the excess over the sides of the other layers. That made zippering the cover shut a bit difficult, but I got it done. It might give the mattress a firmer feel as well, since the cover is tighter?? Anyway, Flobeds had called to check on that issue before I even opened the boxes, and the correct size was shipped immediately. They also extended the trial period by 10 days, due to the error.

The initial feel was very supportive without feeling hard. The latex is fairly springy (a little like jello as someone has described), so a bit different feel than I was use to. The blend does have a sweet rubbery smell, which did not bother me really once I put on the cover, mattress pad and sheets. It is most noticable in the assembly process. That might be an advantage to the 100% natural, assuming that has a weaker or more pleasant smell? Has anyone compared the smell of blend vs. 100% natural, side by side? Not sure if the smell will diminish over time or not Anyone with experience with that?

I also got a pillow with the twice shredded (blended) latex. In this case, the smell is more of an issue (if it does not go away) since it is so close to the nose. So I put that aside that for now, and may end up returning it. 100% natural would definitely be a plus here if the smell was much better. I think I would like the pillow though, because it seems like it will offer more support than the down pillows I am using. Plus it is adjustable (by taking stuffing out), so I think I would be able to get it to the right firmness.

I ended up sleeping pretty well, but by the morning I ended up thinking my configuration my be a bit too firm for my taste. I may sleep on the medium/soft vzone layer tonight. I moved to that in the morning and it seemed pretty good. I may also try firm over xfirm (instead of the opposite) in the base layers. However, I don't really want to do any changes until the new convulated layer shows up next Tuesday.

I am use to sleeping on memory foam as the top layer. In the end, I may end up preferring 2" of good memory foam instead of the convulated layer. Not sure yet. I do like the plush feel of memory foam on the top, or at least I am use to it now.

It was a fairly warm night here (I don't have air conditioning, but I live about 1 mile from the ocean), and I have to say it slept reasonably cool. Cooler than with memory foam on top. So, that would be a potential negative of going with a memory foam layer.

I guess I am in for a bit of experimenation. Overall, it seems like I will be able to configure something I am happy with.
Re: Got my flobeds!
Reply #1 Oct 17, 2009 11:46 AM
Joined: Aug 21, 2009
Points: 486
Yes, when I got my Flobed the other day I had a king sized convoluted topper marked queen as well.  When I phoned them it was the first inkling they had that a number of toppers had been mislabeled.  You should have heard David/Dewey (not sure which one I talked to groan) when we confirmed by measurement over the phone that the topper marked queen was actually a king.  He was talking about having to go check all of their stock, and that's probably why you got the phone call.  Anyway, I thought about folding mine in, but I ended up just putting it back in the bag and zipping my mattress up without the topper, for now.  My new topper is being shipped and I should have it on Tuesday.

I've slept two nights on my new Flobed, and the smell is already gone, or I've so adapted to it that I don't notice it.  It wasn't an unpleasant smell by any means.   There was a slight rubber smell, but mostly it was the sweet smell others have described.

My bed is comfortable as is without the topper, but I really think it will be even more comfortable once I get the topper on.  I layed down for a minute yesterday afternoon and before I knew it I was deep asleep, and I slept very soundly last night too, which is something I have not done in a long time.

Congratulations on your new bed!
Re: Got my flobeds!
Reply #2 Oct 17, 2009 12:32 PM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
Yes, I can't say I noticed the smell too much once I got everything completely put together. The pillow is a different issue though. Even that was diminished with a pillow cover and pillow case. Has anyone out there bought a blended latex pillow? Did the smell go away?
Re: Got my flobeds!
Reply #3 Oct 17, 2009 9:16 PM
Location: Mequon, WI
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 363
I have had a blended latex pillow for a long time.  The smell is barely noticeable now.