I took the plunge and ordered a Flobed - any advice?
Jan 12, 2009 7:43 PM
Joined: Jan 12, 2009
Points: 30
2 years ago I got a Dormia memory foam bed.  It started out good but it didn't take long and it felt like someone else in the forum has stated about memory foam - it feels like laying on wet sand.  And it has gotten so it is basically permanently sunken in - not sunken a great amount but enough so that it really doesnt' support the body properly.  I had been reading this forum for a while and basically got sold on the latex idea - I will never do memory foam again.  I'm a little worried that I couldn't try it out first since that is what I also did with the Dormia but with all the positive reviews, the options of adjusting firmness and the guarantee from Flobed, it seems relatively safe.  I am a single male, 5" 11", 170 lbs.  I prefer a firm bed.  I am getting a queen that is adjustable on either side.  For side 1, I ordered firm, firm, extra firm.  For side 2, I ordered medium, firm, extra firm.  I feel this should give me lots of options to adjust the bed if necessary and, of course, I can always work with Flobed to change out pads if necessary.  Their $500 off New Year pricing ended on Friday but I was lucky because they offered it to me this morning - and I now see the offer is no longer available.  It sounds like they must have been selling lots of beds since mine is not scheduled to ship until January 27 - if you count business days only, this meets their 10 day shipping guarantee.

Since my old bed is memory foam, the base is slatted with a sheet of something hard over the slats - I think I'm pretty safe with that.  So, any advice for a newbie in terms of set up, etc?  I'm looking forward to it's arrival.
Re: I took the plunge and ordered a Flobed - any advice?
Reply #5 Jan 16, 2009 12:07 PM
Joined: Oct 24, 2008
Points: 9
I'm a relatively new flobed owner - here's my advice:

Buy a good topper/pad.  Latex isn't supposed to "sleep warm" (and not NEARLY as warm as memory foam), but it did sleep a lot warmer than my previous spring mattress.  The sheets (and protector) I have might affect this as well... they are tight knit and don't breathe the greatest... but I think it was mostly due to the latex.  There are holes in the foam, and it does breathe, but if anyone tells you they breathe the same as a spring mattress they are lying.  To counter this, you should buy a good cotton or wool topper.  I bought a SnugFleece Original topper for my bed, and it is truly unbelievable.  Words can't even describe how much I enjoy sleeping on it (and the bed in general).

Also, since latex is fragile and prone to deteriorate when not properly protected, I bought a mattress case (national allergy) that protects against mites, and although not "waterproof", it does resist fluid penetration very well. 

Otherwise, take your time setting it up, line the foam up as best you can, and try not to leave even the slightest gap in the middle.  It's fairly simple and straightforward.  I did mine at night, both in anticipation of finally sleeping on it, and with the added benefit of reducing sunlight exposure (which also breaks latex down).  I also recommend washing your hands before you set it up, and setting up a large, clean area to work in. 

Having an extra set of hands is very helpful, but not necessary.  Follow directions.  I leave the firmness sticker at the foot of my bed, so I can easily make adjustments.

Once the mattress is in place, you won't want to move it.  You can slide the foundation around a bit, but actually moving the mattress itself would be... unpleasant... without taking it back apart. 

I've been meaning to put a detailed review up, with pictures, of my new flobed.  I will be doing this very soon.  Suffice it to say, it has far exceeded my expectations.... in fact, it is the best sleeping surface I can remember sleeping on, and every time I jump into bed I get tingles of pure joy (not kidding)!  I fall asleep faster, move less, and sleep better.  It is truly amazing.  I can only assume from my experience that you will be extremely happy with your purchase. 
Re: I took the plunge and ordered a Flobed - any advice?
Reply #6 Jan 16, 2009 7:11 PM
Joined: Jan 12, 2009
Points: 30
Thanks for posting aron1231.  I'm anxious to get my bed and the shipping date of January 27 seems like a LONG time off right now.  I have a water proof cover from the old bed but I will look into the SnugFleece topper - thanks for the recommendation.  I don't have a temperature problem with my current memory foam bed so maybe the latex won't be an issue.  How did you determine what cores to get - did you use the recommendations from the Flobed website?  And how did the order of placement work out the first time?  Did you have to move them around afterwards to find a better comfort level?  What kind of box spring or base did you go with?