Natalie's New Flobed (updated with vZone pics) - New Final Review
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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Re: Natalie's New Flobed
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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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Re: Natalie's New Flobed
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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  |
Re: Natalie's New Flowbed
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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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Re: Natalie's New Flobed
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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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Re: Natalie's New Flobed
| 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. |
Re: Natalie's New Flobed
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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. |
Re: Natalie's New Flobed
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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. |
Re: Natalie's New Flobed
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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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Re: Natalie's New Flobed
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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. |
Re: Natalie's New Flobed (updated with vZone pics)
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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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