Mattress Forum

Personally I don't think these toppers are going to work for you at all.  I think that if you're in pain, you need to make the leap and get a 100% latex mattress.  I don't know anything about the european manufactured Talalay latex, but the latex mattress I have is sourced from Latex International, and I couldn't be happier.

The Natura used European dunlopillo (now deceased, out of business) was the Brylane Homes model so many people tried here.  Lynn was one.  It is just like a blended latex.  Too soft actually.

I wish I knew that the all latex would work.  Since I have close to 5 1/2" now I could easily add more and lose the springs.  I know myself that I can't take the cover that has stitching, been there and done that.  So I want to put my own unstitched cover over whatever I do.

I'm probably telling you stuff you already know since it looks like you've been in the 'latex' world far longer than I have and I might not be understanding my research correctly.  My understanding of ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) or IFD(Indentation Force Deflection) is that it is independent of the surface meaning that it shouldn't matter whether it is natural or blended but rather how much it compresses. This is a hardness range measurement based on ASTM D-1055.  It is a measure of load bearing capacity or firmness. IFD is measured on the surface as 25% IFD For example, to determine 25% IFD, a four-inch thick latex sample is compressed to three-inch thickness. the number of pounds required to achieve compression is the 25% IFD value. The higher the IFD, the firmer the surface feel.  I found this information on the following website http://www.flobeds.com/mattspec.htm. I know this is trying to put an objective measurement to something that is, by nature, subjective but it seems like a pretty good way to do it. Also, it sounds like the base could be an issue as well.  The bed I just ordered suggests a softer panel under the hip area for side sleepers with more firm support for the rib cage to keep the spine in alignment.  The 24 ILD you mention would be considered medium firmness.  As a side sleeper, they recommended a medium density underneath with a soft on top (19-22ILD) They then suggest a 2" convoluted top. I talked to a rep today as my husband had some additional shoulder issues so they recommended a softer panel in the shoulder area for him.  I also asked about the difference between the 100% natural Latex vs. the blended as they sell both kinds.  The natural is about $300 more expensive but he said that he himself owns the blended and thinks it is just as comfortable and there doesn't seem to be any difference in durability.  Since we had already been leaning toward the more expensive 100% latex, he actually talked us out of spending more money which really kind of impressed me. I eagerly await my bed next week and would encourage you to try a full latex bed instead of a topper before writing off latex altogether. Best of luck to you.

Please tell us the details of your bed you ordered and if you like it.

Thanks for the information.  Did you talk to Flobeds then?

I hope it works out for you.

I decided on a latex bed after staying at a resort a while back at a friend's timeshare.  We stayed in the guest room and when I got into bed, I felt like I was sleeping on a cloud.  The next morning, I stripped the bedding to see what the mattress was made of.  When I saw that it was latex, I knew that was the bed we needed to buy.  We have gone through purchasing several expensive mattresses over the last few years and I am hoping that this one will be THE one. I did a LOT of research on latex and memory foam beds before making this purchase.  Our son was disappointed as he had purchased a tempurpedic a few years back and really loves it.  He wanted us to purchase one as well, but after laying on them and doing the research, we felt the latex would suit us better.  I was concerned about all of the 'heat' issues I kept hearing about.  At this particular stage in my life, the very last thing I want to hear about is being extra warm while sleeping.  I can do that quite well on my own, thank you very much :) My husband just didn't care for that 'sinking' feeling you get on the full memory foam. 

Before ordering the Flobeds mattress, we went to a number of stores and the mattress leading the pack was the Serta Pure Escape at Mattress Firm and was selling for $3000. on sale.  Their return policy was in-store credit only with a restocking charge of somewhere around $100 (can't quite remember).  Since this was about the most expensive mattress in the store, if we ended up returning it, we would most likely lose money not only on the restocking but the negative difference on the replacement mattress as well.  I was very concerned about ordering anything this large on line until I began reading how happy everyone seemed to be with the Flobed mattresses and the company itself.  The real kicker was the exchange and return policy.  I can switch out unlimited number of individual pads for firmer or softer until I get the perfect combination and if I decide I just don't like it all at the end of the 90 days, I can ship the whole thing back.  The shipping costs are about what I would have paid for restocking fees and I get my money back instead of some in-store credit where they have me by the throat to buy from them only. 

The other internet site that was in very strong contention was Habitat Furnishings at http://www.habitatfurnishings.com/ They also offerred a very nice 180 day return policy and their website provided a lot of really good information in my research.  They only sell 100% natural and do talk up quite a bit about the wonders of the all natural.  This is in large part why I was leaning toward the all natural.  I chose Flobed because of the flexibility in creating our own level of firmness on each side of the bed.

I did call Flobed and talked to Dewey for awhile because I was concerned about how to account for the right firmness for my husband's shoulder injury and his need to sleep on his back because he uses a CPAP machine for sleep apnea.  I had been researching all about the natural vs. blended and Dunlop vs. Talalay and had concluded that 100% natural was the way to go.  Flobeds sells both blended and 100% natural so I asked Dewey about the differences.  I thought they could be more objective since they sold both, although I expected them to tell me that the 100% natural was sooooo much better....and incidentally about $300 more expensive.  I was wrong.  He said that tests show them to stand up equally well although Talalay stands up better than Dunlop to wear and tear.  He himself owns the blended and can't tell the difference.  He said they do not hear any issues about odors in the blended so we decided to save the $300 and go with the blended. 

I sort of feel like I just graduated from college with my shiny new degree!!  I have all of this 'head' knowledge about different kinds of latex and foam.  I know how they are manufactured, chemically treated etc ad nauseum but I have absolutely no practical experience.  I can't wait to be able to speak from personal experience and I am truly hoping to be able to say wonderful things about my new bed.  I will, however, faithfully promise to report actual experience when my bed arrives ;  The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly.......stay tuned!

http://www.dunlopillo.co.uk/why/latex/index.aspx

Dave at Flobeds let me go beyond my 90 day period when when found out about the car accident. I now have my bed set up just right for me. It is so comfortable and I am glad I was able to have the time to find the right latex cores that would be good for my back.  Dewey also was very helpful.   Dave actually sent me the toppers paying the shipping both ways when he heard about my car accident.  That one topper he found for me that was 1.5" thick was not one he normally sells and he sent me a postage paid label to send it back. FloBeds even let me switch the legs to make the bed taller when I bought a tall headboard, as well as sending me overnight headboard brackets so the delivery people could install the Wesley Allan iron headboard.  I have been very happy with the customer service and caring people that work at FloBeds. 

I am excited for you and your husband in your new purchase. I can't wait to hear the details when you new bed arrives. 

I am not sure who Natura uses now (was Dunlopillo) maybe it is Latex International, yeah it is because it is on LI product page as a seller of their latex....

Summer I have had a full education of latex too, LOL, but like you said you don't know till you actually slept on.  Since have never tried natural I don't have clue what that is like.  Blended latex doesn't bother my allergies either, but the blooming flowers outside surely do!  Yes, please do tell us all about your experiences.

Do you have an opinion on natural vs. blended talalay latex?  Don't think I have heard your opinion on that.  I know you sell a brand we in the US don't get.  Can't remember, so I won't even try to guess.  I remember the picture you posted with the latex wrapped in sheer fabric.  Do you sell both natural and blended?  Do you have any experience with Latex International in Canada?

Do you feel like you are being bugged?