Need advice! - Mattress protection
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Hi all! I recently took the plunge into latex and ordered a vZone from Flobeds. I'm extremely excited! However, being such a big investment, I want to make sure I keep it in the best condition I possibly can... thus, I'm planning on purchasing some form of zippered mattress protector. Does anyone have positive experiences they can share? Which brands are good? What to look out for? Are they comfortable, durable? Thanks! Aron |
Re: Need advice! - Mattress protection
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To BillB: Thanks for the info! Unfortunately, I read it after I had already made a purchase. I know what you mean about affecting the feel of the latex... I'm hoping that I don't end up disappointed with the results. Below is an update. Oh, by the way, I love your setup! Great pictures, a very informative post. I was thinking of doing something very similar, but really wanted dual adjustable firmness and a generous return policy in case I don't like it. Keep us updated as your experience continues. I reviewed some existing posts, and decided on a National Allergy Supply mattress encasing (the high end model, hoping I "get what I pay for"). I'm approaching the purchase of my flobed as I would any other mattress - it's function is to provide both comfort and support. Layers can (and probably should) be added to suit the user. I understand that materials such as memory foam, latex, etc, can potentially offer different feels, but that's not what I'm necessarily looking for. Let me elaborate. I tried the Tempurpedic mattresses in various stores. While initially feeling nice, I didn't like feeling like you're climbing out of a hole every time you try to roll over. Other aspects scared me off as well (namely, heat retention). Point being, it felt significantly different than the "standard" spring mattresses I am used to. I also, however, tried several "spring-free" latex mattresses at the same stores. These, in my opinion, felt much more like a traditional bed, except perhaps a bit more "sturdy" (read: less bounce), yet with plenty of give. I attribute most of the similarity in feel to the fact that most commercial model latex mattresses are actually made with the same top layer materials as the standard spring mattresses. Dunlop latex is also a factor. Thus, I have no real-world experience with a talalay latex mattress such as flobeds sells. In fact, the reason I went with them is because of the generous return policy, in case it doesn't pan out. After reading several posts and other websites, it's clear that latex is one of those things where you might like it, you might not. I wanted to protect my mattress regardless of the type I bought. I know latex and wool are resistant to dust mites, big reasons for going for setups such as a flobed. But at a price tag of around 2.5k, I'm not taking chances. Had it been any other mattress, I would have done the same. It's just too big an investment to leave it unprotected from an invisible invader or an accident. Knowing that this cover will more than likely affect the feel of the bed somewhat, particularly the softness, or "give", I wanted to order an extra thick mattress pad to compensate. I gave the Cuddlebed some thought, but I ended up ordering a SnugFleece Original mattress topper. This provides a few functions - it creates another barrier between me and the bed, in case any accidents such as spills should happen (they actually absorb moisture), and keeping sweat/skin cells farther away; it provides the extra layer of softness that should more than compensate for any loss by the protector, and extra comfort via body tempurature regulation; and it is hypoallergenic, resisting dust mites (unlike the Cuddlebed). It should also resist compacting. It does kill me (somewhat) to know how nice the topper is on the flobeds, and to not be able to take full advantage of it. But I just look at it as another comfort layer, and another layer of protection against the most important part of the bed - the latex. I want those latex layers to remain in the best condition possible for a long, long time. I decided on latex, primarily, because of the combination of longevity and comfort. Longevity is most important for me - I want my investment to last as long as possible. So, I'm ending up with a very expensive sleeping setup, essentially using latex for the support cores and wool for the top comfort layers - instead of the PU foam the big companies tend to use. My hope is that it will rival anything I've slept on to date. For me, beds were always an afterthought, if that. Considering how much they can impact your health, and how much time you really do spend in them, I decided to do it right.... and if I want to get it right, I go all out. (My chiropractor said the two things in life you should never go cheap on are shoes and beds. You spend more of your life using them than anything else). To top off my setup, I also got the True Silver sheet set from Select Comfort, with X-Static silver fibers.  So, I will end up with, starting at the bottom: 2.75 inch firm latex core (medium on left) 2.75 inch medium latex core (soft on left) 2.75 inch vZone core 2 inch convoluted latex topper 1 inch wool/cotton topper mattress protector 1.75 inch wool topper Silver sheets The best part is everything is returnable, making it very easy to adjust on the fly. This has been a huge project for me. I have done tons of research. When the bed finally comes in, I'm removing my old bed and sanitizing the bedroom, to minimize the possibility of any remaining bugs getting into my new mattress (I may sound paranoid at this point, but I've had a pretty severe allergic reaction since, well, I've had my current mattress... and if this solves it, it will be worth ten times the price and time). I'll take pictures when I began the assembly of the bed, and post it here to benefit other readers. I know how much such posts have been a benefit to me. Phew, I'm long winded today. Guess I'm pretty darn excited for my new bed :) This message was modified Dec 23, 2008 by aron1231
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Re: Need advice! - Mattress protection
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Aron We have the snugfleece original mattress pad over a Savy Rest serenity and absolutely love it. Philip |
Re: Need advice! - Mattress protection
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Aron- I'm looking forward to your review. I'm considering a latex set up, and am interested in getting as many opinions as possible... Billy |
Re: Need advice! - Mattress protection
| aron1231, I am also looking forward to your review on your FloBeds mattress. I love my FloBed Latex mattress and I also was allergic to conventional mattresses. I ended up exchanging cores to go firmer but I am pleased I had that option since my prior bed of many years was always way too hard like sleeping on the floor. Now I am a very firm mattress that has a little give but is not bouncy and I am very comfortable and do not wake up with a stuffed nose or post nasal drip and I do not itch all night. |