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First off thanks to all on this board. I have been looking to purchase a latex bed for quite some time now, and I almost pulled the trigger on a Sealy model that was made of (mostly) latex. Now that I know a lot more, I am getting really into the details and this forum helps me a lot. I've been looking at the split layers (one firmness side for each person) and zoned systems (head to toe firmness differences) and I am curious if any of you can share any insight. My questions are below: 1) For the different firmness for each person, the latex needs to be split into two pieces - left side and right side. Are there problems with one edge rubbing up against the other edge and creating a bump in the middle of the bed? Any other potential issues? Or does it seem to work without any issues. 2) Does having three layers (stacked on top of each other) cause any issues as well, such as shifting, rubbing, etc etc? Does it matter if I have to put the soft side on the bottom (If the exhange period is over and I need a firmer bed for instance)? 3) Does anyone have any experience with the zones (diffenrent firmness from head to toe) and is it worth it at all? Meaning is it just another gimmick or does it really make a difference. 4) Would stacking Dunlop on bottom and Talalay on top help for a larger person because Dunlop is more dense and might prevent bottoming out? This question is not for me but I maybe recommending latex for somebody. Any thoughts (regardless of if you have actual experience) would be helpful. Thanks in advance. I have alot more questions but I'll post separately. |
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george wrote: First off thanks to all on this board. I have been looking to purchase a latex bed for quite some time now, and I almost pulled the trigger on a Sealy model that was made of (mostly) latex. Now that I know a lot more, I am getting really into the details and this forum helps me a lot. I've been looking at the split layers (one firmness side for each person) and zoned systems (head to toe firmness differences) and I am curious if any of you can share any insight. My questions are below: 1) For the different firmness for each person, the latex needs to be split into two pieces - left side and right side. Are there problems with one edge rubbing up against the other edge and creating a bump in the middle of the bed? Any other potential issues? Or does it seem to work without any issues. 2) Does having three layers (stacked on top of each other) cause any issues as well, such as shifting, rubbing, etc etc? Does it matter if I have to put the soft side on the bottom (If the exhange period is over and I need a firmer bed for instance)? 3) Does anyone have any experience with the zones (diffenrent firmness from head to toe) and is it worth it at all? Meaning is it just another gimmick or does it really make a difference. 4) Would stacking Dunlop on bottom and Talalay on top help for a larger person because Dunlop is more dense and might prevent bottoming out? This question is not for me but I maybe recommending latex for somebody. Any thoughts (regardless of if you have actual experience) would be helpful. Thanks in advance. I have alot more questions but I'll post separately. George: I have a California King split layer 100% natural Talalay process latex mattress manufactured by FloBeds. My wife has her own bed and bedroom so I sleep alone in this bed. I have noticed a slight ridge down the middle on a few occasions. But it is quite minor, and all I have to do is press down on it and it goes away. Latex is very "clingy" when placed on top of, or next to, another piece of latex. Plus the cover that FloBeds provides is slightly smaller than the latex layers. So once it's all zippered up it's quite solid. One other fact you need to know. All of FloBeds mattresses come with a top layer that is called a 2 inch convoluted single piece (not split) of latex. This gives you a little bit of extra cushioning and airflow, and for me, works quite well. Whichever company you choose make sure they have an excellent exchange/return agreement. It is my considered opinion, and the opinion of many on this board that FloBeds has the best arrangement in this regard. It costs a little more but the customer service and their exchange policy( Unlimited for 90 days, you only pay return shipping for the piece you do not want) and during that 90 days if you don't like it, and want your money back, they will return all of your money, you simply pay shipping back to FloBeds. As far as the VZone, which is what FloBeds calls their topmost layer that is configurable top to bottom, I have no experience with it. But most everybody who has tried it really likes it. Again it is slightly more expensive but to those who need it, it is well worth it. As far as mixing Dunlop and Talalay, FloBeds does not sell Dunlop, only Talalay. But I can speak to your question from this perspective. When I first started looking into this I was convinced in my own mind that I wanted a Dunlop plus Talalay configured bed. I was going to go with another company who provided this, but it did not work out. I wound up with Dave Turner and his FloBeds mattress. I'm certainly glad that I did. Not only are they excellent to work with, but I have found that I really like Talalay. The only way I believe you could bottom out on 11 inches of Talalay latex, would be to have a very soft configuration and weigh quite a bit. I am 6' 2" and weigh between 200 to 210 pounds ( I'm on a diet). Even when I tried a soft layer on top of a medium layer on top of and extra firm layer I never felt like I was bottoming out. I just did not like the soft layer of latex and exchanged it for a medium layer. Later on I found that what I needed, for me, was one side firm, over extra firm, over extra firm. The other side is firm, over firm over extra firm. This is configured "top to bottom". This seems to work the best for me. Good luck with your search. This message was modified Mar 3, 2010 by eagle2
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While this thread pertains to a question I had, for Queensize latex owners of Flobeds only. Only because Kingsize beds would have no problem and plenty of room for my question. Do you feel the separate layers? Also if you set your mattress up so firm on one side and soft on the other, is this enough room to really sleep on separate side with different firmness? I am thinking no because I have a Queen size bed and I have twin latex on one side, and 1/2 of a twin on the other side; and I do feel the gap when laying on my side at my knee caps. But as Eagle said the layers are tight in the mattress cover so that may be the missing link. Though my latex is pretty secure over the spring mattress, they don't move much. This message was modified Mar 3, 2010 by Leo3
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Thanks Leo and Eagle - This is what I am hearing 1) Yes you can occassionally feel the split but it's not that big a deal. 2) Inherently latex is kind of tacky so it may tend to stick some times. 3) People seem to like the zoning feature. 4) Stacking Dunlop is not really necessary to prevent bottoming out - I too was thinking maybe it combined the best of the two processes. I would love to hear other's opinions, but this does confirm what I was thinking. I do like the fact that Flobed's configuration has a non-split piece covering it all up. I do like the split firmness but I don't think I need the head to toe zoning system. If anybody has the zone system, I'd am curious as to how it works - are they in pieces too? Are they exchangeable? Does it ever present any problems? Thanks for your replies!! |
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Hi George, I have the VZone from FloBeds and am still in the tweaking stage but love it! It really caters to the different support your body needs in different parts. (I.E. more in the lumbar, less on the head and feet.) They are in separate pieces and even though the web site shows 3 different flavors, you can trade out individual pieces for a custom fit. Here's the link to the specs for the VZone. http://www.flobeds.com/pdf/vZoneSpecs.pdf But wholeheartedly agree with eagle2. FloBeds is a pure joy to work with! TJ12 |
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My layers are in separate XL Twin zippered mattresses pushed together inside an Eastern King frame. No bump in the middle. Since we have the same configuration of layers over LuraFlex coils, there's no problem with one side being higher. I also have King bedding over the whole thing, including an Omalon topper and CuddleBed topper. It ties it all together very nicely. And, yet we still have our independent mattresses which makes it great for movement or changing layers. This message was modified Mar 4, 2010 by BeddyBye
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george wrote: First off thanks to all on this board. I have been looking to purchase a latex bed for quite some time now, and I almost pulled the trigger on a Sealy model that was made of (mostly) latex. Now that I know a lot more, I am getting really into the details and this forum helps me a lot. I've been looking at the split layers (one firmness side for each person) and zoned systems (head to toe firmness differences) and I am curious if any of you can share any insight. My questions are below: 1) For the different firmness for each person, the latex needs to be split into two pieces - left side and right side. Are there problems with one edge rubbing up against the other edge and creating a bump in the middle of the bed? Any other potential issues? Or does it seem to work without any issues. 2) Does having three layers (stacked on top of each other) cause any issues as well, such as shifting, rubbing, etc etc? Does it matter if I have to put the soft side on the bottom (If the exhange period is over and I need a firmer bed for instance)? 3) Does anyone have any experience with the zones (diffenrent firmness from head to toe) and is it worth it at all? Meaning is it just another gimmick or does it really make a difference. 4) Would stacking Dunlop on bottom and Talalay on top help for a larger person because Dunlop is more dense and might prevent bottoming out? This question is not for me but I maybe recommending latex for somebody. Any thoughts (regardless of if you have actual experience) would be helpful. Thanks in advance. I have alot more questions but I'll post separately. 1) I have had my 100% latex bed for over three months and have never once felt a ridge. My bed is from Flobeds, and over the split layers there is a single layer topper that covers the entire bed. 2) I have never experienced this shifting or rubbing. Latex is pretty clingy, so I think it would be difficult to have this problem. I don't know about putting the softer side on the bottom, generally you need the firm layers at the bottom. You should be able to find out what you need and do your exchanges within the three month exchange period (if you're going the Flobed route - can't speak to other company's exchange policies). 3) My mattress isn't zoned. 4) I am a large person and I have more than adequate support with an all Talalay mattress, with extra firm layers (currently I have F (32 ILD) over XF (36 ILD) over XF (36 ILD). |
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Another positive for the zoning system - good to hear. Conceptually it seems intuitive - our middle of our body weighs the most so we need the most support - just not sure if it's really worth the added cost (not to mention the time to really get it right). I am having some back problems right now due to my worn out mattress and I don't mind spending the extra money if it will make a difference. Also another post saying teh potential for the split layers to create ridges seems to be non issue. This is off topic, but does anybody know how many U.S. manufactures there are (both Talalay and Dunlop)? Just asking because it seems all Talalay is Latex International. No imports or other brands as far as I've seen. I am of the impression that there are good quality as well (as opposed to other imported brands, where you are not sure). Thanks again for your input - I feel a little better making a decision now. |
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KimberlyH wrote: 1) I have had my 100% latex bed for over three months and have never once felt a ridge. My bed is from Flobeds, and over the split layers there is a single layer topper that covers the entire bed. 2) I have never experienced this shifting or rubbing. Latex is pretty clingy, so I think it would be difficult to have this problem. I don't know about putting the softer side on the bottom, generally you need the firm layers at the bottom. You should be able to find out what you need and do your exchanges within the three month exchange period (if you're going the Flobed route - can't speak to other company's exchange policies). 3) My mattress isn't zoned. 4) I am a large person and I have more than adequate support with an all Talalay mattress, with extra firm layers (currently I have F (32 ILD) over XF (36 ILD) over XF (36 ILD). I don't remember Kimberly do you have a Queen size? If so do you have different ILDs on each side? Next question is 1/2 of a queen size (30" wide) enough room to have separate firmness sides to sleep on. Hope you understand my question, LOL.  |
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I talked to Arizona Premium mattress company and they told me their blended latex (not 100% natural) comes from the netherlands, while their 100% all natural talalay comes from Latex International. My hesitation with Flobeds, arizona, etc is the idea of buying a bunch of foam layers and having it hold up as a mattress for a long time, just inside a zippered cover. Anyone else concerned about that? Where are you getting yours--Flobeds? |
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slindenkohl wrote: I talked to Arizona Premium mattress company and they told me their blended latex (not 100% natural) comes from the netherlands, while their 100% all natural talalay comes from Latex International. My hesitation with Flobeds, arizona, etc is the idea of buying a bunch of foam layers and having it hold up as a mattress for a long time, just inside a zippered cover. Anyone else concerned about that? Where are you getting yours--Flobeds? slindenkohl said: "My hesitation with Flobeds, arizona, etc is the idea of buying a bunch of foam layers and having it hold up as a mattress for a long time, just inside a zippered cover." I'm not sure I understand your question. "Just inside a zippered cover" What do you mean? All mattresses manufactured are just inside of a cover. All of big S. brands mattresses are just inside a cover. On their innerspring models it's true that they may attach their cheap PU foam to the springs, but it is still, "just inside a cover" The cover that I have from FloBeds is a top quality cover. I have never seen them, but there have been no reports from other board members regarding the other manufacturers of latex mattresses that their covers do not hold up. It very well could be true that the covers will not last as long as the natural latex, as it is reputed to have anywhere from 20 to 50 year life expectancy. I just got rid of a soft sided waterbed when I purchased my FloBeds 100% natural latex mattress. I had it for 10 years. The liner had a rip in it, but the main problem was the anti-floatation material in the bladder had broken loose and piled up on one side. But the cover, and it was a zippered top cover, was in great shape. What is wearing out is the mattress topper that I had on the waterbed, that I'm now using on my latex bed. If I'm understanding your question correctly, you are not understanding how a latex mattress is constructed, and the quality of materials used in it. |