Potential problems with split layers in Latex layer beds
Mar 3, 2010 5:02 PM
Joined: Jul 29, 2009
Points: 12
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.

Re: Potential problems with split layers in Latex layer beds
Reply #12 Mar 5, 2010 9:38 AM
Joined: Aug 21, 2009
Points: 486
Leo3 wrote:
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. 
 Hi Leo,

Yes, mine is a queen size.  And yes, there are two sides to the bed.  One side is F/XF/XF (currently my side) and the other side is XF/XF/XF (hubby's side).  Yes, a Queen is big enough for each of you to have separate firmnesses.

Further, when I sneak over to hubby's side for cuddling & what not, I don't really feel a significant difference when I "cross the line."  I dont' feel a ridge or separation at all, just a slight firming up of the mattress.
Re: Potential problems with split layers in Latex layer beds
Reply #13 Mar 5, 2010 9:42 AM
Joined: Aug 21, 2009
Points: 486
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?


That's interesting information!

I don't see the zippered mattress cover as being any different, really, than a completely sealed mattress.  The latex layers are heavy, and "grippy".  They won't move once encased,  in fact if they were not in a cover at all I don't think they'd move either.

Also, latex has a pretty long longevity record - regularly hear reports of people who have had theirs for 20 years or more and still going strong.
Re: Potential problems with split layers in Latex layer beds
Reply #14 Mar 5, 2010 10:54 PM
Joined: Aug 31, 2007
Points: 793
My zippered FloBed mattress cover is high quality. It is no different than the covers on the mattresses that are sewed on the edges and not zippered. I love knowing what is inside my mattress and to be able to adjust the layers to my comfort level.
Re: Potential problems with split layers in Latex layer beds
Reply #15 Mar 6, 2010 12:16 AM
Joined: Aug 17, 2009
Points: 542
I believe you would find a lot of people on this forum, if they were to buy a big "S" brand innerspring mattress, that they would prefer to have a totally zippered top cover. That way, when the cheap PU foam began to break down, they could simply unzip the top, take out the old broken down foam, and replace it with some decent latex.

These mattress covers utilized by the various online latex mattress manufactures, are of high quality and designed to allow the customer to make the decisions they want about there beds configuration.
This message was modified Mar 6, 2010 by eagle2
Re: Potential problems with split layers in Latex layer beds
Reply #16 Mar 6, 2010 9:17 AM
Joined: Jul 29, 2009
Points: 12
There's no way these big "S" mattress companies would add a zipper - You'd be too grossed out by what you find inside.
Re: Potential problems with split layers in Latex layer beds
Reply #17 Mar 6, 2010 8:05 PM
Joined: Aug 17, 2009
Points: 542
george wrote:
There's no way these big "S" mattress companies would add a zipper - You'd be too grossed out by what you find inside.

Agreed.
Re: Potential problems with split layers in Latex layer beds
Reply #18 Mar 9, 2010 12:52 AM
Joined: Jan 26, 2010
Points: 8
Hi, thanks for the replies. I really have no idea how they construct traditional mattresses but I imagined everything was somehow sewn together/glued together. Basically I just don't want the cover to get loose and wrinkled under the sheets. I want  it to stay taut. My husband will definately be unhappy about if that happens.
Re: Potential problems with split layers in Latex layer beds
Reply #19 Mar 9, 2010 10:59 PM
Joined: Aug 31, 2007
Points: 793
My FloBed zippered mattress cover is tight and there is no wrinkling. When I am making my bed and have the bed bare before I put on the fitted sheet, it looks like a conventional mattress to me.   The original FloBed zippered mattress cover  (May 2007)was not as nice but the new one sent to me a few months later has a piece that went under the area where the zipper was so that the zipper did not catch onto the latex. This new mattress cover that FloBeds has been selling since is so comfortable as well as having a snug fit with a little bit of give.  The first cover has a small defect and when I called I was told to wait until the new covers came out and I finished moving my latex pieces around and then Dave would ship me a new zippered mattress cover.