Wading through the latex info... (and avoiding a kit)
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Greetings.. I'm in the market for a new mattress and have been wading through all the thoughtful commentary on this board.. There's a lot of technical info within and a lot of folks with a far stronger need/desire to spend the time customizing and re-customizing their mattress for that perfect fit.. With that said, I'm wondering if anyone would take a moment to help answer a few basic questions: 1 - If possible, I'd prefer *not* to go the kit route. If I can walk into a store (in NYC) and buy a quality latex mattress, I'd be thrilled. I've seen the Serta (Vera Wang), Spring Free (Sealy) and Nature's Rest at Sleepy's. (I think I liked the Vera Wang best thus far). I know I can check out the Stearns & Foster and at least a few Englanders and Naturas locally. Given these options, does one brand/line stand out from the others in some meaningful way (e.g. quality of latex or other structural components, lack of PU, etc)? Does one brand/line provide a better standard configuration of latex cores? Or, should I just go with what feels best? 2 - I read somewhere that natural latex could possibly have more of an odor than synthetic. Is this a legitimate concern? 3 - (I posted this seperately too) - I've read it's best to get a firm mattress and put on a topper. Do toppers have a tendency to slide around since they are not sewn to the mattress? I've been told this is the case.. Any help appreciated! |
Re: Wading through the latex info... (and avoiding a kit)
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Thanks so much for the photos.. Very helpful.. So, just so I understand.. The topper goes on top of the cores, but still in the mattress case, correct? For those people who have said they don't use the topper, does the mattress casing fit less snugly when you zipper it up? I'm trying to figure out if doing it this way feels differently than a pillowtop mattress that you'd find in a store.. |
Re: Wading through the latex info... (and avoiding a kit)
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D3Fi wrote: On the other point ... We initially got a Medium-Firm-Firm and it was very, very soft in our opinion. I am 6'1" and 170 lbs btw and I will avoid posting my wife's height/weight again because a man can only get away with these things once in a great while. ;-) As a comparison, before we arrived at latex we tried a Simmons World Class Plush-Firm (900 coils or so w/ a "Plush-Firm" Euro Top) and a Tempurpedic Rhapsody. At my height/weight (and the wife's) both of those supported us better than our initial latex configuration (read: no hammocking vs. severe hammocking w/ the latex config we initially selected). If you had it to do over again, would you go with one of the other mattresses? |
Re: Wading through the latex info... (and avoiding a kit)
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* deleted because I'm sick of all the errors for non-existent files on my web server * This message was modified Jan 18, 2010 by D3Fi
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Re: Wading through the latex info... (and avoiding a kit)
| I'm interested to hear how you will sleep on 8.4" of 44 ILD talatech. Are you planning to use the convulated topper over it? Otherwise I think it will be way too firm. |
Re: Wading through the latex info... (and avoiding a kit)
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D3Fi, Count me among those who anxiously await how you like 44-44-44. That's extreme. I have 3 layers of 38 laying on the floor of my living room. I haven't actually tried sleeping on it yet, but the impression I get is that of my butt sinking in but the latex feeling extremely firm under my shoulders. My current innerspring, in contrast, seems to support my butt but let my shoulder blades sink in. Maybe it's just because that's what I'm used to that the innerspring feels more "supportive" and more comfortable? I'm thinking I need to do a zoned layer to firm up the hips and soften up the shoulders. Can you describe the stretch knit cover and give me your impression of it? How thick is the quilted layer? Does it strike you as being of good quality - something that will hold up for 20 years? |
Re: Wading through the latex info... (and avoiding a kit)
| We're very happy with a 44 40 36 talalay latex as the three support layers topped by 3" Sensus memory foam and quiltflex. After getting the 44 the bed has a more solid, firmer feel to it. There is less of a bottoming out feeling and a more supportive feel to it. Three 44s without a topper would seem to be very firm, but every one is different and the key is your individual comfort. |
Re: Wading through the latex info... (and avoiding a kit)
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* deleted because I'm sick of all the errors for non-existent files on my web server * This message was modified Jan 18, 2010 by D3Fi
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D3Fi - Wading through the latex info... (and avoiding a kit)
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D3Fi, I really think you and your wife would be comfortable with a 1" latex topper over three 44 ILD latex cores since I am comfortable now and sure about my 1" latex topper over a 36 ILD over a 44 ILD over a 36 ILD. This seems to be very comfortable and firm to me. I know my 5'8" friend now feels it is too firm and she likes firm beds. My other friend feels it is as firm as his very firm spring bed now and he likes firm beds. My other friend can't imagine how anyone can sleep on a bed as firm as mine but I am so comfortable. I am lucky to have friends that care and try out my bed and give me their opinion on it. I really think you would like a 1" topper over the 44 ILD latex cores to have no pressure points with a tiny bit of cushion but I could be wrong. If Dave is able to find me a bigger 1" natural latex topper and you would like this also, then he can find two if you ask him now. If he can't find this, I will just stay with my Overstock Latex topper that I just wish was a little bigger. If the bed is still too soft, you can just put two 44 ILD latex cores over the slat box but I really feel that would be too firm and you would definitely then need the 1" topper. I now just want a lower profile soft latex pillow since my standard latex pillow from overstock is a tiny big firmer and thicker than I would like. |
Re: D3Fi - Wading through the latex info... (and avoiding a kit)
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* deleted because I'm sick of all the errors for non-existent files on my web server * This message was modified Jan 18, 2010 by D3Fi
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Re: Wading through the latex info... (and avoiding a kit)
| Wading Through, I am in the same situation as you. The shipping for SleepEZ and FloBed may be really expensive so my option is Sealy or Costco a bed from Costco. I went and looked at teh Sealy Spring free Meadow Crest but the sales lady could not tell me if it was all latex or what kind of latex the matress had in it. If I am going to spend 2700.00 on a bed I really think they should have the information. I was all set to order from SleepEZ but when I called they had to find out if they could actually ship to Alaska. If any one has any info about Sealy beds let me know I have had my spring bed for the last 10 years and it was a cheap 400 dollar bed and I DESERVE another bed. |