Hello everybody, first post - wanted to say thank you for such an informative forum.  I've been inspired by 'TheLTFM' and his threads about his DIY FBM all latex mattress.  I'm aspiring to do the same yet and torn between the Latex International product from SLAB and the European prodcut from FBM.  6" 36ILD + 2" 32ILD + 2" 20ILD from FBM is $1,216 and 6" 36ILD + 2" 32ILD + 2" 19ILD from Slab is $2,330.  I don't know what the difference in quality is and if I should save the $1,100 and just go with FBM.  Thoughts?

Thank you Megalops, the SLAB latex would indeed be the blended.  I checked out overnightmattresses, the prices are better and they clearly state it's from LI.  Too bad they only offer 3" layers!  Much to consider, thanks for the heads up!

SLAB also offers 15% off specials every now and then in the event you're not in a hurry.

Mequonjim posted some photos of each product on this thread: http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/forum/foam-mail-latex-latex-international-latex-comparison/5314-0-1.html

The FBM is talalay, but reminds me of the dunlop shown in this video: http://www.flobeds.com/AboutLatexLinks.htm#TalalayVsDunlop

Wow - thanks for posting that, just about does it for me - I'll spend the extra for LI.  Here's the results from some more research and your suggestions:

3" 36ILD from overnightmattresses.com = $476 each (after 10% discount), times two (2) = $952 (free shipping)

2" 30-32ILD from sleepez.com = $395 (free shipping)

2" 22ILD from mattresses.net = $239 (free shipping)

Total = $1,586 delivered

This is for blended talalay from Latex International - I'll be calling SleepEz and Arizona Mattress Supply to very these products are LI but they appear to be.  So with that being said, the supposed FBM equilevent to my above combo comes to $1,216.  Only $370 more for my LI version.

I think I'll go with this unless I can find any of these pieces for less anywhere else.

yugnat wrote:

Mattresses.net and sleepez.com both sell many types of latex including LI. I'd be leary of buying anything except the rejuvenite toppers from them.

SLAB & overnightmattresses sell only LI.

Another thing to consider if the budget allows is 100% natural latex from LI. It's what I decided to go with in my new bed. Much debate on the topic of blended vs. natural, but that's another story.

Intersting, I knew sleepez and mattresses.net sold other types as well but I thought they were reputable enough to trust what they claim if asked.  But I'll certainly give it more thought.  May I ask what made you decide to go with 100% natural?  Was it longevity, feel, or just that it's more natural vs. synthetic?  Sorry if this opens a differnet can of worms!  I'm going to go run my numbers and see if I can get within my budget using only overnightmattresses and SLAB.

yugnat wrote:

 

You can see some of my reasons in this thread starting at reply #18: http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/forum/latex-mattresses-los-angeles/27257-A-1.html

There are other reasons too which have been mentioned by budgy in the past. Do a search of budgy's posts, as they are full of valuable information. One reason I forgot to mention in the above thread is natural latex's ability to resist dust mites. Blended latex will resist dust mites too, albeit to a lesser degree. If keeping a mattress for 15+ years, this is a major consideration especially to anyone with allergies.

Here's one of the threads I referenced: http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/forum/this-true-100-natural-talalay-does-not-exist/18681-A-1.html

Well after a bunch more consideration tonight I just can't get 100% natural for the entire mattress within my budget.  But I can get it for the top layers (via SLAB) and go with the Talatech blend for the bottom 6" (via overnightmattresses).  I'll sleep on the idea overnight and make a final decisions tomorrow.  Thanks for the input!

Megalops - would you mind sharing the source where Flobeds directed you for encasements?  I'm only finding them at SLAB and sleepez and want to see what other options are out there.

 

Thanks!

yugnat wrote:

 

http://www.flobeds.com/products/2808EK/FR-Cover/Organic-Cotton-&-Wool-Cover/E.-King-76%22-x-80%22

The sample they sent me easily has 1.5" of wool inside.