I'm a first time poster, a lifelong back pain sufferer with a fused spine, and a traumatized victim of serial bad mattresses.  I'm trying to choose a latex mattress and I've been very impressed with the quality of the info I'm finding here.  I'm 5'4" and 135 lb, married to 6'2" and 220 lb.  He likes the feel of latex but the beds we've tried all feel more or less the same to him, and since he never wakes up in pain no matter where he sleeps he's deferring the choice to me.

I haven't cared for most of the mattresses I've been able to lie on in local stores.  I'm absolutely not considering the ones with low quality foam, but I have found a couple that feel great.  I've always been happiest on a nice smooth surface without much padding - I hate a cushy and pillowy top surface.  The few higher quality ones have been too soft for me. 

I'm considering FloBeds, but I am concerned about the "comfort layer".  They let you customize the core to your heart's content, but all of their beds are topped with a 2" layer of soft eggcrate latex.  That seems like it is going to be awfully soft.  I'm a side sleeper and like to stretch out on a nice smooth surface.  Keeping my spine in alignment isn't a consideration (I have rods in my back for that), though I assume I'll want some pressure relief with my support.

Can any FloBeds customers comment on this top surface?  Does it have a "pillowtop" feel?  Does FloBeds allow you to customize this layer as well as the support layers?  Will they let me swap it out if I am unhappy?  If I did, would my choice of a non-standard top surface be uncomfortable for a normal, back sleeping spouse?

inkholder said: "Can any FloBeds customers comment on this top surface?  Does it have a "pillowtop" feel?  Does FloBeds allow you to customize this layer as well as the support layers?  Will they let me swap it out if I am unhappy?  If I did, would my choice of a non-standard top surface be uncomfortable for a normal, back sleeping spouse?"

I've had my FlowBeds for just over 100 days now, so I have just concluded my "90 days sleep test" and the exchanging of layers.

No, the FlowBeds definitely does not have a soft pillow top feel. Although I never did exchange the top layer, I'm sure that they would allow you to exchange it if you did not like it. It is a convoluted piece of 2 inch soft Talalay. Due to the convoluted nature of the latex it would probably more accurately be described as a 1 inch layer. It is simply there to add a slight degree of softness,  additional air circulation, and pressure point relief. But if you do not care for it I'm sure they would exchange it for something else.

I believe Kimberly H. did take her top piece off and try it for a while, I'm just not sure but she might read this and chime in. I never did sleep without it so I cannot comment on how it feels. But I would not worry about it as FlowBeds is excellent regarding customer service and will work with you to make sure that you are comfortable whatever it takes. Naturally if you decide on a layer that is more expensive than the original purchase price of your type of mattress, they might possibly charge you an additional fee, but then again they might not, depending on the selection you make. They are very easy to work with.

I have come to appreciate this top layer, but I would not worry about it if I were you. The reason being is that the principle feeling of softness or firmness will come from the first two 3 inch layers,if you decide on a deluxe mattress. The deluxe mattress has three three-inch layers and the top 2 inch convoluted piece of latex. Their standard mattress has to three-inch layers with a top 2 inch convoluted piece of latex.

But this was what I liked most about FloBeds. They are the type of company that will do whatever it takes to make sure you're happy.

I can't comment on the Flobeds top layer, but I will offer one bit of advice.   Based on your husbands size and weight, make sure you get at least 9-10 inches of latex with an "extra firm" layer on the bottom.    I was "bottoming out" on an 8 inch "medium firm" latex mattress even though it felt wonderful in the store.