I just found this forum, wow.  I've learned a lot in the last two days.  My question is I have a 14 year old Lebada pillow top king size mattress that isn't working for me anymore.  I was going to go out and spend $2500.00 on a name brand mattress until I started to read this forum. I know am thinking of cutting into the old mattress and fixin it.  First question is has anyone gotten anything from "foamorder" and how are they to order from.  and second I have looked at the photo's on the mattress surgury's and the only question is do you just hand sew the top back on or what? My problem is I'm 6'4 205, wife is 5'2' 115.  I like a firm bed and she likes it medium.  What would you all suggest I start with.  I have no clue.  I do think I would like a latex pad on top.  Also I tried to look up foam retailers in Kansas and found nothing, if you know of any or can tell me where to look I would be grateful. Thanks Ron

Hi rhollar and welcome to the forum.
I don't know about foamorder. Please try a search - I think they have positive reports but I'm not sure. I know some have liked foambymail.com though others have not.
Maybe some others can answer about where is best to buy latex. I can say that if I were going to buy some I'd probably try foambymail.com.

Now, if you want to do mattress surgery, that is the best way to go in my opinion because it gives you the most for your money and the most flexibility in terms of materials.

For probably  half of $2500 you can build your own mattress, have it be fully zonable and adjustable for each of the two sides, and have all quality materials.
You could use latex for a 1" or 1½" base over your springs, then use a softer latex for a topper. Let's say you have a king bed. That is equal in size to 2 twins. (if it's an Eastern King). So you buy materials for 2 twin beds, put them over the King springs, but one side can be a little firmer, one a little softer.

You don't need to sew the mattress top back on, you just leave it open on 3 sides and open and close it like a book. Once your Cuddlebed topper is over it or just a good fitting bottom sheet, it holds everything together. Once you get it exactly adjusted and are pretty sure you won't be changing it, you can buy an Allergy zipped cover and zip the whole thing up inside there to keep dust and dust mites out.

Buy 1" thick pieces of latex of various ILD's, then use them interchangeably. If you wanna get into zoning you can then chop each of the twin sized pieces of foam into 1/3's then use those interchangeably to adjust each area.

See my thread:
http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/forum/mattress-surgery-performing-foam-ectomy-my-englander-mattress-w-photos/6161-A-1.html
Make sure you click ALL to see each post including links to other surgeons' projects.

thanks for the relpy Jim.  My thought is to take out the old stuff and add 1" or 2" of high density foam then add a 2" latex topper and put the top back on.  Would this give me a good firm but comportable mattress?