Frustrated with DIY surgery bed and need topper help!
Apr 2, 2012 6:51 PM
Joined: Nov 9, 2010
Points: 53
Last fall (I think it was last fall) -- we got inspired by the folks here and cut open our 7 yr old Stearns and Foster E King mattress (posted pics here too). We pulled out all the crappy foam and put in 2" of 32 and 1" of 20 ILD latex from Foam by Mail. We have tried a Cuddlebed topper from Costco and I liked it at first -- but now -- meh-- so we took it off. We had a piece of 2" Overstock memory foam that we took out -- I just felt it was beginning to 'lose its memory'. Then we tried a different 2" MF topper from Costco -- I REALLY didn't like that -- my hips hurt! We tried both of the MF on top and under the FBM 20. So now we are sleeping on just the latex. I've read here that people think FBM's 20 is really something between a 24-28. Whatever it is, it is really just too hard -- though it feels soft when I just push down with my fingers -- but when I lay down -- it is hard. For me it isn't horrible -- it is better than the floor or a board -- but it's just not gonna work long term. My husband is suffering a lot more than I am. So -- where do we go from here?

Our stats -- I am 5'2" and 170ish (sigh) side and back sleeper (more back recently cause of how firm the bed is). Jim is 6'4" and 210 -- mostly side sleeper. 

He's getting tempted to just start from scratch which would be a cheap firm Sealy king from Costco (what we can afford at the moment) at around $600.

Other options are 1" of softer talatech latex from SLAB which is $274 + tax -- I'm leaning toward 19 ILD (but don't know btween the 19 and 24).

There's this from Arizona Mattress 2" 22ILD -- but I don't know where it's from and don't want to get another too firm piece. But the price is good -- $239.

Also this from Sleep EZ -- 1.5" of blended talalay $220 + $50 for shipping -- it says it's 22-24 ILD -- again wondering if it will it be soft enough? 

Finally I've considered 1" of the 5.3 lb density MF from foam order (I think it was shovel99's rec?) for $122 + shipping.

 

I'd would LOVE to hear any opinions of anyone here. Thanks!

Re: Frustrated with DIY surgery bed and need topper help!
Reply #24 Apr 19, 2012 2:42 AM
Joined: Nov 9, 2010
Points: 53
Catherine wrote:

Thanks; and yep, that was me, wrestling with the stabilizer doohickeys. I think the only power tool involved was my drill, which is not all that powerful, but I have used a few other power tools, for other projects, without injuring myself (so far; knock on wood; etc.). I like building stuff, even though it doesn't take long before I'm in way over my head. smiley

Oh, and actually, I'm often quite afraid when I'm using certain power tools -- like, say, a chain saw -- but that's probably a good thing, 'cause it makes me more careful. (Cutting up fallen trees is kinda fun, though.)


Ok I'd be scared to use a chain saw -- I'd be worried I'd sever a limb! Otherwise I do appreciate power tools -- and I think it's cool that you do too :)

 

Catherine wrote:

It takes a bit of fiddling. I click the Quote button for the post I want to reply to; type something below the quoted material; select everything in the "Your Message" box; copy it; and then paste it several times. Then I can delete stuff from each of the quote boxes so each one has just the stuff I want to respond to. (If there's an easier way on this forum, I'm not aware of it.)

To avoid losing posts: After you've written your post and before you click the Post button, select your entire post (either use your mouse, or on a Windows PC, press Ctrl+A) and then copy it (Ctrl+C) to the Clipboard. For an extra measure of safety, you can paste it into a Notepad file. Then if the forum software temporarily goes flooey, you can just start the post again and paste your text into it.

Oh my gosh -- I did it! Cool -- thanks! :)

And the losing posts -- I was just an idiot and accidentally closed the whole tab when i was moving the mouse. Otherwise great suggestion -- I'll have to do that next itme.

Catherine wrote:

 

About wool mattress pads: I have the St. Dormeir and love it. It's thin, so it won't add cushioning, but it's quite stretchy (doesn't interfere with the latex) and seems to help with temperature regulation. It's not returnable, so if you consider buying it at some point, you can ask Sandra at Laughlin Designs (snuggledown.com) to send you a fabric sample. She sent me one (it was her idea), and it helped me decide to spring for the pad.

I'm super intrigued by wool -- but I think I just have to put this on the back burner for a little while. But good to know I can get a sample. Thanks for that.

 

Re: Frustrated with DIY surgery bed and need topper help!
Reply #25 Apr 19, 2012 2:52 AM
Joined: Nov 9, 2010
Points: 53
laughThis will have to be short cause I NEED some sleep! My little girl has been really sick and has been waking up multiple times a night coughing for the past 2 nights -- and of course waking me too. Poor thing :(

But I'm wanting to post cause our topper arrived!!! smiley We've been sleeping on it the last 2 nights just on top of our FBM latex (over our springs). And the consensus so far is.......

LOVE

IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I could kiss you all right now I swear! It's possible that the sleep deprivation is making me punchy. wink

For anybody checking in who's new, we got the 2" natural talalay latex topper from Arizona Mattrress. ILD 22. My hips don't hurt anymore! My shoulder isn't all crunchy! I'm not sure I want to even try the cuddlebed back on top of it. But I suppose we might later. It is a bit springy -- kinda like laying on jello laugh but really comfy jello -- and without the mess. smiley

I'll keep a wool cover and the 5.3 lb mem foam in mind in case we think we need it later -- but I can't tell you how happy I feel right now. You all are my heroes! :)

Thanks!

Re: Frustrated with DIY surgery bed and need topper help!
Reply #26 Apr 19, 2012 8:25 AM
Joined: Aug 1, 2009
Points: 175
stacytr wrote:

But I'm wanting to post cause our topper arrived!!! smiley We've been sleeping on it the last 2 nights just on top of our FBM latex (over our springs). And the consensus so far is.......

LOVE

IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Yeehah! cheeky So happy to hear that!

Hope your little girl feels better soon.

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