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The mattress and topper finally arrived here from Michigan on Wed, Nov 26th. We could not set it up until Fri as that is when the old bed was going to be picked up by JCPenneys. So it took 9 days from order to delivery; Michigan to Oregon. FBM did send out a UPS tracking number as soon as it was sent. As you can see by the pictures, it was packed up very well and although the boxes look a little ragged, it was well packed inside with several layers of plastic. On Friday morning, I went and picked up the two king foundation pieces from the local furniture store and then waited for the shippers to come and pick the old bed up. They arrived just after noon, and took the so-called "green" Simmons mattress and foundation set away, so we were able to then go ahead and set up the new king size latex mattress set. To call that mattress "green" is really stretching the core of the English language, but I guess they have a right to do it.
This message was modified Dec 27, 2008 by BillB
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BillB, Thanks so much for this post. It's so helpful, just what I've been looking for to help make a decision. Did you use the mattress cover from shopsatin.com? If so, how did you deal with getting the mattress inside? Thanks, Ilene |
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Bill, I'm so glad you took the plunge. Now you're probably wondering why you were knocking your head against a wall over this. Thanks for the post with all the pictures. It always helps when people can see exactly what to expect, cause yes, this process is intimidating. Delighted it seems to be working out nicely for you. By the by, latex usually does come with imperfections. As you've probably noticed it's pretty fragile and it's really easy for it to get little cracks, tears and bits missing simply by handling it. After you've been sleeping on it for awhile let us know how it's holding up and if you had to make any adjustments to your original configuration. |
| BillB, Thanks for posting all the detailed information and the pictures since it seems that you are happy with your combination of latex cores that did not cost you a lot and from the pictures it looks like they are a good quality latex. Please post updates on if you need to reconfigure your bed and if you are still comfortable. The only thing I would have done differently, is order split cores so you wife can configure her side to her comfort level but despite this, the bed looks great made and it sounds like you are comfortable. We all appreciate the pictures and the detailed instructions. |
| Great post Bill. I found it interesting that even with the soft latex topper you are finding it to be quite firm. I've decided that my setup is too firm for me right now but can't decide what to add to it.. maybe I will try memory foam rather than latex.. |
| Great thread.......After great research and thought I also order a 6" Latex Mattress from FBM..... I got the Medium Core with the upgrade to the terrycloth cover. I already have a decent 2" Memory foam topper that I am going to try before investing any more $$$$$. I will post updates once the product arrives and I have slept on it for a few weeks. Thanks Bill for the detailed pictures. |
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Update after a few nights: I felt the bed less the 2nd night, and last night I did not wake up once and probably got the best sleep I've had for 3 months. I am very impressed so far and my back is feeling better already. My wife still feels the shoulder pressure points some, but less than the first night. I went ahead and ordered the Costco Cuddle Bed mattress pad, it will more than likely help her with this, I just hope it doesn't make things too soft; I doubt it will. Ilene - we are using the terry cloth cover that came with the bed. I bought the cotton cover from shopsatin as a spare. I just thought for $23 it was worth having it around if needed. It will be interesting changing it but I don't think it will be that hard to manage. Cloud - I read your post on the featherbeds and I think it would depend on the feather content as to how much it would compress. Down compresses very easily so the more percentage of down versus feathers, the more it will compress. I have an old down sleeping bag that is warm, but its very important to have a good pad underneath or it will sleep very cold as the down compresses so easily underneath you. Lynn - thank you for all of your posts in this forum. I have read many of them and have learned alot from you. I do remember you remarking how even an extra 1" piece of foam underneath can affect the firmness. I'd like to hear more on this. Yes, I wanted to get the split cores as I agree this would have given us more potential flexibility, but could not do it easily from FBM. Their XL kings are 39" wide instead of 38" which would have put the mattress 2" too wide for my bed. I probably could have stuffed it into the cover but didn't want to take a chance with this. |
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BillB wrote: Cloud - I read your post on the featherbeds and I think it would depend on the feather content as to how much it would compress. Down compresses very easily so the more percentage of down versus feathers, the more it will compress. I have an old down sleeping bag that is warm, but its very important to have a good pad underneath or it will sleep very cold as the down compresses so easily underneath you. Lynn - thank you for all of your posts in this forum. I have read many of them and have learned alot from you. I do remember you remarking how even an extra 1" piece of foam underneath can affect the firmness. I'd like to hear more on this. Yes, I wanted to get the split cores as I agree this would have given us more potential flexibility, but could not do it easily from FBM. Their XL kings are 39" wide instead of 38" which would have put the mattress 2" too wide for my bed. I probably could have stuffed it into the cover but didn't want to take a chance with this.
Yes, as little as 1"-- or even 1/2" of foam can make a big difference. If the Cuddlebed isn't enough to solve your wife's shoulder pain go over to Joann (the fabric store) and pick up some 1/2" HR foam. I love this stuff for extra padding or bolstering. The 1/2" size makes it easy to fine tune the exact amount needed to achieve the desired effect. Cut a piece and insert it between the mattress and the topper. It should help. P.S. How did you insert your pictures into your post? |
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Bill, this is an excellent post! Thanks for all of the hard work and details that you put into it. Seeing what you got, and hearing about your post makes me quite comfortable in making a similar purchase. Sleep well, you have earned it. |
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Bill, Thanks so much for all of the details. I'm in the mkt for a latex mattress and after trying out a Sealy at a local mattress store, I went online looking for ways to save money. I was amazed that you guys are making your own mattresses. Then, after following all of the links and looking at specs of mattresses, it seems to make sense to just buy the components and DIY. Your last post indicated you are happy with it. It's a few weeks later, is that still the case? or the case for anyone else who went this route? I looked at foam by mail, and following the posts of others, I thought I'd start with a 6in mattress and add a 2 in topper. You said "Both of these did not take any time after that to come to full volume. Minutes. The topper was then laid out on the core and zipped up" I had an email in to foam by mail about this-both the mattress and the topper (8 in total) fit inside the terry cover? I was concerned about that. I'm just leery b/c hubby wants to spend as little $ as possible, but I want to make sure my aching back and hips are taken care of. Anyone try to DIY and had bad results? If so, what is the best online comany to purchase from? It looks like you can't spend less than $1K for a queen at any of the mjr online stores. Thanks in advance for any advice. |
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Thanks for this excellent roundup of the FBM bed configuration. I have had experience with the 2" latex topper from FBM before, having ordered it to get several additional months out of a 10 year old sagging mattress that is giving up the support it once offered. It made a significant and comforting difference. There has been a lot of complaining about FBM on some of the deal sites because it "routinely short-weights orders" and "doesn't tell you the source of the latex, which is probably China," and "may not have the quality of the higher priced competition." In my online journeys, I can say FBM does definitely have an issue with delivering true to weight products, which will drive some shoppers crazy. I can also say it could easily be true the latex originates in China and may not have the same qualities as more expensive competitors, but ultimately I have been extremely happy with my latex topper, don't care where it was made, and has held up under my weight since the spring with zero wear and tear, and I don't even have the protective cover. I am particularly interested in Bill's configuration because I can take my existing 2" topper to the new design, reducing costs. But I have some questions I hope others with more experience might be able to answer: 1) I am a big and heavy guy. My weight has shown no consequence on the latex topper at all - no valleys or compression visible whatsoever. Will the same be likely with a 6" core? 2) As I am a larger person, should I be considering additional layers and/or a firmness adjustment to prevent any bottoming out issues? 3) I actually prefer a higher sleeping position - I do not like lower beds. Our existing box spring seems to be in reasonable condition (no detectable valleys or dips, nothing poking through, etc.). Could I adopt this design to my existing metal frame bed by either placing thin plywood between the foundation and the mattress to guarantee even support, or is it preferable to switch to something akin to a slotted drop-in wooden foundation (like the one BedInABox sells) and use that instead? 4) The total weight of the latex is going to add to the weight on the existing bed frame. Anyone have any experience with a heavier latex/foam mattress on an existing bed frame's durability? 5) While I don't mind the latex topper's feel just beneath the fitted sheet, I can definitely say the type of sheet used does make a difference in what you feel. I have a Martha Stewart sateen sheet set which I like for its crispness and cool feeling (it's especially nice in the warmer months), but it really transmits the springiness of the topper and it's very noticeable. Additionally, the snugger the fit, the more you will feel (and this one's fitted sheet is very snug). The Costco mattress topper idea is probably a great suggestion, although I've heard some others remark it tends to be a bit warm for some people. Experiences welcomed. I appreciate the input and experiences from those who know far more about these things than I.  If it keeps me from playing the obnoxious "let's rip you off at the bed store" game for traditional mattresses, I'm all for it! |