Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
May 22, 2011 4:41 PM
Joined: May 16, 2011
Points: 33
I was almost ready to pull the trigger on latex pieces from foambymail to build a DIY mattress (my thread on that:  http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/forum/advice-needed-my-diy-all-latex-project/19004-0-1.html ).  But I've continued to pour through old posts.  In so doing, I ran accross Phoenix's posts mentioning http://latexmattressshop.com/index.php/ .   Other than Phoenix's mention, there isn't a lot of info here or folks that seem to have their mattresses.  I am amazed by their prices for what you get and am now thinking this is a better way to go for me.  I realize that going this way, you lose the ability to tweak, but I wasn't looking forward to that anyway.  They do offer a complete 60 day money back guarantee.

I would love to hear more opinions about the Brooklyn Bedding latex line and latexmattressshop as a company.  If all is on the up and up, I would also like help selecting which of their mattresses might be best for my wife and me.

Repeating our sleep bio info. from my other thread: me, I'm 6'0" 170-175lbs, 38 y.o., mainly a stomach sleeper but usually flip to my back at some point during the night.  My wife is 5'0" 110-115lbs, 36 y.o., mainly a stomach sleeper, but also flips to her back some.  We both occasionally deal with low back pain usually brought on by our workouts. 

I am considering the Allure Plush 10" (http://latexmattressshop.com/index.php/comfort-level/allure-latex-plush) or the Fascination Pillow 12" (http://latexmattressshop.com/index.php/comfort-level/fascination-latex-pillow).  The top layer can be selected as soft, medium, or firm.  I am thinking medium would be the way to go on that since medium-firm is typically best for low back pain sufferers.  With the 10% off coupon I received from signing up for their e-mail list, I can get the 10" Allure with matching King foundation for $1,371.60 with free shipping.  The 12" Fascination with foundation would be $1,632.60.  

I am thinking the 10" Allure might be the way to go.  This is basically how I was planning to setup my DIY project.  Just the 3 foam pieces from FBM were going to be $1,215, and the return guarantee was subject to shipping being charged both ways and a 25% restocking fee. 

The 12" pillowtop looks really nice, but I'm worried it may be too soft for us as stomach sleepers.  I'm also not clear about what is in the pillowtop since the diagrams on the construction for both mattresses list the same materials in the top.  I will call to find out about this. 

Now, I realize a big difference in the latex in these setups is Dunlop while the FBM latex is Talalay (though both are 100% natural).  Considering that the top layer can be chosen as soft, medium, or firm, do you think the Dunlop would be too firm for us?  I do like the feel of a solid bed.  Also, though there is little info here on the Brooklyn Bedding line, someone commented that the 8" version was too soft for them.

I do worry some about the FBM pieces as the comments seem to be that their ILD ratings are inconsistent.

Bottom line - are one of these two options from latexmattressshop a better call than doing a DIY mattress sourced from FBM?  If so, which model do you think would be better for us?

Many thanks!  I continue to be amazed at the wealth of information on this forum.

This message was modified May 22, 2011 by TheLTFM
Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #1 May 22, 2011 6:16 PM
Joined: Apr 15, 2011
Points: 163
That does look like a good deal for what you get, to me.I too would be interested in any reports on this company.

I have not had any experience testing out that mattress. I see someone on the forum tried some of Brooklyn's products and found them to be somewhat on the soft side. Can't vouch for that, but the link is below. It their products tend to be on the soft side, you might want to shift toward the firmer end. You can always add a soft topper (like Lynn has talked about a lot) but you can't make something firmer by putting something on top. Anyway, check this out:

http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/forum/been-several-stores-hours-spent-reading-reviews-brain-has-turned-jelly-help/18160-0-1.html

Please keep us posted if you do or don't end up trying Brooklyn's mattress and good luck with your decisions!

 

Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #2 May 22, 2011 7:11 PM
Joined: Mar 20, 2011
Points: 71
"Bottom line - are one of these two options from latexmattressshop a better call than doing a DIY mattress sourced from FBM?"

Better in what way?

"Considering that the top layer can be chosen as soft, medium, or firm, do you think the Dunlop would be too firm for us?"

"Better" and "too firm" are very subjective; what may be "better" or "too firm" too someone else may not be the case for you.

"I do worry some about the FBM pieces as the comments seem to be that their ILD ratings are inconsistent"

Inconsistent in what regard? From what I've read ILD's are "inconsistent" in general.

"Considering that the top layer can be chosen as soft, medium, or firm, do you think the Dunlop would be too firm for us"

Honestly, you're the only one who can determine that. Now from what I've read, stomach sleepers and people with back pains tend to choose firmer sleep surfaces than those who have no back issus and sleep on their side and back.

Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #3 May 22, 2011 7:48 PM
Joined: Apr 15, 2011
Points: 163
Need2sleep, if you read back in the forum posts, you will see what LTFM is referring to: there are indeed quite a few reports about variability in FBM foam. It seems likely that a discount dealer like FBM probably gets different lots from different suppliers. As you mention, ILD ratings can be inconsistent between different sources. I suspect this is the reason that the same ILD rating for various foams from FBM have shown a notable variability in the comments posted by several purchasers on this forum. I guess if you have the option to return and change out layers, it could be resolved, but there is the hassle factor to consider, plus shipping charges, and the possibility that another shipment from another lot might still not be what you're looking for.
Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #4 May 22, 2011 8:02 PM
Joined: Mar 20, 2011
Points: 71
That is why I asked "inconsistent in what regard". If we are referring to inconsistent in regards to one person stated that FBM's 20ild is firm and another stated 20ild is soft then that could be viewed as subjective. Now if one person bought two of the same topper with identical ild's and stated one topper was firmer than the other, then that's a different matter.
Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #5 May 22, 2011 8:40 PM
Joined: May 22, 2011
Points: 4
I ordered the 10" Plush about 2 months ago. Everything is on the up and up and the salesman was very helpful with the order. I ordered Medium for my top layer, but should have ordered the default soft. I'm 5'11' and close to 200 lbs and I find the medium too hard. So far I've ordered a 1.5 20 ifd Talalay topper from SleepEZ and just now ordered a 1" 32 ifd Talalay from SleepLikeABear to put directly under that to soften things up a bit. 

The UPS delivery man will only take it off the truck, it's up to you what to do with it after that. I managed to get the mattress up the stairs and set up by myself, but I definitely don't recommend it. I think the total package weighs in at 210 lbs and UPS sends a special truck out to deliver it so it may take a little longer.

It may take you a little while to get used to and adjust to the 7 zones, ie finding an optimal sleeping position and such.

All and all it's exactly as advertised, just a little firm for me as is.

 

JW

Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #6 May 22, 2011 9:01 PM
Joined: Mar 20, 2011
Points: 71
Hey dunadan, I'm sure TheLTFM will greatly apreciate you reply. Are you a side, back or stomach sleeper? Was the topper from sleepez too soft therefore promting you to order the 32ifd from SLAB?
Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #7 May 22, 2011 9:45 PM
Joined: May 16, 2011
Points: 33
Wow, thanks for all of the quick replies and help here.  I go to a pool party and get back and have all of this info waiting on me! smiley

 

dunadan, glad to hear of your experience!  A few follow up questions for you . . .

Instead of ordering talalay toppers to go over the 10" plush, did you consider doing an exchange to the 10" model with the "soft" topper?  Was that just too much hassle?  The money back guarantee should have allowed you to do that for free where buying more toppers is obviously costing you more.

Please explain more about the "7 zones" and how you adjust them?  From looking at the website, I thought this was a sealed enclosure mattress.  Are you saying the mattress has a zippered case and you are moving zones around?  Again, I'd really like to hear more about this.

 

It is interesting that dunadan finds the 10" plush on the firm side where the poster weewillwinky refers to found the 8" base model too soft.  Perhaps that only furthers need2sleep's point about the subjectivty associated with many of the terms we use here to describe mattresses.

I don't want to make this thread too much about FBM (probably better to do that in my other thread) though it does factor in as it is my comparative option at this point.  weewilly is pretty much right on about my inconsistency comment.  Also of concern was what the salesperson with FBM told me when I was asking about how I planned to construct my mattress.  He said the 20 ILD toppers felt pretty much just like the 32 ILD toppers.  Either he is wrong about that or there truly is inconsistency within their own latex as that should not be the case at all.  

 

Anyone have any general comments about an all Dunlop setup vs an all Talalay setup?  I've read somewhere that the Dunlop process cannot be used to make softer ILD latex.  Editing this now because the site does claim a 2" Talalay layer, so it is not all Dunlop.

Thanks again! 

This message was modified May 22, 2011 by TheLTFM
Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #8 May 22, 2011 10:10 PM
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: May 13, 2011
Points: 170
Their prices do seem to be much lower than anyone else.  I couldn't find them in BBB so I started poking around.  Their website isn't very informative.  This company is really R & S Mattresses with 11 locations.  They are mattress liquidators.  They have an A+ BBB rating and the ratings I found on Google were positive http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=11957243301802943277&q=8698+East+Raintree+Drive,+Scottsdale,+AZ&hl=en&dtab=2&pcsi=11957243301802943277,1&geocode=FUkDAQIdVqVU-Q&sll=33.620809,-111.893162&sspn=0.006295,0.006295&ie=UTF8&ll=33.625894,-111.902661&spn=0,0&t=h&z=16 The BBB rating for R&S Mattress is A+.  They do seem legit, but they don't specialize in latex mattresses.

 

I don't know how they can sell that Allure 10" at that price.  What is the source of the latex?  Their 8" green version which claims to be organic has similar pricing to other online shops that offer similar quality.  Perhaps bamboo covers are less expensive than cotton.

Other than the 60 day money back guarantee, I didn't see any warranty.

Google "brooklyn bedding" and you'll see this mattress is sold elsewhere at websites that have the same look as latesmattressshop.com: http://cheap-latex-foam-mattress.com/manufacturer/brooklyn-bedding.html.  I can't find many user reviews.

I would spend some time on the phone talking to sales people about these mattesses.  Oh, and it appears that they have coupons.  The "About US" page had a code for 5% off.  It appears that these mattresses are some exclusive locally made mattresses.  It's really hard to know the quality of Joe's latex foam.  Many of the other online sellers tell you the source of their latex. Perhaps they will send you a sample?  You should also ask about return policy!  They don't state it.  You might have to pay all shipping fees.  And they don't say you can swap pieces if you are not happy with what you get.  And they don't tell you the ILD numbers of their foam! 

So far, dunadan is the only person I've found that has any experience with this company.
This message was modified May 27, 2014 by a moderator
Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #9 May 22, 2011 10:38 PM
Joined: Mar 20, 2011
Points: 71
"He said the 20 ILD toppers felt pretty much just like the 32 ILD toppers.  Either he is wrong about that or there truly is inconsistency within their own latex as that should not be the case at all"

Well the lady I spoke with at FBM stated the 32ILD had a bit more firm feeling than the 20ILD. According to their site, all of their latex has a 5.6lb density.

Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #10 May 22, 2011 11:06 PM
Joined: May 16, 2011
Points: 33
sleepswithcats, thanks for the BBB research!  I think one of the reasons for the lower price is the mostly Dunlop latex vs. Talalay.  I thought it was all Dunlop, but one place on their site references a 2" Talalay layer.  On the coupon, if you subscribe to their e-mail list, you actually get a 10% off code which the prices I quote in my first post include.  The return policy is stated here:  http://latexmattressshop.com/index.php/customer-service#returns  60 day, send it back, "no cost to you."  I am going to verify with them that covers shipping both ways.  In one of Phoenix's posts about this company, that is what he said.  And yes, I have a list of 13 questions that is growing that I plan to go over with them tomorrow.

neeed2sleep, I definitely took his comment with a grain of salt.  Freedom 1955 who built a mattress from their latex reported that switching from the 20 to the 32 layer made the bed feel firmer.  I look forward to hearing about your experiences when you receive your latex from them hopefully tomorrow.

Thanks,

Cliff

p.s. - just found this statement on the homepage:

“If you buy any mattress from The Mattress Shop and you’re not 100% completely satisfied within the first 60 day, simply return it for 100% of your investment back. We’ll even pay the shipping costs so you won’t have to.”

That’s more than fair isn’t? With an offer like this on every mattress we offer…

There’s no way for you to lose!

This message was modified May 22, 2011 by TheLTFM
Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #11 May 22, 2011 11:13 PM
Joined: May 22, 2011
Points: 4
 


Instead of ordering talalay toppers to go over the 10" plush, did you consider doing an exchange to the 10" model with the "soft" topper?  Was that just too much hassle?  The money back guarantee should have allowed you to do that for free where buying more toppers is obviously costing you more.

While hauling the mattress upstairs I inadvertedly punctured a small hole in the bottom of the mattress, so I wasn't going to try and send it back at that point.

 

Please explain more about the "7 zones" and how you adjust them?  From looking at the website, I thought this was a sealed enclosure mattress.  Are you saying the mattress has a zippered case and you are moving zones around?  Again, I'd really like to hear more about this.

It is a sealed enclosure, I was referring to the Comfort Zones. You just have to lay on it properly to take advantage of the different comfort layers.

It is interesting that dunadan finds the 10" plush on the firm side where the poster weewillwinky refers to found the 8" base model too soft.  Perhaps that only furthers need2sleep's point about the subjectivty associated with many of the terms we use here to describe mattresses.

Yeah, I'm sure it's pretty subjective. If I had to do it over I might have went with just the 8" base model and add toppers, or just the Allure with the default soft. Even with having to add toppers I still find this to be a good deal. I like the idea of having a dunlop base and adding Talalay layers in 1" layers to suit to taste.

I don't want to make this thread too much about FBM (probably better to do that in my other thread) though it does factor in as it is my comparative option at this point.  weewilly is pretty much right on about my inconsistency comment.  Also of concern was what the salesperson with FBM told me when I was asking about how I planned to construct my mattress.  He said the 20 ILD toppers felt pretty much just like the 32 ILD toppers.  Either he is wrong about that or there truly is inconsistency within their own latex as that should not be the case at all.  

 

Anyone have any general comments about an all Dunlop setup vs an all Talalay setup?  I've read somewhere that the Dunlop process cannot be used to make softer ILD latex.  Editing this now because the site does claim a 2" Talalay layer, so it is not all Dunlop.

Thanks again!

Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #12 May 22, 2011 11:30 PM
Joined: Mar 20, 2011
Points: 71
TheLTFM wrote:

sleepswithcats, thanks for the BBB research!  I think one of the reasons for the lower price is the mostly Dunlop latex vs. Talalay.  I thought it was all Dunlop, but one place on their site references a 2" Talalay layer.  On the coupon, if you subscribe to their e-mail list, you actually get a 10% off code which the prices I quote in my first post include.  The return policy is stated here:  http://latexmattressshop.com/index.php/customer-service#returns  60 day, send it back, "no cost to you."  I am going to verify with them that covers shipping both ways.  In one of Phoenix's posts about this company, that is what he said.  And yes, I have a list of 13 questions that is growing that I plan to go over with them tomorrow.

 

neeed2sleep, I definitely took his comment with a grain of salt.  Freedom 1955 who built a mattress from their latex reported that switching from the 20 to the 32 layer made the bed feel firmer.  I look forward to hearing about your experiences when you receive your latex from them hopefully tomorrow.

Thanks,

Cliff

p.s. - just found this statement on the homepage:

“If you buy any mattress from The Mattress Shop and you’re not 100% completely satisfied within the first 60 day, simply return it for 100% of your investment back. We’ll even pay the shipping costs so you won’t have to.”

That’s more than fair isn’t? With an offer like this on every mattress we offer…

There’s no way for you to lose!



Other than the hassle of repacking and sending the bed back, I don't see whats to lose.

Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #13 May 23, 2011 12:15 AM
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: May 13, 2011
Points: 170
need2sleep636 wrote:

Other than the hassle of repacking and sending the bed back, I don't see whats to lose.

There are lots of policies not mentioned on the web site.  Like what happens after 60 days?  And can you swap layers if you are not happy with firmness? I would be more likely to take a chance if the store were local and returning the mattress would not cost a huge amount of money.  But $1000 is a lot of money and I would like to feel like I had seen enough reviews to know I was not making a mistake.

From reading this forum, I would not hesitate to purchase from Sleepez, Flobeds, Savvy Rest.  I have seen enough people talk about experience with these companies.  Other companies have been mentioned, but as they would all be mail order for me, I don't see sufficient savings to justify risk.  I haven't considered DIY, but there seem to be several places where you can buy foam and covers.  I've looked at the web sites for some of those vendors and they seem to be reasonable and state their policies up front.  Perhaps I am different than most people, but I am nervous about web sites that lack basic information.  I want to know what I am buying.

Every mattress I have tried out felt great, even the spring mattresses.  What you really want to know is what all of these mattresses will feel like 5, 10, 15 years down the road.  And you can't be assured that the model made 10 years ago is the same as the one made today.  Most of the reivews here are for new or relatively new mattresses.

 

Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #14 May 23, 2011 1:36 AM
Joined: Mar 20, 2011
Points: 71
sleepswithcats wrote:

 

 

There are lots of policies not mentioned on the web site.  Like what happens after 60 days?  And can you swap layers if you are not happy with firmness? I would be more likely to take a chance if the store were local and returning the mattress would not cost a huge amount of money.  But $1000 is a lot of money and I would like to feel like I had seen enough reviews to know I was not making a mistake.

From reading this forum, I would not hesitate to purchase from Sleepez, Flobeds, Savvy Rest.  I have seen enough people talk about experience with these companies.  Other companies have been mentioned, but as they would all be mail order for me, I don't see sufficient savings to justify risk.  I haven't considered DIY, but there seem to be several places where you can buy foam and covers.  I've looked at the web sites for some of those vendors and they seem to be reasonable and state their policies up front.  Perhaps I am different than most people, but I am nervous about web sites that lack basic information.  I want to know what I am buying.

Every mattress I have tried out felt great, even the spring mattresses.  What you really want to know is what all of these mattresses will feel like 5, 10, 15 years down the road.  And you can't be assured that the model made 10 years ago is the same as the one made today.  Most of the reivews here are for new or relatively new mattresses.

 



Well I made that comment assuming TheLTFM was fine with the 60 day policy. I don't believe there are any layers to swap in that bed setup. Although TheLTFM  hasn't stated a budget, by the looks of the options he has given, his budget may be tight. I agree with you in regards to the three well known and tested sites you listed............... But if you don't have the money they're asking then you can only go the alternative route. A king at those three sites would cost me $2500; I just don't have that kind of a budget for a bed.

This message was modified May 23, 2011 by need2sleep636
Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #15 May 23, 2011 3:08 AM
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: May 13, 2011
Points: 170
I understand about the budget being a constraint.  Personally, I don't think that site has enough information to make a well informed decision.  dunadan has already made two purchases to correct for comfort.  It always a bit depressing to see people spend a lot of money only to have to spend more to correct problems.  Maybe the better way to look at this is what it might cost if you don't get it right the first time.

Perhaps dunadan can tell us why he didn't return the mattress or exchange a layer?

Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #16 May 23, 2011 8:41 AM
Joined: Mar 20, 2011
Points: 71
sleepswithcats wrote:

Perhaps dunadan can tell us why he didn't return the mattress or exchange a layer?



"While hauling the mattress upstairs I inadvertedly punctured a small hole in the bottom of the mattress, so I wasn't going to try and send it back at that point"

Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #17 May 23, 2011 9:21 AM
Joined: May 16, 2011
Points: 33
need2sleep636 wrote:



Other than the hassle of repacking and sending the bed back, I don't see whats to lose.


That's what I am thinking as well, pending the answers I get to my questions.  With the statements on their website coupled with credit card protections, they would not survive a chargeback if they didn't honor the 60 day trial period as stated.

Sleepswithcats does bring up a good point about the warranty beyond the 60 days and I plan to ask them about that.  However, I don't put much stock in long-term warranties as companies tend to always look for an out.   

Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #18 May 23, 2011 9:28 AM
Joined: May 16, 2011
Points: 33
dunadan wrote:

 It is a sealed enclosure, I was referring to the Comfort Zones. You just have to lay on it properly to take advantage of the different comfort layers.

Having to lay on it properly scares me a little bit as I've never thought about a proper way to lay on a bed.  Is the feel that noticable that there is a wrong way to lay on this bed?  Are you a stomach, side, or back sleeper?
 

Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #19 May 23, 2011 9:47 AM
Joined: Mar 20, 2011
Points: 71
TheLTFM wrote:

 Sleepswithcats does bring up a good point about the warranty beyond the 60 days and I plan to ask them about that.  However, I don't put much stock in long-term warranties as companies tend to always look for an out.   



I agree. 5-10yrs down the road, I think any company will be reluctant to refund or exchange a purchase in that price range. I've just checked the tracking on my order and its in my city out for delivery. I will take pictures and post them. It looks like I won't be able to insert them into the post unless I host them somewhere and use the url

Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #20 May 23, 2011 2:05 PM
Joined: May 22, 2011
Points: 4
Having to lay on it properly scares me a little bit as I've never thought about a proper way to lay on a bed.  Is the feel that noticable that there is a wrong way to lay on this bed?  Are you a stomach, side, or back sleeper?

 

I'm a side and back sleeper. With the zones you would want to lay on it in a way that your body (head, shoulders, back, small of your back, rump, legs etc.) are seated in the proper zones. It's not really that much of a problem. If you sleep with your head a few inches from the headboard, most people will be okay. From what I understand the vast majority of adults pretty much have the same torso length, it's the leg length that differentiates our heights. I found myself in the beginning inching my way one way or the other to get the best fit, but it's no big thing. I can see some people preferring it and others not wanting to be bothered or just not liking it, so take it into account before you buy this mattress. Even with free shipping on returns, it's gonna be a hassle to rebox this beast back up and send it back. 

 

JW

Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #21 May 23, 2011 8:29 PM
Joined: May 16, 2011
Points: 33
Just wanted to report here what I found out when I talked with LatexMattressShop today.  I spoke with a guy who was very helpful and seemed very knoweldgeable as well.

On the 6" core, they build these with either 38 or 32 ILD natural Dunlop.

The next 2" is customized to the purchaser based on their prefernces and can be Talalay or Dunlop.  The Talalay is Talatech from LI (their blended Talalay product) and can be chosen in 19, 24 or 28 ILD's.  If you go with a 28 ILD that could also be chosen as Dunlop.  He basically admitted that the 7 zone sleep system is more marketing than anything.  There is a 7 zone topper out there made from Dunlop by Latexco (http://store.mattresses.net/3-inch-latex-mattress-topper.html ), so I'm thinking if you go with Dunlop you might get this type layer.  I did not confirm that with him.  I'm guessing if you go with Talalay for this layer, you won't get the 7 zone system.  I'm wondering if dunadan has this layer in Dunlop and that is why he found the mattress too firm.   dunadan, do you happen to know the ILD's of your layers and the type of latex used?

The next 2" is listed as quilted natural wool and natural latex.  He said that they are not using wool in there except in the more expensive green options which they aren't really making anymore.  He said the quilting has a "little" latex, some fire retardant batting, and the bamboo fabric top.  He said this layer finishes 1.5" - 2".  I am somewhat disappointed by their not using wool in this layer. 

For me, he recommended that I not go with the 12" pillowtop model since I am a stomach sleeper and back pain sufferer.  I appreciate the restraint from upselling.  He recommended the 38 ILD Dunlop core + a 24 ILD Talalay topper for my setup.

He confirmed that their 60 day return period does cover shipping both ways.  However, there is no warranty whatsoever after the 60 days.  He said with this being an all latex mattress, there wasn't a need for a warranty because of the durability and at this price point they just weren't going to provide that.  This is not a deal killer for me as I posted above.

He mentioned that they experimented with doing a removable core/topper mattress setup similar to others, but didn't like how that went.  He also mentioned that to him, latex pieces that are glued together feel slightly different to loose stacked pieces.  Any of you guys experience anything like this?

He confirmed that they are the sister company of R&S Mattresses, the Phoenix local reailer with multiple stores.  I have some comfort in that to have as many locations as they have, they must be doing a fair volume and they have maintained an A+ BBB rating.

All in all, this is still an option for me, but I'm not sure the bang for the buck is as impressive as I first thought.  6" of Dunlop + 2" of blended Talalay are not exactly high end components.  And the quilted layer is not as impressive as I first thought.

Any reactions from the group on this info? 

This message was modified May 23, 2011 by TheLTFM
Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #23 May 23, 2011 10:12 PM
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: May 13, 2011
Points: 170
Since I have been vocal on this thread, I'll weigh in here.  By not accepting any returns after 60 days, they cut on costs of returning, trading, etc and pass the cost savings on to the customer.  I don't know what other online vendors do with returned latex.  Afterall it is a mattress and there are lots of laws around what you can do with a "used mattress".  Undoubtedly, there is some cost with making it available for resale and this cost is built into the original purchase price.  LatexMattressShop avoids that hidden markup.

I think this is reasonably priced for what you get and has reasonable quality latex.  If you read other websites carefully, they have the same issue: a 10" bed is 8" latex and 1.5" of top, rounded up to 10".  I think the dunlop core and talalay top is common configuration.  Isn't that what the Habitat Furnishings 8" latex mattress is?

Did you ask if LatexMattressShop offers swapping after purchase?  Probably not.

It's not clear what the top 1.5-2" consists of.  A little latex, a little wool, bamboo fabric.... What exactly does that mean?  Seems like an 8" bed with something on top.

As for advice on which way to go?  Warranties, smorranties.  But I think you are buying an 8" mattress here.  A fair comparison to FBM is 6" dunlop with 2" dunlop/talalay, an enclosure.  I don't know if enclosures have wool quilted into the top or not.

You have a difficult decision to make and there seem to be tradeoffs.  Sorry, I don't have a recommendation to make.  I'm happy that my skepticism lead to more information.

How far back did you dig in the archives to look at DIY mattresses?  And I'm sure there are other people who have done DIY latex mattresses.  Did you check some of the sites that have lots of DIY instructions?  You might find some useful information there.  www.instructables.com is one such site; there are probably more.

This message was modified May 23, 2011 by sleepswithcats
Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #24 May 23, 2011 10:38 PM
Joined: May 16, 2011
Points: 33
sleepswithcats wrote:

I think the dunlop core and talalay top is common configuration.  Isn't that what the Habitat Furnishings 8" latex mattress is?

Did you ask if LatexMattressShop offers swapping after purchase?  Probably not.

It's not clear what the top 1.5-2" consists of.  A little latex, a little wool, bamboo fabric.... What exactly does that mean?  Seems like an 8" bed with something on top.

 But I think you are buying an 8" mattress here.  A fair comparison to FBM is 6" dunlop with 2" dunlop/talalay, an enclosure.  I don't know if enclosures have wool quilted into the top or not.

How far back did you dig in the archives to look at DIY mattresses?  And I'm sure there are other people who have done DIY latex mattresses.  Did you check some of the sites that have lots of DIY instructions?  You might find some useful information there.  www.instructables.com is one such site; there are probably more.


Yep - Habitat's 8" bed is Dunlop + Talalay (though they use 100% natural for both layers vs the blended Talatech with latexmattressshop).

No swapping, but he did say that if the bed is too firm, they will send a 2" soft topper free of charge to soften things up in hopes of the buyer keeping the mattress rather than returning it.  Presumably you could still send the whole thing back if you didn't like it with the topper.

Definitely an 8" bed.  LI does make a quilting latex called Evercloud that I believe is what they are using in the top 1.5 - 2". I don't think this quilted latex would make that big of a difference.

I have gone back a good bit here on some DIY threads, but plan to keep digging.

Thanks for your help!

Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #25 May 23, 2011 11:26 PM
Joined: Mar 20, 2011
Points: 71
@TheLTFM - Answer theses questions: What is your budget? How many sources have you narrowed your search to? Which source is at the top of the list? Why? Which source is at the bottom? Why? Have you decided on a configuration you like? What is keeping you from ordering right now?

 

 

I'll say this about my experience in mattress hunting: Quickly after I found this site, I knew building my own mattress was my best option. I've learned that buying a mattress which I couldn't alter the layers would be risky for me. My choices were strickend by my small budget, so FBM caught my eye quickly. I read the negative reviews they had and determined most of them were related to cosmetics and the other negative comments were also made against the other top places. My current mattress is 15" and I spent about $650 which is half of my budget. This gives me the oppurtunity to add a 2" topper or another foundation if I want and still be under my budget.

This message was modified May 23, 2011 by need2sleep636
Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #26 May 24, 2011 12:01 AM
Joined: May 16, 2011
Points: 33
need2sleep636 wrote:

@TheLTFM - Answer theses questions: What is your budget? How many sources have you narrowed your search to? Which source is at the top of the list? Why? Which source is at the bottom? Why? Have you decided on a configuration you like? What is keeping you from ordering right now?

 

 

I'll say this about my experience in mattress hunting: Quickly after I found this site, I knew building my own mattress was my best option. I've learned that buying a mattress which I couldn't alter the layers would be risky for me. My choices were strickend by my small budget, so FBM caught my eye quickly. I read the negative reviews they had and determined most of them were related to cosmetics and the other negative comments were also made against the other top places. My current mattress is 15" and I spent about $650 which is half of my budget. This gives me the oppurtunity to add a 2" topper or another foundation if I want and still be under my budget.


I would like to keep the whole shebang (mattress, foundation, mattress protector/pad) in the $1,500 to $1,700 range.  I've narrowed primarily to LatexMattressShop or FBM.  If I go the FBM DIY route, I'm still trying to decide on the best mattress protector or case.  I'm leaning towards the St. Dormeir pad (http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/forum/st-geneves-st-dormeir-wool-mattress-pad-review-day-3/13490-A-1.html) available now from flobeds for $159.

Right now, I'm leaning back towards FBM over LMS for a couple of reasons:  all natural latex vs. the blended talalay used by LMS, modular approach for getting it just right, like the idea of at least trying at first to sleep directly on the latex, your positive review of what you received from them, and like the thought that in 10 years I could pull a layer or two out and completely refresh the mattress with the assumption that the core will be pretty untouched.

With FBM, right now I would order this setup:  6" 36 ILD core + 2" 32 ILD mid-core + 2" 20 ILD topper (all 100% natural talalay).  I could swap the 20 and the 32 if I wanted to experiment with a firmer feel. 

FBM cost on above:  $1,216

Foundation (http://www.amazon.com/Thick-Foundation-memory-latex-mattresses/dp/B002RVCSRI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1305859732&sr=8-3): $229

Mattress Pad/Protector:  $159 - $239

(I'm also considering this bamboo temp. regulating pad instead of the Dormier:  http://www.cuddledown.com/product/mattress-pads-protectors/temp-regulating-pads-protectors/ultimate-comfort-bamboo-mattress-pad.do?sortby=newArrivals#    

Grand Total:  $1,604 - $1,684  (vs. $1,530 for the LMS route + the Dormier cover.  That extra $100 buys me all talalay, all natural, and 2" more of latex)

I'm having too much fun over analyzing everything to order right now! wink  Seriously, I feel like I'm still learning stuff, but my goal is to order one way or another by the end of this week.  Of course, my 14 year old crappy inner spring mattress with featherbed on top is sleeping great right now for both my wife and me since we flipped it.  She mentioned maybe we don't need to buy a new mattress after all.  I told her I had way too many hours invested in this not to do something!

This message was modified May 24, 2011 by TheLTFM
Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #27 May 24, 2011 12:27 AM
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Joined: May 13, 2011
Points: 170
Nice summary TheLTFM!  You've certainly done your homework.  I agree with your comment about being able to replace the layers.  As your wife pointed out, no need to rush into a decision.  Does FBM ever have sales or coupons ;-)
Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #28 May 24, 2011 8:32 AM
Joined: Mar 20, 2011
Points: 71
TheLTFM wrote:

 

 I'm having too much fun over analyzing everything to order right now! wink  Seriously, I feel like I'm still learning stuff, but my goal is to order one way or another by the end of this week.  Of course, my 14 year old crappy inner spring mattress with featherbed on top is sleeping great right now for both my wife and me since we flipped it.  She mentioned maybe we don't need to buy a new mattress after all.  I told her I had way too many hours invested in this not to do something!



I started to get the feeling I was over analyzing as well; thats where I got those question from. You're in a good situation right now given you are currently sleepy comfortably, So no matter what I say take all the time you need. I've heard flipping a mattress could give another 3-6 months of good sleep.

This message was modified May 24, 2011 by need2sleep636
Re: Brooklyn Bedding All Latex Models from LatexMattressShop
Reply #29 Jul 17, 2011 10:35 PM
Joined: Jul 17, 2011
Points: 10
so the LTFM what did you end up doing? if you built your own, what case, if any, did you end up using>

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