Comparing Prices
Feb 13, 2010 10:47 PM
Joined: Feb 5, 2010
Points: 62

Since I'm considering replacing my mattress with a latex one, I did price comparisons between a few different companies who sell IL Talalay Latex, which I thought I'd share for those of you who are interested.


Comparison Prices for a Queen size mattress configuration, 100% natural IL Talalay Latex, approx. 8": 


SleepEZ


10000 model, consists of 3 layers (your ILD preference) x 2.8" each, for a total thickness of 8.4".

Cover: Includes a Cotton Damask zipper Cover Quilted to lambs wool.

Shipping: Free delivery via FedEx

Return policy: 90 day layer switch out policy on latex mattresses. Return any one of the layers in your mattress in exchange for a layer of different firmness. We pay shipping of new layer to you, and you pay shipping back. Shipping is approximately $30 depending on location.

Cost: $1645 


Flobeds

 

Posture Select model. Consists of a 2" convoluted topper, and 2 x 2-3/4" layers for a total thickness of 8-1/2".

Cover: Includes a cotton damask wool backed cover.

Shipping: If we don't ship when indicated, we pay the freight. Shipping from CA to NY $99.

Return policy: If you are not 100% satisfied with the firmness you select, we will help you re-select. Or we will give your money back. Either way you will only pay the freight.

Cost: $1799 + shipping

 

Sleeplikeabear

 

Configure your own from their selection of toppers from 14 - 36 ILD, additional $15 for 40 & 44 ILD. 2 x 3" = $882 + 1 x 2" + $314, total thickness 8".

Cover: Not included.

Shipping: Free, via UPS Ground.

Return policy: Typically a 30 day guarantee, depending on item purchased. You may receive a refund of your purchase less the total of what we paid for shipping and a reasonable fee for processing or handling your order. If you paid for shipping, you may receive a refund of your purchase less only the processing or handling fee. Must request RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization), include original invoice, and in most cases repack items in original shipping cartons. Return shipping is paid by the customer.

Cost: $1196

 

RockyMountainMattress

 

Offers only Medium Plush (16-18 ILD, 2" $210, 3" $295) and Medium Firm (32 ILD, 2" $230, 3" 320) toppers. Configured with 2 x 3" Medium Firm and 1 x 2" Medium Plush, total thickness 8".

Cover: Not included.

Shipping: Toppers shipped free.

Return policy: 30-night trial on all mattresses, return policy on toppers not stated.

Cancellation policy: Orders that are cancelled within 24 of being placed are not subject to a cancellation fee. Orders cancelled after that time are subject to a fee - see website for specifics.

 

Cost: $850

 

FOAMSWEETFOAM

 

Natural Plus Special.  Three layers of full 3" (9" total). Choose from 4 firmness levels of your choice. 

Cover: Cotton, bamboo, and wool quilted cover.

Shipping: Free.

Return policy: Within 30 days of the invoice date, you may exchange one latex layer of the mattress - one time. We will pay for the freight charges of the exchanged layer. The customer is responsible for packaging and paying for freight charges of the returned item back to Foam Sweet Foam. Within 60 days of the invoice date, you may return the purchase. There is an 18% return fee for any returned item. The customer is responsible for packaging and shipping charges.

Cost: $1599

 

Arizona Premium Mattress Co.

 

Queen 6" 100% All Natural Talalay Latex Core. Your choice of firmness, #22 super soft, #28 soft, #36 medium and #42 firm; 2" topper #22 ILD $229

Cover: Not included.

Shipping: FedEx Ground - $129 from AZ to NY.

Return policy: Core - 30 day satisfaction guarantee less all shipping costs; Topper - not returnable.

 

Cost: Core - $995, current sale price: $795; Topper $229 = $1149 + shipping.

This message was modified Feb 17, 2010 by narnia
Re: Comparing Prices
Reply #7 Feb 15, 2010 1:41 AM
Joined: Aug 17, 2009
Points: 542
This is one of those "Gotcha" questions!

When you're comparing prices you need to consider the total cost to you of purchasing a latex bed online if for any reason you do not like your original configuration, or ultimately decide that you want to return it and get your money back.

You need to consider what the cost will be for transportation costs, and how many exchanges will be allowed. The chance that you will not want to exchange at least one layer are mighty slim. The best regarding exchanges and return policy is FloBeds, by a wide margin.

Instead of just looking at the initial cost for the mattress, do a price comparison for exchanges, and what is their policy on returns if you don't like the mattress. How much time will they give you to make up your mind? How much will the shipping cost be?

Once you have done this calculation, and only after you have done this calculation, consider the initial price of the mattress. I exchanged 4 different layers on my FloBeds before I was completely satisfied. At the end of their 90 day "sleep test" had I not like my mattress I could have gotten the full refund of my money, less shipping charges back to California.

Deal with a company that has a excellent BBB rating, and when they say they're selling you latex, whether that is 100% natural, or a blended latex, make sure it is from a reputable manufacturer and that it is ( in the case of all natural) botanically grown natural latex. Latex International is the company that I would want to produce my latex.
This message was modified Feb 15, 2010 by eagle2
Re: Comparing Prices
Reply #8 Feb 15, 2010 7:19 AM
Joined: Feb 14, 2010
Points: 7
Yes....yes....to all the suggestions. 

We purchased organic & 100% natural Dunlap latex beds for our kids a year ago from Savvy Rest and didn't do any exchanges.  Everyone has been happy.  Now, we are trying to decide what to do for us since our sleep number bed has failed up after using for few years.  (Luckily, we sold it well since it looked brand new/clean/etc.)

I like that Savvy Rest has all the ECO certifications plus a chemical analysis available right on their website to back the products that they are selling.  They have 90 day window for exchanges but no refunds.  (This I didn't like but have been pleased with quality of the products.)  I do like that the replacement layers are at only $75 if you purchase directly from them.

We have been also looking at SleepEZ, much less expensive, 90 day exchanges & refund!  Minus shipping of course.  BUT replacement cost for layers shows to be at least DOUBLE of that from Savvy Rest.

We are looking at the BIG picture.  We don't want to fork out so much money when our backs start hurting again in couple of years, nice to know you can just replace the layers at a fraction of the cost & the 100% natural latex is biodegradable, so that makes me feel good about the environment that we are leaving for our kids.
Re: Comparing Prices
Reply #9 Feb 15, 2010 2:01 PM
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 464
eagle2 wrote:
You need to consider what the cost will be for transportation

An example is <a href="http://www.latexmattresscompany.com/">Latex Mattress Company</a> which offers BOTH sewn and zipper cover mattresses.  The sewn cover models require motor freight shipping.  The zipper model components can be shipped via less expensive UPS.  BBB <a href="http://www.bbb.org/central-northern-western-arizona/business-reviews/mattresses/mattress-liquidation-specialists-in-phoenix-az-87001307/">report</a>.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aImrR_G0Pkk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aImrR_G0Pkk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
Re: Comparing Prices
Reply #10 Feb 15, 2010 2:52 PM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
eagle2 wrote:
This is one of those "Gotcha" questions!

When you're comparing prices you need to consider the total cost to you of purchasing a latex bed online if for any reason you do not like your original configuration, or ultimately decide that you want to return it and get your money back.

You need to consider what the cost will be for transportation costs, and how many exchanges will be allowed. The chance that you will not want to exchange at least one layer are mighty slim. The best regarding exchanges and return policy is FloBeds, by a wide margin.

Instead of just looking at the initial cost for the mattress, do a price comparison for exchanges, and what is their policy on returns if you don't like the mattress. How much time will they give you to make up your mind? How much will the shipping cost be?

Once you have done this calculation, and only after you have done this calculation, consider the initial price of the mattress. I exchanged 4 different layers on my FloBeds before I was completely satisfied. At the end of their 90 day "sleep test" had I not like my mattress I could have gotten the full refund of my money, less shipping charges back to California.

Deal with a company that has a excellent BBB rating, and when they say they're selling you latex, whether that is 100% natural, or a blended latex, make sure it is from a reputable manufacturer and that it is ( in the case of all natural) botanically grown natural latex. Latex International is the company that I would want to produce my latex.

Eagle2 is right. You have to consider shipping costs and the return warranty/ sleep trial and any shipping cost involved in that as well. And of course quality of the latex and reliability and customer service of the store/company.
Re: Comparing Prices
Reply #11 Feb 15, 2010 5:01 PM
Joined: May 3, 2008
Points: 827
narnia wrote:

Since I'm considering replacing my mattress with a latex one, I did price comparisons between a few different companies who sell IL Talalay Latex, which I thought I'd share for those of you who are interested.


Prices for a Queen size configuration -

 

SleepEZ

10000 model, consists of 3 layers (your ILD preference, and includes a quilted cotton cover) x 2.8" each, for a total thickness of 8.4".

Cost: $1645

 

Flobeds

Posture Select model, comes with a cotton damask wool backed cover. Consists of a 2" convoluted topper, and 2 x 2-3/4" layers for a total thickness of 8-1/2".

Cost: $1799, currently on sale for $1699

 

Sleeplikeabear

Configure your own from their selection of toppers from 14 - 36 ILD, additional $15 for 40 & 44 ILD. 2 x 3" = $882 + 1 x 2" + $314, total thickness 8".

Cost: $1196

 

RockyMountainMattress

Offers only Medium Plush (16-18 ILD, 2" $210, 3" $295) and Medium Firm (32 ILD, 2" $230, 3" 320) toppers. Configured with 2 x 3" Medium Firm and 1 x 2" Medium Plush, total thickness 8".

Cost: $850


Narnia, can you edit your original post please with the suggestions and the return policy, shipping rates?  Then send a PM to the Admin to put this on the "Highlighted Threads"  this would be helpful for anyone shopping for latex mattresses.  Thanks.
Re: Comparing Prices
Reply #12 Feb 15, 2010 9:46 PM
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 464
eagle2 wrote:
Deal with a company that has a excellent BBB rating

<a href="http://www.bbb.org/us/Find-Business-Reviews/">Better Business Bureau</a> reports:

<a href="http://www.bbb.org/central-northern-western-arizona/business-reviews/mattresses/sleep-e-z-in-tempe-az-10001797/">SleepEZ</a>
<a href="http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/mattresses/flobeds-in-fort-bragg-ca-15241">Flobeds</a>
<a href="http://www.bbb.org/utah/business-reviews/mattress-retailers/dream-systems-lc-in-lehi-ut-22213718">Rocky Mountain Mattress</a>
<a href="http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Foam-Sweet-Foam-13201361">Foam Sweet Foam</a>
<a href="http://www.bbb.org/richmond/business-reviews/mattresses/the-savvy-sleeper-in-charlottesville-va-63389378/">Savvy Rest</a>
<a href="http://www.bbb.org/eastern-michigan/business-reviews/manufacturers-and-producers/foam-factory-inc-in-clinton-township-mi-25000192/">Foam By Mail</a>
This message was modified Feb 15, 2010 by sager66
Re: Comparing Prices
Reply #13 Feb 15, 2010 11:03 PM
Joined: Sep 6, 2008
Points: 87
This is a great post. It is free of personal bias, and focused on details. Very helpful.
Re: Comparing Prices
Reply #14 Feb 16, 2010 1:27 AM
Joined: Aug 17, 2009
Points: 542
sager66 wrote:
An example is <a href="http://www.latexmattresscompany.com/">Latex Mattress Company</a> which offers BOTH sewn and zipper cover mattresses.  The sewn cover models require motor freight shipping.  The zipper model components can be shipped via less expensive UPS.  BBB <a href="http://www.bbb.org/central-northern-western-arizona/business-reviews/mattresses/mattress-liquidation-specialists-in-phoenix-az-87001307/">report</a>.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aImrR_G0Pkk&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aImrR_G0Pkk&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

This is a very interesting video sager66, as per usual you do an excellent job of providing interesting links. This company offers an enticing price for their mattresses. Unfortunately they also get an F. rating from the BBB.

Were it not for your link to the BBB site I could not have looked this co. up as the name they put on their website is "Arizona Premium Mattress Company." I could not find anything under this name. They are listed at the BBB as "Mattress Liquidation Specialists." After viewing their BBB record I can see why they're trying to hide.

When I see pricing this low for a 100% natural latex mattress I am always suspicious.

The rest of your information is quite beneficial however. Thank you.
This message was modified Feb 16, 2010 by eagle2
Re: Comparing Prices
Reply #15 Feb 16, 2010 2:50 AM
Joined: Jan 10, 2010
Points: 42
I have chronic back pain, and I've wasted far too much money on bad mattresses over the last 12-14 years or so.  So while it is important to me to save money, it is even more important to not waste money.  All of the companies on your list sell a similar quality product, and if I had any confidence I knew how to solve my pain issues I would have chosen one of the lower priced ones. 

The reason I chose the higher priced FloBeds was not because it has a better product - I have no reason to think that is true - but because of the superior exchange and return policy.  It is worth something to me to be sure I'm not throwing my money down the drain yet again.  I can work and work and work on this bed to get it right, and if I'm still not comfortable at the end of 3 months I can send it back.  For me this is a win-win situation and worth paying a premium for.  If the mattress works for me it will be money well spent.  If it doesn't, I'll move on from latex entirely but will have the cash to put toward something else.

I'm not saying one company is a better choice or value than the others - that probably depends more on what each of us is looking for.  But FloBeds mattresses come with something that costs extra and has value to me.  So a direct comparison based on thickness and price doesn't capture the whole story.

Linda
Re: Comparing Prices
Reply #16 Feb 16, 2010 11:57 AM
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 464
eagle2 wrote:
Were it not for your link to the BBB site I could not have looked this co. up as the name they put on their website is "Arizona Premium Mattress Company." I could not find anything under this name. They are listed at the BBB as "Mattress Liquidation Specialists." After viewing their BBB record I can see why they're trying to hide.

There is a LOT of debate on how fair the BBB grading system is . . <a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=bbb+unfair&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&aqi=&oq=bbb+unfair&fp=c26c79a56c95bda8">Google search</a>.  In the case of this company, an "F" rating for "Failure to respond to 1 complaint filed against business" in 17 years of business history does seem just a tad harsh.  As with numerous other vendors, they are definitely guilty of "gaming the search engine system" with multiple websites . . <a href="http://www.google.com/#hl=en&q=%28888%29+773-7326&start=10&sa=N&fp=c26c79a56c95bda8">phone number search</a>. 

2-17-10 edit . . I stand corrected!  :
"we don't have a call center in Nevada. All calls are answered in California and all our latex foam products are shipped by us."
This message was modified Feb 18, 2010 by a moderator

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