Latex Mattresses in Los Angeles?
Jan 3, 2012 12:50 AM
Joined: Jan 1, 2012
Points: 14
Hey everybody!

I'm a new user and have been reading tons on this forum trying to learn about latex mattresses. I'm probably going to buy something from mattresses.net, but I'm still trying to determine what I like. I've only found one true all-latex mattress in LA so far, a PureBliss. I liked it, but would like to try some other beds as well and at least make some comparisions. Does anyone know a place in the LA area that stocks all-Latex mattresses?

Thanks!!!

Mike

Re: Latex Mattresses in Los Angeles?
Reply #24 Jan 5, 2012 5:52 AM
Joined: Dec 23, 2011
Points: 82
MikeS,

Are you going to order the mattress with the zippered cover from mattresses.net? I'd definitely recommend it for numerous reasons. One, the entire encasement can be professionally wetcleaned whenever you want. Two, you can examine the quality of the foam they send you. My guess is that they're going to put the nicer quality pieces of foam in the beds with removable covers. The ones they send in sealed covers likely aren't going to be examined any time soon. I'm considering purchasing a new bed for my son too, and would like to know your impressions of the mattresses.net beds.

Re: Latex Mattresses in Los Angeles?
Reply #25 Jan 5, 2012 5:44 PM
Joined: Jan 1, 2012
Points: 14
Yeah, I'll be doing the "adjustable" version with the zipper cover. Being able to clean it is great and being able to replace the top layer if it wears out is cool too. I'm still debating blended vs natural and firmness, but unless something really compelling comes to light I will probably be buying this. 

One thing I noticed in the link you sent above with the SBR vs NR numbers in it is that those were pure SBR numbers. Most sources claim the synthetic rubber is inferior in some ways on its own, but the blending process combines the strengths of both. No data to back that up other than LI's marketing blurb. Still looking for info about Radium, but I've yet to find a specific negative remark about their foam.

Also, in case you didn't notice, the video you posted about the 50 year old mattress is from the Mattresses.net guy.

Re: Latex Mattresses in Los Angeles?
Reply #26 Jan 5, 2012 6:38 PM
Joined: Dec 23, 2011
Points: 82
MikeS wrote:

One thing I noticed in the link you sent above with the SBR vs NR numbers in it is that those were pure SBR numbers. Most sources claim the synthetic rubber is inferior in some ways on its own, but the blending process combines the strengths of both. No data to back that up other than LI's marketing blurb. Still looking for info about Radium, but I've yet to find a specific negative remark about their foam.


Going back to budgy's point from another thread, "If synthetic latex was superior then why on earth would the same company blend any natural rubber into the mix at all when the cost of doing so is significantly higher?  it would be much cheaper to make the product 100% synthetically. "

Thread I'm referring to: http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/forum/this-true-100-natural-talalay-does-not-exist/18681-A-1.html  -  Definitely worth a read.

I also notice that the high-end mattresses use 100% pure talalay. The Pranasleep line at City Mattress uses 100% pure Talalay from LI for 4 of their 5 versions. They only use blended on their lowest end "Om Shanti" which is their entry level Latex mattress. Their "Wahe" version retails for over $8K, and compares closely to the Flobeds posture deluxe which is less than half the price delivered.

Anything is possible, including the fact that a 70/30 mix of SBR to NR could be stronger than either compund by themselves, but I wouldn't bank on it. Looking at the physical characteristics of each substance tells me that 100% NR would likely outlast a blend when used for a mattress. Maybe not for a car tire, but probably for a mattress. Until an unbiased scientific test is performed, no one will know for sure.

Regarding mattresses.net, I'm not overly comfortable with their website. They don't mention which latex is being used in each of their mattresses. They're quick to tell you they use LI Talalay products, which is true. But as you found out by contacting them, they also use Radium.  I'm not insinuating they're being deceptive, but from some of the posts I've been reading, you have to call them and pin them down on what latex is being used in what mattress. From the reviews I've read, they're a well respected company, and would consider purchasing from them myself. As I mentioned before, I may decide to purchase a new bed for my son. I just wish they were a little more forthcoming on their website.

Re: Latex Mattresses in Los Angeles?
Reply #27 Jan 5, 2012 9:31 PM
Joined: Jan 1, 2012
Points: 14
 

I guess you can read it that way if you want. I don't find their marketing misleading and he was very forthcoming when I asked who made it and included the reasons why. If we're going to criticize companies for their marketing I'd cite your claim Latex international is misrepresenting the durability of blended latex as a more disinegnuous move. They straight up say its better, but you suggest they're saying that because of potential profit margin, so you're basically saying they are lying. All marketing is trying to persuade a buyer one way or the other. 

It is very common for two materials to be blended to improve weakness of both original materials. This is the entire concept behind alloy metal and is endlessly permutated in the plastics industry. Natural latex may very well be superior to blended, and has been shown to be superior to 100% synthetic in one set of tests, but we've yet to find anything indicating the blend is not an equal or superiour product to the natural latex.  Budgy's comment that the use of natural latex in higher end products infers higher quality may be accurate, but it is certainly anecdotal and is definitely part of the marketing scheme of the ultra high end, 100% organic, natural products. I'm all for natural and green, but that is a huge marketing angle these days and prices reflect this as much as anything. There are dozens ofr $4k+ "organic" mattresses that are using soy based foam cores rather than latex. They're doing it to make money, not because its better. 

My gut feeling is a lot of the products are extremely similar from the DIY foambymail stuff up to the super high end. There are some clear differences in the fit and finish of these products (FBM clearly uses whatever they can get their hands on), but a lot of the basic materials are more or less the same. I'm much more leery of the high end marketing machine than I am of small mom and pop manufacturers who build their own websites and answer their own phones. Thats just my take on it and I'm extrapolating somewhat from what I see in other industries, but in my experience you don't always get what you pay for.

This message was modified Jan 5, 2012 by MikeS
Re: Latex Mattresses in Los Angeles?
Reply #28 Jan 5, 2012 10:22 PM
Joined: Dec 23, 2011
Points: 82
I hear ya. Even with the plethora of information on this website, there are still a lot of unknowns when deciding what to buy and who to buy from.

I also agree that paying more doesn't actually mean you're getting more. As I mentioned in post #16, I too was torn between the lowest priced option and high-end. Obviously you decided that the lowest price option was too risky, and are willing to pay a premium to reduce risk, even though the lower priced option could turn out to provide just as comfortable a night's sleep.

I decided to do the same, albeit at a much higher premium. I did so because I like to splurge on myself every once in a while. 95% of my major purchases are based solely on value, so I fully understand where you're coming from. This one falls into the other 5%.

The mattress I purchase for my son will be a twin size mattress, and will likely either come from mattresses.net or from mattresses247 on ebay. Value will be the deciding factor for his, especially since he'll surely want a larger bed when he's old enough to move out on his own.

BTW...Regarding your statement that I'm calling LI liars is incorrect. I'm just saying I don't know if I believe them. There's a difference.

And I'm not the only one who's questioned mattresses.net marketing: http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/forum/foambymailcom-vs-latex-international/25931-0-1.html

Re: Latex Mattresses in Los Angeles?
Reply #29 Jan 5, 2012 10:44 PM
Joined: Jan 1, 2012
Points: 14
megalops wrote:

....

BTW...Regarding your statement that I'm calling LI liars is incorrect. I'm just saying I don't know if I believe them. There's a difference.

...


Fair enough. My apologies for using too strong of a word. Just pointing out they were as guilty as anyone if they're misrepresenting facts. One thing is for sure, the mattress industry is quite rife with misinformation and questionable marketing.

I'm definitely managing my costs on this. I kinda look at it like a bell curve. The super low end of a product is usually not that great and the super high end is usually overhyped. :-) I'm a freelancer in a business that involves lots of equipment costs (musician/composer/audio engineer) and have done a ton of product evaluation over the years, haha.

I actually found Mattresses.net because Phoenix routinely lists them as a reputable dealer making a quality product. He lists them along with Sleepez, Flobeds, and another bunch of retailers. 

And also, for the record, I am considering going all natural on the talalay. Ken will do it for $250 for the whole bed and it is from Latex International. Still a deal at ~$1750 for 9 inches of LI 100% natural foam and a wool and bamboo cover (he includes that with the upgrade) including the foundation and shipping.

Re: Latex Mattresses in Los Angeles?
Reply #30 Jan 6, 2012 6:58 AM
Joined: Dec 23, 2011
Points: 82
Sounds like an incredible price! The cheapest place on the internet I've seen for 100% natural LI is SLAB. For 3 ea 3" queen size cores (or a 6" & a 3") + bamboo/wool encasement there it is over $2K not including foundation. Please let us know what you think about it when it arrives.
This message was modified Jan 6, 2012 by megalops
Re: Latex Mattresses in Los Angeles?
Reply #31 Jan 17, 2012 12:53 AM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
prego08 wrote:

Jaxon Home in Culver City carries Savvy Rest mattresses.  Never been since they close usually around 6 and it is hard for me to make it before then, but I plan on checking it out.



Thanks for this info. I live near Culver City and never heard of this place but will check it out now.

Ortho Mattresses carries some 80-99% synthetic latex mattresses by Stearns And Foster. S&F makes different mattresses for different companies and these are only sold at Ortho. I think they're overpriced for synthetic latex but sometimes they are on sale. Also know that whatever the price posted on the mattress you can usually get it at about 40% off that. They work off commissions so walk out and try another salesman on another day. Sometimes a salesman is willing to go to rock bottom just to make a certain quota. I imagine this to be true at most mattress stores.

I may check out the place in Santa Monica too.

Re: Latex Mattresses in Los Angeles?
Reply #32 Jan 19, 2012 9:04 PM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
I looked up Jaxon Home on the net. They have a really useless web site! Totally useless with zero real info, and absolutely zero info on any mattresses. But it's not far from where I live so I'll have to go there one day and see what latex mattresses they have just for fun. Looks like a very expensive kind of store so I doubt I'd buy anything there but it might be fun to look at a Savvy Rest mattress if they do have one.

I also looked at the Essentia web site and I only see mattresses with latex plus memory foam, none with pure latex. I didn't look thoroughly but that was what I got from their site. Also their mattresses look way overpriced, to me. If I'm ever near there with time on my hands I might stop in just for fun though. 

Re: Latex Mattresses in Los Angeles?
Reply #33 May 17, 2012 9:40 PM
Joined: May 17, 2012
Points: 1
Hi, I live in LA and just spent two weeks researching organic mattresses. I lucked out and found a new (still in plastic) http://www.thenaturalbedstore.com mountain plush mattress and foundation on Craigslist for $1200. It is a bit firm so I need to get a topper. I just saw an Essentia mattress (new in box) on Craigslist for $1300...always a good source. Beds Etc., The Clean Bedroom and PJs has some nice latex beds as well. Robert Cramer (rcdesign.org) can special order Royal Pedic beds at a discount and latex beds with coconut coirs. Good luck!
This message was modified May 17, 2012 by aplethoraof

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