My research has discovered major problems with all types of beds, yet I still need a bed. Please help.
Jan 31, 2010 1:48 PM
Joined: Jan 31, 2010
Points: 54
Hi guys,

I signed-up for this site because I conducted some research of the various types of beds out there.  Based on my research uncovering huge problems with each option, I have no idea what to buy.

I need to buy a new bed soon..

When I researched spring mattresses I found the following problems:

- They usually sag after a while and the sag is most often not covered under warranty because the warranty states that some level of sag is acceptable to them, the manufacturer, whilst the buyer remains stuck with a sagging mattress.

- they allow for dust mites etc. to accumulate

- it is impossible to comparison shop due to shady collusion between manufacturers and retailers obfuscating the features/specs of the products

- from my own personal experience with other spring mattresses, I don't like how they have thousands of tiny balls form on them, kind of like pilling in clothing...I presume that all spring mattresses do that?  I really hate that.

When I researched memory foam mattresses, I found the following problems:

- they tend to crap out after a few years

- they get infested with mold if they get wet and then they are health hazards and nothing can be done about that

- some of them emit toxins due to the glue used in their manufacturing or something

Ok, so now that I know about these problems, I will feel like a sucker for buying any kind of bed. Yet, I still need a bed so I will have to buy something.

Is there any kind of bed that doesn't have these problems?

I hope you guys can help give me some clarity as to how I should wade through these problems and determine  what I should buy.  What kind of bed can I buy that will give me the peace of mind of knowing such defects won't mess with me in the future?

I live in Toronto, Canada and my price range is about $1500-2000 CAD but I might be willing to go higher (maybe up to $3500 CAD max)  if I can find a bed that doesn't have any of the aforementioned type of problems.  I do not have a lot of money, so it is very important for me to buy a bed that will last for around 10 years at least.

This message was modified Jan 31, 2010 by confusedbedbuyer
Re: My research has discovered major problems with all types of beds, yet I still need a bed. Please help.
Reply #12 Feb 1, 2010 9:49 AM
Joined: Aug 21, 2009
Points: 486
you might check out whether there are similar, reputable companies to Flobeds, etc. in Canada.  I can only imagine how expensive it would be to ship a latex bed and pay the taxes, duties, etc.  Further, one of the greatest benefits of Flobeds is their very generous exchange policies, which allow you to trade latex layers until you get just the configuration you need.  That would be an added expense if you found you needed to swap out a layer of latex.
Re: My research has discovered major problems with all types of beds, yet I still need a bed. Please help.
Reply #13 Feb 1, 2010 10:30 AM
Joined: Jan 9, 2010
Points: 128
I know I'm not a favorite BUT I love the bed I "made"! I read a whole lot on this site as well as many of the foam sites. I am so very grateful for all the really excellent information. My futon-with-springs is working for me as a great, cheap base/box springs, with 3 sheets of latex from Overstock. Ya, everyone says it's a "mix" but I took my Costco bed apart, I called all the companies and it sure looks, feels and doesn't smell like a "mix". Whatever, it's working for me, I feel great! This is the 1st time in 20 years I have been off air and I just can't begin to tell you how happy I am!! How grateful, not a kink, pain or anything else. On top of that Costco had a super little air cleaner which licked the off gases problem. So reasonable I bought two.

The $1100.00 bed goes back to Costco this week, to be picked up by the same delivery man who dropped it off, ALL included in the price of the bed. Now how can you beat that? The bed I configured myself cost $500.

Thanks to all and budgy for giving me a heads-up on the off gases, nasty stuff. Funny, seems like all futons smell like hay, I called Cannon (it's made in the USA) and asked about it. They are suppose to call me back today. I want to hear why it smells like hay. It feels like I'm sleeping in a barn, the dogs love it! Of course!

Happy days to all and thanks for getting me off air!

Alice in Wonderland

Re: My research has discovered major problems with all types of beds, yet I still need a bed. Please help.
Reply #14 Feb 1, 2010 7:34 PM
Joined: Aug 21, 2009
Points: 486
Shortly before Christmas Costco had a 100% latex bed for sale.  They sold out pretty quickly, and i didn't get one, but several people on this board did and they have been enthusiastically endorsed by everybody.  Supposedly Costco is going to have them back in stock in a few weeks, you might want to wait and check for it.  The label is Sleep Science.  The prices were fantastic, and the return guarantee was pretty good too.

I'm thinking of getting one for my daughter when they're back in stock.
Re: My research has discovered major problems with all types of beds, yet I still need a bed. Please help.
Reply #15 Feb 1, 2010 11:37 PM
Joined: Feb 1, 2010
Points: 18
Friends, 100% latex mattresses will last for years and won't sag. It's that polyurethane crap they stick in the mattress. That also keeps the cost down. I had to learn the hard way and blow a couple thousand. I kept replacing latex layers in my old latex/PU mattress but kept getting the same results. I never thought it would be that crumby core foam. 100% latex is the best sleep surface. I just wish it was more affordable and the new standard. I just sprang $1800 for a queen 100% Serta latex. I have a platform bed with slats so I don't need a boxspring. Will finally get to enjoy some quality sleep after all these years.
Re: My research has discovered major problems with all types of beds, yet I still need a bed. Please help.
Reply #16 Feb 2, 2010 3:15 PM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
london79 wrote:
Friends, 100% latex mattresses will last for years and won't sag. It's that polyurethane crap they stick in the mattress. That also keeps the cost down. I had to learn the hard way and blow a couple thousand. I kept replacing latex layers in my old latex/PU mattress but kept getting the same results. I never thought it would be that crumby core foam. 100% latex is the best sleep surface. I just wish it was more affordable and the new standard. I just sprang $1800 for a queen 100% Serta latex. I have a platform bed with slats so I don't need a boxspring. Will finally get to enjoy some quality sleep after all these years.

london79 wrote: "100% latex is the best sleep surface. I just wish it was more affordable and the new standard."

Yes, that is the dream:
Can you imagine if the mattresses companies made at least one line of mattresses that included nothing but pure LI latex? and allowed you to choose the ILD?
Now THAT would be revolutionary! Eventually someone should get around to doing that. Even at $3000 I bet they'd get buyers. People are starting to wake up to PU foam being "Peee-YEW!" foam.

As to the Serta you just bought:
It is really 100% latex, no foam at all?
Is it on springs or just pure latex? Please give us a name and a link. I am  - forgive me -  uhhh.... skeptical.
This message was modified Feb 2, 2010 by jimsocal
Re: My research has discovered major problems with all types of beds, yet I still need a bed. Please help.
Reply #17 Feb 2, 2010 5:18 PM
Joined: Feb 1, 2010
Points: 18
jimsocal wrote:
As to the Serta you just bought:
It is really 100% latex, no foam at all?
Is it on springs or just pure latex? Please give us a name and a link. I am  - forgive me -  uhhh.... skeptical.

That question was one of my concerns. According to the product's description, yes. It is all latex foam.

http://www.mattressfirm.com/Serta-Opulence-Plush-P43.aspx

Also, i spoke with the local Serta rep in my city. The core is an 8" 28ILD talalay layer that's 36ILD around the edges. The website doesn't give a depth so I had to find out on my own. The soft layer being the top. There is no other foam present in the innards. Well, except for the quilted cover.


This message was modified Feb 2, 2010 by london79
Re: My research has discovered major problems with all types of beds, yet I still need a bed. Please help.
Reply #18 Feb 3, 2010 12:32 PM
Joined: Feb 3, 2010
Points: 1
Greetings fellow Torontonian!  I've been researching mattresses for countless hours and I'm ready to buy.  Problem is I can't find a Canadian retailer who sells Sleep Science or comparable brand.  Did you make a decision?  Care to share?    Your input would be greatly appreciated.
Re: My research has discovered major problems with all types of beds, yet I still need a bed. Please help.
Reply #19 Feb 3, 2010 3:30 PM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
london79 wrote:
That question was one of my concerns. According to the product's description, yes. It is all latex foam.

http://www.mattressfirm.com/Serta-Opulence-Plush-P43.aspx

Also, i spoke with the local Serta rep in my city. The core is an 8" 28ILD talalay layer that's 36ILD around the edges. The website doesn't give a depth so I had to find out on my own. The soft layer being the top. There is no other foam present in the innards. Well, except for the quilted cover.



I'm sorry but I ain't buying that this is 100% latex. If it was, why would they not state for example what kind of latex it is and what ILD's are involved?
If they told you the base was 8" of Talalay then why would they not have told you what the other 5 and 1/2" are on top of it?
It makes no sense to advertise a "100% latex" mattress and then not describe the entire contents.
Also, nowhere on the page you gave us, above, does it SAY "100% latex"!

No, I smell a fish.

Add to that, that Serta is known to be the bottom of the barrel of the Big S companies... Even Sealy's latex mattresses are not all latex... The whole thing makes no sense.

I will apologize and admit I am wrong if it is shown that I am.

You have to be VERY CAREFUL when asking questions of some mattress sales people. If you ask "Is it 100% latex" they will say "yes, it is" meaning that yes, the 2" piece that is included in the mattress is "100% latex". What you have to ask is, "Are there any other foams included in the mattress that are not 100% latex?" And "So what are the other layers besides the 8" of Talalay? There are 5½" more - what are they made of?

And I would also ask, "Who makes the Talalay processed latex? Is it Latex International or who? Is it U.S. made or ?
Re: My research has discovered major problems with all types of beds, yet I still need a bed. Please help.
Reply #20 Feb 3, 2010 4:21 PM
Joined: Feb 1, 2010
Points: 18
jimsocal wrote:
I'm sorry but I ain't buying that this is 100% latex. If it was, why would they not state for example what kind of latex it is and what ILD's are involved?
If they told you the base was 8" of Talalay then why would they not have told you what the other 5 and 1/2" are on top of it?
It makes no sense to advertise a "100% latex" mattress and then not describe the entire contents.
Also, nowhere on the page you gave us, above, does it SAY "100% latex"!

No, I smell a fish.

Add to that, that Serta is known to be the bottom of the barrel of the Big S companies... Even Sealy's latex mattresses are not all latex... The whole thing makes no sense.

I will apologize and admit I am wrong if it is shown that I am.

You have to be VERY CAREFUL when asking questions of some mattress sales people. If you ask "Is it 100% latex" they will say "yes, it is" meaning that yes, the 2" piece that is included in the mattress is "100% latex". What you have to ask is, "Are there any other foams included in the mattress that are not 100% latex?" And "So what are the other layers besides the 8" of Talalay? There are 5½" more - what are they made of?

And I would also ask, "Who makes the Talalay processed latex? Is it Latex International or who? Is it U.S. made or ?

Actually, he didn't say there were 5 1/2 other inches on top. 8" of Talalay, 2.5" of "convoluted" latex, .5 inches of some kind of latex that stays cool, and the rest being the quilted covering. The rep did reassure me there was no other foam besides talalay present in the mattress. Now, whether or not he was being honest, I can't tell you that. I have 90 days to try it out. I should know by then whether or not the product will perform. Especially since I sleep in the middle when it's just me.
Re: My research has discovered major problems with all types of beds, yet I still need a bed. Please help.
Reply #21 Feb 3, 2010 6:26 PM
Joined: Aug 21, 2009
Points: 486
I agree about the "I smell a fish."  I haven't ever seen a mattress made by an "S" company that was really 100% latex.  What I suggest you do, is take a very careful look at the label when the bed arrives.  You'll be able to read the entire content of the mattress and if you see any foam other than latex in the "ingredient list," send that puppy right back.  I hope you have a money back guarantee.

Another thing that makes me suspicious is the price.  $1800 for an all latex bed is at least $200-300 less than it "should" be.  Having extensively priced latex mattresses, in queen size, you can get a *quality* mattress for around $2000, but not less unless you're going to a discount place like . . . foambymail and doing a DIY project.

I think the Costco Sleep Science latex mattress is the only *legitimate* first quality all latex mattress out there that might run under $2k, and although people have raved about it, I have my doubts about the quality of the latex in that.  I suspect fillers . . . though not having seen or tried it first hand, my suspicions are absolutely baseless.

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