by Philly888 Re: Flobeds Posture Zone-on-Point - Talalay Latex Mattress
Reply #6
It has been about 6 weeks now since I purchased a Flobeds Zone-on-Point Talalay latex mattress in Full/Std size for my mother. Time to report.
First, shipping. I ordered the mattress by telephone on a Saturday, and the mattress arrived Fedex about 9 days later on a Monday. So only 5 business days from CA to PA. Not bad at all. I was impressed by how fast my order was processed and shipped. The Full/Std mattress arrived in two boxes. Both were in excellent shape, well-taped, and had green stickers saying what was in each. The total shipping weight was about 85 lbs. One box was relatively light; one was heavy and I used a dolly to move it from living room to bedroom.
Second, unpacking. When I opened the first box, the first thing I lifted out looked like a very large latex pillow double-wrapped in thick plastic. Except it weighed about 20 lbs. Turns out it was a vacuum-packed piece of latex. Since the layers are split that means I was sent seven of these latex "pillows", the seventh being the convoluted egg-crate layer that is half as thick as the other layers but is not split. For my 105 lb Mom what was recommended by Flobeds' online "Comfort Advisor" was (Zone / Soft / Medium), so the other six "pillows' were two each of those. I should explain that the Zone is really just another layer of Soft but it includes a 12"-14" zone of Medium in the area where your ribcage rests. Thus your pointy and heavier hips and elbows/shoulders sink into the soft part while your ribcage is held up by the (medium) zone, keeping your spine in alignment. At least I think that's the theory. Also in the boxes was a set of instructions (available online in PDF at http://www.flobeds.com/pdf/LatexOwnersInstructions.pdf) and the mattress case. Oh yeah, and a real latex pillow and set of 300 TC DreamFit sheets I ordered too.
Third, putting it together. The first thing you do is put the empty mattress case on the foundation. (I had previously bought a SmartBase steel foundation). I had read some negative comments about the mattress cases some people had received from other sellers, e.g., that the case was hard and had a plastic feeling. The case from Flobeds couldn't be any more different. It is extremely soft, so soft one could almost sleep directly on the mattress case. The top of the mattress case zips completely off. I did that, laid the rest of the case on the foundation, and pulled its sides down as instructed. That is, one practically pulls the case inside-out so that one can simply lay the latex pieces on a flat surface. The next step is laying the latex. I started with one of the vacuum-packed "pillows" of Medium. It's way cool when you open them - it's like you've pulled the handle on an inflatable life raft. I got my first good look at the Talalay latex. It's beautiful looking, no discoloration or crumbling, and so soft. I couldn't resist squeezing it and thinking of that old "Please don't squeeze the Charmin" commercial. Laying down layers went very quickly. I made both sides (Zone / Soft / Medium), put the convoluted layer on top, then pulled the sides of the mattress case up and zipped its top back on, being careful to push in the flap that protects the latex from the zipper. Voila, instant mattress. Then I put my Mom's Martha Stewart mattress cover on the mattress case to protect it, followed by the sheets and spread. Getting the oversized sheets and the damn dust ruffle on correctly was actually harder than putting the mattress together. Done! Took about 30 minutes.
Fourth, impressions. After the first night my Mom said she thought the mattress was too soft. So I switched the layers around from (Zone / Soft / Medium) to (Medium / Zone / Soft). Big difference. My Mom slept on this configuration for 2-3 weeks without complaint. But I pressed her for her impressions. She hinted that maybe it was still just a little too soft. So I made one side of the bed as firm as could be with the layers I had: (Medium / Medium / Zone). Whoops, too firm. So I switched to (Zone / Medium / Medium). Just right! For the past month my Mom has been sleeping on that configuration w/o any complaints. However, I was bothered by the fact that this leaves the other side of the bed as (Zone / Soft / Soft) - essentially all soft. So I decided to take advantage of Flobeds much-praised firmness guarantee. The most important thing is that my Mom is sleeping comfortably. She never wakes up with knee or hip pain like she did on her old mattress. I give Flobeds mattresses a big thumbs up.
Philly888
We have ordered the Latex bed more than a year ago and we are both sleeping much better. My back and hips used to ache and I could not stay in bed too long because of this discomfort. As soon as we started using your the bed, I started sleeping much better. I have no problems at night falling asleep. The bed is so comfortable, that I can stay in bed longer on the weekends and catch up on my sleep. Even after a year, there is no sagging and my husband and I are comfortable when we lie close together in the middle of the bed. Our old mattress used to sag a little, making it very uncomfortable for us to snuggle up. I also love my latex pillow. I have tried all sorts of pillows, but nothing beats the comfort of my latex one. We were very pleased with the whole experience of ordering the bed. We were surprised to find such a good product on the internet and the 100 night comfort test made it easy. We would heartily recommend these beds and this company.
Christine Schmidt
Laurel, MD
Below was our testimonial almost 7 years ago. STILL loving FloBed after all these years!! Whenever someone complains of back pain, I send them a link to your site. <Just did it again today> I can honestly say, the latex bed and company are both fabulous. You just can not go wrong buying from FloBed. Dave made sure we were thrilled, and 8.5 years later we are still gushing. FloBed made us customers for life!....................................It is hard to believe that we have had our latex King bed for 18 months now! It is such a wonderful bed that when we go on vacation we can not wait to get back home to our wonderful comfy bed!! We wish all the hotels and B&Bs knew about your fabulous mattresses.OK, we could gush forever...<snip>Happy Holidays to you and the FloBeds staff,Nancy and Peter
Nancy
Sunnyvale, CA
Best company we have ever done business with. The customer service is incredible. My husband and I almost gave up on ever sleeping well until we got the Flo latex mattress. (And if his back is especially bad, we just put the firmer piece on top for a few weeks. We love having the option to do that.)We are buying another one for our guest room.
Joan
Martinez, CA
After much research, I decided to buy the Flobeds Talalay Zone-on-point mattress with the euroslat foundation because of the great flexibility the interchangeable cores offered. My wife and I have vastly different preferences for mattress firmness so this seemed to be a perfect fit. Ordering, shipping (across the country), and assembly were easy. Customer service was great. We even tried the 90 day firmness guarantee, ordering a replacement core on the 88th day, once again recieving great customer service. Most impressive of all, my wife, who is currently 9 months pregnant tells me that she doesn't feel pregnant when she is sleeping on the bed. We're quite impressed and would recommend the Flobed to anyone.
Daniel
Walpole, MA
We bought our FloBed 9 months ago+/-. It was, other than our two Shelties, the smartest purchase we have made in quite some time. Customer service was Outstanding and hassle free. We ordered three additional latex pads to get the firmness we thought we wanted, going hard than softer, than realizing what we had originally was what was the most comfortable. The whole time without any problems what so ever. I love the fact that the mattress cover can be spot-washed. The top cover comes off and if soiled can be cleaned. I never had a conventional mattress I could say that about. We bought the King with the euro slats. I found it hard to believe that the set could be delivered by UPS in 7 boxes but it was. And it was not at all difficult to assemble. Months ago we disposed of the boxes, but we have been negligent in not getting a positive reference your way. After all, you have made our nights wonderful, and this will be the last mattress we should ever need to buy again.
Steve & Annette Glary
Shawnee, KS
My FloBed tribute Long overdue and finally written in response to the following online inquiry generated by http://www.flickr.com/photos/hotash/111225094/Q- I'm bed shopping and would like an unbiased opinion. How long have you had it and what is your testimonial?A- Good luck mattress shopping-it took me weeks to decide-but once I did, I was sold and there was no changing my mind. I absolutely LOVE my FloBed. Every morning when I crawl into the bed I am thankful (still). We have had the bed for 2yrs now. I spent weeks trying to decide which mattress was the best deal; comfort, cost, life, etc. I had NO IDEA the bed of my dreams would be right in my backyard! I found http://www.flobeds.com/ online and was ready to pay for shipping and all that good stuff, scrolled down and found they are in Ft Bragg, 1hr from me! It is a HUGE bonus the bed is made with natural materials. I particularly love the fact that the bed is built to my body specs (weight, sleep style). My boyfriend and I are both side sleepers so we picked http://www.flobeds.com/detail.lasso?id=6499QU the posture zone-on-point Talalay mattress. The concept of this design just makes sense to me... I have to tell you, my boyfriend was so leery of this purchase it wasn't even funny-this coming from a guy who can happily sleep on the couch! Turns out he also loves the bed very much! I will ALWAYS have a Flobed-you sink into the mattress perfectly-not too much, just right. I sleep well and I do not wake up with the horrible lower back pain that I used to! Another very nice aspect of this bed is the temperature. I have NEVER slept more comfortably. We have the wool matress cover and I also sprung for the wool comforter and pillows. We now use only sheets and the comforter and we are never too hot or cold - I literally, have never been happier with a large (for me) dollar purchase (other than my lovely Xterra;-) than I am with MY FloBed...I wonder why I haven't written a testimonial...One (well two) very seriously happy FloBed owner/operatorsRedwood Valley, CA
Hotash
Redwood Valley, CA
After disastrously trying the "memory foam" and airbed routes, we were so relieved (physically and mentally) to find the natural latex (not the one mixed with petroleum) customizable beds from Flobeds. My husband only liked hard beds til this one (we have soft over medium over extra firm) and he LOVES it which is a miracle in itself. I have spine damage and this is the first and only bed that has helped me to get a full night's sleep in my life. It is not unusual to not roll or wake all night long! Imagine. We have the matching foundation and it is very well built also. We are both very large people and this mattress is so supportive and yet giving. Your body just keeps on "letting go" and relaxing when you lay down and unlike the memory foam it doesn't just keep on sinking all night long so you can't move and are sore in the morning. Absolutely divine. Customer service here was excellent also, they answered a ton of questions on toxicity, firmness, etc. We have had ours over a year now and it is just as wonderful now. Outstanding. We hate to sleep anywhere but home now and are planning on putting the natural latex in our boat also as it just cannot be beat. We are so happy we tried it, we love it. My whole family does.
Becky & Vince
Bothell, Wa
I ordered a queen all-latex mattress and fir-slat foundation from Flobeds, and recieved it this week. Customer service was outstanding. After having some questions answered on the phone, the packages showed up on time and well-packed. Assembly was not difficult, and I was pleased with the quality of workmanship in the foundation, latex, and cover. The latex has a very unique feel, very different from our past spring mattresses. The feel of the bed is difficult to describe; if you haven't slept on a good latex bed before, you'll have to experience it for yourself. The latex is very supportive, yet soft enough to feel VERY comfortable. "Pressure points" and poor support are clearly NOT problems with this mattress. I was tired of feuding with my wife over whether to have a firm or soft mattress. Flobeds bypassed that whole issue with its ability to custom make each side of the bed to our preferences (this was the biggest factor in our choosing Flobeds). The transition from side to side is very subtle, so you don't abruptly "drop off" from the firm to soft side. It is also good to have the option of switching the firmness at any point. Thank you for making a quality product. It is nice to get a good night's rest! By the way, your website was nicely designed and informative (I liked the sheep!). Sincerely, Keith and Tammy of Virginia
T.K. Williams
Brookneal, VA
It's been 1 week since I received my FloBed 100% Natural Latex bed. I was a little nervous at first, thinking that it would be harder than I anticipated, and that I might have to return some panels for softer ones. I have 2 each med., firm, xfirm for my queen size mattress.To my surprise, I woke up the next morning in the same position I went to sleep in, and I haven't had any uncomfortable nights. The support is great, and I have no more pressure point pain. Now I can hardly wait to go to hit the mattress each night.Another huge benefit is the hypoallergenic and antimicrobal nature of the mattress. I no longer have the horrible allergic rhinitis (and all that goes with it) that I had with my old mattress. This is important to me since I have severe sleep apnea and use CPAP. Keeping everything open is a must. Your customer service was great, answering all my questions over the phone. I received my bed in 3 days, putting a rapid end to my nighttime misery. Thank you for making my nights sleep truly refreshing and my working hours more productive.I highly recommend FloBeds and have happily made recommendations and referals to your website for more information.
Suzanne
Henderson, NV
Well, we've had our new queen-sized, (med-firm w/7-zone layer) FloBed for about a month & wanted you to about the big impact it has had for us. We've always slept on very firm, "chiropractor-approved" brand-name beds to 'help' my back, but in recent years we both woke up consistently unrefreshed from sleep (lots of tossing and turning because of pressure points) and, frankly, with sore hip & shoulder bones due to the firmness of the mattresses. The FloBed works as advertised -- pressure points are eliminated completely, but there is NO SAGGING feeling, as one experiences in softer wire mattress...my wife, who held out no hope that another mattress could make a difference is passionate about the FloBed (considers it a 'life-altering') event. It is like sleeping on a cloud that accomodates your pressure point protuberances while still keeping your spine aligned - amazing; we wake without back or pressure point pain of any kind & can't wait to go to bed. The website isn't as ascetically appealing as many others, but the product is a home run. Thanks.
Patrick G
, CT
Dear FloBeds,
I guess it has been about six months now since our two flobeds arrived. Acouple of weeks ago, I did something very important. I went into the garage, pulled out the cardboard boxes that the flobeds had shipped in,and proceeded to cut them up for re-cycling.
Why is it important? I don't intend to ship them back. They are keepers.Both the queen in the motorhome and the king in our bedroom. My wife keepssaying they are the best beds she has ever slept on.
After an extensive effort to find a bed that I didn't have a lowerbackache from in the morning, I discovered that they all had the sameeffect on me. The problem isn't the bed. It's my weight and poor physicalcondition. However, there is no doubt that the Flobed is far and away themost comfortable bed of them all.
I truly have to apologize to you for the hassle over the first bed. When Istill had backaches, I figured I could still find a better bed. Icouldn't! Not even the highly advertised Tempur-pedic was any better. Infact, I don't even know why anyone would buy one. They are hard and tend to be warm. We are sold on the Flobed. Period!
Thanks a lot.
Creston H.
Washougal, WA
Joseph and I wanted to write and tell you how pleased we have been with the customer service that we have received from Flobeds.
You and your staff were great in straightening out the problem with our receipt of a wrong size core and the associated shipping delays. After we received the correct size cores, they have assisted us in adjusting the core firmnesses.
It is not often that we find a Company that the staff consistently treats customers, as you would want to be treated. Everyone has been gracious, as well as knowledgeable about your product.
Joseph and I looked and looked to the point of total frustration to find a mattress to fulfill our need of dual firmness. We thought the we would have to settle for something in between until Joseph found your site on the internet. I have slept on a waterbed for the past 30 years and was used to a very soft and flexible mattress. I am pleased that your mattress conforms to my body shape and I do not feel any pressure points. Joseph has a bad back, takes medication on a daily basis and requires a very firm bed. He is delighted that your mattress gives him the kind of support that helps his back feel pain-free, but without the harshness of a 'hard' mattress.
Your Flobed is constructed so that we can have the firmness we each need in the same mattress, and we can adjust the firmness until it works best for each us The Flobed solution is a great invention.
Please thank your staff for the great customer support.
Also, on a side note, my son, who is 10 years old, wanted you know that the memory foam is cool as he can make body prints.
Riqui S.
To Whom It May Concern:
I have researched the different "sleeping systems" for months and decided on the European memory foam matress. I ordered the mattress by phone, and the lady who helped me was personable and efficient and professional. As promised the mattress arrived the next day.
The very first night we slept on it, we woke up with no stiffness, no hip pains, and an added plus, my husband has not snored! Or, maybe I sleep so much better, I don't hear him....
Everyone who has tried it out loves it...
Thanks so much for the product and the excellent service.
Marina S.
Thanks so much for your advice and technical support in putting together
the Euro Cotton and Wool Flotation Sleep System. It has been assembled
for only 4 nights, and already, we are sleeping better than we have in
years. We can't imagine a more comfortable bed. No more pressure
points, and no more aches and pains in the morning. The individual
components appear to be first rate and we expect them to provide us with
years of trouble free service. We're even anticipating the need for
less sleep, since we seem to reach the deeper levels of sleep more
quickly. We wake up refreshed and ready for the new day.
We wish you well with your company. Thank you for providing so many
people with this valuable, often missing element in our busy lives--a
geat night's sleep.
Sincerely,
Roxanne and Lynn N.
Subject: Re: Your FloBeds.com
Good afternoon ,
Just wanted to dr-op a note to let Flobeds know that I love my new mattress (the back pain is better) and that shipment was very timely. A well satisfied customer, Thanks!
Deborah,
We love our bed...it is like sleeping on a cloud but with support!
I was hesitant to order a bed off of the internet but the design of the memory foam mattress sounded like what we were looking for. I have to say that we have a Tempurpedic bed in our Illinois residence and for us it is too firm (there is only one firmness) and I had to wait 21 working days ( over 1 month elapsed time) to get it. Also with Tempurpedic I had to call at least six times to find out the status of my order...we weren't about to go through that again! I really appreciate flo beds quicker delivery and customer service via EMail...and again I love this bed...I didn't have to get used to it like I did with the Tempurpedic!
Christine T.
Fort Myers Beach, FL