While researching various memory foam mattresses I came across http://www.foamdistributing.com. They let you either buy individual foam sheets (I like that idea) or put them together for you to make mattress.
5lb foam used 5LB ViscoMAX Memory Foam Datasheet | Foam Factory, Inc.
Any thoughts?
Hi aoysgelt,
Foam Factory (AKA FBM or any of their other URL’s such as Foambymail, mattressbymail, usafoam, foamdistributing etc) is not a business I would personally recommend or support.
Post #2 here talks about some of the reasons why and a forum search on FBM (you can just click this) will bring up more comments about them.
They are “cheap” … and for some people this may be more important than knowing what they are actually buying … and reason enough to buy from them.
Each person has a different risk tolerance of course but when it comes to what I sleep on … I tend to take risks that are based on knowing what I am buying 
Phoenix
Are there similar outlets - that just sell foams that I can pile together myself - but are more reputable?
Hi aoysgelt,
Designing and building your own mattress can be a lot of fun but can also be quite frustrating and involves a lot more knowledge of how different materials, layers, and components interact than many people suspect. Posts 15 - 17 here may be worth reading and I would normally recommend working closely with a manufacturer who will be able to give good advice about all the different components (option 2 in the linked post) over using your own knowledge and separate sources to build your mattress (option 3 in the linked post) but for those who want to forge ahead with their own design anyway … this will provide some options.
Ordering layers separately and where to order would depend on the material you wanted. Local mattress manufacturers and local foam shops can often be good quality and value sources if you want to see what you are buying first or talk to someone that has the skill and knowledge to help you make good choices.
NOTE: I would also be cautious about sizing because toppers can be cut to smaller sizes or have size variances that may be smaller than is listed on a website or than mattress components or bare layers that are meant to be used inside a mattress with “standard” mattress dimensions so if more exact sizing is important to you or you are ordering mattress components for inside a mattress instead of a topper then I would always confirm the actual dimensions of the layer, topper, or component you are ordering with the manufacturer or retailer you are ordering from.
FOR LATEX:
There are several good sources for latex toppers and/or full cores. My reference points are a few of the members of this site …
https://mattressunderground.com/the-underground/our-trusted-members 3" Dunlop & Wool toppers
https://latexmattressfactory.com/ Dunlop
DIY Latex Mattress Components Talalay and Dunlop (incl. slow response Dunlop)
https://www.matt-to-go.com/ Pure Talalay Bliss Talalay latex toppers
https://www.sleepez.com/ Talalay and Dunlop
MFC | Organic Latex Mattress | Memory Foam Topper | Canada Organic Dunlop (Canada)
http://www.tmasc.ca/store/sfnt.html Talalay and Dunlop (Canada)]
www.mattresstopper.com/ (Brooklyn Bedding) Talalay][/url]
These include a wide range of Talalay and Dunlop layers of several types and thicknesses and are all recommended members of this site which means that I believe they have among the best quality and value in the country. Some other good sources include …
Custom Design & Manufacturing of Latex Foam Products - Hamden, Connecticut . Any size, thickness, or ILD for Talalay Global Talalay and well priced per board foot.
https://www.sleeplikeabear.com/ Has any size and thickness and ILD of Talalay latex made by Talalay Global.
https://www.foamorder.com/ Also sells Talalay and Dunlop and their Dunlop can be ordered in 6" cores in a variety of 5 firmness levels. Also, check their clearance items.
Mattressess247 here Blended Talalay and 100% natural Dunlop (including zoned Dunlop cores) with ebay https://stores.ebay.com/mattresses247
latextoppers on eBay Sells latex cores and toppers including organic Dunlop from Latexco that are accurately listed.
https://stores.ebay.com/organicandmore/ Natural and organic Dunlop.
http://lakemattressandfurniture.com/bedding/toppers/ Dunlop
http://www.organicmattressshop.com/latex-toppers.html Convoluted latex topper.
Google searches on ebay, amazon, and other similar sites and sometimes in the big box stores can sometimes bring up more alternatives and sometimes lower prices but again it’s important (to me at least) to know that what you order is what you get and that the vendor has a good reputation and integrity. In some cases, you will find comfort exchanges or seconds on these sites (sometimes identified and sometimes not) and sometimes the products will be either poorly described or mis-described completely. If you are OK with this and you trust the vendor (or they have a great refund policy) then they can be a good source as well.
FOR SHREDDED LATEX TOPPERS:
Shredded latex toppers can “displace” more than solid latex layers and provide pressure relief with less risk to alignment. Some sources for different versions of these I’m aware of include …
https://www.cozypure.com/mattress-pads-toppers/lanoodle-cuddle-top-latex-topper-best-seller see this post for more detailed information and feedback
https://www.flobeds.com/products/linens/mattress-toppers.htm (has a zipper so the shredded latex can be added, removed, or zoned in different areas. See this post for more detailed information and feedback).
FOR POLYFOAM:
Again local foam shops are usually a good source for a wide range of polyfoam in terms of both information, quality, and firmness but online there are also several good options that will accurately describe their foams and their qualities and have good prices. A few of these include (pricing hasn’t been compared) …
Prices online:
a1foamandfabrics.com/site/index.cfm
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http://www.albanyfoam.com/
http://www.foamonline.com/ (they also sell Talalay latex but be very careful that you receive the correct ILD)
https://www.foamorder.com/
http://www.foamproducts.net/
Phone for prices:
http://houseoffoam.net/
http://www.newenglandfoam.com/ (min order $200 last time I talked with them)
https://www.perfectfit.com/
Some of these may also sell other types of foam including memory foam, gel memory foam, or latex and many don’t compress their foam for shipping and will only ship foam layers that are either thin or small enough to fit the UPS size restrictions so phone first to check if they can ship the size and thickness you are looking for.
FOR MEMORY FOAM:
There are so many different types, qualities, and properties of the many types of memory foam that knowing what you are buying depends on the knowledge and description of the merchant you are buying from. It is also often the most mislabeled type of foam and low density or uncertified memory foam is being sold everywhere with descriptions that are misleading or in some cases completely wrong. They are also more widely available because they are a common topper material and only used in comfort layers and never used as part of the support system of a mattress.
Some (of the many) better sources of memory foam layers that carry more than one type of memory foam are in post #12 here and includes …
MFC | Organic Latex Mattress | Memory Foam Topper | Canada (A recommended member of this site … Canada)
https://www.foamorder.com/
http://lakemattressandfurniture.com/bedding/toppers/
Some other links to online outlets that are not foam suppliers and may have little knowledge of the quality or specifics of the memory foam they sell but do sell memory foam toppers are in this topic.
FOR GEL FOAMS:
You can read more about the different types of gel foams in post #2 here. The majority of the gel memory foam toppers available on the internet are the type that uses gel beads or particles in the memory foam.
https://www.sleepwarehouse.com/ Gel memory foam
http://www.lakemattress.biz/Toppers.html Gel memory foam
Gel memory foam (3 lb only)
Solid gel on top of either HR polyfoam, memory foam, or latex
http://www.sleepart.com/ Solid gel on top of either memory foam, polyfoam, HR polyfoam or latex
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FOR BUCKLING COLUMN GEL
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FOR WOOL TOPPERS:
Post #3 here has some of the better sources and more information about wool toppers for those who want to add a wool topper as a layer of their mattress. All of these are knowledgeable and informative about their products on the phone.
FOR MICROCOIL TOPPERS:
microcoil with a quilted organic cotton cover
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Products - IKEA microcoil with a 1.25" 1.5 lb polyfoam layer on top of the microcoil.
https://www.therapedic.com/bedding-and-home/mattress-toppers/therapedic-3-5-inch-micro-coil-mattress-topper/ Microcoil/memory foam topper.
https://www.naturepedic.com/our-products/pads-toppers/toppers/3-essentials-pillowtop Microcoil topper.
2,200 Individual Spring Posturflo Mattress Toppers – Berkeley Ergonomics MicroCoil/Latex topper.
FOR INNERSPRINGS:
Combi-Zone Coil by Leggett and Platt, Save Big with DIY Latex Mattress Components, Latex Mattresses-Talalay and Dunlop, All Products This is a high quality zoned pocket coil with firmer rows of coils to provide edge support. They are also a member of this site.
Both of the following innerspring manufacturers have also told me that they would ship an individual spring unit for those who are willing to pay the shipping (which can be costly).
http://www.texaspocketsprings.com/contact.htm Prepay with cheque or possibly Paypal.
https://www.hsmsolutions.com/ (Hickory Springs)
FOR MATTRESS or TOPPER COVERS:
Mattress covers can be one of the most significant parts of the cost of a mattress and also one of the most important. Not only can they have a major influence on how a mattress looks and performs … cheap or thin mattress covers will not properly protect the foam inside and in particular with latex will allow the foam to degrade and break down much more quickly and significantly lower its longevity. Some of the better sources of zip mattress covers include …
https://www.sleepez.com/mattresscomponents.htm (a member of this site)
https://www.mattresses.net/ (a member of this site)
https://latexmattressfactory.com/ (a member of this site)
MFC | Organic Latex Mattress | Memory Foam Topper | Canada (a member of this site … Canada)
ZIPPER COVERS & PROTECTORS – SleepLikeABear.com (good selection)
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https://tmu.best/ekhwl (including an “expandable” organic cotton knit ticking)
Organic Mattress Covers | FoamOrder (several covers including quilted latex)
https://mattresses247.com/ or http://stores.ebay.com/mattresses247/ (knit and quilted)
https://www.purerest.com/ (not listed so a phone call and quote is needed)
http://mattresscover.com/ (has access to covers that are not listed on the site so a phone call may be necessary)
http://www.supremequilting.com/mattress-covers-c1 In Canada.
OTHER SUPPLIES or DIY PILLOW SUPPLIES:
https://www.cozypure.com/miscellania/diy-materials-and-fabrics Wool batting, cotton fabrics, cotton batting, lanoodles latex.
https://tmu.best/ekhwl Wool batting, wooly bolas, cotton fabrics, inner and outer pillow cases, kapok, millet hulls, shredded latex.
whitelotushome.com/all-products/wholesale-fibers/ Wool batting, cotton batting, buckwheat hulls, kapok
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Shop Upholstery Accessories | FoamOrder Shredded foam/memory foam, down/feathers, polyester pillow stuffing, dacron wrap, pillow fabrics/ticking.
https://openyoureyesbedding.com/ Buckwheat hulls, millet hulls, pillow cover.
http://www.ecochoices.com/ecobedroom/bedding/pillowprotectors.html cotton/wool cover.
http://www.beanproducts.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=001&Product_Code=7ZFFOL Shredded latex.
Most upholstery stores or foam suppliers will carry upholstery glue that can be used to glue foam together but you can find it here and here and here as well.
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Some additional sources for zip pillow covers are in post #8 here.
Of course, these are not a complete listing and google searches specific to the material or component you are looking for will bring up more sources but it should be enough to provide good quality sources for most of the materials or components that are needed.
Bedtimes magazine also has a list of suppliers for different types of mattress components in their supplies guide here for those who are looking for other types of materials or components that may be harder to find at a consumer purchase level but many if not most of these may be wholesale only and may require some research and phone calls to find out if any of them would sell in small amounts to consumers.
Phoenix
[quote=“Phoenix” post=5411]Hi aoysgelt,
Designing and building your own mattress can be a lot of fun but can also be quite frustrating and involves a lot more knowledge of how different materials, layers, and components interact than many people suspect…(snipped for size)
Phoenix[/quote]
Phoenix - Thanks for all this great information! I have been lurking for a little more than a week and have learned a ton. Now, the million dollar follow-up question, to your great post: Where can I purchase a Lura-Flex 660 Foam Encased spring unit by itself? Or something similar. I am doing a complete DIY innerspring and that seems to be the hardest part to get a hold of.
I bet it’s a long shot, but thought I would pose the question. Thanks again for all this great info!
Hi jd2t00,
Unfortunately, I don’t know of a source that sells innersprings by themselves to consumers.
You would also need to buy a good insulator and preferably a flex net as well to prevent the foam from sinking in to the coils and this should be stretched over the edges and stapled into the foam surround to prevent it from shifting. Even better from a durability point of view would be a spring that was re-inforced on the edges without the foam surround. There are a couple of videos here and here that would be worth watching to see the whole construction of an innerspring mattress with and without a foam surround.
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Bay Bed and Mattress is one of the members here that builds component innerspring latex mattresses that offers a layer or component choices and exchanges and ships across the country but they are pocket coils rather than a luraflex.
Another option would be to talk with one of the many manufacturers that makes a 660 luraflex mattress and see if you could sweet talk them into selling you just the innerspring/insulator assembly or better yet you may be able to have them build you the mattress you want at a lower cost than buying the components separately.
Another option would be to go to a liquidator and buy a cheap mattress that used the coils you wanted and then remove the cover and the foam.
If you do have success with an innerspring purchase it would be great to let us know where you got it from
Phoenix
Thanks for the tips! If I find something I will certainly update the thread.
Just as an update for anyone wanting to go the DIY route, or perform mattress surgery, I have found the following site useful: http://bedtimessuppliesguide.com/
It lists suppliers of every mattress component you could think of. You have to do some due diligence, as to the product quality and if they sell to the public, but it is a really good resource for finding components.
Hi, Phoenix, looking at your info on toppers, and thought you might, once again, give me some input.
Am considering adding topper or 2 to a low end sleep number bed, and was reading your comments on foam toppers, and wool. The cheapest sleep number offers minimal additional comfort layers and amenities, though the air bladders are the same in all of them. As a previous sleep number bed’s pillowtop was not very durable, and sagged, I thought getting the bare bones and adding some other better quality layers might be the way to go.
I can adjust the firmness of the air mattress base, but would like more substance and comfort on top of that…it’s a bit like sleeping on a cheap air mattress, but, since it is adjustable, and only 8 inches high, I could crank up the firmness if necessary and add latex and/or memory foam layers for support and/or comfort. Without any additional latex, I set the mattress at about 35-40 on a 100 pt sleep number scale. I don’t want to hammock, but I do want more “cush” for the pressure points, and to have more padding between me and the air bladder.
. I need good back support, have arthritis throughout, including spine, but need pressure relief as a side sleeper (and sometime stomach sleeper…I know, a contradiction) And good alignment of my spine is a must…have spinal stenosis, and bulging disks along a large portion of my spine. I have to avoid sleeping on my back, which I prefer, due to sleep apnea issues.
Regarding toppers…I dislike a memory foam where you sink in deeply and have difficulty moving, but would like something to mitigate the “bounce” of latex a bit…I think latex as a top layer might feel a little unstable, and something a little less bouncy would feel more “grounded.” But not doughy.
Have any suggestions?
Thus, was thinking maybe some kind of latex topper, maybe 2 or 3 inches, with a low density memory foam on the very top? I know it is better to go with less rather than more depth on a topper, but don’t know how to address the conflicting desires.
On the Sleep Warehouse site, they show a product called Energia, which is promoted as being middle ground…high resilience and also shape conforming? It is sold in a “plush 3lb” density only at this time, although it had other density options mentioned. Is that just regular memory foam in a lower density, which minimizes the hysteresis (sinking?) It is a Foamex product, and they warrant it for 10 years, when the other memory foams on the site have 5 yr warranties. Not that I rely on warranties, they are usually worthless, in my experience.
What would you suggest for toppers for the sleep number bed, given my issues? Hoping you can give me some direction.?
Hi jleining,
I switched your post into a new topic with a more descriptive title.
[quote]Am considering adding topper or 2 to a low end sleep number bed, and was reading your comments on foam toppers, and wool. The cheapest sleep number offers minimal additional comfort layers and amenities, though the air bladders are the same in all of them. As a previous sleep number bed’s pillowtop was not very durable, and sagged, I thought getting the bare bones and adding some other better quality layers might be the way to go.
I can adjust the firmness of the air mattress base, but would like more substance and comfort on top of that…it’s a bit like sleeping on a cheap air mattress, but, since it is adjustable, and only 8 inches high, I could crank up the firmness if necessary and add latex and/or memory foam layers for support and/or comfort. Without any additional latex, I set the mattress at about 35-40 on a 100 pt sleep number scale. I don’t want to hammock, but I do want more “cush” for the pressure points, and to have more padding between me and the air bladder.
. I need good back support, have arthritis throughout, including spine, but need pressure relief as a side sleeper (and sometime stomach sleeper…I know, a contradiction) And good alignment of my spine is a must…have spinal stenosis, and bulging disks along a large portion of my spine. I have to avoid sleeping on my back, which I prefer, due to sleep apnea issues.[/quote]
You can see my thoughts about airbeds in general in this article. While any mattress can be a good match for a specific person because each person’s needs and preferences or the criteria that are most important to them can be very different … in general terms I would tend to avoid them unless there is a very compelling reason that an airbed would be a better choice in “real life” (outside of the many “marketing stories” that you will hear about them) than the many other options or types of mattresses that are available to you. For those that are committed to an airbed and are convinced that there are no other types of mattresses that will meet their criteria then there are some other airbed options that are listed in post #3 here that may be much better quality/value choices than Sleep Number/Select Comfort.
[quote]Regarding toppers…I dislike a memory foam where you sink in deeply and have difficulty moving, but would like something to mitigate the “bounce” of latex a bit…I think latex as a top layer might feel a little unstable, and something a little less bouncy would feel more “grounded.” But not doughy.
Have any suggestions?
Thus, was thinking maybe some kind of latex topper, maybe 2 or 3 inches, with a low density memory foam on the very top? I know it is better to go with less rather than more depth on a topper, but don’t know how to address the conflicting desires.
On the Sleep Warehouse site, they show a product called Energia, which is promoted as being middle ground…high resilience and also shape conforming? It is sold in a “plush 3lb” density only at this time, although it had other density options mentioned. Is that just regular memory foam in a lower density, which minimizes the hysteresis (sinking?) It is a Foamex product, and they warrant it for 10 years, when the other memory foams on the site have 5 yr warranties. Not that I rely on warranties, they are usually worthless, in my experience.
What would you suggest for toppers for the sleep number bed, given my issues? Hoping you can give me some direction.? [/quote]
Assuming that the materials you choose are durable enough for your body type and meet the durability guidelines here relative to your weight/BMI range … the choice between different types and combinations of materials are more of a preference and a budget choice than a “better/worse” choice. Since different people can have very different preferences … the best way to know which types of materials or combinations you tend to prefer at least in very general terms will be based on your own local testing or your own personal experience.
As you know latex and memory foam are very different materials with very different properties and both of them come in a range of different versions that each have differences in their properties and a different “feel” or firmness level but again the choice between them is more of a preference and budget choice than a “better/worse” choice. There is more about some of the general differences between memory foam and latex in post #2 here. Some people tend to prefer the faster response and more resilient and “on the mattress” feel of latex and some prefer the slower response and more “in the mattress” feel of memory foam and some people may prefer some combination of both of them.
Energia is one of a growing group of what I call “high performance polyfoam” which are newer polyurethane (polyfoam) formulations with a higher density and more specialized properties. You can read a little more about them in post #2 here. Energia has properties that are closer to latex than memory foam.
You can see my comments about choosing a firmer mattress first with the intention of adding a softer topper later (where you can’t test the specific combination in person) in post #2 here.
In most cases I would avoid this approach because of the uncertainty involved with making two purchase choices instead of only one and choosing a topper (or toppers) that would be suitable in terms of thickness, firmness, and PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and your own Personal preferences) for a specific person on a specific mattress can sometimes be almost as difficult as choosing a mattress that doesn’t need a topper in the first place. I would generally focus on choosing a mattress that is likely to be a suitable match without a topper (unless you can test the combination in person or you are purchasing both online as a “set” that is designed to work together and they both have a good return/exchange policy) and then use the option to add a topper as a “backup” strategy in case your initial choice is too firm and doesn’t turn out as well as you hoped for rather than a “primary” strategy.
If you do decide to try the mattress/topper strategy then if the only issue with a mattress is that it is too firm and there are no soft spots or sagging in the mattress then a good quality topper can certainly be an effective way to add some additional softness, “comfort” and pressure relief to your sleeping system but the only way to know for certain whether a specific mattress/topper combination is a good “match” for you in terms of comfort, firmness, and PPP is based on your own careful testing or personal experience on the combination. If you can’t test the combination in person then there will always be always some risk and uncertainty involved in adding a topper because the specifics of the mattress itself along with your own body type, sleeping position, and preferences can affect which specific topper would be a suitable choice on any specific mattress.
There is more information about choosing a topper that includes a link to some of the better online sources I’m aware of in post #2 here and the topper guidelines it links to which along with a conversation with a reliable and knowledgeable supplier (that can provide you with good information about how their toppers compare to each other or to other toppers they are familiar with that are available on the market) can help you use your sleeping experience as a reference point and guideline to help you choose the type, thickness, and firmness for a topper that has the least possible risk and the best chance for success. A good exchange/return policy can also reduce the risk of an online topper purchase so I would make sure you are comfortable with the options you have available after a purchase just in case the topper(s) you choose doesn’t turn out as well as you hoped for.
Phoenix
I am a newcomer to The Mattress Underground. I stumbled upon this thread, because I am in the market for a 6"-thick piece of polyfoam to use as a base for a 3" TempurPedic mattress topper. My goal is to build a mattress that replicates (as closely as possible) the feel of our original TempurPedic purchased back in 1997.
I wonder if you could help me evaluate my options. Thanks to your very helpful comments, I have narrowed down my foam choices to two suppliers at this point: Foam Online and Foam Order. The spec’s (as shown on their websites) for each of the foams I’m considering are as follows:
(1) Foamonline.com - “High Resilience Foam”. Density = 3.0 lbs; ILD = 34. NOTE: these numbers differ slightly from the data shown elsewhere on their website under “Descriptions of Foam Types.” There the spec’s for High Resilience Foam are: weight = 3.0 lb/cu.ft.; density = minimum 2.50 lbs/cu.ft.; ILD = 35% max. Price for queen-size foam: $504.10.
(2) Foamorder.com - “EverFlex V34” Conventional Foam, high resilience. Density = 2.6 lbs/cu.ft.; ILD = 34. Price for queen-size: $490.00.
The only other thing I have to go on are some BBB reviews for each company. Both had a few complaints logged against them, and I’m inclined to be a little more concerned about the claims against Foam Online, aka Upholstery Decor, Inc. I’m also not sure what to make of the discrepancy between the specifications listed in different places on the Foam Online website.
Do you have any thoughts? Any other suggestions for me?
Thanks for providing such a great resource in this very confusing world of mattress buying!
Hi atopic,
Welcome to the Mattress Forum!
The information I found at foamonline.com in the description section correctly describes high Resilience (HR) foam – a density over 2.5 lb and a support factor of at least 2.4. In their ILD chart, they show that they offer their HR foam in ILDs of 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 70. This would all seem to be proper HR foam.
The information on the foamorder.com site lists the EverFlex V34 at 2.6 lb density with an ILD of 34, but they don’t list the support factor. I would phone to make sure it is 2.4 or above, as many foams as mistakenly referred to as HR when they in fact are only above 2.5 lb in density but they have a support factor lower than 2.4.
Regarding High Resiliency polyfoam (HR):
This is the highest grade of polyfoam and weighs 2.5 lbs per cubic foot or more. To qualify as HR it must also have a support factor of 2.4 or higher. This support factor is an important part of why a HR polyfoam has the qualities it does as it is made with a different chemical formula and has a different cell structure than the two lower grades. I would also encourage you to read the section on polyfoam as a support core section as HR polyfoam is one of the most mislabeled materials in a mattress … both in stores and on the internet. Because of its different formulation, it is more durable in all ILD’s from very soft to very firm and is suitable for use in any layer of a mattress including comfort layers. It is more expensive than the lower grades though so you rarely see soft HR foam in the comfort layers of a mattress except in those made by smaller local and regional manufacturers as it does not have the same profit margin as the lower grades that are sold with a “story” attached. Some of the best HR foams come close to latex and are good quality, have good resilience, and will last for many years.
I am not a big fan of the BBB for many reasons and you can see my thoughts about the BBB in post #3 and #4 here and points #1 and #5 in the comments here from another member and in post #4 here .
I didn’t find any discrepancies regarding their HR foam on their site, but I may have missed something.
I hope that helps.
Phoenix
Thanks for your quick and very helpful reply. I especially appreciate the comments about the properties of HR foam and your cautions about the BBB.
As for the “discrepancies” I refer to in the Foam Online spec’s, these are only apparent if you use their web order interface under the “mattresses” link. There, if you enter your desired mattress size, foam type of High Resilience Foam and firmness of Medium Firm, and click “Add to Cart,” the website gives you a quote for the following:
Medium Firm (34) High Resilience Foam (3.0 lb).
I assume the figures in parentheses refer to ILD and density, respectively, although the latter figure could be weight.
Also, if you refer to their Foam Density and ILD Chart, it gives a figure of 2.8 lb and of 3.0 lb for density of High Resilience Foam, depending upon firmness…?
My unease comes in when I look at the spec’s you refer to in their “descriptions” link, which give ranges for density and ILD, rather than specific values. Does this mean I could be buying 3.0 density foam and actually receive 2.5 density foam? Does it matter?
While both companies got an A+ rating on BBB (despite several complaints), the complaints against Foam Online seemed more damning when it comes to foam quality; i.e., not living up to promise. For what it’s worth…
Hi atopic,
The 34 would be the ILD, and the 3.0 lb would be the density (mass per unit volume, on in this case one cubic foot weight).
Density and ILD of polyfoam aren’t directly correlated, so it shows that they offer two different densities of HR polyfoam, but I’m not familiar with their current stock and what densities that they offer in the various ILDs. You’d have to phone them for that information, which I would recommend regardless before placing an order with any foam supplier.
The density does of course matter, but there is always some variation (it isn’t exact). But if you ordered a 3.0 lb density foam you’d expect it to be close to that and not 2.5 lb. ILDs are also not exact numbers, but better described as ranges, which is why they state on the ILD chart that they’ll ship the closest to what is listed on their chart for the “word descriptions” of the foam, which is often a better way of describing things.
I personally would have no unease, and in this situation I see a company that’s actually doing the opposite of most brands and taking the time to provide more specifications about their products than you normally find. But I would place my order over the phone versus online to make sure you’re going to receive the type of product that you desire.
I wouldn’t agree – I don’t find the complaints to be damning. One person said they ordered extra firm memory foam (all memory foam will be soft) and they obviously confused it with another foam on the web site (or aren’t familiar with memory foam), another seems to be confusing HR polyfoam with memory foam, another received their product in the timeframe specified but apparently didn’t like the “tone” of an email or being placed on hold, another had an item out of stock and had their purchase refunded, another had confusion about an extra firm memory foam again (a refund was issued), and a final one seems to be about an order that shipped late.
I’ll admit that their website ordering interface is probably responsible for a few of these complaints/confusions, and that the owner isn’t exactly a wordsmith with replies, but I personally wouldn’t find any of this a cause for concern.
Phoenix
I can’t thank you enough. You allayed my fears (which is saying something). I’ll be sure to let you know what I do and what my experience is.
By the way, I asked Foam Order about the support factor and resiliency percentile, per your advice, and got exactly the response you warned everyone about: “it’s not a standard in the industry” and it’s the “same thing” as density. Pity. I liked their warranty and the fact that they stated specific tolerances on cut size.
Thanks again, Phoenix.
Hi atopic,
Thank you for your update. I’ll look forward to learning about what you decide to do. You’re educating yourself, and that’s the most important thing to allow you to make a good choice.
Phoenix
Does anyone have any experience with the Foamite EcoComfort Quilted Mattress Cover? Would like to know how it compares to a cotton wool knit.
Thanks.
Hi Demil1866,
Thank you for the question. I can’t really compare it to a general “cotton wool knit” cover, but after a quick perusal of their website, I have a few comments. Firstly, they dont really tell us the exact specs of the cover. From their description and photo, I am sure it is a knit product, which will provide a better stretch than a woven product. Secondly, they mention Tencel but also say it is made of bamboo. Most knit covers that are made of “bamboo” are actually blended covers like 30% bamboo / 70% polyester, or 30/70 cotton. No mention of the specifics of the blend is made…bamboo, Tencel, and other? Thirdly no mention of the weight of the fabric, which would be measured in GSM, grams per square meter, which is the accepted fabric industry weight measurement. All of these factors are needed to compare products.
Let us know if you try it, would love to hear more, and of course, the law tag would help clarify some of this information also.
Thanks again
Sensei