Diane thanks for the response. My local PLB dealer will match the mattressexpert price including no tax. I originally thought the Beautiful model was best until I went back and noticed my spine felt a little strange. They had a testing mattress with a computer that is able to check pressure points and determined that I needed the more firmer model the nutrition. That one has a softer layer in the middle and firmer on top. My point regarding this forum was that sometimes the responses contradict each other.
The PLB uses a 6" core and other sizes for the top 4" 3" and 2". It also has the active fusion gel layer for temperature relief. And it uses a thin stretch knit cover. This is blended talalay and the blend from my understanding is PLBs own with natural products. I think these all go into determining the feel of a mattress which is why I think it will be hard to duplicate exactly and why it made me more wary of companies like the one I mentioned above that said it could duplicate it.
I dont understand why anyone would try so hard to get the right feel with layers of latex and then use a wool cover and mattress pad that takes away from the feel of latex. That was another confusing point. I understand that changing layers may seem like a great idea and that pricing is also an incentive but after researching I feel more comfortable with a thicker core layer and not moving layers around. One dealer told me moving layers can eventually cause tearing of some of the latex where little pieces come off. I was happy with being able to try the mattress at the showroom and the one I chose seemed like it was right for me. Im going back to the store again to make sure.
The other confusing issue was this notion of ILD âwho labels them as such the dealer? If most get their latex from one source how do they order it? It seems simple but the posts seems to indicatt each brand has a different definition for soft firm and med. The more confused I got the more I thought something isnt making sense logically. Ordering online sounds great until I thought bout having to exchange a bed or return one and how to repackage something or figure what to do without a bed after I returned it. I most likely will go with my local store PLB as they will deliver set it up and take the old mattress. PLB has a great warranty as well I guess Im paying a little more than trying to duplicate it online but in the end I know what Im getting. All the best to you
I do stand by post that I dont believe the PLB can be duplicated exactly unless the exact materials were used and so far not one company has made that claim.
But maybe there will be a company that can get the exact materials
I also wamted to say that the store I went to had every PLB model and at the foot of each one was the materials used and the ILDs of each.
thank you)
I want to point out that I called every PLB internet dealer on this site. I priced the Worlds Best Bed. Shipped directly from factory.
www.cgmattress.com/mattress/pure-latexbliss/world-s-best-bed/
This above site is BY FAR the least expensive place. BY far. I got the âWorldâs Best Bedâ for what I felt was an awesome price.
I am so excited to get this mattress.
I becomes tired of looking to duplicate the PLB mattresses. I thought it was going to be price prohibitive, but it was not. This site helped me realize that Latex was the answer for us and I am grateful. Its why I made a donation to the site. This is a great resource.
Honestly, if you find the precise duplicated mattress how much are you expecting to save? Isnt the PLB company owned by the largest latest companies in the US? I understand you will pay a premium for the name, but I cannot see there is enough savings to find a local manufacturer who can get close. I think I am going to prefer the real thing 
Hi Mike7,
Exactly ⌠now you are âgetting itâ.
All the materials in the PLB can be ordered separately in the same thickness and in the same ILD as is used in the PLB mattresses. PLB doesnât use anything in their mattresses that canât be purchased separately. If you add a cover that is functionally the same you will have a duplicate mattress.
Other than that ⌠each difference in layering or design can either add to the differences between two mattresses or offset each other so you could have a mattress that was a good approximation in terms of PPP for many or even most people (but not all people) that used a similar or sometimes quite different combination of layers.
The reason is that some people much prefer a mattress that has a quilting layer of wool or other materials in the mattress vs a mattress where you sleep directly on the latex. They just donât like the âfeelâ or resilience of bare latex as much as the âfeelâ of latex that has some kind of quilting material above it. In addition to this the wool can replace the fire barrier that would otherwise need to be used. You can see an example in this thread from earlier today of someone who likes the OMI Lago Nouveau which uses a cover that is quilted with thicker layers of wool and is incredibly âcomfortableâ for them and they didnât like the springiness of some of the other latex mattresses they tried. One of my favorite latex mattresses was the OMI Terra which also has thicker layers of wool in the quilting.
These are also listed on the forum here (at least for âversion 3â of the PLB mattresses.
If you go to the Latex International site here you can see all the different types of latex they have available and post #4 here has sources for all of these in any thickness that someone may wish.
Phoenix
Hi odrunr,
Thanks for the tip. Iâve added them to the previous list of retailers here that can ship the PLB mattresses across the country.
As you know ⌠the PLB mattresses can be very good value depending on where you buy them. As you also mentioned ⌠PLB is owned by Latex International which makes much of the Talalay latex used in mattresses sold in North America (the other major Talalay latex manufacturer is Radium).
There are many local manufacturers around the country who sell latex mattresses that have some great value but in most cases they will be a different design from PLB. Whether their designs are âbetter or worseâ for each person is up to each person to decide ⌠but the actual materials are the same. Latex International is also well aware that itâs not a good idea to compete too strongly with their main source of income which is the manufacturers (large and small) that use their latex in their own mattresses or they would just replace LI with other suppliers and they would lose much more business than they gained from their PLB sales so the mattresses sold by local manufacturers across the country are often less than PLB even though the designs may be different. Some good research such as you did can also uncover some very good sources for PLB as well in spite of their MAP pricing (minimum advertised pricing).
Most importantly though ⌠congratulations on your new mattress ⌠I think you made a great choice
Thanks too for all your feedback and the donation ⌠I appreciate both of them!
Phoenix
Now Im getting it? Its not my posts that seem to contradict themselves.
Now you are suggesting DIY mattress is possible by ordering the separate layers and only then can you achieve the PLB clone Yet in other posts you dont recommend doing so. But please can you list the places where one can purchase the exact layers as PLB including the active fusion layer and cover.
If Latex International lists its ILD and most companies use thier Latex why are their ILDâs different
Is Radium in another country? If so does their latex get sprayed with pesticides when entering America?
If one uses a wool or quilted cover wouldnt that negate the active fusion cover and layers effects?
What is the best Mattress cover that wouldnt create a tightening of the latex
Hi mike7,
Post #4 here has a list of sources where you can purchase any of the latex materials in the PLB mattresses. for the cover you would need to buy a similar stretch knit cover because PLB doesnât sell their cover separately as far as I know (although you could call and ask them).
I donât usually recommend a DIY mattress where you buy all the layers separately for the reasons that are mentioned in the posts you are referring to. You seen to like âfault findingâ and argumentative posts but it would be very helpful if you read the posts you refer to a little more carefully before you keep making comments that need to be corrected.
Iâm not sure what youâre referring to here ⌠what is different from the LI site. There are many companies that use Radium as well.
Radium is in Holland. No ⌠their latex doesnât get sprayed (see post #2 here). Thatâs only necessary when wooden pallets are used and it wouldnât make sense for a supplier to use them.
Affect yes ⌠negate no. Just like a mattress protector or sheets wonât negate it. Wool also has a cooling effect on its own but if you wanted to come closer to the âfeelâ of a PLB with a DIY construction I wouldnât use a wool quilted cover.
A stretch knit cover that is the right thickness for the layers you are using.
Phoenix
I just spoke with Ronnie at CGmattress. Great guy gave a great price and great service. They allow for a comfort exchange at least in California. May be worth talking to him about your site Phoenix
thanks
Also those sites you list do not have the exact PLB layers in fact I cant even find individual layers for sale on some. The amazon link claims the ild is 22-24 which most claim for plush----
PLB layers are 19 21 24 etc
Iâm sorry you think Im being argumentative rather than looking at your posts as many do seeming to contradict yourself. I think things could be simplified but you dont see your posts confusing people. Just in these last few posts you do it again. But Iâm not going to argue. I hope this exchange has helped people. You cant oppose DIY mattresses and then suggest you can only duplicate a mattress if you buy the individual layers offering links as you have.
Again if you have a site that sells the exact thickness and blended talalay with exact ILD let me know
Lastly the international latex site suggests side sleepers would do best with a hybrid why is that?
Hi mike7,
Thanks for the suggestion and Iâll definitely talk with him about the PLB mattresses he sells as soon as I have the chance. There is already a number of manufacturers who design and build their own mattresses that are still waiting to be listed as members here until some other background projects are closer to completion. CGmattress also sells mainly major brands and only the PLB is a line that I would consider there so they donât really fit the profile of the members here because they wouldnât be able to provide the quality specs of most of the mattresses they sell.
Iâm certainly happy to include them in a forum list or point people in their direction for those who are looking for the PLB specifically (which is why I added them to the PLB list earlier) ⌠but itâs not likely that they could become a member because most of the specs of the main lines they sell arenât available and they only have the PLB line besides these.
Phoenix
mike7,
Glad to hear you used the mattressexpertâs PLB prices as a bargaining tool and was successful.
This has been posted on the forum before but I thought it was worth mentioning again. PLBâs mattresses also have a fire retardant layer on top of the latex layers. Itâs Millikenâs Paladin FR barrier which is made from rayon and silica. I could not find any reference as to how thick this barrier is or if it would add or subtract to the feel of the mattress. You can find more info on it here on the forum using the Search function.
We use an inexpensive thin terry surface/polyurethane mattress protector for our PLB mattress. We have found that it does not affect the original feel of the mattress. More info on mattress protectors can be found on the forum using the Search function.
BobP
odrunr,
Would you post the price you paid for your PLB Worldâs Best Bed mattress, including shipping and tax (if any)? Did you also purchase the PLB matching foundation?
I was not aware that PLB will ship directly from their factory to a consumer. My PLB mattress was shipped from their factory/warehouse to the PLB retailer and then to me.
Thanks,
BobP
I am not comfortable stating the price. I knew what the MattressExpert price was and did not negotiate one bit as the price was significantly less than MattressExpert. Shipping was free. The mattress is shipped from Connecticut. I have read several other places ship directly from the factory as well. If you want to price just call and talk to him.
Bob thanks actually I talked to CGmattress after and they beat the price. The owner seems like he really cares, its a family business. They have a comfort and exchange policy as well which the local store here did not have. I just want to make sure I get the right mattress Beautiful or Nutrition. Im going to try them again with the toppers to make sure. Thanks for the info on the mattress protectors. I was looking into the St Dormier but its very expensive
Also I heard that the PLB foundation has changed from the one you detailed, its supposed to be improved and stronger.
Phoenix in the spirit of disclosure is it true that you make a percentage when mattresses are sold using this forum (from the paying members)?
thanks)
The PLB foundation, the same one I have, post #5, is the new and improved stronger version. I confirmed this when I spoke to their CSR this morning. She said they went to a 2 beam construction to make it stronger. The problem is that neither of these are center beams, so if you have a steel frame with a center beam, like this one, the 2 foundation beams are resting on the 2 cross beams of the steel frame. A steel frame with 3 cross beams, like this one, would give the foundation better support.
She also confirmed that the foundation has 7 - 1" x 3" (actual 3/4" x 2.5") top slats, which, IMO, are not enough. This is the queen foundation. Not sure how the king foundation(s) are constructed. As I previously posted, this is the foundation I should have purchased.
I did call and spoke to Ronnie at CGmattress and got some price quotes. Shipping is included in the price. Depending on where you live he can ship directly to you by freight from various PLB facilities, i.e., Atlanta, GA; Shelton, CT. Unless you purchase directly from his store there are no comfort exchanges on internet orders.
Here are some price comparisons:
Matress Expert - shipped from Gardners Mattress, Lancaster, PA
Queen Nature mattress: $2199.
King/Cal King Worldâs Best Bed mattress: $4799.
CGmattress - shipped from PLB, Atlanta, GA
Queen Nature mattress: $2100. He said the MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) is $2670. on this mattress.
King/Cal King Worldâs Best Bed mattress: $3680. Thatâs a substantial difference. I asked him twice if that was the correct price.