Back in 2004 we purchased a Sealy Reflexion Newport Beach Latex mattress The mattress was not all latex. It was ~10.5" high. The comfort layer was 2" of stitched in pu foam (more in the upper models) and 1" of 19 ILD Talalay latex. The core was 7.5" of 34 ILD Dunlop latex surrounded by a 4" wide HD pu foam racetrack edge. All of the Reflexion line came with the Sealy Shock Abzzorber foundation, 9" and 5". We have the 9" one. Around 20 years ago, flat foundations, like the Shock Abzzorber, replaced traditional box springs as the preferred support system for mattresses.
We replaced the Reflexion with LMF’s all latex 10" Luxerion mattress.
It’s hard to find info on this foundation since it’s been discontinued. I did find this website which shows a picture, #4, of the foundation.
It looks similar to L & P’s Sigma-Flex foundation
The foundation is sitting on a 9 leg steel frame with a 3 leg supported head to foot center bar.
IMO, even though it’s 21 years old, the Shock Abzzorber foundation should be adequate for the Luxerion mattress?
Hi Bob,
I would wait for LMF to answer that question. My feeling is that a semiflex is not the best solution for an all latex mattress. Perhaps LMF may take a different position, but I dont like the idea. Here are a few quick thoughts on it.
Semiflex foundations typically use a grid or wire system either on a wood or metal frame. This may not provide the uniform, rigid support a latex mattress needs. Latex mattresses are heavy and require a firm, flat, breathable surface to maintain structural integrity and comfort.
Over time, using an unsuitable foundation (like semiflex) can lead to uneven wear, sagging, or even void the mattress warranty, you would need to ask LMF regarding that. Latex is dense and needs support across its entire surface.
Many latex mattress manufacturers specify that their mattresses must be used on solid wood slats (no more than 3" apart), a solid platform, or a properly designed adjustable base. If they dont say semiflex, assume it is not advised.
Now if you were to place a flat board, bunkie board or some other flat wood on top of the semiflex, you may find that LMF would find it acceptable, but again, just my thought on it. I suppose the other option if a very dense 2" firm polyurethane base below the latex, but there may be some risks there too.
I look at it this way. You just purchased a beautiful, comfortable mattress that you like, why risk it?
All the best,
Maverick
Hi BobP and thanks for the order and thanks for reaching out on this! We recommend replacing any foundation within 10-15 years, if it’s a solid and sturdy foundation without springs or anything like that in it. Even if it were a new foundation, I would recommend replacing it. When I first started working here about 10 years ago, I’d recommend that customers buy a 1/2" piece of plywood to go over a box spring with actual springs in it, but later learned that this is most often a temporary fix, and that within a few years the plywood will start to warp. So what you do is completely up to you, but this is what we normally recommend for foundations:
Anything solid and sturdy will work just fine, including the floor in fact. The only types of foundations you want to avoid are slatted foundations where the gaps are more than 3" apart or box springs (with actual springs in them) or anything with rounded metal bars or wires, because those can dig into the latex. Latex foam is a naturally breathable, open celled product and a slatted foundation is not necessary for the mattress to sleep cool. A slatted foundation will enhance the breathability but normally isn’t necessary because the mattress will breathe on all exposed sides.
Thanks for the advice guys. My wife says I hate to admit when I’m wrong. She’s right. I agree it’s time for a new foundation and adding a 1/2" piece of plywood is only a temp solution. Our Pure Latex Bliss Nature queen mattress, purchased in 2013, came with an inadequate wood foundation, only 8 slats. In 2016 they switched to an Iron Wood KD wood foundation, 14 slats, 2 3/4" space between slats. I had the old PLB foundation replaced under warranty with the Ironwood one in 2016. So far no problems with it. Not sure if their new Pure Talalay Bliss mattresses come with this foundation. A 8" queen size upholstered foundation from Ironwood is $260., free shipping. Good price for this foundation so I am going to order it.