My new mattress journey

Mattress Talk General Mattresses Questions
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Hello everyone!

My name is Craig, and am (excitedly) awaiting delivery of a new Pure LatexBliss Pamper. In the meantime, I thought I’d start a thread here to share my experience, and will update along the way.

Background:
I’m 37 years old, 5’ 9" and 210# on a good day, and live in Appleton, Wisconsin. I currently have this mattress with a similar foundation to this that I got about 4 years ago. I am mostly a back sleeper, and occasionally side. I do have a history of lower back issues, and the loss of support (bottoming out) in the current setup is now making it an uncomfortable start to each day. Plus, being a warm sleeper isn’t a great combo with memory foam either. So, the new mattress journey began…

Pre-purchase:
I really had no idea where to start; I didn’t find this forum until late in the process, unfortunately. I went to the Verlo Mattress Factory here in town to see what was out there and try out some different styles- traditional innerspring, pocketed coils, memory/gel foam. When I walked in, the salesperson greeted me right away and immediately asked my budget as the opening question. I wasn’t set on one, as I was really only there to try options and see what was available. He seemed to lose interest at that point, but showed me a couple of their product lines at the lower end to get me started. Then, he pretty much left me alone. I tried out almost everything in the store!

None of the ones I tried felt “right” with regard to comfort and/or support. I happened to find a couple of latex mattresses in the corner, and tried them. The feel was just what I was (unknowingly) looking for. When I asked, he informed me that they are discontinued, so just the floor models were available. He didn’t really give specifics on their construction, only that one was a foam core with a latex topper, and the other was all latex. “The best, top-of-the-line stuff you can get” was his description. Had I known then what I know now, I would have been able to ask the right questions, but I just told him I had a lot to think about and left.

I decided to research latex mattresses, which led me to a few threads here on TMU. Thanks to the posts here, I was enlightened about the different types, construction processes, ILD’s, etc. I learned of the Pure LatexBliss mattresses, and about Jeff Scheuer’s “Beducation” videos. I think I watched every single one of them over the course of a couple nights! Great info, and perceivably, as honest of a guy you can find. After checking the specs on the PLB models, the Pamper’s 6" 40 ILD core with 2" 21 ILD top seemed the right fit for me. I also like that it makes for a good base for an additional topper, if I feel it’s too firm.

I filled out the inquiry form on Jeff’s Mattress-to-Go website regarding a Pamper queen set, bed frame, pillows, mattress protector, and also regarding removal of the old mattress/foundation. Jeff responded promptly in the morning, addressing all of my questions. He informed me he doesn’t sell the PLB foundations with the mattresses, as they are “not commensurate with the quality of the mattress.” Also, that I should source a bed frame locally, as I would probably find better value that route. Refreshingly honest answers, to be sure. I was impressed. The white glove delivery service he uses no longer removes the old bed pieces due to different localities’ regulations regarding mattress disposal. I thought this might be the case, but figured I’d ask anyway. The time frame for delivery would be in the 2-3 week range.

I had a few more emails back and forth with Jeff over the next couple of days; he was always prompt to respond, He gave me price quotes for the mattress, 2 PLB pillows, and mattress protector, and pointed me toward the type of suitable foundation to look for. I also found the huge foundation thread here with additional insight. After not being impressed with local offerings for bed frames, I went the online route. So I was ready to take the plunge!

Purchase:
I chose the Hercules 7 leg steel bed frame. The double center rail, along with 3-legged center support were deciding factors here. I have Amazon Prime, so for around $60 shipped (and 2-day delivery) made this a no-brainer for me.

I decided on the US Box Spring wood foundation in the 5.5" low profile version. The Pamper is only 8", but I like a lower-sitting bed. Total height with frame, foundation, and mattress will be about 21".

I called Mattress-to-Go to place the order for the mattress, pillows, and protector. Jeff answered the phone…He really does do everything! He went over all the details, and we had a nice 10-minute chat or so. I can’t express how great dealing with him has been - truly a class act, and a rare find these days. I had mentioned that I found out about Mattress-to-Go and LatexBliss from threads on TMU, and he was generous enough to offer me the 5% discount, even though I actually wasn’t signed up yet, Well, I’m here now :cheer:
After running my credit card, he informed me that credit card info is not stored. So, in the event that they got hacked, there would be no chance of that info being compromised.
Later that day, he sent an email with my receipt and mattress care information. The pillows and mattress protector would ship right away via UPS.

So, as of now, the frame, foundation, 2 PLB Active Fusion pillows, and the Protect-a-Bed Luxury mattress protector have all arrived. The mattress will be another week or so. Really looking forward to it!

I’ll make some comments about the pieces I have so far in another post. My apologies if this was long-winded, but I tend to be verbose and ramble. It’s just the way I’m wired, lol. Thanks again to Phoenix and everyone else here that make this place what it is! :cheer:

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Hi impala101,

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences and feedback in such great detail … I appreciate it.

As you know I also think very highly of Jeff and the knowledge and service he provides to his customers.

Most importantly … congratulations on your new mattress :slight_smile:

I’m also looking forward to your feedback when you’ve had the chance to sleep on it for a bit.

Phoenix

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Thanks Phoenix, I am looking forward to being able to do so! :slight_smile:

Mattress Update:
The mattress shipped out of Phoenix, AZ on 6/23 and arrived in Milwaukee (denoted as “destination terminal”) on 6/26. Jeff actually sent me an email on 6/27 noting this, and advised that I call the shipper (XPO Logistics) to expedite setting up a delivery time. Again, great service from Jeff, following up on the order after the sale! I called XPO Monday morning, and the representative said she would have a manager get back to me within 24 hours to set up a delivery time. They called back that afternoon, but I was at work and didn’t receive the message until after 9pm that evening. So, phone tag ensued Tuesday, but I finally was able to talk to the manager, John, in the afternoon. I told him my schedule and dates that would work, and he said he’d talk to his drivers, and then get back to me. I didn’t get a call at all today (Wednesday), so I called John around 4pm. No answer. I will try again in the morning. With the holiday approaching, it looks like I’ll be waiting until next week. :frowning:

Frame and Foundation:
I have the frame and foundation assembled, and have had my current mattress on it the past 3 nights. Whether it is placebo effect or not, I don’t know, but I can feel a difference. I can feel that it is non-flexing for sure, whereas the previous metal-wire type one definitely had some give. The mattress foam has softened to the point that nothing can help it, as I knew going in. Basically, my hips/pelvis still bottom out, only now it’s solid underneath, and I can “feel” the wood under me. I can’t wait for the new mattress to bring back the support I desperately need there,

The Hercules bed frame has met my expectations, and for $60 I feel was a good value.for me. It assembled easily, as any frame of this type should, and seems quite sturdy. The wheels are wide, and the double-wide center rail with 3 support legs make for a solid base. One caveat, though - I probably wouldn’t recommend this one for a King-sized application. For that, there are 2 rail extensions that are held in with a couple bolts to get the frame to King width. I would probably prefer the cross rails to just have the one connection point. Since I have a Queen, this isn’t an issue though. The only other comment I have for the frame is that the black powder-coated finish is nice, but scratches/flakes easily. Not a concern to me, but perhaps to others.

The US Box Spring Foundation assembly was a little more difficult, but only because I opted for the 5.5" low profile version. Trying to tighten the wingnuts in the confined space (about 3.5" height) was a bit of a chore to do all 12. But, in the end, I was happy with how everything fit and the structure itself. The cover stretches very tightly over the framework, and secures to velcro underneath. I have no concerns there, but I do think the top slats could have a little more to hold them in place than just a couple small velcro pieces at the corners. However, this is really only an issue when tipping/moving the foundation. The slats are as specified, at most 2.75" apart, There is some variation between 2.5" and 2.75", but that’s all good. For those who don’t know, the US Box Spring Foundation is the SleepEZ foundation here. What you see on that page is exactly what you get whether you order it from https://www.usboxspring.com/ or SleepEZ. The instructional video on the SleepEZ site is true to the product you receive.

All in all, I’m satisfied with both products I bought. Now, if I can just get the mattress here, I’ll be a happy camper! :stuck_out_tongue:

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Hi impala101,

Thanks for the update … I appreciate it :slight_smile:

Phoenix

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I have had the bed for a little over six months, so I thought I’d update this after a fair amount of time with it. :slight_smile:

There was a bit of trouble getting it delivered, due to a combination of factors. My work schedule is somewhat abnormal, and I live 100 miles from the closest hub for the delivery service. So, taking delivery would require more planning than a typical case. Also, it was around the time of the July 4th holiday. I understood that it would take longer to arrive, but there was a lack of communication from the delivery service, even after my attempts to contact them, which was a disappointment.

Jeff was instrumental in getting it resolved, getting in contact with upper management of the delivery service. He emailed me copies of the emails he had been sending, and let me know what was going on. Once again, top notch service! Once it was all resolved, Jeff was even kind enough to send me a rebate check for the trouble, even though the circumstances were beyond his control… Class act.

This bed was exactly what I was looking for, both supportive and comfortable. Latex is definitely a different feeling, especially coming from a broken down, cheap memory foam-in-a-box mattress. Buoyant is a great word to describe it. No odors at all. While we know that a mattress can’t “cure” back pain, I got straight up and out of bed without issues after the first night. It had been a long time since that happened. Of course, I still have periodic lower back problems, but my mattress no longer exacerbates them. It hasn’t developed any low spots, impressions, etc. at all. There was a “breaking-in” over the first couple of months, where it felt a bit softer than initially. Whether this was the mattress or just psychological, I’m not sure. A bit of both perhaps. :slight_smile:

However, I find myself sleeping differently these days, more like 50 back/50 side. Previously, it was more like 90 back/10 side. For me, the Pamper is a bit too firm for a lot of side sleeping, causing discomfort in the shoulders. I am now looking at adding one of the 2" or 3" PLB toppers to change the comfort.

Again, big thanks to this forum and Phoenix for all of the great content here. And, of course, to Jeff at Mattress-to-Go for the exemplary service!

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Glad to hear things are working out well for you. A topper over firmer latex models like the Pamper are very popular options, especially if you desire a bit more comfort when sleeping upon your side.

Thanks for the update!

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Hi impala101,

I’ll add my thanks to Jeff’s for taking the time to write such a detailed update with your comments and feedback as well.

I would also echo Jeff’s comments that a topper can be a good idea to help provide some additional comfort and pressure relief if you are spending more time on your side on a firmer mattress.

Phoenix