Hi Phil203,
The Ultimate Dreams has a polyfoam base layer so the slats wouldn’t need to be as close together as a latex core (although it can still be a good idea) but either way the Luroy should work fine. I don’t own one myself and hopefully a forum member that does will see your post and share their experience with it but they do have some flex to them which may change how the mattress feels a little compared to a non flexing support surface.
Phoenix
Ok awesome I’ll go ahead and get that combo.
Another question: How would I take advantage of TMU discount with Dreamfoam and get that free shredded latex pillow along with the mattress order? Would I just let Chuck know that I’m a member in the email he will send me about what level firmness I want for my mattress?
Thanks again for all your help Phoenix.
Hi Phil203,
As long as your order is fulfilled by Dreamfoam and not fulfilled by Amazon (who are not a member of the site) all you need to do is call them or send them an email right after your order and they will include the pillow bonus 
Phoenix
Amazon is also charging sales tax in some states now, so I saved about $75 choosing dreamfoam as seller as they didn’t add the tax.
Hi,
I am 6 ‘ 185 – 190. I am in the market for a new mattress.
I had been looking mostly at memory foam because I like the sinking in feeling but not too deep. Maybe in the range of an icomfort inception or Tempurpedic cloud supreme (after it has softened a bit—I tried a floor model that had been on the floor over a year).
While on a chat with Jacob at Brooklyn, he suggested latex. I told him I liked a bit of the sinking in caress memory foam gives but really not so much that I feel I am “in” the mattress, more like I have sunk somewhat into the surface layer. I asked if latex was too bouncy and he said in the lower ILDs it shouldn’t be.
After our chat I tried a latex mattress at Verlo and found it way too bouncy and did not “feel” much conforming, although the rep said I looked great (in terms of conforming and potential pressure relief). They weren’t able to tell me the ILD but I wondered how less bouncy and more conforming the lower ILDs would be.
Currently I need pressure relief. I have been sleeping on a Bedinabox pacbed original with only 3’ of 3 lb. foam and after 2 years I am sinking down too far to the support layer. This has resulted in pain in both my upper arms as well as in my back and joints,
Jacob suggested the Aloe Alexis but it is out of my price range (unless I absolutely needed it to relieve the pain—then I could maybe swing it but it would be hard. I saw the DreamFoam Ultimate Dreams latex mattress on Amazon and I wonder if I can get away with that.
I am concerned that if the 3’ latex layer is too firm it will be too bouncy and not allow me to sink in at all; and if it is too soft I will sink right down to the support layer.
Is it true that with the proper ILD you can sink in a bit into a latex layer? And also in the lower ILDs that it will not be bouncy?
In order to try to get the most bang for my buck, I was thinking that, if I needed an extra 3’ of latex, I could add a latex topper to Ultimate Dreams for much less money than the Aloe Alexis.
Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
Hi ddcfri,
This is one of the disadvantages of 3 lb memory foam which is a less durable material and will soften faster than higher density memory foams.
[quote]Jacob suggested the Aloe Alexis but it is out of my price range (unless I absolutely needed it to relieve the pain—then I could maybe swing it but it would be hard. I saw the DreamFoam Ultimate Dreams latex mattress on Amazon and I wonder if I can get away with that.
I am concerned that if the 3’ latex layer is too firm it will be too bouncy and not allow me to sink in at all; and if it is too soft I will sink right down to the support layer.
Is it true that with the proper ILD you can sink in a bit into a latex layer? And also in the lower ILDs that it will not be bouncy?[/quote]
Like all of their mattresses … the Ultimate Dreams is certainly a good quality/value choice and if you choose the most suitable ILD for you it can certainly do a good job in terms of PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences) but latex will never feel like memory foam because it’s a fast response material and memory foam is a slow response material (see post #2 here for more about how they compare). You would sink in more deeply into lower ILD latex than higher ILD’s but even low ILD latex is more resilient than memory foam although it would be less “bouncy” than higher ILD’s. The best way to know how you would feel about lower ILD latex would be to test it locally and see how you liked it. Like any material … no matter what the benefits of latex may be … if you don’t like how it feels then it probably wouldn’t be the best choice for you.
That’s certainly an option but it can also be somewhat difficult to choose the thickness and ILD of a topper that is a good match for you on a specific mattress in terms of PPP and if the latex in the Ultimate Dreams was already soft enough for you and you didn’t need the additional pressure relief from a topper, then if you add more soft layers on top of the mattress there would be a risk of alignment issues. I wouldn’t add a topper to a mattress if you didn’t need it just for the sake of having more latex. The best reason to add a topper is to add additional pressure relief to a mattress that is too firm.
Phoenix
Hi,
I am tossing out our 12 year firm coil, pillow top mattress for a new version due to developing back pain.
I am shopping for a new mattress and I am very interested in purchasing a Latex mattress for improved support and durability. I have been looking at both the Ultimate Dreams and the Total Latex and would like to know what are the benefits of going with an all Latex version compared to the hybrid Ultimate Dreams aside from just the price. My spouse and I prefer a firm bed for our weights and back issues and do not want a bed that it too soft. I am also concerned about the odor, since we both have some sinus allergies. We are not allergic to latex specifically. We generally do not like pillow top mattresses of any kind.
Specs: weights 140 pounds side/front sleeper and 240 pounds side/back sleeper.
Thanks
Hi Lshpfrosty,
Post #2 here has more about the pros and cons of an all latex mattress vs a latex/polyfoam hybrid. The Total latex mattress also allows you to customize the support and comfort layers and allows for comfort exchanges as well whileif you need to make an adjustment to your comfort layer while the Ultimate Dreams latex allows you to choose the comfort layer but there are no exchange options after your purchase. The total latex also has wool in the cover which is a more temperature regulating material while the Ultimate Dreams is quilted with polyfoam.
There shouldn’t be much difference no and most people would be able to sleep on it right away.
This would depend on your weight to some degree but the polyfoam support core in the hybrid would be less durable and soften more than the latex support core in the Total latex mattress. How much this will make a difference would depend on how much you are sinking in to the layers under the comfort layer.
The “value” of a mattress purchase depends on the parts of your personal value equation that are most important to you (including how well it matches your specific needs and preferences in terms of PPP).
While assessing the “commodity value” of a mattress isn’t really a useful measure of value since a mattress is more than the cost per inch of foam or the cost per pound of fabric (like buying a suit based on the cost per pound of fabric) … in most cases the mattresses made by the same manufacturer would have similar “commodity value” across their lineup with perhaps slightly higher margins in the higher budget ranges.
Reviews won’t tell you much if anything about how well a mattress will match your own unique needs and preferences in terms of PPP (see post #13 here) but any all latex mattress will be a very durable choice regardless of which manufacturer makes it. If you can’t test a mattress (or a very similar mattress) in person then the best source of guidance would be the retailer or manufacturer who will know more about their mattresses than anyone and will be the best source of guidance that can help you choose the options that you believe would be the best “match” for you (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here).
With your weight differences it may be worth considering a “split” construction where each side is customized for different body types or sleeping positions and are available in king sizes.
Phoenix
Have been looking at various mattresses for a few months now - Presently sleeping on a futon for the last 6 months. Decided I definitely wanted to give latex a try; but have yet to find any in stores locally. Spotted the Ultimate Dreams mattress on Amazon and have been seriously considering it (the high reviews and bang for the buck factor are definitely there); but have also been looking at the Brooklyn Bedding web site and see there’s the Tri-Comfort all latex mattress for a bit more money. Didn’t want to get up into the thou$and$ for an all latex mattress; but that one looks do-able. Still trying to sort things out - This site has been a Godsend… 
Hi IronMan,
I’m glad you found us … and welcome :).
You’re certainly looking at some good options and I’m looking forward to finding out what you end up deciding.
Post #2 here may be helpful as well.
Phoenix
I have been following this forum a lot and have read through this post but still have some questions. I am very overwhelmed by all of this, but I love this forum. Please let me know of a way to donate to the site, I love supporting websites like this.
Anyways, I’m pretty interested in the “Ultimate Dreams Natural Latex Mattress” and was wondering, does anyone know if this uses the 2.35lb foam or the 1.5lb foam? Is there much of a difference?
Me and my partner really liked the feeling of the Tempurpedic Contour Allour when we went to the mattress store down the road but cannot really stomach the $4500 price point. Will the Ultimate Dreams provide the same kind of feel? I suppose that the Contour Allour is hard to measure up against the Ultimate Dreams because of the different layers of HD & ES foam that work together, but nonetheless any input would be appreciated. If we take the firmest mattress that Tempurpedic has to offer, how would that mattress correlate on the Ultimate Dreams 1-10 scale?
We wish there was a place around here in St. Louis, MO to test out this mattress.
If we like the Contour Allour, what ILD or firmness level (1-10) do you think would work best when ordering the Ultimate Dreams? Does the Eurotop model make a difference? Is that the equivalent of a plush pillow top? Is it better to error on the side of getting a firmer bed than a softer one because of break-in and whatnot?
Would we notice much of a difference between the Ultimate Dreams Latex vs the Ultimate Dreams Natural Latex vs the Ultimate Dreams Full Latex models?
Overall we like it medium-firm, not mushy but bed that feels nice a solid but still be able to sink into a little and feel like we’re cradled into place. We sleep on our backs and sides equally it seems like, but never on the stomach.
Would this bed work with an adjustable base as well?
Our apartment is also set-up to where we couldn’t move a queen boxspring upstairs so we had to buy split boxes. For this bed we were thinking about getting a king sized since it comes in such a compact form. When we move and the bed is at it’s fullest, would we be able to compress it again to move it back down? I was thinking that we could use a bunch of those ratchet-action tie-down straps that you could buy from any hardware store.
Thanks in advance for the help.
-Ray
Hi rayz2k2,
On the description here it says they are using a 2 lb base layer. It would be a little more durable than 1.5 lb polyfoam but it would make more of a difference in higher weight ranges (once you start getting past around 200 lbs or so) than it would for those who are lighter because the base layers are usually a less important factor in the durability of a mattress unless you are heavy enough to “go through” the comfort layers and compress the base layers more.
They would be very different because the UD uses latex in the comfort layers which is very different from memory foam. There is more information about how latex and memory foam compare in terms of how they feel in post #2 here but they are about as different as two different types of foam can be.
They would be a much more reliable source of guidance about how their firmness scale may relate to the Tempurpedic mattresses but they would be so different that firmness comparisons between memory foam and latex can be misleading. Latex responds instantly to pressure but memory foam responds to pressure, temperature, and humidity and can start of firmer, become softer when it warms up, and be firmer again when you move into a new position so some people may call one firmer or softer and someone else may call the other one firmer or softer depending on their perceptions.
While the Dreamfoam mattresses are only available online … the list of better options and possibilities in the St Louis area are in post #6 here and I would encourage you to test some latex (Dunlop if possible since the mattress you are looking at uses Dunlop latex in the comfort layers) so you have a better sense of the general feel and response of Dunlop latex even if the mattress you test is a different firmness or design.
Yes … foam mattresses generally work very well on an adjustable bed.
No … you would need a roll pack machine to compress it again the way its shipped although it would bend around corners quite easily and you could probably fold it over and secure it with straps as you are suggesting (I would check with them just to confirm this).
While it’s certainly not necessary, there is a “sort of hidden” PayPal donation button under the “our services” menu item on the main menu bar and a small donation is certainly appreciated … and I appreciate your kind words as well
Phoenix
First I have to say, thank you so much for creating such an amazing resource, Phoenix. Without this website, I would almost certainly have ended up getting a very cheap, low quality mattress from Ikea or Sam’s Club, rather than a mattress that I can enjoy sleeping on for quite some time. This website has simply been amazing for learning about the mattress purchasing process.
My wife and I have just gotten married, and we need a cheap queen size mattress that will last us at least the next five years (we anticipate getting something substantially nicer within, at most, ten years). After a few days reading on this site, I have settled on the DreamFoam Mattress Ultimate Dreams Latex Mattress. I was a bit concerned about the Amazon comments about the switch from 2.35lb density foam to 1.5lb density foam, but given Phoenix’s explanations, I’m not worried about it at all. So thank you, Phoenix, for the very extensive posts about that change! I probably wouldn’t have gotten this mattress without your comments about that.
I do still have a few questions. My wife and I are both decently light (we’re both around 5’10", 150lbs). I am almost strictly a side sleeper (95+% of the time), and she is mostly a side sleeper (75+% of the time) although she moves around a fair amount. Given that, we will want to tend towards a less firm comfort layer, right? Aside from testing mattresses in a store, the best option for us is to communicate with the manufacturer directly (“Ask Chuck”)?
I also want to make sure I have the TMU discount information right. Since I’m ordering a mattress from DreamFoam (rather than the “sister” company BrooklynBedding I can’t get a 5% discount, but I can get a free pillow if I select the option to have my order fulfilled by DreamFoam Bedding ($599.99 with free shipping right now) rather than Amazon and give them my TMU username? If I do that, do you (Phoenix) get a referral from that or do I need to do anything for you to get a referral?
We have a queen size Ikea HEMNES bed frame with the Luroy slatted bed base. I am wondering if that is sufficient, or will we need some kind of bed base? Is it reasonable for us to try the mattress initially without an additional bed base / bed frame underneath the mattress? I’m assuming it makes sense for us to try that first, at least, but I want to make sure.
Finally, I’m wondering about mattress protectors. I guess I’m wondering, do you have to have them? Since we don’t eat or drink anything other than water on our bed, do we still need a mattress protector? I’ll admit that I have not researched that element of the mattress purchasing decision hardly at all yet, so if I’m saying something particularly ignorant here (or even mildly ignorant!), please direct me to a good resource to learn more (I tried to check the articles, but there wasn’t one specifically directed to the issue of mattress protectors that I could find).
Thanks again for all the help.
Hi EJ43,
I’m glad you found us and welcome … and thanks for the kind comments
Yes … your body types and sleeping positions would point to comfort layers in the softer range “on average”.
Yes … the better the information you can provide them about your body types, sleeping styles, preferences, and the mattresses that you have tested or slept on and liked the more you will help them to help you make the best possible comfort choice. While nobody else can “feel what you feel” … like most good manufacturers they have more knowledge about and experience with their own mattresses and can draw from a much wider range of their customers’ experiences and feedback to help you than anyone else. As you’ve probably seen from their feedback they also have a great track record of helping their customers make good choices. I would personally have this type of conversation on the phone because it’s more “interactive” and you can read “tones” better than written communications so I’ve always believed that voice communications for this type of guidance are more effective than written communications but of course different people may have different preferences.
Yes … all you have to do is let them know you are a member here and you will receive the pillow bonus (as long as they are the ones fulfilling the order as you mentioned). They keep track of the forum members that have told them they are a member for the referral fees so there is nothing else that you need to do for this … but thanks for asking
Yes … the Hemnes and the Luroy combination should be fine (as long as you have the midbeam). You could try the mattress without your bedframe directly on the floor (in the short term) just to see if there is any difference between a completely non flexing support surface and the Luroy (since the Luroy has a little bit of flex) but it shouldn’t be necessary to use something else unless having the mattress directly on the floor is a clear improvement that makes a significant difference for you (which is unlikely).
I would always use a mattress protector on any mattress yes to protect your mattress from the the normal body fluids and skin cells that you release each night (that can contribute to dust mites as well), to protect against any accidents that may happen over time, and to keep your sleeping surface in a clean and hygienic condition. It will also protect your warranty which is normally voided if the mattress is stained. It’s much easier to clean a mattress protector than the mattress cover.
There is more about the different types of mattress protectors and the pros and cons of each in post #89 here. The one they sell (one of the thin membrane types of protectors) works well for most people.
Phoenix
[quote=“Phoenix” post=37710]
Yes … the better the information you can provide them about your body types, sleeping styles, preferences, and the mattresses that you have tested or slept on and liked the more you will help them to help you make the best possible comfort choice. While nobody else can “feel what you feel” … like most good manufacturers they have more knowledge about and experience with their own mattresses and can draw from a much wider range of their customers’ experiences and feedback to help you than anyone else. As you’ve probably seen from their feedback they also have a great track record of helping their customers make good choices. I would personally have this type of conversation on the phone because it’s more “interactive” and you can read “tones” better than written communications so I’ve always believed that voice communications for this type of guidance are more effective than written communications but of course different people may have different preferences. [/quote]
Great, thanks for the advice. I had been thinking to email them, but your point about talking on the phone being better makes complete sense.
Yes … all you have to do is let them know you are a member here and you will receive the pillow bonus (as long as they are the ones fulfilling the order as you mentioned). They keep track of the forum members that have told them they are a member for the referral fees so there is nothing else that you need to do for this … but thanks for asking [/quote]
Excellent. , that’s nice to know
Yes … the Hemnes and the Luroy combination should be fine (as long as you have the midbeam). You could try the mattress without your bedframe directly on the floor (in the short term) just to see if there is any difference between a completely non flexing support surface and the Luroy (since the Luroy has a little bit of flex) but it shouldn’t be necessary to use something else unless having the mattress directly on the floor is a clear improvement that makes a significant difference for you (which is unlikely). [/quote]
Okay, that’s helpful to know. We do have the midbeam, so we’ll try the mattress out on the bed directly.
I would always use a mattress protector on any mattress yes to protect your mattress from the the normal body fluids and skin cells that you release each night (that can contribute to dust mites as well), to protect against any accidents that may happen over time, and to keep your sleeping surface in a clean and hygienic condition. It will also protect your warranty which is normally voided if the mattress is stained. It’s much easier to clean a mattress protector than the mattress cover.
There is more about the different types of mattress protectors and the pros and cons of each in post #89 here. The one they sell (one of the thin membrane types of protectors) works well for most people. [/quote]
That makes sense. I’m glad I asked then. I’ll go look at the mattress protectors discussed in that thread. Thanks again for all of the help!
I have a question about a couple of mattress protectors I’m looking at currently. The two mattress protectors I was primarily trying to decide between are the mattress protector ADMIN NOTE:Removed 404 page link | Archived Footprint: protectabed.com/mattress_protectors/basic_mattress_protectors.asp. and the Luna Premium mattress protector. I assume the Luna is better quality?
I ask because I was leaning towards the Protect-A-Bed protector because of the price. Then I found this on Amazon. As far as I can tell, it is an identical product to what is offered on the Luna website, but for half the price. Is that right? If so, I’m thinking to get the Luna protector off of Amazon, but I want to make sure I’m not getting a different (lesser) product. Can you tell if it is the same, or should I try to contact the retailer?
Thanks!
Hi EJ43,
All the membranes perform a very similar function but there really isn’t any meaningful way to compare the membranes themselves because the manufacturers don’t provide the information you would need to compare them and it probably wouldn’t make sense for most people anyway (see the end of post #2 here).
Outside of technical information about the membranes you would need to compare them based on the rest of the information that is available, conversations with knowledgeable retailers or manufacturers, or through reviews and feedback.
The fabric in the Basic Protect-A-Bed is made from polyester which isn’t as effective at wicking moisture as natural fibers.
The Luna Premium protector uses a cotton terry fabric which would wick moisture better than polyester.
It’s the same product yes and is one of the better prices that were posted here based on some of the great research done by BobP that was linked in the mattress protector post.
Phoenix
Excellent, thanks for all the information. I have ordered the Luna mattress protector, and I am ordering the DreamFoam latex mattress at a firmness of 7 after talking with Chuck (who was very nice and helpful as well). I have put notes in my calender to remind myself to come back and comment on how they are performing in three and six months (since people who did that were very helpful to me).
Thank you again for all of your help. This has been an incredibly valuable resource for me, and I am amazed at how friendly, and knowledgeable, and quick to respond you are. You and this website have made shopping for a mattress almost fun, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.
Hi EJ43,
Thanks for the kind words … and congratulations on your new mattress
I think you made great choices and I’m looking forward to your comments and feedback once you’ve received them and have had a chance to sleep on them for a while.
Phoenix
I’ve been reading about these beds for a couple days now and it wasn’t until I read this person’s comment I finally understood there is a “pillow top” type feel to these beds, which unfortunately might not be what I’m looking for either. I tried a 6" latex (no layers, just 6" of latex) in a store and it felt great… I was really hoping these Ultimate Dreams beds had the same feel.
I’m also in Canada and it seems the only way to get these beds is through Amazon.ca, which may not provide me with the customization options you mentioned. Maybe I’ll try calling brooklyn beds directly and see if they have any advice.
I’ve also noticed that the prices for these beds is significantly higher on Amazon.ca (Canada) compared to Amazon.com. After taxes it’s a $1,000 bed… doesn’t really seem very “budget” to me, although I can’t say I’ve found anything better for the price 
I do have one question though… is a 6" 100% latex bed (no layers) suitable for a 6’0 160 pound adult? I haven’t been able to find much of an answer to this question. I just find it a bit confusing because 6" seems to be very thin for a mattress.
What would the advantage of an 8" or 9" mattress of the same construction be over a 6" one?
Also the type of latex in these beds is Arpico Talalay or Dunlop (choice available). I also read that Arpico is generally known for having high quality Dunlop latex - is their Talalay latex also good quality?
Thanks