Hi Pheonix, I am considering an all latex mattress now. I have contacted the AZ Mattress Company, Sleep EZ, and Flexus. I am going to try out some latex mattresses today in showroom, to see which one feels best. Then I will ask about the configuration and have an online retailer configure the mattress for me. That would be the cheapest way to go.
Are there any other online latex mattress retailers that you would recommend? I would like to explore all of my options. Thank you.
Hi marshmallow,
The tutorial post includes this link to a list of the members here that sell mattresses online and 15 of them make all (or mostly) latex mattresses that use all the different types and blends of latex and have a wide range of designs, options, features, return and exchange policies, and prices.
Phoenix
Hi Pheonix, Well, I took the plunge and ordered a latex mattress from Sleep EZ. I’m super, super excited about it and can’t wait to recieve it. Other than a brief 4 month period, I haven’t had a good nights sleep in almost 4 years. I toss and turn all night, every night. I remember telling you that I strongly hated the feel of an all Talalay Latex mattress (still do), but I’m so glad I decided not to give up on latex completely and give it another try. Dunlop has an entirely different feel, not as springy and bouncy, and feels like it has less pushback than Talalay. Dunlop feels more supportive to me. Anyway, Shaun at Sleep EZ suggested that I try a Savvy Mattress in-store as Savvy has a similar 3 layer construction and feel to Sleep EZ latex mattresses. I tried about 6 different combinations in-store, and soft Talalay on top, medium Dunlop in the middle, and firm Dunlop on the bottom was the magic combination for me. I felt my whole body relax and all I wanted to do was go to sleep. I am done with memory foam. It sleeps too hot, no matter how cooling the seller claims the foam is is and no matter how much “cooling gel” is in the foam. Plus, since I’m a large person, I generate more body heat than a slender person would. I am looking forward to a cooler, more comfortable nights sleep. Shaun was very honest and straightforward with me and let me know that because I chose the soft Talalay as the top layer of the mattress, that top layer would need to be replaced every 3-5 years, which makes sense. Due to my excess weight I am going to put a lot more wear and tear on that top layer than an average person, so I will wear it out more quickly. I don’t at all mind having to replace the top layer every few years. It will be much better than having to replace the entire mattress, plus comfort is much more important than longevity to me, so that is a sacrifice I am willing to make. Shaun has been selling latex mattresses for over 30 years and he has dealt with many overweight people before. I was relieved to hear that his heaviest customer was about 650 pounds (so glad I’m not the heaviest)! Anyway, there are a couple of things I wanted to let you know. I know you are very knowledgeable about mattresses and I wanted to share with you some experiences I had with a couple of other latex mattress sellers that you recommended. I do not want to come across as harping on them at all. If I come across that way, please let me know, and I will gladly edit this post. The reason I want to bring this to your attention is because I think some additional “beducation” might benefit these sellers with regards to recommendations they make for larger customers. I know you have a good repor with them and they would probably highly value your input/suggestions/feedback. At any rate, I spoke with Henry at Flexus, and also with Greg at Arizona Premium Mattress. Both stated that I needed a thicker mattress (another 3 inch layer of firm Dunlop on the bottom). Both also stated that as long as I had a thicker mattress, the top layer shouldn’t wear out or need to be replaced. When I asked Greg if he was sure about that, he actually admitted, “Well I don’t know for sure, its just a guess. We don’t normally deal with people as heavy as you are.” Believe it or not, I was not at all hurt by that statement. He was being honest and I appreciated that. Shaun from Sleep EZ explained that an additional 3 inch firm layer on the bottom really wouldn’t affect the life or performance of the latex mattress, or somehow make the top layer last longer, which makes sense, since my body isn’t even going to come into contact with the bottom layer(s). I think it is a possibility that Henry and Greg might need some additional guidance when it comes to mattress recommendations for larger customers. Again, it is not their fault. It sounds like maybe they just haven’t dealt with a lot of larger customers before, and knowledge is usually gained from experience. Anyway, I will keep you posted on things! My mattress should arrive sometime early next week! Fingers crossed that I will finally be able to get a good nights sleep after 4 years!
Hi marshmallow,
It sounds like you did some good testing and I’m glad to hear that you made such a good decision … and congratulations on your new mattress 
I’m looking forward to your comments and feedback when you receive it.
As far as your other comments … online recommendations, suggestions, and guidance are as much an art as a science and it’s very common that different manufacturers and people will have different opinions and suggestions for the same customer. For most people there won’t be a specific “best” mattress and there will be a range of different mattress designs that will be a good match for their body types, sleeping positions, and preferences. Outside of their body type and sleeping positions … the range of mattresses that will be suitable for each person will also depend on their sensitivity where they are in the range between “princess and the pea” and "I can sleep on anything. Post #8 here discusses this in much more detail.
Ken who is the owner at Arizona Premium (Greg is his employee and doesn’t have the same experience) and Henry at Flexus both have decades of experience with latex and I have a very high regard for their judgement just like I do with Shawn at SleepEZ. I certainly wouldn’t be giving any of them any “lessons” … even if they had different opinions about something … when they have many years more experience working with customers than I have. I have learned a lot from all of them over the years.
Phoenix
Good to know that Greg and Henry might not be “wrong” but just have differing opinions on what mattress would best suit my needs. I can’t remember if it was Henry or one of his employees who told me that he has been selling latex mattresses since 2004. Its possible that Henry sold latex with a different company prior to Flexus, hence the “decades of experience with latex” you referenced in your previous post.
I checked your link and I think I am more of a “princess and the pea” type, which would also explain why I’ve had such trouble finding a mattress that feels comfortable to me. My excess weight could be playing a part in that as well.
Also, I wanted to thank you so much for your previous post which included the link with the listing of various different online latex mattress sellers, it was so nice having such a wide selection to choose from.
I guess I decided to go with Sleep EZ not only for the price, but also because what Shaun said seemed to make the most sense to me and his advice and suggestions resonated a bit more with me.
No need to reply. I will update you on my new mattress after I have slept a few nights on it. Have a great day Pheonix, and thank you again for all of your help.
Hi marshmallow,
My comment was meant more generically (meaning they all have a great deal of knowledge and experience). Flexus Comfort started about a decade ago but Henry’s experience in the industry goes back before that.
As you know I think very highly of Shawn and I think you made a great choice. Sometimes when you are choosing between “good and good” the “best” choice can come down to who you are most comfortable dealing with.
Phoenix
I figured that was the case with Henry. Thank you for explaining. I agree that sometimes you have to choose between the “good and the good” and just go with whom you feel the most comfortable with. That’s exactly what I did. All of the latex mattress sellers you recommended are good, if not excellent choices.
Also I apologize for making such poor previous mattress choices. I know it must have been frustrating for you to see one of your subscribers make a mattress choice that you recommended strongly against. I guess its a lesson I just had to learn for myself. I think its akin to a child choosing to touch a hot stove even when the parent instructs them not to. Touching it for themselves and feeling the burn makes more of an impact on the child than just taking the parents word for it. Maybe thats a dumb example, but I think you get the gist of what I’m trying to say.
Anyway, will keep you posted on the new mattress. I’m pretty confident that I made the right choice and will be very happy with my mattress. Seems like latex is really the best choice for heavier folks.
Hi Pheonix, mattress delivery and setup went smoothly. I have been sleeping on my mattress for about 5 days now. The mattress feels nothing like the Savvy mattress that I tried in-store. It feels very firm and uncomfortable. I have spoken with Shaun as well as one of his female employees about this. Both stated that it will take several weeks for the mattress to soften up. Also another reason the mattress feels firm is because the cover on it is tight, but with time, it will loosen up. I do not plan on returning my mattress and I definitely do not regret my purchase. Latex really is the best choice for a person of my size. On the plus side, turning over in bed is alot easier now, and I am also sleeping much cooler. Both big pluses! I will update maybe in another 4-6 weeks. Fingers crossed that within that time, the mattress will soften in feel to my liking.
Hi Pheonix, I have been thinking, and really the only difference between the Savvy mattress I tried and the Sleep EZ mattress is that Savvy uses 100% Talalay and Sleep EZ uses a blended Talalay (at least they do on the model that I purchased). Shaun insists that both the blended and 100% Talalay preform and feel exactly the same, and that “you can’t tell them apart”. Do you think that is true? I am wondering if the reason the Sleep EZ mattress feels so firm and uncomfortable to me is because of the blended Talalay in the top layer. I read the “pros and cons of latex” on this site. I remember reading something about the blended Talalay compressing more and being more “cradling”, and that it actually becomes firmer, not softer, with time. Maybe that is the problem: due to my excessive weight, maybe I am completely compressing the top blended Talalay layer and the uncomfortable firmness I am feeling is actually because I am coming into contact with the medium firmness Dunlop layer underneath. The Sleep EZ mattress definitely doesn’t feel as springy or have the “pushback” that the Savvy mattress did.
Hi marshmallow,
Thanks for the update … I appreciate it.
If your layers are the same as the Savvy Rest you tried (same type of latex and the same firmness level) then for most people your mattress would feel very similar to an equivalent Savvy Rest so as they mentioned it’s probably just that your mattress needs to break in for a while longer although there are also some other reasons such as your mattress protector or any mattress pad or even the sheets and bedding you are using that can also change how a mattress feels (see post #2 here).
Human memory for softness, firmness, and “feel” is also very subjective and short term and fairly unreliable so it’s also possible that your mattress may be closer than what you “remember” the Savvy Rest felt like if you were to compare them side by side in “real time”.
In any case I’m looking forward to any additional updates you have the chance to share once you have spent a few weeks on your mattress
Phoenix
Hi Pheonix, the only difference between the Savvy Rest and the Sleep EZ is that Savvy Rest uses 100% Talalay, and Sleep EZ uses a blend (at least they do in the model I purchased, they do offer 100% Talalay in their all organic mattress). Also it is a possibility that Sleep EZ’s ILD is higher than Savvy Rest’s. I slept for an unusually long time last night, about 10 hours. I tossed and turned all night (which I have been doing ever since I got the mattress). When I woke up, my back hurt so badly that I was in tears. I was pretty sore for about 4 hours afterwards. Part of the reason I was crying wasn’t due to the pain, but just due to sheer frustration. I have full intentions on keeping my Sleep EZ bed. I actually got rid of my other mattress that I still owe $2500 on. Its gone. That is how confident I was in the Sleep EZ bed working out. At this point, I’m sure you must think there is something wrong with me. I don’t consider myself to be that picky or that hard to please. I may have mentioned this before but I had a coil mattress with a thick layer of memory foam on top that was the most comfortable mattress I have ever slept on for 5 years. Unfortunately due to my adjustable base, a coil mattress really isn’t suitable for me right now. I have sleep apnea and other health issues and need to sleep with my head elevated. When I had the coil mattress, I would prop myself up with wedges and pillows, which would need constant readjusting every time I would turn over. I would also frequently slide off of the wedge, rendering it useless. The adjustable bed has completely solved that problem and I’m greatful that I have it. I spoke with Shaun again today, I was half-crying when I spoke with him due to my phyisical pain and frustration. I suggested possibly trading out the top blended Talalay layer for the 100% Talalay, and Shaun said he would be willing to do the exchange, but that it would be a waste of my money because I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. He did suggest possibly ordering a special lower ILD Talalay layer, but of course that would mean it would last me an even shorter amount of time than 3 years. In a previous conversation, Shaun stated that the mattress cover was tight right now, and that could be part of the problem. However I checked that, and since the head of my bed is elevated, I can actually pull the cover about 4 inches up off of the mattress easily with my hand, so I don’t think the cover being too tight is posing an issue. Is it normal for latex to have a “break in” period? I think Shaun said it would take about 30 days for my body to “realign and readjust”. I don’t know if I can tolerate being this miserable for that long, however I don’t want to give up on this mattress, as latex really seems to be the most suitable choice for me due to my excess weight. What can I do to make the “break-in” period more tolerable? Should I get a standard polyfoam eggcrate topper (just to use temporarily)? I really don’t want to get a memory foam topper as it will make it difficult for me to turn over and will also cause me to sleep hot. Is there anything you would suggest? Like I said, I don’t want to give up on this bed, but I also don’t want to be miserable, tossing and turning, and in pain for 4-6 weeks. You had stated that my memory of how the Savvy Mattress felt was subjective and unreliable. I remember feeling like I was floating on air when I layed on that mattress, I felt all of my muscles relax and I didn’t want to move. I wanted to go to sleep right there and then. I have not had that feeling with the Sleep EZ mattress. At least not yet anyway.
Hi marshmallow,
There may be some slight differences between their ILD’s but most people find that the Savvy Rest and SleepEZ mattresses are closely comparable. Of course each person is unique and even if they feel very similar to most people, some people may be more sensitive to any slight differences between them.
I’m not sure where your back pain was but if it was in your lower back then that is most often an indication that your layering may be too soft for you. There is more about the more common symptoms that people may experience on a mattress and some possible reasons for them in post #2 here. It’s also possible that you need both firmer support and softer comfort layers.
Yes … there will be a break in and adjustment period with any new mattress and part of this is that the cover will lose it’'s initial “stiffness”. There are also some suggestions in post #2 here that may be helpful including the effect of any mattress protector or mattress pad or the foundation you may be using.
Not surprisingly Shawn is right that most people wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a single layer of blended Talalay and 100% natural Talalay in a very similar ILD.
The Savvy Rest mattress was most likely broken in so that may be part of the difference between them as well. If it’s possible … outside of the suggestions in the previous post I linked (about the mattress protector or mattress pad or the foundation) I would tend to hold of with making any changes for the first few weeks so that your mattress has a chance to break in and you have a chance to adjust to a new sleeping surface. If you really need it and you really feel that you need some additional pressure relief during the break in period then you can certainly add a soft convoluted topper which are relatively inexpensive but I would keep in mind that if your mattress is already too soft and you are sleeping out of alignment then it’s possible it could make your back pain worse but your own experience will be the only way to know for sure.
Phoenix
Thank you for responding to my post at such and un-Godly hour. I didn’t expect to get a response from you at this time of night, so thank you. I feel relieved and less stressed after reading your response as well as post #2 that you linked. I am even more determined now to not give up and to hang in there during the break in period. As I said, I want to keep this mattress. I want to make this work. As you suggested, I will hold off on making any major decisions regarding my mattress layers until I’ve slept on the mattress for at least a month. And it was my lower back that was hurting me so badly today (it actually still hurts, and I’ve been out of bed for 12+ hours). So maybe you are right, maybe the mattress is actually too soft, and I need firmer support layers and maybe a softer top layer. Both you and Shaun have been so great. I can’t thank you both enough for your guidance, assistance, reassurance, and advice. Have a great night Pheonix, and I will update you in about a month as to how everything is going.