Hi,
Thanks for this site! I think we have narrowed down our decision to between Sleep Ez Organic 10000 Queen and Foam Sweet Foam 9".
The differences I see are:
Foam Sweet Foam only allows full layers - not splits (we seem to like the same config, so this isn’t a big issue for us).
Sleep Ez layers are actually only 2.8" or so (?) Does this make a difference? Is this true of FSF as well?
Covers? Sounds like FSF are nicer?
Cost - FSF is $100 less (although according to FSF, this will change in the next couple of weeks once they set up their Web site to allow mix and match Talalay and Dunlop layers).
Swap policy - SE is 90 days, first swap is $30, consecutive swaps cost full shipping. FSF is 30 days, one-layer only. You pay one-way shipping.
Return policy - SE is 90 days, you pay return shipping. FSF is 60 day, you pay 18% restocking + return shipping.
Warranty - SE is 20/10 prorated and has specifications on support layer. FSF is 30 year not prorated and .5" indentation.
While I am more comfortable with the swap/return policies of SE, I still seem to be leaning toward FSF because of SE’s 2.8" layers, lower quality covers, $100 price dif and stipulated warranty. Are there any other differences I should consider? From what I’ve read on the forum so far, it seems like you are very positive about both vendors - but is the feedback more positive for one than the other, etc?
Second question: Our only local option for trying out layers is Savvy Rest (we’re in Oregon). Can we assume that the layers we try there will be comparable to SE and FSF? I believe the natural Talalay is coming from Latex Intl for all three companies and should be the same thing. The organic Dunlop is made by different manufacturers.
Third question: The configuration we both seem to like in Savvy Rest layers is med-Dunlop/soft-Dunlop/soft-Talalay. Are we crazy? It seems like all the recommendations would say that this is too soft. I am 5’7" 105lbs, my husband is 5’8" 160lbs and we are side and back sleepers. We are transitioning from a too-old, too-soft, pillow-top, so know that our bodies have some bad sleep memories to overcome. My concern is that those body patterns will choose latex that is too soft as well - but because I am so slight and have upper cervical issues, I need cushioning and too firm will be horrible for me.
These are both high quality manufacturers and you would do well with either of them IMO. Some of the comparisons you made however are not quite correct. I would tend to talk with each manufacturer (if you haven’t already) because websites may not always be accurate in every detail (SleepEZ for example is still working on a website update to reflect more up to date information).
This would depend on the thickness of the original core that was cut into layers. Blended Talalay is usually made in a 5.6" core so half layers would be 2.8". 100% natural Talalay on the other hand is usually made in 6" cores so half layers would usually be 3". In an apples to apples comparison … if the materials were the same type of latex from the same manufacturer … the thickness of the layers would be the same.
I think they are both similar quality but according to post #5 here from a member who has tried both, the FSF may be a little stretchier and “nicer” in that way. This may be because SleepEz offers split layers and need a cover which can “even out” the split better. I know they are testing a stretchier cover (their current one is stretch knit on one side of the quilting but not both) which is suitable for a split layer.
The comparative cost will vary with each size … and of course it’s also important to make sure you are comparing the same materials. FSF only offers 100% natural Talalay and orgaic Dunlop. SleepEz offers blended Talalay and 100% natural Dunlop as well for those who would rather use these materials. In some models there is about a $100 difference in one direction and in other models there is about a $100 difference in the other. Of course these are based on the listed prices and aren’t including the 5% Mattress Underground discount With SleepEz.
I think any differences in options that are important for someone would be a bigger factor than a small price difference though.
In either case (and both would probably have a specification on the foundation which is an important part of the support system) the warranty would be the least important to me. Because latex is a very durable material … the biggest reason that either the mattress or a layer would need to be changed is either the changing needs of the person on it or the softening of the upper layers of the mattress … and neither of these is covered by a warranty. Both would likely have a minimum indentation (or there would be no way to define a “manufacturing defect”) as part of the warranty.
SleepEz is an invited member here which means that I consider them to be among the best of the best and there is certainly more feedback about them on the forum which without exception has been positive regarding their quality and service. The additional benefit of the 5% discount is an additional bonus.
FSF though is also in the same “value range” as the members of the site and while their options are more limited and there is not as much direct experience and feedback with them … I would certainly consider them to be in the quality/value range where they would be welcome as members. Beyond this … their relative value is really a comparison between “good and good” and would be based on individual considerations that were more or less important for each person and couldn’t really be “quantified”.
The 100% natural Talalay would be the same yes as long as they all have the same softness/firmness rating. SleepEz also has the option of using Radium Talalay so you would need to specify which they used if it was important to you to use material from the same manufacturer over any recommendations they may suggest (based on who they believe is currently supplying the better quality of that type of latex). A specific consumer request for one over the other may remove the “layer” of protection that an experienced manufacturer with multiple sources can provide where they can use their experience and judgement to provide the best quality materials in any particular “batch”. The Dunlop would also be different because Savvy Rest uses CoCo latex while FSF and SleepEz use Latex Green. If the density and ILD of the layers are the same … they would also be similar. Overall … if you are able to find out the specs of any layers you are testing … they would be very similar yes with only smaller differences in the latex and cover being the variables.
I see nothing wrong with this layering if it “fits” your needs and preferences. Soft Dunlop is generally firmer than “soft” Talalay and has a higher sag factor (gets firmer faster than Talalay) so it could “help” the comfort layer more than firmer Dunlop or Talalay. Your personal testing should always be more important than any “theory”. Your lighter weight would also make this a more likely combination. The difficulty is that “soft” at one manufacturer may mean a different density or ILD than at another manufacturer and this may not quite “match” exactly.
Because latex … and especially Dunlop latex … has much higher levels of support in “soft” versions … it is much more forgiving than other “soft” materials in terms of providing good alignment and if you are not obviously out of alignment when you are testing then I would think it would be suitable. The worst case is that you would know in the first few weeks from your experience on the mattress and need a layer exchange although given your issues and height/weight I would think the odds are good that you will be fine.