Natural beds from foamsource.com?

[Marni]

Okay - my quest continues. THIS sight seems to offer the best prices around. NOTHING synthetic in this all-natural latex model (with organic cotton and wool cover). A twin is only $799 (yes, pricey...but less so than the other places I've been looking at!) AND they claim to have a money-back gaurentee, and that returns are easy. I think I'll check them out on BBB. But does anyone here have any experience with them?

I REALLY want a 100% natural bed - for me, and my 2 girls.

[Marni]

Bumping --

Bummer -- no one has ordered from them? This particular bed (link below) is is 100% natural latex, and 100% chemical free with an organic cotton and wool cover -- and is soooooo much cheaper than other sites who sell all-natural beds.


http://www.foamsource.com/shop/product/5


Bummer is, of course, I can't try one out (unless I fly to Boulder, CO). They DO offer money back though, but then I would have to pay to ship it back if I don't like it. Hmmmmm.

[kaia8]

Hi Marni!

I've ordered from Foamsource a bunch of times, because I couldn't afford to order everything at once. They have really good, fast service. I've never tried to return anything, but if you have doubts, I'd suggest you talk to Matt - you can tell him you're a friend of Ki's. (it's pronounced kai, like sky) =) He's helped me a ton, and I think he'll give you his honest opinion if you ask for it, instead of just trying to sell you something.

Good luck! I hope you like the latex as much as I do! =)

[kaia8]

Oh!! And I just checked out that specific bed - are you sure there's wool in that cover? From the website it looks like it's just organic cotton, but I haven't called them or anything. If there's wool in there then that is CHEAP!

[LovinLiviLou]

I'm thinking of getting the full size of that bed. I just called and talked to Matt and they also have free shipping for anything over $100. so, this appears to really be the best deal that I've found. But I'm soooo nervous about spending so much $$ without feeling it first. Plus, my DH is not really on board with this, and if it turns out badly, I'm never gonna hear the end of it . . . .

Anyone else with opinions? Marni - Did you look them up on BBB?

[kaia8]

LovinLivinLou, I *definitely* recommend trying it out somewhere first. Are there any stores within a couple hours that have the mattress? It is a HUGE investment and yeah if you hate it, you'll have to spend like $200 to ship it back!

If you're in Georgia, could you possibly test out the mattress at the manufacturer's location? I don't know if they have any showrooms, but I think the Foamsource beds come from Sleepcomp, in Georgia:
http://www.sleepcomp.com/

I think Foamsource is a great company, but that doesn't mean you'll like the mattress... please keep us posted whatever you end up doing!

[LovinLiviLou]

Thanks! I called the latexco number (the GA division of sleepcomp) and the guy there didn't think that they sold to foamsource. He said maybe the CA division did, but he didn't think so (he looked at their website with me while we were on the phone and apparently saw something that made him think they bought from a competitor). Anyhoo, the latexco guy gave me a number of another place to call which sells Englanders, and they apparently carry one line at our local Mattress King, but I'll admit that I'm having my doubts about the natural-ness of something they sell at Mattress King. That aside, would the latex feel enough the same (even if a different manufacturer) for me to get a feel at the local place and then order from foamsource?

Why, oh why, is this all so hard?

[kaia8]

Hey Marni and LovinLiviLou - I'm opening a store in Chicago this fall and we're selling Shepherd's Dream and Savvy Rest beds. I'm not really allowed to sell to people outside of my area, but I think you should check out some local Savvy Rest dealers if you can. Are you guys close to any of these locations?

http://www.savvyrest.com/order/find-a-dealer/index.php

The reason I'm suggesting it is because we can charge A LOT less than the Savvy Rest list prices, if you come into the stores. We're doing that at our Chicago store, and I suspect other stores are doing the same - just trying to get these mattresses out to people!

And LovinLiviLou, I'd *really* recommend trying out the exact mattress that you're going to buy. Unless the covers zip off, and the mattress is layered, it's gonna be really hard to exchange anything. Shipping for a mattress is something like $200-$250, and every single different type of latex feels slightly different. And if you're like me, you'll probably change your mind after sleeping on it for a week. =)

[Taedareth]

Hi Kaia8, thanks for the info I have a question about the Shepherd's Dream mattresses. If it's important to sleep on a mattress for a week to see if it's really the right one for you, then why does the Shepherd's Dream company not offer any kind of trial period, and they don't offer any kind of money-back guarantee (only credit), and if you're going to return it you are not supposed to have slept on it? That really makes me think they have no confidence in the quality of their products, you know? I would be really interested in buying a wool bed if they had a 30-day cash-back return policy like normal mattresses. Do you have any info on why they don't offer one?

Thanks!!


http://www.shepherdsdream.com/order.htm
RETURN POLICY

We do not give cash returns for products, unless it is agreed that they are defective. Shepherd's Dream reserves the right to determine if a product is defective. Mattresses, frames, baby-bedding and custom orders can not be returned or exchanged. Exchanges can be arranged for mattress mates, comforters and pillows within 10 days of your receiving the item. On these items returns can be arranged with a 15% re-stock charge.

We ask that you do not use or damage the product before exchanging it (please do not sleep on it). Feel free to try the item out, but keep it covered for protection. You should know right away whether these items are right for you!

The key to satisfaction is making the right decision. If you have any doubt about your compatibility with our wool bedding, we recommend you begin by purchasing a pillow so you can see, feel and smell these products. Environmentally sensitive individuals should call us for a phone consultation before ordering anything, (compatibility testing packets are available).

[kaia8]

Hi Taedareth!

I really can't speak on behalf of Shepherd's Dream, but I would guess that's because it's illegal to sell used mattresses in the US. I believe they do take returns on most of their other items, but not the mattresses because you're actually supposed to destroy them! I know it sucks for us consumers, but I think a small company just can't afford those costs... (and it kinda makes you wonder what those companies who offer full refunds are doing with their returned mattresses!)

Did you ask them if anyone around you has a mattress you can try out? I bought almost everything they make for myself, waaay before I decided to open a store, so I can honestly say that their bedding is really amazing. Really, I swear! (Shepherd's Dream is actually what inspired me to go into business in the first place!)

Also they'll send you a box of samples if you want, for just a little money to cover shipping. And I think they actually reimburse you if you order something later... anyway here's a mama who's really happy with her wool bed - hope this helps!

http://www.mothering.com/discussions...28#post8876628

[Taedareth]

That information is really helpful, thank you! I can't picture myself going to some stranger's house and saying, "Hi, can I lay on your wool mattress?" But the sample kit might be useful.

As a side note, are you sure it's illegal to sell used mattresses? Hotels do it all the time because many of them buy new mattresses every 6 months or so. Maybe it varies from state to state.

So, do you have a wool mattress personally? Can I ask whether you and your DH are equally comfortable on it, and what your respective weights are? Also do you guys like to sleep on your front/back/side?

Or if you don't want to answer such personal questions then maybe I should just tell you about us and see if you think we'd like a wool mattress I'm 130 lbs and sleep on my side. DH is 295 lbs and sleeps on his face. Currently we have a Tempurpedic and it's more comfortable than an innerspring, but sometimes it feels too hard for me. It's perfect for DH though.

[kaia8]

Hi Taedareth!

I unfortunately do not have a wool mattress. I literally have everything else - felts, comforter, mattress cover, mattress topper, four pillows, neck roll, and travel pillow. I'm actually going to get the mattress as soon as I can afford it, because I'm done with my Vivetique latex mattress! But because I'm starting up this business, it'll take me a few months... I can give you an update this winter though! =)

From what I've heard, the wool mattress is generally softer than the latex mattresses, especially if you add the latex strips to the Shepherd's Dream to the bed slats. You should totally get the samples, and see what you think. (I personally love the Snugglemate, which I think can make anything feel better!) It'll only cost a little bit, and the samples are way bigger than most samples so you can kinda lay them on top of one another and pretend like it's a two foot mattress.

Also if cost is an issue, and you have a decent old mattress, you can always *just* buy the mattress topper. I did that with my old one, and it works really well. Not quite as comfortable as the entire mattress, but it's almost as good, and it's nice to not go broke! (Shepherd's Dream and Savvy Rest both make them, and I'm sure other companies too.)

As for the used mattress question, I did some quick research and I guess that some states DO allow the sales of used mattresses, if they are totally sanitized and disinfected, and labeled as such. I'm gonna see if I can find the laws in specific states, but I'm guessing the SD and SR just don't want to deal with the whole sanitization process, even if it is allowed in some states. It sounds a little scary! Here's the link:

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/...usdbdalrt.shtm

Some dishonest mattress dealers:
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2000/06/mattress2.shtm

And here's some literature on CA bedding laws:
http://www.sterifab.com/ca_news.html

The California Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BHFTI) Chief Karen Hatchel approved an alternative method of sanitizing used/secondhand or renovated bedding products which, according to Hatchel, is to better meet consumer protection needs.

Effective Jan. 1, 1998, BHFTI allows the use of the spray chemical disinfectant Steri-fab as an additional, approved method for the disinfection of mattresses, with any type of ticking or plastic covering, and box springs.

According to John McCormack, BHFTI technical coordinator for research and development, the new method provides an option to - not a substitute for -the common dry-heat method of sanitization in California. California law required that used/secondhand or renovated bedding be dry-heated in ovens, a sanitization process which takes two or three hours for each mattress, limiting the volume of used bedding that can be disinfected in a day.

Unlike the dry-heat method, the chemical disinfectant permits a tracing method to enforce compliance with the state's sanitization laws. Steri-fab contains a fluorescent crystal suspension which, when exposed to ultra-violet light, can be seen, thus permitting inspectors to determine whether products have been properly disinfected.

With the alternative method the Bureau hopes that the less-than-honest renovators and businesses dealing in used/secondhand bedding will actually start sanitizing their products, rather than saying they had used the dry-heat process when in fact they had never done so.

"We see a lot of non-compliance," said Hatchel, "and we are constantly moving to stronger compliance [with state regulations]. The tracer chemical gives us greater tools to aggressively enforce the laws."

Hatchel explained that the Bureau does spot inspections and looks to make sure that the Bureau's strict guidelines for the use of Steri-fab are followed.

[Taedareth]

That mattress sanitization stuff sounds creepy. :

Thanks for the info! The mattress topper sounds really nice. My main concern is actually toxic outgassing from the synthetic latex (Tempurpedic). But we don't really have the $1.5k to drop on a new mattress right now, so maybe a wool topper would cut down on fumes... I dunno. Sounds comfy though!

What did you not like about your natural latex mattress?

[treefolk]

I have tried that mattress at a store. It is thinner than the more pricey mattresses. After laying on the thicker ones, the one you mentioned seemed really thin.....almost like I was hitting the boxspring (but I definatly was NOT) Maybe I can describe it as a bit firmer, not as squishy. In all honesty though, as much as I hate to admit it - I think I got sucked into the "sales" enviornment of it. The store had the $2000 mattresses on beautiful wood frames with lovely sheets, etc. This one was in the back in a corner, just plain on a plain boxspring. We just couldn't fit it in our budget at all right now, but when we can, I would go with this one. Maybe not as great as all the others, but I actually like the idea that it's 100% latex and not cotton and wool toppers!
Just my 2 cents!

[kaia8]

Hi Treefolk! I'm sorry, which mattress would you go with? I didn't catch the name of it...

And Taedareth, the reason I regret buying my Vivetique/Pure Rest mattress is that it's the 6" zoned, and there's no way to remove the cover. It was comfortable at first, but now feels really hard by itself, and our legs sometimes hurt BECAUSE it's zoned. I've learned that with latex, you really don't need the "zoned support", because latex naturally curves to match pressure points.

I bought it because it seemed like the best mattress that I could afford, and now I wish I'd just saved up a little longer and bought a better one! If I could do it over again, I would:

1. buy a thicker mattress (at least 8 or 9 inches total)
2. customize the two sides (my boyfriend likes it much softer)
3. get one with a zip off cover, so I can exchange pieces if needed as well as clean the cover.

Right now we have the Shepherds Dream Travelmate on top, which has helped a ton! But still... I'm hoping to upgrade in the next few months. =)

[LovinLiviLou]

Just posting an update that I bought the 6" from foamsource for my daughter (and whichever one of us is sleeping with her that night), and we got it the other day. I am very happy with it and with the experience. It came rolled up in a box, we just had to open it and plop it on the bed. We put it on a slat bed, and the medium mattress feels just great. I was very nervous about buying without trying the exact one out, but it all turned out ok. This one does have a zippered top, too.

Man, the whole mattress buying thing is so hard! And if this experience had gone badly, I would never have heard the end of it (my dh is not so in to this organic mattress thing).