The Unofficial Memory Foam/Visco Elastic/NASA Pillow Thread

[xcoldricex]

i just emailed foambymail yesterday, i'll post what he says if he answers me

i'd rather order from him because i could drive to his place when i go home for break if i don't like what i get. hopefully he'll be open to that if i want to return/exchange it.

 

[randypj]

I had gotten a 3" from Mark's about a year ago. For me, it was a bit too thin.....but definitely better than my normal mattress. I'm a side sleeper. My Mom ended up "borrowing" it.....forever.

Oh....I had also tried the 1-1/2" (I think that's it) from Camping World or Camper World...whatever. It just wasn't worth anything......to me.

So....I knew I wanted a 4" ~5.0#.

I had seen so many good posts about foambymail, that I was ready to buy from them.....although Mark's did nothing wrong. I don't have a vested interest in either. But, since I didn't get a reply to my email asking about the price difference, I ordered from Mark's.

Yes....please do post the reply you receive, or let us know if you don't receive a reply. Basically, I just asked them why the price was that much higher for what I perceived to be the same thing. My only conclusion was that they couldn't justify it.

My 4" from Mark's should be here mid-week. I'll post what I think about it.
--Randy

 

[bhindmarsh]

Well, boscovs only has up to queen size. no CA King. Figures. Yes please do post foambymail's response. And PJ please post your observations as well. The wife and I are now considering an early christmas present for ourselves. Only concern is 4" (even 3") are going to require deep fitted sheets? What are you guys doing about this? just getting rid of your mattress and getting a hard foam base? or buying the deep sheets?

 

[relaxandreflect]

i've been reading this thread for a while now and researching all over the net.

i have come to some conclusions but am not sure if they are all correct.

Please read the below and respond accordingly.

I can conclude that for a heavier person such as myself (225 lbs), who sleeps on my side that:

1. I need a pillow and/or mattress pad that is 5 lbs in density and 3-4" thick.

2. Even though a pillow such as Sensus may be 5 lbs, it would still be inferior to the Tempur-pedic, since they have a 'secret recipe foam'

 

[SpotDancer]

Relaxandreflect:

I think you are absolutely correct - you should be thinking in terms of a 5lb density foam mattress pad and pillows at least three inches thick, and four if you have the bank. I think you are also correct that TempurPedic does have a special memory foam formula, and they probably have the very best quality foam; however, at what price? The Sensus foam is near-TempurPedic quality with a lot lower price tag. The old adage is, do you really want to spend the money on a Ferrari when a Mercedes will do? If you just gotta have the absolute best go for the TempurPedic. If you want something very close in quality for a lot less cash, go for the Sensus - and buy it from foambymail!!!:Q

I, too, have no "connection" to foambymail or anyone else for that matter except to say that I have bought various products from multiple vendors, and found that Foambymail's customer service was excellent. They answered all of my questions and all of my emails immediately. I am really surprised to hear that they have not answered other people's emails. Very unlike them.

Having said that, I am wondering why anyone would want to inquire about their website prices being different than on eBay? Hell, supermarkets that have stores within two miles of each other charge different prices for the same items. And, isnt the whole purpose of buying on eBay to get a better price than a normal retail price? I think so, otherwise eBay would not exist. I bet if someone took the time to check the prices at most eBay seller's websites you would definitely see a difference in what they charge on the website versus what they charge on eBay. Just my .02 cents.

 

[ep12582]

I have the tempur-pedic neck pillow.. and I must say I really dislike it.. its really uncomfortable. I haven't tried ou their comfort pillow though.

 

[relaxandreflect]

i've been reading this thread for a while now and researching all over the net.

i have come to some conclusions but am not sure if they are all correct.

Please read the below and respond accordingly.

I can conclude that for a heavier person such as myself (225 lbs), who sleeps on my side that:

1. I need a pillow and/or mattress pad that is 5 lbs in density and 3-4" thick.

2. Even though a pillow such as Sensus may be 5 lbs, it would still be inferior to the Tempur-pedic, since they have a 'secret recipe foam'

Originally posted by: SpotDancer
Relaxandreflect:

I think you are absolutely correct - you should be thinking in terms of a 5lb density foam mattress pad and pillows at least three inches thick, and four if you have the bank. I think you are also correct that TempurPedic does have a special memory foam formula, and they probably have the very best quality foam; however, at what price? The Sensus foam is near-TempurPedic quality with a lot lower price tag. The old adage is, do you really want to spend the money on a Ferrari when a Mercedes will do? If you just gotta have the absolute best go for the TempurPedic. If you want something very close in quality for a lot less cash, go for the Sensus - and buy it from foambymail!!!:Q

I, too, have no "connection" to foambymail or anyone else for that matter except to say that I have bought various products from multiple vendors, and found that Foambymail's customer service was excellent. They answered all of my questions and all of my emails immediately. I am really surprised to hear that they have not answered other people's emails. Very unlike them.

Having said that, I am wondering why anyone would want to inquire about their website prices being different than on eBay? Hell, supermarkets that have stores within two miles of each other charge different prices for the same items. And, isnt the whole purpose of buying on eBay to get a better price than a normal retail price? I think so, otherwise eBay would not exist. I bet if someone took the time to check the prices at most eBay seller's websites you would definitely see a difference in what they charge on the website versus what they charge on eBay. Just my .02 cents.

ok, well after looking at the video in the foambymail listing on ebay for the sensus, it only shows 8 sec to recovery from being depressed by the hand. i thought that the Tempur-pedic took 15 sec. to recover. Now the variables: how many lbs of pressure were applied? what amount of heat was applied? what was the room temperature at the time? when does the time begin and end? what were the dimensions of the pillow tested?

after all of this, i am still a little confused as to whether i should spend around $75 shipped for the Tempur-pedic on ebay or $37 shipped for the Sensus.

**note: it also looks like the tempur-pedic comes with it's own special pillowcase while the sensus does not. i have read through this thread that a pillowcase can make a difference with how much heat is allowed to reach the pillow. i would like a cover on it either way cause sometimes my head be durrty.

 

[bhindmarsh]

Originally posted by: SpotDancer
Relaxandreflect:

I, too, have no "connection" to foambymail or anyone else for that matter except to say that I have bought various products from multiple vendors, and found that Foambymail's customer service was excellent. They answered all of my questions and all of my emails immediately. I am really surprised to hear that they have not answered other people's emails. Very unlike them.

Having said that, I am wondering why anyone would want to inquire about their website prices being different than on eBay? Hell, supermarkets that have stores within two miles of each other charge different prices for the same items. And, isnt the whole purpose of buying on eBay to get a better price than a normal retail price? I think so, otherwise eBay would not exist. I bet if someone took the time to check the prices at most eBay seller's websites you would definitely see a difference in what they charge on the website versus what they charge on eBay. Just my .02 cents.

Valid point Spotdancer. well taken. I'm sure I could get foambymail to honor their ebay price w/o an ebay purchase if I were so inclined. I'm not discounting your opinion/experience with foambymail nor that of others. I feel perfectly confident that if i placed an order w/ foambymail, I'd get a good 5.0 product and good service ... also, from the experience of others in this thread, I feel that I would get good 5.0 product/good service from marks... I'm fairly certain they are both the same product at nearly the same price and they both seem to have good service so that's really not an issue for me.

I'm still curious about the original 5.0-5.3 lb issue but I haven't done enough research, haven't emailed anyone yet. Still, you have to admit that the change from 5.3 -> 5.0 in foambymail's listings could be construed as product misrepresentation or perhaps it's just that the rating system has such uncertainty to it that foambymail's claim of 5.3 was perfectly legitimate. i don't know. but misresprentation would be enough to cause me to spend my $ with someone else. But i'm not handing out a verdict here. just trying to point out what I thought was a curious issue in my quest to find the right product at the right price. when i noticed xcoldricex's comment that he wanted 5.3 as opposed to the 5.0, it made me curious.

either way, I'm still undecided where to buy... i'm quickly coming to a decision about sensus (now 5.0) being the product for me and am taking your suggestions for trying out other products in store as a way to decide.

I appreciate your opinion greatly, I feel certain that a sensus mattresspad is a good option for my needs based in large part on your reccomendations. please don't be offended.

 

[cockeyed]

I'll chime in with my experience with these pillows and toppers.

About 9 months ago I bought a topper for the bed. After much research I bought the "Isotonic" brand and have been happy ever since. My research showed that Tempurpedic brand is the heaviest per cubic foot and the Isotonic the next heaviest. The heavier per cubic foot, the denser and harder feeling it is. For me, Isotonic has a nice soft, yet firm feel, sort-of like dough. I would buy an Isotonic topper again in the future.

The pillow I got recently, is from Sam's Club (TempSoma) brand, about $27. For me, it is too firm but some people might like it like this. It is fairly heavy and dense, so I would guess that it is similiar to Tempurpedic foam. The TempSoma is well made of 2 piece laminated visco foam with a nice quilted cover stuffed with goose down feathers. I only wish that it were a little softer, but otherwise it is a high quality pillow at a low price.

My suggestion: if you want firm almost hard, get Tempurpedic. I you like a softer doughy feel, go with Isotonic.

 

[xcoldricex]

got a reply earlier today:

"The density of the foam ranges, with 5.0 density being the average, and 5.3 is the high end. So basically, it is the same foam."

and he has an actual store front because he said i could come pick up my order if i wanted to (but i go to school in philly- live in the detroit area). so i'll probably order from them tomorrow and if i am not happy with it i'll bring it home over my break and return it.

sounds good to me!

 

[randypj]

Originally posted by: SpotDancer
Relaxandreflect:

I, too, have no "connection" to foambymail or anyone else for that matter except to say that I have bought various products from multiple vendors, and found that Foambymail's customer service was excellent. They answered all of my questions and all of my emails immediately. I am really surprised to hear that they have not answered other people's emails. Very unlike them.

Having said that, I am wondering why anyone would want to inquire about their website prices being different than on eBay? Hell, supermarkets that have stores within two miles of each other charge different prices for the same items. And, isnt the whole purpose of buying on eBay to get a better price than a normal retail price? I think so, otherwise eBay would not exist. I bet if someone took the time to check the prices at most eBay seller's websites you would definitely see a difference in what they charge on the website versus what they charge on eBay. Just my .02 cents.

SpotDancer--

On the off chance that your post was referring to mine:

1. I was comparing each company's website prices, for what appeared, to me, to be at least almost identical products. My email did not refer to eBay at all.

2. I'll be glad to forward my email, with full headers, that they did not reply to, to foambymail, BCC you, and ask them why they chose not to reply to it. Just say the word and I'll be happy to do it.
--Randy :disgust:

 

[SpotDancer]

Randypj and Bhindmarsh:

I would like to say that I dont have a quarrel with either of you. Some things strike some people one way and other people in other ways. My only thought was that it makes perfect sense to me why the there is a disparity in website and eBay pricing - for any supplier. Hell, look at all the competition on eBay for memory foam products, including three or four selling Sensus foam. I also thought that if store ABC had two locations, and one location was selling an exact same item for less money, would I run over to the other location and ask them why? I dont think so, I would just get the better price. Nuff said about this methinks!!

Just for the hell of it, I took the time yesterday to write to foambymail and ask them these same questions that some of you had concerns about. This is the reply I received from Carlo at foambymail:


I believe there may be an issue with how the e-mail gets to us (Could be either our web hosting company and / or our ISP). If you don't hear a response from us with in 2 business days, just e-mail us again. The reason why the pricing & info is different is because of local competitors, and internet competitors. Our website is serving both the local and internet customers, so it is hard to say that the foam is 5.0LB, when local competitors say the same foam or similar is the higher 5.3LB. The same goes with the price. If customers see a huge price difference from us to local competitors, they may think our foam is not the correct density, or in some way defective, when really it is not.

Make sense?

Sincerely,
Carlo
Foam Factory


Makes perfect sense to me ya'll!!!:Q

 

[bhindmarsh]

yep perfect sense. thanks for sending the email for me Spotdancer. I guess, lesson learned: memory foam density ratings are approximations so if you see the same product spec'd at 5 from one store and spec'd at 5.3 at another, they are the same product. definitely good info for foam shoppers!

 

[bhindmarsh]

Originally posted by: cockeyed
I'll chime in with my experience with these pillows and toppers.

My suggestion: if you want firm almost hard, get Tempurpedic. I you like a softer doughy feel, go with Isotonic.

Isn't the Tempurpedic the 3.3lb foam made by Carpenter? same as what Mark's lists here?

 

[Sesopedalian]

Originally posted by: bhindmarsh

Originally posted by: cockeyed
I'll chime in with my experience with these pillows and toppers.

My suggestion: if you want firm almost hard, get Tempurpedic. I you like a softer doughy feel, go with Isotonic.

Isn't the Tempurpedic the 3.3lb foam made by Carpenter? same as what Mark's lists here?

Isotonic is Carpenter's brand name. Tempurpedic is a different brand name made by another company.

 

[Slacktron]

After messing around with the various matress toppers and "NASA Foam" of different brands, I conceded that it was time to go all the way and do it right. So I started shopping for price on a real TempurPedic mattress. They must keep a pretty tight fist on their distributors, since almost none will post their price on the web! How frustrating for a shopper.

Since they're all selling the same mattress, I just wanted the best price. Sales Tax and delivery to California is also a consideration.

The price direct from TempurPedic was the highest. But they do send out offer coupons for free pillows, or free delivery. This still didn't make up for the high price. Brookstone (aka "The TempurPedic & Homedics Store") isn't much better:
8" King size set: $1999 (includes $300 foundation)
10" King size set: $2399

The worst sites are like www.ultimatebackstore.com, where they have an e-Mail address, but respond to all inquiries with "Call Us!".

The nicest site was www.backbenimble.com, which will auto-email a very comprehensive price list upon inquiry. Their breakdown was:
8" King size mattress set: $1699+$290
10" King size mattress set: $2099+$290
Free shipping, possibly 2 free pillows, No CA sales tax

The best deal I found was from "www.the-mattress-outlet.com". I'm not sure what to make of that place.. they don't advertise the TempurPedic offerings on their web page, but they do have them. Their email address is "MATTRESS(at)NETVA.COM"

8" King size mattress with foundation: $1799
10" Deluxe King size mattress with foundation: $1999 (awesome deal)
Free shipping, no CA sales tax. Nice folks.

There's also an eBay seller called "todayswarehouse" that occasionally puts new mattress sets up with very low starting bids.

All of these sellers have the standard 20yr warranty, but most offer no "sleep test" return like TempurPedic direct.

I'm just posting this info since it was so hard to collect, and I thought there might be other readers of this gargantuan thread that might be ready for the Real Thing.

 

[Sesopedalian]

Anyone tried the Carpenter mattress? There is a comparison with the Tempurpedic
Here

I was considering it before I made my own mattress. Half the price of Tempurpedic, and free trial period also.

 

[xcoldricex]

has anyone tried the tempurpedic mattress topper? its only 1" but i guess it should be good if its tempurpedic right? i was thinking about trying it out for 60 days.

its expensive though- $299 for twin, $349 for twin xl. but i really really like brookstone- they always take things back no questions asked and give you a brand new one, no matter how long you've had it.

 

[minerat]

for $200 you could get a 4" Sensus topper - most people on here agree that Sensus is the way to go, it's quality is up there with tempurpedic. There's absolutely no reason to spend $300 on a 1"!!!! tempurpedic topper.

 

[jdsemler]

(How do I say this without it sounding rude? ) Is the needed extra thickness mainly to make up for the weight that is laying on it? I have a 1.5" thick visco elastic mattress topper that I got from smartbargains.com for $59 about a month or two ago, and I swear I'm not feeling the flat mattress under it. I'm also a fairly light weight guy, so I'm just wondering how much person-weight is recommended before I look into something like a 4" topper or something.

 

[Sesopedalian]

That's because comfort is not in the thickness, but in the mind. Industry standard is 2", and, just like anything else, you get what you pay for, it's just a matter of what you are willing to settle for. Also, the foundation is as important as the pad itself.

JC Penny Fall catalog has the "Dream Hugger" memory foam at 1 1/2 inch, five year warranty for 49.99, for all sizes, so King Size is also $49.99.
Catalog # is DX 725-2559. I have no idea of the quality of this pad, but I bet some people will love it.

 

[xcoldricex]

i ordered a 4" topper from foambymail.. seems its taking him sometime to 'process' my order though. i sent payment last thursday and it hasn't gone out yet. i might just end up picking it up from him when i go home. sigh.

 

[xcoldricex]

i just got an email from him:

Hello,
We cut the 5LB density pads to order, and since your pad is a custom job (twin long), there may be a longer wait. You should be receiving your order by the middle to end of next week.

Sincerely,
Carlo
Foam Factory


so that's why.

 

[elektronic]

The thread that won't die!

Being 165lbs and 6'3" I went with the 4lb density, 3" topper from foambymail with the 5" base from jcpenny.

I figure that'll be okay, since my own density is ~13.75 lbs/ft^3.

Your own density factors into what you need, doesn't it?

-Jeff

 

[Jarhead]

Oh, you all is missing out bigtime.

Heheh, memory foam.....

Try water pillows!!!!

Much better fit to your head/shoulders, imho.

Everything moves out of the way easy, no resistance like memory foam, yes, I know memory foam "shapes" but there is still a good amount of resistance. And the water adjusts instantly.

The one I have is called Chiroflow Waterbase pillow, and was recommended by a therapist and neurosurgeon, so I sprang 37 bux.

You adjust the amount of water in it for the amout of firmness. It has a nice thick layer of DuPont padding around the water bladder. The water bladder is enclosed in a thermal blanket so you don't notice the temperature of the water inside.

This one is clinically proven to reduce pain and improve quality of sleep.

Even Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine recommends it.

BTW, their design is Patented:
- http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=/netahtml/srchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=4847931.WKU.&OS=PN/4847931&RS=PN/4847931

- http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=/netahtml/srchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=4896388.WKU.&OS=PN/4896388&RS=PN/4896388

bwahahaha...memory foam....