Well thought-out product
Written: Jun 17 '02 (Updated Jun 17 '02)
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Pros: Extremely comfortable, Great support and pressure point relief
Cons: Expensive!!!
The Bottom Line: This mattress has it all. Extreme comfort, optional organic materials, luxurious pillowtops, long lasting durability.
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| ch59's Full Review: Royal Pedic Royal Latex 7-Zone Mattress |
I have a family member with fibromyalgia (a medical condition that causes pain, muscle stiffness and sleeping problems among other symptoms). She was going to be staying with my family for an extended period of time, and she had complained that the mattress in our guestroom caused extreme discomfort.
I currently have a latex mattress (from Flobeds) which I absolutely love. I asked her to try sleeping on my bed for a night. She remarked her pain subsided somewhat-but there was still pain in the head, neck and leg regions. She asked me to do some research on other latex mattresses that were softer.
My search brought me to Royal-Pedic Latex 7-Zone Mattresses. These mattress are unique in that they provide 7 different 'zones', each with a different firmness.
The shoulder and upper back zones are softer and have more give since this part of the body doesn't require as much support. Even for a side sleeper, the mattress incorporates two half-moon shaped 'Pressure Relaxation Channels', this allows for a pressure point relief and proper spinal alignment.
The lower leg zone, are similar to the shoulder and back zones and also have the 'Pressure Relaxation Channels' for added comfort.
The lumbar zone provides the firmest support of the entire mattress, and so it should. Proper support of the lower back is important as to prevent a hammocking effect, which can lead to lower back pain and discomfort.
The pelvic zone is softer and more flexible than the lumbar zone. It also features the 'Pressure Relaxation Channels' which will accommodate back or side sleepers.
The knee zone has the same firmness as the lumbar zone.
The foot and ankle zone is the same as the head and neck zone and allows for pressure point relief.
The mattress consists of 5 1/2" core of 99% latex. (The remaining 1% is a 'bonding' agent required to adhere the 7 different zones together) *There is a 100% latex available, but you don't get the 7 zones. The latex core is then wrapped in your choice of organic cotton, tufted organic cotton or organic New Zealand’s lambswool, bringing the overall thickness of the bed to about 8" (without the pillowtop). The price will also be higher depending on what options you pick.
There is also an option of purchasing a separate pillowtop that is placed directly on top of the mattress. You can choose from a 3 1/2" and 5 1/2 " latex quilted pillowtop pad. But hold your breath, these pillowtop pads are pricey $720 for a 3 1/2" full-size, or $920 for the 5 1/2". There are lower cost alternatives if you go with a thinner pillowtop. Also keep in mind, if you have an existing innerspring mattress with good support, but a failing pillowtop-these latex pillowtops can be placed right over your existing mattress and instantly turn a ho-hum bed into pure luxury!
The Royal Pedic Latex mattresses vary in price depending if you go with cotton, tufted cotton or wool. The price range for a full-size mattress is $1199-$1499+. The boxspring is additional and runs anywhere from about $400-$700 depending on where you buy from.
The warranty is 10 years; non pro-rated and covers material and manufacturer defects. On average, depending on use, size/weight of the sleepers etc.-the bed will last from 10-20 years. The manufacturer did say flipping is a "good idea", even though other latex manufacturers say it's not necessary. I personally think if it's not that big of a hassle, why not do it a few times a year?
With all of this information in hand, we went to the local dealer to test drive the mattress. The family member (mentioned in the beginning of this review) was the test driver of the mattress. We spent several HOURS in the store! But it was the only way to know for sure what was best for her. The Royal-Pedic 7 zone mattress was definitely the most comfortable, even to me.
She tried it with and without the pillowtop. The 3 1/2 pillowtop was very soft, cushy and still allowed you to feel the support of the bed underneath. But she complained that because of her fibromylagia, it still wasn't soft enough. She tried the 5 1/2" pillowtop and voila! Success! She raved how there was no more 'feel' of the bed underneath, only softness and feeling like she was engulfed in a soft cloud.
To be sure, she tossed, turned, laid on her back, side etc. The mattress provided comfort, support and best of all pressure relief to head, neck and calf areas. So we purchased the full-size 7 zone latex mattress with the 5 1/2" pillowtop option and also the boxspring.
The real test was a nights sleep on the mattress. She slept on it and when she got up in the morning she was hooting and hollering how comfortable the bed was. While she normally always has severe pain upon wakening, she had very mild pain. She remarked that the quality of sleep was unlike any she ever had. With all of this raving of this bed, I HAD to try it out.
She was right, that bed was pure comfort. Perfect pressure relief, heat/cold sensitive, pure luxury that reminds me of the ultra-expensive Duxiana bed. I hate to say this, but now I somewhat regret the latex Flobed I purchased. Why? My latex bed doesn't have the 7-zones that the Royal Pedic provides. This is more important than I thought. It was very noticeable how my head and neck was softly cradled, while my lower back was firmly supported. Oh well, at least I can purchase the pillowtop and put it over my existing latex mattress!
It has been about 4 weeks and my family member says the money spent on the Royal-Pedic 7 zone latex mattress was well worth it. She absolutely loves the bed, sleeps like a baby and best of all-the pain relief alone was worth the expensive price of the bed. (I have to admit sneaking catnaps on that bed when she's not around. It really is that comfortable!)
I would strongly recommend going into a showroom and testing out the bed. It is the best way to know what options you need/don't need. I do feel the 5 1'2" pillowtop was the icing on the cake. Also be sure not to confuse the Royal-Pedic with the Tempur-pedic. They are no where near the same bed. The Royal-Pedic is natural latex while the Tempur-pedic is synthetic-plastic type of materials.
The website I would recommend as your starting point is:
www.royalpedic.com
Recommended:
Yes
Mattress Size: Full/Double
Mattress Firmness: Somewhat soft
Amount Paid (US$): $2900
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Epinions.com ID:
ch59
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Reviews written: 11
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