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JKlein's Profile

Display Name: JKlein
Personal URL: http://www.svenskabeds.com
Member Since: 4/26/07
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Latest Comments...

NEWSFLASH: FED UP WITH HASTENS
While I still have the utmost respect for Hastens mattresses, the company leaves less and less to be desired these days.

Hastens has always been slow to handle customer service issues to the point where I would replace defective beds from my own inventory and wait for Hastens to then do an exchange at my warehouse. But I am at my whit's end because although the companies service was one of the reasons why I dropped the line last year in favor of Carpe Diem beds, they are not responding to my customer's calls for service or my calls. I have been emailing and calling the US Rep and the US Country Manager for over six weeks on behalf of a customer with a defective Hastens bed and no one has even replied.

Not Good. Is anyone else having a similar experience?

On another note, I am researching more European and Scandinavian brands. If anyone has any suggestions for me to check out or any questions, please email me.

Thanks,

Jeff

Jeff Klein
Svenska Beds
jklein@svenskabeds.com


Hastens Beds
1/24/11 8:48 PM

Hi Carnag,

I actually have a Relyon Dutchess queen set (Floor Sample) that I am selling off at a HUGE discount. If you have any interest, please email me and I can hook you up.
It's in close to new condition and I can sell if for a price you cant refuse to help me make room for a new Carpe Diem floor sample.

I'll have to check when I'm back in the office on Monday, but I think it was selling for $11,000 and we are selling the floor sample for about $3500.

Thanks,

Jeff


Hastens Beds | Apartment Therapy New York
7/3/10 11:32 PM

Hi Carnag,

You are right to look at natural latex beds. If a bed from Sweden isn't in your budget, natural latex is my second choice for most people.

It conforms very well to the shape of your spine to give good support and it relieves pressure points better than most innerspring mattresses. Its cooler to sleep on because its very breathable and its very durable (30 to 40 years).

Some natural latex beds are organic, some are "green" and some are in between. Savvy Rest seems to make a nice mattress, but I don't like how sloppy they look. i also wish that they were plusher feeling. But the comfort is subjective. You might also check out Natura, they have many choices and they have a good reputation.

In CT, I carry natural latex beds from Terra Bed, a new line of organic natural latex from World Sleep Products. They are available with different toppers so you can find the comfort feel that is best for you.

Some innerspring mattresses might be a good match for you as well, NXG from Simmons is extremely conforming but it is all synthetic.

The pocketed coil line from Symbol/Mastercraft is really supportive and my customers have given me tons of great feedback on it.

The bottom line is comfort. If a Hastens or Carpe Diem was the most comfortable bed and if it fit in your budget, they are well worth it. But if your budget doesn't allow for those brands, then these other suggestions should give you some great alternatives.

Feel free to email or call if you would like specific info on anything that you are considering.

Good luck,

Jeff Klein
Sleep etc./Svenska Beds
Connecticut
jklein@svenskabeds.com


Hastens Beds | Apartment Therapy New York
6/16/10 2:52 AM

JoanneBE,

A lot of today's mattresses are recommended for use on platform beds. In the past, some mattresses would wear better on platforms than others, but most of today's mattresses are built to wear properly on platforms.

As for support and comfort on platforms. I think that you need a mattress that will conform better than the average mattress to compensate for the platform not having any give. The benefit of selecting a really conforming mattress is so that it will allow your hips and shoulders to sink in and it will fill the void at your lower back. This will keep your spine in a more natural posture than a bed that is too stiff.

I like natural latex mattresses, memory foam is also very conforming, but it has an unusual feel and some claim that the foam is not healthy to sleep on.

Natural latex is extremely conforming, supportive, comfortable, healthy, breathable, durable, etc. Natural latex matts will cost a bit more than traditional innerspring and synthetic latex, but it's worth it.

If you have it in your budget, I would look at Dux and Carpe Diem Beds as well. They will provide superior support to natural latex beds. Carpe Diem goes the farthest to eliminate pressure points and provide fantastic comfort and support, but they are not for every budget ranging in price from 5k to 15k.

The bottom line is comfort. Test several beds and select the one that is keeping your spine in the healthiest, most natural posture and of course, you have to love the feel.

Good luck.

Jeff


Duxiana Beds / Dux Beds | Apartment Therapy New York
11/19/09 5:11 PM

For the record, although I was the first Hastens dealer in the United States, I am phasing out of the brand after nine years.

I had made a comment on another blog and several people have asked me why, so I'll explain.

Hastens beds are wonderful, they are among the best in the world. I am not dropping the line due to any Hastens problems. It's purely business.

For the past few years, I have been selling Carpe Diem Beds of Sweden along side of Hastens. Carpe Diem beds use many of the same components as Hastens, even from the same vendors, but they have a few advantages that most of my customers have preferred.

The bottom line is that I am running a business and I have to give the people what they want. When comparing the two brands side by side, the majority of my customers have been preferring and buying Carpe Diem, so it was a natural choice to phase out Hastens.

Although I have never had any major problems with Hastens beds over the nine years that I have been dealing with them, there are a lot of maintenance issues that are a turn off to a lot of customers. Carpe Diem beds substitute a plush layer of Natural Latex instead of the Horse Hair that is found in Hastens, so the beds don't settle, they don't get firmer with use and they don't require the constant flipping that Hastens mandates.

The two brands are more similar than they are different. Carpe Diem was actually founded by a chiropractor in Sweden who purchased a Hastens and realized that he could make some changes to the bed that would make it even more conforming to the shape of the spine. He used many of the same ingredients including components from the same vendors. Both brands use a similar pocket spring system that is made by the same company. Both brands use a similar hard wood base with tongue and groove construction. Both use cotton and wool and both are hand made by artisans.

The primary difference is the use of a natural latex layer instead of a horse hair layer. This makes Carpe Diem impervious to the horse hair issues. No settling, even more breathable, longer comfort life, better edge support, better pressure relief, more conforming to the spine, etc. etc. But most people choose them because they feel incredible. They are truly amazing beds to sleep on.

Carpe has even been rated higher than Hastens in Sweden (number one for the past five years in a row) by the Swedish Furniture Industry Survey.

Of the hundreds of Carpe Diem beds that I have sold, we have only come across one bed that had not been manufactured properly. They have a zero percent return rate which is unheard of in this industry.

I am still a fan of Hastens and I still have some inventory in case anyone is looking for a deal, but going forward, I'm Mr. Carpe Diem. I have even inked a deal with Carpe Diem to be involved in their US distribution and several US stores are in the works. The beds are now available at my CT showrooms as well as two shops in CA.

I guess I am still Mr. Hastens too. So if anyone needs unbiased advice, feel free to email.

Thanks,

Jeff

Jeff Klein
President
Sleep etc. and Svenska Beds
Norwalk, CT


Duxiana Beds / Dux Beds | Apartment Therapy New York
11/12/09 7:03 PM

For the record, although I was the first Hastens dealer in the United States, I am phasing out of the brand after nine years.

I had made a comment on this blog several months ago and several people have asked me why, so I'll explain.

Hastens beds are wonderful, they are among the best in the world. I am not dropping the line due to any Hastens problems. It's purely business.

For the past few years, I have been selling Carpe Diem Beds of Sweden along side of Hastens. Carpe Diem beds use many of the same components as Hastens, even from the same vendors, but they have a few advantages that most of my customers have preferred.

The bottom line is that I am running a business and I have to give the people what they want. When comparing the two brands side by side, the majority of my customers have been preferring and buying Carpe Diem, so it was a natural choice to phase out Hastens.

Although I have never had any major problems with Hastens beds over the nine years that I have been dealing with them, there are a lot of maintenance issues that are a turn off to a lot of customers. Carpe Diem beds substitute a plush layer of Natural Latex instead of the Horse Hair that is found in Hastens, so the beds don't settle, they don't get firmer with use and they don't require the constant flipping that Hastens mandates.

The two brands are more similar than they are different. Carpe Diem was actually founded by a chiropractor in Sweden who purchased a Hastens and realized that he could make some changes to the bed that would make it even more conforming to the shape of the spine. He used many of the same ingredients including components from the same vendors. Both brands use a similar pocket spring system that is made by the same company. Both brands use a similar hard wood base with tongue and groove construction. Both use cotton and wool and both are hand made by artisans.

The primary difference is the use of a natural latex layer instead of a horse hair layer. This makes Carpe Diem impervious to the horse hair issues. No settling, even more breathable, longer comfort life, better edge support, better pressure relief, more conforming to the spine, etc. etc. But most people choose them because they feel incredible. They are truly amazing beds to sleep on.

Carpe has even been rated higher than Hastens in Sweden (number one for the past five years in a row) by the Swedish Furniture Industry Survey.

Of the hundreds of Carpe Diem beds that I have sold, we have only come across one bed that had not been manufactured properly. They have a zero percent return rate which is unheard of in this industry.

I am still a fan of Hastens and I still have some inventory in case anyone is looking for a deal, but going forward, I'm Mr. Carpe Diem. I have even inked a deal with Carpe Diem to be involved in their US distribution and several US stores are in the works. The beds are now available at my CT showrooms as well as two shops in CA.

I guess I am still Mr. Hastens too. So if anyone needs unbiased advice, feel free to email.

Thanks,

Jeff

Jeff Klein
President
Sleep etc. and Svenska Beds
Norwalk, CT


Duxiana Beds / Dux Beds | Apartment Therapy New York
11/12/09 6:19 PM

For the record, although I was the first Hastens dealer in the United States, I am phasing out of the brand after nine years.

I had made a comment on another blog and several people have asked me why, so I'll explain.

Hastens beds are wonderful, they are among the best in the world. I am not dropping the line due to any Hastens problems. It's purely business.

For the past few years, I have been selling Carpe Diem Beds of Sweden along side of Hastens. Carpe Diem beds use many of the same components as Hastens, even from the same vendors, but they have a few advantages that most of my customers have preferred.

The bottom line is that I am running a business and I have to give the people what they want. When comparing the two brands side by side, the majority of my customers have been preferring and buying Carpe Diem, so it was a natural choice to phase out Hastens.

Although I have never had any major problems with Hastens beds over the nine years that I have been dealing with them, there are a lot of maintenance issues that are a turn off to a lot of customers. Carpe Diem beds substitute a plush layer of Natural Latex instead of the Horse Hair that is found in Hastens, so the beds don't settle, they don't get firmer with use and they don't require the constant flipping that Hastens mandates.

The two brands are more similar than they are different. Carpe Diem was actually founded by a chiropractor in Sweden who purchased a Hastens and realized that he could make some changes to the bed that would make it even more conforming to the shape of the spine. He used many of the same ingredients including components from the same vendors. Both brands use a similar pocket spring system that is made by the same company. Both brands use a similar hard wood base with tongue and groove construction. Both use cotton and wool and both are hand made by artisans.

The primary difference is the use of a natural latex layer instead of a horse hair layer. This make Carpe Diem impervious to the horse hair issues. No settling, even more breathable, longer comfort life, better edge support, better pressure relief, more conforming to the spine, etc. etc. But most people choose them because they feel incredible. They are truly amazing beds to sleep on.

Carpe has even been rated higher than Hastens in Sweden (number one for the past five years in a row) by the Swedish Furniture Industry Survey.

Of the hundreds of Carpe Diem beds that I have sold, we have only come across one bed that had not been manufactured properly. They have a zero percent return rate which is unheard of in this industry.

I am still a fan of Hastens and I still have some inventory in case anyone is looking for a deal, but going forward, I'm Mr. Carpe Diem. I have even inked a deal with Carpe Diem to be involved in their US distribution and several US stores are in the works. The beds are now available at my CT showrooms as well as two shops in CA.

I guess I am still Mr. Hastens too. So if anyone needs unbiased advice, feel free to email.

Thanks,

Jeff

Jeff Klein
President
Sleep etc. and Svenska Beds
Norwalk, CT


Hastens Beds | Apartment Therapy New York
11/12/09 6:08 PM

Thank you SleepyShane, I really appreciate your comments. I try very hard to bend over backwards for my customers (and anyone who asks bed advice) and it is extremely rewarding to see that the effort is appreciated.

Jeff

Jeff Klein
Sleep etc./ Svenska beds
Norwalk, CT


Hastens Beds | Apartment Therapy New York
11/12/09 5:22 PM

I tried to be as unbiased as possible. I thought that I was fair to Vi Spring. They are great beds, but for one thing, they dont have a separate pillow top. That is a negative in my opinion for two reasons. one, you have to flip the entire heavy mattress instead of just the pillow top and two, when the upholstery layers wear out, you have to replace the entire mattress instead of just the pillow top.

Also, Vi Spring isn't currently available in the US. Neither is Lavital.

JK


Apartment Therapy New York | Hastens Beds
9/7/09 8:58 AM

I am familiar with most of the above mentioned brands. Here's the lowdown:

Carpe Diem Beds of Sweden- Love em. Made by hand using top quality materials in Lysekil, Sweden. I've been to the factory overlooking the sea about an hour north of Gothenberg. I sell them in my CT shops and Carpe Diem is in the process of opening dealers in several states. See www.carpediembeds.com for more info or email me and I'll send you a catalog. I sleep on a Carpe Diem Malo model.

Wonderland- Good quality. Machine made in Norway. Better than most American beds, but lower quality than Carpe Diem and Hastens. Not sold in the US, but I am talking to them about bringing them in, but that is probably at least six months to a year out due to production capabilities.

Kinnabadden - They made low to medium quality beds in a small factory near Boras, Sweden, but they are no longer in business. The factory is now used to produce private label beds for use in some Swedish department stores. I have been to the factory and the employees are very dedicated. If they start to produce anything for the US market, it could be worth a look.

Bozzolo- Tried one in Sweden a couple of weeks ago. I was not impressed to put it lightly. They are sold in Sova stores and possibly other stores in Sweden as well, but the quality seemed really low to me.

Hastens- Very good quality. Been to the factory many times. They are hand made using top quality materials. Every bed is perfect when it leaves the factory. 99% of my customers love them, but they require a fair amount of maintence in the first year as the natural fibers settle and they slowly get firmer each year.

I have been selling more Carpe Diem Beds of Sweden than Hastens lately as they are hand made using the same quality materials. They are even more breathable, they are also upholstered using many natural materials, they don't settle and don't require flipping, they are a great value ($5000 to $25000). And even though I was the first to sell Hastens in the US, I am probably going to phase out of Hastens this year. My Carpe Diem business has been growing at a very fast rate and I am also going to get involved with Carpe distribution so my hands are pretty full.

The bottom line though is that Hastens (www.hastens.com)and Carpe Diem Beds of Sweden (www.carpediembeds.com) are clearly the two best brands of beds in the world with Vi-Spring in England coming in close behind. Some of my customers prefer the features, benefits and feel of Hastens while others prefer the features, benefits and feel of Carpe Diem. The support is equal so I would suggest that people try both and select the bed that is most comfortable to them.

Good luck,

Jeff


Apartment Therapy New York | Hastens Beds
7/2/09 11:51 PM

To follow up on the previous post, Gallery Furniture no longer carries Hastens beds. I carry Hastens at my shops in CT, but I am actually discontinuing the line as well in favor of Carpe Diem Beds of Sweden www.carpediembeds.com which is on par with Hastens quality, but in my opinion, with a few advantages.

I was the first in the US to carry Hastens as I brought them in nine years ago and they really are wonderful beds. But side by side with the Carpe Diem Beds, most of my customers have been selecting Carpe because they require less maintenance, don't get firmer with age, and have more popular style.

Hastens and Carpe Diem Beds use many of the same design elements. They are both hand made in Sweden using the best possible materials. They both have similar hard wood bases, individually pocketed coils and cotton and wool upholstery layers.

The biggest difference is where Hastens chooses to use horse hair, Carpe Diem chooses to use Natural Organic Latex. The Natural latex is just as breathable as the horse hair, maybe even more so, and it maintains it's plushness for decades while the horsehair starts to settle on day one. This causes Hastens beds to get slightly firmer every year while Carpe beds will maintain their original feel. Hastens mattresses need to be flipped and rotated constantly while Carpe Diem mattress do not.

Duxiana makes a very good bed, but both Hastens and Carpe Diem Beds will conform better to your body than Dux or any other beds in the world.

If sold correctly, the mattress should conform so well to the shape of your body that it keeps your spine in a more natural posture. This helps eliminate the pressure points that cause you to toss and turn so you will theoretically get a deeper, more restful sleep.

I also carry Tempur-Pedic in my stores and they are very popular as well. But the advantage of Hastens and Carpe Diem Beds over Tempur is that they conform even better, they are upholstered with many layers of natural materials so that the sleeper is not exposed to chemical off gassing, they are built with superior materials to last for decades, and although it's subjective, most people find them more comfortable.

Comfort is the bottom line. Regardless of the brand, if you are choosing between superior brands like Dux, Hastens, Carpe Diem, Kluft, Royal Pedic, Vi Spring, Tempur-Pedic or Hypnos, the bottom line is to select the bed that is the most comfortable to you.

I have been involved with most of the best bed brands in the world for many years and would be happy to offer advice to anyone, even if you are not in my area or considering the brands that I carry.

Maybe I'm slightly biased, but the bed is the most important piece of furniture in your home, so make sure that you select the correct one for you.

My email is jklein@svenskabeds.com

Good luck and sorry for rambling, but nothing gets my adrenaline going like a good mattress discussion.

Jeff


Apartment Therapy New York | Duxiana Beds / Dux Beds
7/2/09 5:49 PM

TO Anonnnymm,

And another thing......... The one person who did have a bad experience with a Hastens store purchased the bed in Europe. I contacted them to see if there was anything that I could do to help, but they were dealing with an uncooperative store in another country and they appologized to me for leaving a negative comment on this site.

Jeff


Apartment Therapy New York | Hastens Beds
5/26/09 9:53 PM

To Anonnnymm,

That is so unfair to say that I have never tried to help you when you have never contacted me directly. You could have left a voice mail, sent an emial, left a message for me to call you back. I respond to all calls within minutes when I can.

I am guessing that you did not purchase your bed from me as I am well aware of the handfull of problems that have come up over the years as I have taken care of them myself, imediately. I even flew across the country last month to set up a bed that had not been set up properly by the delivery service. I would call that bending over backwards for my customer.

I have posted my direct email address on this site several times and whoever you are, you have never contacted me. In fact, the posting on this site just before your comment has my email address. So please contact me now and I'll try to help you if I can.
Jklein@svenskabeds.com

Maybe I'm taking this too personally, but I work so hard to take care of my customer's, and anyone else who asks for advice or service, that your comment is hitting a raw nerve.

Also, the Hastens employee/country manager that you mention, Roger Eriksson, has not been with Hastens for almost a year. Sofia is the Rep for California, so I am assuming that you had a problem with a store in CA and are taking out your frustrations on me.

Thanks,

Jeff


Apartment Therapy New York | Hastens Beds
5/26/09 9:50 PM

FYI- For all those in the market for Hastens beds, there is currently a one time only chance to purchase beds at a discount.

For the next few weeks, floor samples and other misc. items will be significantly discounted to make room for the 2009 floor samples. Most items are in like new condition. Contact your local store for details. My company has most models available in several firmnesses as do most dealers.

Good hunting!

Jeff Klein
Svenska Beds Hastens of Connecticut
jklein@svenskabeds.com


Apartment Therapy New York | Hastens Beds
12/16/08 3:57 PM

To: dlglobal1

I'd be happy to provide you with Hastens contact info.

But rather than posting it here, please email me at jklein@svenskabeds.com and I will email you the information.

Thanks,

Jeff


Apartment Therapy - Hästens Beds
10/1/07 2:09 PM

I'm curious about the previous posting. 180cm x 200cm is a European size. Did this happen in the US?

Even if it did, my experience as a Hastens retailer has been a very positive one. The beds are made by hand so it is very rare for one to be defective, although it can happen. Over the past seven years that I have sold Hastens, I have come across only three or four problem beds and each time Hastens was very responsible and handled the situation promptly and fairly.

I'm curious to find out how this ends for you.

My two stores, Svenska Beds and Sleep etc. were founded by my father 40 years ago and we pride ourselves on having the best reputation for unbelievable customer service in the industry. In fact, that is how Hastens happened to contact me when they first came to the US.

Let me know if I can help in any way,

Jeff Klein
jklein@svenskabeds.com


Apartment Therapy - Hästens Beds
9/30/07 12:29 PM

I own bed stores in CT that specialize in hand made, natural mattresses from Sweden and the US. From what I know about C H Beckley, they do have a good reputation, but I'm not that familiar with the construction.

I carry Hastens, Carpe Diem and several other lesser known beds from Sweden in my Sleep etc. stores. In fact, I was the first dealer in the US to sell Hastens in 2000 and I was the first to bring in Carpe Diem in 2006.

Most of our customers are from NY or CT, but we do ship nationally, so I'd be happy to send info to anyone that requests it. I'm also happy to provide information, opinions, and advice to anyone who is not purchasing a bed from one of my stores but needs help. Don't hesitate to contact me.

Jeff Klein
Svenska Beds/Sleep etc.
jklein@svenskabeds.com
www.svenskabeds.com


Apartment Therapy - Charles H. Beckley Beds
9/30/07 12:12 PM

To Answer the last question about VI Spring. They are an English company and they have a very good reputation. I would consider them on par with Hastens and Carpe Diem.
They are only imported and sold by one company in the US and that is located in AZ. I can't remember the name of the dealer.
They are priced the same as Hastens (approx $10,000 to $20,000) but they have fewer models.

I carry Hastens, Carpe Diem and several other lesser known beds from Sweden in my Connecticut stores. In fact, I was the first dealer in the US to sell Hastens in 2000 and I was the first to bring in Carpe Diem in 2006.

Most of our customers are from NY or CT, but we do ship nationally, so I'd be happy to send info to anyone that requests it. I'm also happy to provide information, opinions, and advice to anyone who is not purchasing a bed from one of my stores but needs help. Don't hesitate to contact me.

Jeff Klein
Svenska Beds/Sleep etc.
jklein@svenskabeds.com
www.svenskabeds.com


Apartment Therapy - Hästens Beds
9/29/07 6:19 PM