I was all set on getting a 13" mattress and getting an adjustable base to go with it in the next several months. But, after talking with a rep from a trusted member, he recommended that I go with the 10" as it would work better with an adjustable base. Of course my wallet would prefer that, but my concern with a 10" over a 13" is my size and weight. It would be a non issue for my wife, but i’m 6’1" and 300 pounds.
While it does make sense that a thinner mattress would work better with an adjustable base, I would be concerned about going with a 10" mattress. I do understand the importance of firmness with my size, but given I have regular tennis elbow flare ups along with carpal tunnel and shoulder pain from work, I’m also in need of serious pressure relief and prefer the feel of a soft mattress. A 13" would allow me to have 2 to 3 firm/x-firm cores and be able to get away with a soft comfort layer on top. That would be vs having 2 x-firm cores with having to go with a firm comfort layer on top.
Some mattress manufacturers can have concerns with thicker mattresses used on adjustable beds, especially mattresses using springs and thicker polyurethane foam quilt panels, as they may not bend as easily and the quilt panel may bunch up and not wear as well. There’s always been a general guideline of about 12" maximum or so thrown around for mattress thickness on adjustable bed bases.
The extra weight that, let’s say a 3" layer of 5 lb density latex would add in a queen size (41 pounds) wouldn’t be as much of an issue.
With a higher personal mass, it can quite often be beneficial to have an extra layer for the ability to either have more options for customization, or more overall layers to provide comfort. So I totally see your point about the 10" vs. the 13" option, and if you’re looking for extra pressure point relief you may want to consider having the option of that fourth layer.
And just for comparison, I have 15" total of latex along with a wool topper on my adjustable bed, and I’m at a little over 200, and my product keeps shape quite well. But you’d want to strongly consider the advice of any manufacturer you’re considering, as they would have the most experience with their own products.
Hopefully that information helps out a bit.
Jeff Scheuer, The Beducator
Beducation / Mattress To Go
I have too many to count larger folks on 10" latex mattresses so yes, they do work quite well. I also have plenty on 13" and also on adjustable bases so as long as the adjustable base can handle both your weights and the extra weight of a latex mattress you will be fine either way. I also have a couple of people over 500 lbs on just 6" of firm latex and those beds are over 15 years old and still going strong. Typically a firm base with 3" of medium will work for someone over 250 lbs and also desiring a softer feel. If you go plush for the top layer you will not get the same durability out of it that you would a medium layer so keep that in mind.