Hello,
Apologies for posting this in this forum, although my question is relevant. This is the only area of the forum that you can post a new topic in currently.
I am interested in an all latex mattress and have been reading a lot of different options here. Unfortunately the retailers in my (small) city do not have any latex mattresses, only a few latex top/innspring hybrid models. After reading through the basic mattress articles on this site I am interested in latex because of the longevity, the support pressure point feeling (much better than spring which is all I have slept on) but slightly bouncier/ more elastic feel/response (compared to memory foam) . The durability and lifespan are a big point for me, I want something that will last.
The only memory foam mattresses I have been able to test locally don’t seem to have any specs or ILD ratings available. I believe I am leaning towards a softer firmness ‘rating’. 5’10" 160 lbs mostly back sleeper, some side sleeping. The mattresses I have liked from the big brands have been the iSerta blue 500 ‘plush’ and the tempurpedic elite extra soft. Without details I know it will be hard to compare, but I am very nervous about buying a mattress online without being able to feel it.
All that said, are you able to provide any comparisons for the the Latex Mattress Factory 9" Soft mattress, or the ILD ratings of the latex foams used?
Hello Geekosphere
Thank you for your inquiry! And no apologies needed, you are always welcome!
One of the many great things about latex foam is that not only is it a natural product, but it is available in many different densities. The 9" mattress from Latex Mattress Factory consists of 8" of all-natural Dunlop latex, encased in a cotton and wool cover. This mattress is available in your choice of Soft (19-22ILD), Medium (30-32ILD) or Firm (38-40ILD) densities.
The soft mattress offers a plush feel for a side and/or back sleeper that are in the weight range of 100lbs to 160lbs. Should you choose this density, you are going to need a solid foundation to which your mattress should be placed. These foundations can include a slatted wood foundation (slats no more than 3"
apart), a metal foundation (gaps no more than 3" apart) or a solid platform base. These bases will provide the support you will need for any latex mattress, especially the softer models.
Please let us know if you have any further questions! Good luck, and thanks again!
I have recently purchased a 9" Natural Latex mattress (CA Split King). Support layer is 6" 32 ILD. The comfort layer is 3" 19 ILD. My husband and I have been sleeping on it for about 6 weeks now. Unfortunately, we are both still feeling stiffness in our hips and shoulders. I have heard that it can take up to 8 weeks to get used to latex, but I am concerned that this mattress may not work for us. I am wondering if there is a softer Latex comfort layer that I can add. Does anyone make natural latex 14-16 ILD? And because the bed is CA split king, we need the topper to be 84" long. Also, I would welcome any other comfort options.
Hi there isleepseeker,
When I was searching for a plush mattress I was told by multiple companies that the thicker the mattress is itself the more generally plush it will feel. Another 19 ILD layer might just do the trick you need. Depending on your weight, it might be that you are going through the 3" comfort layer and feeling the firm support layer, and an extra layer of soft latex might do the trick.
It could also be the type of latex you have-- Dunlop as opposed to Talalay-- because Talalay tends to have a softer feel, and putting on another 19 ILD topper in Talalay might fix the issue as well.
That being said, I know that Arizona Premium Mattress has a 3" topper in 14 ILD: 3" Blended Talalay Latex Mattress Topper, Save Big with DIY Latex Mattress Components, Latex Mattresses-Talalay and Dunlop, All Products
Thanks for the information.
I forgot to mention that both layers of our mattress are Talalay.
I am 5’7" and 125#. Hubby is 6’2" and 225# (not really sure of his weight). He seems to be having more discomfort than I am.
I weigh 270# and I know that it was important that I have at least 12 inches. I really love a plush feeling, but most manufacturers would not sell me a bed with two layers of soft 19ILD talalay because I would lose the support that I needed and the bed would break down in only a few years under my weight. In your husbands case I would be really really careful adding a second layer of soft talalay.
I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but your husband would probably benefit from a medium 28 ILD layer between the 36 ILD and the 19 ILD layers. The problem is likely that he is hitting the 36 ILD base, which would feel quite hard, because he sinks through the top layer. This medium layer would prevent him from feeling the hardness of the 36 ILD layer and continue to add a comfort layer while still offering the amount of support that he needs.
Sorry if that doesn’t make sense-- I know Pheonix is much better at explaining this so maybe she will jump in 
I think I understand what you are saying and it makes some sense (although it is counter-intuitive).
You say that you wouldn’t recommend a second layer of soft talalay for my husband. But would there be a significant enough difference to add a 3" layer of dunlop? Or would you still recommend going to the medium firm talalay for husband?
If that is the case, it could require the I have a different top layer than my husband. Since we have a CA split king, that is definitely an option, but it may get expensive. I have not found a company yet that offers a CA split king size. You basically have to purchase a CA king and cut it. If we have two different ILDs on top, we might need to purchase two CA king tops. Does anyone know a company that might offer XXL Twin size topper (84" long)?
I think your best bet is to call around to some of the Trusted Members (Latex & All Latex :: The Mattress Underground) and they might have options for the split King that aren’t listed online. I ordered mine from Arizona Premium Mattress and Ken, the owner, answered the phone and was so great at walking me through all of the options and the reasoning behind the ILDs that he suggested for me. He is making a custom mattress for me (a 15" latex hybrid mattress) that otherwise doesn’t appear to be available until I asked about it. I also think any of these vendors could help you solve the issue of the best comfort layers for you and your husband-- they know latex, that’s for sure!
Thanks. I will probably call around to the trusted members. I have just started the research into making us both happy with our bed, so more work needs to be done.
Also, I think XL Twin is only 80" long. I need XXL Twin (84" long)
Haha-- i literally just removed that because you are right-- the XL isn’t long enough. sorry!
Try Foam Sweet Foam and SleepEz, both Trusted Members, because they both offer a Cali King Split mattress so they might have the individual parts:
https://www.foamsweetfoam.com/buy-a-mattress/10-inch-california-king-split-latex-mattress?filter=11
Hello Isleepseeker
Thank you for your inquiry!
The configuration of a 3" soft (19ILD) over a 6" medium (32ILD) is a relatively soft configuration overall, especially for someone over 200lbs as is in your husband’s case. With that said, you two maybe feeling discomfort for different reasons. For example, if the mattress is too soft for him, then he may start to feel lower to mid-back pain due to not having enough spinal support, but if the mattress is too firm for you, and therefore giving you pressure-point issues such as hip and/or shoulder pain, then you may not be getting the contour your body needs.
This can be rectified by simply switching your top 3" 19ILD layer for a single Cal King layer with two different ILDs seamed together (SleepEZ does indeed offer this option). I would suggest maybe going with a slightly softer (14-16ILD) for your side, and a 28-32 ILD top for his side. I recommend going this route as opposed to adding more latex to your mattress, thus making it even less stable and possibly much too soft overall. I recommend calling SleepEZ to discuss this option further. You can reach them at 480-966-8731.
Good luck, and keep us posted!
Thanks for your reply SleepEz-- the only concern I want to leave my two cents on is that the husband’s pain is in the hip and shoulders. As another person over 200 lbs, I think there is definitely a trade off between pressure comfort and alignment. If a more medium topper is suggested for him I think the reality is that his hips and shoulders will continue to be in pain (as I’ve often experienced). This is why multiple places (including my conversation with SleepEz) suggested that I get three layers instead of just two with the understanding that the top comfort layer will not last as long as the layers underneath, but it will help my side and hip not hurt. Hence why I thought that a 19ILD to 28 ILD to 32ILD would work for him, especially since that’s my exact configuration. I do have the understanding that the top layer will need to be replaced within 4 years though.
The other option that SleepEZ suggested is that I put the 19ILD layer on the outside of the mattress so it isn’t restrained by the mattress cover to conform to my body and protect my pressure points better. This might help her husband, especially if the issue is that he has wider shoulders (as most men do) and needs more comfort.