Hi all - I’m continuing to play with my diy build, and am starting to narrow it down.
Currently from top to bottom.
TPS cover
1" 4lb memory foam
2" 28Ild talalay
8" bolsa coils
1" 50ild foam
This build is rather firm for me but gives great alignment and while I’m sleeping pretty well I’d like more pressure relief. From what I’m reading a wool topper could give me that without affecting the underlying alignment.
Is wool a good call here? If so, what thickness of topper should I be looking for?
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Hi corkscrew!
Thanks for sharing some of your DIY mattress build with us. It’s awesome that you’re getting great alignment!
Common issue for sure! Definitely fixable with the right personalized approach 
Wool can be great for adding softness/plushness without compromising alignment. @ONFM may be able to add some input here and add some recommendations for thickness!
NikkiTMU
Wool is great for heat regulation and adding a bit of contouring to a firm mattress, but it’s not typically known for its significant pressure relief. It’s more of a softening and cushioning layer than something that deeply relieves pressure points. I own an @ONFM 3" organic wool topper, and while it definitely adds comfort and a bit of contouring on my very firm mattress (the plank luxe), it won’t provide noticeable pressure relief compared to latex or memory foam. Wool does compact a bit, but it still performs well for temperature regulation.
If you’re looking for noticeable pressure relief, wool might not be the first choice. Latex or memory foam would be better suited to accomplish that, as each provide deeper contouring and reduce pressure on the hips, shoulders, etc. If you want to go the wool route, I’d recommend starting with a 2"-3" wool topper. It will add softness and comfort without compromising your mattress’s alignment too much.
If you do want some pressure relief, you could go with a 2" layer of 4lb memory foam for a bit more contouring, though you may notice some additional heat retention as memory foam can trap heat, especially at higher densities. Latex offers great pressure relief too, you may want to consider a 2" Talalay latex topper for a more responsive feel with pressure relief without sacrificing your mattress’s firmness.
I would say that wool is certainly a top choice for temperature regulation, but if you want significant pressure relief, you might want to look at other options like memory foam or latex. Both offer deeper contouring and better pressure relief for sensitive areas like your shoulders and hips.
If you really want to add pressure relief and keep the mattress as cool as possible, consider a horse hair topper.
Hope this helps,
Maverick
Thanks for the info.
I actually have a 2" piece of 19ILD Talalay. I haven’t found a config with my other layers that quite works though. Always ends feeling a bit too soft on the hips and not soft enough on the shoulders, and at some point in the taller stack I think I lose the support of the coils.
I have considered another 1" piece of the memory foam, but I am trying to avoid heating my bed up more than normal.
I have a 1" piece of med-soft Lux foam coming per a suggestion on another forum. Theory being placing it on top of the coils would firm them up more than the medium latex. Will try the soft again when that comes.
I’ll play around with the layers some more before I pull the trigger on yet another layer. I’m just really tempted by a ONFM product because I’m near enough to pick it up in person.
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Yes, that is what I meant, no that I read what I wrote, I was not specific. When I said 2" of memory foam, I meant adding one more inch to the inch that is there, not adding 2 more. My fault on that. I would prefer that you keep it at 4lb or 5lb, for durability sake.
I understood it as such, and if I go that route I’d order the same 4lb I did before. 
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Would you describe your weight as heavy or light? Are you looking for a total of 12 inches or can you go taller? Put your 2"Talalay19 below the 28 if you’re heavy. Put the 19 on top of the 28 if you’re light. Throw the memory foam in the garbage.
I’m about 180lbs. G/f is heavier (I’m not going to ask) and didn’t like the 19 on top, although we didn’t have the cover on then. She was sinking through pretty deeply which is why I’m trying to reduce the foam to allow the springs to provide more support.
Put the 28 on top. If you need more support, swap the 19 for a 32 or higher. If you don’t have enough supportive latex, you will “bottom out” on the springs. Absolutely forget the memory foam and switch to latex. We have 12 inches of blended latex (AzPM) in three layers 6+3+3 his and hers.