Brookyn Bedding: All latex or latex over polyfoam base for durability?

[phoenix]

Hi skstrobel,

We are far more comfortable with the price of the Bamboo Bliss, but are concerned that the polyfoam base (2.17 lb density) may not hold up well over time. I have read that 1.5 lb foam tends to break down quickly, while 3+ lb foams tend to last well. This falls right in the middle. Considering our size/weight and that the latex layer on top is 3" thick, how many years (wild guesses OK) might we expect to get out of the support layer of each type of mattress?

The “weak link” of a mattress is almost always in the comfort layers not the support layers and a mattress will soften, break down, or compress from the top down. Even 1.5 lb polyfoam in a base layer with high quality comfort layers will be relatively durable for most people of average weight because they won’t sink into the base layers as much and 2.2 lb polyfoam is a high quality and durable material that would be suitable for higher weights. Most 3 lb polyfoam would be High Resilience polyfoam which is a different polyfoam formulation and it’s biggest advantage would be more performance related than durability related once you are past about 2.2 lb density or so. There is more about the many variables that can affect durability and the useful life of a mattress relative to different people in post #4 here.

There is no way to predict how long a mattress will last for any specific person because there are too many variables involved. Having said that, and while warranties aren’t an indication of how long a mattress will last in most cases (especially with mainstream manufacturers), I think in this case it would be reasonable to expect it to maintain it’s comfort and support for at least as long as the non prorated part of the warranty (which is 10 years) or longer. If the comfort layers have softened by then or if your needs and preferences have changed then one of the advantages of this type of mattress is that you can replace the comfort layer without having to replace the entire mattress.

Are there other reasons we should consider one over the other?

You can read more about some of the differences between an all latex mattress vs a latex/polyfoam hybrid in post #2 here.

P.S. It seems that many latex-topped beds have three layers of different ILDs, with the softest on top. Both of the BB mattresses we are looking at have only two layers. Is that a significant issue, especially considering we like the top layer to be quite soft?

No … one isn’t inherently any “better” than another. Different combinations of layers are just there to create different designs, performance, and “feels”, that are one of many parts of the “art and science” of mattress theory and design and how different mattresses can be designed or be suitable for different people and sleeping styles. In some cases a mattress that has a single layer can work well for some people and a mattress that has multiple layers may not be suitable at all depending on how well a specific design matches someone’s needs and preferences in terms of PPP.

P.P.S. Several manufacturers of latex mattresses state that there is no need to glue the layers together because the latex is sticky enough that the layers don’t slide around. But on the Bamboo Bliss the base layer is polyfoam. I have read that shifting layers makes it more likely to take on body impressions. Is that likely to be a problem?

The Bamboo Bliss has a separate compartments for the base and the latex comfort layer (which can be zipped open) so you couldn’t glue it to the base foam anyway because there is fabric in between them. The separate compartment will prevent any shifting of the comfort layer.

Phoenix