Building my own latex mattress...

[phoenix]

Hi B Feelgood,

I don’t think that I’ll be happy until I have exactly what I want with the best materials. Through extensive research, I’ve found that I could build my own all latex 12" mattress for a good amount less than what it would cost if I bought a complete and already made one. I am 6’0", 180 pounds, and always a side-sleeper. I like a plush or pillowtop type of mattress.

If you are attracted to the idea of designing and building your own DIY mattress out of separate components and a separate cover then the first place I would start is by reading option 3 in post #15 here and the posts it links to (and option #1 and #2 as well) so that you have more realistic expectations and that you are comfortable with the learning curve, uncertainty, trial and error, or in some cases the higher costs that may be involved in the DIY process. While it can certainly be a rewarding project … the best approach to a DIY mattress is a “spirit of adventure” where what you learn and the satisfaction that comes from the process itself is more important than any cost savings you may realize (which may or may not happen).

If you decide to take on the challenge then I would either use the specs (if they are available) of a mattress that you have tested and confirmed is a good match for you in terms of PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences) as a reference point or blueprint and try and “match” every layer and component in your reference mattress (including any springs, any foam layers, and the cover) as closely as possible or use a “bottom up” approach (see post #2 here).

There is also more about primary or “deep” support and secondary or “surface” support and their relationship to firmness and pressure relief and the “roles” of different layers in a mattress in post #2 here and in post #4 here that may also be helpful in clarifying the difference between “support” and “pressure relief” and “feel” that may be useful as well.

I was looking to buy the 2 100% natural 3" layers of talalay from SleepEz as I know they are a very reputable source. However I am unsure of where to buy the 6" dunlop core from. I see Mattress247 on eBay, FoamByMail/FoamFactory, and SleepOnLatex. All three of these companies sell a 6" blended dunlop core for around the same price. Are there any other companies that sell the 6" core and are these three companies reputable?

The better online options I’m aware of for individual layers and components for building a DIY mattress are listed in the topper and component list in post #4 here.

If you are considering ordering from Foambymail (AKA FBM or Foam Factory and other names as well) then I would read this post and this post and this topic (about their polyfoam and sources) and this post (presumably from a past employee) before buying anything or considering them as a reliable supplier.

Other than FBM … I would consider all of the suppliers you listed to be knowledgeable and reliable and they along with others are all included in the suppliers list I linked.

Phoenix