Can you construct your own sleep system?

[phoenix]

Hi Jackstraw,

Is it possible to get a good plain vanilla pocketed coil mattress and add your own topper(s) to make a more custom solution?

It’s certainly possible yes but it may be a somewhat risky option.

You can see my comments about choosing a firmer mattress first with the intention of adding a softer topper afterwards in post #2 here.

There are too many one-size-fits-all or limited firmness solutions in the online world, even among the membership list of this website

There is a list of many of what I call “simplified choice” mattresses in post #2 here and some of them include multiple firmness options (including softer versions). As you mentioned innerspring mattresses are less common in the online world than different types of foam mattresses (memory foam, polyfoam, latex foam) but there are a few options in post #6 here and the posts it links to that may be helpful.

I live just outside of New York City and any information on local bed stores would also be greatly appreciated?

Subject to confirming that any retailer or manufacturer on the list you wish to deal with is completely transparent about the materials and components in their mattresses (see this article) and to making sure that any mattress you are considering meets your criteria and the quality/value guidelines here … the better options or possibilities I’m aware of in and around the New York City area are listed in post #2 here.

Phoenix