Choices for latex mattress thickness

[phoenix]

Hi SeekingSoundSleep,

I believe I have narrowed down the choices after weeks of gathering information from this forum (thank you all!) but I really want to make better sense of the thickness in layering in order to feel more confident in the investment we are about to make. We are attempting to decide between the purchase of a (less costly) 6" dunlop core with a 2" natural talalay comfort layer with a cotton cover or the (more costly) 3" layering with one natural talalay comfort layer and two 3" layers of dunlop underneath and a 1" cotton/wool cover.

In “theory” two unglued 3" layers of the same ILD would “act” a little bit more independently and softer than a single 6" layer of the same material with the same ILD but with a comfort layer of several inches on top of them there would be little if any difference in real life. If one of both of the 3" layers were a different firmness than the single 6" layer then this would make a difference in the feel and performance of the mattress. Multiple layers also have some benefit in terms of the ability to customize the mattress after a purchase by rearranging or exchanging layers. In a mattress that has the same or equivalent deeper layers (a single 6" layer vs two 3" layers that are the same type and blend of latex and the same ILD) … then the difference in thickness of the top layer would certainly make a noticeable difference even if it was the same type and ILD of latex.

We are (mostly) side sleepers at 5’4" 115 lbs and 6’1" 180lbs. On the 10" option, we have been advised to go with soft, medium, firm, and possibly medium, medium, firm for the larger of us. We were able to test out a 10" option (three 3" layers) in person and were happy with both levels suggested, so we are wondering what combination of layers we might be comfortable with (since we are unable to try) in the 8" option if we decide to go that route for whatever reason. What might be advantages or disadvantages with choosing one configuration over the other. We would most likely be purchasing one of the EZSleep Foundations to use under the latex since it seems like the budget friendly choice. We currently have a bed frame consisting of a headboard and footboard therefore, we need a substitution for the box springs (I believe).

There are too many unknowns, variables, and personal preferences involved to use specs (either yours or a mattress) or “theory at a distance” to choose the design of a mattress that would work best for you in terms of PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences). Every layer and component of a mattress will have some effect on every other layer and component and the only way to know whether a specific mattress is a good match for you with any certainty is your own personal testing and experience (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here). Even the most experienced mattress designers can be surprised at the difference between how a mattress “should have felt” for someone based on theory and how it actually felt in “real life”.

When you can’t test a mattress in person or a local mattress that is virtually identical then a more detailed conversation on the phone with a knowledgeable and experienced manufacturer where they can help “talk you through” the options that are best for you based on “averages” for your body type and sleeping style and the information you provide is the most effective approach. I would avoid using “theory” to predict which design would be best unless your own knowledge and personal experience on different mattress designs is enough to give you confidence in your choice. If you have tested a local mattress with a certain design and it’s a good match for you in terms of PPP then I would keep in mind that every difference in the specs of a mattress you order online (type of material, firmness of each layer, thickness of each layer, type of cover etc) can have a somewhat surprising effect on how they compare for the better or for the worse.

I seem to recall reading somewhere here that 3" layering is best for side sleeping but I’m not certain of my memory. If this is so, could you please elaborate?

Again … every layer of a mattress will affect every other layer to different degrees based on many variables so I would generally avoid trying to decide on which mattress is best based on theory or a single spec (such as the thickness of a top layer). Just to give one example … a thinner top layer with a slightly softer layer underneath it can be functionally equivalent to a thicker top layer of the same ILD with a slightly firmer layer below it. The cover can also have a significant effect on the feel and performance of a mattress. Post #2 here and the more detailed post it links to may also be worth reading to show the difference between the thickness of a top layer and the depth of a pressure relieving cradle. It’s true that side sleepers generally need more thickness/softness in the upper part of a mattress but this doesn’t only come from a single layer and it’s always how all the layers interact and compress together that determines which mattress is the best for you in terms of PPP. The main difference between a thinner top layer and thicker top layer is that you will feel more of the properties of what is below the top layer with a thinner layer than with a thicker layer.

Also, what would be the normal care instructions of a cotton and wool casing/cover

This can vary depending on the specifics of the cover and the type and processing of the wool. In most cases it would be dry clean only but I would always go by the care instructions of the specific cover because they can be different.

would it be necessary (or acceptable) to add an additional wool mattress protector or would the layering of both be problematic? I would prefer to keep the casing as stain free as possible and permanent staining that can occur with body oils over time concerns me.

It’s always a good idea to use a mattress protector on any mattress to protect against stains and accidental spills (which can void a warranty) and to protect the mattress from the normal body fluids and oils that we release each night and from skin particles that can contribute to dust mite populations (they feed on skin particles). Having a protector that can easily be removed and washed will help keep your sleeping surface in a clean and hygienic condition. There are several different types of protectors including the type you mentioned and each of them have their own pros and cons so which protector is best would depend on the criteria that are most important and the preferences of each person. There is more about the pros and cons of different types of mattress protectors in post #89 here.

I noticed one manufacturer (Savvy Rest) seems to use a sturdier zipper on their casing and it is made to allow the top portion to zip completely off and their website suggests periodically airing it out in the sun to “freshen” it. This sounds beneficial and even though the mattress is much pricier than another online of the same likeness that we are seriously considering (SleepEz), it seems like a great option to have in the interest of caring for the wool mattress cover. If there is a great benefit to this, one might consider paying a higher price for the convenience since the casing which unzips on three sides only would make this task seem daunting.

Sunlight can “refresh” wool and activate it’s natural self cleansing and deodorizing properties (from the lanolin) so this can certainly be a good idea from time to time but it also wouldn’t be a replacement for a mattress protector. These types of pros and cons between different mattresses would be part of each person’s personal value equation and along with all the other factors that may be important to some people (including price and exchange/return options) would be part of the reason that some people would choose one mattress over another one. These would all be preference choices.

With the stretch cotton covers, I would assume they are easy maintenance and machine washable and we would also want to add the St.Dormeir washable wool mattress protector for added protection and all of the additional benefits of having a wool layer.

Again I wouldn’t make any assumptions about any cover and would make sure you are clear on the care instructions for any removable cover because they can be different from each other and it would be important to make sure that they aren’t damaged or shrunk if you clean them. There is also more about the pros and cons of a wool quilted cover vs a stretch knit cover in post #6 here. I would also keep in mind that a wool mattress cover will have more wool than the St Dormier (which only has so a mattress protector wouldn’t be a “replacement” for a wool quilted cover.

Phoenix