Controlling variable with latex

Hi jayblackseal,

Designing a mattress by “specs” (either yours of the specs of the mattress) is among the worst ways to choose a mattress (besides buying based on brands) because of the many variables and personal preferences involved and because “theory at a distance” has little value without specific reference points of mattresses you have tested where the layering is known. There is no “formula” that can take your specs and/or the specs of a mattress and translate them into a perfect mattress for you. Your personal experience on different mattress materials and combinations is a necessary reference point to make any meaningful suggestions that would apply beyond various “averages” (and very few people are “average” in many ways).

The first place I would start in the journey would be post #1 here which also includes links to information that will provide some general guidelines that would help with most of your questions.

Some information that may help with some of your other questions include …

This article along with post #6 here and post #6 here and post #2 here and perhaps most importantly your own testing on the different types of latex will help you decide which type of latex you may prefer (either bsed on cost or the many other considerations that are involved).

Some of the better options I’m aware of in the DC area are in post #2 here. If you are looking for blended talalay or want to test it … Healthy Back at the moment has some good value with their reduced prices on their Pure latex bliss line.

Once you have some reference points from testing mattresses that are similar to the ones you are describing … you will will be in a much better position to have a discussion with the various manufacturers that can take into account the differences and similarities between the mattresses you have tested and the mattresses they offer. Without a reference point of what you feel on various mattresses … mattress specs are mostly meaningless for any particular person.

Once you’ve read some of the information in the overviews and other pages that is the mattresses section of the site about the different types of materials, body weights, sleeping positions, and type of mattress layering and construction, … and you have some personal reference points about how various different combinations feel … then you will be well on the way to knowing what type of latex and layering combination works best for you and be in a better position to talk with each of the manufacturers you mentioned. They are all good “value” choices … but without more information and some some personal testing and reference points … you would be working in the dark and completely dependent on “average” suggestions. Again … making choices based on specs alone can be quit risky.

No matter how good the value of a mattress may be (and all your choices are good value) … if it doesn’t match your needs and preferences then it would have little value to you.

Phoenix