Could I use this layer to test zoning today?

Beyond Mattresses
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I am 120 lbs, 5’2". I’m getting too much pressure on my shoulders/arms. Hips also feel like they are sinking a little much but I think fixing the shoulders might fix that too (based on an expert’s post I read).

Current set up is entirely pure latex… from Top to Bottom:
1" Dunlop topper very soft
3" Talalay soft (from LMF)
1.4" Vytex very soft?
1.3" Vytex soft?
1.8" Vytex soft?
Hardwood Floor under it all
(The Vytex were advertised as firm and medium, but I feel that their firm is not really even as supportive as the Talalay soft so I wrote how they feel above.)

When I tried it with the 1.4" very soft moved up to 2nd position, my hips sank more, so that was worse.

Then I have an older unused layer that is 2" Vytex very soft. Do you think I could move up the 1.8" Vytex soft (below the 3" Talalay?). Then simulate custom zoning by having that under my low back/hips/legs, and put the 2" Vytex very soft next to it under my shoulders/head as a test? Even though they are slightly off in thicknesses?

I have a piece of .25" carpet foam pad I could stick in there for the trial if needed.

In the past I used that 2" Vytex as my very top layer and it seemed great for my shoulders/head. Hips sank far too much of course.

But I was a side sleeper before. Now I’m trying to mostly sleep on my back. Ideally would like it a little bit soft, for being on my sides briefly.

I am ill and hoping to get a decent bed without spending much more. I’ve been having problems with it for a while and adjusting it. I’d do it differently in retrospect.

Thank you so much for any advice.

Edit: The older layer is too worn at the hips but I think it could be ok at the top or bottom for the test. Then I don’t know how to proceed if my test is successful, and I don’t know what to do if it’s not successful. I wonder if I should be using a gel grid instead.

@Latex_Mattress_Fact1

2

Hi Ster,

Wow, you have experienced some real significant issues here. Based on your description of everything you are dealing with, here are a couple ideas to get yourself comfortable.

Moving the 1.8" Vytex soft layer below the 3" Talalay soft could potentially provide more support to your hips and lower back. This might help in reducing the sinking feeling and redistributing pressure more evenly.

Placing the 2" Vytex very soft layer under your shoulders/head could indeed help alleviate pressure in those areas, especially since you are mostly sleeping on your back now. This layer could provide the comfort you need for your shoulders without causing excessive sinking at your hips.

Testing with the .25" carpet foam pad is a method to refine comfort and support levels without permanently modifying the mattress setup. However, I’m never keen about committing to permanent solutions using unfamiliar materials. It’s challenging to replicate results consistently, and if it does prove effective initially, I’m unsure how adaptable it would be to future changes. Predicting future needs and adjustments becomes complex under these circumstances. While I am very amicable to testing various solutions, outside the box, as they say, the carpet should be done with a more permanent and measurable solution in mind.

Since you occasionally sleep on your side, having a setup that accommodates brief side sleeping periods is important. A slightly softer top layer under your shoulders/head could help in this regard, but balancing it with enough support for your back when sleeping on your back is crucial.
Give yourself some time to adjust to any changes you make. I always find it is a good idea to make single changes at a time. When you introduce multiple changes at the same time, it makes solving additional problems down the line. Keep in mind, it may take a few nights or longer to feel the full effects of the adjustments, so patience is key.

Remember, some issues and discomfort may not always emanate from the obvious places. The fact that your hips are sinking, may be the reason why your shoulders are hurting as you body is out of alignment, putting a lot of pressure on the lighter upper body area. You may need to address pillow considerations to maintain alignment and reduce pressure off your shoulders. Many mattress manufacturers use the method of an enhanced middle zone support to accommodate hip misalignment issues while maintaining upper and lower body preferences. HelixSleep, recently came out with their “ergoalign” layer, which effectively enhances support in the hip area, while maintaining mattress firmness levels at the shoulders and lower body areas.

One last thought on all of this. I am not big on gimmicks and trendy materials. My understanding of Vytex is they simply have a patented process for reducing allergens sometimes associated with latex, but other than that, it is just Dunlop or Talalay with just a reduction of the allergy causing proteins found in natural latex. Regarding gel grids, here is a video that shows the durability of gel grids. Your lighter weight may be compatible with this type of grid system, but as it is often said in mattress building, keep it simple and less is more.

As for the success in using the carpet padding, you may want to try simply enhancing the area under your hips with some additional support only accross the center of the mattress.

Perhaps, since you mentioned @Latex_Mattress_Fact1 they could offer an economical solution for enhancing the middle area of the mattress.

All the best and good luck with your project.

Maverick

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THANKS for your help and concern, Maverick!

I do regret buying Vytex in general (but I think I needed something really soft when I was side sleeping, so that was the one plus).

Now you’ve made me glad I didn’t buy Purple because of durability. (Although I do really like their pillow, seat cushion, and back cushion.)

My pillow is pretty low (thin) and supportive, but do have interest in experimenting with even lower.

I am definitely eager to settle on a long-term solution.

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There’s typically one principle that stands out above all others: “The best option is only truly the best if it suits your needs.” While experts, scientific findings, and professional opinions define what’s optimal in various fields, these principles and guidelines, while generally sound and likely the most effective, might not always be best for certain individuals.

A few years ago, I had neck issues and my trusted Tempurpedic contour pillows(i still have the original and two newer versions), which I’d used since 1993, suddenly felt too firm. I started looking into cervical contouring pillows but found they were all quite similar. Eventually, I bought a $20 one on Amazon, which turned out to be fantastic. I recommended it to others who also had success with it.

Despite being a bit of a pillow snob (and always seeking pillow nirvana), I later splurged on a $120 cervical pillow with similar materials and design, even featuring arm wings. Aside from potential longevity benefits due to the cost difference and supposedly better version of the materials, both pillows were equally effective; neither seemed superior to the other.

I’ve had a similar experience with Tempurpedic mattresses not working for me while their pillows do. Sometimes, trusting your instincts and practical experience outweighs technical advice.

Personal experience often bypasses theoretical knowledge, material specifications, and expert opinions. No matter how much we know about materials, densities, or practical guidelines, what truly matters is how something works for us individually.

Personal experience is invaluable because it directly reflects how well a product or solution meets our unique needs and preferences. It reminds us that what works in theory may not always translate into practical satisfaction or comfort.

Maverick

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