DIY Build Questions: Mattress Surgery w/Beautyrest Black Coils

[Willofva]

I’ve made a few posts, trying to gather info. I’m working on a DIY build, and am nearing the point of purchasing. For reference, I’m 5’9, 370, mostly back sleeper. Wife is 5’7, 125, mostly stomach/side sleeper.

I currently have a king size Beautyrest Black with the T3 coil unit that’s about 5.5 years old. The top layers are sagging, but I’m assuming the coils are still good, so am planning to cut it open and reuse the coil unit (~8" depth).

On top of that, I was considering two 2" Dunlop latex layers. For the transition layer, I’d like to do a split configuration so that we can customize firmness and change layers as they wear (with me being much bigger, I’m sure I’ll wear my side faster). Then, a single topper since I’ve got small kids that crawl into our bed, and don’t want them getting stuck in a crack mid-bed. I’ve read natural Dunlop is most durable, and I’m looking for something that will work for my weight. I’m leaning toward 2" layers so the mattress doesn’t become too thick/soft; our current mattress is 15.5" and far too soft, which I know is some about material, but I’ve read thickness matters too.

We got to go into CozyPure and lay on their beds. I liked the feel of their medium Dunlop (12" model which includes a medium 2" convoluted comfort layer), while my wife liked the feel of their firm Dunlop (again 12" model which includes a medium 2" convoluted comfort layer). I don’t know the ILD of those mattresses/layers. I’m not trying to recreate the CozyPure mattress…that’s just the only local place we had to try latex and get a gauge of firmness.

My thought for the layers is to order from Latex Mattress Factory. For a comfort layer, I was looking at the medium (28 ILD) king size 2" topper. For a transition layer, I was considering their Firm (38 ILD) twin XL 2" for her, and am torn between the medium (28 ILD) or the firm (38 ILD) for me. I know I’m a bigger guy, and don’t want to make it too soft, but also don’t like a firmer mattress, so don’t want to go to hard. I also know she’s smaller, and while she likes firm, I don’t want it to be uncomfortably firm.

Disclaimer: I accept that I probably won’t get it right on the first try, but give that I"m planning to cut up my current mattress, I’m trying to at least get into the right ballpark. I’m fine spending some money to order additional layers if something doesn’t work in order to figure out the right build…still cheaper than buying an “S-brand.”

So the questions:
Would a build of T3 coils → 38 ILD 2" Dunlop → 28 ILD 2" Dunlop be too firm for my wife’s size?
Would a build of T3 coils → 28 ILD 2" Dunlop → 28 ILD 2" Dunlop be ok for my size, or do I need the firm transition layer?
Is a 28 ILD comfort layer appropriate, or is this firmness better as a transition layer?
Is there a better source of 2" layers in an intermediate ILD? Should I be looking at something closer to, say, 32 ILD for one of the layers? Or another thickness?

EDIT 1: I just spoke with a gentleman from Latex Mattress Factory, who thought a total of 4 inches of latex might not be enough for my size, and recommended a minimum of 6 inches (2x 3" layers). He suggested finding a place to try talalay latex as well…we only have access to Dunlop in our immediate area, but could get to a dealer that sells Talalay a couple hours away. He also expressed hesitancy about anyone my size on a coil system, and recommended a latex core. We generally liked the idea of coils for airflow, perceived durability, and any additional bounce that may be helpful in marital activities. ADDITIONAL QUESTION: is there a coil unit that would be appropriate for someone my size, particularly with 6" of latex on top? Thoughts?

[Basilio]

Hi Willovfa,

[Quote]I’m working on a DIY build, and am nearing the point of purchasing. For reference, I’m 5’9, 370, mostly back sleeper. Wife is 5’7, 125, mostly stomach/side sleeper.
[/quote]

I currently have a king size Beautyrest Black with the T3 coil unit that’s about 5.5 years old. The top layers are sagging, but I’m assuming the coils are still good, so am planning to cut it open and reuse the coil unit (~8" depth).

Sorry to hear your beautyrest is no longer giving you and your wife a comfortable sleep experience. If the 8" coil unit is able to be removed & reused, that will be a component you don’t need to worry about repurchasing for you new DIY bed. Remember, every bed is unique to the sleeper(s) using it, based on your stats(height, BMI, sleeping position(s) and any underlying health issues) and your PPP(posture and alignment, pressure relief, and personal preferences). Thanks for providing the stats for you and your wife to get a better idea of what materials may be better for the new bed.

On top of that, I was considering two 2" Dunlop latex layers. For the transition layer, I’d like to do a split configuration so that we can customize firmness and change layers as they wear (with me being much bigger, I’m sure I’ll wear my side faster). Then, a single topper since I’ve got small kids that crawl into our bed, and don’t want them getting stuck in a crack mid-bed. I’ve read natural Dunlop is most durable, and I’m looking for something that will work for my weight. I’m leaning toward 2" layers so the mattress doesn’t become too thick/soft; our current mattress is 15.5" and far too soft, which I know is some about material, but I’ve read thickness matters too.

My thought for the layers is to order from Latex Mattress Factory. For a comfort layer, I was looking at the medium (28 ILD) king size 2" topper. For a transition layer, I was considering their Firm (38 ILD) twin XL 2" for her, and am torn between the medium (28 ILD) or the firm (38 ILD) for me. I know I’m a bigger guy, and don’t want to make it too soft, but also don’t like a firmer mattress, so don’t want to go to hard. I also know she’s smaller, and while she likes firm, I don’t want it to be uncomfortably firm.

So the questions:
Would a build of T3 coils → 38 ILD 2" Dunlop → 28 ILD 2" Dunlop be too firm for my wife’s size?
Would a build of T3 coils → 28 ILD 2" Dunlop → 28 ILD 2" Dunlop be ok for my size, or do I need the firm transition layer?
Is a 28 ILD comfort layer appropriate, or is this firmness better as a transition layer?
Is there a better source of 2" layers in an intermediate ILD? Should I be looking at something closer to, say, 32 ILD for one of the layers? Or another thickness?

It sounds like you have done a good bit of research on this! The layers you mention sound appropriate, but as far as which ILD to choose, that’s really down to what you and your wife find comfortable – one persons too firm is too soft for another person. Even with a higher BMI, the only person who can tell if the layers are ‘appropriate’ is you. 28 ILD is a medium firm, and you say you
‘don’t like a firmer mattress’ so you might want to try out a higher ILD due to your size - but keep in mind it might be too firm and you may need to swap out layers based on the ultimate overall experience.
[/quote]

EDIT 1:I just spoke with a gentleman from Latex Mattress Factory, who thought a total of 4 inches of latex might not be enough for my size, and recommended a minimum of 6 inches (2x 3" layers). He suggested finding a place to try talalay latex as well…we only have access to Dunlop in our immediate area, but could get to a dealer that sells Talalay a couple hours away. He also expressed hesitancy about anyone my size on a coil system, and recommended a latex core. We generally liked the idea of coils for airflow, perceived durability, and any additional bounce that may be helpful in marital activities. ADDITIONAL QUESTION: is there a coil unit that would be appropriate for someone my size, particularly with 6" of latex on top? Thoughts?

Glad you found a potential solution with Latex Mattress FactoryThey are a valued long time Trusted Members of the site and I would defer to their advice; If possible, I agree you should try out Talalay, as its’ considered ‘springier’ than Dunlop, which has a more ‘cradling’ feel to it. The suggestion for two 3" layers seems sound; you don’t mention if either of you sleep ‘hot’ but this configuration could allow you to add a breathable layer, like wool, cotton or coconut coir, between layers to increase air circulation.

Perhaps some of our DIY enthusiast members can weigh in on the coil question; honestly I would defer to LMF on this and if they are hesitant on the coil unit, you may want to see of you can contact the manufacturer of any coil layer you are considering to see if there are any weight guidelines, or heavier gauge coils that would possibly be more appropriate.
Hope this helps
~ Basilio

[najc33]

Just a quick note to mention that an all Latex build would still be very breathable, if you decide to go down that route. Latex sleeps cool, and there are little holes in it (created during the manufacturing process) that would allow for airflow.