Hi! Thank you so much for creating this web site, very helpful!
I want to build myself a firm or extra-firm queen size mattress, hope you can help me out… We carry extra pounds, 210 and 230 pounds to be precise, I have already an 8" good coil base, and want to add to that 2 latex dunlop layers-toppers. We like to feel on top of the bed not in the bed… We are mostly side sleepers and back. What should I buy? My guess was adding 2" extra firm latex layer and on top of that a 2" firm latex topper, plus of course the mattress encasement that fits with all that. What do you think ? Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words, glad you are finding the site helpful! Since any mattresses level of comfort is unique to the sleepers using it, based on their stats(height, BMI, sleeping position(s) and any underlying health conditions) and their PPP(posture and alignment pressure relief and personal preferences) its not possible to tell anyone what may or may not be comfortable for them. The best way to tell if a mattress is suitable is to try it out in person, as you have done.
It sounds like you are doing great with your DIY build, now you just need to ‘fine-tune’ it a little. As you both have higher BMIs and are side/back combo sleepers you are correct that you need support. From what you have presented, you may want to look at Talalay latex layers/topper instead of Dunlop latex; Dunlop has more of a ‘cradling’ feel, while Talalay is considered ‘bouncier’ (think pound cake versus angel food cake). Since you are looking for a firmer feel that you like to feel ‘on top of the bed, not in the bed’ its definitely something you should try out. Other than that I see no issues with your build, as long as you both feel comfortable with it. Perhaps some of our many DIY enthusiasts can also weigh in on your build.
Thank you so much for your reply! I think I’ll go with your suggestions… Problem is to find Talalay toppers in Canada (at a decent price) or in US that ships to Canada! Hoping somebody finds a good retailer for me… Thanks in advance!
Hi! Can’t seem to find a 3 inches extra firm latex layer anywhere, that ships to Canada… Tried to buy a 3" firm latex from MFC but it’s not available.
Would it be feasible to use 4" (2x2) of firm latex and add a somewhere in the mix a high density layer of foam? It’s a big puzzle for a newbie lol! Thanks again!
[quote] Hi! Can’t seem to find a 3 inches extra firm latex layer anywhere, that ships to Canada… Tried to buy a 3" firm latex from MFC but it’s not available.
Would it be feasible to use 4" (2x2) of firm latex and add a somewhere in the mix a high density layer of foam? It’s a big puzzle for a newbie lol! Thanks again![/quote]
Sorry to hear about the trouble in finding a 3" firm latex layer; if MFC does not have, nor any of the other manufacturers I listed, this is likely a supply chain issue – I know some members have had trouble finding HD foam of 4/5 cuft recently…I think you could try the 4" latex & HD foam combo, and see how it feels, and keep an eye out for the firm latex to once again be available sometime in the future. I certainly hope it works for you!
Since yesterday we sleep on 8" Bonnell coil base (more or less 15 years old but in good cond.) + 2 latex layers (2" Dunlop firm) and a 2" memory foam topper. On top of that is a simple bamboo thin pad. I wanted a real firm mattress, I got it! The only problem now is the foam comfort layer is so hot it wakes me up in the middle of the night! Should I get another kind of foam that would feel cooler or a medium Talalay latex layer? I wanted to feel on top of the bed instead of in the bed, but I guess I was wrong, I need to sink a bit more (when I sleep on my back it’s fine but on the side it doesn’t feel right). I’m almost there with my first DIY…
Sounds like you are almost there! I know it can be a bit annoying ‘dialing it in’ but hopefully the result will be worth it…Talalay is ‘sringier’ and is somewhat breathable, so that might be worth trying to feel more ‘on top of’ the mattress. Also you can try a layer of any breathable material (cotton, wool, cocuni=ut coir or woven bamboo ) either on top closest to the sleepers’ body, and/or sabove the foam comfort layer…this will allow more air circulation and hopefully keep you from sleeping hot. You are almost there! Hope you can find the few finishing touches…
Hi Basilio! Finally done and very comfy! I took off the hot firm memory foam and replaced it with a 2" latex soft topper, perfecto! The whole process was a bit of a challenge, but I’m quite sure that for the next 10-15 years I won’t be spending more than a few hundreds to fix my mattress and still be comfortable! Thank you for your help! A very proud owner of a DIY mattress!
That’s’ fantastic! I am very happy you have Passed the ‘gauntlet’ of building a DIY mattress you are happy with. You should take no small measure of pride in your achievement, as you have found it’s’ definitely not easy.
May you enjoy many years of comfort!