After a lot of research, I have decided to build my 3 year old daughter a latex bed. I am looking to put my order in tomorrow. I prefer an 8" model but I understand that a 6" is all that is necessary. I’d like an 8" or 9" configuration so I can hopefully fine tune the layering (or replace a layer) as she grows, sleep with her, etc. We also prefer the look of a thicker mattress. But, if a thicker mattress does not make sense given what I am trying to accomplish, please let me know.
My daughter 3 years old, 35 pounds and her parents are 160 & 175 pounds. I called 3 companies and got the following recommendations using all Dunlop
LMF - Soft (19ILD), Medium (28 ILD), Firm (36 ILD)
6" - 3" Medium, 3" Soft
8" - 2" Firm. 3" Medium 3" Soft
Suggested that I can move the Soft layer to the bottom for the 6" or to the middle for the 8" and the medium to the top layer to firm up the mattress.
APM - Soft (19ILD), Medium (28 ILD), Firm (36 ILD)
6" - 6" Medium or 3" Medium, 3 Medium - Add soft topper or add soft layer down the road
8" - 6" Medium, 2" Soft
8" - 3" Firm, 3" Medium, 2" Soft - I am leaning towards purchasing this configuration. This is a Medium-Firm configuration but I worry about the 2" soft layer
SOL - I forget exact, but Medium and Firm are higher ILD than above
6" - 3" Firm, 3" Medium (32 ILD)
Other Considerations
6" - 3" Firm, 3" Medium - Add soft topper or add soft layer down the road
8" - 3" Firm, 3" Medium, 2" Medium - Replace Medium with soft down the road
I am skeptical about the top soft layer recommendations as most research points to a medium top layer while they are young. But both APM and LMF sounded confident and LMF suggested I could place the Medium Layer at the top with the Soft Layer on the bottom/middle if I felt it needed to be more firm until they were older. SOL’s recommended was more of the standard recommendation. What does the MU community suggest as the best configuration? Is a soft top layer okay for very young children as they are so light and I would look to firm up the mattress as she grows?