I’m looking for some input on a replacement mattress for my 16 yr old daughter. She’s 115lbs, 5’2", back & side sleeper, likes a bit of softness. She’d like to stick with all latex.
Current mattress:
A 12 yr old Savvy Rest - dunlop, 3 layer (f,m,s). The latex is badly oxidizing (crumbling, hardening on the outer few inches), has developed a strong latex smell and is sagging badly in the middle).
I was hoping the mattress would last longer than 12 yrs given she was only a young kid for most its use. We’ve always used a waterproof ‘safe rest’ branded protector on top of it. It sits in a real wood bed frame on a solid bunkie board.
For the replacement:
Daughter has been happy with the 3 layer combo but was wondering if she’s small enough to get a thinner mattress. Her current mattress is ~10" but her bed frame is old and has a bookcase headboard and was designed for a much thinner mattress.
I’m completely fine diy and buying individual layers and a case, I just need opinions if a thinner latex mattress will feel similar to 3 layers for a light weight sleeper.
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Would 2, 3" layers be sufficient? What firmness would you suggest for the layers if her current combo is firm (bottom), medium (middle), soft (top)?
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What about making the firm and medium layers only 2 inches thick with a 3 inch soft layer on top? That would decrease the overall height of the mattress a bit. Would it have a similar feel to her current mattress?[/li]
Also should I swap out the solid bunkie board for a slatted bunkie? I’ve always read that latex needs to breath but then I see latex is fine for motorized platforms and many have a solid base.
Thanks for any advice you can provide.
Hi Baboo45.
Welcome to our Mattress Forum. 
Sorry to hear you didn’t get the life you’d hoped for out of your daughter’s current mattress.
As she is a lower BMI, she could very likely get away with a 6" or 7" mattress but if you worry that it may not offer enough comfort, you could choose a 9" build. 2" - 3" of comfort material in the DIY you’re considering certainly contains enough material to provide adequate contouring and support, unless what she prefers may be different. Talalay tends to have a bit more of a “buoyant” feel than Dunlop, and some people have an affinity for one versus the other.
It’s hard for me to make an outright suggestion on what ILD to choose as a lot of it comes down to feel and will differ between Talalay and Dunlop. If at all possible, I would suggest laying on some all latex beds in the area to get an idea of the ILD combos she likes. Or if you know the ILDs of the foams in your current mattress you could base it on that as well.
The feel should be similar to her current mattress.
Latex does best on a slatted foundation with no more than 3" of space between slats, but will perform on a solid base as well, although you may ned to flip or air your latex every few months. You can also ask the retailer or manufacturer you buy your latex from what they recommend with regards to proper care.
I hope this helps eliminate any doubts.
NikkiTMU
[quote=“Baboo45” post=87932]I’m completely fine diy and buying individual layers and a case, I just need opinions if a thinner latex mattress will feel similar to 3 layers for a light weight sleeper.
-
Would 2, 3" layers be sufficient? What firmness would you suggest for the layers if her current combo is firm (bottom), medium (middle), soft (top)?
-
What about making the firm and medium layers only 2 inches thick with a 3 inch soft layer on top? That would decrease the overall height of the mattress a bit. Would it have a similar feel to her current mattress?[/li]
Also should I swap out the solid bunkie board for a slatted bunkie? I’ve always read that latex needs to breath but then I see latex is fine for motorized platforms and many have a solid base.
Thanks for any advice you can provide.[/quote]
Couple suggestions.
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If she’s nearing 120 lbs (adult size and maybe still growing) I would suggest at least three layers of 3" latex (9" total) for her to feel comfortable.
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The amount you’d save wouldn’t be worth it so unless you’re looking to reduce the height for other reasons I wouldn’t bother.
As long as you have the proper size and spacing for the slats you’re fine but if not you may want to add more to ensure the mattress is well supported, should be no sagging while in use.
If I were building a mattress for my daughter who had these proportions I would suggest using all 3" talalay layers and in approximately the following firmnesses 22ILD/28ILD/32ILD
Thanks so much for the feedback. You’ve given me a lot to think about. I’ll probably switch her solid platform to a slatted bunkie just to make sure whatever mattress I choose for her gets adequate ventilation. She currently has dunlop and I just bought myself a mattress with a talalay top layer so I’ll work with her to figure out what she likes.
[quote]
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If she’s nearing 120 lbs (adult size and maybe still growing) I would suggest at least three layers of 3" latex (9" total) for her to feel comfortable.
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The amount you’d save wouldn’t be worth it so unless you’re looking to reduce the height for other reasons I wouldn’t bother.[/quote]
You make good points. I think of her more as a kid but she’s reached adult proportions and should have a mattress that an adult would use. Your suggested ILD combo gives me a good starting point for shopping.