We are purchasing an adjustable split king base locally and building 2 twin XL mattresses. We mainly need help deciding on the core and density of comfort layers. So we are leaning toward 6" firm latex core and thinking it may be more flexible in allowing us to swap layers around but I am open to using coils.
I am 6’ 2" 235lb, broad shoulders and sleep on my side and back, have 3 bulging disks in lower back, sleep apnea and GERD. I like to sink down a bit
The wife is 5’ 4" 120 and mainly a stomach sleeper with some side. She definitely likes a firm, sleep on top feel.
We did try a place that had what they said was a 6" Dunlop firm core with a 1" soft topper and maybe a 3" polyfoam base and my wife liked it. The topper was very thin soft and airy so thinking it may have been Talalay. They had another they said was medium that I liked better but not sure of the construction.
I am planning to build from the bottom up and buy the case later but need some help getting started on cores and first layer. I am assuming I may need multiple comfort layers where my wife would not. In an effort to make the mattresses the same size should I use polyfoam to make hers taller also or just more Latex.
It sounds like you have quite the DIY adventure ahead of you!
Thank you for sharing your sleep stats with us, and what you’ve learned with your in-person testing.
As there is quite the weight differential between your wife and yourself, a split configuration is a great call!
Not necessarily, you just likely require more depth to your comfort layer than she does, she she is a lighter weight and has a flatter sleeping profile.
Others may have different suggestions, but mine would be to make up for this difference in the base foam or transition layers and not in the comfort layer.
For example, if you have a 10" configuration it could theoretically look something like…
For her:
BASE: 6" Extra Firm Dunlop
TRANSITION: 3" Firm Dunlop
Comfort: 1" Soft Talalay
For you:
BASE: 6" Firm Dunlop
TRANSITION: 2" Medium or Medium-Firm Dunlop
Comfort: 2" Medium or Medium-Soft Talalay (depending on what feels both comfortable and supportive to you)
Do you already know where you’ll be sourcing your layers from?
NikkiTMU
I actually ordered from APM today, at least the core and initial comfort layers similar to Ken’s suggestion, and plan to add additional comfort layers and case later. Initially, I was planning to go with the Dunlop cores for budget reasons but Ken recommended the Talalay. I know there are no wrong answers as much is personal preference.
We have been sleeping on a 16 year old Denver mattress (9" firm durango pillowtop) my wife says she sinks too much on her stomach and hurts her back. According the the vendor what we tried was a 6"dunlop firm with 1" of pretty soft top, but that may not be accurate.
Below is what I ordered but it may be possible to alter if APM allows it, does this seem like a good start?
I did not see anything in 1" from APM
Myself:
Blended Talalay core ILD = 32
3" Blended Talalay top = 28
If Ken recommended Talalay then I 100% trust that recommendation. He’s an expert in DIY builds and I’m sure based on everything you discussed, he made that suggestion with what will likely be your most comfortable and supportive option. I’m excited to here how your initial testing goes.
I’d say you’re definitely off to a solid start. As for the 1" - that can be hard to find. If Ken doesn’t have a recommendation, I know that DIY Natural Bedding does custom cuts of latex or you might be able to find something on Amazon. A quick search pulled this up.