DIY mattress build for 250lb individual

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I recently tried to creat my own DIY mattress. I am 250lbs, 6’-2” and a combination sleeper ( find myself on stomach or side). I slept on it for the first night and feel like my pains and aches did not get better. Feels like I can feel the coils. I was looking for suggestions for layers to add or if I just need to break it in.

My current build for a queen is (top to bottom):
-15” terry cotton encasement
-2″ Soft Dunlop Latex
-3″ Medium Dunlop Latex
-mesh fiber under pad (for breathability)
-8″ Texas Quad Coils (14.75g)
-2″ LUX-HQ Foam (my base has decent size holes)
-Sleepy basic adjustable base

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Hi icedmangotea,

Welcome to the Mattress UnderGround,

At your height and weight, it’s very possible you’re bottoming out through the latex layers, especially if you’re starting to feel the coils underneath. While it’s hard to say for sure if what you’re feeling is the coils, adding a transition layer like 1 inch of high-density( HD) polyfoam or firm latex between your latex and coils would likely help buffer the support and reduce pressure points.

Another option to consider is adding or swapping for a firmer top comfort layer, such as a 2 inch medium or medium-firm Dunlop on top of the 3 inch medium. This could improve alignment, especially if you’re feeling sagging or unsupported in the hips, which is a common issue for stomach or combo sleepers in your weight range.

It’s true that your body may need a few nights to adjust, but if you’re already waking up with aches or pressure pain, that could be a sign that the mattress is too soft or unsupportive, particularly in the lumbar region. Personally, I’m 6" 250 when I first received my Plank Luxe (rated very firm at 9.5 out of 10), and it felt supportive and pain-relieving right out of the box.

If you’re comfortable sharing more, where exactly are you feeling pain, lower back, shoulders, hips? That might help fine-tune the layer recommendations.

I think you are probably close, you just may need a little tweak.

Maverick

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I have tried switching the latex topper order and instantly could tell it was firmer and not it.

I was thinking maybe I should remove one of the latex layers, the set up is too plush.

I was also considering adding a viscosoft high density foam topper.

I currently have a herniated discs, shoulder and ankle pain. They were all sore last night.

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Yes, I recently have been through the herniated and bulging discs episode in the recent past 3 months, at one point I was unable to walk without assistance. I am at 90% recovery at the moment.

Sometimes these situations are not as simple as switching a layer here and there, it is a bit more nuanced than that.

You can try removing the 2" soft dunlop and remain with the 3" medium. I still suggest a transition layer, between the springs and comfort layer.

I’m not entirely sure that viscoelastic memory foam is the right solution here, though you could certainly experiment with it. Just keep in mind that the ViscoSoft topper is only 3 lb density, which isn’t truly considered high density. Generally, we recommend 4 to 5 lb for better durability and support. It’s also worth noting that density relates to durability, not firmness. For example, TempurPedic’s original foam was over 5 lb and very firm, while Foam Factory’s 5 lb VE foam has an ILD of 12, which is extremely soft.

With VE memory foam, it’s important to be cautious. You want pressure relief, but you also don’t want to sink too far in and end up twisted or unsupported, especially with a herniated disc.

For me, what gave temporary relief during a very bad flare-up was using a wedge topper on my very firm mattress, a latex pillow between my legs, and switching from the Oxygen Pillow to a uniform cube-shaped latex pillow fill, that had a consistent density throughout, in a normal sized pillow. That setup kept me comfortable until physical therapy resolved most of the disc issues. Now I’m back to using the Oxygen Pillow and no longer need the wedge.

Given your current physical situation, fixing a DIY mattress won’t be as simple as “swap this layer” and done. It’s best to take it step by step. Start with one change, for example, adding a transition layer to reduce the coil feel, and then give it a few days. If that helps, you can move on to the next area to address. Small, incremental adjustments give you a clearer picture of what’s working or not, and they let your body adapt without overloading it with too many changes at once.

I know this is not the ideal path, but it is the most favorable course of action.

Hope this helps,

Maverick