I’m looking for some direction on layers for a DIY mattress. We’re looking at a Queen size mattress. We’re 5’6", 5’11" and 135/150 lbs, BMI = 21. Both almost 100% stomach sleepers. Having trouble searching the forum other people building mattresses for stomach sleeping…!
Ideally, we want a lot of firm support, but looking for a slightly soft feel on top. How can we achieve that?
I’m thinking coils might be a good bet, as we prefer a firm feel. Is a combi-zone support layer something we should think about?
Would a medium (28 ILD) Dunlop 2-3" be too firm for our weight? Also thinking of adding 1-2" soft (19 ILD) Talalay on top for a softer initial feel. If this is a good mix, would 2"-2" be a good mix?
Hi storunner13.
Welcome to our Mattress Forum. 
Stomach sleeping is the least common position and has the flattest sleeping profile of all the positions. Stomach sleepers have fewer gaps to fill in and need a thinner, firmer top comfort layer than the other positions. It is especially important for a stomach sleeper to avoid hyperextension of the lumbar area. A good place to start is 1" of softer material so there is enough “softness” to cushion the bony parts of the pelvis. In general, stomach sleepers should choose the thinnest firmest comfort layers that are comfortable as sinking In too far can lead to a swayback position and cause back issues. Stomach sleeping is the most prone of all sleeping positions to sinking down too far in the pelvic area.
As a transition layer between the softer talalay, I don’t think this would be too firm for your weight given your flat sleeping position. I also think 2" - 2" would be good or even possibly 1" and 2" above the coils.
With firmer coils in the center third of its three zones, Combi-Zone provides extra back support that aids in spinal alignment. It probably wouldn’t hurt to use this zoned kind of coil system, but it’s also not especially necessary given your BMIs and sleeping positions.
NikkiTMU