“i still dont LOVE dunlop as my top layer, feel its just too firm when i squish through it”
As a fellow DIY’er I too struggled with all Dunlop latex from top to bottom. It’s great for my spinal alignment and support but not so much on my shoulders. I also have a previous shoulder injury and I 100% agree with you w/ Dunlop as the top/comfort layer. To “me” there is still push back on the shoulders on Dunlop and I have even tried 20ILD and below.
My solution in the end was to place a 2" layer of 5lb. memory foam under the top Dunlop layer to soften it up enough for my shoulders w/o it affecting my back. Phoenix discusses this method as well as I later found out after my experimenting a couple of his posts of maybe 6-7 that I found in a search (wish I found it sooner in the experimentation phase).
The memory foam I used was the 5lb. viscomax (14ILD) from FBM (Foam by mail) and I still use this layering technique to this day as the combination of support and comfort for my back and shoulders is perfect and feels great. It relives the “pushback” just enough. Depending on your height and weight I would look at 1" or 2" inch as a possible solution. I went with 2" as I’m 5’10 250lbs. and that works for “me”. Either way just a possibility to consider, Good Luck!
https://forum.mattressunderground.com/t/pressure-points-with-sleepez/#8841
https://forum.mattressunderground.com/t/effects-of-layers-and-thickness