Flexus Mattress Configuration

[phoenix]

Hi Thinktwice,

If you don’t mind, I have a couple more questions. I’ve been reading on the forum that typically a person wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between 3-layer and 4-layer all latex mattresses (each layer being 3"). Thing is, while testing out both mattress thicknesses at the store, both my wife and I were able to feel a difference in comfort between the two. From to top to bottom, the 9" was soft/firm/firm, and the 12" was soft/firm/firm/x-firm. For some reason I felt that the 12" provided more support, although I barely break 200 lbs. Was I just imagining this? Cause I really could opt for the 9" mattress since it’s $300 cheaper.

You can read a little more about the effect of mattress thickness in post #14 here. Assuming that the top 3 layers were exactly the same and the only difference was the X-firm on the bottom … depending on body type, sleeping positions, and individual sensitivity some people would feel a difference and some wouldn’t . While you aren’t in a weight range that would “need” 12" of latex … there are certainly some people that would notice a difference and would prefer it.

I have also been reading that if I created two identical mattresses, say both having 3-layers of soft/firm/firm, but the only difference being that the comfort layer is either a separate topper or is integrated into the mattress, that these two would feel different. I have read that the topper configuration has the benefits of a pillow-top like mattress, yet still offers better support. I am a side sleeper so that extra pressure relieving comfort layer would be nice. But once the topper bottoms out would I feel the firm “2nd layer” immediately, with no transition? I know this wouldn’t be the case in the integrated mattress, as all the layers move with each other in one smooth movement within the cover.

You can read more about the differences between having a separate topper and having the same layer inside the mattress cover in posts #3 and #4 here and in this topic. Again this would be a preference choice not a “better/worse” choice.

There are too many unknowns and variables involved for me to know whether you would feel “too much” of the firmness of any specific layer in a mattress or how the transition between different firmness levels would feel to you whether it was inside or outside of the mattress cover and the only way to know this would be based on your actual testing or sleeping experience on a mattress. Different people can have very different experiences on the same mattress or mattress/topper combination.

There is also more about primary or “deep” support and secondary or “surface” support and their relationship to firmness and pressure relief and the “roles” of different layers in a mattress in post #2 here and in post #4 here that may also be helpful in clarifying the difference between “support” and “pressure relief” and “feel”.

In the end you are the only one that can feel what you feel on a mattress and again there are too many unknowns, variables, and personal preferences involved to be able to use a formula or for anyone to be able to predict how a combination of layers will feel to you or to make a specific suggestion or recommendation about which mattress or combination of materials and components would be the best “match” for you in terms of PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences) based on specs (either yours or a mattress) or “theory at a distance” that can possibly be more accurate than your own careful testing or personal sleeping experience … hopefully using the testing guidelines in the tutorial post (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here).

Phoenix