So I just wanted to follow up on my DIY latex/pocketed coils mattress. My configuration is the Combi-Zone pocketed coil unit from Arizona Premium Mattress topped with a 1" layer of D70 dunlop latex as a transition layer and then topped with 3" of 19ILD blended talalay all encased by the stretch cotton cover from SleepEZ.
So far it’s everything I wanted it to be, it’s soft enough to sleep on my side but not too soft that it hurts my back. What surprises me is that even with the 19ILD talalay I am finding that I wouldn’t mind if the top was a bit plusher to help cushion my shoulders. I don’t think I want to go softer for the 3" layer but I am debating removing the 1" dunlop layer (I am still in my return window for it) and instead topping the 19ILD talalay with a 1" layer of 14ILD talalay. Would this likely achieve what I am looking for? I feel like it was once mentioned that thinner layer of latex will feel firmer so I don’t want to spend the money on a layer of latex that wouldn’t do much in adding a touch more initial softness to the mattress.
My last question is related to my 3" talalay layer. I didn’t notice this when I first got the layer a couple weeks ago but while I was readjusting the layer I noticed quite a few “defects” on the non-smooth side of the layer. Is this normal or is it something I should mention while I am still in my 30 day return window? It feels fine but if this isn’t a normal defect for a new topper I’d like to know before I lose my ability to exchange it or at least ask about a partial credit. Including a picture here.
Hi landale1,
I’m happy that your DIY configuration is working out well for you.
There will still be some softening of the mattress and covering, as well as your own adjustment to the mattress itself, so I wouldn’t make any changes to the mattress too swiftly. One thing for you to investigate would be your pillow, and make sure that it is of sufficient thickness to hold up your head and keep your cervical/upper thoracic region in a more neutral alignment.
While I can’t tell what you might feel on any layer combination, I can relate that if you remove the D70 1" Dunlop layer by itself, the resulting mattress will feel softer, and you may “sink in” more into the spring unit, and you may notice this in comfort and alignment. Adding 1" of 14 IDL Talalay on top of the 3" of 19 ILD Talalay alone will make the mattress feel softer still. Overall, people choose to go too soft with products, and if I have a choice between good alignment and plushness, I’ll choose alignment first and then follow that up with “just enough” surface comfort. If your alignment is fine for now, and you’d desire a bit more plushness, I’d probably lean toward keeping your D70 layer under the 3" of 19 ILD Talalay and simply adding the 1" 14 ILD Talalay on top (if you can fit that into your encasement). Another option might be to look into a 1"-2" plush topper.
Small tears, nicks, and imperfections are normal for latex. It is a difficult material to handle and it’s not unusual to see these types of things to a degree. If you handle the latex and are moving it, then a wavelike motion rather than pulling on it to shift it is the best way because it can tear fairly if it’s handled too roughly. Some of the “bubble voids” look to be quite normal, and the one central area looks to be an area where the latex was perhaps dragged on something (as best I can make out from the photo).
Having said this … if you are at all concerned or if the tears or imperfections seem to be too much … then I would certainly take a picture and send it to your supplier and ask them if this is normal. Your satisfaction is important both with the mattress itself and to satisfy any questions or concerns you may have before and after the sale.
Phoenix