Hi wwsd,
Welcome to the MattressUnderGround and joining us as a new Mugster.
When selecting a mattress system, it’s crucial to take into account your personal profile, including factors such as weight, height, personal preferences, pressure relief needs, and posture and alignment conditions.
Without this vital information, it becomes challenging to evaluate the mattress builds you’re considering. While I’ll do my best to provide general insights, please understand that without the relevant details, some aspects of my responses may be speculative. If you can provide more specific information about your personal profile and preferences, I can offer more tailored guidance.
However, I’ll continue to address your questions from a general perspective, considering common factors that influence mattress selection and performance.
Q1: Cutting off 3 inches from your mattress layers can indeed make a noticeable difference, especially in terms of support and overall feel. Removing 3 inches from the comfort layer might result in less contouring and pressure relief, while removing it from the support layer might compromise the overall firmness and stability of the mattress.
Q2: Adding the 3 inches back later might not fully restore the original feel of the mattress, as the layers might not integrate seamlessly. Additionally, stacking six 1-inch layers might not provide the same support and consistency as a single 6-inch layer, as there could be slight variations in feel and performance between individual layers.
Q3: Switching from polyfoam to latex as a middle layer can result in differences in feel and performance. Latex tends to be more responsive and durable compared to polyfoam, and it may offer better pressure relief and support.
Q4: For durable king-size pocket coils suitable for individuals weighing 200lbs, look for coils with higher gauge wire (thicker gauge 12.75-13.75) and higher coil count per unit area. Mattresses with durable pocket coil systems designed to support heavier individuals without sagging or forming indentations are preferred.
Q5: Placing a firmer layer over a softer layer can provide a combination of support and contouring. The firmer layer offers deep support and prevents excessive sinking, while the softer layer provides comfort and pressure relief. This configuration can create a balanced feel with adequate support and cushioning. Having said that, I am someone who prefers when the layers progressively get firmer as they go down from the top of the mattress as some issues can arise. Here are a few to consider.
The downside of placing a firm layer on top of a softer layer can potentially cause support and sinking issues, depending on the specific characteristics of the layers and the individual’s preferences and needs.
- Support Disruption: If the firm layer is too rigid or thick, it may interfere with the contouring ability of the softer layer beneath it. This can lead to inadequate support, especially for individuals who need more conformity to their body’s natural curves.
- Uneven Distribution of Pressure: A firm layer on top may create localized pressure points, particularly if it doesn’t conform well to the body. This can result in discomfort and potentially disrupt sleep quality.
- Sinking Sensation: Depending on the thickness and density of the softer layer, it may compress excessively under the weight of the body, causing a sensation of sinking. The firmer layer above might not provide enough support to counteract this sinking feeling, leading to discomfort or alignment issues.
Q6: A split King without glue for inner layers can stay together well if the outer cover or encasement is designed to securely hold the layers in place. A stretchy cover with good elasticity can help maintain alignment and prevent shifting of the layers during use.
Q7: Having two transition layers can offer additional support and comfort customization. It allows for more gradual transitions between the comfort and support layers, potentially enhancing pressure relief and overall comfort, especially for individuals with specific support needs or preferences. However, whether this configuration provides significant benefits compared to a single transition layer depends on individual preferences and requirements.
Wow, that was a mouthful and a lot to take in.
We can take a peek at the differences between your two configurations, but again, your experience will differ depending on your personal profile and preferences.
2″ memory foam 4 PCF, 10 ILD
3″ polyfoam - 1.65 PCF, 30 ILD
7″ polyfoam - 1.5 PCF, 35 ILD
Comfort:
2" 4LB ViscoPLUSH Memory Foam (BLUE) ~14LB ILD
Transition:
2" Dunlop Latex (Medium - 29 ILD) 4.6LB Density
Support:
5" HD-36 HQ 36 ILD
Comfort Layer:
Your proposed ViscoPLUSH Memory Foam layer is similar in thickness to the current memory foam layer but with a higher density and ILD. This may provide a firmer initial feel compared to your current mattress. One consideration is that the Visco Plush may retain heat and soften prematurely. While viscoelastic memory foam offers great pressure relief and contouring, it may be a weak link in your mattress. And remember, a mattress is only as good as its weakest link. Since this is a diy, you can always replace this comfort layers with a talalay latex of a similar or slightly higher ILD or an alternate comfort layer in the future.
Transition Layer:
Your proposed Dunlop Latex layer is slightly thinner but has a higher ILD compared to the current polyfoam transition layer. The Dunlop Latex may offer more responsiveness and support. Keep in mind, latex is going to be a bit bouncier than polyfoam, but dunlop may prove to be more resilient and durable.
Support Layer:
Your proposed support layer is thinner but has a similar ILD to the current polyfoam support layer. It may offer comparable support but with slightly less thickness. I tend to prefer a pocketed spring support layer in the high 12’s to mid 13’s gauge over an all foam support layer, particularly for those over 200lbs. I feel this adds durability, longevity and better support.
Comparison and Potential Differences:
Your proposed DIY build utilizes higher density materials and slightly different layer thicknesses compared to your current mattress. This may result in a firmer overall feel with potentially better durability and support. I like this for folks who are 200lbs and up.
The transition from memory foam to Dunlop Latex in your DIY build may provide a different feel compared to the transition from polyfoam to polyfoam in your current mattress. Dunlop Latex is known for its responsiveness and buoyancy, which could affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the mattress.
The slight differences in layer thickness and material properties may lead to variations in comfort and support compared to your current mattress.
Overall, your proposed DIY build seems to be a suitable upgrade from your current mattress, offering potential improvements in support, durability, and overall comfort. However, the differences in materials and layer configurations may result in a slightly different sleeping experience, so it’s essential to consider your preferences and comfort requirements carefully.
Sorry for the long explanation, but I hope this helps.
Maverick