Hi. We recently bought a 3 layer latex mattress and added our 2-year old OMI Wave Sculpted Dunlop topper. I have a BMI over 30 and disc issues and fibromyalgia. I sleep on my side.
The mattress was originally configured Top to Bottom as follows:
OMI Topper (sculpted Dunlop 20-25 ILD? It’s proprietary.)
Talalay Medium
Dunlop Medium
Dunlop Firm
Overall the new mattress as it was originally configured was great but I kept waking up with numb arms. The mattress feels great except for the fact it feels like my shoulders are being pushed up rather than sinking in. Some days I would get leg tingling but that was more sporadic.
I spoke with the store I purchased from and they suggested a softer top layer in Talalay. I’ve had a Talalay mattress before and don’t like the springy feel as much as the Dunlop feel, so I opted to try a softer upper layer in Dunlop first to see if that had any effect on the pushy feel I was experiencing in my shoulders. (I’ve also had a few people say to put a softer Talalay layer over my OMI Dunlop sculpted topper, but I’d hate to lose the great pressure relieving properties. It has been the best thing I’ve ever used for pressure point relief.)
2nd Mattress Configuration, Top to Bottom:
OMI Topper (sculpted Dunlop -20-25 ILD?)
Dunlop Soft
Dunlop Medium
Dunlop Firm
I was surprised that the second configuration was much less comfortable. The arm numbness and tingling was a little better, but my whole thoracic spine area was hurting instead. I was experiencing more pain all over with this setup. After a few weeks of not improving I went back to the original setup and the results were the same as before. It’s close to being a great mattress if I could get my shoulders to sink in a little.
I’ve spent years reading here trying to understand latex setup and I’m still confused. My guess is that by adding a softer layer I made the mattress too soft for my weight (195 lbs) and I was only feeling the lower support layers? Does this mean I need to soften up my support layers instead of the upper comfort upper layers? I was thinking I should try maybe the bottom two layers in MEDIUM Dunlop, but I’m a little afraid that won’t be enough support for my weight. Also, if it was advisable to try two Medium Dunlop support layers, what should I use in the comfort layer under the topper - Soft Dunlop or Medium Talalay?
Would appreciate any feedback on what changes I could make to give me the good lumbar support I’m getting (which is on the edge of being a bit too firm) and also allow my shoulders to sink in without bottoming out.
Hi Judy and thanks for reaching out on this! Based on the information you’ve provided, I’m thinking it would be helpful to get a soft Talalay to replace the medium Talalay.
Thanks for writing back. I would like to understand more about latex mattress construction if anybody has time to comment on it. I’ve read about the core and comfort layers, side sleeping, broad shouldered, high BMI, etc., and I guess it’s just beyond me.
I’m a little confused the recommendation is for a softer upper layer because when I switched from a Medium Talalay to a Soft Dunlop I had more pain, especially in my upper back. That made me think the upper layers had gone too soft and I thought Talalay was supposed to feel even softer than Dunlop.
Would I be correct in guessing the Soft Talalay is recommended because my increased discomfort was not because the Soft Dunlop comfort layer was too soft, but because Dunlop feels very different than Talalay in the upper layers?
Any clarification would be appreciated.
Hello HoHoHo,
I actually recommend a plush wool topper as you already have quite a bit of latex that is going to give you the support you need for a higher BMI. A wool topper will give you softness that will help the fibromyalgia and shoulder issues.
The other thing I would consider is your pillow. Often times, you need to make sure that the pillow you choose has a high enough loft and is firm enough for proper support. If the pillow is too low or too soft, your shoulder/arm will be compromised - especially on a firmer bed.
Good luck on your journey to better sleep and I hope this helps.
Angela, thanks so much for your input. Good point about the pillow - I’m using a shredded latex and it may need adjusting.
I did try the other recommendations and for whatever reason, putting the soft Talalay or Soft Dunlop on top wasn’t comfortable. My guess is that maybe my weight or body shape is affecting things and pain issues are complicated. It’s been really confusing but I think I’ve finally found something that works. I have top to bottom:
sculpted Dunlop topper
Medium Talalay
Soft Dunlop
firm Dunlop.
It seems to have taken care of the numbness in the arms, etc.
I was also wondering about how to add just an extra bit of cushion - something that might help on days I flare up, so I’m glad you mentioned your wool topper. I’ve checked out your website and will definitely keep that in mind for future tweaks. Great website, btw.
Hi Judy,
Apologies for the delay, the tariffs are creating a bit of chaos for us.
Yes, sometimes putting the softest layer under a slightly firmer one works well. It is truly the beauty of having adjustable layers.
I am glad you are looking into the pillow, it can make a huge difference for neck and shoulders.
As far as a soft topper, I do highly recommend a wool topper. It’s been a best seller for 25 years for us and the one constant in our line-up. Not all are created equal, so make sure to do your homework.
