I’ve been really appreciative of reading through this forum and all the knowledge I’ve gained, although a bit overwhelmed like most who start down this journey seem to be. I’ve read through the tutorial, personal value equation, and the temperature considerations (among many, many other threads). My hope is to post what I think may be right for me and solicit some expert opinions. First the sleepers, then the specs.
Sleeper 1 (me): 37m, 6’1", 175lbs, combo side and back - I prefer to be on my sides but do wake up on my back about 50% of the time, never stomach; Broad shoulders; hot sleeper; prefer plush/soft top (slept on a Tempurpedic Cloud Supreme (the old version) for 8 years and loved the softer feel).; currently on a crappy spring mattress (a low tier simmons) with a thick memory foam topper (something basic from amazon) that makes it barely bearable; i frequently wake up with a sore shoulder, and can get low back pain on the occasion I sleep longer than 7 hours or so.
Sleeper 2 (gf): 28f, 5’7", 145lbs, combo side and back; wider hips, also sleeps very hot; not as much as a princess as I am about the comfort but she does like a medium to medium-soft feel, no body pains with sleep.
I’d really like to go DIY for the cost savings, but I’m ok spending for quality materials. We tested out Tuft and Needle’s line recently. The Mint was meh, too firm for both us. The hybrid got closer but still not enough hug or give for side sleeping on broad shoulders. If I’m spending upwards of $1600-1700 for what I now know are heavily marketed and under quality beds, I would be thrilled to build something myself for a comparable price point.
PPP:
Slow or fast response materials: to be honest I’m not sure, but it doesn’t immediately matter much to me
Sleeping “on” vs “in” the mattress: “IN” the mattress
Motion isolation: This is important for us; doesn’t have to be a dead stop on motion but we both adjust throughout the night
The ease of movement: the bounce for sex is nice, but would be willing to sacrifice some of that if motion and comfort are optimized; otherwise ease of movement doesn’t matter for us
Edge support: with a King, hopefully it wont matter much, not super high on the priority list
“Roll together:” we both sleep hot so hopefully we are not rolling togeher
Overall “feel”: best feel I’ve enjoyed is the Tempur Cloud Supreme (or even Luxe), but I’m intrigued by latex if it can sleep a little cooler or be more durable, definitely like the PLUSH feel
Durability of materials in the mattress: if paying close to $2000 means better durability combined with great comfort, I’m here for it
Durability of construction (such as one or two sided): I’m open to either
Quality and performance of materials and construction: not sure how to answer this, really want to optimize comfort and heat
Ability to open the mattress and exchange layers or make changes after purchase: with DIY, this would be ideal
Warranty and warranty exclusions (which are often more important then the warranty itself): would be nice
Budget limitations and range: $2000 ceiling, though would slightly break it if we were close on the rest
Mattress only or foundation included (and the type): probably mattress only, my girlfriend is much more particular about picking a frame/foundation that’s aesthetically pleasing to her
Natural materials vs synthetic: not a big sticking point
The type of cover and quilting (if any) you prefer: I’ve read the stretched knit connects you most to the comfort layer?
I did use SleepEZ’s calculator to come up with basic layered considerations, which were (top down):
Soft (Natural Talalay, 3", 19-22 ILD) with stretch cotton cover
Medium (Dunlop, 3", 30-32 ILD)
Firm (Dunlop, 3", 37-40 ILD)
Cotton/wool cover for bottom 6"
Total Price: $1464
edit: Talked to Richard at Sleep EZ (super helpful guy!), and he said they could custom the Soft Talalay to a lower ILD, but that would decrease it’s life (3-5 years). If that improves the plush feel and it’s the only thing I’ll replace over the next 5 years, it may be worth it?
I know I have mentioned the Tempurpedic Cloud Supreme (memory foam), and I’ve seen Phoenix mention it might be best to stick with a material you know. That makes me consider a 4" Memory Foam topper:
PostureSense foam, 4.5lb density, 4" thickness, I don’t see an ILD anywhere?
If the latex layers last a long time and replacing a plush topper every 4 or 5 years gets me to the plush but supported feel, I’d be ok with that.
For what it’s worth, I live in Durham, NC (close to Raleigh, NC), zip 27707
I’ve looked around at different sites as well, but was hoping for some initial feedback before putting together a ton of configurations if I seem way off track based on my preferences. Thanks so much to anyone who can help guide!