ILD of latex mattress

[phoenix]

Hi 57chevy,

For instance, how would two 3 inch layers of same latex compare to one 6 inch layer? two natural talalay 3 inch 32 ILD one on top of the other compare with one 6 inch 32 ILD same latex. Since the talalay are uniform this is easier to discuss than dunlop.

If both of the 3" layers were exactly the same type and ILD of latex as the single 6" layer … most people would not notice a difference. In “theory” multiple layers “act” slightly softer than single layer of the same thickness and for example three 1" layers in the comfort layer may be noticeably softer than a single 3" layer but if the only difference was a single 6" layer vs two 3" layers in the bottom two layers in a mattress, it’s unlikely that anyone would notice any difference.

Of course if the ILD’s are different in the bottom two 3" layers then it would make a difference compared to a single layer that was all the same ILD.

With dunlop, assuming you didin’t go through it, it seems to me that one 3 inch layer on the ground would feel firmer than that same 3 inch layer on top of another (same ILD) 3 inch layer.

Yes … a 3" layer will compress to a greater percentage of it’s total thickness with the same weight as 6" of the same material and will feel much firmer on a floor. Thicker layers act softer than thinner layers … all other things being equal. They also allow more of the layers below them to “come through”.

As far as dunlop is concerned I understand that it is heavier on the bottom based on how it is made. My understanding is that most or all are made as 6 inch layers which can be cut down by another party. If that is the case does that create two different 3 inch dunlop layers with different ILD’s.? Could this create what we see as med. and firm dunlop with 35 and 40+ ILD.?

In effect yes. Both of them would have the same ILD rating as the original core but they would be different yes. Some manufacturers will sometimes “re-rate” a layer because of this because they don’t agree with the original rating and it seems to be firmer or softer to them. You can see an example of this in post #15 here.

Phoenix