Information Overload

[phoenix]

Hi Brian,

1. Do you have any recommendation whether all latex mattress or spring/latex combination would be better or does Dan’s assessment make sense? Spring/latex seems to be more customizable and cheaper, and aside from a little bit of firmness difference between the two “firm” versions in the store I could not really tell the difference. I liked the firmness more of the latex mattress, but Dan assured me the same firmness feel could be achieved with the spring/latex model as well.

There is no better or worse here and it would be strictly based on your personal preferences and your own “value equation”. The springs are lower cost and many people prefer them over a latex base while others prefer the feel and performance of a latex base. The springs can be customized in terms of zoning which can be an advantage in some cases as well. I know that different manufacturers have different experiences or opinions about almost every issue connected to mattresses but my personal view is that firm latex will last at least as long as an innerspring if not longer but neither one would be the weak link of a mattress anyway so any difference in durability would not be particularly meaningful in real life.

2. Should I look into getting a wool topper or another topper for the mattress for longevity/hygiene reasons as it can be easily replaced or will I be fine with just having the top casing layer of the mattress be wool? Should I get any other type of mattress protector or anything else recommended as a topper if not getting a topper for comfort?

This again is a preference issue but I would at least start off with the mattress in the best possible configuration for you without a wool topper (or any topper) and add a wool topper only if you believed you wanted or needed it for some reason. I wouldn’t add any unnecessary complexity or variables or anything as a matter of course unless there was a particularly compelling reason that you wanted to do so (such as you are used to sleeping on a thick wool layer and this is exactly what you want). You will need a mattress protector though which is a good idea with any mattress. You can read about the different types of mattress protectors and the pros and cons of each in post #89 here.

3. Any thoughts on platform bed or getting a box spring? Dan said it didn’t matter which I chose, and from everything that I’ve read online it seems like platform beds are more sturdy than box springs and overall cheaper since you don’t need to buy the box spring.

I wouldn’t use a box spring (which is the type of base that has springs in it) because it will change the feel of the mattress from what you tested 9unless you tested it on a flexible boxspring. A platform bed or a rigid or solid foundation would be better and both would be fine. I would always follow the recommendations of a manufacturer about what to use under their mattresses and to make sure it was suitable for the warranty. If they give the OK then its fine.

Phoenix