I have an all-latex DIY mattress arranged as shown below. I have tried every combination you can make with those layers. The only orientation i can get around shoulder/hip pain caused by the pressure/firmness is with that combination. The problem is when i do that, i get lower back pain, i assume because my hips are sinking too far. 160 lb 5’ 8’’ side sleeper.
Questions are, is this a common problem with all latex mattress builds? Do you think this is the sort of situation that swapping out the core with coils could help with? Do they allow enough give to relieve the pressure but still support you enough? If so, do you have any recommendations for the type of coil? Does 6’’ vs 8’’ matter? I really need to figure this out, I havent slept well in months. I toss and turn in discomfort all night, and I wake up every morning with a stiff lower back. Also, this DIY mattress ordeal is getting really expensive… I appreciate the help.
Latex mattresses often provide good comfort, but balancing support and pressure relief can be tricky, especially for side sleepers. Your experience with shoulder/hip pain and lower back discomfort isn’t uncommon. Swapping the core with pocketed coils could offer more personalized contouring and support balance, as coils can adapt individually to body weight. An 8" coil system might provide better support than 6", especially for minimizing hip sinkage. Ensure the coil system is compatible with your adjustable frame. Additionally, a zoned latex layer can offer more targeted support. Adjusting layers and possibly consulting a sleep specialist might also help.
I have an all latex mattress and realized it’s the lack of zoning. Most of us need a different firmness under our hips than under our shoulders.
Most mattresses nowadays have some zoned memory foam on top. But latex mattresses haven’t caught up
Flobeds is the only latex mattress I’ve seen that has zoned latex. You can also buy their zoned layer and try to put it into a cover to make a topper but it’s about $900 to do that.
Your other option is to get a cheaper memory foam topper that has zones.