Latex guidance

[phoenix]

Hi distracted12,

I figure if I can SEE the sag - it’s time to move on.

I would tend to agree with this.

We’re in the Lexington, Ky area - so did find the pure Latex Bliss mattress to lay on. I may also check the Louisville area to see if there is anyplace around there we can try latex beds.

Some of the better options or possibilities I’m aware of in the Lexington area are listed in post #3 here and the Louisville list is in post #3 here (with some overlap).

I also came across your post re the different layers in the PLB beds, which I’ll probably take with me next time. I’d like to get a little better feel for how the differences in layers feel. Of course, I will also focus on retailers who offer exchanges/returns - which will make a huge difference in our willingness to try sight unseen.

I would keep in mind that the “comfort specs” of a mattress (such as ILD) are not important when you are testing a mattress locally because your own testing will tell you much more about the feel and performance of a mattress and whether it is a suitable choice in terms of PPP than the comfort specs. Of course knowing the specs can give you some reference points if you are considering an online choice that uses similar materials.

One thing I’m confused about - and I’ll be poking around the forum more to see what I can find - is how the top 1-1.5" of wool or polyfoam (or whatever the case is attached to) affects the feel of the mattress.

Also have some concern on whether the wool layer will add enough warmth to make it uncomfortable for someone who is really sensitive to heat. I do know that wool is a good insulator and wicking material, so think it will probably be ok.

There is more about the effects of quilting layers in general post #12 here and about wool quilting in post #6 here.

Wool is one of the best temperature regulating materials in both directions (which is why it’s used in desert climates as well as arctic climates) and can help with people that sleep too cold as well as those that sleep too hot. There is also more about the many variables that can affect sleeping temperature in post #2 here.

Along with the differences in a cotton vs bamboo case.

There is more about the differences between cotton and bamboo in post #7 here and post #11 here which would apply to mattress covers as well as sheets but again it will come down to which one you prefer.

I appreciate the work you’ve put into gathering all this information - but also the work you’ve done in talking to retailers and businesses to get a feel for who knows what they are talking about and stands by their products. That’s very helpful for those of us who don’t replace our mattresses every month.

I’m glad the information here could help … and thanks for the kind words

Phoenix