I was out of town and went to a natural mattress store on two days (two different salesmen) to try out some all latex mattresses. I have read a bunch of information on this site and the salesmen were generally helpful and knowledgeable, but also said a few things I question.
While looking at the Posh+ Lavish custom mattress - 6" base below two 2" layers - I asked each why the 6" base layer? Both said, in different ways, that they felt a 6" base layer was critically important. That they have sold 3"/3"/3" latex mattresses from (several brands, some they still carry) and they just don’t work out as well from a customer satisfaction standpoint.
Looking at trusted members and other websites, firms sell latex mattresses in many thicknesses (9, 10, 11, 12" of latex) and in many layer configurations (3/3/3, 6/4, 6/2/2, 6/2/3, 3/3/3/3, 6/3/3 and so on. Not sure I have seen a 6/3). The Posh+ Lavish was 6/2/2.
Is there any importance to a 6" (presumably Dunlop) base layer as opposed to two 3" base layers? Do they end up with better customer satisfaction? Are 3/3/3 more problematic as the salesman said?
Are there any layer configurations that work best, or ones to avoid?
None of the pre-built P+L mattresses did anything for me. The one side of the custom was great, at least showroom time great. 6 inch firm Dunlop, 2 inch very soft biothane (I think he said), and 2 inch medium talaly.
The other side was setup to be firm; I forget details.
Hi Don,
We’ve been in the “all latex” mattress business for 25 years and we have always offered a 6" base with either 2" or 3" latex on top. The reason a 6" is best on the base is consistency. When you offer 3+3+3, the densities of each layer can vary. Because latex is a natural product, there is a range of ILD within each firmness category. Virtually all organic latex is molded in 6" thicknesses. For example a 3" firm could be cut from a 6", 85D/36 ILD, but each 3" piece can be within a range depending on whether the 3" slice is from the top-side or the bottom-side of a 6 core. The 3/3/3 model was introduced to simplify the distribution process for the manufacturer, not to offer a superior mattress. With fewer pieces to stock and interchangeable layers, customers can change around layers to hopefully get a feel that works.
What distinguishes a good mattress from a great mattress, is similar to a good restaurant and great restaurant - quality of ingredients, consistency, and service. The base layer is your support layer, and the best support begins with a solid Firm or Medium Firm base. The top layers are the comfort layers - softer Talalay is great for shoulder pressure point relief and side sleepers - a soft Dunlop top layer may be better for heavier humans.
When you say all organic latex is molded in 6" thicknesses, do you mean Dunlop process latex? My understanding was Talalay process latex has greater consistency of density and ILD, and generally is not organic, though is natural.
Is a 3" Talalay layer cut from a 6" piece or is it molded in 3" layers?