Latex Hybrid options

[phoenix]

Hi hartmabd,

1) Verlo: We really enjoyed the Triumph (all latex) model but speaking with the owner was told that Verlo is not manufacturing latex models due to higher demand for memory foam. The only model they had was the floor model in queen (we are hoping to upgrade to king). They also had a latex/pocket coil hybrid but we did not like that one as much.

I’m not sure if that’s just a local decision or if they mean Verlo as a whole (they still are showing latex mattresses on their site) but either way that would be unfortunate since I believe that more choices in materials are part of what can allow consumers to make better choices overall, regardless of current trends in the industry which are often more about marketing than reality, and latex is certainly one of the better materials in the market. Of course like everything else … the choice between different materials is always a personal preference.

[quote]Since a 100% latex mattress is over our budget, it seems the latex hybrid will be our best option. My only concern so far is that we cannot seem to find a latex/poly foam hybrid to test out.
Are we missing out by not testing out this type of mattress?[/quote]

You would be missing the chance to test this specific type of mattress yes and a latex/polyfoam hybrid can certainly be a good option for those who prefer a polyfoam support core over an innerspring support core for reasons of cost or “feel” but it would really depend on how happy you are with the options you have tested and the importance to you of looking at other types of mattresses that you haven’t tested. Nobody would have the time to test every type of mattress or all the possible variations in each type that are available. Latex polyfoam hybrids would often be be the choice for those who are looking at a latex comfort layer that provides much of the feel of sleeping on latex but can’t afford an all latex mattress (see post #2 here) but a latex innerspring hybrid can be a choice that many people would make even if they could afford an all latex mattress because they prefer the combination more than an all latex mattress (see post #2 here).

Also, does it look like we are going in the correct direction with the construction of our mattress (pocket coil/poly support with firm latex in comfort layer)? We liked the mattress from QSS, but I am concerned the 3" of 40 ILD latex will be too firm for us small people. It was nice in store, but that does not always mean much.

The only way to answer this would be based on careful and objective testing using the testing guidelines in the tutorial post. While it may not always be perfect … it will be much more accurate than any theory at a distance based on specs (either yours or the mattress) and you would be in a better position to tell me whether the mattress works for you than I would be able to tell you. 40 ILD latex is a very firm sleep surface and would likely be too firm for most side sleepers (depending on how much time you spend on your side) if it was on top of a firm polyfoam support core but with a pocket coil underneath it the coils will provide more give under the latex and provide more pressure relief than a firmer polyfoam support core and this would be a “feel” (firmer over softer layers) that some people would like very much. A firmer mattress can also lower the risk of alignment issues for stomach sleepers.

3) Beloit Mattress (Luckily for us, we have several great options in the NW Chicago area): We will be visiting them next becuase they seem to have a few other options from what we have already tested that look like they fit our criteria (pocket coils with either all latex or latex/memory foam combo in comfort layers).

You are looking at some very good quality/value options and between Beloit and Quality Sleep especially you will certainly have some great final choices to choose from.

Phoenix