Latex is a PAIN! Need Advice, Please

Hi. I posted on this site when we were first shopping for a latex bed. The information was extremely helpful and kindly appreciated.

Not wanting to make a purchase of this magnitude sight unseen, we decided to go with a local mattress store. We spent 2 hours swapping out layers of latex with a patient and informative store owner. We took turns standing behind each other, checking for neck and lumbar alignment. What we bought is the following, all talalay, Latex International:

Me: 5’4", 120 lbs
36-28-28

Him: 5’11", 180 lbs
36-36-28

The demo mattress had a Tencil case and we upgraded to an organic cotton/wool.

The first night we thought the bed firm, and in the morning had aches :blink:. We know to give our bodies time to adjust, so we waited 2 weeks. No better. We both have spine issues and we’re both side sleepers. The store has a 60 day swap-out comfort guarantee, but we were wary of going with a lower ILD for 2 reasons: 1.) we didn’t want to compromise spinal alignment, and 2.) we read that lower ILD’s can form depressions sooner.

We decided a topper was the way to go and purchased an 3" all-wool topper in cotton casing. It felt GREAT for about 3 months, until it packed down. Now we’ve got neck/back pain from sleeping in a well :pinch:. In the meantime, our exchange period has expired. Enter the idea for a latex topper!

Ok, so we know we prefer talalay, and we’ve read a cotton/wool case can firm up a mattress, so the only question left is What ILD?

The store owner told us anything less than 24 would be prone to forming depressions and we’d probably sink right through it. Assuming we opt for a more flexible cover, will a 24 feel much differently than a 28? Is it enough of a difference to justify $400 on top of the $2300 we’ve already spent? “Difference”, I know, is subjective: so, would “most” people be able to tell a 24 from a 28?

I’ve found a 22-24, and a 19-22. Both are reasonable priced and neither is returnable. Any advice? Anyone??

Hi madinsomniaz,

Using thicker/softer comfort layers can actually help alignment and improve support for side sleeping especially (it can fill in the gaps in the sleeping profile). Firmer certainly isn’t always better (and it also depends to some degree on the layers involved because the upper layers are “comfort” layers and the deeper layers are “support” layers).

While it’s true that softer ILD’s are less durable than firmer ILD’s if the material you are comparing it to is exactly the same … latex is more durable in any ILD than it’s equivalent in other types of foam (such as polyfoam) so durability is always relative to what you are comparing it to. There is little “value” in having a mattress that would last you 20 years but is too firm to sleep on.

You can “fluff up” a wool topper to some degree by shaking it out or airing it out in the sun but wool does get firmer when it packs down. Neck pain (and possibly even upper back pain) can be a pillow issue as much as a mattress issue and it may be worth experimenting with this to see if it helps.

There are many variables involved in choosing the type, thickness, and ILD (where applicable) of a topper and it depends on the body type of the person along with their sleeping positions, their preferences, and the specifics of the mattress or sleeping system it’s being used on (the same topper will feel and perform differently for the same person on different mattresses). Choosing a topper can involve some trial and error but the topper guidelines in post #2 here and the posts it links to are based on your assessment of the mattress (or sleeping system) that the topper will be added to and your “best assessment” of how much more pressure relief you believe you need and may be helpful as a starting point (and hopefully an ending point :))

It would depend on the specifics of what else was in the mattress, the thickness of the topper, and on the sensitivity of the person but I think that “most” people would be able to tell the difference in most cases yes. You aren’t in a weight range that I would be concerned with going a little bit lower than 24 ILD and once again … no matter what you choose if it’s too firm for you then it would have little value to you no matter how long it lasted.

Phoenix

Your wool topper is not done for. Besides shaking it out as Phoenix said or sending it back to the Mill to be relofted, it simply needs to be evenly compressed. I’m copying in the sheet we send out with our wool toppers to give an idea of how to do so.

"To keep your topper from becoming mountains with a valley, you need to sleep on it in different spots. Sleep toward one side for a week and then the other side for a while. Flip it over the next week and sleep sideways on it, one side and then the other. Rotate the topper, again sleeping on it sideways. Your body weight is your tool here. Even try climbing into bed from different sides of the topper or if you are in the habit of sitting on your bed, sit in different spots.

If you have taken care to use your body to apply pressure all over, the topper will compress all over. You will find that after about 2-4 months of care, your topper will retain its comfort, but will have lost some of its loft."

A wool topper is certainly not a pillowtop, though it is a favorite of some sleepers.

Good luck figuring out what to do with it,
Deborah

Hi All,

This is an update from (I can’t believe it’s been 4 months already-where is the time going?!) February. We still haven’t purchased a topper. It’s hard to shell out more money when we’re still paying off the bed :S .

We’re still shopping online and in the meantime, layered 2 standard foam eggcrates to make a comfort layer. Just the cheap lightweight yellow foam ones you find in one of the Marts. It was GREAT, I mean super-comfy, for about 6 wks when our hips had made permanent depressions in the foam. Then began the lower back aches in the mornings. Ah well… didn’t expect much from them in the first place.

So here’s my question: does anyone have an idea what talalay ILD would be comparable to two eggcrates? I’ve found an affordable 19, and also a 22-24. The 22-24 seller terms this her “soft” topper while it seems most other sellers would classify this ILD as a soft-medium.

Going back to what we have on the bed, the top layer of 28 is too firm for me (I’m the smaller sleeper :slight_smile: ). The second question is this: Since spinal alignment is very important to us, and as I want a softer top layer, would I be better off with 2" or 3" for the topper? I want more cushioning than the 28, but I don’t want to sink right through OR compromise alignment.

Picky, picky, picky. And sore, sore, sore. SO ready to order, as soon as I can figure out what it is I’m after! :silly:

Help? please?

Hi madinsomniax,

Unfortunately there really isn’t any way to compare your convoluted toppers to something else (especially if it’s a different material completely) outside of side by side testing on the same mattress because I don’t have any information about it.

Typically though … it would be in a “soft” range although softness is very subjective and one person’s (or manufacturer’s) definition of soft can be very different from another.

In terms of Talalay latex … 24 ILD is generally considered to be soft (you can see Latex International’s “word ratings” for different ILD’s here) although once again this will vary between different manufacturers. ILD is also only one of several factors that affects how soft or firm a material feels and by itself can be somewhat misleading (see post #6 here).

While there are too many unknowns, variables, and personal preferences involved between different people to use a formula or specs (either yours or for a mattress or topper) or “theory at a distance” to choose a topper that can be particularly effective … post #2 here and the topper guidelines it links to may be helpful and will give you a way to use your actual sleeping experience as a guideline to help you choose the thickness and softness of a topper that may work best for you on your mattress.

Phoenix

I just spent 20 months on a $2,300 king size latex mattress that was medium-firm. Do not let the chit-chat fool you…they are NOT similar to a good memory foam mattress as far as supporting the spine goes. Latex is a different animal completely. Yes they sleep cooler, offer some pressure relief, and are anti-mite/bacterial/etc. but when it comes down to it, if you have back/neck issues, your best option is a high quality memory foam mattress. You don’t have to spend $4k on a Tempurpedic…you can get a really nice one for half that.

I just made the switch, and mine will be here in a couple of weeks (made to order).

Hi CDFinch,

You’re certainly correct about latex and memory foam being completely different animals … they are about as different as two foam materials can be (see post #2 here).

There are many people who prefer memory foam vs latex or vice versa but it certainly isn’t accurate to call one more “supportive” than the other or a “better” option than the other since this would depend entirely on the person, the specific design of the mattress (one mattress doesn’t represent an entire category of mattresses) and on each person’s individual needs and preferences. A mattress that keeps one person in perfect alignment (which is what support really means) may be completely unsuitable for someone else to sleep on regardless of which type of material is in the mattress.

In technical terms latex has a higher support factor than memory foam (also called compression modulus) so if anything latex would be a more “supportive” material and it’s the only one of the two materials that is suitable for use in support layers (memory foam is too soft to be used in the support layers of a mattress which is why all memory foam mattresses use a more supportive material or component underneath the memory foam layers) but in practical terms either one can work well as a comfort or transition layer and in the right design and combination of materials for a specific person can result in a mattress that works well in terms of PPP.

I think what you have discovered is that you prefer the memory foam mattress you purchased to the latex mattress it replaced and that for you it may be a better “match” in terms of PPP … but of course what works well for you (or any other person) has little to do with what will work well for the next.

Most of all though … congratulations on your new mattress. It’s good to see that you are happy with your choice :).

Phoenix

Thanks for the responses, everyone. Phoenix, thanks for the quick links to related posts. The ILD terms are now in my files: very helpful. Post #6 was like trying to digest college biochemistry for me: aka, had to read it several times over, but now I think I’ve got the gist :stuck_out_tongue:

CDFinch, so sorry to hear your latex adventure was an expensive bust. We prefer latex to memory foam for a number of reasons, but we have friends who swear by their memfoam beds. If we weren’t such warm sleepers, I’d be all in for trying a topper. Good luck with your new bed: I sincerely hope you get the best sleep of your life :slight_smile: .

Has anyone here used Brooklyn Bedding? I like that they offer a comfort exchange policy for toppers. I’ve spoken with both of the reps there, Mario and Jacob. The customer service pre-sale seems exceptional: anyone have experience with returns or post-sale support?

Our budget for the topper is $450 max. These are the options I’ve narrowed it down to:

Brooklyn Bedding - Brooklyn Bedding (cover incl. but is sewn on; no zipper.
Exchange policy)

Latex Mattresses On Sale - Latex Mattress Toppers - Phoenix, AZ (Cotton/bamboo cover addt’l $69. no returns)

Latex Mattresses On Sale - Latex Mattress Toppers - Phoenix, AZ (bamboo cover addt’l $100. Return/refund allowed)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Latex-Mattress-Topper-EAST-KING-3-Inch-Talalay-SOFT-22-24-ILD-Stretch-Cover-/281200255607?pt=US_Mattress_Pads_and_Feather_Beds&hash=item4178d76277 (Sewn-on cotton/spandex cover. Return policy)

If anyone’s had any experience with any of these sellers, I’d love to hear about it. I know Ariz. Mattress is a good seller but there are no returns and they’re the priciest option. Brooklyn Bedding initially told me there’s no such thing as density/lb. regarding latex, but then called Latex International and did get the numbers for me. SleepOnLatex says his latex is made in America, but his density numbers don’t match Latex International’s. LI says they’re the only latex made in America, so now I’m wondering about SleepOnLatex. As to the ebay seller, she’s been very good about providing info on her product and her ratings are 100%. The worry there is that the cover is sewn on. BB’s is sewn on as well, come to think of it. I read several Amazon reviews where people opened the cover seam and the latex didn’t look to be what it was advertised as. BB says a sewn-on cover is cheaper to make, so the savings are passed on to the customer. I’ve also read that ebay and Amazon toppers are usually used/returned toppers.

It’s all very confusing and this is a large purchase for us. Really… if anyone here has any info to offer, it’d be very helpful. Trying to figure this out is making me a little crazy :unsure: !!

Hi madinsomniax,

There are probably dozens if not hundreds of members here who have purchased from Brooklyn Bedding and exchanged either a layer or their mattress or a topper and had a very good experience so hopefully some of them will see you post and share their experience.

Arizona Premium also carries other Talalay latex toppers that are in a lower price range than the Rejuvenite toppers that you linked. The Rejuvenite toppers come with a cover included in the price. With their bare latex toppers the cover is extra. Neither one or the toppers you linked allows returns.

Knowing the density of Talalay latex is really not important and doesn’t provide any additional information that would be meaningful or useful that could be used to compare toppers (although all foam materials have a density which is their weight divided by the volume of the layer). With Talalay latex the ILD is the best indicator of firmness not the density.

I would be very cautious about trusting some of the Amazon reviews I’ve read … some of which are so obviously wrong that the only explanation I would have for them is that they are written by a competitor or perhaps by people who know little to nothing about latex. Brooklyn Bedding is one of the members here and they are reliable and trustworthy suppliers.

SleepOnLatex will also provide you with accurate information about their products. There are three latex manufacturers that make latex cores or toppers in America. These are Latex International (Talalay latex), Mountain Top Foam (which makes continuous pour Dunlop latex in a range of different blends), and Latexco (which makes continuous pour blended Dunlop latex). Density comparisons are only relevant if you are comparing the firmness of the same type and blend of Dunlop latex.

Phoenix

madinsomniax,

Personally, I would go with a 14 ILD topper if you’re looking for something anywhere near the softness of the convoluted/egg crate PU foam and I definitely wouldn’t go with anything higher than 19 ILD. For reference, most of the soft PU foam that you’ll find in the top couple of inches of most traditional innerspring mattress are slightly softer feeling than 14 ILD latex (and certainly no firmer). ~19 ILD is the firmest I would ever want to sleep directly on top of myself.

3" of 24 ILD is pretty firm for a topper at your weight and would be too firm for my taste at 155 lbs (side sleeper). Also note that 3" of a certain ILD is definitely firmer and more “solid” feeling than a 2" layer of that same ILD. Some comments you’ll read here will say that thicker = softer, but that’s not entirely true (it is and it isn’t). In an apples to apples comparison, thicker layers feel firmer than thinner layers - no question. BUT…thicker layers also provide more “cushion” when they’re on top of a firmer bed, keeping you further away from the firmness. This is why it is sometimes said that thicker layers feel softer when in fact they’re firmer overall than thinner layers (all else being equal).

I currently use 3" of 19 ILD as my comfort layer, on top of a 3" 22-24 ILD transition layer, on top of a 6" 32 ILD base, on top of a 3" 19 ILD layer (this soft layer at the bottom completely alters the feel of the bed in a good way) and I think I’ve finally got my mattress “right” after several months of DIY configuration (and a LOT of latex purchases). I’ll be posting full details of my set up and all of the things I’ve learned and mistakes I’ve made along the way in the coming days/weeks once I am 100% certain that I’m done making changes to the bed. I need to give my current configuration another week or two before I can say that I’m finally “done” with this mattress project though! Then I’ll need to get a new hobby! :stuck_out_tongue:

That said, all of my latex (with the exception of the 3" 19 ILD topper at the bottom of the bed which rests on my foundation) is inside a 12" zippered 4-way stretch cotton cover (no wool/quilting). Placing your topper on top of the mattress (outside of your encasement) will make it feel softer than if it were inside the mattress encasement (which could be a good thing or a bad thing).

Of the vendors you mentioned, I think BB is a smart choice since they allow exchanges if you don’t get it right the first time.

Hope this helps a little!

Hi jkozlow3,

I think you may have things reversed here. While it’s true that thinner layers will allow more of the feel of the layers below them to “come through” most toppers are used on mattresses that are too firm and thicker would almost always feel softer. There is more about the effect of thickness in post #14 here. You can verify this by comparing a 2" topper and a 3" topper of the same type of material and firmness on the floor and it will be very clear that the 3" topper will feel softer.

If a topper is used over layers that are softer than the topper … then a thinner topper can feel firmer than a thicker topper of the same type and firmness.

Phoenix.

1 Like

[quote=“Phoenix” post=38554]Hi jkozlow3,

I think you may have things reversed here. While it’s true that thinner layers will allow more of the feel of the layers below them to “come through” most toppers are used on mattresses that are too firm and thicker would almost always feel softer. There is more about the effect of thickness in post #14 here. You can verify this by comparing a 2" topper and a 3" topper of the same type of material and firmness on the floor and it will be very clear that the 3" topper will be softer.

Phoenix.[/quote]

No disrespect Phoenix (I value your opinion quite highly and have spent months reading and taking notes from your posts and have even made a small donation to your site), but I respectfully disagree with you on this one. I own MULTIPLE pieces of latex in the same ILD of both 2" and 3" thickness. Thicker (i.e. 3") feels softer when placed directly on the floor, because it prevents you from feeling the floor more than a thinner layer (i.e. 2") would. But a 3" layer has a different sturdiness to it than a 2" layer does and as a result, it feels firmer if you are simply comparing the 2 layers side-by-side (all other variables removed). Yes, it can feel softer for the very reason you (and I) mentioned - it puts you further away from the firm stuff (i.e. the floor, a firm mattress, etc).

I could sleep directly on top of a 2" 24 ILD layer (if I didn’t need to be more than a 2" topper to “help” my comfort layer out) but there is no way I could sleep directly on top of a 3" 24 ILD layer - it feels much sturdier and firmer. I have 14/15 ILD and 19 ILD layers in both 2" and 3" thickness as well and the 2" feels softer when compressed. No doubt about it.

Hi jkozlow3,

I understand that these types of assessments can be somewhat subjective and some people’s experiences may be different for various reasons than the norm (including that people can perceive softness and firmness in different ways) … but the information I provided is accurate both from a theoretical point of view and from the perspective of what most people would actually experience.

I realize and understand that your experience may be different but it certainly wouldn’t agree with the experience of most manufacturers (who use thicker layers to create softer mattresses) or most people.

Phoenix

[quote=“Phoenix” post=38556]Hi jkozlow3,

I understand that these types of assessments can be somewhat subjective and some people’s experiences may be different for various reasons than the norm (including that people can perceive softness and firmness in different ways) … but the information I provided is accurate both from a theoretical point of view and from the perspective of what most people would actually experience.

I realize and understand that your experience may be different but it certainly wouldn’t agree with the experience of most manufacturers (who use thicker layers to create softer mattresses) or most people.

Phoenix[/quote]

Stack a 2" 19 ILD > 2" 24 ILD > 2" 28 ILD. 6 total inches of latex. If you add up the ILD on an inch-by-inch basis, the total ILD for all 6" is 142. The average ILD is 23.67.

Next, stack a 3" 19 ILD on top of a 3" 24 ILD. 6 total inches of latex. If you add up the ILD on an inch-by-inch basis, the total ILD for all 6" is 129 and the average is 21.5.

The 3" + 3" combo feels significantly firmer and sturdier than the 2" + 2" + 2" combo UNLESS you are feeling the floor more through the stack with the 2" layers. Then it feels firmer because you are feeling the firm floor - but the latex itself is softer feeling. I encourage you to test it out sometime.

That’s all I’m saying. Yes, thicker layers are softer in a way b/c it isolates you more from the firm. But if we could remove the variable of being able to feel the firm stuff beneath it, thinner layers are always softer than thicker ones.

And yes, a thicker bed is softer than a thinner one - all else being equal. No argument there whatsoever. Even the firmest latex is softer than any wood foundation. So the more total inches of latex, the softer the bed.

Hi jkozlow3,

ILD isn’t “additive” in this way. Different people will “feel” more of the firmness of some layers than others. Most people will “feel” the firmness/softness of the top layers more than the bottom layers but the thickness of the upper layers that will make the most difference for a particular person will also depend on their body type.

For many people (including me) your second example would likely feel softer regardless of how you may experience it but it will also depend on how much the layers are “bottoming out” and for some people having the 28 ILD on the bottom would reduce the effect of the substrate more and could feel softer.

An example would be to test a PLB mattress on a firm foundation and then test the same mattress on their latex foundation which has 4" of latex and you would find that the latex foundation would make the mattress feel softer.

Perhaps a better illustration yet would be if you were to to replace the top layer of both of your examples with a layer that was the same ILD but was an inch thicker they would both feel softer.

This just isn’t accurate and you can’t “remove” the effect of other layers or substrates because a topper is always used on top of something else.

While I do understand your point and there are some similar comments based on “rough math” in post #26 here and post #2 here that go into great detail … your examples are more about mattress design than topper choices and using your comments as a reliable indicator in “real life” to choose a topper would be fairly misleading for most people.

Phoenix

Sounds like the above discourse would make a GREAT Myth Busters episode :lol: !

Thanks to both repliers: I’m slooowly forming a decision here. I’m happy to hear Brooklyn Bedding is on the reliable seller list, although I just priced their topper again and it’s going to be about $100 more than the ebay seller.

By the way, for anyone who may also be topper shopping, the particular ebay seller I’ve been in contact with is Mattresses247 and her name’s Valerie. Her latex topper is made by Radium Foam and the cover is stretch cotton 90%/spandex 10%, talalay 22-24 ILD.

I looked at Ariz Premium again and didn’t see a 3" talalay king sz. topper for less than $427, no cover. He does have a Dunlop on clearance, though.

JKozlow3: I very much appreciate you sharing your ILD/softness opinions. Based on your info, I’ve almost ruled out the 22-24 topper on ebay. I’ve read that Radium Foam (home company based in the Netherlands) makes a good product, but I like to buy American-made whenever possible. I agree with you about cover materials. The bed we tried out in the store had a stretchy tencil cover which allowed us to sink into the latex further than the organic cotton/wool one we upgraded to. For anyone looking, it made a HUGE difference. The cotton/wool is thicker and made the bed firmer than we’d have thought possible.

Here’s an idea we’d not considered before: what if we get a replacement mattress cover in some sort of stretchy fabric?? I wonder if it’ll make enough difference that we wouldn’t then need a topper. It’d certainly be a much cheaper option than a king size topper!! :ohmy:

Phoenix: I thought I’d read it somewhere on here, but I may well be mistaken. I was under the impression that density in latex, while not an indication of softness, was something to be considered regarding durability? Perhaps it was elsewhere I saw that.

I’ve read Amazon reviews where a supposed name brand latex topper developed body impressions within 3-6 mos; something I’d certainly like to avoid. I’ve chalked those instances up to cheaply made products imported from disreputable companies and/or sold by unscrupulous sellers. Anyone know if Amazon has a way to rank sellers like ebay? Anyway, I’m sure there are good products to be found there if you do your homework on the seller.

Phoenix, I’d also thought I remembered you saying that in most cases, a 2" topper was sufficient for cushioning and that you usually wouldn’t advise a 3" topper as a comfort layer. Exceptions apply, of course. Am I misquoting? I know I saw this somewhere because up until that time, I’d been set on a 3". It made me seriously question a 3" topper since alignment is a big priority for me.

I’ve read all of the posts here, plus all of the posts recommended on those posts, which is a heck of a lot of posts! :blink: I know that there’s a pretty decent discrepancy between my waist and my hips, and I have broad shoulders. I know my 28 ILD top layer provides good alignment, but isn’t soft enough for my shoulders. I know, sadly, that a pillow fix is out (tried feather, polyfil, memory foam, latex, and a layering of the above in all different configurations). The reps at BB have recommended both 19 and 24 ILD toppers basedon all of my factors: the ebay seller is certain her 22-24 will feel wonderfully soft to me, like sleeping on a cloud. The store owner where we bought our latex bed said he’d never go below 24 because of durability issues, but I get your point, Phoenix: Who cares if it lasts 20 yrs if it isn’t comfortable?

Perhaps Radium Foam’s 22-24 feels comparable to Latex International’s 19? I’m just taking a stab here because the ebay option comes with a stretchy cotton cover and is, by far, the most affordable option.

In addition to Latex International’s ILD terms, Brooklyn Bedding’s descriptions may also be helpful to those in the market for a topper:
Brooklyn Bedding - Brooklyn Bedding (you may have to scroll down for the chart).

So I’m a lightweight side sleeper with a small waist; my 28 ILD top layer is too firm for my hips and shoulders, but especially my shoulders; I NEED good spinal alignment. My confusion is thus: Would I be better served by a 19 or 24 ILD: in 2" or 3" thickness? My thought after reading the most recent responses to my post is to go with a 3" 19 ILD. My concern, of course, is that my shoulders/hips will sink right through, though the hollow at my waist should be nicely filled in. If I go with a 2" 19 ILD, I’m almost sure it won’t be enough for my heavier prominences. Now a 2" 24 ILD might work for alignment, but will it be enough cushioning??

So I’m still terribly confused. :side: I wanted to get it right the first time, but perhaps Phoenix is correct that we’re only going to know for sure by trying the options out in person. It’ll surely be a hassle to box up and return a topper, but the payoff is good quality sleep. Can’t put a price on that.

If anyone’s got anything else to add, I’m still open to all advice, suggestions, and personal experiences . Many thanks for all of the replies so far!

Hi madinsomniax,

You can see their different topper options listed here and here. They have Dunlop as well as blended and 100% natural Talalay in 2" and 3" thicknesses.

The cover can certainly make some difference … but only your own experience will know if it will make “enough” difference. There is more about quilted vs unquilted covers in post #12 here.

With polyfoam and memory foam density is the most important factor in the durability of the material but is not related to firmness/softness because any density can be made in a range of firmness levels. With latex it’s the other way around. Latex density is related to firmness (higher densities are firmer) and is a “comfort spec” more than a “quality spec”. Talalay latex is in a lower density range than Dunlop latex and synthetic latex has a lower density than natural latex so it’s not really possible to use density to compare different types and blends of latex because they each have their own density range.

Amazon listings include reviews that range from 1 star to 5 stars but reviews aren’t really a reliable way to make any kind of assessment about the suitability of a mattress in terms of PPP because a mattress that works well for one person may be completely unsuitable for the next. They also aren’t a reliable way to assess the quality of a mattress or the materials inside it because most reviews are written shortly after a purchase and most consumers have little to no knowledge about the quality of the mattress they purchased or the materials inside it. There is more about mattress reviews in post #13 here. When you are doing your due diligence with online businesses then I would want to know who the supplier was in the “real world” and have contact information that was more than just an email address so I could make sure they were part of a reliable business and not one of the dozens or hundreds of “here today and gone tomorrow” businesses that are so common in the anonymous world of online shopping.

This certainly wouldn’t be something that I would write. The choice of the type, thickness, and softness of a topper would depend on the person, the mattress it was going on, and the amount of additional softness and pressure relief you are looking for. You can read more about choosing a topper in post #2 here and the topper guidelines it links to.

The best you will be able to do when you are choosing a topper that you can’t test on your mattress in person before you buy it is to tilt the odds in your favor. The best way to do this would be a combination of personal experience on different mattresses where you know the specifics of the materials and layers, more detailed conversations on the phone with reliable, knowledgeable, and experienced suppliers, and using the topper guidelines, along with factoring in the importance to you of any return or exchange options available if you aren’t confident about your choice so you still have good options if in spite of everyone’s best efforts your “real life” experience doesn’t turn out as well as you hoped for. There are too many unknowns, variables, and personal preferences involved for specs (either yours or a mattress) or “theory at a distance” to be nearly as reliable as your own personal experience except as a very generic guideline (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here).

In the end once you have done the research, you are familiar with different materials and options you have, and you have made the phone calls … then the only thing left is to actually try the topper that you believe appears to have the best chance of success and then use your actual sleeping experience to find out how close you came to your “ideal” choice in terms of PPP in “real life”.

Phoenix