Latex is a PAIN! Need Advice, Please

[jkozlow3]

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

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.

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.