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!