Latex Mattress: Build it Yourself Layers vs Fully Constructed Mattress

Hi, Is there any difference between a latex mattress with layers that you build yourself vs one that comes as a normal, built mattress? Anything to be aware of with the self built option other than you need to spend some time putting it together?

Thanks!

Hi mrfurious214,

There are two different versions of mattresses that you put together yourself. The first is a “component mattress” where you purchase all the layers and components and the cover of a complete mattress together from the same company and they are shipped to you as individual components that you generally will need to assemble yourself into the final mattress after you receive them. These component mattresses have been tested and passed the fire regulations and can be sold “as a complete mattress”. They are available in a range of designs that can be further customized after you receive them by either rearranging or exchanging layers or components after a purchase if your original configuration doesn’t turn out to be as good a “match” for you in terms of comfort, firmness, and PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and your own Personal preferences) as you originally hoped for. The layers and components are available in a more “standardized” range of layer thicknesses and firmnesses that have been tested together and can be more easily “matched” to different body types, sleeping styles, and individual preferences and circumstances.

The second version is a DIY mattress where you purchase any individual layers and components that you wish from one or more companies but the final combination of components hasn’t been specifically tested together and passed the fire regulations as a “complete” mattress. These can only be sold as individual components and can’t be advertised as a mattress (although of course when you put the layers and components together you still have a mattress but it hasn’t passed the fire regulations). With a full DIY mattress you have a much wider range of layering options because you can purchase any individual layer, component, and cover that is available on the market and in effect you are designing your own mattress but when you are outside of the standard layering combinations that have already been proven to work well for different people based on “averages” then it can be more complex and require more knowledge to decide on a layering combination that works well for any individual person.

There is more about the pros and cons of a “finished mattresses” that generally has glued layers vs a component mattresses with unglued layers and zip covers in post #15 here and post #2 here.

If you are attracted to the idea of designing and building your own DIY mattress out of separate components and a separate cover then the first place I would start is by reading option 3 in post #15 here and the posts it links to (and option #1 and #2 as well) so that you have more realistic expectations and that you are comfortable with the learning curve, uncertainty, trial and error, or in some cases the higher costs that may be involved in the DIY process. While it can certainly be a rewarding project … the best approach to a DIY mattress is a “spirit of adventure” where what you learn and the satisfaction that comes from the process itself is more important than any cost savings you may realize (which may or may not happen).

There is also more about primary or “deep” support and secondary or “surface” support and their relationship to firmness and pressure relief and the “roles” of different layers in a mattress in post #2 here and in post #4 here that may also be helpful in clarifying the difference between “support” and “pressure relief” and “feel” that may be useful as well.

If you decide to take on the challenge then I would either use the specs (if they are available) of a mattress that you have tested and confirmed is a good match for you in terms of PPP as a reference point or blueprint and try and “match” every layer and component in your reference mattress as closely as possible or use a “bottom up” approach (see post #2 here).

If you are considering a component mattress (or any mattress) that is available locally then you will be able to test different layering combinations in person (hopefully using the testing guidelines in the mattress shopping tutorial) to decide which combination of layers and components and which mattress design is the best “match” for you in terms of PPP.

If you are considering an online component mattress (or any mattress) that you can’t test in person before a purchase then the most reliable source of guidance is always a more detailed phone conversation with a knowledgeable and experienced retailer or manufacturer that has your best interests at heart and who can help “talk you through” the specifics of their mattresses and the properties and “feel” of the materials they are using (fast or slow response, resilience, firmness etc) and the options they have available that may be the best “match” for you based on the information you provide them, any local testing you have done or mattresses you have slept on and liked or other mattresses you are considering that they are familiar with, and the “averages” of other customers that are similar to you. They will know more about “matching” their specific mattress designs and firmness levels to different body types, sleeping positions, and preferences (or to other mattresses that they are familiar with) than anyone else.

Phoenix

Thanks so much for you explanation!