I have noticed in my research on latex mattress, everyone has a different approach in terms of how many layers and inches in each layer. Is it overkill or is it wise to have 4 layers at 3 inches thick (as the more expensive ones do) or is a thinner mattress going to provide just as much comfort and support?
Hi adler223,
Comfort (pressure relief and “feel”) and support (alignment) are relative to each person so the mattress design that works best for each person can vary widely.
The different designs, layers, firmness levels, and layer thicknesses all have an effect on the feel and performance of a mattress and are part of how different mattresses can be made to be more or less suitable or preferable for each person and are part of the art and science of mattress design.
In the most general of terms though (because there are no rules other than what works best for each individual person in terms of PPP) … most people would be fine with about 8" - 9" of latex because this provides enough thickness to use a firmer support core (usually about 6" or so) and a separate comfort layer. Some people will be fine with a single layer of 6" of latex and others that are in a much higher weight range may do better with a thicker mattress in the range of 12". Some people may just prefer the “feel” of a certain mattress regardless of its thickness or whether they actually “need” a mattress that thick. A mattress needs to be thick enough to accommodate the design goals of the mattress and to prevent bottoming out and beyond that it’s a matter of preference.
Post #14 here has more about the potential benefits of a thicker mattress.
Phoenix