Latex Mattress Layering Help

Mattress Talk General Mattresses Questions
1

I recently purchased an organic Dunlop latex mattress with five 2" layers: 2 x 40 ILD on the bottom, 2 x 30ILD in the middle 1 x 20ILD on top. I found this configuration too hard especially when I slept on the side (my arm seemed to feel numb quickly as if I’m sleeping on my arm) so I secured another 20 ILD layer to test out. I am mostly a back sleeper but spend some time sleeping on my sides. I am about 186lbs.

I first swapped one of the middle 30 ILD layers for the 20 ILD layer so I have 4" 20ILD layer on top, 1 x 30 ILD in the middle, and 2 x 40 ILD at the base. I found this combination supportive and my arm/shoulder feels a lot more relaxed but still felt a bit firm when I sleep on the side. I then swapped out one of the 40ILD base layer for the 30 ILD layer that I had previously swapped out meaning I have 2 x 20 ILD layer on top, 2 x 30 ILD layers in the middle, and 1 x 40 ILD on the bottom. This combination was noticeably softer and my arm/shoulder is completely relaxed and comfortable but I do feel I may be sinking in a little bit.

I’ll need to make a decision soon as I have to return the layer I do not want, but not sure where to go from here.

2

Hey Goosey,

Welcome to the Mattress Underground :slight_smile: ! Thanks for your question.

Excellent layering trial work, Goosey! If you will, please review what these numbers, I want to be sure I’m following your layering process (please forgive my lack of table skills :wink: ):

Layering Trial 1:
Organic Dunlop latex mattress with five 2" layers:

1" x 20ILD on top
2" x 30ILD in the middle
2" x 40 ILD on the bottom

Layering Trial 2: secured another 20 ILD layer to test out

4" 20ILD layer on top
1" x 30 ILD in the middle
2" x 40 ILD at the base

Layering Trial 3:

2" x 20 ILD layer on top
2" x 30 ILD layers in the middle
1" x 40 ILD on the bottom

First question: If these numbers are correct, is the add-on 20ILD dunlop a layer 3"? Noticed that the top layer began with 1" on top and moved to 4" in the second layering trial. Also for configuration 3: if you are experiencing some sinking, would you consider going back to 2"/ 40 ILD on the bottom layer? Sounds like you are getting closer to identifying a solution; looking forward to more details on your layering trial and keep us posted.

Thanks,
Sensei

3

Hi Sensei. Thanks for the welcome and your reply.

To be clear, my mattress is made up of 2" layers. So:

Layering Trial 1:
Organic Dunlop latex mattress with five 2" layers:
ONE 2" 20ILD on top
TWO 2" 30ILD in the middle
TWO 2" x 40 ILD on the bottom

Layering Trial 2: secured another 20 ILD layer to test out
TWO 2" 20ILD layer on top
ONE 2" 30 ILD in the middle
TWO 2" 40 ILD at the base

Layering Trial 3:
TWO 2" 20 ILD layer on top
TWO 2" 30 ILD layers in the middle
ONE 2" 40 ILD on the bottom

So basically, I think I like having the TWO 2" 20ILD layers. I’m trying to decide whether what goes underneath so to speak.

4

While everybody sleeps differently of course, it sounds like your configuration is coming closer to the most common configuration that I see in my DIY shop. That being:

Soft (up to 24 ILD)
Medium (up to 29 ILD)
Firm (up to 35 ILD)

Of course, the ILD’s above are generalized and soft, medium, firm, mean different things according to each supplier but the point being that 40 ILD is usually reserved for people who either like firm bedding or for those 250 lbs+.

I know you said you feel like you might need more support. How about configuration #4, take that second 40 ILD layer and put it underneath the entire stack. It will add more support if you are heavy enough to feel it. If not, perhaps you are experiencing getting used to the feel of latex rather than springs? It can take a few nights sleep to get accustomed to.

5

My mattress comes with a cover that can’t fit another layer in there. So I need to decide whether to go 2" Medium and then 2" Firm at the base or 2" Firm and 2" Firm at the base.