I’m looking to either build or buy a new 100% NR latex mattress.
I"m 5’9" (1.75m), 170 lbs. (77kg) and I sleep mostly on my side. Because I’ve been a victim of the “The firmer a mattress is the better it is for your back” myth for more than 40 years, I’ve grown accustomed to a more firm innerspring feel.
Though I know now that a softer mattress is probably better for me, and though when I’ve had an opportunity to sleep in one, I do like the feel of a softer bed, it will probably still take some time getting used to once I sort it all out.
Of the mattresses I’ve tested, the build that feels the best to me is one with a relatively firm core and a relatively soft top. However I’ve noticed that the various mattress manufacturers and retailers each employ one of two distinct methods even when building with the same materials. Some will use a single 6-inch core layer and a 2-inch 0r 3-inch top layer, while others will use three separate 3-inch layers or two 3-inch layers and one 2-inch top layer.
My question is, are they doing this because the ones offering three layers don’t have access to full 6-inch cores, or have access to better latex cutting equipment than the ones who only offer 6-inch cores, or is there a major difference of opinion in the mattress industry as to the relative benefits of a 6-inch core or of a three-layer design?
I’ve read the mattress tutorials about Progressive construction and Differential construction but I’m still curious whether if both are comprised of the same quality materials, are equally comfortable to me, and if there is no significant price difference, is there any other advantage in choosing one design over the other?