Latex support

[phoenix]

Hi shell,

Thank you for the reply Phoenix. I understand that my PPP is going to be different from anyone else’s PPP and that’s only something that I can determine but even after reading many many posts on this site and now reading the ones you suggested in your response, I’m still at a loss for how to try to configure the layers of a latex mattress to provide the pressure relief I need while getting the support in my torso/waist area.

There are only 3 ways to choose a mattress.

The first one is generally the least risky which is based on your own careful and objective personal testing (see post #4 here).

The second one is if you are purchasing a mattress from an online retailer or manufacturer that you can’t test in person before a purchase which would involve a more detailed conversation on the phone with the retailer or manufacturer you are considering. They will always be your best source of guidance about their own mattresses and the options they have available.

The final way would be if you are designing and building your own mattress from individual components and a cover that you purchase separately and for those who are considering this I would make sure to read option 3 in post #15 here (and the posts it links to) to make sure you have realistic expectations of the learning curve, trial and error, and in some cases the additional costs that may be involved if you make any “mistakes” in your initial layer choices and they can’t be exchanged or returned.

If finding a suitable mattress is particularly challenging for you because you have an unusual body type or heath considerations or because you have a narrower range of mattresses that would be suitable for you in terms of PPP than most people then zoning may be a good option to consider.

I live in the Asheville, NC area and have been to Colton’s (working with Mike and he is ordering a latex layer with a 19 ILD to try on a mattress where the layers can be changed), Sleep World where I am working with Jeff and laid on the PLB and OMI (Organicpedic), and Nest Organics where I tried the Savvy Rest. In all of these stores I could find good pressure relief but my spine was never quite in line. I even brought in a broom handle as you suggested and took a few pictures.

It sounds like you may have seen this already but the better options or possibilities I’m aware of in the Asheville, NC area are listed in post #4 here.

I asked Jeff about the ILD of the layers in the OMI and he contacted the manufacturer who told him that this information was proprietary and they could not release it. Does that sound weird and/or sketchy?

This is more the norm than the exception in the industry because ILD’s are “comfort specs” that many manufacturers wish to keep proprietary because they have little to do with the quality of the materials and aren’t important to know when you are testing a local mattress because your body will tell you much more than the ILD’s whether a mattress is a good match for you and if they release the “comfort specs” then they would be opening the door for their potential customers to try duplicate the layers and components of their mattresses (which may or may not be successful) which may cost them business that they would rather have themselves.

I plan on going back to test this configuration but wondered if there is another configuration that you might suggest for someone of my build. (It is hard to get out of the house with a 9 month old so I have to make every trip worth it)

Unfortunately as I mentioned in my last reply, there are too many unknowns and variables and personal preferences involved for anyone to make specific suggestions or recommendations based on specs (either yours or a mattress).

I’m happy to help with “how” to choose but the specifics of “what” to choose are always up to each person’s careful testing or a more detailed conversation with an online manufacturer.

Phoenix