Looking to purchase higher density memory foam toppers/layers for DIY mattress ?

[phoenix]

Hi Mexi,

Without testing the 5lb range toppers I’m worried they would be too soft.

I would make sure that you’ve read the two links in my last reply about the different properties of the many different types of memory foams on the market. The density of memory foam is not directly related to the softness/firmness of the memory foam and many higher density 7 and 8 lb memory foams are actually softer than their 5 lb counterparts. In addition to this … how soft or firm a memory foam layer feels will also depend on its thickness and on some of it’s other properties such as its temperature response and response time as well. Tempurpedic’s 7 lb memory foam for example is softer than their 5.3 lb memory foam.

I’ve tried latex only mattresses and feel they are too springy for my liking. I feel like if I buy the pre made memory foam mattresses above and a top layer softens undesirably (but not a warranty “depression level”) after a couple years or so i am stuck.

If you buy a memory foam mattress that uses memory foam that is a suitable density for your body type and you are also well inside the comfort/support range that is suitable for you (see post #2 here) then you should have no problems with premature softening or breakdown of the materials. In most cases these types of issues are the result of either choosing a mattress that uses lower quality and less durable materials or that is “on the edge” of being too soft for you so that even a “normal” amount of foam softening can take you over the edge of the comfort/support range that is suitable for you. In addition to this … there is very little additional durability benefit with memory foam that is a higher density than about 6 lbs or so compared to 5 lb memory foams.

Having said that … there is certainly a benefit to a component mattress where layers can be replaced individually over the course of time if they soften or break down faster than the other layers in the mattress or if your needs and preferences change over time but there is also much greater risk and there can be a much longer learning curve and trial and error involved to find the combination of layers that are the best match for you.

I am also unwilling to spend the $3k + starting price for the tempupedic contour line (king size contour elite).

I also wouldn’t consider the Tempurpedic line when there are so many alternatives that use similar or even better quality materials in much more reasonable price ranges.

In store, I have tested and enjoy the feel of the temper pedic contour elite, contour rhapsody luxe, and contour allura.

There is more about the different ways that one mattress can “match” or approximate another mattress in post #9 here and the tutorial post also includes a link to a list of some of the better online memory foam options I’m aware of (in the optional online step) and many of these sell mattresses that are designed to be good approximations of many of the Tempurpedic line and are in much lower budget ranges that may not involve the same risk as a DIY mattress.

Phoenix