After 15 years of use, I’ve decided it’s time to replace my current latex mattress with a new (and slightly thicker) one. I’d like to roughly approximate the feel of my current mattress when new, but I’m unclear how this interacts with additional/thicker layers.
Current setup
- 6” latex mattress (~35-40 ILD) + 2” latex topper (~30 ILD)
- I originally tried the 6” firmer mattress on its own, but it was a bit too much pressure on my hips. Adding the 2” 30ILD topper solved the problem.
- This combination seems to give an average ILD of between 34 and 38 (not sure if this is a useful measure)
- I’m ~180lbs side sleeper; spouse is ~160 lbs stomach/back sleeper
The new mattress I’m considering is 11” in total: 3” of 44 ILD, 3” of 30 ILD, 3” of 20 ILD, and a 2” wool felt layer on top
The average density of this mattress (latex part only) is lower than my current setup (~31.3 ILD vs. current ~34-38 ILD range), but again, I’m not sure:
- is average ILD across layers even a useful measure?
- is the fact that the firmest layer (44 ILD) is firmer than anything in my current setup balance out the softer top layer?
- should I just ask for top 2 layers to be 30 ILD (so 3” 44 ILD, 6” 30 ILD)?
- does the 2” wool felt on top mitigate these concerns or add to them?
I know it’s commonly recommended to veer toward softer latex layers for side sleepers, but I do like a firm feel.
@Arizona_Premium
@Sleep_EZ
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Are you looking for Talalay latex or dunlop?
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My current mattress is Dunlop latex, so I thought I’d probably stick with Dunlop. I wasn’t sure how big of a difference Talalay vs. Dunlop makes re:firmness.
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You and I are the same weight and side sleepers however completely opposite in firmness needs. I sleep on a Talalay 6" #28 base with 3" of #19 on top and love it. I can sleep on my back, side or stomach. Side sleepers create major pressure points in the hips and shoulders and if too firm those pressure points will tell you that you need to change positions thus pulling you out of sleep to make that change. Point being that we are all different and you just have to find what works best for you. I would strongly consider Talalay for your softer top layer because it’s more pressure relieving than dunlop.
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Hello @brassica_napus
I would not focus on the average ILD. What matters is how the layers work together. Since your old setup felt good with 30 ILD on top, I’d stick with that. The 44 ILD base will keep it firm, and the wool just adds a bit of cushion.
Thanks @hania234 — are you suggesting the off-the-shelf version I’m looking at (3” 44 ILD, 3” 30 ILD, 3” 20 ILD, 2” wool) would likely work? Or do you think I should ask for a custom option (e.g. 4” 44 ILD, 5” 30 ILD, 2” wool)?
I’m not sure if the 3” of 20 ILD on top would make things too soft, or if the layers of 44 & 30 ILD below will still provide sufficient support.