Thank you soooo much for your in-depth input and advice… you are an amazing source and we will use the info in our decision 
Hi beda.
You are welcome! I am glad that we can help.
Phoenix
I’m looking for a new mattress and have been reading extensively through the site. I’ve narrowed my search mostly to latex mattresses, for a variety of reasons. First, I want something that will last for a long time and would rather pay more for a durable product that less for something replaceable. Second, the research on Latex mattresses support + comfort that is explained on this site is very compelling. Third, I have enjoyed sleeping on high-quality memory foam mattresses like Tempur-Pedic in the past; the pressure relief is noticable and the feel is comfortable. But I don’t want to pay $4k for Tempurpedic, and I also have problems with “sleeping hot.”
I prefer a firm-ish feel, yet am light (5’8", 130), often sleep on my side, and have lower-back issues.
I live in the NYC area and am planning to try out some latex mattresses at Scott Jordan, Nest, and Clean BR. Then I plan to look at SleepEZ and CozyPure based on price, quality, and options. CozyPure’s “zoned” construction sounds appealing based on side sleep + back issues, though I’m not sure I’ll need it.
My question is this: is there anywhere in the NYC area to try out a mattress with a latex support base, memory foam comfort layer, and latex top? Nest, Helix, and Casper have NYC showrooms and have “Hybrid” models, but these seem to be either latex+innerspring or memory foam+PU foam, not latex + memory foam.
I’m curious whether this combination might combine what I like about memory foam (“cradling” support, pressure relief) with what sound appealing about latex (durability, support, coolness). I was thinking that if I like it, I could “build” a bed using a combination of a 2-part latex bed, including zipcase, from CozyPure or SleepEz, plus a layer of memory foam.
I’m also curious if, in that case, a 6-inch latex base is really needed given my weight (my partner is similar), or if 3" latex base + 2-3" memory foam + 2" latex top would be sufficient.
Is it too difficult to predict the firmness of memory foam to DIY this combination with other companies’ materials if, on trying a combination using these materials, I decide I like it?
I hope this isn’t thread-jacking, but I couldn’t find any more appropriate place to post my questions.
Essentia is in NYC, I am not sure what the specs are other then they use high density memory foam.
Looks like they only have latex bases topped with their “natural” memory foam. But might be a good opportunity to get a feel for memory foam on top of latex.
Does anyone else have thoughts on memory foam sandwhiched between latex?
Hi m00se.
Welcome to our Mattress Forum!
You’ve got the right ideas… you are correct that latex, in general, is the most durable of all the foam materials (latex foam, memory foam, polyfoam) regardless of whether it is Dunlop or Talalay or is made from natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or a blend of both.
“Sandwiching” the memory foam between two layers of latex certainly is a viable alternative that many people find comfortable. Speaking personally, I find a layer of latex on top of memory foam to be more comfortable than the other way around but that is my own personal opinion. Having Latex on top can add to the durability of a mattress compared to other materials. The deeper layers of a mattress also have an effect on mattress durability but to a lesser degree (a mattress will soften and break down from the top down) and will have more of an effect on performance and support/alignment. Whether or not you would like the feel of a latex on top … or … a latex topper on an existing memory foam mattress, of course, would ultimately come down to your own personal testing because while latex and memory foam can be equally “pressure relieving” they are very different materials with very different properties. There is more about some of the differences between memory foam and latex in post #2 here.
“Sleeping hot” along with the difficulty to reposition tend to be characteristic of memory foam that most people complain about. Latex, it is the most breathable of the foam materials and it is a great choice for temperature regulation. Generally, the layers that are closer to the top sleeping surface will have the greatest impact upon comfort/pressure relief and sleeping temperature (including your mattress pad, sheets, and linen). There is more about the many variables that can affect the sleeping temperature of a mattress or sleeping system in post #2 here.
Price as well is part of each person’s personal value equation and I certainly understand why you wouldn’t want to pay a premium for a Tempur bed, For the most part, they use good quality and durable materials but for most people they wouldn’t be in a particularly good value range compared to many other memory foam mattresses that use similar or better quality materials that would be just as durable. I personally would have a great deal of difficulty justifying a Tempurpedic purchase unless for some reason my needs and preferences were so unusual that there were no other alternatives available that would be just as suitable and “comfortable” in terms of PPP and used materials that were the same or better quality that would be just as durable as the Tempurpedic line … and this would be very unlikely.
While it is more unusual that you’d find a mattress that has a latex core and memory foam comfort layers…. FloBeds one of our expert members here used to have a hybrid and memory foam/latex and you could ask them a fee more specific questions about it. Depending of how much of the feel of the memory foam you’d like to bleed through the latex layer on top you can chose different layer thickness. Again personally I’d chose relatively thin layers of latex over relatively thin layers of memory foam because it can provide a more resilient and “movement friendly” surface feel and performance to the mattress while at the same time you can feel yourself more slowly sinking into the softer memory foam underneath. The latex would isolate the memory from your body heat to some extent so it would respond more slowly and/or be firmer than if you were sleeping directly on the memory foam. This can create a very interesting “feel” that some people like.
Allt the layers in a mattress work togheter and generally … 8" - 9" of latex is a good mattress thickness that can include the combination softer layers (or sometimes sections) for pressure relief and firmer layers for support that most people of average or even higher weights would need. In some cases … lighter weights or people that sleep in “flatter” sleeping positions, have slimmer less curvy body types, or who prefer a firmer mattress will do well with even 6". These are all good questions to ask the manufacturer or retailer of any mattress you are considering so they can discuss the differences between the different options they have available in terms that are more specific to the layers they use or options they provide. A 7to 8’ layering arrangement as you describe could work well provided that you select a suitable firmness/softness for your particular needs and preferences.
If you do decide to move forward with a 3" latex core , I’d be very interested in hearing what you found and how that works out for you.
Phoenix
Thanks, Phoenix, for your very guidance. I was able to spend some time at The Clean Bedroom today which was very helpful in zeroing in on what I’m looking for.
I realized my preference for “firmness” has to do with a top layer that doesn’t feel “squishy” or too pillowy. Of mattresses with a “soft” comfort layer, I liked the “feel” of the ones with 2" comfort tops over ones with 3" comfort tops. In Savvy Rest, they had Firm/Med/Soft and Firm/Firm/Soft; the first felt too soft, while the second felt both too firm and too “squishy.” They had 2 different Obasan mattresses, both of which I prefered to the Savvy Rest. One had a 4" medium support layer + 4" zoned support + 2 soft comfort top (called the Acadia 3.0), another a 2" firm support layer " 4" zoned support + 2" comfort top (Acadia 2.0). I couldn’t really decide re the zoning (which makes me think I should avoid it), but preferred the 2.0 with the firm support base. I also felt like their mattress cover was better because it was stretchier and allowed the responsiveness of the mattress to come through better—firm but responsive, without being “bouncy,” if that makes sense. (This made me realize, too, that Dunlop as the top layer seems right—I liked that it wasn’t too “bouncy” and so was uninterested in trying out Talalay).
This helped me zero in on what I want. I think the Obasan zoning is probably too complicated, and the price is either way too high. My takeaway is that I like a firm “feel” but also some pressure relief, especially since I usually sleep on my side (I could tell that the firm/firm/soft Savvy Rest, as well as a monolayer “Firm” Royal-Pedic, was too firm).
I’ve zeroed on in Sleep-ez because of the flexibility with exchanging layers, the split sides (am sharing with a partner who is similar size and similar preferences, but mostly back sleeper), and the 2" comfort layer. The two possibilities I’m working with now are:
–S/M/F in their 9" mattress. This seems like the most common set-up, and seems like it would likely be appealing given my experience with the Obesan and Savvy Rest. Advantage is that this can be re-arranged, e.g. to try a M/S/F, which could provide a firmer feel but also some support.
–M/F or S/F (possibly split, in order to try out) in their 7" mattress, plus a 2", 5.3lb memory foam layer from Foamorder. I’m still interested in this for a couple of reasons. My sense from trying out the Obesan and Savvy Rest is that a comfort layer with a firmer “feel,” then a “contouring” layer below for pressure relief, would be the best option. And my experience on good memory foam (eg Tempurpedic) has given the best sense of “pressure relief,” so combining that with the top-layer feel that I like would seem to be the best of both worlds. This would also be $200 cheaper than the 9" Sleepez, while still leaving open the possibility of returning the memory foam, and then adding in another layer from Sleepez, if it doesn’t work out.
My question is, from reading the various posts and Overviews about mattress construction (both progressive and “dominant” construction), it sounds like I’d want the top latex layer to be 2" rather than 3," especially given that both my partner and I have low BMI (~5’8" and 130), to allow the properties of the memory foam layer to come through. (Especially with a “medium”-firmness layer on top, 3" would seem to be too thick). Does this thinking sound right? And does anyone know if its possible to order a 3+2(+1 cover) mattress from Sleepez? On their website, they only seem to have either 3+3+2 or 3+2.
Thanks again Phoenix for your advice so far! This site is truly an impressive resource.
Hi m00se.
Thank you for your words of appreciation for the site. You’re certainly doing a great deal of research & learning and seem to apply it very well in your testing From what you’ve described throughout your post it seems that you get good feedback and are well-tuned with your body.
All layers work together and the thickness and softness are interdependent and it may be that the feeling of “squishiness” that you are experiencing may be connected with the firmness/softness of the layer underneath rather than being “squishy” by itself, but you are correct that the difference between a 2" and a 3" comfort layer can be quite dramatic and it also depends on a person’s weight, shape, and sleeping positions. The thinner a layer is … the more you’ll feel the properties of the layers below it. As you are a side sleeper you will notice this more (the surface area in contact with the mattress is smaller and you’d be more likely to go “through” a thinner comfort layer) and feel more of the properties of the layers below it.
The Serenity mattress is designed with the ability to fine tune it to a wide range of needs and preferences and just to make sure that you did not leave any stone unturned and got all clues you’d need… have you also tried Dunlop on top of a Talalay layer? … As you already discovered Talalay on top would feel lighter and “livelier” than Dunlop (which may equate with the feel of "squishiness " and “bounciness” that you’re trying to get away from) … but you might like the feel of a thinner layer of Dunlop on top of Talalay. The cover too can be a significant part of the performance of the mattress so you’d need to take that into account as well.
[quote]I’ve zeroed on in Sleep-EZ because of the flexibility with exchanging layers, the split sides (am sharing with a partner who is a similar size and similar preferences, but mostly back sleeper), and the 2" comfort layer. The two possibilities I’m working with now are:
–S/M/F in their 9" mattress. This seems like the most common set-up, and seems like it would likely be appealing given my experience with the Obesan and Savvy Rest. Advantage is that this can be re-arranged, e.g. to try a M/S/F, which could provide a firmer feel but also some support.
–M/F or S/F (possibly split, in order to try out) in their 7" mattress, plus a 2", 5.3lb memory foam layer from Foamorder. I’m still interested in this for a couple of reasons.
My sense from trying out the Obesan and Savvy Rest is that a comfort layer with a firmer “feel,” then a “contouring” layer below for pressure relief, would be the best option. And my experience on good memory foam (eg Tempurpedic) has given the best sense of “pressure relief,” so combining that with the top-layer feel that I like would seem to be the best of both worlds. This would also be $200 cheaper than the 9" Sleepez, while still leaving open the possibility of returning the memory foam, and then adding in another layer from Sleepez if it doesn’t work out.
My question is, from reading the various posts and Overviews about mattress construction (both progressive and “dominant” construction), it sounds like I’d want the top latex layer to be 2" rather than 3," especially given that both my partner and I have low BMI (~5’8" and 130), to allow the properties of the memory foam layer to come through. (Especially with a “medium”-firmness layer on top, 3" would seem to be too thick). Does this thinking sound right? And does anyone know if its possible to order a 3+2(+1 cover) mattress from Sleepez? On their website, they only seem to have either 3+3+2 or 3+2.[/quote]
You are correct that at your BMI there would not be any reason to go with a thicker mattress and you can do very well with both the 9" or the 7" + 2" (or with the customized 6" + 2") but again if you change the thickness this will also have an impact on the overall comfort/support of the mattress. If I understand you correctly it seems that you are more inclined towards a “dominant layering” which can work well for some people. Generally, a medium over soft would “stop” the hips a little faster but would result in a little firmer support under the recessed waist and would result in a firmer/“crisper” sleeping surface … that you seem to like. Generally, it is unusual to use a soft layer of Memory Foam under a firmer layer of latex as in some cases it can have a negative effect on whether the deeper layers are firm enough to keep your spine in good alignment over the course of the night but any arrangement that is a good “match” for you in terms of comfort, firmness, and PPP would be OK. Sometimes there are multiple pathways to similar goals but the key is always to look carefully at the effects of each change to see the “patterns” they produce and as much as possible to keep it as simple as possible … and always work towards identifying “patterns”. The strength of multiple layering is the degree of fine-tuning that can be done. in some cases, though it can also be surprising what effects certain changes can produce because of “unknowns” that are more difficult to identify. As far as pressure relief memory foam is generally considered to have the ability to distribute and relieve pressure. This does not mean however that it is dramatically better than the best of other materials as there are other types of foam like latex or high-quality polyfoam that in their softer versions through compression alone are very close to memory foam in their ability to distribute pressure to levels below personal detection for most people.
You seem to have a very good grasp of the feel you wish to achieve and at this stage, I think a good conversation with Shawn at SleepEZ would be the best way to move forward. As a manufacturer, SleepEZ would be able to make all the adjustments that you’ve mentioned. When I spoke with Rodger a few days ago he mentioned that they’ll always go above and beyond to accommodate customers coming from TMU as working with an informed and educated customer that is able to accurately describe their needs and testing history helps them zero in on their suggestions.
You are certainly considering a good quality/value mattress from SleepEZ and as you already know they are one of the manufacturing Trusted Members of this site and like all the members here I think very highly of and consider them to compete well with “the best” in the industry. They are very knowledgeable and very skilled in guiding their customers to make the best possible choices out of the many options they have available.
I hope that the information provided helps you out. I’ll look forward to learning about your progress and the results of your discussion with SleepEZ and of course any other questions you might have along the way.
Phoenix
Thanks again Phoenix for the guidance.
I’ve put in a call to SleepEZ and spoke to Jim there. I asked to speak to Shawn but was told that he’s the owner and wasn’t the right person to talk to. Jim basically said that they could do the configuration I was interested in—3+2+2 (F-S-M)—but didn’t have any real suggestions or response as to how this would work based on my experience and preferences.
Is there a way to get in touch with Shawn directly? Maybe at this point its not necessary, since it seems like that configuration would be pretty adaptable (could switch to F-M-S), but I wonder if he would be able to better explain how the setup I’m thinking of would fit with my preferences.
Hi m00se.
I spoke with Shawn and he was out for the day but he’d be more than happy to through everything once more with you to make sure that this is the most suitable configuration that would give you most options.
Even though he is still out today, he is available to you. For this, he asked that you call the office at (800) 710-9846 and ask to speak with Jody who is waiting for your call and she will direct you to Shawn. You are in good hands!
Good luck with your purchase
Phoenix
Great information about memory foam mattress! You can shop online of these mattresses with discount prices.
This is my first post, so I hope I’m doing this correctly! I searched for “scoliosis” posts to tag onto, but couldn’t quite find the right one and my question is kind of about memory foam comfort layers… I was so excited to find this community as I’ve been struggling to find a foam mattress for the last 6 months that could replace my Simmons Comforpedic Advanced Rest/Luxury Firm memory foam mattress, 5 years broken in, that was perfect. It felt like a bunch of individual foam cushions. I miss sleeping well and now dread bedtime. Thanks in advance for any thoughts you may have!
About me if helpful: Princess and the pea sleeper. I have rods in my back to correct scoliosis, so I need a mattress that conforms to me, since I don’t really bend. I’m 144lbs, BMI is 22 but I’m bony - post-pregnancy, my tail bone sticks out way more than it used to and is jamming into the mattress when on my back. I have trouble with my lower lumbar spine overarching when on my back (toward the ceiling) and causing back pain.
Like many here, I’m dreaming about:
- really good support
- pressure relief
- an all foam mattress (I like sleeping “in” the bed with memory foam, even the hybrids are too pushy and latex feels too bouncy)
- works for back sleeping (75% of night) and side sleeping (25% of night)
What I’ve tried so far:
First, I tried to find a Comforpedic on Overstock, but it was a more plush version. My butt sunk in too far right through the comfort layer then hit a too firm next layer. I had nerve compression/ tingly feet.
Then, I tried the Tempurpedic ProAdapt Medium. I broke it in for 2.5 months but it was WAY too firm and caused bursitis, pain in my hips, tail and butt bones. It felt like I wasn’t exerting enough pressure on the mattress and just sleeping “on” it.
Currently, I’m on day 4 with Amerisleep AS4 and I can’t sleep on my back at all because my lower lumbar spine is overarching. There is no gap - the bed fills in the space - but is pushing me way too far towards the ceiling. It feels “softer” than the ProAdapt, but I don’t think my butt is sinking in very far. Is there a way to tell if the overarching is from too much sinkage vs not enough? I’m guessing not enough bc I feel like I’m sleeping “on” the mattress, not “in”.
I know it takes a while to break in and might end up much softer, so I’m going to walk on it, weigh it down with books, do what I can to last another week of sleeping on it at least, but it’s pretty brutal as my hips are sore from exclusive side-sleeping.
Any thoughts on:
-toughing it out on the Amerisleep AS4?
-suggested mattresses similar to the Comforpedic Advanced Rest/Luxury Firm, but less firm/5 years broken in?
I think I need to find an all foam mattress that is very conforming, supportive, and with a soft enough firmness to cushion the bony butt and hips but not too plush to sink through the comfort layer and overarch my back.
In our local stores, I’ve laid on all the foam mattresses - the Beautyrest Black line, iComfort line, and Sleep by number. The closest to comfortable were the Beautyrest Black Nadia (too firm) and Scarlett Plush (too plush).
Online research has me looking at:
-Layla soft side (but maybe similar to AS4?)
-Novosbed soft (but see in Forum concerns about poor quality)
-AS5 (only if it’s substantially softer than AS4 and have to wait 30 days to switch I think)
-Luxi soft setting (but sounds difficult to return, bad customer service)
Nothing seems quite right and how to compare to the ones I’ve already tried!
I’d love any guidance! I wish it was possible to hire a mattress shopping consultant, because this is so complex.
Hi Mia12345,
Welcome to the Mattress Forum! :).
Your post was great, well done. You are the princess and pea sleeper…I love that book and the images are so appropriate. But very well explained why you are like that with the spinal curvature, and the additional issues brought on; bursitis and nerve compression. It’s really hard, and so confusing.
Regarding the Amerisleep, the dont list the exact specifications, in another post they were listed for the A2 and A3 as follows:
[i]The Amerisleep AS3 contains(?):
3" memory foam 4 lb
2" polyfoam 1.65 lb
7" base polyfoam 1.8 lb
The Amerisleep AS2 contains(?):
2" memory foam 4 lb
3" polyfoam 1.65 lb
7" base polyfoam 1.8 lb[/i]
Although you have the AS4, If these are accurate, they are good quality densities and there are no weak links in this mattress. I personally don’t like to ever recommend people sending back mattresses. It’s still a lot of const to the companies, your time, gas, freight, etc and many end up in landfills. But really I think you will have a hard time finding your best match. I think you should explore some toppers to put on top of the latex. My first thought is a Talalay 19 ild, 2 or 3" topper. Maybe a 24 ild if this is too soft. This type of topper will give you a little “lift” almost like you are floating, and the pressure relieving benefits of latex are excellent. With your clear medical issues, you are the one that has to really dial in your best comfort. Toppers are not always returnable, but they are awesome on other beds in the house, if you find they don’t work for you. Talk to some of the latex focused members of TMU.
Our trusted members are listed here.
Here is also a post about adding a topper.
And another post about latex and memory foam toppers differences.
Good luck and keep us informed.
Thanks,
Sensei
Thanks Sensei for the response and sympathy. Just to make sure I understand your suggestions - it may be too tricky for me to find the correct mattress AND/OR given that I already have a good quality mattress that I’m breaking in, you are suggesting a topper? I hadn’t really considered a topper as a long term option, but it could be a way to tweak the top layer to get the soft yet supportive feel that I need (soft enough to not feel like my hips, butt, and tailbone are bruising but not too soft to sink through and overarch my lower back). My understanding was that toppers need to be replaced more frequently. I can read more on TMU about toppers next.
I also really like the feel of sleeping “in” the mattress as opposed to “on” the mattress. I’ve only tried latex mattresses in the store, but didn’t find the latex had that contour deep hug feeling that I’ve experienced with memory foam and liked in the past.
One other thought, is there any objective way to find the attributes of my previously loved bed (Comforpedic Advanced Rest/Luxury Firm) and use those to narrow down what to select online? I understand that it comes down to how it feels and ultimately must be tried by me, but there are SO many online mattresses - even when I narrow down to medium-soft all foam options. For example, similar densities, thickness of the comfort layer or transition layer or even number of layers before the base layer.
I guess I had been relying too much on mattress reviews, assuming that the relative ranking of attributes was meaningful, but am learning that it’s really hard to interpret from online reviews.
Thanks again. It’s easy to feel all alone out there struggling to find a mattress!
Hi Mia12345,
Your welcome and your instinct regarding reviews is spot on, especially given your specific sleep sensitivities. I did some research on the comforpedic, but I am going to check a few more sources, and see what I can come up with regarding specs…this was my first thought last week when reading your post.
Regarding trying latex in the stores, I could comment on some specifics, but the problem with latex is over the years there have been many many mediocre latex mattresses made by traditional mattress manufacturers. But to be clear a good memory foam topper is a viable option, so I don’t want to steer you away from that.
The nice thing about toppers and specifically latex, as when you remove it from the total mattress build and your body is completely interacting with the feel of latex. A 19 ild plush topper inside a mattress will feel firmer, and not as enveloping of the body, compared to the same 19ild as a free-standing topper.
You are not alone, even these interactions online we know are being read by thousands of others. Thanks for your responses.
Sensei
Hello and thank you for the wealth of information. I have been researching for about a month. I am in Canada. I am a mostly side sleeper and weigh somewhere between 210 and 230. I have had an Isoform Opulence by Bergad for about 13 years and loved it. I happen to like feeling like I am sleeping a bit “in” a bed instead of on one which is why I love me more foam. I recently got the Recore bed for a trial and 2 weeks in am miserable. I think latex feels like sleeping on a trampoline and the bed is killing my lower back.
I have narrowed down to two options I think.
- The Cumulus bed by MFC which has the edge system and 5lb layers but I really wish had a bit more thickness. I also need a cal king as I have a motorized base that is a cal king. I called Mario and he sent me info but the cal king is $1749 which is really stretching my budget but honestly ends up being only about $100 more than the Novosbed, but there is no trial. Plus pillows yay, but still, no returns.
- The Novosbed Medium and then eventually get the soft comfort + added. Things I like are the HD foam at 5lb and the 11" thickness and the full 7" support foam. After the comfort + it becomes a 13" bed. They have no edge system built in though. I also feel like MFC is likely a bit higher quality foams.
I really am hoping to avoid another return situation as I just want to sleep without pain. Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Bleu
Looking for a good place to put this. Hello. This seemed like a good place to piggy back off of. After much research and trying beds I ordered the tripedic platinum from selectabed. The specs are as follows 2" 4lb 10 ILD memory foarm
2" 5lb 16 ild memory foam
6" 40 ILD 2.6 density HR Polyfoam.
The few weeks were amazing and I was very happy. It was nice and firm, I like to sit in top rather than sink in. Also I didn’t find my hips/pelvis to be sinking in too much which was a big issue when I tried mattress in various stores. My hips/pelvis would sink in causing me lower back pain. (Note I am a back/side sleeper) Or i would sit too much on top (more with traditional intersping mattress and there was nothing supporting my lumbar. Then I started to have Lower back pain which it turned out was due to a lack of support in the foundation. Then about 4-5 weeks in I began experiencing more lower back pain, lower than I have traditionally experienced that’s also seems to be related to my hips. It’s worst when I am laying in the bed. It feels as though now that the bed is broken in, my hips are sinking in a decent amount but the rest of my body remains more “on top” of the mattress. When I lay on my back it feels like my bottom sinks in and my shoulders and legs stay at the same level. I am also havin a similar issue when laying on my side. I’ve still got about 70 days left in the trial period and will be writing to selectabed to see what they suggest. Their customer service has been wonderful! I’d like to have an idea of what the isssues could be. Other potentially helpful information before I get to my questions. I am a female about 5 ft 5 inches and weigh about 130 pounds. I have scoliosis which does cause me intermittent lower back pain. Also means that my torso is much shorter and compact than most which makes my weight distribution atypical.
Is this something that could be fixed with a topper? Maybe a zoned topper since the hip sinking issue is a long standing problem across different mattresses that I’ve tried. Do zoned memory foam toppers exist? I know that too much sinking can be caused by upper layers that are too soft and thick or a core that is too soft Does this seem to be the case based on the components mentioned? Or is it due to my other back issues I need a more customized approach to suit me (a zoned mattress) and this isn’t the one for me?
I hate to be on the hunt again for a mattress. I bought this one hoping it would be comparable to the Tempur-Pedic Adapt medium which I loved in the store but the price was no so lovable. But I’d give anything to get some painfree sleep.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
From your experience it sounds like the Tripedic Platinum is too soft to provide you with sufficient back support once the foams have broken in. It’s very difficult for the addition of a topper to account for a lack of underlying support, they are more commonly helpful with softening up the surface of a mattress which is too firm and may be causing pressure point pain. I think you either need a firmer memory foam layer in place of the 2" 16 ILD, or possibly a latex layer instead of the MF. MF is known to conform to your body as it warms up from your body temp, and then allows you to sink into the mattress which it sounds like you’re trying to minimize. That’s why I think a comfort layer of latex might be better suited to your needs, but of course you’d have to try it as there’s no way to accurately predict what you’ll feel or how you’d like that.
Since you mentioned that you’re impressed with the company’s customer service, I’d suggest discussing the situation with them as you’ve explained it above and see what they may come up with as a possible alternative. Good luck and let us know what they suggest.
Hi again,
Thanks again for the kinds words! Since last post, I’ve been researching and racking my brain.
Sensai - I wanted to circle back again to see if you’ve had any luck unearthing specs on the Comforpedic Advanced Rest/Luxury Firm? I’m thinking looking for parallels might be the easiest way to find a good fit since I was happy with my last bed. It’s hard to believe how difficult it’s been to find a similar experience. It feels like a common problem I’m finding is when on my back, having my hips/butt sinking in to the top layer too much (over arching my lower back/lumbar spine) and then hitting a second/another layer that is too firm (hurting my butt bones). I need a better balance of a soft but supportive comfort layer or couple top layers.
You posted the Amerisleep specs as something like:
3" memory foam 4 lb
2" polyfoam 1.65 lb
So maybe I need that second layer to be MF or latex or something different that has more contoured support.
I wish there was a bed that just held and conformed to your back in its neutral/normal position! It’s too bad that memory foam, which conforms so well, may also allow heavier parts (butt) to sink in so much more.
I also consulted with Amerisleep and they hypothesized that the overarching could be my butt sinking too far while my shoulders are not sinking in enough. They suggested breaking in the shoulder area of the mattress. However, if my butt is already sinking in too much before it’s been broken in and we’re in freezing winter weather, it’s hard to imagine that more breaking in would solve this problem. To survive, I’ve just been using a 3 inch memory foam topper from Bed Bath Beyond that we had, plus 3 fleece blankets folded under my legs (knees to ankle area) to get a couple hours of sleep on my back before going to the guest bed to toss and turn on my sides…So, I think I need to try another new foam mattress, but am at a loss of how to decide. Hence, hoping to learn from my previously loved Comforpedic specs.
I will also look around to see if I can find latex to try out in store again, as you’ve suggested I revisit that material.
Also - Lesleyann725- I see you! I am right there with you. Ugh scoliosis and atypical weight distribution! Good luck!
Thanks,
Melissa
Hey Mia12345,
I apologize but I have not tracked down those specs, I actually put in a call to a well connected Simmons guy to ask him that question. Have not heard back as last week was THE an industry trade show in Las Vegas, and everyone is there…hence slow to get back to each other.
I do think your hypothesis is correct regarding the comfort layer hitting the firm support layer. This is a critical point in mattress construction. As you have probably read already, this comfort layer article and its associated links explain some of what you are hypothesizing.
If there are no good latex mattresses around you, try some of the latex focused trusted members, they certainly are experienced in building these layers the proper way.
thanks
Sensei