Mattress selection for low BMI's

[phoenix]

Hi Tali,

I’m going to try visiting at least one place around here that has Talalay latex mattresses, but I’m thinking that I’m probably going to want to build my own…

As you are attracted to the idea of designing and building your own DIY mattress out of separate components, then the first place I would start is by reading option 3 in post #15 here and the posts it links to (and option #1 and #2 as well) so that you have more realistic expectations and that you are comfortable with the learning curve, uncertainty, trial and error, or in some cases the higher costs that may be involved in the DIY process. While it can certainly be a rewarding project, the best approach to a DIY mattress is a “spirit of adventure” where what you learn and the satisfaction that comes from the process itself is more important than any cost savings you may realize (which may or may not happen).

I’m thinking that I’d want the 14 ILD Talalay comfort layer, over a firmer layer. I realize that most people go with a 19 ILD layer as “soft”, but I’m thinking that if there’s anybody that the 14 ILD is appropriate for, I’m probably it… I was able to find an old post of yours saying that if you go softer at the top, you can compensate for it by going firmer underneath, so I’m currently leaning in that direction.

The ILD range of 14-19 (ILDs are not exact numbers) are usually considered the most plush for Talalay latex. While you can “compensate” a bit with firmer layers underneath softer layers, pairing two very different ranges of comfort can create some quite uncomfortable mattresses. For example, you could create a mattress with 2" of ultra plush foam on top of an extra firm support core, and this bed would feel quite hard to most people (which is counterintuitive, I know), as the very plush upper layer would easily compress an this “compressed ILD” would not match well to the “initial ILD” of the firm layer beneath it, so the transition between the two layers would be quite abrupt and most people would tend to “feel through” the upper layer and feel more of the bottom firm layer. If you can provide a link to what you read regarding this “compensation” I can help to put it in better perspective for you.

There was a post where you pointed someone to various sources for the 14 ILD, I found that several of them are unfortunately no longer in business…

I found what I think is the post you are referring to (from 2013) and have made updates to it See post #6 here.

Besides that, I found this source: 3" Blended Talalay Latex Mattress Topper, Save Big with DIY Latex Mattress Components, Latex Mattresses-Talalay and Dunlop, All Products , which seems like a reputable company that you like and is a good price, so that’s where I’m leaning right now. I’ll probably contact someone at whatever source I’m most likely to order from, when I’m more ready (after I got to at least feel a latex mattress at a store)

Mattresses.net is a site member here, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for your consideration. I would phone them when you are ready and use their expertise and advice to assist you with layering combinations.

I was thinking about getting a 14 ILD and a 32 ILD to test how the alignment works with just those two, and adding another 3" layer (a 28 or 36 or another 32) based on that

Adding a third layer to the two layer combination you would be testing would change the overall mattress system and you wouldn’t necessarily be able to predict what your alignment would be like with the three layer system based upon what you tested in the two layer system. You’d only be able to tell what your alignment was like, and if adequate, on exactly what you are testing.

I realize that adding another layer is going to increase the overall compression even for the firmest of these, so my current solution is to try the 2 layers ( 14 and 32) of top of my firm (basic Wolf eco cloud) futon mattress. Does that sound like the silliest plan ever? I understand that another layer of latex would compress differently than the futon mattress would, because of how the layers interact, friction and such, but I was hoping to get enough of an idea of how the 14 interacts with the 32 based on that, and how much compression they’re giving me.

While not necessarily silly, it is not a common combination. My concern would be the same I have with any topper combination, in that you need to make sure you’re placing a topper on top of a product that is flat and firm and isn’t sagging or lacking in support. And the feel of your toppers on top of your futon will not be an accurate predictor of how the topper would feel upon another piece of latex, as the futon you described will have very different performance, compression modulus, elasticity and comfort characteristics to a piece of latex.

Until then, I’m basically trying to math it, to figure out as much as I can, come up with theories of how it should feel that I could then test, one way or another.

While knowing the specs that can affect the quality and durability of the layers and components in a mattress is always important, unless you have a great deal of knowledge and experience with different types of mattress materials and components and their specs and different layering combinations and mattress designs and how they combine together and can translate them into your own “real life” experience that can be unique to you (which would generally be a very small percentage of people), I would tend to avoid using complex specifications to try and predict how a mattress will feel or perform for you. When you try and choose a mattress based on complex combinations of specs that you may not fully understand or only based on specs for single layers or components that may not be as relevant or meaningful as you believe it is then the most common outcome is “information overload” and “paralysis by analysis”. Even the best mattress designers in the industry are often surprised at what a mattress they design “should have felt like” based on the specs when they design it and what it “actually feels like” when they test out their new design. I understand what you’re attempting to accomplish prior to visiting any stores, but making comparisons based upon disparate componentry won’t provide you much meaningful information. Which again brings me back to my advice that nothing will b able to provide more meaningful information than your own careful personal testing.

Having said that … you can see some general comments about the properties of an “ideal” mattress in post #4 here.

Phoenix