Hello,
I’m sure others have done this combination so was hoping for some input about using memory foam over the top of latex. (don’t want to offend any latex lovers out there). I like the feel of memory foam but I’m not sure how this will react over the top of a latex comfort layer. Being that latex is somewhat ‘bouncy’ and memory foam is just the opposite, or if the resiliency of 3" layer of latex will be less noticeable under the memory foam. The bed I’m currently using is an innerspring, so I’m not opposed to a little ‘bounce’.
After looking at several inexpensive memory foam mattresses, my biggest concern is with the middle layers typically airflow/convoluted polyfoam breaking down prematurely causing sags or dips. Base foams rarely seem to be the issue. Latex looked promising since it has give but is more durable, as a better quality middle layer (think 3 layer: poly base, latex middle, memory foam top).
I came across something called NuRest “better than latex” material which claims to have properties similar to latex and has also been described as ‘synthetic latex’. Not sure if this is really the case, I have a feeling there’s a difference between springy 3.5lb density ‘non’ memory foam (ie, fast response memory/poly foam) and true synthetic latex. Still trying to pry answers from various vendors (best price mattress and night therapy) as to specs. They told me the ‘better than latex’ has an ild of 32-35 but they didn’t get back to me on the density. I believe it was 3.5lbs, which to me sounds like memory foam without the memory. Am I right to be concerned that in thicker layers (5" to 7") that it may be prone to early breakdown sagging?
Another option I was considering is a 10" latex mattress by Lucid which I saw in another post here with some skepticism on it. Lucid says it’s natural latex. One reviewer said after contacting Lucid they were told it was 65D which I take to be an overseas density measure comparable to 4lbs/ft3. This seemed to correlate with info from overseas suppliers. When I emailed Lucid, they got back to me and said it was 3lb density latex, with an ild of 26. Mind you they were also giving me specs for a couple other mattresses which contained 3lb density memory foam, so it may have been a typo (3lb density latex doesn’t sound right). If the ship info on amazon is in the ballpark for weight, factoring the dimensions of the 3" latex layer the remaining 7" base foam worked out to 2.3lbs density. Even considering the shipping weight not being exact, I would expect the base foam to be in the neighborhood of 1.8-2lbs density instead of the exact 2.3lbs.
As for memory foam, I’m considering a topper in the 3" range, more than likely 4lbs density. I’m no expert on the stuff, but as much as I wanted to go high density (more durable) it almost seems like the higher density has less “memory” response properties. I’ve seen videos from rocky mountain showing fxi’s basic 4 and 5 pound densities compared to aerus 4lb and sensus 5lb and it doesn’t look like much difference in response. In fact the aerus seemed to have a little less response and the 8lb venus just looked like cheap poly foam. I’ve seen that in another video too, showing sensus and venus vs slow recovery latex (awesome but way out of my price range) where the venus was crumpled in the hand and sprang right back. If I go with a separate topper and it wears out, it can be replaced separately rather than having it integral and rendering the entire mattress as failed.
Another posting on the forum discussed the 16" lucid with 4" of memory foam over 2" latex and I had concerns if the memory foam broke down that’s a lot of sagging along with only 2" of latex that’s liable not to offer much support - being too thin and too deep in the mattress to be useful. For roughly the same price or a little less, the 10" latex could be topped with 3" of 4lb memory foam and provide an extra inch of latex and the ability to replace just the topper if/when it gives out. Am I on the right track? I know memory foam has it’s longevity limits especially in lower densities, so that’s a given. Since I can’t afford a nicer more proven mattress, I’m just trying to sort out an inner layer that might be more durable and resistant to breakdown. Convoluted poly ‘comfort’ layers seem iffy. I’m not sure memory foam as a top layer over memory foam as a middle comfort/support layer works (mattresses with 2-3 stacked layers) since memory foam is made to compress and sink. Latex might offer a more durable middle layer vs convoluted, and the proprietary ‘synthetic’ latex seems iffy since I can’t seem to get the whole scoop on it. (worried it’s the same as weak poly foam and susceptible to sagging/softening and the only similarity to latex is that it has fast response).
If it helps any, I’m mostly a side/stomach sleeper. Not overly tall for a guy (5’6-5’7) and just under 200lbs. (side sleeping, exerting the most weight/pressure through the hips through the layers causes most durability concerns since i don’t sleep flat on my back with my weight spread out more evenly). To be honest, while I’m not sure I’m much smarter for all the research I’ve done before making a decision - trying to sort through all the variations and hoopla out there has caused me more lost sleep than my broke down innerspring. Life lesson learned. lol