Was testing out new mattresses in stores around MA recently and I noticed that most large brand-name mattresses had memory foam in their comfort layers. Before trying I though it might feel OK, but actually testing them out in-store it seemed to me like laying on warm clay.
Considering I prefer sleeping cool (fridge-like), I think anything with memory foam is a no no. Digging around I found this site and it seems that natural Latex is the way to go.
Point is, how to translate my old non-memory foam, non-latex, bouncy-foam-on-coils mattress to a latex mattress, or a latex-on-coils mattress.
Hi EdinMass,
Welcome to the Mattress Forum! 
[quote]Digging around I found this site and it seems that natural Latex is the way to go.
Point is, how to translate my old non-memory foam, non-latex, bouncy-foam-on-coils mattress to a latex mattress, or a latex-on-coils mattress.[/quote]
Post #9 here goes into quite a bit of detail how to “approximate” one mattress to another.
Basically, if you have a comfort preference that you desire, the best thing to do would be to find something “similar” through your own personal testing. Latex will tend to have a rather “springy” or “buoyant” feel, so you’ll want to see if that is something that you enjoy when testing in person.
Using a latex support core or an innerspring support core will be more of a preference of price and comfort. Using an innerspring unit will usually be less expensive than an all-latex configuration, and it will have a bit of a different quality of comfort. But both can be very supportive and durable products.
I would consider any latex you’re considering to be a durable material, but you’d want to compare any other materials to the durability guidelines here to make sure that they were of high enough quality.
If you have more specific questions, I’ll be happy to do my best to answer them.
Phoenix
Hi Phoenix,
thanks for your quick reply.
In order to “match” my old mattress to a new one, I wrote to the manufacturer (Therapedic) asking them about the specs of the mattress. I’ll wait and see what they write back.
But looking at it myself, I feel big metal coils pushing against the side of the mattress (about 7" tall, 3-4 windings, with 2/16"-3/16" thick wire) on top of which is a yellowish foam layer of about 2-3" thick. (I can see this because the mattress is basically falling apart by now).
Hi EdinMass,
I wouldn’t be too concerned about attempting to approximate the actual specifications of your old mattress, but more so the comfort (if that was what you preferred). Even if the licensee was able to divulge the exact old specifications, it wouldn’t tell you nearly as much as your own personal testing upon any new product you might be considering, especially as you are considering different materials (latex).
There’s a good article about the different sleeping positions and comfort selections that you may also find interesting here.
Phoenix