Narrowed down my options just want any suggestions for things I overlooked

[phoenix]

Hi nik_pa,

You have certainly narrowed down your choices to two of the best quality/value in the country and as you are mentioning choosing between them can be tough when you are down to final choices where you have eliminated your worse choices and you can’t really make a “mistake” in terms of quality or value. Post #2 here and post #2 here (which basically say the same thing) talk a little more about making final choices based on all the objective, subjective, and intangible parts of a mattress purchase and your personal value equation.

I don’t think you’ve overlooked anything in terms of quality or value and the main differences between them are the differences in the cover/quilting and the number of layers that can be re-arranged or adjusted and the degree of fine tuning available in each mattress. You can read a little more about this in post #2 here. The SleepEz 13000 is different from the other two because it has an extra 3" layer of latex which makes it thicker and you can read a little more about some of the potential benefits of a thicker mattress in post #14 here.

One question I do have is whether there would be a benefit to using Dunlop rather than Talalay for the support layers. My thoughts, and they could be way off, are that since its a “firmer” latex to begin it that it would offer better support/durability in these layers. Or is this one of those personal preference areas that doesn’t have a solid best answer?

This is really a preference choice based on the different “feel” and response of each type of latex (see post #7 here). While Dunlop is firmer at deeper compression levels in the same ILD rating (because ILD is only measured at 25% compression of the original core) because it gets firmer faster than Talalay … each of them has different firmness levels available to compensate in either direction and the goal of support is always good spinal alignment in all your sleeping positions not just firmness. Sometimes this needs firmer foam and sometimes softer depending on how your particular body type interacts with the specific layers and components in each mattress design. Dunlop is a popular choice in support layers because of its ability to “stop” the heavier pelvic girdle from sinking into the mattress a little quicker than Talalay so it is considered a more “supportive” type of latex which is often popular with higher weights or those who prefer its feel but because alignment is the goal and not just firmness at deeper compression … either one in a suitable design and firmness levels can make a great choice in any mattress layer in terms of PPP.

For the new bed I am looking at the Night and Day Thyme platform bed nightanddayfurniture.com/showroom/spices/thyme.html it looks nice and ituses 4 support legs on the center beam but unfortunately the slats are 4" apart. With the gap I guess I’ll have to either add a few slats or use it with a foundation since from what I’ve been reading adding a bunkie board or piece of plywood is generally not recommended since it makes a solid surface preventing the mattress from breathing.

Yes … I would personally add some slats if I was using this with an all latex mattress because of the elasticity of latex vs a polyfoam base layer which isn’t as likely to sink into larger gaps over time. I would also choose a slatted foundation or support system over a solid surface because of the lower risk that goes with better ventilation (see post #10 here) although if all the other risk factors are low then a solid surface may be OK as well if your reason for using it is a good enough “tradeoff” for any additional risk.

Hope this helps … and I’m looking forward to hearing about what you end up with … and of course any feedback you may have once you’ve received it.

Phoenix