Narrowing down our choices of a latex mattress

[phoenix]

Hi MrCortex,

Welcome to the Mattress Forum!

She likes a plusher feel, I would prefer something a little firmer than that. This means we probably want somewhat different configurations on our own sides of the bed. We both have BMIs north of 30 and are both primarily back sleepers, though I sometimes sleep on my side… In the stores we visited, their all latex mattresses seemed expensive for what was being offered. So, we’re looking online for a high-quality latex mattress.

Considering an all-latex sleep system certainly could be a good choice for both creating a different comfort on each side of a mattress, as well as something that can be appropriate for someone in a higher BMI range. Latex can also be a good choice for side and back sleeping with a higher BMI, due to the higher compression modulus (ability to firm up as weight is applied) of some latex.

One particular challenge for us and online vendors is that due to medical and age issues we really need white glove service to haul the old mattress and foundation away and install the new one.

As I think you’re already aware, you’d need to call and speak with any manufacturer to see if they have a white glove service available. Some will list it as an option on their web site, while others might have it available upon special request.

Currently, two good companies we have found that we believe we could work with and that are TMU members are Sleep EZ and Luma.

As you’re already aware, I think highly of both SleepEZ and Luma Sleep and believe they compete well with the best in the industry in product knowledge and latex componentry.

I spoke with Shawn at Sleep EZ, and he recommended their 10" mattress, which allows both the support and the comfort layers to be configured in a variety of ways, and could very likely match both my preferences and my wife’s. They offer a reasonable foundation, and they even offer white-glove service. However, they do not offer a frame/legs, without which we would be at 18" or so. Shawn pointed me to Universal Bed Legs, but it looks complicated to screw them in when the foundation is covered with fabric. I am not sure if their white glove service covers this, either.
A different thing we might consider that does not have this problem, especially since we might need the adjustability, is a 13" mattress from Sleep EZ–that would give us 3 more inches and another layer to configure if needed, and an 8’ foundation and a 13" mattress would bring us to 21", which would be fine.

I know you have a specific height request, but I do advise caution regarding choosing a mattress based more upon thickness, as any addition/subtraction of layers will change the overall comfort of a mattress. In the situation you describe, one advantage that people in a higher BMI can benefit from more/thicker layers to achieve comfort and durability. Additionally, a four layer system will allow for more configurability options versus a three layer system, which some people find attractive, and others find more confusing. Unless you are attracted to the idea of a DIY mattress design and choosing layers on your own (which can be a quite complicated process), my best recommendation would be to seek the advice of a qualified consultant (like Shawn) for layer recommendations in a system like the 13" one you are considering.

The Luma All-Latex Slumber System is an 11" mattress. I understand the 6" + 2" core is the same for all mattresses, and the configuration seems to vary by the ILD of the 3" topper. They offer both white-glove service and a foundation with legs that would get us to 13 + 11 = 24", which would be acceptable. The Luma All Latex mattress seems less configurable than the Sleep EZ mattresses, though. It seems that the only possible adjustment is to swap out the topper for a topper of a different ILD. I suspect we could persuade them to send two twin XL toppers instead of a king topper, which could accommodate our different preferences.

The Luma All-Latex could be another choice using all latex that would use durable materials and could be configured for both side and back sleepers. They do allow you to request two twin extra toppers for the upper 3" comfort layer (same price as the single king 3" topper), thus allowing you to achieve a different feel on each side of the mattress. The most noticeable changes in comfort will be noticed through changes made in the uppermost layer, but you are correct that there is more ability to customize in the SleepEZ system, with all of the layers being configurable.

I believe the mattresses from either of these will be in our price range. I have not discussed price with either company yet but we believe that, within reason, it is more important to get the right mattress than to get the best bargain.

While price is certainly important of course, the “value” of a mattress purchase is what is most important and price is just one of many factors that can affect the “value” of a mattress purchase. Both of the items you’re considering use good quality and durable materials, and in the end, you’d be choosing between “good and good” products.

We also thought about the Zenhaven mattress but there are only two firmness choices, and to accommodate our different preferences, we would probably have to get two twin XL mattresses. It appears there is no other adjustment possible. So, this isn’t as high on our list as the others.

You’re correct. The mattress is offered in one style, and flipping it over allows for a different comfort on each side. So your ability to customize each side would be to order the two twin extra long items and flip one over for a different comfort on the opposite side.

Phoenix