Hey bewards,
Glad to have you back!
Since you’ve already tried latex and found it didn’t suit you well, exploring other materials like memory foam could be a good idea. Although, long term, not as durable.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that latex mattresses possess a distinct feel characterized by their responsiveness and bounce. Higher ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) ratings can enhance this resilience, resulting in a floating sensation that might not appeal to everyone. Latex’s recognizable feel might not suit all preferences, even though it offers pressure relief and contouring.
Considering your experience with latex and your inclination towards less bounce and more contouring, memory foam emerges as a promising alternative. Memory foam tends to provide deep contouring and pressure relief without the pronounced bounce of latex. Its close conformity to the body’s shape can alleviate pressure points and minimize motion transfer.
Given this, Option 2, incorporating a 3" 5LB ViscoMAX Memory Foam Topper, seems more aligned with your desired feel and support. Additionally, the addition of a layer of HD36-HQ Foam could offer extra support where needed, without compromising the conforming properties of the memory foam.
Given that here are some options to consider.
Option 1:
Adding a 2" memory foam topper could provide better pressure relief and conform to your body shape, potentially reducing the sensation of tossing and turning.
The FoamOnline Qualux medium soft foam layer could offer additional comfort and support. Since it’s medium soft, you may find it creates a little too much sinking, you may want to get into the lower 30’s ILD for more support for your weight, but it will make a nice transition from the pocket coils.
Pairing these layers with the 6" Pocket Coils could give you a supportive base with some bounce, which might help with the issue of feeling like you’re sitting on top of the mattress.
Option 2:
The 3" 5LB ViscoMAX Memory Foam Topper could offer similar benefits to the memory foam topper in Option 1, providing pressure relief and conforming to your body.
Adding a 1" or 2" HD36-HQ Foam layer could add some extra support and prevent excessive sinking, especially for your shoulders.
Combining these layers with the 6" Pocket Coils could give you a supportive yet comfortable mattress setup.
In both options, the memory foam topper could potentially address the issue of feeling like your shoulders aren’t sinking in enough, while the pocket coils should provide better motion isolation compared to the latex mattress.
With that being said, there are a few points worth noting. The ViscoMax memory foam is exceptionally plush, and with 3 inches of it, sinking into the mattress feels like boarding the Titanic. If your significant other is on the lighter side, they might find it too restrictive, even though it provides excellent motion isolation. Whether this is a pro or a con depends on your personal preference.
Since you will be using the ViscoMax as a topper, you will have the option to swap it out if you find it too restrictive.
Additionally, I would be remiss in not mentioning your pillow selection. This is nearly as important as you mattress build. A firmer comfort layer or topper, will require a higher loft, medium to medium firm pillow to maintain that loft. If the comfort layer or topper is super soft, as is the ViscoMax, you will need a softer lower loft pillow as you shoulder will sink into the mattress and too high a loft will cause your head to angle up out of place. This will cause neck, shoulder and upper back pain.
Personally, I am not a big advocate of memory foam layers or mattresses, but I will acknowledge their motion isolation, contouring and pressure relief qualities.
Hopefully, this will help guide you on your completion of this project.
Maverick