Need help with our new latex mattress

[phoenix]

Hi Jimbo770,

Do you think there will be a noticeable difference between an N5 and N4 base layer?

This would depend a lot on the firmness and thickness of the layers above it (with thicker comfort layers you would “feel” less of the deeper layers) and on the sensitivity of the person but it I don’t think it would make a big difference in the “feel” of the mattress for most people no … although depending on the specifics of the design it may affect how some people feel in the morning (the effects of sleeping out of alignment or support layers that are too soft are what you would tend to notice more when you wake up than when you go to sleep).

Same with an N1 and N2 comfort layer.

Again … this would depend on the other layers above or below any particular layer because every layer will have an effect on the feel and performance of the mattress but most people would probably notice this much more than a one step difference in a support layer.

I woke up with back pain and my shoulders were sore.

The most common cause for lower back pain (assuming it’s in your lower back) is support or transition layers that are too soft or comfort layers that are too thick/soft. The most common cause of sore shoulders would be comfort layers that are too firm (or in some cases in cases where the comfort layers are so soft that you “go through” the top layers more and feel more of the firmness of the deeper layers). One of the paradoxes of mattress design and theory is that comfort layers that are too thin and/or soft that have very firm layers underneath them can feel firmer than the same mattress which has firmer or thicker comfort layers and a more gradual transition between the layers. The thickness of your pillow can also make a difference with shoulder pressure because a different mattress where you are sinking in more or less than your previous mattress can also result in the need for a change in pillows.

For my wife, we are going to stick with her N3 base layer, and try 2" of N2, under 2" of N1.

I think this would be a logical next step and would be a smaller incremental change and more of a “step by step” approach that would have less risk of “skipping over” the layering combination that may work best for her.

I don’t know if it is appropriate, but I would like to give a thumbs up to the foam source. The owner has said, they will swap layers, as many times as necessary, to make sure our mattress is perfect. We were going back and forth between 2 stores in Boulder, Urban Mattress and the Foam Source, and wound up going with the Foam Source because of the flexibility. It is unfortunate how often sales people will say whatever it takes to make a sale, and then are nowhere to be found when you need help, but this has certainly NOT been the case with the Foam Source.

That’s absolutely appropriate and it’s good to hear. I always appreciate the forum members giving credit where credit is due. That kind of service from better manufacturers (in this case) or retailers is a big part of the “value” of a mattress purchase and each person’s personal value equation other than just the cost of the mattress itself. I’ve always believed that who you buy from and the level of knowledge, experience, and service they provide to their customers can be one of the most important parts of a successful mattress purchase.

Phoenix