Phoenix,
I have read through all the posts and links you gave so I think I am a little more informed but could still use some advice. I am providing a little more information based on some of the items I read in case it helps.
I researched my mattress and I believe I have a Temper-Pedic Symphony Bed purchased in 2008. The mattress is in great condition, no sagging or soft spots. Again a little about me: I am 5’1, 125 pounds and I sleep on my side. I also seem to sleep extremely hot. I am not trying to “correct” any issues with the topper. What I am looking for is pressure relief which I think from my research means I need to “fine tune the thickness and softness of the upper layers of the mattress”. As I mentioned, my mattress is in good shape but on its own it does not give me enough pressure relief and I experience pain/discomfort while sleeping. I believe from what I read that I need a topper that will create a comfort layer on top of my mattress. I think I want a “fair bit” or “a lot” of pressure relief, as much as possible without creating alignment or other issues.
One of your posts mentioned that for a side sleeper the “comfort layers generally need to be a little softer and/or thicker” and that “In general a good starting point for a good comfort layer for a side sleeper is 3” and then depending on weight, body shape, preferences, and the firmness of the support layers, to go up or down from there" For pressure relief I read “it’s usually about the thickness and softness of the upper layers of your mattress and the “cradle” that is formed when you sink in to the top layers.”
In another post I read “It would also be important to know if your current mattress has any memory foam in the upper layers (the kind that leaves an impression for a while when you press deeply on the surface) because if you add a topper over a slow response foam that is heat sensitive it will make this layer firmer and this needs to be taken into account as one of the “moving parts” when you add a topper.”
Since I sleep on my side, am looking for pressure relief and have a memory foam mattress I am not sure with all of those things combined what type, size or softness of a topper would be a good place to start? I realize that you cannot predict which topper would be the best but could you offer advice on what might be better choices based on your experience and the information I have provided?
For example in regards to Latex or Memory Foam does one work better in combination with a memory foam mattress? Does one type typically give more relief to those with pain issues who are seeking pressure relief? I think from what I read that memory foam might be the better way to go if you have any thoughts please let me know. With memory foam, what are your thoughts on possibly adding a memory foam topper in specs to resemble a higher quality temper-pedic mattress than I currently have?
In regards to size, would a 3" topper still be a good place for me to start?
What density or firmness should I look for? I read a lot about the density of foams but to be honest I became a little confused by all the information. I am not sure where to start. I know I should get a higher density foam 4 lbs or more but beyond that I could use some advice. From what I read it seems that open celled foams are cooler but if not available with the other specs I need I will look to other options for relieving some of the heat.
I appreciate any advice or thoughts you can offer