Phoenix:
Hi again Mallowpuff!
Thanks for the additional input. Great to see that you are furthering your research under Sensei’s guidance.
Ditto! And just to add a bit more gas on the fire … Looking for NordicTrack’s specifications I was not able to find much other than layer thickness and some buzz words describing the foams. mattress specifications you need to know article, the info they list for the product is not enough to ensure that the mattress you are considering meets the quality/value guidelines here ) Lower density memory foams also will tend to have a lower functional ILD which means that in combination with the thickness of the layer and a prone sleeping position may not be supportive enough for you.
I am 5’ 9", 180lb, stomach and side sleeper. Current mattress is a really awful Rooms-To-Go $200 innerspring/pillow top. It never really hurt my back for the first 3 years but now it’s pretty bad. I do have back issues(minor scoliosis among other things) but am on a College student budget. Under $450 for a Twin XL.
The biggest issue with lower density memory foam is foam softening (or what some people call virtual impressions). Foam breakdown can lead to the loss of comfort and/or support which is the biggest reason that most people will need to replace their mattress. In your case, as you are a stomach and side sleeper and have some underlying conditions it is even more important that you select a product that is supporting your spine in neutral alignment.
Usually, someone who sleeps in the prone (stomach) position needs a surface that is firmer and less forgiving. There’s a bit more information about common sleeping positions and appropriate sleep surfaces here .
You did not mention what kind of DIY you had in the works but at your BMI and also being a prone sleeper and if you like the feel of a memory foam product (DIY or not) I would recommend that you use the minimum thickness that is suitable for your needs and preferences. I would also consider combining it with other types of material in your comfort layer, so you can take advantage of its strengths without being as affected by its weaknesses. Also, make sure that you are choosing a high-quality memory foam (using the guidelines in the link I provided) made by a reputable manufacturer that meets 3rd party testing standards and publishes that they have done so.
If you could comfortably afford I would certainly go in the direction of latex as long as the design and thickness of the mattress (see post #14 here ) was a good “match” for your weight range in terms of PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and your own Personal preferences) because all around it is a superior and supportive material but as the next important part of your “value equation” is cost … then a latex/polyfoam hybrid DIY under the guidance of an expert could certainly be a good “budget” compromise.
Phoenix
Thanks for the extremely detailed response.
You guys here have swayed me, I forgot to update this thread. I am going with Latex.
Right now I’m mostly deciding between a Hybrid(SleepEZ, Arizona Premium) or a full latex(SleepEZ, SOL, Arizona Premium)
I’ve heard that the difference is pretty big but primarily personal opinion. I am leaning towards Hybrid.
I am also somewhat considering a Latex topper on my current innerspring. It’s a mess, but it could last until I move and want to buy a full/queen sized bed.
A lot of decisions to make…
