So I’ve been going back and forth on a DIY mattress. While I was originally looking at an all latex mattress, I’m now reconsidering.
So about me: 5’11" 250lbs, side sleeper, arthritic
Current setup: original Tuft and Needle, 3 inch medium latex topper, 3 inch memory foam topper in that order.
I have issues with my shoulders and by switching the toppers (latex under memory foam) seems to alleviate some of the pressure. I do bottom out on the memory foam…it’s not a particularly high quality foam. I find that the medium latex topper didn’t give enough. I think this setup is really close. So here is what I was thinking:
6 inches of Lux HQ (ILD 50)
3 inches HD 36 HQ (ILD 35) or 3 inches medium talalay latex
3 inches 5lb ViscoMax memory foam
Thoughts?
Hi SleepNYC.
Memory foam compresses and collapses in a way that latex does not which may be why you’re getting that better pressure relief from your memory foam layer. That latex layer is working as a support layer to let you sink in a little bit more when you bottom out through the memory foam you currently have.
I think your current setup is thoughtful. Do you know if you’ll be going after a plush/medium memory foam?
NikkiTMU
I have no idea…
I really only recently co side red memory foam. I had been thinking of all latex but I’m sleeping much better with the memory foam topper. All my research was on latex so I¡d appreciate any tips. I’m also concerned about how to ensure the mattress is flame retardant.
Hi SleepNYC.
Bodies are funny that way. Sometimes what we want and what we ultimately prefer are very different. I have a shredded latex pillow that I HATE (that I desperately wanted to love) while I love (so far, anyway) the shredded memory foam pillow. Alternatively, I hate my memory foam topper lol and prefer a pillow top. It’s all such a toss up, which is why it’s important to test multiple options!
Memory foam atop latex is a very common preference so you are not alone in that, and if it’s the best for your support and comfort needs, then so be it. 
What ILD were you investigating for latex?
Also, whatever encasement you purchase for your DIY (such as these ones from Arizona Premium) will be naturally flame retardant.
NikkiTMU