Pain in Low back/SI area while using latex hybrid

Talk To The Experts Latex Mattress Factory
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Hello, everyone. Heads up: this will be a lengthy post, since I want to include as much info as I can to hopefully get the best advice.

I’ll start off by saying that I’m a female in my mid-thirties, around 5’9" and 175 lbs., average build, and I’m mainly a side sleeper who occasionally wakes up on my back. I also have a wide shoulder and hip span.

I’ve had my Luxerion Hybrid from Latex Mattress Factory for two years now - I should note that this is the older model, which has a 1" layer of wool and 3" soft Dunlop on 6" pocketed coils, all together in an organic cotton case which can’t be opened by the consumer.

Prior to this I slept on a Simmons BeautySleep mattress on a box spring for 11 years - a few years with two different foam toppers for extra cushioning - when I started to have pain in my low back. I figured this was due to the foam layers on top/in the mattress sagging from the pressure of my hips/butt. After doing some research online, I decided to try a hybrid mattress with latex, and settled on the Luxerion Hybrid from LMF for its affordability and its soft latex layer being suitable for side sleeping.

To ensure a stable foundation, I traded the old box spring for a slatted foundation I made from 3.5" wide and 1.5" tall planks of wood, with each plank being 1.5" apart, and a 1.5" W and 1.5" T piece of wood going down the center. This sits on the metal bed rails of my twin-sized bed frame, which I’ve had for years and is still in good shape (the wooden head and foot of the frame are pretty sturdy). I got metal legs attached to the center beam of the slatted foundation to help support the weight of myself and the mattress.

So, I tried the hybrid mattress for about a month, and I found it comfy as a side sleeper. However, when I would lie on my back, I found that it exacerbated my low back pain (mainly in my sacroiliac (SI) region), with my hips/butt sinking in quite a bit. I decided to get a 3" medium Dunlop topper from LMF to try on the mattress - on the soft side of the mattress at first, and later on flipping the mattress and trying the topper that way. It was moderately better, but I was still having tightness in that SI region.

I later bought a 3" medium Dunlop topper from Turmerry to try with and without the LMF topper - didn’t really help too much, and I kept the LMF topper and got a refund for donating the Turmerry one. I then tried the 2" soft Dunlop topper from Turmerry on the LMF topper - a little better, but not quite right for my low back.

Then, last year and earlier this year, I tried the 3" firm Dunlop topper from LMF and tried a few layer combos. Medium on firm felt too firm as a side sleeper; the same with soft on firm; and soft on medium on firm felt like too many layers on the flipped mattress. I even tried the latex layers alone, with 2" soft on 3" medium on 3" firm; it was okay, but I think I prefer sleeping on a taller mattress. I ended up returning the 3" firm, leaving me with the 2" soft and 3" medium toppers.

Currently I’m just sleeping on the medium topper on the flipped mattress, and lately I’ve been noting my present and past experiences (including the ongoing tightness in my SI area) on this sleep setup while doing some research on this site and Reddit. I know that I need an extra layer - a transitional layer to help supplement support and comfort. Right now, I’m leaning towards a few new solutions to my situation:

  • 2" soft Talalay topper on 3" medium Dunlop on flipped mattress;
  • 2" soft Talalay topper on 3" medium Dunlop on 2" firm Dunlop on flipped mattress;
  • 3" medium Dunlop on 2" firm Dunlop on flipped mattress
  • 2" or 3" medium Talalay topper on 3" medium Dunlop on flipped mattress.

So, yeah, I’m looking for a sleep surface that both supportive and comfortable enough for a side/combo sleeper. I really want to give the latex hybrid type a chance, since I’ve slept mainly on traditional spring mattresses in the past, and I’ve grown to like latex for its beneficial properties (including its eco-friendliness and superior longevity over memory foam). I just need some input from folks here on what I can do before I make further investments.

I’m welcome to any other suggestions folks may have.

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Elarson,

I would narrow down the list and try those options in real life. You would be the best judge. If you have option A, B, C, order all 3 and test them back to back in real time.

Sidesleeper?

I just got a BackScience2. Its great! Back support is phenomenal! BS2 is for back and side sleepers. It might be an option!

Another option is BackScience3. This is designed for side sleepers. It is so plush but supportive.

John

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Hello, John.

Thank you for replying. I would like to try those combinations I mentioned, though I would like to get input from others - particularly those who have more expertise/experience with latex mattresses/latex hybrids than I do - to get an idea of what would work for me. This way, I can be more selective on what latex layers to get without having too much hassle if making returns and getting refunds when something doesn’t work for me. Websites that sell latex toppers/layers have certain trial and return periods, some of which only accept one return per year (like Latex Mattress Factory - I’ve already returned the firm Dunlop layer I bought there earlier this year).

I looked at the BackScience mattresses you mentioned, and the prices are way out of budget for me. Besides, I would prefer latex over the foam/gel layers featured in those mattresses. Although, I do like the idea of the lumbar support layer in the center of the mattress, and using the height of the transitional and comfort layers would be a good reference point for finding the right layer combo for my needs.

elarson

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Hey, I just wanted to update so I can tag @Latex_Mattress_Fact1 and to let you all know what I’m thinking of in terms of options. I also want to tag @Sleep_EZ since I’m considering them and LMF for purchasing latex layers.

After trying out my mattress last night, with the inclusion of the 2" soft Dunlop from Turmerry with the 3" medium Dunlop - trying the 2" on top of and below the 3" - and trying out the regular side of the mattress (which is 1" wool on 3" soft Dunlop on 6" pocket coils), I’ve decided to not opt for soft latex layers, as my hips/butt sink in too much, given my figure and body weight.

I find that the medium firmness gives me more support than soft, while still being comfy enough, though my hips/butt region still sink a little low than what I would like (not as bad as the soft layers) and feel that I still need a little more support to keep my spine aligned and to relieve my pressure points a bit more (being a side/combo sleeper).

So my first two combo options listed above are out. The latter two options I’m still considering: 2" F Dunlop under 3" M Dunlop, and 2 or 3" M Talalay over 3" M Dunlop.

I also got the idea of opting for a 3" firm Talalay in place of the 3" M Dunlop. Would the 3" F Talalay give me enough support while relieving my pressure points, or would it be too firm for a side sleeper? I’ve only tried Dunlop latex for its price point and supportive properties.

As mentioned above, I found the 3" F Dunlop under 3" M Dunlop to be too firm for me, which is why I’m also wondering if the 2" F under 3" M would be supportive enough without bothering my pressure points too much.

One more thing: I was also considering just getting a .5-1" tall wool mattress pad to put on top of the 3" M Dunlop, to match the wool layer on the topside of the mattress. Would this option be supportive and pressure-relieving enough?

Let me know your thoughts, and other options/suggestions if you have them.

-elarson

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Hello Elarson,

Thank you for reaching out!

To be completely transparent, I had a bit of trouble following the full list of configurations you’ve tried and how each one impacted your comfort, support, and alignment. So I’d like to simplify things and focus on how we typically approach layer recommendations based on your sleep profile.

In our experience, using multiple 2" layers in varying densities often leads to unnecessary complexity and can compromise both support and pressure relief—the two most critical factors for restful sleep.

Given your height, weight, and side-sleeping position, we would generally recommend a three-layer configuration consisting of:
3" Soft Talalay over 3" Medium Dunlop over 3" Firm Dunlop (S/M/F).

Here’s why:

  • The 3" soft Talalay top layer provides excellent contouring and pressure relief—especially important for side sleepers to avoid discomfort at the shoulders and hips.
  • The medium and firm Dunlop layers beneath offer graduated, reliable support to maintain proper spinal alignment.
  • Talalay is more breathable and slightly softer than Dunlop, making it ideal as a comfort layer, while Dunlop , being denser and firmer, serves best in support roles.

We’ve found that most side sleepers need a full 3" comfort layer to avoid pressure points. When side sleepers opt for just 2" on top, they often end up pressing into the firmer support layers beneath, which can lead to discomfort.

I hope this helps clarify our approach and gives you a clear path forward. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out or give us a call—we’re always happy to help.

SleepEZ
1-800-710-9846

1 Like
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Hello SleepEz - thank you for reaching out!

I know my original post is quite lengthy (with me wanting to be thorough with my experience) and probably was a bit hard to follow, so I’ll sum up the setups I’ve tried so far, from top to bottom layers:

  1. 1" wool, 3" soft Dunlop, 6" pocket coils, all in cotton pillowtop cover (previous Luxerion Hybrid model from Latex Mattress Factory)

  2. 3" medium Dunlop topper from LMF, flipped hybrid mattress

  3. 2" soft Dunlop topper from Turmerry, 3" M Dunlop, flipped hybrid mattress

  4. 3" medium Dunlop topper from Turmerry, flipped hybrid mattress

  5. 3" M Dunlop from LMF, 3" firm Dunlop from LMF, flipped hybrid mattress

  6. 2" S Dunlop, 3" F Dunlop, flipped hybrid mattress

  7. 2" S Dunlop, 3" M Dunlop , 3" F Dunlop, flipped hybrid mattress

  8. 2" S Dunlop, 3" M Dunlop, 3" F Dunlop

  9. 3" M Dunlop, unflipped hybrid mattress

  10. 2" S Dunlop, unflipped hybrid mattress

  11. 2" S Dunlop, 3" M Dunlop, unflipped hybrid mattress

  12. 3" M Dunlop, 2" S Dunlop, unflipped hybrid mattress

Hopefully this is a bit easier for people to read.

To add as well, all latex layers were in cotton covers bought from their respective websites.

The foundation I’m using is a wooden slatted one with 3.5" wide and 1.5" tall planks, 1.5" apart, with a 1.5" W and 1.5" T piece of wood going down the center. The foundation and mattress are twin sized.

Right now, I’m currently using setup #2 from the list, and I’m leaning towards trying a Talalay topper. Though I’m unsure which firmness to get to use with my hybrid mattress and Dunlop topper:

  • a 3" soft Talalay on 3" M Dunlop on flipped mattress
  • a 3" M Talalay on 3" M Dunlop on flipped mattress

As stated before, I would like to have proper support for my back/spine while not aggravating my pressure points or my lumbar/sacral region too much.

elarson