Plant based poly support core?

[phoenix]

Hi brc722,

Thank you very much for your feedback! So, if i understand what i read correctly, a latex/polyfoam hybrid is not necessarily a poor quality combination but does not compare with a full latex model.

Yes … that’s basically correct. The support layers of a mattress aren’t typically the weak link of a mattress in terms of durability but they are an important part of the response and performance of the mattress. Of course higher weights will compress a mattress more deeply so the higher quality layers need to be thicker or deeper in the mattress than they would if someone was lighter. For example a 1.5 lb polyfoam base may be fine with 3" of latex for normal weights but if they were compressing the support core more because they were heavier then it would be a good idea to either use a higher density more durable support core or thicker layers of latex above it … or both.

What would constitute a good quality polyfoam density as the support core?

The density guidelines I would suggest using are in several places in the tutorial post including here and here and here as well as the mattress support cores - polyurethane and the mattress comfort layers - polyurethane sections of the main menu.

The short version is I would use 1.8 lb polyoam as a good basic guideline or 1.5 lb in a lower budget mattress with more average weights or in a mattress where the comfort layers were thicker and the support layers weren’t compressed as much.

Also, mattresses that incorporate memory foam in the comfort layers even with supposed cooling gel technology, very well could cause one to sleep hot despite it being a innerspring…is this correct line of thinking?

Depending on the other factors that can affect temperature regulation it’s certainly possible yes. Even a “semi breathable” membrane type mattress protector over a mattress with a thick/soft comfort layer that would otherwise be fine in terms of temperature regulation can result in temperature issues for some people because of the reduced airflow. In some cases just having polyester sheets can put someone over the edge or their temperature comfort zone.

There is also much more about the different types of gel materials in post #2 here and the posts it links to. There is a great deal of misinformation about gel in the industry’s marketing stories although it does have some effect on temperature … at least temporarily … and it can also affect the feel and performance and support characteristics of memory foam.

Therefore, in comparison the latex/polycore could indeed be better at temp regulation bc latex is the upper comfort layers?

Again … depending on the other factors involved … yes. Overall latex is the most breathable of all the different types of foam materials.

Would a latex /Innerpring formation be something only found at through one of these local direct manufacturers? Ie.custom made? I have not come across this particular combo.

They are not “common” but they are also fairly widely available across the country although the larger manufacturers tend to use latex in combination with other less costly foam materials. Even the Serta iSeries innerspring mattresses have some models that use latex in the comfort layers although they are mixed in with other types of foam. They don’t need to be “custom built” but they are more commonly found at small or mid size manufacturers or specialty sleep shops.

Again, thanks for providing such a helpful resource for those of us trying to steer our way through the mattress buying labrynth!

I’m glad the site has been helpful

Phoenix