Questions from MN

[phoenix]

Hi carmutt,

The other was the Latex Supreme which is the same as above, but adds a 2" convoluted 15-17 ILD Talalay layer on both sides of the mattress. Both of us felt that our hips sunk too far down into the bed and actually seems to cause some low back discomfort for both of us while laying on the bed only for a short time. This concerned us in that we thought all latex beds were supposed to provide good support based on how it “works”. I realize the way the bed works is totally based on how all components are put together and effects how it sleeps/feels, but since we do not have many latex mattresses to try, this just put some questions in our head. Are there people where the latex beds would not provide good PPP where an innerspring would be better?

Absolutely. There are many people who prefer an innerspring (support) / latex (comfort) hybrid for example and just prefer it over an all latex design. There are also latex designs that would be completely unsuitable for certain body types and sleeping styles in terms of PPP. There is a wide range of designs of latex mattresses that are very different from each other in terms of how they feel and perform.

The “support” of latex or any type of mattress depends entirely on the design, layers, and firmness levels of the mattress. Regardless of the materials … if the design isn’t suitable for the body type and sleeping style of the person then it wouldn’t make a good choice. “Support” comes from a combination of the firmness of the support layers (which “stops” the hips/pelvis from sinking down too deeply) and the thickness/firmness of the comfort layers which fill in the gaps of the sleeping profile and determines how far the hips/pelvis can “travel” before they reach the firmer support layers. There have been many instances on the forum where I have cautioned people (especially if they are heavier or back or stomach sleepers) about latex mattresses that used either thicker softer comfort layers or softer support layers and to make sure they test carefully for alignment regardless of the type of material. Support in other words is the “means” to the real goal which is the alignment of the spine and joints regardless of material.

Some of the most knowledgeable people I know prefer to sleep on innerspring/latex hybrids over any other type of design and the choice of materials and components is a personal preference. Every material has more and less durable materials and the goal is always to choose more durable versions and a suitable design regardless of which materials or components you prefer.

Even though latex is the most durable foam material in comparable softness levels … softer thicker layers under heavier weights are also more likely to have softening or durability issues compared to latex that is firmer or more suitable for the specific needs and preferences of the person.

OMF puts their mattresses including their latex mattresses on an active boxspring which increases the flex under the mattress and can make it softer and can also allow the heavier parts of the body to sink in further. It may also be a good idea to test their latex mattresses on a firm non flexing foundation (such as one of their adjustable beds) which can give you a better sense of what their mattress will feel like on any firm non flexing foundation.

[quote]The only two latex beds in our price range that we have been able to try are the two from OMF. The Latex model is a 6" 32 ILD blended Talalay latex core that has a 1.5" 1.5 density convoluted polyfoam sewn into the rayon/polyester blended cover with another 1/4" 1.2 density polyfoam and a thin layer of wool as a flame retardant.[/quote]

The 1.5"convoluted layer is actually also latex not polyfoam (see here) so it’s a durable material and it does have a thin layer of polyfoam in the quilting which is within the guideline I would normally suggest which is “around an inch or so or less” of lower density polyfoam and in a layer this thin which is quilted it won’t have a significant effect on durability and creates a “feel” that some people prefer.

So, if the latex route is the direction we go, it seems we are looking at BB 10" All Latex, AZM Ultra Plush, or the SleepEZ 10000 as I think they are all similar and in the right price point. I would consider Flo Beds Deluxe because you can firm up the hip area so it does not sink down too far and soften up the shoulder area so it sinks in further, but the price was too high. Is this bed a fair comparison to the ones mentioned above? I realize I have to try to determine if the flexibility FB offers is of value to me, but without trying it in person, I have no idea how I can make that determination. It almost seems like a “gimmick” and I don’t want to get caught up in that. Am I missing any other “good choices”. Savvy Rest was too expensive for us too

All of these are members here which means I think they all have great quality and value even though they also offer a wide range of designs. The vZone is a form of customizable zoning which is certainly not a gimmick and like any form or customization can have real benefits for some people in terms of PPP. Not only can you firm up certain areas but you can make them softer as well so for example you can “allow” your shoulders to sink in further which can be a benefit to those who have a more athletic build.

When you can’t test a mattress in person or something that is functionally similar … then more detailed conversations with each manufacturer becomes the most effective way to make a choice along with the details or any layer exchange or return policy in case ou make a choice that is less than ideal (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here about making comfort and design choices). The list of the members here that sell latex mattresses online is in post #21 here.

So, if I tell these companies our “dilemma” with the OMF latex beds, do you think they can find a great option for us? I just don’t want to buy the bed and hate it. Seems like we are going in the right direction based on all the information you have provided, but need some reassurance.

All of them are very knowledgeable, experienced, and will give you sound guidance based on “averages” of customers that are similar to you in terms of body type and sleeping style but of course there is no way for anyone to know with absolute certainty which specific mattress anyone will do best with until you have actually tested or slept on it. Your own sense of confidence in both the design you choose and the options you have after a purchase are always an important consideration when you are making final choices with an online purchase.

Phoenix