A big thank you to Phoenix for the mountain of great information on this site. After hours of reading on this site, testing latex mattresses at local stores and reading various online retailer sites, I’ve come to the following conclusions.
My body (but not my wallet) prefers all latex throughout.
The most comfortable mattresses I tested (YMMV) have a 3" 19 ILD top layer or topper.
I can save a bunch of money by ordering from one of your member online retailers.
So, just this morning I contacted the retailer that I felt would offer the best value for the mattress I’m looking for and sure enough, Mattresses.net did not disappoint. I don’t want to make an infomercial of this post, but my experience talking with this company was very positive. In addition to answering my questions, they confirmed that I was headed in the right direction regarding my mattress selection.
On that note, this is where I’m leaning (strongly). I’m 5’10" and 220 lbs. and I’m a back and side sleeper. Many of the mattresses I’ve liked have either been 12"+ of layered latex; some all in a single mattress and some a combination of mattress (9"-10") with a separate 3" topper. The beauty of the mattress + topper is that it gives me some flexibility in changing the feel of the bed. If over time I need something more supportive than the 19 ILD topper, I can simply remove it and use just the mattress underneath which will have a slightly higher ILD comfort layer (probably 22 ILD). In fact, I have not come across any real disadvantages to the mattress + topper option. Are there any “cons” to this option that I should be considering?
There isn’t any particular disadvantage or cons to the mattress + topper route. It all boils down to whatever works for you is the best option. I have a mattress with each configuration- both can work excellent.
When selecting the mattress and topper, it’ ideal if you’ve tested a similar layering as you’re buying, which it sounds like you have. (Some people attempt to buy a mattress and a topper separately, but to put together once received, and if they haven’t tested the combination together then it’s just a theory how it will feel once assembled which can lead to surprises and less suitable choices).
Thanks for your feedback. I suppose it’s impossible to be 100% certain that the product(s) I’m looking to purchase online will feel the same as the preferred in-store mattress (latex Bliss WBB). Even the difference in cover construction can make them feel different, right. So, at best, I’m making an educated guess. But, IF it works out as planned, I will have saved some real money.
Like dn … I think if you’ve done some careful testing on combinations that are very close to what you are considering that you can use as a reference point (layer thicknesses, layer ILD, type of latex, type of cover) then the odds are much better that what you purchase will work for you. If the type and quality of the material is the same … then the main “risk” is the effect of any differences between what you tested and what you purchase.
As you mentioned the cover can also make a difference in how the mattress feels and performs.
You can also read a little more in this thread about how a separate topper can affect the feel of a mattress vs having the same layer inside the mattress cover.
It may also be worth considering first buying the mattress to see how well it works for you without a topper and then adding the topper as a separate purchase if it’s necessary.
You’re certainly talking with a very knowledgeable and experienced manufacturer and as you know I think highly of Arizona Premium.
Thanks for your feedback and the link on the topper vs additional internal layer of foam link. Originally, the reservation I had about a separate topper was that, as a free floating layer, it would not be supportive enough. When I tried the toppers in store, they felt better than I thought they would. They do conform a bit more than the built in layer, but still comfortable.
I noticed that some of the online stores seem to ship items within days, but Arizona Mattress indicated that due to recent order volume it may be three weeks before they are able to fill my order. Given the current state of the crater I’m sleeping on now, that’s going to be a long three weeks. Needless to say, I placed my order today.
I think you made a great quality/value choice and I’m looking forward to your feedback once you’ve received it and had the chance to sleep on it for a bit.
Thanks for letting us know what you ended up deciding.
