Apologies in advance for the long post. As per the title, I’m seeking advice and a second check on what I’ve learned so far.
I’m posting in the Arizona Premium Mattress forum because I intend(ed) to purchase components from them or their companion site.
[ First; Information and Preferences: ]
[li]Mattress for one, Twin XL.[/li]
[li]Height and Weight: 5’10" 315 lbs.[/li]
→ Weight carried mostly in the stomach, some in the thighs. Losing weight slowly, about 25 lbs over the past year.
[li]Lumbar recess depth is about 3" and shoulder to chest is about 6".[/li]
[li]Primarily sleep on my back, occasionally on my side.[/li]
→ However I’m not sure if I’m only ending up on my side due to discomfort from my ~19 year old thick-pillowtop mattress.
[li]I do sleep hot, so I am concerned about breathability.[/li]
→ For this reason I also probably don’t want to be too much further “in” the mattress than needed for good support.
[li]Considering DIY for the ease of changing components either for adjustment or repair, and wanting to avoid fiberglass fire barriers.[/li]
[ Second; The initial build plan: ]
[li]After my first round of reading, I had a straightforward rough idea; 3" 28 or 32 ILD Talalay on a 6" L&P non-zoned Pocket Coil.[/li]
→ Chose the 6" non-zoned coil in case I do really sleep on my side occasionally, adding a layer won’t make the mattress too thick.
→ Would seek advice on cover options, protectors and other bedding for my heat issues after getting the layering right.
[li]But after encountering some of the information below, particularly the calculators, I’m not sure if it was a good plan.[/li]
[ Third; What (I think) I’ve learned: ]
[li]That Talalay ‘feels’ about 4 ILD softer than the same rating of Dunlop; Does this difference apply to support concerns as well?[/li]
[li]That Pocket Coils might not be appropriate for my weight; I read that the 8" Bolsa coils are roughly mid-30s ILD in firmness?[/li]
→ I did read that the 6" version would behave firmer as it’s pre-compressed further, but I didn’t see any rough ILD comparisons.
[li]That 9" thickness would either be marginal or is outright insufficient, I’ve seen some varying input on this.[/li]
→ While I understand that DIY shouldn’t be approached for saving money, I also don’t want to go overboard if it can be avoided.
[li]I have tested mattresses in person, however I’ve found I’m not picky and don’t have ‘immediate’ comfort issues with any I’ve tried.[/li]
→ The concern (and problem with my current mattress) is one of proper support throughout the night.
→ I wake with only minor aches and stiffness, but it’s enough to know there’s a problem.
[ Fourth; The Showstopper: ]
[li]I read a post that mentioned SleepEz and FloBeds having recommendation calculators on their site.[/li]
→ They suggested I need much firmer than I thought from seeing APM’s options and extrapolating from the guideline articles I read.
→ Both suggest ~44 ILD support layers and SleepEz’ also suggests a 37-40 ILD transition layer, neither of which are available from APM.
[li]I’m not sure how I should proceed from here so I’m hoping for expert advice.[/li]