I’m not exactly sure what layering you’re asking after, so here’s all of it . . .
I have the 6" 65 density dunlop support layer, then the 55 density comfort layer. The layers are encased in a bamboo blend zippered thingee, with a CozyPure mattress protector on top. Then I have the LaNoodle topper, and a stretchy Jersey bottom sheet covering the whole bed. Then, of course, a regular fitted sheet as part of the sheet set for the bed.
With the featherbed, it doesn’t seem to make any difference that I can detect whether I leave the LaNoodle topper and Jersey sheet on or remove it - bed feels the same either way with the featherbed in place.
I just wanted to confirm all the “parts” of your sleeping system and make sure nothing had changed and that I hadn’t forgotten anything so I could see if anything jumped out at me.
I didn’t realize that your latex was as soft as it was. Are you sure the numbers are correct? (you can see the ILD and density for Latex Green 100% natural Dunlop here). In looking back over your posts I thought that your comfort layer was 65 density and that your support core was 70 density.
Based on the softness of your layers and your comments here …
… I keep getting a nagging feeling that your support layers may be too soft overall which may be putting your hips out of alignment and it may even be worth testing your mattress with the support core on top (or turned upside down) with the Lanoodles topper on top to see if it makes a difference in your symptoms. Your support layers are certainly on the soft side. It may also be worth trying an inch or so of softer polyfoam (which would be very inexpensive) in the middle section of your mattress under the top layer just to test the “theory” that raising your hips may improve your alignment and might help with your pain.
Oops - sorry - you’re right. The support layer is listed as 70-75, and the comfort layer as 65. I sure do hate getting old and feeling stupid, but I know it beats the alternative.
Hi Clawdia, got the PM, responded and yes I’ll be happy to share my experiences with you. Your PM is not the first of its kind either as others apparently share my bedding goals too. The LI talatech slab is due in this Wednesday. That will put me in a thick 5" comfort layer of 3" of 19ILD and 2" of 14ILD. Like I’ve said in other posts, the talatech not only provides excellent comfort but the support is amazing, even in the 19.
We share the same age, I’m in my mid 60’s and my wife also has scoliosis. She loves the configuration.
I’ve asked the “do I need a cover” question a bunch and what vendors are telling me is that you don’t need it, UNLESS, you’ve got small kids and dogs romping on the bed or indulge in active bed time activities. Makes sense to me. Even for a 14 ILD topper, my plan of putting a stretchy mattress cover and fitted sheet over it should be fine regarding wear and tear. The 19ILD is in the encasement so it’s triple protected.
When it wears out years from now, I’ll just give it to the aging dog and replace it. Easy peasy! Although the topper will be 14 ILD, it is a blend which is more durable than “pure” latex. With an occasional flip and rotate, I expect it to hold up quite well.
Ozone and light are enemies of latex regarding advanced aging and breakdown. I have none of those issues with my latex.
To look at this from a more “experiential” and larger point of view … there are many reasons (outside of just the fire regulations) that mattresses have always included a cover and while it may not be completely “necessary” from strictly a durability point of view (although it can certainly have longer term effects on this as well) … it would certainly be “desirable” in most cases and most mattress manufacturers will confirm this (except the ones that sell DIY components) and will tell you that a good quality cover can affect the feel, the performance, and the durability of a mattress.
These and other substances that can break down latex prematurely (see here) aren’t issues that you will experience in the short time you have had your mattress (unless you put bare layers in the sun). They are issues where you would notice a difference in years not in weeks or months.
Clawdia and I were discussing encasing a topper, a slab of latex, not the mattress which I articulated in my post.
“…my plan of putting a stretchy mattress cover and fitted sheet over it should be fine regarding wear and tear. The 19ILD is in the encasement so it’s triple protected.”
Would think folks understand (and practice) covering a mattress is the norm, not the exception.
My reply was in response to this part of your previous post and was meant to make sure that the people who read it understood that a cover for a mattress or a topper can be a factor in the durability of both. There are many sellers on the internet who sell individual layers of material and tell their customers that enclosing them in a stretchy mattress protector will be fine. Everything has a tradeoff including topper or mattress covers and in addition to any durability benefits a cover can also affect the feel and performance of the material that is enclosed … for better or for worse.
I also agree that if your topper is “triple protected” inside the mattress cover, encasement, and sheets that it certainly wouldn’t be an issue in your case.