Seeking sleep wisdom!

[Sensei]

Hey ouchneednewbed,

Thanks for your reply .

While I had originally been wanting to pursue a pocket coil layer as the base layer, my partner did not find that comfortable in store, and said he could still feel the springs. I didn’t mind it though and actually found it supportive and nice to have that lift into the curved areas. I was wondering if, when building your own mattress and arranging layers, is it possible to have a TwinXL pocket coil base layer on one side of a King (that’s not split on the outside, but has split layers on the inside) and a latex foam base layer on the other?

“Split layering” of a mattress’s upper comfort layers is a popular approach, allowing consumers to individualize comfort on either side of the bed, as well as rearrange layers for comfort preferences. You can read some of Phoenix’s thoughts regarding the “feel” of this type arrangement in post #2, "Side By Side Layering Versas Solid Latex Layer. While this type approach to the support base might be possible, it would be a custom built mattress and I’m not sure if this type set up is feasible from a construction standpoint. As you are starting fresh with a new mattress, have you considered a split set up using 2 twin XLs? That way, you each win: you could have the hybrid/ pocket coil configuration more suited to your comfort preferences, and he could have an all foam/ latex side that is more suited to his.

I also realized while in store, that I do need a soft upper layer(s), especially if not using a pocket coil base, to give that “push-up” feeling into the curved areas (especially the lumbar when sleeping on back). Laying on a full Dunlop mattress with a F/M/S in the store, still wasn’t comfortable for me, but when adding a Dunlop XS (ILD 14 I believe) to the top, it felt better, and a comparable feeling to the pocket coil/dunlop combination bed that my partner found less comfortable. The visit spurred a lot of questions and reframing for me, which I know is the point! Could someone tell me if, based on my weight/BMI, what the firmest layer should be for me on the bottom of the bed, if not doing pocket coils? M, F, or XF?. Please note i’m open to getting a 4 layer mattress with a topper if necessary…

Based on your weight/ BMI (previously determined to be 21.3/ “normal” range), the layering you tried in the store of full Dunlop mattress F/ M/ S, should suit your needs. Remember: the “firmness” of the support base layer serves the separate function of support within the mattress base, while the “firmness” of the upper comfort layers is where you will “feel” whether those layers are too firm or too soft for your personal preferences. Kudos on the detailed results, ouchneednewbed and thanks for sharing your research. Looking forward to hearing more updates .

Thanks,
Sensei