Sleep on Latex | Firmness

[phoenix]

Hi shubox56,

[quote]I have spoken to SOL in depth via email and the general OPINION is a 9" medium that clocks in as such 2" 20 ILD Dunlop top confort layer
6" 34 ILD Dunlop support layer[/quote]

Yes, those are the correct specifications for the SOL 9" medium latex.

They went on to say that a soft 9" would be a better choice for a side sleeper of my size (6’1" & 170), with a medium 9" proving to be a better solution for a combo sleeper that spends time on their side and occasionally their back. And here’s a comment that seems to make sense to a novice: “It’s easier to make a firm mattress soft, than a soft mattress firm. Buy the 9” medium and dial it in with a latex topper as needed." I could take a cynical view and look at this comment as a means of selling me a mattress and a topper, but knowing how difficult it is to create the perfect mattress that provides comfort, support and proper spine alignment, the idea of “dialing in” a mattress after test driving seems to make sense.

With their experience with their products and how they perform for different somatotypes, BMIs and sleeping styles, what they said makes sense and I certainly would give strong consideration to their suggestions. And I understand the potential for “cynicism” about the potential to add an extra product to the mix with the topper suggestion down the road, but the statement about being easier to make a firm mattress soft than a soft mattress firm is indeed correct, and there have been many discussions about that actual topic here on the forum.

With the above said, there’s something else that jumps out at me: who is to say that my back condition won’t worsen over the years regardless of my mattress choice which necessitates a change in sleep habit? Requiring substantially more time on my back than side which would lean towards a firmer mattress. If I purchased a 9" medium with a topper to add addition comfort, I would have the option of removing said topper IF my condition changed for the worse.

Only you can know your back condition and if it will worsen, but I normally advise to choose a mattress based upon your current conditions. However, you are correct that over time if you need firmer support due to a worsening condition, a component-style approach can be useful.

Knowing that the SOL 2 layer mattress is progressive in nature, the comfort layer borrowing from the support layer (if I understand the progressive concept as you outlined in another post), selecting the right topper will add another layer of confusion not to mention (but did) expense. And what I cannot get my arms around is this: if I add a 1" or 2" latex topper to provide a small amount of additional pressure relieving support (when sleeping on my side), call it a soft (20 ILD) Dunlop topper to work in conjunction with the 2" soft (20 ILD) top layer of the mattress, wouldn’t I be negating the support needed when back rest is required? Dialed in for side sleep — YES — at the expense of losing support when resting on my back. I don’t see where it’s really possible to accommodate a combo sleeper. And to be be clear about this, the back rest I’m referring to will occur when I place my (to be purchased) adjustable bed in a zero gravity state. It’s my intention to remain a side sleeper, but I will spend enough time in a zero gravity position while napping, reading a book or watching TV, that I have to be cognizant of proper spine support in this position.

I think this is where you’re really driving yourself at full speed “down the rabbit hole” with worries about “ifs” and “whats” about combinations of specifications that unless you’re extremely versed in foam science and mattress engineering (which would be a very small percentage of the population), you’re only contributing to your own paralysis analysis.

At the risk of “feeding” into this (I do think you’re very interested in objectively analyzing things) , there is information about primary or “deep” support and secondary or “surface” support and their relationship to firmness and pressure relief and the “roles” of different layers in a mattress in post #2 here and in post #4 here that may also be helpful in clarifying the difference between “support” and “pressure relief” and “feel”. Extra padding in the upper comfort layers will provide for a deeper “comfort cradle”, and too much of a more plush material can allow for a negative impact upon alignment. The two major functions of a mattress, alignment/support and comfort, are described in a bit more detail here). It is possible for a mattress to provide adequate support and comfort for both side and back sleeping positions, as evidenced by the millions of people who sleep successfully and comfortable in such a manner, but of course the key is finding what would work best for you. There is also more about how all of the layers of a mattress work together in post #7 here.

If I were to go with the 9" medium, the dialing in process will likely be two-fold: the addition of a latex topper and a quilted mattress protector made of natural materials. Cotton, wool or maybe feathered down, though not sure about the feathered down option since it seems like the reviews tend to be weak.

You can read my thoughts about buying a mattress/topper combination that you can’t test in person in post #2 here. As you’re already aware, it’s normally not something I would suggest either in terms of risk or quality/value unless there were no better options available to you, but I understand your thoughts in this particular situation.

There is more information about choosing a topper in post #2 here and the topper guidelines it links to (there are links to posts about down toppers as well as natural fibers there) , which along with a conversation with a reliable and knowledgeable supplier (that can provide you with good information about how their toppers compare to each other or to other toppers they are familiar with that are available on the market) can help you use your sleeping experience as a reference point and guideline to help you choose the type, thickness, and firmness for a topper that has the least possible risk and the best chance for success.

Because of the uncertainty involved with purchasing a topper where you can’t test the combination in person … a good exchange/return policy can also reduce the risk of an online topper purchase so I would also make sure you are comfortable with the options you have available after a purchase to exchange or return the topper and any costs involved just in case a topper you choose also doesn’t turn out as well as you hoped for.

Phoenix