Sleep on Latex | Firmness

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.

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.

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.

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) :slight_smile: , 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.

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