Sleep on Latex vs Sleep Essentials

Hi, we need a new mattress. We have a 30-year-old (I kid you not) Tempurpedic memory foam mattress that has long given up the ghost. We have decided on an all-latex mattress in Dunlop.

I’ve done a lot of research and was super impressed with Lee at Sleep Essentials. Their Queen in Arrangement 2 (soft top layer over two medium layers) seems perfect to us. I think he’s an honest, God-fearing man and his product seems top-notch.

My problem arises when I compare his product to that from Sleep On Latex. A year ago I bought a 3-inch soft topper from Sleep On Latex for a guest bed. They advertise as GOLS-certified all-natural latex and it seemed like a nice, quality product.

The cost of the latex layers from Sleep Essentials would be $1,725 all-in delivered. Comparable layers from Sleep On Latex would be $940 all-in delivered.

Besides the $785, the other big point of difference is that Sleep On Latex offers a full refund with free shipping for 30 days from product receipt. Sleep Essentials, although they will do a one-time swap of the comfort layer for 60 days, does not accept returns or offer refunds.

Perhaps there is some slight difference in firmness feel between the latex layers from each company, but my guess is it’s probably negligible. According to each, Sleep Essentials’ soft layer is 19-22 ILD and Sleep On Latex’s is 20 ILD; Sleep Essentials’ medium layer is 28-32 ILD and Sleep On Latex’s is 34 ILD.

Does anyone have IRL experience of both products with any thoughts on this? Is there any difference in the quality of the latex they deliver?

I really like Lee and his company. Despite the considerable price difference, I wouldn’t hesitate to order his product if only it were returnable, but if we’re unhappy and it’s not fixable with a one-time firmness swap we’re SOL (and I don’t mean Sleep On Latex).

All thoughts addressing my actual question will be most sincerely appreciated. Thanks.

DIY components are cheaper because they don’t allow returns: If companies allow returns, they have to charge double or they have to sell crap as is the case with many memory/PU foam layers.

Sleep Essentials’ prices are not competitive with LMF/APM/DIYMattress.com/SOL. He charges premium for his stuff. Also, he criticizes his competition (like his video on APM’s mattress case) by not providing an alternative at the same price point.

It is known among DIYers that SOL medium and firm are firmer than other vendor’s medium and firm layers.

FoamByMail sells 6" Medium Dunlop mattress for a reasonable price; they only sell medium dunlop layers. That is another place I look at for medium Dunlop, besides LMF/APM/SOL.