How does a construction of only 6 inches of natural Talalay Latex compare to
going with a multiple layered latex construction.
I am considering a 6" solid core manufactured by Escondido Mattress Factory, and they sell a 100% latex 6" and they recommend using it with their boxspring foundation.
Also, does it make sense to have a base/foundation on a hybrid mattress and how would the foundation affect the feel of the mattress, and its durability.
Thanks for your input.
Hi monicam,
Your question is a common one, and a good one! There would be little if any practical difference between two 3" support layers and a single 6" support layer if they were all the same type and blend of latex and the same ILD and were inside a tight fitting cover with 3" inches of latex of the same ILD on top of them. Two 3" layers would respond a little more independently and because the elasticity of the top 3" wouldn’t be connected and “pulling back” on the bottom 3" when it compresses and “in theory” it may act a little bit softer but in practical and real life terms most people wouldn’t notice any difference in terms of performance or firmness. If a single 6" core with a 3" comfort layer was a good match for you in terms of PPP then there would be little benefit in having multiple 3" layers that were the equivalent ILD.
Also in “theory only” … two 3" layers that were exactly the same ILD as a single 6" layer could be less durable over the course of a long lifetime because they will act more independently and abrade each other slightly but I don’t think that any difference would be significant or even measurable in “real life” terms and the other factors that affect durability (see post #4 here) such as the firmness of the layers would play a much bigger role. It certainly wouldn’t be a concern of mine.
Multiple layers would have more options for fine tuning though both before and after a purchase because for example a support core with a medium over firm layer would be a little firmer than a medium layer and a little softer than a firm layer (closer to the medium) and you would also have the option to rearrange the layers to firm over medium which would still be in between a medium and firm 6" layer but closer to the firm. You could also use the softer top layer in the middle to create a firmer feel compared to having the soft on top. The main advantage of having more layers in other words is that for those who need it can provide more options to customize the layer combinations either before a purchase or by rearranging or exchanging layers after a purchase. While this is attractive to some people … it can also add some complexity that may not be necessary or may not justify any extra costs involved in having more layers for others.
Outside of a mattress with more layers having more options to customize the mattress, if a mattress is a good match for you, then one isn’t inherently any better than the other.
Escondido Mattress (a site member here, which means that I think highly of them) uses 100% Natural Talalay latex in the mattress you described, and it’s a bit of an “old school” construction using a coil box spring unit. This was, and is, more common with latex mattresses that are in the 5"-6" range (a more traditional design) and often a bit higher ILD (firmer feeling). Your own personal testing would be the best way to see if you enjoyed this particular combination.
A typical “hybrid” mattress (which can mean a multiple number of things, but is usually a pocketed coil spring unit with polyfoam and memory foam on top), would generally have a recommendation from the manufacturer to be placed upon a firmer and flatter surface that doesn’t flex. This is discussed in more detail at the beginning of the foundation thread here. Placing a mattress on an improper surface that sags or gives too much can negatively impact performance, comfort and durability.
Phoenix