Hi cycle,
Welcome to the Mattress Forum! 
[quote]-Heat question
I came across this 2" Latex Topper at (APM) link: Latex Mattresses On Sale - Latex Mattress Toppers - Phoenix, AZ
How would this solid product compare to a 2" soft 19-ILD with pincores? (from: Latex Mattress Factory) I read a post from (you) Phoenix that essentially said latex is breathable due to its structure. And the pincores provide a secondary cooling benefit. Would the difference be noticeable or would it be negligible? (See layering for additional covers above this layer)[/quote]
The wave latex topper is Dunlop and rated at a 24 ILD. It would feel firmer than the 19 ILD Dunlop topper from LMF. While both are Dunlop, the LMF with the pin core construction would be more breathable as a by-product of those pin cores.
All the layers of a mattress actually compress simultaneously, not sequentially, and they will each compress to different percentages of their thickness depending on their position on the mattress, the firmness of each layer, the compression modulus of the material, the thickness of each layer, and the compression force that they are exposed to (which depends on the weight of the part of the body in contact with the mattress and the surface area that is bearing that weight which is constantly changing as you sink into the mattress more or change sleep positions). So your body weight will “reach” the bottom layer, but the resulting comfort will only be determined through your own personal testing, which is part of the fun (and for some people part of the “pain”) of a DIY design.
The compression of each layer (mainly controlled by thickness, firmness, compression modulus, hysteresis, and position along with a few other specs) are what creates the pressure relieving cradle of a mattress in the top layers which re-distributes weight and pressure on the bony prominences and pressure points of the body while the resistance to further compression of the deeper layers is what “stops” the heavier parts of the body from sinking down too far and putting the spine and joints out of their natural alignment. The balance between the opposing needs of pressure relief and spinal alignment is the main factor behind all mattress design and theory and why different mattresses match the body types and sleeping positions and preferences of different people … or don’t.
The wave in the upper layer you’re considering does offer you some options in manipulating surface comfort, which is nice, and there’s certainly no reason that your proposed design “wouldn’t” work (I know, double negative there :unsure: ).
The reality is that if you hope to save money or customize by designing your own mattress by specs and buying each layer and component separately, then you will need to trade your time, go through the learning curve, and gain the experience and personal insights into your specific needs and preferences from personal testing to improve your odds of success. If this is worth it to you then it can be a great experience and very satisfying but it’s important to keep your expectations realistic.
You may have already read this, but the first place I would start is by reading option 3 in post #15 here and the posts it links to (and option #1 and #2 as well) so that you have more realistic expectations and that you are comfortable with the learning curve, uncertainty, trial and error, or in some cases the higher costs that may be involved in the DIY process. While it can certainly be a rewarding project … the best approach to a DIY mattress is a “spirit of adventure” where what you learn and the satisfaction that comes from the process itself is more important than any cost savings you may realize (which may or may not happen).
Phoenix