Hi,
I purchased a split layer custom bed from SleepEZ with the following configuration: medium talalay, medium talalay (I had previously) and a firm dunlop.
I’ve been sleeping on it for about a month and recently changed the configuration to: medium talalay, firm dunlop and medium talalay due to some back pain in my mid back rather than my usual lower back pain.
I am a 135 lb. side sleeper (my left side) with my knees bent. I try to position myself with a pillow between my knees to keep my back straight but I feel like my weight is still being pulled to the left and the pain in my mid right back is getting worse so I’m not sure if I need more support and if so in what layer would I need it. I’ve been sleeping on a medium talalay topper for several years and that provides a good cushion for my hips and shoulders so I’m not sure if I should change the top medium talalay layer.
I really like the split layers and the ability to adjust the bed. I just need some guidance on the best way to configure it. Also, if you are trying different configurations, how long does it take to know if it isn’t working.
Thanks for your help
Ruth
@Sleep_EZ
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your feedback regarding your mattress configuration and overall comfort. You mentioned recently changing the configuration from Medium Talalay over Medium Talalay to Medium Talalay over Firm Dunlop. Has this adjustment made a noticeable difference in alleviating your back pain?
Typically, for someone with your weight and primary sleep positions, we recommend a Soft Talalay comfort layer on top. A Medium comfort layer is generally suggested for individuals who are side and/or back sleepers and weigh over approximately 190 lbs. It’s possible your current comfort layer isn’t providing the level of pressure relief you need for your weight.
To better understand your situation, could you let me know if changing to the firmer configuration with the Firm Dunlop under the Medium Talalay improved or worsened your overall comfort?
Looking forward to your response!
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Hi,
Thanks for the quick response. I switched to put the firm layer under the medium talalay top layer because I thought I might not be getting enough support. My back pain is usually low back pain and I started having more pain mid-back and in my shoulders. I thought it was due to lack of support but from what you are saying it might be due to the firm layer being the second layer. I’m not sure how much someone of my weight feels the bottom layer so would I be ok with the dunlop firm on the bottom.
I do have a soft talalay 3 inch topper that I don’t use, so I could try the soft talalay, medium talalay, and dunlop firm and see how that works. How long do you need to give it to see if its the right fit. Is that what you recommend I try?
Thanks
Ruth
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Hello,
If you have a soft Talalay layer, I recommend trying the configuration of Soft Talalay over Medium Dunlop over Firm Dunlop. As I mentioned in my previous response, this setup is ideal for individuals weighing under approximately 190 lbs who are primarily side and/or back sleepers.
At your weight, I suspect the medium-over-firm configuration was not providing the level of pressure relief your body needs. By switching to the S/M/F arrangement, you may find it more comfortable. I recommend allowing your body at least 7 to 10 days to adjust to this new setup before determining if it works for you.
Please let us know how it goes, and feel free to reach out to our office at any time if you have further questions or need assistance.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
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I have experienced upper/mid back pain from a mattress being too firm. As a side sleeper you probably need your shoulders to sink in a bit to maintain spinal alignment. This of course varies depending on shoulder width, weight etc. I agree with the suggestion of trying the soft topper.
And if that is a little too soft for your hips, I would try you medium Talalay over the soft Talalay.
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Hi,
Hi,
I don’t have a medium firm dunlop, just two medium talalay layers. What’s the difference between a medium talalay and a medium dunlop in terms of firmness. Would two medium talalays equal the same firmness as a soft talalay and medium dunlop? Or do you think I should trade in one of my medium talalays for a medium dunlop. Then I would have the configuration you are recommending.
I appreciate your continued guidance.
Happy holidays,
Ruth
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You also need to consider the pillow you are using.
A pillow that is properly matched for the firmness of the mattress and the height necessary to offset the side sleeping shoulder from digging into the firmer mattress surface.
Raising the pillow loft and and consequently the alignment of the body from the head down, can mitigate or eliminate that shoulder issue in one good night of sleep.
There is a noticeable difference between Talalay and Dunlop, and it’s not really that Talalay is softer than Dunlop. Most people and companies say Talalay is softer just because that’s an easier way to explain it. You can actually have a soft Dunlop layer that’s softer or firmer than a soft Talalay and a medium Talalay that’s softer or firmer than a medium Dunlop, etc. The real difference comes down to how they react when being compressed. Talalay is bouncier and springier and is generally better at contour and pressure relief on your hips and shoulders. Dunlop is denser and is generally better at support and maintaining proper spinal alignment so our most common configuration is Talalay for the top layer and Dunlop for the bottom 2 layers. We will recommend Talalay for two or more layers for customers that have things like fibromyalgia, shingles, chronic hip pain, chronic shoulder pain, or anything where they’re sensitive to pressure, or for customers that just prefer a bouncier / springier feel. Outside of those circumstances, a combination of Talalay and Dunlop offers the best chance to be successful for the average person. Again, the best way I can summarize the differences would be to say that Talalay is better at pressure relief on your hips and shoulders and Dunlop is better at maintaining proper spinal alignment and avoiding back pain. However, Talalay can also be helpful in avoiding back pain because it provides more of what we call secondary support. Secondary support fills in the gaps between your body and the mattress. For side sleepers, this is normally the area between a person’s ribs and waist. For back sleepers, this is normally the area between the small of your back and the mattress. If these parts or your body aren’t being held up by the mattress, your muscles will work all night to hold those parts of your body up, which can lead to back pain. Aside from that, women tend to be curvier, especially around their hips, and having a top layer of Talalay can help avoid hip pain and keep the mattress from pushing their hips up, which can also lead to back pain. As such, most of our customers definitely benefit from having one layer of Talalay on top, and Dunlop for the rest of the mattress, but it’s completely up to you what you would like to order.
With all that said, I think it’s definitely worth it to try the soft Talalay layer you already have and sleep on soft Talalay over medium Dunlop over firm Dunlop and give us your feedback on that setup.
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Thank you for your in-depth information. I will take your recommendation and see how it goes.
Ruth
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