Hello! This is my first post here. My wife and I currently sleep on a king luxury firm winkbed. It’s about 5 years old. I’m a bigger guy at 6’3" and 275, my wife is about 5’3" and 200. She’s mostly a side sleeper but occasionally ends up on her back. I thought I was a back sleeper, but I’ve been waking up on my side a lot lately. I feel like over the years the winkbed foam hasn’t held up as much as I expected it to (wasn’t familiar with TMU in 2020 when we purchased). I sometimes end up with arm and shoulder pain and other times wake up with hip pain. At this point, I’m guessing there isn’t much left to my comfort layers. I’m thinking it’s time to invest in a topper. We got a 3" tempur-pedic but being a bigger guy, I was bottoming out and I still ended up with lower back pain. I’m thinking maybe latex is the way to go; however, there are just so many different things to look into and I’m just a bit overwhelmed. Not sure if Dunlop or talalay would be better… Firmness… Thickness… Something that would work for me and my wife. I’m just getting some conflicting answers off the Internet for some things. I appreciate any help provided!
Hey there Crossd,
Welcome to the community and thank you for your inquiry.
Wooah (I have never been able to figure out how to spell that), sounds like you and your wife are dealing with a pretty common situation, a mattress that’s still okay overall but not giving you the support or comfort you need anymore. This can be a common occurrence as we age and our bodies change over time. Often what felt right when we were younger, no longer feel the same as we age or become less active, and simply change what we prefer.
When thinking about a topper, there are a couple of really important things to check first. One, make sure your current mattress isn’t compromised, no sagging, dips, or soft spots. If the mattress itself is worn out, a topper can only do so much. Two, your foundation or bed frame should be solid and supportive, because a topper can’t fix a bad base.
Next, it helps to understand what a topper actually does. There are basically three main things a topper can do:
- Soften a firm mattress a bit and add contouring and pressure relief.
- Keep your mattress’ current firmness but add contouring and pressure relief.
- Add longevity to a mattress that’s still in good shape or that is brand new.
Many people feel that a topper is a simply fix accessory. It is not, it can be, but a topper can be much more. Many high end luxury mattresses build their mattresses around their topper rather than the other way around.
From what you’ve described, you’re a bigger guy, waking up on your side, with some shoulder, arm, and hip pain, it sounds like you could use a topper that adds real pressure relief without bottoming out. Latex is a good option here because it can give support without that sinking feeling you had with your Tempur-Pedic. Most Dunlop toppers tends to be a bit firmer and more supportive, while Talalay is lighter and plusher, so thickness and firmness choice will be key. Keep in mind that the light between Dunlop and Talalay keeps getting narrower. Still the process that each is manufactured lends itself to all Talalay to be created to very soft levels, and Dunlop to be made to slightly firmer levels, and a bit denser with higher secondary compression. Since you and your wife have different body types and sleep positions, something in the medium-firm range that’s thick enough to prevent you from bottoming out would probably be the sweet spot.
Keep in mind that 1-2" in a topper with slightly modify the feel of the mattress, while 3" or more can change the entire feel of the mattress.
Basically, check your mattress and foundation first, then pick a topper that does what your body needs: comfort, pressure relief, and support. That way both of you can wake up without aches!
Speak with one of the latex experts here at TMU who can evaluate the mattress you are using now and how the topper will interact with it. Additionally, be prepared to modify your pillow. As a bigger person, wide shoulders, sleeping on the side will require a loftier, firmer pillow. The pillow really comprises around 40-45% of sleep comfort and alignment. A pillow that does not have enough loft or is too soft, can cause your shoulder to dig into the mattress.
Our mattress and topper experts can even craft a split comfort topper to satisfy each of your individual preferences and needs.
Maverick
Thank you so much for the amazing information, Maverick! I’ll take a look at my mattress and frame tonight, but I believe they’re in good shape. I actually just upgraded my pillows last week lol, I’m still within the trial period though. So, I can try something else on that front if needed once we get the topper situated. Again, I appreciate you and the info!