I’m so happy I found this site! The depth and breadth of information is amazing, thank you! I’m an over thinker ha ha so I really appreciate that. Currently my husband and I are sleeping on a Nectar memory foam that is just about 6 years old. It was very comfortable until now. We both have back pain which makes me suspect our backs are no longer well supported. And the mattress just feels kinda dead. My husband is a 50/50 back/side sleeper and I am 90/10 back/side. He prefers a firmer feel, I like comfort for my old bones but not mush as I need to feel my back is well supported. So am looking at latex hybrids. Gardener Mattress has a Comfort Support line with pocketed coil base and different choices of comfort layers:
3” Talalay Latex
2” Talalay Latex
2” Visco foam and 2” Talalay Latex
Don’t know the ILD on the latex or density of foam. First field trip I found the 3” very supportive on the back, but overall the mattress had a fair amount of pushback which I am sensitive to. The 2&2 combo felt pretty good, but I worry about the foam compressing too quickly and leaving us with only 2” of latex over the coils. Therefore I did not try the 2” Talalay but after reading a lot of posts here, am wondering if I should have, instead of automatically assuming I need extra comfort layers. I’m 5’7” weigh around 138. My husband is 5’11” and weighs around 165. To summarize, trying to find a good mattress for back support with enough comfort that will prevent me feeling the coils - that nexus between comfort and support we all seek.
Hi egt80,
Welcome to the forum, and thank you for the kind words! It sounds like you’ve already done a lot of research, and that’s never a bad thing around here. 
From what you’ve described, I think your assessment of your current Nectar makes sense. Six years is a respectable run for a memory foam mattress, particularly a Nectar. I’ll reserve my full commentary on Nectar for another day because, in your case, it gave you about six years of service, so I’d say you got your money’s worth. One of the common signs that the comfort layers are beginning to wear is exactly what you described. The mattress doesn’t necessarily look worn out, but it just doesn’t feel as supportive or as “alive” as it once did. That “dead” feeling is something many people notice as foams lose some of their resilience over time.
One thing I’d be careful about, though, is trying to predict how a mattress will feel or perform based only on the thickness of the comfort layers. When it comes to toppers, we do reserve some rules for 1", 2" or 3" and more, but in the build of an enclosed mattress, there are subtle differences. Nonetheless, it’s an easy trap to fall into (and we’ve all done it!), but mattresses are really systems where all the layers work together. We like to say that a mattress is only as good as its weakest layer (or weakest link). As you’ve probably read throughout the forum, the goal is always to achieve your PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences), and that’s ultimately more important than whether a comfort layer is 2" or 3".
A few thoughts on the Gardner options. Gardner is certainly one of the better choices you’re considering. They build quality mattresses, use quality materials, and have a reputation for good advice and customer service. Also remember that Nectar typically uses lower density foams than many of the manufacturers discussed here on TMU. Your relatively lighter body weights likely contributed to the mattress lasting as long as it did before you started noticing the support fading.
Also be prepared for latex to feel quite different than what you’re used to. Many people transitioning from memory foam need a few weeks to adjust to latex’s buoyant, “floating” feel versus the slower, more enveloping sensation of memory foam. Neither is better or worse, just different.
- 3" Talalay over pocket coils will generally provide a little more cushioning and pressure relief. Latex is naturally springy, so some people describe it as having a bit more “pushback” than memory foam. Since you noticed that during your showroom visit, I’d trust what your body is telling you. Nobody sleeps on averages. We all sleep on our own mattress.
- 2" Talalay over the coils is definitely worth going back and trying. Since both of you are primarily back sleepers and neither of you is particularly heavy (138 lbs and 165 lbs), there’s a good chance that 2" provides enough cushioning while allowing the support system to do its job a little sooner. Sometimes less really is more when it comes to back sleeping.
- 2" memory foam + 2" Talalay is an interesting combination because the memory foam will soften that lively latex feel a bit. Your concern about durability is understandable, but whether it’s actually a concern depends on the density of the memory foam. A good quality, higher density memory foam can perform quite well. A lower density foam is more likely to be the first component to soften over time. If the mattress has a zippered cover, that’s a fairly straightforward solution, as you could simply replace that 2" memory foam layer if it ever became the first component to wear. Based upon the materials you’ve described, I’d expect this construction to provide better durability than your current Nectar.
If Gardner can provide the specifications, I’d ask about:
- The ILD (firmness) of the Talalay latex.
- The density of the memory foam.
- The coil unit they’re using (manufacturer or model, if available).
- Whether the comfort layers can be exchanged or replaced later if your needs change.
One of the nice things about latex is that it’s one of the most durable comfort materials available, so if long term durability is high on your priority list, an all latex comfort package certainly has some advantages.
One other thing caught my attention in your post. You mentioned worrying that if the memory foam compresses over time, you’d be left with “only” 2" of latex over the coils. I wouldn’t automatically think of that as a negative. Plenty of very comfortable, supportive mattresses are built with around 2" of latex over pocket coils. In fact, for many back sleepers, that construction can provide an excellent balance of comfort and support. Whether it’s the right choice for you comes down to how well it keeps your spine aligned while relieving pressure, not simply the number of inches. My mattress, for example is built with a 6" 13.5g spring support system with 2" of HD foam, then quilted cover. So it really is not all about the layer thickness.
If you go back to the showroom, I’d spend at least 15 to 20 minutes on the 2" Talalay version, lying in your normal sleeping positions. It’s amazing how often your first impression changes after you’ve been on a mattress for a little while. Pay attention to whether your lower back feels comfortably supported and whether your shoulders and hips feel relaxed. That’s usually much more telling than the initial “ahh” feeling during the first minute or two.
I always like it when people make a second, or even a third, trip to the showroom. During the first visit, almost everything tends to feel good, especially when you’re coming from a mattress that’s no longer doing its job. It’s a bit like staying in a hotel after sleeping on a worn out mattress at home. You suddenly think every hotel bed is amazing! Until you buy one and it is not after a month. Going back another day with fresh eyes (and a fresh back) often helps separate the initial excitement from what really feels right.
If you’re able to get the latex firmness and memory foam density from Gardner, feel free to post them here. We’d be happy to help you look at the durability side of the equation. Predicting comfort from specifications alone isn’t really possible, but identifying any potential weak links in the materials certainly is.
The folks at Gardner know their products well, so you’re in good hands. Remember, the specifications are valuable for evaluating durability, but they won’t tell us which mattress you’ll ultimately find most comfortable. If you’d rather not get caught up in ILDs, foam densities, and all the technical jargon (other than the price tag! ), that’s perfectly fine. Just let them know you’re looking for “better” quality component materials, and they’ll know exactly what you mean.
Hopefully that gives you a little more confidence heading into your next visit, and please let us know what you end up trying. I’d be interested to hear how the 2" Talalay compares once you’ve had a chance to spend some time on it.
All the best,
Maverick
Thank you Maverick for your thoughtful and thorough response. You are an excellent educator on this subject. When I go back to Gardner I will definitely try the 2” Talalay and get the specs on the materials.
Another mattress company that caught my attention on TMU is DLX. Their LatexLux Hybrid looks really good. I like the build, comfort options and the zippered cover design that allows you to swap out layers without returning the whole mattress. It’s a family-owned company which I like too, and their reviews are consistently positive. They use a 3” layer of Dunlop latex which I believe is a firmer or denser foam than Talalay, but it can be ordered in soft. So plan to call them soon with my questions. Wonder what your thoughts are on the suitability of this mattress for our needs. Only drawbacks are logistical since we would need help with setup and removal of old mattress and box spring. But they offer free shipping!
I forgot to ask if a latex mattress is heavier. What kind of box spring do I need?
Many thanks for your help.
Hi @egt80,
The LatexLux is another excellent and very popular mattress, and I’m a big fan of what @DLX has put together.
I’ve probably told this story a hundred times (okay…maybe not quite a hundred 
), but my mother-in-law bought a $3,000+ Beautyrest from a local furniture chain without consulting me first. About 14 months later it developed a crater nearly the size of a basketball where her artificial hip rested. She was around 84 at the time.
Rather than deal with the warranty circus of photos, emails, inspections, and all the other fun that goes with it, I simply called @DLX. They built her a split-firmness queen (Firm/Medium), and I paired it with a @yawnder Yawnder4 adjustable base. For nearly two years, until she passed away this past November, she slept comfortably, her hip pain was greatly reduced, and she absolutely loved that mattress. She always chose the firmer side. That’s a real-world endorsement that’s hard for me to ignore. Additionally, my best friends had a Sterns and Foster Cassatt, another over 3k mattress, they bought in 2019 or so, and it gave out just over a year ago. I recommended the DLX premier hybrid in firm as it has a similar type of feel to the S&F, but with what I consider better density and quality foams. They loved the mattress so much, their daughter and new son in law purchased the Latex Luxe in firm for their new mattress. They wanted something a bit more natural, so the latex was enough for them, and they too, have been very pleased and love the mattress.
The nice thing about the LatexLux is that it uses the same modular platform as their Premier Hybrid. What that means is there are a lot of ways to dial in your comfort. You have a choice of a 6" or 8" coil unit, four latex comfort options (Soft, Medium, Firm, and Extra Firm), three HD polyfoam support options, and, if needed, there’s even a bit of a “secret menu” memory foam option that isn’t listed on the website anymore. You’ll have to ask them about that one if you’re curious.
When you start mixing and matching those components, there are more than nine primary comfort configurations available, so it’s a pretty versatile system. Most people can find a combination that lands right in their personal comfort sweet spot.
As for Dunlop versus Talalay…don’t lose sleep over it (pun intended). The internet loves to debate this topic, but for most sleepers the differences aren’t nearly as dramatic as they’re often made out to be.
The short version is that the Talalay process allows manufacturers to produce softer ILDs, and the foam tends to have a more airy, consistent feel throughout the layer. Dunlop is a little denser and has what’s called a higher support factor. In plain English, it becomes progressively firmer the deeper you compress it. I like to compare it to sponge cake versus pound cake. Both are cake, both taste good, but they have different textures. The same is true here, one isn’t automatically better than the other.
I’ve mentioned before that there is almost never just one perfect mattress for someone. There are usually several that would provide excellent comfort and support. Considering TMU has nearly 50 Trusted Members with very little overlap in the mattresses they build, I’d wager almost every one of them could build a mattress that would make you a happy camper. The only exception might be someone who has already decided they simply don’t want latex, so the latex Trusted Members might get bounced from that conversation.
The only real unknown with DLX is that you probably won’t have the opportunity to try the mattress before buying. That’s where a little leap of faith comes in. Fortunately, you’re dealing with a family-owned company that knows its products extremely well. Tell them everything you’ve shared here, your sleeping positions, body types, preferences, any pressure point concerns, and what you’ve learned from testing mattresses locally. They’ll recommend what they believe is the best starting configuration.
And remember, that’s exactly what it is, a starting configuration. One of the biggest advantages of the LatexLux is that if you discover after sleeping on it for a while that you need just a little more pressure relief or a little more support, you’re swapping out a comfort layer, not returning an entire mattress. That’s a huge advantage over most mattresses on the market, where you’re essentially starting over from scratch.
As for your other questions, yes, latex mattresses are generally heavier than conventional foam mattresses because latex is a dense, durable material. That’s one of the reasons they have such an excellent reputation for longevity. As for a box spring, you actually don’t want a traditional box spring with springs inside. Latex mattresses do best on a solid foundation, a platform bed with closely spaced slats (generally no more than about 3"), or an adjustable base. Since the LatexLux is adjustable-base compatible, that’s another nice option if you decide to go that route.
I think you’re asking all the right questions and narrowing your choices down nicely. Whether you end up with Gardner, DLX, or another Trusted Member, I honestly think you’re looking in all the right places. Be sure to let us know what DLX recommends after your conversation with them. I’d be interested to hear which configuration they think is the best fit for you. I will reserve my opinion until after you found one that is comfortable. This way I can pick that one and say I knew it the whole time. 
Maverick
I see you seem to recommend firm most often, and ive been wondering why?
One reason I tend to recommend starting a little firmer is that you can always make a firm mattress softer with a topper, but you can’t really make a soft mattress firmer.
Also, many mattresses soften somewhat during the initial break-in period, so a mattress that feels just a bit firmer than ideal at first often ends up being about right. Because of that, more people tend to do well with a mattress that’s slightly too firm than one that’s too soft.
There’s a reason many hotels choose medium-firm mattresses, they’re a good compromise for the widest range of sleepers.
That said, it’s never a one-size-fits-all recommendation. For example, with egt80, I would likely steer them away from a firm mattress. As we get older, we’re often more sensitive to pressure points, and many older adults also weigh less than they did years ago. Both of those factors generally increase the need for a little more pressure relief, plushness, and contouring. Body type, sleeping position, and individual preferences always matter more than a blanket firmness recommendation.
Thanks for considering DLX. We also always like supporting companies like Gardner. There are far fewer small, family-owned manufacturers left today and while we’re not affiliated with them, we’ve consistently heard good things from customers about their products.
Based on what you’ve shared, your heights, weights, sleeping positions, and what you’re looking for, we don’t see any red flags that would suggest the LatexLux wouldn’t be a good fit. Many customers with similar builds and preferences have done very well with it. One advantage is that if the comfort isn’t quite right, our 120-night trial includes a one-time comfort adjustment, so we can make it softer or firmer without replacing the entire mattress.
I also agree with Maverick that it’s generally easier to make a mattress softer than firmer. If we were talking about a more traditional mattress like our Classic or Essential, we’d give similar advice. The one exception is our Premier Hybrid and LatexLux models because they use a 3-inch replaceable comfort layer. When someone is between firmness options, we usually recommend starting in the middle rather than choosing the softest or firmest option. It gives us a much better starting point if an adjustment is needed later. Coming from a memory foam mattress like your Nectar, we’d typically suggest starting with the Medium latex. Since you’re both relatively lightweight and do at least some side sleeping, we’d also recommend the 14-inch model.
As for weight, yes, latex mattresses are heavier than most conventional foam mattresses because natural latex is a dense material. The extra weight isn’t a problem as long as it’s sitting on a properly supportive foundation.
If your current box spring is older, we’d recommend replacing it rather than reusing it. Everything between the mattress and floor will impact the feel and performance of the mattress. We do sell a foundation, although it ships separately from the mattress and requires some simple assembly. That said, we’ve found that many foundations sold today aren’t built particularly well, even ones advertised as supporting very high weights.
Two foundations we’ve consistently received excellent feedback on are:
- Ironwood Foundation (more affordable)
- Terra Foundation by Mattress Foundations (more premium)
If you come across another foundation you’re considering, feel free to post a link and we’d be happy to let you know whether we think it’s a good match.
Regarding delivery, we ship via FedEx, and the mattress arrives compressed in a box. If you need help bringing it inside, setting it up, or removing your old mattress and box spring, we work with a third-party company called LoadUp in many areas. If you send us your ZIP code, we can check availability and pricing for you.
You’re also welcome to give us a call, continue the conversation here, or send us an email whatever is easiest. We’re open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern. We’re a small family-run company rather than a call center, so if we’re out on the factory floor or helping another customer, you may need to leave a voicemail, but we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. The benefit is that you’ll be speaking with someone who actually knows the products instead of someone reading from a script. If it’s more convenient, you can also schedule a time that works best for you and we’ll give you a call: Schedule a DLX Mattress Consultation
Hope this helps, and feel free to ask any questions.
Hi Maverick,
More great info, thanks. Hope you don’t charge by the hour! 
I particularly liked the story about your late MIL and DLX. She found her perfect comfort level which in my mind is an achievement when you are in your 80’s. Appreciate your appraisal of the DLX hybrids and overall quality of the brand. I’m looking forward to speaking with them and getting their recommendations. Will definitely share them here. Thanks to you and this platform I’ve learned a lot and am feeling more upbeat about finding a mattress that works for us.