Why is my mattress so hard?

[phoenix]

Hi ckollars,

How likely is it that this could be the problem? If so, could standard weight (3 mil) be a significant improvement over the current heavy weight (6 mil)?

(I’ve had problems in the past with standard weight vinyl bags ripping, hence the current heavy weight.)

It would likely be part of the problem but not all of it. Thicker plastic can certainly interfere with the contouring and feel of the latex. 3 mil may be better but could still have an effect and as you mentioned would be more likely to tear. The most reliable way to know “how much” effect it’s having is to remove it and try it without the vinyl. I’m curious why you are using vinyl (or polyethylene?) on the top and bottom of your mattress. In addition to any effect it has on the firmness of your mattress it will also have a significant effect on the breathability and ventilation of your mattress.

Purchased on the web, delivered by mail. (I’m reluctant to give a specific URL here, but simply Google and there will be no question.) Advice fooled me at first, because I mistook their responsiveness and helpfulness for guidance, and didn’t realize until later that they actually provide no guidance at all and are mainly of use to either those who construct something extremely simple to meet a very flexible need, or those who know exactly what they’re doing (not me:-).

I suspect that you purchased from Foam by Mail (AKA Foam Factory, FBM etc) and I think that this may be the biggest issue that you have (which is why I asked). You may be interested in reading this post and this post and this topic (about their polyfoam and sources) and this post (presumably from a past employee). They don’t sell Talalay latex … they only say they do … and the Dunlop you purchased is probably significantly firmer than you believed you were purchasing.

Phoenix