Mattress Forum

A convoluted layer of the same ILD will feel softer since there will be more air and less material in the topper of the same depth.   So, for example it may actualy feel like a 14 ILD or lower if there are any lower.  I don't know the exact correlation but it will provide more cushion than a non-convoluted layer.  You could probably buy a 2" 14 ILD and it might feel about the same but the price is likely to be higher.  Some companies do use a lower ILD (Custom Sleep Design, I believe) but the cost is probably higher.  I think most of the convoluted layers are 2" that I have seen advertised or used.  I know that Flobeds uses them as does Original Mattress Factory (in their Latex line).  I don't know that it's better.  It's just that side sleepers generally need a little more cushion on top because their weight is more concentrated on 2 smaller body areas (most weight concentrated on one shoulder and hip) than a back or stomach sleeper (numerous body parts).  You need to find the right balance of support and cushion to be comfortable.  You are looking for support to keep your spine straight (or you will likely have back pain) but soft enough that you don't get sore or parts of your body start falling asleep.  Think of it as trying to sleep on the floor vs in a hammock.  Those are 2 extremes (maybe there are better examples). 

As I read it, your current bed topper is too soft because your mattress below it is shot, offering poor support.

As I see it, the convoluted layer is just a choice for the top comfort layer, and is not particularly better for side sleepers although it may help their cause by being spacially less dense and hence more receptive to hip and shoulder plunge, required for the spine to become level.

The convoluted layer facing up would tend to contour more readily to the side sleeper's most contoured side.  Also, the convoluted surface would tend to allow more ventilation beneath the mattress cover than a flat surface, which is most desirable at the Latex/body interface.

As was pointed out above, a convoluted layer would tend to be softer than a normal layer of the same thickness and ILD rating, because it is spacially less dense.  One might suppose that you could therefore use a convoluted layer with a higher ILD rating/firmness to achieve equivalent softness to a normal later.  A minor advantage to this could be increased longevity since softer Latex foam rubber is said to wear out sooner.

Given that a 2" comfort layer on a ~6" core layer is the bare minimum, a 2" convoluted comfort layer that is spacially less dense than a normal 2" comfort layer is not the only comfort layer in the mattress... it must work progressively in concert with the next layer down.  So, I would see the mattress as having a 2x3" core layer and 1x3" plus 1x2" comfort layer.  Zoning the 3" comfort layer could be ideal, if you can get it right.

GK

Exactly right!

thanks for the info on layers. Very helpful. I'll keep in mind that I may need to add another layer or switch out the top layer (pretty much going with Sleep EZ)

crock wrote:

Yah I agree about sales, but i very much dislike their 100 day guarantee and having to buy a new layer for $75 instead of switching out.. just my feeling.