Mattress Forum

We just got a new mattress yesterday though, the bed was just too firm.

I didn't have the mattress pad over the topper.  If we had stuck w/ the mattress, I might have invested in a deep pocket one. 

You could also try 1" of memory foam (like Sensus at overstock.com).  That is the cheapest option and actualy might provide better pressure relief than latex.  However, if you are a purest about organic or chemical free, that would be an issue.  Memory foam will have a bit more odor at first, and might sleep slightly hotter than latex.

I use 1" of Sensus over 1" of 24ILD 100% natural latex over 1" of 19 ILD blended latex over firmer latex and springs.

Better to get just 1" to fine tune it,  and you can always add another inch later. 

You should put the mattress pad over the topper.  If you only add 1", whatever you have will probably work.  Depends on how thick your mattress is and how deep the mattress pad will cover (most new ones cover a pretty thick mattress).

Best wishes.

Sandman - just wondering what type of mattress (springs) you have, and if you recommend it as a base for making a soft mattress using toppers...

Huge price difference between 1" toppers: 

http://www.sleeplikeabear.com/natural_latex_international_latex-mattress_toppers

http://www.foambymail.com/LatexTQueen.html

Is FoambyMail evil? I have seen them mentioned a lot on this forum. I will do a better search.

I was going to mention foambymail.com as well, and forgot.  Their quality may be a little less regular than the Latex International products (which rockymountainmattress and sleeplikeabear sell - for talalay), but some people here have been happy.  They have a 20 ILD which is about the right firmness (if accurate).

I have Sealy Reserve springs with the 3" of foam listed above + 2" of 32 ILD 100% natural talalay latex + a 1.5" wool topper.  I did "surgery" to remove all of the Sealy foam and subsituted my own higher quality foam to get the firmness + comfort.  I actually went one step further and cut out part of the 32ILD layer at the shoulder level and put in a softer piece of latex there (about 19ILD).  That helps a bit for side sleeping and reducing shoulder pressure.

The Sealy springs themselves are pretty firm, so they provide a good base support level.

I am pretty happy with the way I have it.  This is the best configuation I have slept on.  I also have some flexibility to rearrange the layers to make it a bit softer or firmer.
 

Did you buy a mattress to do surgery on or was this an older mattress? I've read about people doing this but I always wonder what it looks like, ie do you have a cover, is it all zipped up, etc. Any pictures?

Thanks...

Ha. 

The Sealy I started with was very slightly used by a friend, so basically new.  I don't have a zipper cover on it at this point.  The wool topper has elastic in the 4 corners, and that sort of hold it together.  Then I put a mattress pad/protector over the whole thing that tucks in.  So, it is not really a problem.  I don't think you would notice any difference from any other mattress that has a mattress pad on it.
 

I have a 1" soft latex topper from FBM, and it's great. The quality is first-rate. No imperfections at all. And, very reasonably priced.

It gives the cushy feeling I wanted on top of a very firm TP mattress. It also allows my shoulder to sink in more, which not only eliminates shoulder pain and/or arm numbness, but also allows my pillow to better support my head and neck.

It actually may be too soft for you. You may want to opt for their medium, if you still want support, but a little bit of softness. I wanted a lot of cushy softness on top of the firm mattress, to simulate the feeling of sleeping on the floor in Japan, with a soft down "futon" on top of the Tatami mat floor.

Because the mattress is pretty firm, I wonder if 20 ILD would just let me sink a little to the firmer layer. But now I'll mull over your advice, garypen, as we still haven't ordered. Thanks! 

Yes, you do need a firmer (thicker really) pillow because you don't sink in as far into the mattress.  So, your head is higher above a firmer mattress.  Most neck issues are caused by not having the right pillow.

Remember that 1" in not a whole lot, so the impact of different ILDs is not as great.  If you want something in between, you  might want to consider the 24ILD from rockymountainmattress.  If you just want to add some softness, I think the 20 is okay. 

Everyone is different so it is hard to say.  I like it soft enough to avoid pressure points in side sleeping.  So, I actually have 2" of softer layers (1" memory foam, 1" 19ILD).
 

Also, if you buy a queen 1 inch with which to experiment, you can fold it to feel what 2 inches of same material felt like.

I have also tried the 14 ILD from sleeplikeabear.com.  It is softer.. and nearly twice as expensive.  I decided that it wasn't softer enough to merit the $172 over the $90 I already had and couldn't return... and sent it back.  They will charge you (me in Atlanta at least)  $32 restocking and shipping fee.  Return shipping was actually only $9.

I have lower back pain and flip flop from back to side, so I need what I find to be a nearly impossible combination of firm and soft and haven't quite gotten there yet.

Good luck!

shovel99