What's the Best Mattress | The FrankenBed

The FrankenBed

Sep 18, 2007 9:17 PM

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Foam Nerd

Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605

I initially called my creation the FrankenBed because it was made from "parts." The word is taking on a new meaning, as in, I am creating a monster.

The basic outline was a latex core, an Intelli-Gel topper from MyComfort, and something in between, possibly 2" of Foamex memory foam.

The first major piece to arrive (not counting the foundation on top of a set of Bed Beams), is the latex core. I'll get the Intelli-Gel topper on Monday or Tuesday.

I think I might already have a problem. I ordered an ILD 40 Talatech blend core, and I don't think it's going to be firm enough. I initially ordered a 44 but then changed my mind and went with a 40. I should have stayed with the 44. The core actually tested out at an average ILD of 37.8, but I'm not claiming the 2 points is what makes it too soft. Even on 3 2.8" layers, I can bottom out by sitting down on it hard. It's sitting on a concrete floor covered with carpet and I can definitely feel the floor. At the very least, I need to replace one of the ILD 38 layers, and possibly both.

I can't bottom out all 4 layers, but that's 11" of latex, and support-wise, it feels pretty soft. Laying on my back, it feels very firm, but it feels like my butt sinks down further than it should. In other words it's almost too soft AND too firm at the same time. Too soft for my butt but too firm for my shoulders.

Y'all can go ahead and laugh at me now for thinking I could save money by building my own mattress. Not happenin'. The best that can be said is that maybe my own mistakes can benefit others. I'm debating on what to do. I can be stubborn and order another core, or I can just admit that I made a bad decision and order a support mattress from someone that allows comfort exchanges. I have to allow that even the 44 might not be firm enough, so a money back guarantee would be a good idea too, the second time around.

I have some decisions to make.

This message was modified Sep 18, 2007 by haysdb

haysdb

Foam Nerd

Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605

This has been a long and sometimes painful journey, but I believe I have finally arrived at a configuration I'm satisfied with.

The magic configuration for me has turned out to be 3" of soft (~ILD 20) latex under the Intelli-Gel overlay. 2" wasn't conforming enough for me. 4" was too much and I lost support. Not coincidentally, the Intelli-Gel w/latex overlay that MyComfort sells is 2.8" of soft latex under the Intelli-Gel. In fact, that is the overlay I recommend. It's unfortunate that they charge an arm and two legs for it, but it's worth calling and asking for a price as the price I paid for mine was a lot lower than what they advertise on their website.
Although the 5.6" core of ILD 40 has turned out to be fine (I initially thought it was going to be too soft), I am actually using only half of that, for a total mattress height of just 9". If I was on a solid slat or platform foundation, I might need the additional support layer, but over the flexible slat foundation, the extra thickness not only isn't an advantage, but actually defeats the purpose and function of the flexible slats. With a flexible slat foundation, a mattress thickness of 10" or less seems to work best.
Using 1" of soft latex OVER the Intelli-Gel is an option. I have tried it both ways and it just comes down to a subtle matter of preference.

This represents a $2500 mattress and foundation. Not cheap, but this buys a nice flexible slat foundation, 6" of Talalay latex, an Intelli-Gel topper from MyComfort, and a nice stretch-knit cotton and wool case. I expect it to last a good long time.

This message was modified Dec 13, 2007 by haysdb

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