Latex topper advice
Oct 25, 2010 9:02 PM
Joined: Aug 30, 2010
Points: 21
I am experiencing some hip, shoulder, and neck pain.  Mostly, the neck pain and occassional tingling arms are the most bothersome - neck pain the most painful of the two.  I sleep on my side, but I am not sure if how I lay on my arm is normal or not.  I sort of keep my lower arm pointing straight towards my headboard, with my head resting on my shoulder and arm.  I have a Luxury Firm Orthopedic mattress from Original Mattress Factory, and it's only a few weeks old.

 

I am currently using 2.5" of Aerus 5 lb memory foam, which seems to aleviate the hip and should pain.  However, my neck is killing me!  I have read that most side sleepers need a high loft pillow, however, I don't know if that is true for side sleepers who sleep with their head on ther arm/shoulder??  Do most people lay their head on their arm too?

Should I add an inch or two of latex, ditch the memory foam, are use a combination of the two?  I orderd the 2.5" Aerus from Sams Club, so there would be no issues in returning it.  Also, I have ordered an 1" of 21ILD Celsion from Sleeplikeabear.com, but haven't received it yet.

Thanks for any help!

This message was modified Oct 25, 2010 by chattvol
Re: Latex topper advice
Reply #27 Nov 10, 2010 3:01 PM
Joined: Aug 30, 2010
Points: 21
I really appreciate all of the research that has been done, as well as the solid advice that has been given.  I had a feeling all along that I needed at least one layer of firmer latex to keep me off of the springs, and at the same time, didn't want to bypass the mattress with too many layers of latex.  When I first tried the 1" of 21 ILD that Evelyn at SLAB suggested, I knew it was too soft and was not helping, so I was confused when she suggested 2" of 19 ILD to begin with.  After reading the research (thanks Pheonix) done on my mattress, it makes sense to add a firmer layer since the mattress poly/cotton is soft, so I ordered an inch of 28 ILD from SLAB last night - also was able to get a little bit of a break on the pricing after speaking to Evelyn (thanks Sandman).  Oh, and I only ordered Celsion to begin with because it was slightly firmer than the Talatech 19 ILD, didn't cost much more, and provided the piece of mind of coolness.  I don't suspect Talatech will pose any heat issues.

I will try the 28 ILD alone for a couple of nights, then use the 28 ILD and 21 ILD in varying combinations for a few nights as well.  My hope is that the 28 ILD will be sufficient, which should not pose any alignment issues.

I Also ordered a Rejuvenite Classic Restora Pillow (medium firmness, high profile).

I look forward to reporting back in a few days!

Again, thanks for detailed research and great advice.

This message was modified Nov 10, 2010 by chattvol
Re: Latex topper advice
Reply #28 Jan 17, 2011 1:55 PM
Joined: Aug 30, 2010
Points: 21
Follow up.

I have yet to find the winning combination of latex!  I am currently using the 1" of 21 Celsion over the 1" of 28 Talatech.  I also purchased a Rejuvenite Restora pillow for the neck problems.  I still experience quite a bit of shoulder pressure with the current setup, and also don't think the pillow is a perfect match either because the neck pain is still present.  After sleeping on a much softer mattress (likely a plush pillowtop from Sams or Costco) over the past few weekends, I have come to the conclusion that I simply do better with a softer mattress.  I also was able to become comfortable without sleeping with my head on my arm.  I'm starting to think this is a habit I developed to reduce shoulder pressure - I've been doing it for as long as I can remember.  I also found more comfort in a plain cotton thick, but very plush, pillow.  I think I may have purchased too firm of a mattress in the OMF Luxury Firm.  I see where the springs are rated as 12 3/4 guage thickness, too, so I don't imagine it's going to soften up anytime in the near future.

Here's my question:  Can I salvage the mattress and latex I have currently purchased by adding a bit more latex, or do I need to cut my losses now and take a new approach?  Thanks for any help!

Re: Latex topper advice
Reply #29 Jan 17, 2011 2:48 PM
Joined: Aug 5, 2010
Points: 227
chattvol wrote:

Follow up.

I have yet to find the winning combination of latex!  I am currently using the 1" of 21 Celsion over the 1" of 28 Talatech.  I also purchased a Rejuvenite Restora pillow for the neck problems.  I still experience quite a bit of shoulder pressure with the current setup, and also don't think the pillow is a perfect match either because the neck pain is still present.  After sleeping on a much softer mattress (likely a plush pillowtop from Sams or Costco) over the past few weekends, I have come to the conclusion that I simply do better with a softer mattress.  I also was able to become comfortable without sleeping with my head on my arm.  I'm starting to think this is a habit I developed to reduce shoulder pressure - I've been doing it for as long as I can remember.  I also found more comfort in a plain cotton thick, but very plush, pillow.  I think I may have purchased too firm of a mattress in the OMF Luxury Firm.  I see where the springs are rated as 12 3/4 guage thickness, too, so I don't imagine it's going to soften up anytime in the near future.

Here's my question:  Can I salvage the mattress and latex I have currently purchased by adding a bit more latex, or do I need to cut my losses now and take a new approach?  Thanks for any help!


It took me 3" of soft latex and 1" of 14ILD latex on a firm mattress to get it "soft" enough for side sleeping.  I would suggest getting 1" at a time of soft or even 14 ILD latex to get you comfortable.  My mattress is the plain latex from OMF which is different but still (for me) a firm mattress.

Re: Latex topper advice
Reply #30 Jan 17, 2011 3:03 PM
Joined: Aug 30, 2010
Points: 21
That's what I am thinking, but was curious to know if adding more than 2" of latex could pose alignment issues? 
Re: Latex topper advice
Reply #31 Jan 17, 2011 6:15 PM
Joined: Aug 5, 2010
Points: 227
chattvol wrote:

That's what I am thinking, but was curious to know if adding more than 2" of latex could pose alignment issues? 


It shouldn't for a side sleeper.  I have  a bad back too (bulging disk) and I pay particular attention to that factor.  I wouldn't go more than 3 or 4 total though.  I'm at 4".  But if you are a back or stomach sleeper, it could be a problem.

This message was modified Jan 17, 2011 by Sall

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