Would a 3 inch latex mattress topper be enough to sleep on if placed on a hard surface, or would I feel the surface through it? If I was to use only this as a mattress, what would be the best firmness? |
Jimsocal, Congratulations on getting what works for you! I found that the closest I got to the firm platform surface, the firmer my bed was. I wanted a fatter mattress than just two layers due to my 6 foot tall headboard. I had not had a pretty headboard since I was a child and I wanted this when I finally bought myself a solid Maple bedroom set.
I love my three layer latex mattress but I had to put a Super Firm Latex on both sides in order to make the bed firm enough for me. If I had only two layers before my 1" topper (need the topper for some cushion for my pressure points), My configuration of two X-Firm layers over the Super Firm layer may have changed. One one of my sides, I think I moved the Super Firm latex to the middle for a firmer bed on one side of the bed. I hope I meet someone who likes very firm beds or I will have to buy a softer latex layer for them. Jimsocal, I just read your configuration again and it sounds like if I only had 4" of latex despite not being quite 5 feet tall, that would be a comfortable configuration for me since I like very firm beds and being so close to the hard platform that the latex is on top of gives great support. Adding an extra thought, I may have wanted another 1" softer latex layer on top of your configuration due to being so small so I don't sink in as much but your set-up sounds perfect for firm support and comfort layers for someone of your size. I am very happy for you. This message was modified May 3, 2011 by Lynn2006
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I had laid them on the floor and it was on a hard floor with carpeting. I would think you want at least 6-8" of latex under you with the top 3" being a comfort layer in the soft to super-soft range. I would start at 8 or 9 inches if starting again. Something like this: http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/forum/my-mattress-arrived/15666-0-1.html or this: http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/forum/my-design-custom-sleep-design/16344-0-1.html |
Remember that my foundation is bowed wood, so that adds a little "give". Frankly I am surprised this bowed wood foundation has worked for more than a few months. I thought it would get too soft very quickly under my 190lb body. But so far it is holding up. Maybe if someone is only 5' tall and 100lb, 3" of latex might be enough for them. One just has to try it and find out. Buy 3" and see how it feels. If it's too hard, buy another inch... and so on. Believe it or not, Lynn (and others) I am probably going to buy a Stearns and Foster pocketed coil mattress next. I have checked a few of them out, studied their one-piece / 2 spring Intellicoil design, and think it makes a lot of sense. And some of their models have latex and a type of memory foam that "may" be better than the common types sold. Some of the new memory foams have a "quicker" response instead of the "sinking in mud" type feeling of Tempurpedic. I think this is an improvement. As to how long it lasts who knows? The springs look pretty good though. This message was modified May 10, 2011 by jimsocal
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This is a fantastic question as most people tend to gravitate either towards a 8" or a 12" mattress, it seems like the value in a thinner mattress is lost. The primary reason is not the disinterest of consumers to try but our beds are all too deep in its expectation of box spring and then the foam/spring core on. Centuries of human usage has recommended that a tight mattress leads to a better spine and a proper posture. Even to this day, so called lesser developed part of humanity use thinner mattress cores with greater success.. this is not a coincidence that the most common ailment in the US is back pain or its variety. Coming back to your erudite question, yes you can not only use a topper as a mattress without it feeling like a blanket on a wood. The best choice is ofcourse latex given its sheer volume of material or density to sqft is unparalleled with chemical foam. I would recommend that you go towards a higher ILD or Density like 85 -95 (32-40). This message was modified May 14, 2018 by a moderator
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