I have a pretty firm ("cushion firm") innerspring Sealy mattress that I've owned for 9 years and I often wake up with hip numbness (I'm a side sleeper). Anyway, I was considering getting a 2" or 3" latex topper unless someone has a better suggestion. I don't know which height is best or what ILD range I should be looking at to soften things up a bit. I don't want to "sink in" and I don't want something that conforms to my body and makes me hot or doesn't breathe well, so that's why I thought a latex topper would be a good choice (correct me if I'm wrong). I'm 160lbs. Again, this is going on top of a pretty firm innerspring mattress and my main objective is to relieve pressure points - particularly in my hips. Several sites seem to offer the same line of latex toppers in both 16-18 & 26 ILD. So, what do you think would best suit my needs... 1. 2" or 3"? 2. 16-18 ILD (medium-soft) or 26 ILD (medium-firm)? Thanks a ton! This message was modified Dec 21, 2007 by jkozlow3
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If your otherwise happy with the feel of your firm mattress, I believe the 32 ILD offers the best chance of relieving your pressure points in a 2" depth. |
With all that foam you're practically, no you are, building a new mattress? Why not buy from Sleepez or Flobeds which give you the ability to swap out layers you don't like after you receive the mattress? |
Way past that stage. Been there/done that. Returned everything. I know where to get Talatech, and know where to have a cover custom made to my specifications. Standard latex configurations work for some, but those who find it doesn't work for them generally do so because of inadequate hip support causing kinking at hips. For those, leg/hip/shoulder zoning often works. |
I would suggest the 2" of either the 32 or the 28 depending on whether you prefer the overall feel of the bed a little softer or a little firmer. I personally would go with the 32 since there would be less compression and you'd be less likely to bottom out. 32 is what I would consider a medium firmness. I also think it's better to build up your comfort layers in increments otherwise you run the risk of going overboard and not only losing support but sinking too deeply into the foam which is going to sleep hot. I would recommend getting the 2" topper first. If it seems like you need a little more pressure relief you can always buy the softer 1" topper. Getting a topper doesn't have to be complicated or confusing, but it could take a little tweaking until you get it right.
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Thanks again guys! I think I'll start with the 2" 32 ILD and go from there! Lets say I decide to build a latex bed down the road using my new topper(s) as a start. What's the best place to get a couple of 3" latex cores and a cover to keep it all together? |
If you're pleased with Sleep Like A Bear why not stick with them if you decide to build a mattress? Other good choices are SleepEZ, which I have personally dealt with. They offer a 2-layer mattress and would probably send you a cover that would accommodate the additional core you already have. Flobeds also gets high marks for service and quality on this forum. Other sources to check into are foambymail, although some people have questioned their practices so keep that in mind if you decide to deal with them. Foamorder sells latex and will make a cover to any size whether or not you also buy the latex from them. I think you'll really like your 32 ILD latex topper. Even though I found that an entire latex bed did not give me the right kind of support for my back, I thought that 32 was the most comfortable level of firmness. Please update us when you get your topper and let us know how it works out for you and what your experience with Sleep Like A Bear was.
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IMO, life is too short to deal with companies which won't give straight answers to simple questions. I avoid such. Another reputable, established company is foamsource in Boulder, Co. Dealing with any company, nail them down so you know EXACTLY what you're getting--ILD and latex manufacturer. I'm a big proponent of Latex International's Talatech. It may not be "the best" talalay, but none are any better. And if something goes wrong prematurely, there's a good chance LI will be around to stand behind its 20 year warranty. JMO |
I'll admit that FBM's customer service is lacking and there have been reports of incompetent if not shady business habits, but I've been pleased with the latex I purchased from them and the price I paid. Mccldwll, I agree that LI Talatech is a safe choice, but I've never read complaints of other brands. Have you had a bad experience? Centralplastic.com also has Talatech latex, but apparently only in 33 ILD. Prices are decent. I believe Dunlopillo talalay latex is also a safe choice from what I've read. |