Mattress Forum

6 + 2 constructions tend to be less expensive because they have less latex in them (8")

3 x 3 constructions are a little more partly because they have more latex (9") and partly because a 3" layer is a 6" core cut in half. Having said that though, many of the 6 + 2 constructions also have 2 x 3" layers as their core rather than a single 6" core so then the material difference in prices would be just the single inch more material.

Some of the 3" layers in blended Talalay are actually 2.8" (a 5.6" core cut in half) but since they are still a core cut in half they are usually the same price as 3". This is because Latex International bought the Dunlopillo machinery when they went bankrupt and they produced cores of 5.6". They also have 6" cores in the same material (blended) and all of their natural is 6". I believe that when their Texas factory is operational they will all be 6" (from several sources). Even now they are a mix or some 5.6" and some 6" and some places can "hand select" a 3 or 6" blended layer. I think most of the 5.6" cores are coming from their CA fabrication site but not certain about that.

The rest of any price differences between outlets besides the amount of latex used would be differences in covers and differences in what they pay from their supplier and what they sell for, in other words a business decision. Some sites also use a different supplier (Radium which is a subsidiary of Vita) which is roughly equivalent to LI and this could also make a difference in price depending on the cost of each. I have had some people tell me it was more and some tell me it was less. It probably depends on how much is ordered from each and who their supplier is (usually a distribution company). Radium only makes a blend.

In terms of which is "better" between constructions .... it depends entirely on individual preference, sleeping habits, and body weight and profile. For some (depending on what was under it) 2" over 6" would be fine. Others would need 3" and yet others may need 4" (2 x 2" layers, a single 4" layer, or an inch topper over 3"). This gets down to mattress construction and each choice in the comfort (upper) layers can affect what may be best in the support layers. The "safest" construction is progressive of firm/medium/soft (in both constructions) or for heavier weights medium/firm/xfirm. I am one of those though that believes that if the "safest" construction is wrong that it becomes more difficult to "fix" as most people make changes in the wrong layers or base all their changes on "firmer or softer". Often a topper either under or over the top layer can make a much bigger difference than a layer exchange. 3" layers (for the first 6") with either 2" or 3" on top limits what you have to work with no matter how soft of firm a layer may be.

Usually a topper has a cover (or it should have) which if used inside a mattress would affect how it feels. Also covers are cut to a certain size so if you "squish" a topper inside then that too will affect how the mattress reacts. A component is used inside the mattress encasement, a topper is used above the mattress.

The best way to go can really only be answered ahead of time with a bit of field testing. Without this it's just a "guess in the dark". With a little more information though about your specific makeup and sleeping style and what you have found comfortable in the past, it would be easier to make a more "accurate" guess.

Phoenix

The term is often used for the top layer in a layered mattress. Since these are usually inside the mattress casing, I think that's bogus usage, but nobody gave me a mattress terminology policeman's badge.

I have no idea what the reasoning for or dis/advantages of the 3x2.8 inch or 2 inch over 6 inch structure is. It may be a matter of what the maker can get most cost-effectively. I chose a 3-layer mattress from Sleep EZ in part because it seemed to give the maximum amount of adjustability. I know others have chosen the 6 inch core style specifically for reasons of comfort and feel.

You can build your own bed from component pieces - whatever number of pieces add up to the thickness and size you want, wrapped in a suitably sized quilted casing. Unless you can get a really good price on foam by buying it separately, though, you're probably better off choosing a maker and working with their options. Most let you swap out layers once or twice to adjust the feel if you guess wrong.