Latex Bed Q's - sleeper weight, foundation type & SleepEZ latex types
Nov 30, 2010 9:29 PM
Joined: Nov 30, 2010
Points: 10
I am getting ready to replace our Stearns & Foster innerspring, which did well enough (especially after we added a memory foam topper) but at age ten resembles two bread loaf pans...

After far more research and confusion than I expected, I've settled on a latex mattress. Research, research, research and reading forums like this one have answered most of my questions, but I would appreciate some feedback on a few remaining points. I have settled on a 10000 model (10 inch, three 3-inch layer) from SleepEZ. I know that they can answer many questions and help me choose the right density foam, but I'd like to get as much advance info as I can.

I presently weigh about 270 and am aiming for 245 by summer and eventually somewhere under 230 - doable and necessary as I've hit the age where I can't afford to carry my former training weight plus *ahem* some pot roast dividends. What foam densities should I look at for my side? Will I sink right through a Soft top layer (22-24 ILD)? What densities should I look at for the middle and bottom - am I likely to be happier with Med-Firm-XFirm rather than Soft-Med-Firm? If we get a Soft top layer, does it compress too much if I swap it down, say Med-Firm-Soft? Ditto all questions for my wife's side - she weighs about 165.

I do plan to get 100% natural talalay; the arguments in favor of it outweigh the cost issues for me. I am confused, though, because SleepEZ only offers Soft and Medium slabs of this material on their component page - so is their pricey "100% natural talalay" still that if you order Firm and XFirm slabs?

Finally, I am leaning strongly towards an adjustable Euro-slat foundation. I know that a solid slat foundation is just fine for many folks and might possibly meet all my needs... but if I'm going to spend this much on a bed that promises great durability, that last stage of adjustability might matter over the next 10-12 years. From what I've read, most people use a thinner (7-8 inch) mattress with a euro-slat foundation, but with my weight I think the 3-slab 10-incher is a better choice... so how will it interact with the adjustable foundation? Should I go up a step in firmness, maybe Soft-Firm-Xfirm, to compensate for the give of the foundation?

Many questions, I know - TIA for thoughtful answers.

Re: Latex Bed Q's - sleeper weight, foundation type & SleepEZ latex types
Reply #6 Dec 3, 2010 12:10 AM
Joined: Nov 30, 2010
Points: 10
Actually, my recommendations came from an email exchange with Jeremy Mathis. Maybe those come from a standard list or someone else's input...

They are close to what I would have selected using only my own keen and insightful intellect cheeky - my only gap in understanding is the relative values of the densities, and I probably would have gone a step softer. I'll take their educated guess as to suitable values for a starter; those six slabs should shuffle to a comfortable setup for both of us. Worst case, I will have to swap one of them. The adjustable foundation will give some additional choices, too, and I think all that is as fussy as I will need to get to find comfort.

We'll see. To quote Inigo Montoya, "I hate waiting."

Re: Latex Bed Q's - sleeper weight, foundation type & SleepEZ latex types
Reply #7 Dec 3, 2010 1:07 AM
Joined: Oct 3, 2010
Points: 809
I didn't mean it as a slight in any way ... but it's been mentioned in the forum (humorously) that Shawn would pretty much always recommend soft medium firm or occasionally with higher weight, medium firm xfirm. I think the idea was that this gave more choices in playing around with layers. This as often as not is the "safest" configuration and a layer exchange is easy anyway but it may not always be the "best". I think in your case it was certainly appropriate.

Phoenix

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