New topper or new base?
Oct 5, 2012 2:30 PM
Location: Oregon
Joined: Oct 25, 2008
Points: 130
Hello all. Haven't been on here in quite a long time. This site was instrumental in me learning far more than I ever wanted to know about mattresses!
I came here a few years ago after inadvertently (good word) buying the 'wrong' mattress at JC Penneys.
It was supposed to have been a latex mattress, and I'll give it to them, it was latex. Bad thing is it only had 2" of latex underneath several layers of crap.

Long story shortened....back hurt with the mattress, I complained, they gave me store credit, I started learning about this stuff.
Ended up here and about 3 mos later bought a Foam by Mail mattress and topper.  Total bill was about $1000 for the 8" of latex, the mattress pad and the foundation pieces to go under the mattress.  My setup is in the featured section - as I took a lot of pictures to show how it came and all.

Its here... http://www.whatsthebest-mattress.com/forum/my-foambymail-8-latex-mattress-actual-setup-pictures/4091-A-1.html

This setup was a bit of a compromise with my wife and I as I am a stomach sleeper and she a back/side sleeper. I would have preferred a touch firmer, she a touch softer.
I have 6" regular base and 2" soft topper. all latex. with the costco cuddle bed pad.
Would like to try and firm my side up a bit....
My question for the experts here:
Do I split the topper, get a twin xl firm 2" - would that firm it up any at all?
Or do I really need to split the 6" base... 1/2 regular   1/2 firm? and how do you cut the stuff?

Anyone have any experience with this? Can I do this?
Good to see the site still here.

Thanks,

Bill B

 

Re: New topper or new base?
Reply #1 Oct 5, 2012 3:54 PM
Joined: Mar 15, 2012
Points: 182
My thoughts...

Changing the topper will not fix the core firmness.  Assuming your 6" core layer is medium=~28 ILD, I'd say that it is too soft for a core layer.  I would change your core layer and keep the top comfort layer.

For reference, LI's ILD scale:

LI Blended Talalay Latex

  • 14 super plush
  • 19 plush
  • 24 soft
  • 28 medium
  • 32 firm
  • 36 extra firm/base core
  • 40-44 super firm/base core
LI All-Natural Talalay Latex (nominal)
  • N1  14-19.99 (17) plush
  • N2  20-24.99 (22) soft
  • N3  25-29.99 (27) medium
  • N4  30-34.99 (32) firm
  • N5  35-41.99 (38) extra firm/base core
Note that LI uses the term 'core' on 36 and 40-44 ILD.  By their scale and my experience with their Blended Latex, I agree.  This suggests that your core should be extra firm/super firm... not medium, not even firm.
 
Your wife probably likes what you have now, and probably would be incrementally more comfortable if the topper were 3", not 2".  She also might not object to a firmer core... even less so with a 3" topper.
 
My recommended builds at this point in time are (3) 3" layers, 28-36-40/44 (cushion firm); or (4) 3" layers, 19-28-36-40/44.  The (4) layer build would give you a lot of flexibility.  You could move the 19 ILD layer down to go from plush to cushion firm (19 ILD buried on the bottom).  Then there is splitting the layers...
 
Not sure how to cut Latex.  I would try an electric carving knife if I had one.
 
If you could source a known LI 28 ILD sample from SLB, you could compare it to your core and have a more certain point of reference.
 
GK
Re: New topper or new base?
Reply #2 Oct 6, 2012 12:19 AM
Joined: Feb 24, 2012
Points: 42
The top layer is for feel and the base layers are for support. Change the base layer(s) to acheive the alignment you want. Choose the top layer to get the amount of "soft" you prefer. Cut with a sharp (like brand new) serrated bread knife and keep the cut wet by having a helper slowly pour water on the knife as you cut.
Re: New topper or new base?
Reply #3 Oct 20, 2012 2:19 AM
just a man with a goal to educate people about mattresses by being something most sales PEOPLE arent.....HONEST.
Location: El Monte Ca.
Joined: Oct 20, 2012
Points: 8
base.