Mattress Forum

Thanks for the response (I had a gut feeling that frame wouldn't be a good idea from viewing it)...

Couple of quick questions if I may impose?

I can field test an Englander latex mattress - would that even be *somewhat comparable* to the typical layered latex mattresses normal talked about here?

I had one local Co here recommend a layered 9", w/2x3" Xfirm Dunlop + 3" Xfirm Talalay.  But I wouldn't even be able to field test it prior to the purchase, and they wanted like $3,600.  So I was wondering if a ballpark-type recommendation for a 12" layered combo might be something like 3x3" Dunlop Xfirm + 3" Talalay Xfirm?  I'm a side sleeper, who prefers firm and I also have back problems...any thoughts? 

Would anyone recommend for or against the need for a "springy" type foundation or base in a case such as mine?  And if not needed, any input on a foundation or frame such as the Boyd but acceptable for use with latex would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again!

It is very difficult to tell the construction that may be suitable for you without some field testing but in general terms the top 3" (in your case probably top 4-5") of your layering is more about comfort and the ability to conform with your sleeping profile and relieve pressure and the lower layers are more about support and the ability to keep your spine in alignment. The middle layers play a sort of dual role. I would personally tend towards slightly softer in the upper layer ... perhaps firm or even medium ... only because really firm may cause pressure issues on your side. This would depend on how soft a very firm upper layer felt to you in actual testing. There is a little more flexibility wih a 12" mattress but whether this was "better" would depend on circumstances and materials used. There are hospital foam bariatric mattresses which are 7" thick (although I wouldn't go that thin either).

Englander makes quite a few "latex" mattresses ... some of them are all latex and some of them are part latex. Like Restonic, they also can have regional differences in construction. The stores will often call them latex even if they have latex over poly with some poly over it as well. How suitable they were for testing would depend on the willingness of the retailer to tell you exactly what was in it and whether the latex had poly either over or under it.

In terms of a foundation, I would buy a very strong slatted wooden foundation. The retailer you purchased from would probably be in a better position to advise as to it's specific suitability although most of the well built wooden ones that are sold with a latex mattress are pretty strong and would likely be fine. You could buy this from the place you bought your mattress or elsewhere as they are widely available.

I would personally go with an all latex mattress over springs in your circumstances but if you did go with innersprings because you strongly preferred it's feel in your testing I would go with the heaviest and firmest I could find.

There are several very good manufacturers or retail outlets on the list I linked to earlier that have a wide range of latex options available without the disadvantage of wondering what is in them. I would certainly choose one or two of these for testing over a place that only offered latex through a "brand" that had less options.

Phoenix