Mattress Forum

If you're not fussy, and the thought of a way too-soft mattress doesn't bother you; then you could do that.  I wouldn't recommend it.  I bought two 3" ~ average 25 ILD.  Way too soft for me even though I can still "feel" the wood-base, and it doesn't get any firmer if it's one 8" vs. 6".  

Given your 8" requirements, and assuming you're both a back/side sleeper, and the size of an average American (huge assumption):

I'd probably recommend getting a 3" of "x-firm" (because it provides support and insulates you from the hard platform, unlike "soft")

Then probably 3" of "firm" (maybe "medium", maybe) as a transition.

Then, reserve 2" of comfort layer to your liking, only after trying the first 6".  if you find the 6" is way too firm and more than enough support, buy a super soft (low ILD) 2" topper; otherwise you might decide a slightly-softer topper would be good.  A possible risk is that you bottom out on the 2" soft topper into a too firm core.  It's the toughest part of your dilemma.

8" is probably underkill, but I kind of like the idea of pushing the envelope on the least amount of latex needed.  I'm thinking, if you're going with a thin core, you're going to need a very firm transition between the wood-base and the top layers.

This is just my intuitive gut feeling about it after my initial fiasco.  I'm a noob, in the learning/experimenting process, so please take this with a grain of salt.

Thanks for the input.  It's all a learning processes, isn't it.  I’m kind of thinking what you mentioned.

I’m 6’ 1” 192lbs.  I fall asleep on my back but wake up on my side.  I'm not sure what kind of sleeper that makes me.

Right now I’m looking at SleepEz and FlowBeds – the 8.5” models with xFirm base, a firm middle and the soft top.

The other thing that we I noticed, is that I like the feel of the Tempur-pedic Cloud mattress, but for many reasons, I do not want memory foam.  I figure if I can get a feel somewhat similar to this mattress I’ll be good to go.