PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Oct 28, 2007 7:19 PM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
Has anyone put together a mattress with PU base, latex in the middle, and memory foam on top? I was laying on a Simmons ComforPedic the other day with this configuration. It felt like Temperpedic support laying in it, but it didn’t have that hard feel when you roll over or sit on it – it actually had a little spring to it. When I was looking at it in a showroom, I was able to see some of the specs on the sheet the sales person was holding:

    Top layer: 4.5” 5.5lb memory foam – ILD unknown, but possibly 2 different foam ILDs (springs back faster than Temperpedic)
    Middle layer: 2" 24 ILD latex (said it was to dissipate heat)
    Bottom: 7" 30 ILD foam (I'm assuming it's PU, but I'm not sure???)

From what I've been reading about foam lately, I thought a combination like this would be too soft, but it was really supportive. After laying in it for awhile, it did seem a lot cooler and more comfortable than a Temperpedic. The price for the above configuration was $4200. Any ideas on putting one together for a lot cheaper?

Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #48 Nov 12, 2007 11:09 AM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
Haysdb - I guess that info takes care of my indecisiveness. 2" to 3" of the 50 ILD or 55 ILD (depends on what website of Foam Factory you go to - they list different ILDs for the same stuff) and 5" of the 36 ILD on that. That will give me a little room in a 12" cover to fit a latex layer if I feel the need for a little more cushion. Would you consider this configuration to be firm enough with good support, yet be comfortable...obviously "comfortable" is subjective.

When stacking all this foam, can I expect my finished thickness of the mattress to be less because of the weight of the upper layers of foam compressing the lower layers? Should I shoot for a 13" size to fit in a 12" case?
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #49 Nov 12, 2007 1:45 PM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
Does anyone know of a good price on a 12" King cover that zippers around at least three sides. The one I was previously looking at on eBay is no longer available. It was only $35 too.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #50 Nov 12, 2007 4:12 PM
Joined: Sep 3, 2007
Points: 167
Steve, I think you are on the right track, leaving room for a 1" layer of 20ILD latex. If it works the way it is, then you're done, but if you need softer, you could always add it. Most of the support issues people have had with latex have been with 100% latex. Since you can't get soft PU foam with high density, it makes sense to use latex for the comfort layers and dense PU for the base layers. I would still consider the more dense (HQ) foam for the base layers - it's maybe $160 more? And it'll last 15 years or so.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #51 Nov 12, 2007 4:32 PM
Location: Mequon, WI
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 363
steve2u wrote:
When stacking all this foam, can I expect my finished thickness of the mattress to be less because of the weight of the upper layers of foam compressing the lower layers? Should I shoot for a 13" size to fit in a 12" case?


No & No.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #52 Nov 12, 2007 5:00 PM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
What if I went with a 2" layer of latex instead of 1", would I want a higher ILD of 32 like FBM sells? I would think 2" of 20 ILD with a 3" Sensus topper may allow a little too much sinking in? I'm open to opinions on this since I've never slept on any of these layers.

Maybe this configuration:

3" Sensus
2" Latex 32 ILD
5" 36 PU
2" 55 PU
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #53 Nov 13, 2007 12:56 AM
Joined: Sep 3, 2007
Points: 167
Steve, I wish I could help you. You may not believe this, but I've been racking my brains trying to design the perfect inexpensive memo/latex/PU mattress, and I am pretty much out of the market now (it's just been haunting me for some reason!) I wish FMB made a 25ILD or so, or that their 1" 20 and 32 didn't feel so much alike (see haysdb's experience with those.) Sensus is supposed to be pretty soft, yet supportive. I'd think about getting the cover after you've tried the first few layers you order - that way you have a choice of added thickness.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #54 Nov 13, 2007 6:55 AM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
I'll probably just start with the PU and go from there. I did find a forum last night on fatwallet.com that talks a lot about FBM poly - it sounds like the 36 ILD is pretty firm. Maybe I'll look somewhere other than FBM if I want to add latex.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #55 Nov 13, 2007 8:15 AM
Location: Mequon, WI
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 363
Why don't you try to get some samples of each kind of foam you are interested in?  That would probably answer a lot of your questions about firmness.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #56 Nov 13, 2007 9:09 AM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
I have feeling that I could feel the foam all I want, but wouldn't have a good idea how it would work for me without laying on it. That's part of the reason I will possibly go with the 2.0 density. If it seems to work well for a few months, I'll upgrade it and use the old foam to make a couple dog beds and seat cushions for my POS office chair (my boss is cheap). It will only set me back $170 - seems like a small price to pay to figure out if foam will even work for me.

I did receive this reply from Costco on my current mattress:
We do guarantee your satisfaction 100% for the mattresses we sell. Costco.com is not able to advise or assist with a purchase made from the stores. Please contact the Costco Wholesale location nearest you for additional assistance with this return.

Does anyone have more ideas for a foundation that's about the same thickness as a box spring. I'm assuming Costco will wan't the box springs back too.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #57 Nov 13, 2007 12:06 PM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
Good Lord...I changed my mind again.

I'm going with 4" of LUX HQ, 3" of HD36 HQ, 3" Sensus...that's my final answer! This will give me 2" to play around with in a 12" cover. I'm not sure that the LUX will really come into play with when I get 8" of foam above it. I'm going to order it tonight before I have a chance to change my mind. Does anyone think a 2” layer of latex or eggcrate foam really helps to dissipate heat underneath the memory foam?

Thanks again for your help and opinions.

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