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 #63 Nov 15, 2007 9:04 AM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
haysdb - Do you think the slats would be adequate for supporting my firm bottom layer of 50 ILD LUX - it sounds like the foam is pretty hard? I guess is wouldn't be a big deal for me to add more slats if needed. Also, would you recommend going with two Twin XL's? I asked them if it would fit and they replied:

A Twin XL would cost $104.08 each and shipping would be $73. In total it will cost $281.16 compared to $197.21 for the one piece unit.

I'm sure I want a ridged foundation instead of Euro and I'm thinking this price would be tough to beat. If I were to build my own, it would probably be stronger (and a lot heavier), take more wood (estimating $150+ for material) and an entire afternoon. Did the cover on it look okay?

I have to say, Drew Wagar at BSA http://www.boxsa.com/boxspring.html was really good about answering questions and getting me prices fast.

Also, do you realize you have 530 posts? I may have the same by the time I'm done building my bed.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #64 Nov 15, 2007 9:40 AM
Foam Nerd
Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605
steve2u wrote:
haysdb - Do you think the slats would be adequate for supporting my firm bottom layer of 50 ILD LUX - it sounds like the foam is pretty hard? I guess is wouldn't be a big deal for me to add more slats if needed. Also, would you recommend going with two Twin XL's? I asked them if it would fit and they replied:

A Twin XL would cost $104.08 each and shipping would be $73. In total it will cost $281.16 compared to $197.21 for the one piece unit.

I'm sure I want a ridged foundation instead of Euro and I'm thinking this price would be tough to beat. If I were to build my own, it would probably be stronger (and a lot heavier), take more wood (estimating $150+ for material) and an entire afternoon. Did the cover on it look okay?

I have to say, Drew Wagar at BSA http://www.boxsa.com/boxspring.html was really good about answering questions and getting me prices fast.

Also, do you realize you have 530 posts? I may have the same by the time I'm done building my bed.

The BSA comes with "corrugated material" (aka cardboard) intended to lay over the top of the slats before the cover is stretched over everything. This is actually perfectly adequate. Unfortunately the cardboard is cleverly used as part of the box and mine got pretty mangled in transport. I would probably have chosen not to use it anyway (it just didn't seem right somehow), but it would have served in lieu of the extra slats. I think even without the extra slats OR the cardboard, you would be fine, but I'm not speaking from experience because I did not try it.

The cover looked fine. It looks pretty cheesy right out of the box, but once it's stretched over the wood frame (the fit is snug), it looks like a very typical foundation with quilted sides.

I am a fan of split support layers and full size comfort layers. It makes the foam pieces vastly easier to manage and allows for different configurations left and right. If the foam pieces are placed inside a zippered cover, the pieces will be held sightly together and you will never know it's not one solid piece when laying on it so long as the top 3" or so is a full-size piece.

530 posts? I would have guessed it was more!
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #65 Nov 15, 2007 9:53 AM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
Do you think the 2 Twin XL's slat foundations would be worth the extra $80? It seems the slats would have more support in the center and be altogether stronger and more manageable.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #66 Nov 15, 2007 11:04 AM
Foam Nerd
Location: USA
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 605
steve2u wrote:
Do you think the 2 Twin XL's slat foundations would be worth the extra $80? It seems the slats would have more support in the center and be altogether stronger and more manageable.

I'm sorry, I glossed right over that question, didn't I.

The extra center support would only be a factor if your frame does not have a center beam, but only two steel rails running side to side. Even then I don't think it would be anything to be concerned about. But if you'd feel more confident in having the twin center support, I see no downside to it other than the extra cost.

As far as the convenience factor goes, I'd say it depends on how often you think you might move. If I'd had the option, I would have bought twin foundations. Twin foundations could be moved easily without having to disassemble anything.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #67 Nov 15, 2007 11:26 AM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
Thanks. I can't help but to think that it would be a good idea to go with the Twins...just wanted a little reinforcement from someone that has one of these foundations.

Well, I have 2 nights on a 3" Sensus topper - it seems to be a little softer than I thought, but it is on my plush no flip mattress that I flipped to make it a significantly firmer, but still probably not firm enough. I did try it on the normal side of my hammocking mattress and I thought I was going to disappear in the abyss. I'm 175 lbs. and my girlfriend is about 125 lbs. - she was sinking too...I was able to save her in time though. I think it will be better once I get new support foam. I hope I won't have to return it for 2" Sensus (or maybe Aerus) and 2" medium firm latex.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #68 Nov 15, 2007 1:30 PM
Joined: Sep 3, 2007
Points: 167
Steve, I have to say, I had my doubts about anything over 2" of the softer memo foams. My 2" VERY soft FBM pink momo foam sinks in all the way, allowing the MyComfort pocket gel mattress under it to do it's job (also sinking at the hips, but supporting the lower back.) Some times it almost feels like it sinks too far, but it's okay. I think 3" may work for more firm foam like Isoform.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #69 Nov 15, 2007 3:18 PM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
I just emailed Isoform and they replied within 5 minutes and said they would send me a sample along with information. They said the ILD is 15-17 and the Density is 5.5 lbs.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #70 Nov 15, 2007 5:04 PM
Joined: Sep 10, 2007
Points: 690
I'm with you on the split support layers and full comfort layers, and for the same reasons you gave. I really like having the flexibility to switch around configurations individually if needed. And, as you mentioned, once it's all "tied together" so to speak, and especially with the full topper(s), you'd never know the difference. And, so much easier to handle. Latex, in particular is so heavy. I can't imagine trying to work with King size layers. Plus, they're more apt to tear.


haysdb wrote:
I am a fan of split support layers and full size comfort layers. It makes the foam pieces vastly easier to manage and allows for different configurations left and right. If the foam pieces are placed inside a zippered cover, the pieces will be held sightly together and you will never know it's not one solid piece when laying on it so long as the top 3" or so is a full-size piece.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #71 Nov 15, 2007 5:40 PM
Location: Mequon, WI
Joined: Aug 30, 2007
Points: 363
steve2u wrote:
Well, I have 2 nights on a 3" Sensus topper - it seems to be a little softer than I thought, but it is on my plush no flip mattress that I flipped to make it a significantly firmer, but still probably not firm enough. I did try it on the normal side of my hammocking mattress and I thought I was going to disappear in the abyss. I'm 175 lbs. and my girlfriend is about 125 lbs. - she was sinking too...I was able to save her in time though. I think it will be better once I get new support foam. I hope I won't have to return it for 2" Sensus (or maybe Aerus) and 2" medium firm latex.


Sensus really works best on a relatively firm and flat surface.  At least from my experience.
Re: PU/Latex/Memory Foam Mattress
Reply #72 Nov 19, 2007 10:03 AM
Joined: Oct 28, 2007
Points: 69
Well, I decided to put my new Makita 12" compound sliding miter saw to good use this weekend and build my own mattress foundations. I basically used 1x4's laying flat for the framing around the top and bottom where the slats will rest and the foundation sits on the bed frame. I spaced 2x4's at 12" between the 1x4's and will wrap the sides in 1/2" OSB. I figure my total cost will be around $75 by the time I'm done...depending on the price of the fabric to wrap around them. I'm planning on using 4x1's for the slats (actual size is 3.5 x .75) - but I'm not sure what the recommended gap between the slats is. Any ideas?

I placed an order at Foam Factory Thursday for 4" LUX and 3" HD36, but I still haven't received a ship notification. I did email them on Saturday to let me know when it will ship and to make sure they ship the high density. I will be sure to weigh them when (or if) I get them.

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