Mattress Forum

True. Some people feel that latex "pushes back" too much. I used to be one of them, and probably still would say that on an all-latex mattress.

Now I sleep on a Dunlop 3" piece and 2 Talalay 1" toppers (one is actually 1.5"). But the whole thing on top of a springy type support.

For awhile I was using a Sealy and then an Englander springs for support.

Now I am using an IKEA Sultan bowed-wood support system and it is actually better for me than the inner springs. Though I wonder if it might be starting to "wear in" too much (or wear out)... My next step will be to try some sort of adjustable slatted-wood platform for it.

YES, Latex has a lot of pushback...

And then you have to exchange layers.

Read the posts in the forum.  People want to jump to buy latex but after they have the bed they all are saying it is not comfortable and that they are having pains in this body part or that body part..

Latex seems to be like a mirage in the desert that a thirsty man thinks is the real water but it seems like most people are not happy about their latex beds.

xyz1ab wrote:
"Latex seems to be like a mirage in the desert that a thirsty man thinks is the real water but it seems like most people are not happy about their latex beds."

I think that is an exaggeration of the facts at best.

Latex works for MANY people on this forum, and I'd say those who have tried it and don't like it are in the minority.

Some find that latex alone is not comfortable but some find that latex on top of springs is very comfortable. Many find that pure latex is comfortable. Sometimes one needs to add a layer of wool or visco on top or near the top to counteract the "push back" feeling of latex.

But to say that most people are not happy with their latex beds is simply not true, imho, based on years of participation in this forum.
 

You have 1047 posts! and have you found the ideal latex?

Just asking.

Yes, I am the "king of all nuts" here at the forum in a way because I have spent so much time experimenting with foams and DIY projects. It's been both a hobby and experimentation born out of necessity. My posts # is due to my having been here a long time more than posting often. Though admittedly I do go through spurts of posting often. I find the idea of creating my own mattress fascinating and this grew out of trying a number of other mattresses - including all latex and all foam, including Tempurpedic, and various "S Co" spring mattresses as well - and finding that none of them gave me a good night's sleep. (I have been in 4 car accidents which gave me neck back and shoulder problems. I always like to point out that I was hit from behind every time and none of them were my fault. ) Yes, I believe I have found close to the ideal latex.

I spent a long time experimenting with memory foam and finally came to the conclusion that it is the worst type of foam to put in a mattress. I tried it in combination with latex. I was sold on the "idea" of memory foam so kept searching for the right one. After trying 2, 3, 4 and 5lb density memory foam I gave up on it after some years. I now use NO memory foam. I know some do like it and more power to them. But for me it was a bust. I hate the stuff. Though I admit I am intrigued by 6 and 7lb memory foam and would like to try it!

As to the perfect latex, this is an easy thing for some to figure out and harder for others. And it's all relative and objective.

I have not had the $$ to try every latex I would like to try but I've tried many including a flobeds experiment with various layers over 2 months or whatever it was before I returned it. I admire and respect the fact that flobeds offers this excellent return policy and I was very happy with their company but the mattress simply did not work for me. I wish it had.

Of the mattresses I have tried, Tempurpedic was the worst. I do not recommend it for people with back problems. It felt GREAT the first few nights then deteriorated rapidly as it softened up. This is their main problem: their foam softens too much too quickly and based too much on ambient temperature. I hear it is also loaded with formaldehyde though I have not confirmed that. Budgy - can you answer this?

Now back to your question: DId I find the perfect latex?

Yes and no.

I am using a base of 2" of 32ILD dunlop topped by a 1.5" mystery talalay layer that may be Talatech 28-32ILD and a top layer of 2" natural 32ILD Talalay. That has given me more rest than any other thing I have tried in the 10 years or so I've been experimenting.

However I have it on top of a bowed wood base and as I expected, the bowed wood is getting softer and not providing the kind of support it did. Thus I am looking for a new adjustable base. I also have a hankering to try a pocket coil mattress so may do that when I get the $$. Chances are, if I do, I'll end up using latex in it.

But my point in all this is that yes, latex works for a LOT of people, with or without springs. I have tried HR, HD and other foams in various ILD's - and latex has worked the best, though I do require a springy base under it. Some do like it as is, just pure latex, but not me.

We are currently sleeping on a king size, 4 inch, B F Goodrich, TexFoam, 100% Rubber Latex Foam, Extra Firm mattress. The label states that is is 31 - 37 lbs. Certified Compression. We bought that mattress 47 years ago because I was having severe back problems. My husband made the platform for the mattress from plywood.  There has been no distortion in the mattress we currently own.

It is starting to dry out and get hard on the edges. Also we are in our 70's now and have a bit of pressure discomfort. My husband raised the head of the bed about 3 1/2 inches with plywood to help my acid reflux, which causes the ticking on the cover to slide down, which is not only annoying, we are concerned that it will wear out.

We both have back, shoulder and other sleep problems now, so are looking for something a bit softer, but with the firmness we need for our backs. 

I am interested in the Tranquility with two 3" layers of foam from Savvy Rest, because we don't want a mattress that makes the bed too difficult to make or tall to get in and out of easily, but when I spoke to Savvy Rest, they said the Tranquility is not recommended for adults, only children. We both weigh under 150 lbs, but since we've been sleeping on the 4 inch mattress, we think that would suit us. But I am concerned about slippage between the two mattresses, especially since we have the head of the bed raised and have slippage problems now. I am also wondering if the foam will wear out more quickly with that crease where the bed is raised.

We are traveling to Ashville, North Carolina to test the Savvy Rest mattress in a few weeks, but I am concerned about the warranty on the mattress which Savvy Rest stated would be 20 years. I asked if they would abide by the warranty and she stated that they would if there were more than an inch of a depression.

This scares the dickens out of me since it seems there is no returning the mattress and even if you could, the expense of shipping is astronomical! I am extremely concerned about the possibility that we will not like the new mattress or it will be uncomfortable, then we will be stuck with an expensive albatross around our necks.

I have researched mattresses locally, even going back to the store where we purchased our original mattress, to no avail. There is no "natural" latex available here in the Louisville, Ky area. There are other types of latex to be had, but they are not natural.

So, Jimsocal, could you please tell me where you purchased the foam. And would a plywood foundation work for with the latex made today.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

You don't have to say anything to him but what works for some people may not work for all.  There are doctors who will tell you anything....that doesn't make them right.  Maybe your doctor doesn't need back support for his back...my grandson doesn't either, but I wouldn't take his recommendation on a mattress.  I'm not expert or doctor, but I doubt they study mattresses or mattress structure in medical school.