I am looking to make my own queen memory foam mattress thru foamdistributing.com.

I am 5"3,  wt 170 lbs,  a side sleeper and like memory foam. I have used memory foam toppers before. Never 5 lbs density.

Here is what I came up with: Top to Bottom

2" 4lb density memory foam IFD 11

2" 5 lb density memory foam IFD 15

6" thick HD36 High Quality Foam Density 2.8lbs IFD 35 (this base is non fire retardant).

I could go with the LUX High Quality Foam IFD 50 that is fire retardant.

I need a good zipped cover and not sure about foamdistributing.com terrycloth for $20.00.

I don't know if I need a fireproof cover too. I am not a smoker but live in a apartment complex.

My total cost without cover is $387.98.

I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks

I am not knowledgeable about latex, so 1" med would be around 20-22 IFD? I am so open for suggestions.

Would the 2" 5lbs density memory foam work the best with 1" latex with the  6" HD36HQ  base or would 2" 4lbs density?

I know somewhere on this forum, I read something about a company that sells mattress covers with wool, but

can't remember. I will keep looking.

Thanks

Top to Bottom

3" 4lbs density memory foam

3" latex med  32ILD (foambymail)

4" Base HD36HQ (foam distributing)

On platform bed with pegboard over slats.

Any opinions?

Thanks

The 3" of latex of 4" foam base (could probably be 3" if you wanted), should give you a good support base level.  Then the question becomes what kind of comfort layers do you want.  Is there a reason you are going with 4lb over 5lb memory foam?  4lb  will probably be softer, but provide less support.  Tempurpedic uses mainly 5.3lb, but I think the cloud has some 4+ lb on top. 

The risk with just 4lb is that you will sink through and feel too much of the firm base below.  Also, I find it is good to have a transition piece between the memory foam and the base, although not always necessary.

A good setup might be 1" 4lb + 2" 5lb + 1" 24ILD + 3" 32 + 3"HD36.    This also gives some flexibililty to try different combinations to adjust.  

Of course all of this is subject to personal taste.  10 different people might like 10 different things.  So, realistically you have to experiment a bit.   You may want to think about whether you like your mattresses on the firmer side or softer side.  Also, you may want to lie on some Tempurpedics to see which of those you might like as a benchmark.

Do you have any memory foam toppers right now?  Do you know how thick and what density and how old?   If so, you might just want to order the base levels first and try your topper on that to see how you like it.

I would also note that there is variation in how different foams feel and support, so FBM 5lb memory foam might feel different that ones I have tried before.   So, hard to make exact recommendations on top of the fact that what someone else likes, you might hate.

I watch on YouTube a series of videos on how beds are made today and all the chemicals they put in them and why

they don't last very long and the warranty's company's give is worthless.

It's kinda scary and I am wondering if pure latex is the way to go. Either Dunlop latex or Talalay????

Now, I am talking thousands of dollars.

Thanks

It is hard to say what the actual impact of the chemicals used are.   You are probably already surrounded by stuff in chairs, clothes, food, etc.  I don't worry about it too much (perhaps foolishly), but certainly does not hurt to go more natural.   You might want to consider a place like flobeds, sleepez, etc where you can get natural latex and have the ability to swap out layers or return.   However, they may not be strictly organic if that is the route you want to go.
 

I have decided to go with 3" of 5lbs or 5.3lbs density memory foam on top of latex.

I was looking to purchase one from a ebay seller(5.3lbs) queen 3" 15ILD  for $357.00 white or ivory color,  weights about 45lbs shipping.

I ask the seller why is the color ivory and she said real memory foam is that color.

Foam by mail, sells their's in pink and you can only get 5lbs density. I don't know if the color makes any difference or not.

I want to purchase USA made.

I can get a 1" soft talalay latex 80x80 (don't know what the ILD is) at a good price.

I don't have experience in cutting latex to make it 60x80".

Any suggestions on how to cut it for that size.

Thanks

If you want 5.3 density foam, you might consider foamorder as well.   I think it might be a bit cheaper, and they have a 90 return policy.  They do charge shipping, and sales tax in California.  You would have to pay return shipping as well, if you return.  I think they have a 10% coupon as well (RECESSION09 ?), so don't miss that. 

I have 1" of that, and it seems to be pretty good quality.  Dense, but still soft.   It had a strong odor at first, you should air out for several days or weeks.  I think it was made in China, so that may disqualify it for you.

The color doesn't matter.  I think they just add color to distinguish them.  My foamorder is a yellow color, and I have one that is blue and one that is pink.

I have cut some latex with a saw tooth handsaw.  Others have suggested an electric carving knife as a good way to do it.

One thing to think about with memory foam is that it can sleep hotter than latex.   Some are cooler, but they tend to be less supportive.  It helps to have some wool in a mattress pad over it.

FoamDistributing.com and Foam By Mail are the same company at 22800 Hall Road in Clinton Township, MI.  They sell 3, 4 and 5lbs density visco foam toppers.  Good luck with your project, you're getting advice from one of the best.

Ebay Mattress 247 only sells 2.8" in solf, med and firm and they are seconds.

I am trying to keep my DIY within my budget.

Any suggestions?

Thanks