I’m trying to decide on the combo of layers for a 13,000 Ca King latex mattress from SleepEZ, and desired some input.  I’m 430 lbs, male, and sleep alone (correlation? LOL).  I was planning on having it made in a dual firmness (more on that later) to help me dial in the most comfortable combination of layers, and also to provide versatility to make future changes easier if needed. 

I currently sleep on an aged “S” brand firm mattress, with a cheap 3” (2.2 lb?) memory foam layer on top.  It’s actually not too bad. 

I talked with Shawn at SleepEZ, and his reco was all Dunlop as follows:

Side 1             Side 2

Med                Med

Firm                Med

Xtra Firm       Xtra Firm

Xtra Firm       Xtra Firm

I’m concerned that this combo might be a little too firm for me?  Shawn stated I should avoid any Soft layers, as my weight would blow right through any soft layers right down to the next layer.  I agree, but was thinking a couple of layers in Talalay might be beneficial.  He also stated that Talalay would not hold up as well longer term, as Dunlop. 

I’ve only field tested a couple of 3x3” (Savvy Rest) latex mattresses, their construction was:

Savvy Bed #1

Soft - Talalay

Soft - Dunlop

Med - Dunlop

 

Savvy Bed #2

Soft - Talalay

Med – Dunlop

Firm – Dunlop

I actually liked the feel of Bed #1, with Bed #2 feeling a little too firm (I have to go back and test them both again to be sure).  They also have the Englander brand, but I haven’t tried them yet…as I imagined it wouldn’t provide a comparable reference to help me.

I was thinking roughly of a combo such as:

Side #1

Med – Talalay

Med – Dunlop

Firm - Dunlop

Xtra Firm - Dunlop

 

Side #2

Med – Talalay

Firm – Talalay

Xtra Firm Talalay

Xtra Firm Dunlop 

 

Any input on layering would be greatly appreciated.

I was planning on having the top layer made in two pieces so I could swap them around easier if needed.  Would a two piece top layer really feel seamless?

Considering my situation, which latex would you folks recommend?  100% Talalay, blended Talalay or Dunlop?

Thanks so much in advance, as I realize this is a very subjective issue...

SoConfused wrote:

 

I am so not an expert on this - but if you liked soft over soft over medium, I don't see how you will like something like medium over firm over xfirm. Maybe you will be able to sleep on it even if you don't like it; I wouldn't be able to, I am very sensitive to pressure problems, I need my soft top.

I also have a sleepez bed. Because I am heavy (~250lbs), shaun recommended mostly firm dunlop. I'm sure he is right that the foam would last longer, but what good is that if you are never comfortable in bed? I never was; its been 2 years and I am still trying to get things right. I can tell you I've gone from mostly firm dunlop to soft talalay with medium and firm dunlop under it.

So yes, because of your weight you should probably favor as firm latex as is comfortable for you, but try a config like you are considering before buying to see if you can stand it. Go as firm as you can to be comfortable, but make sure it is comfortable.

Also, I know that sleep stores like to sell deeper beds to heavy folks, but I am not sure thats necessary. Do you really sink all the way thru 9" of foam? How different is 3" of x-firm on the bottom from solid foundation? Seems pretty close to me. Again, I don't know for sure. I've been doing a lot of testing trying to get my sleepez 10" bed right and one of the things I found is that more layers makes things harder, and it can be harder to keep proper support - the more foam the more likely it is that you sink thru too much and your body goes out of alignment. So if you found the 9" bed to be comfortable you might start there. You can always add a topper if you need to...

Good luck.

Steve

Steve,

Thanks so much for your response.  Everything you said makes sense to me.  And you make a good point about the latex longevity issue.  I'd rather be comfortable and replace it much sooner than the alternative.

The issue of a 13" vs. 10" that you mention also makes sense to me.  And I like to keep it simple as much as possible.  I didn't feel as though I went right through any layers on that bed I tested.  In fact the firmer bed felt as if it didn't yield much at all to my weight.

Thanks again. I'm going to have to return and further test those beds now and spend more time and attention to detail on how they actually feel...

Thanks again!

Also, I'd recommend that you get the cotton cover rather than the standard wool cover that sleepez typically uses. Wool is nice but wool in a cover compresses and leads to body impressions. I just replaced mine after only 2 years. If you decide you want wool do it in a separate layer that can be washed / fluffed / evened out.I actually like the cotton cover better and its cheaper too!

Steve