I’m coming across a number of mattresses made of only one 7” or 8” layer of 100% natural Dunlap or Talalay latex with no other layers of any kind, other than the cover.  Is it possible for just one layer to provide enough support and enough cushion at the same time?

I think in Europe that might be more common.  It would probably work for some people and not others.  If you are not that picky on getting the feel just right, then it might work.  Probably harder to work for a side sleeper who might want some comfort on top to sink into, but still needs base support.   Of course you could always add toppers if it is a bit too firm.  Not sure what firmness would work, but I would guess high 20s to low 30s ILD.

Thank you.  Very interesting.  It makes me wonder if Americans are more of a side sleeping society where Europe might be a back or stomach sleeping society.

If I was going to try one piece, I think it would probably have to be Dunlop.  Dunlop has built in "layers" if you will.  It has a bottom and a top.  The bottom is denser and firmer while the top is softer.  I believe this would be measured by the SAG factor.  However, why not have layers so that you can adjust if necessary?

For me, I'm looking for a mattress that is 8" or less, due to the height of my head board.  I have a solid cherry wood platform bed that I love.  The second factor is cost.  Often more is not better.  Better is better.  Therefore, if one layer gets the job done I can in most cases afford the highest quality mattress since I'm not paying for all those extra layers.  That's my thinking at least, flawed as it may be :-)

Scott wrote:

If you're not fussy, and the thought of a way too-soft mattress doesn't bother you; then you could do that.  I wouldn't recommend it.  I bought two 3" ~ average 25 ILD.  Way too soft for me even though I can still "feel" the wood-base, and it doesn't get any firmer if it's one 8" vs. 6".  

Given your 8" requirements, and assuming you're both a back/side sleeper, and the size of an average American (huge assumption):

I'd probably recommend getting a 3" of "x-firm" (because it provides support and insulates you from the hard platform, unlike "soft")

Then probably 3" of "firm" (maybe "medium", maybe) as a transition.

Then, reserve 2" of comfort layer to your liking, only after trying the first 6".  if you find the 6" is way too firm and more than enough support, buy a super soft (low ILD) 2" topper; otherwise you might decide a slightly-softer topper would be good.  A possible risk is that you bottom out on the 2" soft topper into a too firm core.  It's the toughest part of your dilemma.

8" is probably underkill, but I kind of like the idea of pushing the envelope on the least amount of latex needed.  I'm thinking, if you're going with a thin core, you're going to need a very firm transition between the wood-base and the top layers.

This is just my intuitive gut feeling about it after my initial fiasco.  I'm a noob, in the learning/experimenting process, so please take this with a grain of salt.

SqueakyDog,

Thanks for the input.  It's all a learning processes, isn't it.  I’m kind of thinking what you mentioned.

I’m 6’ 1” 192lbs.  I fall asleep on my back but wake up on my side.  I'm not sure what kind of sleeper that makes me.

Right now I’m looking at SleepEz and FlowBeds – the 8.5” models with xFirm base, a firm middle and the soft top.

The other thing that we I noticed, is that I like the feel of the Tempur-pedic Cloud mattress, but for many reasons, I do not want memory foam.  I figure if I can get a feel somewhat similar to this mattress I’ll be good to go.