I was having lower back pain and sleeping problems for several years, before I realized it was my mattress. I am a 5' 4", 120 lb woman and in my 30's (at the time), so I have no idea a mattress could wreak so much havoc. I started researching mattresses and came across the solid latex. I had a solid latex pillow as a kid which I had absolutely loved, so I immediately knew a latex mattress was for me. After looking around in the stores, I opted for the internet because the value was so much better than anything I saw in the stores. (caveat - prices were MUCH cheaper then)

I ordered a 4 layer - 3" inch each layer talay latex mattress. The top (soft) layer we found to be way too soft and gave it away. I ordered a medium layer for our top, so now we have two firm layers at the bottom and two medium layers at the top. It is heaven. It's like sleeping on a marshmallow. No more back problems, and I can now sleep on my back (favorite position). The mattress is holding strong after ten years, and frankly I can easily see ten more years. I personally think 4 layers is over kill, and if you're struggling to afford it, just buy 2 - 3" layers (6 inches). Three layers would be more than enough.

Incidentally, one time when I was washing the cover, my two year old sat on the mattress and starting pulling bits out. We packed the bits back in the mattress and covered it with a cloth. We moved this layer down one notch (so it's in the middle), and you don't notice a thing. Tough stuff. Tears also have absolutely no bearing on durability. Just wrap the stuff up in the mattress cover and you won't notice a thing.