I have the following setup (bottom to top) 36 ILD 6" Dunlop – 28 ILD 2" talalay – 19 ILD 3" talalay. The following is my issue: (for reference, I am 5’8 about 170-180 lbs, almost exclusively a side sleeper).
The described configuration is lacking in lumbar support. I have lower back pain, which I feel is caused by a lack of support in the lumbar/hips area. The problem is that anything greater than the 19ILD on top gives me shoulder pressure that wakes me and causes me to toss several times throughout the night. I have tried a 24 ILD 3" topper in lieu of the 19 ILD, and this seems to give me some added lumbar support, yet the shoulder pressure is too much for me. Yes it is a big difference going from 19 to 24 in the comfort layer.
I am unable to find zoned comfort layers, so I am considering added some zoning to my lumbar region using some polyfoam as suggested here in some other threads. My questions are:
What density should I go with?
Is a piece of 1" polyfoam going to cause a substantial increase in lumbar support (provided I find the correct density) and will it make the bed feel awkward, having an additional thickness under my hips?
What foam do you recommend? Dealer/seller/website, etc?
Is it going to last or am I going to be replacing it every 6 months?
Thanks!
I would like to know this as well, as I have a similar issue and am trying to find a way to get that lumbar support without losing the pressure relief in my shoulders. I have altered pillows to adjust my neck position on the firmer mattress and it seems to help a little bit in the shoulders (not sure why). But still doesn’t resolve all of the issues.
Thank you kindly for your inquiry. If you currently have a 19ILD and it is too soft, have you tried dropping it to the second level and bringing your 2" medium 28ILD to the top? This is what I would call a half-level change in support on your sleep surface. Although the 28ILD medium is firmer than the 24ILD you tried on top, placing the 3" 19ILD underneath the 2" 28ILD would actually make the 28 feel a lot softer.
SleepEZ has not dealt with or offered zoned layers, therefore I do not know enough about them to offer you sound advice/suggestions on them.
If you have not tried the 2" 28ILD over the 3" 19ILD, and are going to do so, please let us know how it goes. Thanks again, and good luck!
Thank you for the suggestion. I may try that. Given the shoulder pressure I got with the 24ILD I don’t have much confidence in moving the 28 up but I understand what you’re saying.
Is it possible the 2" of 28ILD under the 19 comfort layer isn’t enough? Would adding another inch help? I’m sure I’d lose a little plushness doing this but can’t imagine it would be drastic and might give me more support. But I may be off base here.
Their is an overall rule of thumb pertaining to a latex mattress in that the more latex you add between you and your base below, the softer and squishier the mattress will get. With that said, adding more latex underneath your 19ILD layer, even though it is a 1" 30ILD density will make your mattress even softer on the surface.
I am curious to know if you have tried your 2" 28ILD over your 19ILD yet? This configuration actually softens that 28ILD a few points by having 3" of soft below it. Please let me know how it goes. Don’t hesitate to call my office any time should you prefer to discuss by phone. Thank you!