Hi,
I have always used an innerspring mattress but am in the market for a natural rubber latex mattress. I have multiple chemical sensitivities and allergies and seem to be allergic to my old mattress (wake up itchy & congested), so I wanted something all-natural (no chemical off-gassing) and as hypoallergenic as possible. My research led me to natural rubber latex. Totally new to this! I have a few questions:
(#1) I am confused about what firmness to get. I like a firm innerspring; would that translate to a firm latex mattress? Is there any way to compare the two (apples to oranges)? ILD numbers mean nothing to me…
(#2) Since I really can’t afford a 100% talalay comfort layer, I was planning to get a mattress with both layers in dunlop. I have chronic pain from fibromyalgia and am wondering if a dunlop support layer is a bad idea? Would it be uncomfortable or too firm? I am especially nervous after reading that the consistency & support are not “uniform” for dunlop as they are for talalay.
(#3) Is there any reason to believe that a person used to sleeping on innersprings would not like the feel of latex? Anything to watch out for? Just curious.
About me: I sleep on my side or abdomen. I am a 5’7, 225-pound very top-heavy female (inverted triangle shape). My current (old) firm innerspring provides good support but almost no pressure relief. It gives me shoulder pain, which might be why I always end up rolling from my side to my abdomen.
In general I like firm; most mattresses I try are too soft for me. Still, I don’t want shoulder pain interfering with my sleep anymore.
Of note, I rejected the blended talalay option because my goal is to try to avoid synthetic materials of any kind. In general, I am extremely sensitive to man-made chemicals and feel much better outdoors in nature.
Sorry this got so long. Any ideas or guidance about firmness and materials would be welcome! This world is so complex…and it is my first time buying my own mattress.
Thanks so much for your help!!
Yours is a long post and its a complex world of mattress layers … my .02 below
- I have seen a great post by Phoenix explaining ILD etc across different foams, mattress. Generally dunlop latex is the firmest, per my reading.
- We personally have only Dunlop, one side at 23 ILD and the other 32 ILD… kind of a reversible mattress. Apparently talalay is more plush but given your comments on firmness, am thinking that not where you should go. You can even try a thinner latex mattress if you dont want deep.
3)Absolutely not. We hated innerspring that we had used for years after we tried latex, maybe others have similar experiences across different layering materials.
Hello Polythymic
Thank you so much for your kind inquiry, and thank you for the information you have provided!
Dunlop latex is a denser, heavier and therefore firmer latex than that of Talalay, and based on the information you so kindly provided, I agree that Dunlop latex may suit your needs better.
I would recommend three 3" layers of latex for you. Being a side sleeper at 225lbs, 9" of latex is the right amount to achieve both contour and support. A medium over firm over firm is the configuration I suggest. The medium on top will provide contour for side sleeping, while the two firm layers below provide the support you will need. This configuration gives you the ability to rearrange your latex layers should you desire a more supportive feel.
Call our office at 800-637-0872 anytime should you have any questions. Thanks again for the inquiry and good luck!
Wonderful, that is very useful. Thank you very much!
Polythymic
It is my absolute pleasure! Thanks again for your inquiry!
All my life ( I am 55 yo) I used innerspring and now eventually switch to latex… No comparison, play with natural latex and you will find your dream combination…
Medium is my choice, borderline with soft, need could be achieved with thickness of layers on top. This is also depends of your way to sleep and body mass. difficult to give you an advise due to many variables including personal preferences.