Need input on DIY mattress

Mattress Talk Mattress Selection Process
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Hi All

I am doing research and looking for input for a DIY mattress build. My wife is 5’4", about 120 pounds, and has considerable back issues (mostly scoliosis and sciatica related). I am 5’7" and about 160 pounds. We are both side sleepers and neither of us enjoy too firm or soft of a mattress.

Over the years we have tried a few options, which to begin with seem great but, after a couple years, my wife ends up not getting a good nights sleep and wakes with lower back and/or leg pain. She says the middle always seem to sag and she needs to move to the edge and use a pillow on the inside to support her back. I’m usually OK but at times have hip pain.

About 15 years ago or soi we tried a mattress with 6" latex base and 2" latex topper, then a standard spring mattress, and now have a Layla memory foam for the past several years - all with the same results after a couple years. She has done best in our camper van on a foam mattress that I built. I bought a 2" LUX foam (50# firmness), added the 2" latex topper (not sure what kind of latex) and a 1 1/2" convoluted memory foam we had laying around, and put it on a plywood base. We have been traveling for fairly long periods of time with my wife waking up pain free. We recently returned from 3 months travel and are back to the memory foam and pain.

So, I am considering something similar to our camper build but a bit thicker (6-8"). I am thinking a base of 3-4" of (LUX 50#) with 2" of Dunlop Latex (29 ILD), and not sure about adding an inch or two of memory foam. I am wondering about ideal thicknesses and materials. Would there be a benefit to coils instead of foam for the base? Should I consider other thicknesses or densities? Would 1-2" of memory foam provide best top layer for a soft enough feel or should I test 2 layers first?

I’m looking forward to your input. Thanks
Ron

@Sleep_EZ
@TheCleanBedroom
@CST
@Arizona_Premium

2

Hi Ron,

Welcome to the community and becoming a new MUGstger at the MattressUnderGround.

Thanks for your question. It is not always easy to know what one individual is going to like, let alone two, in the same bed.

Fortunately the weight disparities between your wife and you are not too great that you may be comfortable on a mattress without split comfort levels. This is always an option you can add or fall back to.

Any bed system you choose or build will need to meet your PPP’s (Personal Preferences, Posture & Alignment, and Pressure Relief issues).

From your description it seems you are both comfortable on a medium firmness set-up.

Here are some suggestions you may explore and see if it meets both of your preferences.

Based on your experiences and preferences, it sounds like a customizable DIY mattress might be a good solution for you. Since this mattress will be for you home, you may opt for a slightly taller mattress, but no need to go crazy.

I cant be sure, but I would have to believe the dynamics of the mattress created for the camper may be a bit different than one built for the home. One would think that camper mattresses are engineered with the unique constraints and requirements of camping environments in mind, making them distinct from traditional home mattresses.

Here are some considerations and recommendations for your DIY mattress build:

  1. Base Layer: Since you’ve had success with a 6" latex base in your camper van, continuing with a latex base is a good idea. You have 3 basic options here.
  • A 6" (2 -3")base layer of firm latex most likely dunlop 38ILD, HD Foam or pocketed coils (14-14.75 gauge range) pocketed coils for the base if you prefer the feel of a traditional mattress with more bounce. Coils can offer good support and durability.

  1. Comfort Layer: Adding a 2" layer of Dunlop latex with a lower ILD (29 ILD) on top of the base layer can provide additional cushioning and contouring, which may help alleviate pressure points and provide comfort for side sleepers. Dunlop latex is known for its durability and support. Alternately, you can opt for a 2" layer ( high 20’sILD) of Talalay latex. Talalay has a bit more bounce and floaty feel, and is great for side sleepers as the two of you.

  2. Top Layer: Since you both prefer a softer feel and have had success with memory foam in the past, adding a 1-2" layer of memory foam as the top layer could provide the plushness you’re looking for. However, be cautious with memory foam as it tends to retain heat, which may be uncomfortable for some sleepers. Consider using gel-infused or open-cell memory foam to mitigate heat retention.

***Alternatively, I suggest a layer of Talalay latex which is known for its luxurious feel and excellent breathability, which can help prevent overheating during sleep. A 3" layer of Talalay latex should provide sufficient plushness and contouring without sacrificing support. Plus, Talalay latex is durable and resilient, so it’s less likely to develop sagging or indentations over time compared to memory foam.

By opting for Talalay latex instead of memory foam, you can create a mattress that offers the softness and comfort you both prefer without the potential drawbacks of heat retention. It’s always beneficial to choose materials that align with your specific preferences and needs, and it sounds like Talalay latex would be an excellent choice for your DIY mattress build.

  1. Thickness and Firmness: Aim for a total mattress thickness of 8-10" to ensure adequate support and comfort. Since you’re both side sleepers and prefer a softer feel, the top comfort layers should be plush enough to relieve pressure points while still providing proper support for your spines.

  2. Considerations for Back Pain: Given your wife’s back issues, it’s crucial to prioritize proper spinal alignment and support. The mattress should contour to the natural curves of your bodies while providing enough support to keep your spines aligned.

  3. Durability and Longevity: Choose high-quality materials with good durability and longevity to ensure that your DIY mattress lasts for years without sagging or losing its supportive properties. Latex and high-density foam are known for their durability and resilience.

There is always going to be room to adjust things. Since this configuration is only 9" you have room to adjust one of the 3" support layers to a 2" if you want to keep it at 8" or configure the set up with a 6" pocketed coil support, with a 1" HD foam base under the coils, 2" of medium dunlop and top it off with 2-3" of medium talalay.

Once completed, I recommend incorporating a stretch mattress cover. This allows the Talalay latex ample room to expand as you sleep, enhancing that plush feel you both desire.

There are indeed prebuilt mattress combinations similar to this available. However, opting to construct it yourself offers a gratifying sense of achievement and pride. Moreover, it grants you the freedom to fine-tune elements if they’re not quite to your liking, and ensures control over the quality of the components utilized.

Hope this helps,

Maverick

3

Thanks so much Maverick. A couple things and questions for clarity.

The total depth of our mattress in camper is 5 1/2" with a base of 2" LUX 50# foam (not latex), so I assume that 4" or so of high quality LUX would be good for the base of this new build?

You mention 2-3" talalay latex for the top layer as an alternative to 1-2" memory foam. Is 2" talalay mininum and is there an IDL number you would recommend? Would there be a big difference using talalay for this layer vs another or thicker layer of dunlop? If I opt for memory foam, is there a density or other factor you would recommend?

Thanks again, Ron

4

Hi Ron,

Yes, the high quality lux for the base would work, it simply may not last as long as natural dunlop or pocketed coils, but despite the lux being hi quality, it would be the weakest of the 3 choices. Still it is a nice choice, (more economical)nonetheless.

Regarding the talalay. The density of talalay is more uniform than dunlop (this does not make one better than the other, just different characteristics). Talalay is less dense and has a bouncier cushy feel, and is generally the preferred comfort layer. I think since you mentioned memory foam, talalay as your comfort layer may be preferred. A medium firmness, usually around a 28 ILD in 3" may provide the plushness you and the wife desire for side sleeping.

Regarding memory foam, 4Lb or 5Lb memory foam is the recommended density for durability and longevity.

Maverick