My partner and I recently purchased 2 Dunlop toppers from to go over a firm 6" latex mattress that we got second hand. The configuration we use is as follows:
Top 2" soft topper (20 ILD)
Middle 2" medium topper (30 ILD)
Bottom 6" firm latex core (unknown ILD, but pretty firm)
I am a side sleeper 135 lbs, 5’5", my partner is also mostly a side sleeper (some back) about 220 lbs, 6’
We tried to sleep on the 6" on its own, and it was way too firm (limbs falling asleep). We tried just the 2" soft topper. Still too firm.
The current setup as shown above is what we’ve been for almost a month. Its comfortable, but I get discomfort on my side and have to move around a lot. I actually sleep more on my back than I ever have before. I’m not sure why, but maybe because the latex provides some soft support, but also because its not comfortable for long term on one side.
We recently slept in, was in bed for 9 hours, which turned out to be painful to all my joints upon getting up, even my wrists. My partner quipped that this is an 8-hour-max mattress. Could be right, but I don’t think it should cause pain to sleep in one day!
We’re keeping the firm 6" base, but what would you guys recommend for a new topper configuration if we got rid of either one or both toppers? I’m open to mixing Dunlop and Talalay layers, but would like to keep it all natural latex.
Hello Melabel
Thank you kindly for your inquiry! Based on the information you so kindly provided, my layer recommendations normally would be the following for each of you:
For you:
Soft (2" or 3" Talalay-19-20ILD)
Medium (3" Dunlop- 30-32ILD)
Firm (3" Dunlop- 37-38ILD)
For your partner:
Medium (2" or 3" Talalay))
Medium (3" Dunlop)
Firm (3" Dunlop)
At 130lb a soft Talalay is ideal to provide you with adequate contour to eliminate pressure points and achieve contour for proper spinal alignment. The medium over firm below provides gradual support. At 220lbs your partner will require a firmer top contour layer compared to that of yours. The medium Talalay on top will provide your partner similar contour at his weight that a soft will for you at your weight.
In order to achieve similar configurations to those I recommended above, I suggest starting off by ordering a split Soft Talalay top layer for your side, and a split Medium Talalay top layer for your partner’s side. Based on your pressure point issues with your current configuration, I recommend ordering 3" Talalay layers as opposed to 2". Having that extra inch of Talalay on top will ensure that you both get plenty of contour on top, thus eliminating your pressure point numbing and pains. Should you order the two Talalay top layers, your configurations should look like this:
Top: 3" Soft Talalay (Your side) - 3" Medium Talalay (His Side)
Middle: 2" Medium Dunlop
Bottom: 6" Firm Core
This is essentially what I recommended for both of you, and to achieve this all you have to do is purchase the top layers for each side.
Please keep us posted as to what you decide to do. If you have any questions and would like to speak by phone, you can reach my office at 480-966-8731. Thanks again, and good luck!
Thank you for the recommendation. I think we were hoping to have the same treatment across the bed, but I do understand why that is not recommended. He is also having discomfort, says his lower back is stiff at times - is that an indicator our current setup is too soft for him? Its so hard to figure all this stuff out! We will definitely be considering your recommendation in the next few weeks.
Any other recommendations or tips by anyone are much appreciated too! Thanks
@melabel - Everyone has different needs and perceptions of what is comfortable for them, so it’s difficult to predict what will ultimately work best. Generally speaking lower back pain is often caused by a mattress that is too soft, which can either be caused by having too thick of a comfort layer at the top of the mattress or a lack of adequate support in its base layer. Hope this helps!