I’m torn between building to 12" or 15" both from a cost and comfort perspective. I kinda just want to see if I like it at 12" and have the option to build higher if I want. Anyhow, all the zippered cotton covers I’ve looked at are non returnable or exchangeable so, would it be a bad idea to get a 15" cover and build to 12" so I have the space to build higher if I chose to later? Like could that cause the layers to shift if I stick with 12"?
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Hi Kea12312,
When building a DIY mattress, it’s essential to consider whether it will be one-sided or two-sided and how tall the mattress will be. A 15-inch height is reasonable for a flippable mattress. For instance, if you use a 6-inch spring support, you would have 4.5 inches available on each side for your comfort and cover layers, including any transition layer if needed. With an 8-inch spring support, you would have 3.5 inches for the comfort layer and the remaining height for other components.
Conversely, a 15-inch one-sided mattress changes the design dynamics. Assuming a 1-inch base layer, an 8-inch spring support would leave 6 inches for foam and fibers above the springs, while a 6-inch spring support would allow for 8 inches of foam and fibers above it.
These design nuances are critical for ensuring proper support, contouring, and pressure relief. It’s crucial to avoid having the comfort layer double as a support layer, as too much material above the spring support can undermine its effectiveness. Ensuring that the comfort layer is used primarily for its intended purpose rather than as a secondary support system is key to a successful mattress build.
To simplify, you might consider limiting the mattress height to 12 inches, designing all components to fit this height, and using a foundation to achieve additional height if needed.
Just a thought.
Maverick
I think springs are too firm and I don’t like feeling them so I’m gonna go with either a 6" poly foam base or 6" latex core base. Part of my height consideration is the platform frame seems to make mattresses firmer so I thought maybe building taller & softer would help with that issue. Does not using springs chance your opinion on the height?
I would have to say, probably not. Support layers are just that, support. They give support to the layers above them and the sleeper on those layers. So whether your support layer is spring or foam, each section of the mattress needs to perform its function.
You dont want your main support layer to become secondary support.
Yes, a firm solid platform will firm up whatever sits on top. But as you may have seen, @Latex_Mattress_Fact1, @Arizona_Premium, create varying levels of comfort in 9-12" all day long, from very plush to super firm.
I would definitely consult with folks like those just mentioned along with providing your stats to nail down the best combination. Densities and thickness of particular layers will matter.
Many folks who use springs will use microcoils to soften the feel, add more airflow and pressure relief, but a latex core is perfectly acceptable as a support layer in the right density for your body profile and for some, more comfortable.
Some things to consider:
Poly foam tends to be softer and more adaptable than springs, but it can also compress more over time. If you find springs too firm, poly foam might provide a softer, more cushioning feel. With a 6" poly foam base, you’re likely to get a mattress that is more forgiving, especially if you’re looking for a softer surface. However, consider that the durability of poly foam can vary, and over time it might develop impressions where you sleep.
Latex tends to be more resilient and supportive compared to poly foam. It’s also known for its durability and natural bounce. A 6" latex core would offer a supportive yet soft feel without the springiness of traditional innerspring mattresses. Latex can provide a good balance of softness and support, and it’s less likely to form impressions compared to poly foam.
Since you’re using a platform frame, which typically provides a firmer feel, increasing the height of your mattress can help compensate for that firmness. A taller mattress can offer more cushioning and comfort, helping to offset the firm support of the platform frame with caution on how tall you make it. If you’re leaning towards a softer feel, a taller latex mattress might be a better option, as latex often provides a more plush experience than poly foam.
When considering a taller mattress, ensure that the support core is adequately thick and robust to provide necessary support. Balance is key—ensure that the comfort layers do not overshadow the support core, and be cautious of mattresses that are too tall without proper support core proportions.
If the mattress is very tall, there’s a risk that the comfort layers might become too thick and the support core may end up being relatively thin by comparison. This can lead to the support core providing less of the overall support, as the comfort layers could dominate the mattress’s feel.
It is all about balance and the densities of the layers that you choose.
Hope this helps
Maverick
If you order the cover from us (Sleep EZ or Latex Mattress Factory), please keep in mind that you can start with the 12" cover and if you need to get a 15" cover later on, you would just ship us your 12" cover, we’ll alter it up to a 15" cover and send it back to you. We wouldn’t charge anything for the alteration, although we would ask that you pay the cost of shipping to and from your location.
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