Update on latex, wool toppers
I am a senior female light 56kg mostly side-sleeper with chronic insomnia and multiple health issues. I needed to improve the comfort of my Sealy Posturpedic Hotel flattop mattress as I was experiencing increasing pressure-point pain after weakening bone and muscle-loss.
I spent several weeks shop-testing various toppers, mattresses and combinations and have eventually found something that is very comfortable so I wanted to provide an update.
I settled on a 2” D65 Dunlop latex topper plus a lovely wool topper both enclosed in 100% cotton covers. I tried two 2” (4” total) latex which was far too soft and caused hammocking and my hips to sink too much creating more pain. So I tested just the one 2” and found that better. I also tried adding a 1” D75 latex layer underneath and that felt better still.
But then I decided to try something to give my hips just a little more cushioning. I cut a piece of latex to fit just under my hips to my knees and placed that underneath the 2” latex and then the wool topper. This gives me more support where I need it and allows my shoulders to be slightly lower for less pressure.
Having trialled it now for several weeks, I can say it has transformed my comfort level significantly.
I learned a lot during this research and trial period and wanted to express my thanks to everyone for your posts and advice. I highly recommend that you actually go to test in shops often and for as long as possible.
I really thought the plushest and thickest latex would be best but that was not the case for me. I think thinner layers are better and not plush or supersoft as you lose a lot of cushioning if you sink too much. I know plush/soft are mostly recommended for lightweight side-sleepers but it didn’t work out that way in my case. If a topper is too plush it may sink a little too much so it actually ends up feeling too firm from bottoming-out.
And the 1.5” wool topper adds a cool cloud-like comfort layer that I absolutely love. I also have 100% percale sheets. I have 2 great wool pillows and have made 2 latex low-profile latex pillows. I rotate and fluff my toppers every month. I also have a full length body pillow that also adds a great deal of comfort and helps with pressure pain too.
I have to say that I love laying in my bed now. It hasn’t miraculously cured my chronic health issues, but it has provided a much-needed level of comfort.
I really disliked all the memory foam toppers. However, I did find that the serene ILD22 foam toppers were very comfortable in combination with latex but decided the latex and wool was the better option for me.
As for Talalay, I found the soft talalay far tooo soft and preferred the 2“ or 3” MEDIUM Talalay which was more expensive than the Dunlop.
As for mattresses, I also found the mediums much more comfortable than the soft/plush. Next year, when I move I will replace my mattress with a med/firm hybrid flattop but will keep my toppers for comfort layers.
I wish everyone finds a solution that works well for your particular needs.