How to Choose the Right Layers For Your DIY do-it-yourself Mattress

Selecting the ideal components to stack for your DIY mattress can seem daunting at first. However, with some guidance, you can easily narrow down your options. To start, we will consider three main factors: your sleep position, firmness preference, and the construction of your do-it-yourself mattress. We will then provide some recommendations based on these criteria.

YOUR MAIN SLEEPING POSITION

Your primary sleep position is an important factor to consider when choosing a mattress. While there is some debate about the ideal sleep position, it's important to select a mattress that fits your personal needs and habits rather than trying to conform to a certain ideal. As a general rule, side sleepers may benefit from a softer mattress, back sleepers may prefer a medium-firmness option, and stomach sleepers may find a firmer mattress more comfortable. However, it's also important to take into account any secondary sleep positions you may adopt during the night.

YOUR FIRMNESS PREFERENCE

Regardless of your sleep position, some people simply prefer a firmer or softer mattress. Fortunately, organic latex rubber and high density polyurethane foams are quite supportive at a variety of firmness levels, so you can choose a mattress based on your preferred level of comfort. This means you can make a mattress that meets your specific firmness preferences, regardless of your sleeping position.

MATTRESS CONSTRUCTION 101

The classic stack is the basis for constructing a foam / latex mattress using a core and a top comfort layer. To further enhance comfort, it's helpful to incorporate several thinner layers of high density foam or latex into the stack. Thinner layers are softer than thicker ones and can help bridge the gap between the firm and soft layers. These comfort and transition layers provide more pressure relief and a smoother overall feel. To effectively incorporate these thinner layers, you can either build a thicker mattress using a 4" to 6" mattress core or make the entire mattress from thinner layers. In general, thicker mattresses made from more layers are softer than thinner mattresses made from fewer layers.

COVER BASICS

Once you have chosen the right stack of latex and or foam to make your dream mattress, it's time to wrap it all up in a luxurious mattress cover. Our unique top-zip mattress covers unzip around three sides of the top perimeter for easy layer stacking and adjustments. Choose from Tencel, Bamboo or wool quilted Organic cotton.

Tencel: Is a stretchable lyocell (eucalyptus pulp fibre) 40% and polyester 60% blended fabric that eliminates the need for fire retardants

Bamboo: 20% Bamboo fibre and 80% Polyester blended fabric eliminate the need for fire retardants

Wool quilted Organic cottonCustom-made luxurious knitted 100% organic cotton ticking. It's quilted with temperature regulating wool layer that doubles as a natural fire barrier so you can sleep in comfort every night.

SUGGESTED MATTRESS STACKS FOR SIDE SLEEPERS

One of the main advantages of Dunlop latex and high density foam is that they are soft to the touch yet highly supportive. This natural elasticity makes it an excellent choice for side sleepers, as it can provide pressure relief in the shoulders and hips while still offering proper back support. 

 5 x 2" layers - Choose from latex, HD or HR foam   4"or 6" core + 3 x 2" layers - Choose from latex, HD or HR foam 

SUGGESTED MATTRESS STACKS FOR SIDE & BACK SLEEPERS

The most common sleeping style is the side and back combo, and it's important to choose a mattress that accommodates this position while also being comfortable for any secondary positions you may switch to in the night. A mattress made of 2" layers offers a balanced feel from top to bottom with customizable layers, while a mattress with a 4" to 6" core + 2" top layers has a softer top and firmer base for a comfortable surface without excessive sinking.

 5 x 2" layers - Choose from latex, HD or HR foam 
4"or 6" core + 3 x 2" layers - Choose from latex, HD or HR foam

SUGGESTED MATTRESS STACKS FOR BACK SLEEPERS

Back sleepers are often envied by other sleepers because they can sleep comfortably on a wide range of sleeping surfaces. Unlike side sleepers or stomach sleepers, back sleepers do not need a high level of pressure relief or a particularly firm mattress. The choice of mattress for a back sleeper is largely a matter of personal preference, although most back sleepers tend to prefer a medium-firm mattress. Firm mattresses are also popular among back sleepers because they are easy to construct and come in a variety of thicknesses and layering styles. For example, a soft top layer with a firm base, a multi-layer design that provides a smooth and consistent feel, or a mattress with cascading levels of firmness can all offer different levels of comfort to back sleepers depending on their preferences.

 4"or 6" core + 1 x 2" layers - Choose from latex, HD or HR foam
5 x 2" layers - Choose from latex, HD or HR foam 

 

 

SUGGESTED MATTRESSES STACKS FOR BACK & STOMACH SLEEPERS

Although some people with different sleeping styles may prefer a firmer mattress, these are generally better suited for back or stomach sleepers. Most side sleepers would find a firmer mattress too hard and uncomfortable. A thicker 6" core is often used to create a firmer feel for back and stomach sleepers, but it's important to avoid going too thick as additional layers can make the mattress softer regardless of density.

6" core - Choose from latex, HD or HR foam
 4"or 6" core + 1 x 2" layers - Choose from latex, HD or HR foam

 

 

 

 

SUGGESTED MATTRESS CORE FOR STOMACH SLEEPERS

Sleeping on your stomach is generally not recommended by sleep experts, but if you do choose to sleep in this position, it is important to use a very firm mattress. It is best to avoid adding additional layers and instead opt for a firm latex core without any additional padding. This will provide the necessary support and firmness to ensure a comfortable sleep.

 6" core 40 to 45 ILD - Choose from latex, HD or HR foam

ADVANTAGES OF A DIY / DO-IT-YOURSELF MATTRESS

  • Simply rearrange the foam layers inside your mattress to personalize your comfort and support needs
  • If your comfort or support needs change in the future (due to illness, accident, or personal reasons), you can simply rearrange the foam layers in your mattress, or we can provide you with cost-effective layers to make the mattress feel, just the way you like!
  • Should a layer prematurely wear out, or be ruined by a mishap, it can simply be replaced avoiding the hassle and cost of replacing the entire mattress. Resulting in less waste for our environment and more money in your pocket!

Have any questions? email us for a quick reply

Since there’s no standardized firmness measurement for mattresses, and the definition of firm can vary from person to person, our suggestions above of the firmness and support options should only be used as a guideline.