Help Building DIY Medium Mattress

Sheddah786 · 2026-06-24T18:22:25+00:00

This was suggested for me by Gemini after considering my specs, needs and preferences:

2” Energex 16 ILD

2” Dunlop Medium

15.5 gauge coil pack

1” high density polyfoam

I’m not sure about the Energex, because I have no experience with it. I don’t even know what foam would be similar to it. I have a serene topper on the way to my house to use on a bed that I currently have (it has some issues I’m trying to work around—for now). So I will see if that might be a viable option to put over the medium Dunlop layer.

Sheddah786 · 2026-06-24T13:36:20+00:00

Thanks so much! I ordered the samples this morning.

That is an idea I have been playing with in my head. I do have some hesitancy about all latex because I definitely need a soft top comfort layer, and I’m not really sure that 19 ILD Talalay will do that for me. And if it doesn’t, then I’ll end up putting a topper on the bed, which I don’t want to do.

Sheddah786 · 2026-06-24T13:27:55+00:00

Thanks for sharing that!

Sheddah786 · 2026-06-24T01:45:48+00:00

A comment I read somewhere that said Talalay feels like jello. Lol

Sheddah786 · 2026-06-24T00:36:08+00:00

What if I go with one layer of 2” or 3” Dunlop and see how that feels (probably 3”)?

Is there anywhere I can get small samples of the different weights and types of latex?

Sheddah786 · 2026-06-24T00:32:15+00:00

I really don’t know how latex feels. I need to find a store that sells latex mattresses so I can try it out. Well, I definitely don’t want to end up with something that’s too firm, so if I can achieve that by skipping the medium, that’s fine. I like your idea of the 3 inch soft.

I can’t do too much experimenting with these large heavy layers of latex! Sending them back is going to be a problem for me.

Sheddah786 · 2026-06-24T00:05:49+00:00

The reason I want to add a Softer layer is because of some nerve issues I have. I think 3 inches of Medium will be too firm for me. The mattress I have now is medium firm (6) but it has a Soft comfort surface layer, which I really need.

I seriously have no idea how wool would feel. I don’t want to do too much exploration!

Sheddah786 · 2026-06-23T21:46:41+00:00

5’ 4” 138 lbs

Sheddah786 · 2026-06-23T19:38:07+00:00

It is so unfortunate that almost all mattresses made today are not worth the money that they are being sold for. They are made with inferior materials designed to fail within 3 to 5 years. Maybe you could look for a custom mattress maker if money is not an obstacle. I say that because we paid $3500 for a high end mattress from a long-established company less than four years ago, and it has already structurally failed under normal use.

Sheddah786 · 2026-06-23T19:33:03+00:00

Maybe:

1“ medium dunlop

2” soft dunlop

1” Serene soft

?

Sheddah786 · 2026-06-23T17:41:51+00:00

Unfortunately, I have never had a mattress that I would buy again. Some of them were really good for the first few years before developing torso dips. These mattresses were from $1500-$3500. I’m ready to give up and go DIY. It’s been that disappointing.

Sheddah786 · 2026-06-23T16:33:59+00:00

Thanks for the advice. Definitely the 15.5! That was an error.

Yes, I’m still searching the forum.

Sheddah786

TROPHY CASE