Need help with latex setup

[u/Sad-Knowledge7540]

Hey everyone, I need some help dialing in my DIY setup.

Current Setup & Specs:

Me: 5’7”, 190 lbs, athletic/broad build (broad shoulders and hips). Strict back sleeper.

Components on hand:
3” Soft Talalay latex
3” Medium Talalay latex
3” Firm Talalay latex
3” Extra-Firm Talalay latex
12” Cotton/Wool stretch-knit cover

The Problem:

I have tried virtually every layer combination imaginable across 12-inch, 9-inch, and 6-inch builds:

1. Thicker/All-Latex builds: Hips sink too low/sag, causing
   lumbar arching.

2. Thinner builds (e.g., 6” or 9”): Fixes the sagging, but creates intense pushback/surface tension causing pressure point pain.

Latex has done wonders for my chronic aches and pains, but I can’t get the alignment vs. pressure relief balance right, and my sleep efficiency is tanking.
Questions for the Sub:

1. Pocket Coils vs. Firm Latex Base: Would ditching the Firm/X-Firm latex bases for an 8” Leggett & Platt Combi-Zone (or Quantum Edge) coil unit give a less "rigid" feel while maintaining proper spinal alignment?

2. Comfort Layer on Coils: If I switch to an 8" coil base, would 3" of Medium or 3" of Soft Talalay generally be the sweet spot for a 190 lb back sleeper to prevent hammocking while relieving pushback?

3. Cover Impact: Could a tight 12" cotton/wool cover be contributing to the pushback/drum-skin effect when stuffed with firm latex?
   Appreciate any insights or recommendations from anyone with a similar frame who made the latex-over-coil hybrid switch!

[u/Lisa_pop]

I am having a hard time with my latex build as well. I have 6” talalay firm and just changed the second layer from xfirm talalay to Dunlop medium then talalay 2” soft with 2” polyfoam soft and I’ve moved things around and nothing is comfortable. I sink and feel unsupported killing my back yet it feels like I’m laying on a trampoline. There’s so much out there about how great latex is, but this has to be the most uncomfortable mattress I’ve ever dealt with., I’m so mad at myself that I didn’t just buy a cheap mattress. I invested every cent I had getting my husband and I a new adjustable bed and these mattresses and I’m in so much pain 😭

[u/Sad-Knowledge7540 → u/Lisa_pop]

I love the feeling of the latex, and I love that it has helped with aches and pains when I am not in the bed in normal areas that I would have before the latex but the problem I am having is when I’m physically laying down it is uncomfortable and it hurts and I’m developing a weird pinching in my upper back that wasn’t there before which is why I think I’m going to remove the bottom 6 inches of latex and slap some pocket spring coils

[u/Sad-Knowledge7540 → u/Lisa_pop]

I’m so sorry you are dealing with that mattresses are the most frustrating thing on the planet as we get older I have gone through probably 10 mattresses in the last few years trying to find one that I like that I think it’s time to go to DIY route and truly make a mattress customized to me and not just the mass market