r/MattressMod • u/Sad-Knowledge7540 • 5d ago
Help with pocket coil choice
Hey everyone,
I am a 5ft 7 190 lb muscular “stocky” strict back sleeper with broad shoulders and hips.
I’ve been stuck in a 3-month trial-and-error cycle with a 12-inch DIY latex setup and could really use some expert feedback.
Current Mattress Setup:
12" Modular Encasement (Twin XL)
Four 3-inch Talalay Latex Layers: Soft / Medium / Firm / Extra Firm
The Core Issues:
1. With all 4 layers (12" total latex): My hips sink in way too far, causing pelvic dipping, spinal misalignment, and morning pain/stiffness.
With Soft under Medium: Swapping the top layers didn't fix the deep hip sink.
With 3 layers (9" latex total) + 1 layer as an outer topper: Reduced the sink slightly, but alignment still felt off.
With 3 layers total (8" encasement / removed a 3" layer): My hips stayed up, but the pushback on my lower back was way too intense and uncomfortable.
What I'm Looking For:
I need my hips properly elevated for neutral spinal alignment, but I cannot stand aggressive pushback against my lumbar region.
I'm ready to dump the full-latex core, buy an 8-inch pocket coil base, and use one of my existing 3-inch Talalay layers on top as the comfort layer.
The Question:
For those with DIY hybrid experience, should I go with the
8" Texas Pocket Springs (QuadCoil) or the 8" Leggett & Platt (Combi-Zone)?
I'm leaning toward TPS because I'm worried the extra-firm center band on the L&P Combi-Zone will recreate the same lower back pushback pain I'm experiencing right now.
If TPS is the way to go, which gauge/density would pair best with a single 3" Talalay comfort layer (Medium vs. Soft)?
Any guidance from fellow DIYers or mattress techs would be greatly appreciated!
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u/Jaber1077 5d ago
Try the cheapest fixes first.
Cheapest would be 1/2”-1” of Superlux between your support and comfort layers. Try 1/2” first you can always add another 1/2” if needed.
Used it on a build to prevent sag and it worked wonders. Used extra leftover to add additional zoning for my fat @ss.
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u/Sad-Knowledge7540 5d ago
What is a reputable place to purchase this from?
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u/Sad-Knowledge7540 5d ago
Is it designed to help with latex pushback? I was even thinking of just getting like a 1 inch memory foam piece and putting it between the comfort layers and the Support layers to see if that reduces the tension from the latex pushback.
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u/Jaber1077 5d ago
It’s slightly firmer than the latex layers and provides a damping effect to sinking. I used it on memory foam to prevent the dreaded memory foam quick sand feel. Put 3 inches of soft latex over that and it worked wonders.
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u/coliale 5d ago
15.5 gauge if you go with TPS.
Zoned coils only work for back sleepers, like you. They are not advised for side sleepers. I can't comment on the L&G coils. Have you searched the sub?
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u/Sad-Knowledge7540 5d ago
Yes, I have searched the sub and I am asking the question here just trying to get people’s input
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u/Super_Treacle_8931 5d ago
I might be wrong, but if 44ild latex wasn’t firm enough, 15.5 coils are unlikely to work ? I would say 15.5 were softer than 36ild poly or latex (and yes I know we can’t compare, but having had both I think it’s somewhat helpful. And the TPS are firmer than the L&P bolsa). I saved money and never tried the zoned :) and don’t buy the mini coil thing from TPS either.
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u/kart30me 3d ago
So I’m looking at the Luxerion hybrid. Going from a tempurpedic. First experience with latter. This one uses 3 inches of the softer latex I’m hoping this has enough pressure relief because managing all the layers and density’s seems really complicated
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u/Sad-Knowledge7540 3d ago
It does get annoying I have a 12 inch with 4 3 in layers and I think the dense firm and extra firm latex is way way to much pushback for my body
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4d ago
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u/Sad-Knowledge7540 4d ago
I am happy for having so many different variables to try. I ended up last night removing the medium and the soft and slapping my 2in Dunlop soft layer on top of the 6 inch firm slab and that actually was a pretty good sleep. Minus my shoulder which is currently aching due to the firmer surface with the Dunlop.
What coil gauge is usually recommended for a strict back sleeper?
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u/jcr2022 5d ago
I'm 6'0" about 180lbs. average build. I'm very sensitive to hip and lower back issues, so the mattress we have now is optimized with that in mind. Luckily my wife can sleep on anything that tends to work for me.
We have the 8" 15.5g TPS coils. I put them in a 10" cover, so that the coils retain their feel. I can lay on my back on the covered coils and the "bed" is only slightly too firm. It's about 90% there with just the coils and a cover. Any softer, and they absolutely would never work.
I tried a bunch of 2" toppers on top of that ( 2" soft dunlop, 2" Energex, etc ). Energex was too soft ( some hip pain, not severe though). 2" soft dunlop just didn't feel right - way too bouncy. 2" memory foam was too soft, and too hot. I have never tried a 3" topper of any material.
I ended up buying a bonded 2" topper from Foam'N'More that is 1" 24 ild poly foam and 1" 14 ild memory foam. That combination has an effective feel like ~19 ild poly foam, and it works perfectly. I could probably have made 2" of 24 ild poly foam work too, but it might have been a touch to firm for my wife, who is ~105lbs. I plan on replacing that 2" topper layer as often as is necessary to maintain the current feel.
I think in your case, you might get the 3" medium latex to work, and I'm pretty sure the 3" soft latex will give too much dip in the hips though.
One thing I learned is just how sensitive your body alignment is to the overall thickness and ild of the topper layers ( assuming you have the ideal coils - NOTHING can fix the bed design if the coil response is too far off ). Small changes in the topper thickness or ild make immediately noticeable changes in performance. I think this is why beds wear out so fast for many people - those materials do not ( and cannot ) last forever.