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So I've built myself two mattresses using just a 12cm thick slab of foam. My girlfriend and I both consider my "mattress" to be the most comfortable we've ever slept on, and guests that have tried it found it very comfortable. Initially I planned to add other layers to it, like latex, gel, springs or whatnot, but I really can't find any reason to.

It's a fine temperature in the summer and nicely insulating in the winter, and it was fairly inexpensive too ($140 for two 100x200x12cm slabs of high quality foam.)

Has anyone else tried this simple approach to DIY mattress building? Any thoughts on why (or why not) to just use plain foam?

[edit] The reason why I ask is because maybe there are hidden factors I haven't considered. Maybe there's a risk of back pain, or less deep sleep, or something I haven't considered. Perhaps the most comfortable mattress isn't always the best for you. I figured if there's anywhere I'd find a subject matter expert, it'd be here :)




What kind of foam did you use? Did you have any offgassing issues initially?


I bought two 12x100x200cm pieces of (probably) PU foam from a local hardware store in the Netherlands. Link (Dutch): https://www.hornbach.nl/shop/Schuimmatras-200x100x12-cm/3843...

25kg/m3 density, 4kPa compressive strength, 70 euros per piece.

I didn't notice any smell with any of the foam I bought. The only issue I ran into was one piece of foam not expanding properly - it only expanded to about 8cm thickness, not 12 as advertised.


If it works for you it works for you. Once I'd tested out some of the gel it felt better to me so I went with that.

And of course the other things I mentioned like support and cooling.




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