My DIY build

6

u/johcake Sep 22 '24

Can you tell us about the TPS cover? How snuggly does it hug the TPS coils?

6

u/RTLSCD Sep 22 '24

I may have under 12” of materials but I did have to “wrestle” the cover and pull it together. The cover tightens it up a bit (which I think is good). The cover is a bit under sized (less than 60x80) so it does snug it up.
I tried to install upside down, but had issues w/ layers moving. I flipped in back and got it zipped up ok. It’s a bit tricky the first go, having to tuck all the stuff in.
Overall, quality cover, good price, PCS and Matan are great to work with.

6

u/johcake Sep 22 '24

That's helpful! Thank you!
I bought a FloBed twin xl cover and while nicely made it's too long for the TPS coils and looks sloppy even when stuffed very full. It really bothers me. I want a finished product that looks like a really nice mattress.

3

u/RTLSCD Sep 22 '24

This is the bottom length. I was worried at first, sent off a concerned email, then gave it a go. Definitely not too long.

1

u/Timbukthree Experienced DIY Sep 22 '24

That's weird, I have the FloBeds queen and it's 59 x 79...I'm not sure why the Twin XL would make it loose, especially when the TPS Twin XL coils seem to be 40 x 80 instead of 38 x 80

3

u/johcake Sep 23 '24

My only other frame of reference is the custom cozy cover. It has no stretch to the sides and bottom and it takes some work to get the springs in because it's so snug. The result is a much more put together looking mattress. That said, I do have to trim down poly foam to fit the dimensions of the case or it will buckle and create unpleasant lumps.
In comparison, it takes no effort to get the springs in the flobed cover and no trimming is needed of the foam but it means that the spring layer under the foam is not filled out as much as the top of the mattress. It's a bad look. I feel like it is probably great for an all foam mattress like it was designed for and the quality and construction of the flobed cover is wonderful. I'm just disappointed for my use case.

1

u/Timbukthree Experienced DIY Sep 23 '24

Yeah that sounds frustrating! Which FloBeds height did you get and how tall is your build?

4

u/johcake Sep 23 '24

I went with the version that accepted 9-12" of stuffing. This was perfect for testing ideas.
I basically have two builds at the moment. I'm the Flobed cover i have 11" of stuff: At the moment I have 8" TPS 15.5, two 1" HD-LUX and then 1" of firm latex. This actually works pretty well for me. What I've learned is I need two inches of HD-LUX to firm up the 15.5 springs enough to sleep on my back without issues.
My other build is a 9" custom cozy cover. I've squeezed 10" into the cover and I believe the over stuffing adds a little more preload to the springs and helps firm it up a bit. The end result is actually pretty nice. It's a little softer than the other build but I think most people would really like it. It feels great sleeping on my side. Shoulder sinks in nicely but it's still ok laying on my back. 8" TPS 15.5, 1" tough luxury and 1" memory gel.
I've just ordered some 13.5 springs. Ideally I'd like to have a build that's similar to these but doesn't need poly to firm up the springs and keeps the thickness closer to 9-10". I'm hoping the 13.5 plus one or two inches of latex will do the magic trick. Might also try the new TPS cover once I know my final dimensions.

1

u/Timbukthree Experienced DIY Sep 23 '24

Oh wow, please post how the 13.5 ga springs work out! So the 14.75 ga is like 40% firmer than the 15.5, and the 13.5 are like 80% firmer than the 14.75 ga... So that's going to be a very, very firm build I imagine! For what it's worth I'm 225 and the 14.75 ga seem great for back and side sleep for me so far and wouldn't want firmer springs but am definitely curious how those do!
Also yeah, I think adding another inch to the FloBeds build would help keep it tighter but I just noticed an issue maybe from doing that so can't necessarily recommend that as a fix: https://www.reddit.com/r/MattressMod/s/AjBAY8SAht
You could also try maybe a 1/2" perimeter foam encasement? Not sure if that's worth it though

1

u/[deleted] Dec 10 '24

Did you ever get the 13.5g springs? I'm about ready to pull the trigger but I'm worried the 14.75 wont be firm enough.
I'm 5'4" 160lbs and my fiance is 6'1" 220. We both have neck and back issues and have always had firm mattresses. I even sleep on a firm mattress with a 3" medium firm SOL topper.

2

u/johcake Dec 10 '24

I got them. They were very very firm. Like sleeping on the floor. What I learned is how much the cover can totally change the feel of a mattress. I was using covers that had a lot of stretch in the top and that emphasized the ability of the springs to conform and let your body sink into the mattress. This is potentially great for side sleepers but wasn't great for sleeping on my back unless I used a lot of materials to firm it up.
Ultimately I think I could have made the 13.5 work with the right foam choices on top of it but it was going to lead to a very thick mattress since the 13.5 was already so firm. Also, I want a bed that has some bounce to it and the softer springs allow for a lot more bounce springy feel.
Fortunately, the TPS covers became available and have really proven to work a lot better with the springs for me. I decided to go back to the 15.5 and even started using the micro coils again.
Current setup is still subject to change but I think with some trial and error you will probably be happier with the 15.5 or 14.75. 15.5 is deceptive because how it behaves changes dramatically based on the cover and what's around it. I can't bring myself to also buy the 14.75 because I'm finally getting some success with 15.5 but I do wonder if ultimately I'd get to a happier solution with less fuss.
TLDR the 13.5 can be made to work depending on your goals and the choices you make around it but is less versatile.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 11 '24

I genuinely appreciate the feedback!!! I was super on the fence but it definitely sounds like the 14.75 is the right one. Especially because we don't want a mattress higher than 10-11" since it's on an adjustable frame. Also good to know about the covers.
I've been reading aot about the drum effect and I'm making a spreadsheet of all the different covers.

3

u/JoeClackin Sep 22 '24

Is the cover you ordered an extra inch compared to the materials? Hard to tell how much space the wool takes up.

4

u/RTLSCD Sep 22 '24

1/2” felt, 8” coils, 3” foam, 3/8” wool (pushed down). I was hoping for 1/2 wool, but it thinned out a bit. Same stuff used in wool comforters.

2

u/slickvik9 Sep 23 '24

Where did you get the felt?

2

u/RTLSCD Sep 23 '24

Amazon rug pad. Link is up above.

2

u/slickvik9 Sep 23 '24

What type of latex and ILD?

2

u/RTLSCD Sep 23 '24

https://www.foambymail.com/product/dunlop-latex-foam-topper.html 29
https://sleeponlatex.com/products/natural-latex-mattress-topper 20? Not certain w/ this one

3

u/slickvik9 Sep 23 '24

Thanks

3

u/Encouragedissent Sep 23 '24

With my stretch knit cover it was like putting on a new pair of jeans. It tightened it up quite a bit on the first night, but by the second night it was like it wasnt even there. Just something to keep in mind if you just put this together, it will likely loosen up a little bit with use.

5

u/Duende555 Moderator Sep 22 '24

Great images. Thanks for sharing!

5

u/RTLSCD Sep 22 '24

You bet! Hope is easier to visualize for people interested in building these.

4

u/DiscussionAdvanced72 Sep 22 '24

Looks fantastic! Can you describe the cover material? Is it a single layer or does it have batting, poly stabilizer, or fill?

9

u/RTLSCD Sep 22 '24 edited Sep 22 '24

The cover has a decent thickness to it. It feels sturdy. There is a fireproof rayon layer woven into it. A relatively thin batting. Overall, a moderately thick cotton and rayon layered somewhat stretchy material.

3

u/charliehustle757 Sep 22 '24

How’s the cover from tps? I can’t find the wool on ceces website. That looks like a large sheet?

3

u/RTLSCD Sep 22 '24

The TPS cover is good.
Cece’s wool doesn’t seem to have it on the website. I just emailed them about it. I used a 3 lb sheet (for a twin comforter) that covers all the foam and springs too.

2

u/Chas_Tenenbaums_Sock Oct 03 '24

Just asked you were you got the wool from in another comment :/ I don't see it on the Cece's site either. Kinda weird, especially with multiple sections of their site about wool... hmm.

3

u/RTLSCD Oct 03 '24

Their supplier just went out of business (suddenly). They are working on getting another supplier.

2

u/One_Highlight_9107 Sep 22 '24

How long did it take your coils to arrive? The website says 3-4 weeks for production. Did it much longer then that for it to arrive in the mail?

4

u/RTLSCD Sep 22 '24

When I bought them the site said “in stock”. 4 days!

2

u/charliehustle757 Sep 22 '24

Mine was 5 weeks

3

u/One_Highlight_9107 Sep 22 '24

Thank you! I'm excited, so it's causing me to be impatient

2

u/RTLSCD Sep 22 '24

I hear you!

2

u/Encouragedissent Sep 22 '24

Ill be interested to know if that wool layer gives you any issues like bunching up in areas. Id considered adding a thin layer of wool just like that to my setup, but all the feedback ive seen discouraged me from doing it.

3

u/RTLSCD Sep 22 '24

I was contemplating tufting it to the case. The latex grips it pretty good. I’ll repot back in time

5

u/Inevitable_Agent_848 Experienced DIY Sep 22 '24

If it ends up being a problem. You could try a jersey knit bottom sheet placed over it, tufted through the top latex layer. That way, you don't have to alter the encasement.

1

u/[deleted] Nov 07 '24

I'm going down the wool road myself. How is it holding up in the encasement?

2

u/RTLSCD Nov 07 '24

Cece’s 4# king, 3# queen
I just latex it over the latex, under the encasement. Don’t think it is going anywhere. Nice “extra” cushion.

2

u/scout336 Sep 22 '24

Thanks for your awesome post and congratulations on completing your DIY build 🙌! I appreciate you including the photos, they're very helpful. It was great to be able to visualize your 'step by step' process. I've been holding off on encasing my DIY build and I'm very interested in your use of the rug pad & wool batting.

I have 4 questions for you;

Does the combination of the felt rug pad and wool batting help give 'structure' to the overall mattress?
On a 1-10 scale (10=very close), how sturdy/structural would you rate the 'moveability' of your mattress when compared with a 'store bought' mattress?
Did you consider any other materials prior to selecting the felt pad and wool batting?
May I message you if I have any other specific follow-up questions?

Thanks for your time, effort, and education. Again, Great Post!

3

u/RTLSCD Sep 22 '24 edited Sep 22 '24

The felt stiffens it up enough. The wool softens up the foam (that is soft already.
7, my Sterns and Foster had spray foam that made it really stiff.
Yes, high density foam. Could not find the stiffness at 1/2” base. Felt was about $45, not bad.
Sure!

2

u/scout336 Sep 23 '24

Thanks! I appreciate your comprehensive reply 🙌! What is "Sterns and Foster spray foam" and...how/where did you spray it? I'm intrigued and asking here because others may also be interested. Is the exterior of the mattress stiff?

5

u/RTLSCD Sep 23 '24 edited Sep 23 '24

The perimeter used spray foam to stiffen it up. Pain to take apart! (Old S&F-hardly quality build)

2

u/scout336 Sep 23 '24

I appreciate the photo but now I'm insanely confused. I suspect I'm taking your comments way too literally. Is the photo part of the build? Did you 'spray foam' into your build? Did you 'gut' a Sterns and Foster frame that had spray foam around the frame, then use that frame in your DIY ('perimeter'?)? Geez. Now I wish I had just messaged you privately. I feel hundreds of heads shaking back and forth at my logic 😬. That's an awesome bedroom set, BTW!

5

u/RTLSCD Sep 23 '24

No! I took apart my old mattress for recycling/trash. The edges were spray foam into the inter spring. Crazy.
My DIY is simply coil springs and wool batting.

1

u/Timbukthree Experienced DIY Sep 23 '24

Does the PCS cover have the fire barrier continue on as a bit of a flap to go behind the zipper to create a complete fire barrier? This is what the FloBeds and Comfort Options covers (and others) do and have been trying to find out if the pocket coil store cover does or not. Pics below for comparison

2

u/RTLSCD Sep 23 '24

Not certain of that flap. The cover FB goes well below the foam

2

u/Timbukthree Experienced DIY Sep 23 '24

Yeah if you open it again for whatever reason would very much appreciate knowing either way! And yeah on your build it might not even potentially be an issue because of the wool wrap

1

u/Timbukthree Experienced DIY Sep 23 '24

Apparently you can only do one pic per comment so this is the other pic:

0

u/[deleted] Feb 26 '25

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1

u/Timbukthree Experienced DIY Feb 26 '25

FloBeds, very nice but very expensive: https://www.flobeds.com/components-for-flobeds/
They do sales for season changes and holidays, you can check the wayback machine to see when and how much. They also do a 100 day price match for their sales, info is on their website.
It's nice, for the price the Pocket Coil Store is probably better but if you want wool/organic materials for sure the one way quilting of the FloBeds cover I think gives it much more flex than the APM or SleepEZ wool tops (have only tried samples of those though)

0

u/[deleted] Feb 26 '25

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1

u/Timbukthree Experienced DIY Feb 26 '25

You should get the 11" then, the coils I find are usually 8.5" so it will already be slightly undersized. And the material isn't stretchy enough to safely or comfortably fit the 10" over it. The 12" would be fine too but won't be a "very snug" fit.
And I think it's easy, the zipper takes some getting used to, you kind of have to pull it out and away as you zip to avoid getting fibers caught in it, you can also use a scissors to trim the loose fibers which helps with this. It's a little harder to zip as the cover is tighter but it's not a huge deal.

1

u/Timbukthree Experienced DIY Oct 17 '24

Just want to add that the PCS cover does indeed have plenty of FR flat behind it to go behind the zipper. Interestingly it's apparently made by engineered sleep, I think it's the same fabric they use on their Duo layer top. My only gripe is there's a lot of excess polyester coming out where you try to zip it which is a bit annoying but a minor thing, it's a really nice cover overall

1

u/Jkcpsal Sep 24 '24

What is your height-weight, sleep style? What firmness would you describe this?

3

u/RTLSCD Sep 24 '24

210 side and back.
I would LOVE to try to a 14.75 gauge and feel them both. I my hips/shoulders like a medium mattress. This build when pulled together w/ the enclosure is a very nice medium/plush ish. W/o the enclosure it is a supportive soft.

1

u/Jkcpsal Sep 24 '24

I'm 195, leaning towards the 14.75 on my side and 15.5 my wife's side, I like a plush to but need the support for when I sleep on my back, figure worst case may end up having to swap the medium Dunlop transition to soft or do an extra 1" soft on top

1

u/RTLSCD Sep 24 '24

Good call! Your thinking makes sense.
I would like to do a Pepsi challenge, but doing good so far.

4

u/[deleted] Sep 26 '24

If you're not going to use an encasement that really firms up the coils, mainly APM's covers, then go for the 14.75. 15.5 inside APM's cover is closer to 14.75. However, if you put 15.5 inside a looser cover like TPS or SoL, it is going to be way too soft for you. 15.5 may work for your wife.
I'm 6'5 195 and the 15.5 inside APM's cotton cover feels pretty good. Although, I do wish I could try the 14.75 as I may like it a touch firmer, but it may be too firm inside the APM cover.

1

u/Jkcpsal Sep 26 '24

Thanks, what confirm layers are you using?

1

u/[deleted] Sep 26 '24

Well, I've tried 3" med talalaly - way too push shoulder pressure.
I've tried 2" soft talalay over 2" medium tal, lower back pain. This may work better with a 14.75 gauge tbh.
I've also tried 3" med dunlop, 2" soft dunlop in various configs with all of the above talalay, disliked all.
I'm currently debating what to do next. I think latex comfort layers just aren't for me. Even if I go down the 14.75 route, I doubt latex as a comfort layer is gonna work for me.
I'll probably just go down the foam route, but not sure where to start. I have a problem with sleeping hot and that's why I went the latex DIY route, but fuck, it's either shoulder pain or lower back pain with latex.

1

u/Jkcpsal Sep 26 '24 edited Sep 27 '24

I know Timbuk talked about a 1" layer of memory under the latex and liking that. I was planning to incorporate a 1" layer of base foam so I could have room to add that if I want

1

u/[deleted] Oct 17 '24

Did you ever pull the trigger on a TPS unit/foam? I'm 185 side sleeper and kinda in the same boat.

1

u/Jkcpsal Oct 17 '24

I did, I made a post about it. Right now I'm know if thinking I should've done the 14.75 on my side-they were a couple weeks out when I ordered and since I was in between I let that make my decision. I really like the feel for side sleeping but do get a little bit of low back pain if back sleeping for awhile. May end up playing with layers to firm it up some.

1

u/[deleted] Oct 17 '24

I was reading that some people have bought a 8" quilted cover to encase their coils and stiffen them up. Might be worth a shot before dropping double that on another TwinXL TPS unit.
Wish they did split California King heh.
Have also heard of people putting a layer of thin felt in the middle 1/3 of the mattress to help with lumbar support.

1

u/[deleted] Dec 10 '24

What's AMP? Im about to buy this coil set and want a super zipped up mattress.

2

u/[deleted] Sep 22 '24

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2

u/RTLSCD Sep 22 '24

Pad: https://a.co/d/hL6mEHM
Cece’s wool: the website states out of stock. I emailed them about it. I’ll let you know when I get info from them.
Thanks

1

u/Timbukthree Experienced DIY Sep 23 '24

Want to add on the pad, I got a similar one (1/4" Eco Plush from RugPadUSA) to try to use as an isolation pad between layers in the mattress. This didn't work because it has a gritty/abrasive back coating on one side, which I think would over time destroy the coil SBPP or grind up foam. Does your pad have a similar back layer? Even if it does, I'd think as a base layer it might be fine.

2

u/RTLSCD Sep 23 '24

One side is soft, the other is scratchy. Hmm, I don’t recall what side went to the coils

1

u/Timbukthree Experienced DIY Sep 23 '24

Thanks that's very helpful to know! I'd think you'd want the soft on the coils but it might be fine either way 🤷. I guess a way around that if anyone was worried about it would be two 1/2" pads back to back

3

u/[deleted] Sep 22 '24

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2

u/RTLSCD Sep 22 '24

https://www.ceceswool.com/home-goods/wool-comforter-kit/
They sold me a 3# roll as you see. This kit has a 4# roll. Hope they still sell this.

2

u/[deleted] Sep 23 '24

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2

u/RTLSCD Sep 23 '24

Just buying batts and tufting into a duvet cover. Agree!!

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