Hi Rachierad,
The separate topper will “act” a little softer than it would inside the cover because it can act more independently and would be a little “cushier”. Other than that … Ken is very knowledgeable and knows his latex so I will leave your choices to conversations between you since he is the “expert” on his own designs. As you know the quality and value of his mattresses are great.
The closest list to Beaumont, TX is the Houston list in post #2 here. Over the next few days if I have the chance I’ll take a look to see if there is anything closer to Beaumont that may be worth visiting.
Phoenix
ADDED: The better options and possibilities I could see in the Beaumont area and the manufacturers they carry that I would focus on (subject to making sure that they can tell you the specifics of the materials and components in their mattresses) include …
http://www.mattressoverstockusa.com/ Beaumont, Port Arthur, TX. Southerland, Sherwood.
http://homezonefurniture.com/ Beaumont, TX. Restonic
Shop Mattresses | Beaumont, Port Arthur, Texas, Lake Charles, Louisiana | Howell Furniture Beaumont, Nederland, TX. Lake Charles, LA. Restonic
http://www.sweetdreamsusa.net/ Beaumont, Port Arthur, Atascosita, TX. Noah’s
http://belfurniture.com/ Beaumont, TX. Restonic