Hi lamont,
While I know you like a firmer mattress, how do you know that the specifications listed are “too soft”? Have you tried the same or similar configurations in person to arrive at that conclusion? I would tend to place quite a bit of confidence in configurations offered by those with extended experience with such componentry in the industry, but if you do have a concern that what they would suggest would still be too soft for your preference (and through actual testing you’ll be able to determine that), you may wish to lean toward a configurable system that you can “tweak” over time.
While I can’t pick out a mattress for you or predict which one you may like the best, I’ll try to offer some general comments on the items you’ve presented here, and hopefully that will be helpful to you.
[quote]COMPANY #1 (FOAM SWEET FOAM)
They are suggesting the 16" which I think is too thick and heavy for my adjustable bed. Yhey all so have a 13" and 10".
13" $2,499.00
Firm Talalay 32 ILD
XFirm Dunlop 38 ILD
XXFirm Dunlop 46 ILD
XXFirm Dunlop 46 ILD[/quote]
If you think that 16" is too thick for your power foundation, then I would lean toward the 13" version. This configuration would certainly offer deep down firm support. The Talalay on top would offer a bit more surface comfort plushness than a Dunlop of a similar ILD range.
[quote]COMPANY #2 (LUMA SLEEP)
The President of the company called me then called Talalay Global to decide on the ILD layers.
I’m not an expert, but I think the top and maybe the middle layer is not high enough for my 450 lb. weight. I questioned that and that is when he contacted Talalay Global. He use to run that company, seems to be a good guy and said it’s only 1" so not to cause any nerve pinching, etc. I like a firm mattress but maybe what I been sleeping on is wrong?[/quote]
Steve Russo used to be the President and CEO of Latex International (now Talalay Global), so he is quite knowledgeable about latex, and of course still is very “plugged in” with Talalay Global, hence the recommendations they offered. Like all of the companies listed here, they are offering up what they think will provide you the best chance at success with their product line, but of course there is no guarantee and only your personal testing will determine if you like the product or not. The 36 ILD Talalay in the middle layer is the same Talalay the Pure Talalay Bliss uses for the support core on most of their line, so that is a pretty firm material, but of course not “extra firm”. The Dunlop core would be quite firm. All of Steve’s comments explaining the reasoning for his advice are quite accurate. This product would be laminated and a special order, so it wouldn’t be a configurable system (only with toppers to make the bed softer) and you’d want to check if there would be any exchange/return option, as special orders commonly can not be returned.
[quote]COMPANY #3 (SLEEP EZ)
We do have a 13" and a 10" mattress. To be honest the 13" would offer proper support for you at your weight range. The 10" would work better with the adjustable base. We do have customers that go with the 13" mattress with their adjustable base. You can always upsize or downsize if need be.
13" $2,499.00
Firm Talalay 40 ILD Blended Talalay or 100% Natural
XFirm Dunlop 44 ILD
XFirm Dunlop 44 ILD
XFirm Dunlop 44 ILD[/quote]
I’d agree with their 13" recommendation. This would be the firmest recommendation you received, but again can be configured with layer exchanges if you find that you need to go a little softer with the upper one or two layers.
[quote]COMPANY #4 (MY GREEN MATTRESS)
I don’t think that this is a firm mattress for my weight. Am I mistaken that these densities are wrong in their descriptions?
Is this correct for ARPICO…I couldn’t even find what the 65 density translate to.
D65 - top layer
D75 / 24-28 ILD, soft
D95 / 36-38 ILD, firm[/quote]
Dunlop is more accurately rated by density and “word ratings” for the ILD ranges, but a D65 would probably be in the low 20s for ILD. This would be the “softest” configuration you’ve listed, and also would be a non-configurable system. They did list that they offer an exchange/return option.
Overall, all of the items you listed use very good quality and durable materials, and as you’re aware all of the manufacturers are members here of the site, which means that I do think highly of them and the advice they provide.
You’ll have to sit down and list the pros and cons of each offering and see which manufacturers offers more of what you’re looking to achieve (part of your personal value equation). With your uncertainty of surface plushness and your thought that you do tend to prefer something on the firmer end of the spectrum, you may wish to investigate something that is configurable where you can manipulate the comfort layers. Aside from that, those are the best I can offer for general comments about what you’ve presented.
Phoenix