Hi everready073,
I think the 2.17 lb base foam in the Bamboo Bliss would be a better choice for your higher weight than the mattresses that use the 1.5 lb base foam in terms of durability. I also agree that a second layer of latex would be better yet but of course budget considerations are always an important part of the picture and as you are mentioning this won’t be a long term mattress that needs to last a decade or more. Higher weights generally need both firmer base layers and firmer comfort layers to make sure the mattress keeps you in good alignment in all your sleeping positions so I would make this an important part of your conversation with them (making sure the base layer would be a suitable firmness for your weight).
Some of the other options for a latex hybrid include …
If you are looking in the direction of memory foam then 5 lb and higher would be a good idea with your weight. While it isn’t as durable as latex it is a very durable material and can work well for those who prefer the feel and performance of memory foam. Some of the better online memory foam options I’m aware of are listed in post #12 here and while I haven’t looked specifically to see which carry mattresses in your price range with suitable foam densities there are others that use 5 lb memory foam or gel memory foam in your price range. I would keep in mind as well that as important as the density of the layers is in terms of durability … the suitability of the mattress for your needs and preferences is just as important because thinner layers of memory foam (that would reduce the price) may also be too firm for you and you also need firm support under the memory foam so I would make sure that you have good conversations with each manufacturer you are considering to make sure that they mattress would be a good “match” for your needs and preferences and to make sure that you are comfortable with the options you have if your choice turns out to be less than ideal. No matter what the quality or value of a mattress may be …if it isn’t a good match for your specific needs and preferences then it would have little value to you.
I would be quite cautious with a pocket coil with your weight. Pocket coils and latex can be a great combination but you would need very strong coils and I think that the consensus with most manufacturers I’ve talked with is that pocket coils that would work well for most people may not be the best choice for higher weights. I think that 19 ILD would also be on the soft side. This is certainly a good quality/value choice but I’m not so sure it would be the best choice for you. Once again though they will know more about the specifics of the pocket coils and their gauge and suitability for you. If you did go in this direction I would want to make sure that the pocket coils were very strong (low gauge steel).
There may also be some local options that are worth exploring. Some of the better options around the Pittsburgh area are listed in post #2 here and in the College Park area are listed in post #2 here and between them they probably cover most of the better choices in the Johnstown area. It may also be worth paying a visit to Page Bedding even though I don’t think they make any latex mattresses.
Over the course of the next few days as I have the chance I’ll also take a look to see if there are any others in the immediate Johnstown area that may also be worth considering or including in your testing or research.
Phoenix