Hi ergopower,
The first place I would start your research is post #1 here (just in case you haven’t read it) which has all the basic information, steps, and guidelines you will need to make the choice that is best for you.
Unfortunately there are too many unknowns and variables for anyone (including me) to make any specific mattress recommendations for someone else out of all the many thousands of different types that are available (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here). Only your own personal testing and/or experience can know with any certainty which material you prefer or which mattress is most suitable for your specific needs and preferences in terms of PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences). Of course no matter what type of mattress or material combinations you prefer … knowing the quality/durability of the materials inside the mattress are an important part of making meaningful comparisons and an informed purchase decision because no matter how comfortable or supportive a mattress may be in a showroom … if a mattress only maintains its comfort or support for a short time then it would have little “value” for you. In effect you can test for comfort and support/alignment but you can’t “feel” the quality of the mattress so for this you need to know the specifics of all the components and materials in the mattress.
In general the most effective approach is to choose the retailers or manufacturers you are dealing with as carefully as you do your mattress so that you are dealing with an “expert” who is knowledgeable, experienced, and transparent about the mattresses they sell and can help you make more informed choices that are the best quality available in your budget.
You have some good options in the San Francisco area that make or sell good quality and value mattresses of every type. The better ones I’m aware of are listed in post #2 here.
Once you’ve done the basic reading (steps 1 and 2) the next step is to start testing different types of mattresses and materials so you are familiar with the differences between them and which combinations you prefer. The read first post also has some guidelines that you can use for testing mattresses to make sure they are suitable for you regardless of which type of mattress you prefer.
If you only spend time testing mattresses at retailers or manufacturers that will disclose the specifics of all the layers in their mattresses and focus on materials instead of brands then you will end up making much better quality and value choices and most importantly will be able to make more meaningful comparisons between them in terms of durability and “value”.
Phoenix