Hi Skyjumper,
Terms like “comfort layer” and “transition layer” and “support layer” are just terminology to describe the main functions of the different layers in a mattress. The upper part of a mattress (or a sleeping system in the case of a mattress/topper combination) contribute the most to the pressure relieving cradle and are the comfort layers. The deepest layers are primarily to “stop” the heavier parts of the body from sinking down too far and are the support layers. The layers in between them are “transition” layers that help with both of the two main functions of a mattress. There is no clear line of where a “comfort layer” or “support layer” begins or ends and in some cases all of the different vertical “zones” are not actually layers at all but different parts of a layer. There is more about this in post #2 here and in post #4 here.
In most cases it can take many years to understand most of the “theory” behind different designs and layering combinations to the degree that you could use this type of technical information to choose a mattress design and it’s much more effective to limit your “study” to a basic working knowledge of some of the concepts involved and then to use your own personal testing and experience and what your body tells you (in combination with the help and guidance of an experienced retailer or manufacturer) to decide on which type of materials and which mattress has the best combination of layers that works best for you in terms of PPP.
I would avoid trying to “design” your own mattress or “speculate” about which combinations may work best for you until you have more specific reference points based on personal testing and experience that can provide some meaning and context to the more technical information that can easily overwhelm or lead to “paralysis by analysis” and which really isn’t necessary to know or even helpful for most people
Phoenix