Hi NightOwl,
All of the mattresses at Lake Mattress use good quality materials and have good value. In terms of PPP though (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences) there are too many variables and unknowns to use a formula based on theory or specs to choose a mattress. There are some links to some generic guidelines in mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here but these are only generic and meant to give you some insights into what to look for and your own careful and objective testing and experience using the testing guidelines is the only way to know which mattress is most suitable for your specific needs and preferences. Each person can be unique in terms of their body shape, weight distribution, and all the positions they sleep in.
All of this is common for all people (firmer even support, pressure relieving comfort layers, and durable materials) but of course each person has their own variation of firmer/softer/durable. The goal is to make sure your spine and joints are in good alignment in all your sleeping positions (support), to make sure that your body weight is spread out over the surface of the mattress and not just on your pressure points (pressure relief) and of course that the quality of the materials is good so that the mattress doesn’t soften and break down prematurely (this can’t be felt in a showroom which is why it’s so important to know the details of all the layers in your mattress … especially in the upper layers which are the most likely to break down the fastest). There are also other things that can be important preferences as well such as the ease of movement on the mattress, motion isolation, temperature regulation, and the overall subjective “feel” of the mattress.
Primary support that “stops” the pelvis from sinking down too far and tilting the pelvis (which is the main thing that controls the natural curve of the lumbar spine) is the role of the deeper layers which need to be firmer. These are usually called the support layers. The upper layers provide secondary support and pressure relief and need to be soft enough to allow you to sink in and “cradle” your body to fill in and provide lighter support under the gaps in your sleeping profile (such as the inward lumbar curve or waist) and to redistribute pressure away from the pressure points or “bony prominences” (hips, shoulders, etc). The key for all people is firm enough in the support layers, soft and thick enough in the comfort layers, and durable enough depending on body weight and budget (see post #4 here about all the factors that can affect the durability of a mattress). Too firm or too soft can both have a negative effect on pressure relief and alignment.
[quote]Here’s the specs given to me at store (they are not on website):
4 inches high density memory foam composed of:
1.5 inches 8 lb 10ILD
2.5 inches 5 lb. 10 ILD
Air flow foam layer to reduce heat/ increase response time (this was almost see through, 1/4 to 1/2 inch)
6 inches 2.2 lb. density 30 ILD high density foam core
What do you think of this one?[/quote]
Unfortunately they no longer make these (due to a patent infringement claim by Tempurpedic apparently) and are only selling their remaining stock. That’'s unfortunate because they use good quality high density memory foam similar to the Tempurpedic HD line such as the Rhapsody and have good value. Again though only your own testing can determine it’s suitability for your body type and sleeping style. It would be much firmer than a mattress with thicker layers of lower density memory foam and for some people it may feel too firm. The airflow layer is called reticulated foam of fast dri foam which highly breathable and is the type of foam that will allow water and air to go right through it.
thetradeoff between higher and lower density memory foams is that higher density memory foams are more durable (up toabout 6 lbs or so where the durability benefits start to level off) but are usually slower to respond to heat and pressure (have more of a "sleeping in sand feeling) and can feel firmer which is why lower density 4 lb memory foams are often used for people who like a softer feel.
A forum search on Colton (you can just click this) will bring up more information and feedback about them that you can scan.
Phoenix