Hey there bprichard,
Welcome to the Mattrress UnderGround commumity.
Whenever choosing a mattress it would be helpful to visit some of our educational tools to understand how a mattress is constructed, what to look for as a larger person, and to understand the materials inside the mattress as you will likely place more wear and tear on a mattress at your size than someone 130lbs.
Additionally your can not underestimate the importance of your foundation. You can purchase the most comfortable mattress you body has every lied on, and ruin it in less than a years time on the wrong foundation. I have written a bit about foundations here, this was not a brand driven post, but more of a difference in construction and quality driven comparisons.
Furthermore, you have sleep apnea, you would likely benefit from a foundation like an adjustable or even better one that inclines the entire mattress. Something like this one from @MattressFoundations. Inclined foundations can provide a multiple of health benefits, particularly for those folks with sleep apnea. There are some fully adjustable bedframes, one that comes to mind is this one.
Bear is a company that provides the densities of its mattress foams and the gauges of its springs. This information can offer insight into the expected durability and longevity of the mattress, based on its specifications.
While it’s helpful to know the composition of each layer, as you’ve noted with the PlushBeds mattress, some details are more meaningful than others. For example, a 1" layer of convoluted foam may raise concerns. Convoluted foam is typically made by taking a thicker slab of foam, such as 2", and cutting it into a wave-like pattern, effectively creating two thinner pieces. Manufacturers may still refer to it as a 2" layer, even though only about half the original foam remains in terms of support material. While some companies promote this design as improving airflow, it can also be a cost-saving measure that reduces durability and support. The actual impact depends on how the mattress is constructed, where the convoluted foam is placed, and the density of the foam itself.
Quite frankly, with the current discounts available, you could purchase a Queen Bear Natural mattress, with a full warranty and sleep trial, for about $400 more. So, it’s important to weigh your options carefully.
Your mattress decision should go beyond a quick trial in a showroom. Spending 20 to 30 minutes lying on a mattress will not reliably indicate long-term comfort, especially for someone of your body type.
Unless you’re working with specialists like @Sleep_EZ or @Arizona_Premium to design a latex mattress tailored to your specific needs, including body profile, durability requirements, and comfort preferences, it is difficult to get a precise match. These companies have over a 90 percent success rate in fitting individuals and couples with the right mattress. While in-store testing is a good starting point, it is mainly useful for identifying what feels too soft, and for comparing how different materials, like latex, polyfoam, or natural fibers, feel when you lie on them.
Hopefully this helps you understand your choice options and approach to your purchase. Please feel free to ask any additional questions as they present themself to you.
All the best,
Maverick