Warning: Long post/Tough mattress fit.
Here’s the scoop: A couple of months ago after Research Round #1, I purchased a Nolah Evolution 15 Plush. (Per Sleep Foundation, it is a pillowtop with a firmness of 5., soft, best for side sleepers.) Should have been perfect. OMG, for me it feels like granite. I have tried to love it, but at 2.5 months in, it still feels like granite.) So … Research Round #2. At this point, reasonably educated re: options (i.e., covers, comfort layers, support layers, transition layers), so don’t need an intro, but having some trouble with website firmness/support definitions. I’ve gotten great input from one mattress guru, but I’d love some additional opinions since I’d like to avoid another fail.
Me:
Petite (5’4", 116 lbs) solo sleeper
Healthy, but getting older (68)
Fairly chronic low-back pain (back surgery for ruptured disk 20+ years ago)
Intermittent – but not rare – sore shoulders (not arthritis)
Active (lots of long hikes and house projects, enough weight lifting to keep me healthy)
Side sleeper
What’s Important (Brace yourself; it’s a long list):
Softer than Nolah … or put another way, soft enough that a 116 lb. side sleeper can “dent” the surface
Support for aching back? Pressure relief for aching shoulders?
Would like not to broil
Don’t need organic, but would like to avoid anything really toxic
Don’t love the deep sink of memory foam, but concerned that Talalay latex or the new generation of dynamic/responsive foams will be too firm.
Ideal height of 13.5", but I can do 12-14"
Works with adjustable foundation
Decent trial period and terms
Decent durability/warranty
Would like to stay under $2000, but can creep over if absolutely necessary
Nice to have, but may need to sacrifice:
Manageable weight (at 116 lbs, an all latex bed would outweigh me by 50 (?) lbs! How would I tuck contour sheets or rotate?)
Need some magic here. Thanks in advance.
Amy