Decisions, decisions

[Sweet_Dreams]

@Phoenix

Overall, the two basic functions of a mattress are to support and to provide comfort (you can read more about that here if you like), with alignment being the first priority and then comfort coming second. Usually when people are referencing a “firm” mattress to you, they’re referring to the level of deep support, which you certainly would want to be robust. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that the mattress you choose would have to feel like a board on top. The uppermost layers within a mattress will be the ones that have the greatest impact upon your comfort, and the deeper layers will primarily be concerned with alignment and support.

Having a higher BMI generally requires firmer materials (in the support layers especially), and latex would be a quality material that could provide this level of support. The same overall guidelines apply with higher weights through PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences), along with the use of high quality durable materials (like latex) that will maintain their feel and performance for longer periods of time, are the way to make the best choices. Heavier people in general will need firmer and thicker comfort layers and firmer support layers than those who are lighter, and the four layer system you’re considering would generally a good choice. Post #3 here has more information and suggestions about heavier weights that is worth reading.

I hope that helps, and I’ll look forward to learning about any decisions you make.

Phoenix

Phoenix - The above sections of your reply are extremely helpful in explaining the requirements and benefits regarding firmness, comfort, and support for high BMI individuals like myself. It’s quite commonly recommended that such people require extremely firm mattresses with no consideration given to the comfort layers which address another critical aspect of a mattress’s performance along with the need for sufficient underlying support. You articulated these attributes and the trade-offs between them very well and I thank you for it!