Hi Bear,
I have purchased the DLX Premier Hybrid for my MiLaw, and the Plank Firm Luxe for myself, 3 years and running. I am 6’ 220 (was 250+ when I bought the PFL) wife is 5’4 135. MiL is 5’3 170 at the time.
There is no question that the PFL is firmer than the DLX Premier, but in some ways the DLX is more comfortable for those who like a bit more cushion to rest their body on. Although my wife and I are side sleepers, I call us against the rule, sleepers. Everything they say we should like, never pans out. We like firm and there does not have to be a lot of cushion for our side sleeping. I like to say the PLF is firm, flat, but not hard.
The DLX PHFirm on the other hand is supportive, comfortable and you dont really feel like you are sinking into the mattress. I often like to compare it to the S&F Luxe Estate Firm Feel, but with better quality components, more durable mattress, and a zippered comfort layer that allows you to forever modify the mattress should your preferences change, or you simply by some stretch wear the comfort layer out.
I will tell you that my MiL wore out an over 2k BeautyRest mattress out in less than 14 months, due to a sink hole where her artificial hip hit the mattress with her side sleeping. This prompted me to buy her the DLX. I had them split the comfort layer firm/med, and they delivered it in less than a week at my begging. I needed to get rid of the BR, and I did not bother to invoke the warranty due to the labor intensive effort that emails, pictures and phone calls would have endured.
The DLX for her was amazing, her pain just went away within days. She had other health issues, but the hip pain, disappeared.
You are correct regarding the cover/panel of the DLX, it does offer a nice landing for folks who like a supportive mattress with a slight amount of on the mattress surface contouring.
As to the PLF being lower quality, perhaps, maybe, arguably, since the DLX uses 2.4lb foam and the Plank Luxe uses 1.8lb foam, denser foams are said to be more durable, so perhaps. Lets just say each has their own benefits for those folks who need to take advantage of them.
And wow, DLX had a damaged spring? That is actually the first time I have heard that. I guess it can happen to anyone.
You are looking at two very good mattresses in their genre. The DLX is a bit more versatile in that, you have 7 options for comfort. They even offer extrafirm latex, firm latex, medium and soft, along with the soft, medium and Firm HD polyfoam.
When I bought my PLF from @yawnder, long before they became a trusted member, it was sight unseen. I live in NJ they are in San Diego and it was coincidence I found them. I was looking at a firm Shifman at the time, and decided to give the PLF a blind try.
If you are unsure of which way to go, the more logical choice is the DLX PH. There are just too many options to make it right, whereas the PLF only has two, the very firm side and the firm side.
At 6’4 210 support is going to be a key factor, along with a proper foundation. 3z recommends up to a 4" spaced slat spacing, but I am suggesting you make certain to stay under 3", with slats that are rigid and do not flex, something in the 3/4 thick range and 2-3" wide slats. Or if you are using an adjustable base like my MiL, her yawnder4 adjustable uses solid wood decking to support the mattress.
As a side sleeper, you will likely enjoy the cover/panel of the DLX right from the start. If you are a solo sleeper and are unsure, and looking to get a queen or a king, you can opt for the split comfort to start, this way you can either switch sides on the mattress for testing, or if you have a preferred side, you can move the split layer to your preferred side when you determine which you like best. You will be hard pressed to recognize that split comfort middle with the construction of this mattress, so no worries there.
Hopefully, this gives you a personalized read of both mattresses.
If you have any questions, always here to help.
Maverick