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[phoenix]

Hi Cruising44,

I’ve tested ~30 different beds and tried multiple combinations of firmness layers and couldn’t clearly discern what combination was most comfortable/supportive for my needs. I’m a side sleeper and prefer sleeping on my right shoulder even though it has been separated a couple of times.

When you are uncertain about the combination of layers that would be best or you then I would make your initial choice of layers based on a more detailed conversation with each manufacturer/retailer you are considering purchasing from (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here). They will have more knowledge and experience about their mattresses and the options they have available than anyone else and will be your most reliable source of guidance. The more information you can provide them about your local testing, your body type, your sleeping positions, and your preferences, the more you will help them to help you make the initial choice of layering that has the highest chance of success. In the majority of cases their customers will end up choosing the most suitable combination the first time but rearranging or exchanging layers is always an option so if your initial choices turns out to be less suitable than you hoped for you still have good options available.

I will be buying a king bed and foundation. Sleep EZ has an option to have 3 different firmness layers on each side of the mattress. This would give my trmendous flexibility long term to change/shift the layers to achieve optimal comfort and support. I am a little concerned about having the seam between the two sides of the mattress and possible shifting or movement of the layers laterally. Is this a valid concern or not?

There is more about split layers in post #2 here but the short answer is that with a mattress with a suitable tight fitting quilted cover you won’t feel the split itself and the layers won’t shift in normal use. Even if they do shift with “abnormal” use (such as transporting the mattress or over longer periods of time) it’s an easy matter to zip open the cover and “wave” them back into position again.

You are certainly looking at some great quality/value choices and I think highly of both of them. Neither one has any weak links in their design or materials in terms of quality or durability so you would be choosing between “good and good” which is the ideal position to be in when you are making final choices (see post #2 here).

Phoenix