Hi Harriett,
[quote]And here’s the QUESTION:
I really like a semi-Cush feel. A little ‘give’ in the top layer. What would best achieve that? I’m thing choices then are:
2" latex topper
1-2" of foam - but I don’t know what kind to get or density
Wool topper[/quote]
Unfortunately … firmness/softness is subjective and relative to the perceptions of different people and a mattress that feels soft for one person can feel firm to someone else so the only way to know what feels soft or firm (or “semi-cush”) to you will be based on your own testing or personal experience (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here).
Post #2 here has more about the different ways to choose a mattress and how to minimize the risks involved with each of them but I would avoid trying to design (or choose) your mattress based on specs (either yours or a mattress) and stick with either your own local testing or on more detailed conversations with knowledgeable and experienced online retailers or manufacturers.
I would also avoid choosing a mattress with the intention of adding a topper unless you can test the mattress/topper combination in person (see post #2 here) because choosing a topper that you can’t test in person that is suitable for you on the mattress you are sleeping on can sometimes be almost as difficult as choosing a mattress in the first place.
If you do buy a mattress that in spite of your “best efforts” ends up being too firm and you don’t have any other options available and decide to add a topper for additional “comfort/pressure relief” then post #2 here and the topper guidelines it links to can help you use your actual sleeping experience on your mattress to decide on the type, thickness, and firmness that will have the best chance of success but hopefully that won’t be necessary.
There is also more about wool toppers in post #8 here and the posts it links to which also includes a link to some of the better wool topper sources I’m aware of.
Phoenix