Hi bigbird,
It’s quite a shock for many people who haven’t shopped for mattresses for many years. As the saying goes … things aren’t like they used to be … even from 14 years ago. Novaform is certainly a cheap memory foam option but it is also not the highest quality (or even value in its price range IMO) available.
Typically someone who is lighter would need softer and possibly thinner comfort layers than someone who is heavier. On the other hand back sleeping typically needs thinner layers than side sleeping. In other words, a mattress with a firmer support core (for his firmer preference) and a slightly thinner softer comfort layer (for your more plush and side sleeping preference) may work well as a compromise. You would feel more of the top layers being lighter and he would feel more of the lower layers being heavier. If not … a side to side split construction (which many local manufacturers offer) may be a good choice to accommodate the differences between you.
Shelton, CT is the home of the only Talalay latex producer in the US which is Latex International and they supply mattress manufacturers all over the country. In the Connecticut direction Post #2 in this thread has a list of the Connecticut factory direct manufacturers that I know of. There are some very good choices there.
In the NYC direction … there is a list of some of the better options and possibilities I’m aware of in post #2 here and post #7 here has a more categorized list with more detailed descriptions of some of them.
A few “possibilities” I’m aware of in the White Plains / Scarsdale area are listed in post #4 here but there are not a lot of good options in the immediate area.
You have some great choices around you which includes mattress choices of many different types and a wide range of prices and value. If you have any questions along the way … feel free to post them.
Phoenix