Hi smoneil,
[quote]Option 1–Heavenly Cloud Plush Latex:
Layers (from the top)-- The top layer is A quilt-top with Paladin Fire Retardant Barrier, 2 inches Plush Polyurethane Foam and Stretch Circular Knit Fabric. The next layer (the Comfort/Padding layer) is 2 inches of “100% Natural Super Soft Latex” (I believe he said Dunlop–“ILD 14-16”). The next layer (the Core) is a 6 inch Latex core (100% Natural Medium Latex, “ILD 24-26”).
Total–12 inches in height. The one doesn’t seem to add up, as the 6 inch base, the 2 inch latex, and the 2 inch foam only adds up to 10 inches.[/quote]
I agree that the layers don’t seem to add up to @ 12" but if these are all the layers then assuming that the top 2" plush polyfoam layer is less than 1.8 lbs density it would be “on the edge” of the quality/durability guidelines I would normally suggest which is “no more than about an inch or so of lower quality/density or unknown foam in the top layers of a mattress”. While it’s “not bad” compared to most mainstream mattresses … it’s a little thicker than I would be completely comfortable with.
[quote]Option 2–Strata Classic Non-Quilted Top:
Layers (from the top)-- The top layer (the “top of Mattress”) is composed of 1 inch plush polyurethane foam, Paladin Fire Retardant Barrier, Polyester Fiber and Stretch Raised Circular Knit Fabric). The next layer (the Comfort/Padding layer) is made up of 2 inches of 3 pound memory foam and 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam. The base (Core) layer is made up of 5 inches of High Density Polyurethane Foam Core.
TOTAL–10 inch height (adds up, with 1 inch in the top, 4 in the middle, and 5 in the base).[/quote]
The density of the 2" of gel memory foam is missing but even without it the 1" of plush polyfoam and the 2" of 3 lb polyfoam add up to a total of 3" of lower density or unknown foam and I would consider this to be a weak link in the mattress so I would be very cautious with this one.
[quote]Option 3–Nature’s Cloud Plush Latex:
Layers (from the top)–The top layer (Quilt/Top of the Mattress) is made up of 1 ounce of 100% Natural Joma Wool, Paladin Inherent Fire Retardant Barrier, another ounce of the Joma Wool (I think–it’s listed twice), and 100% organic Cotton Fabric. The next layer (the comfort/padding layer) is made up of 3 inches of 100% Natural Super Soft Latex (again, I believe he said Dunlap), “ILD 14-16.” The base/core/“Back Support” layer is 6 inches of 100% Natural Medium Latex Core (“ILD 24-26”).
TOTAL-- 10 inch height (seems to match up–the two base layers add up to 9 inches, plus the top layer).[/quote]
There are no lower quality materials or “weak links” in this mattress and if it’s a good match for you in terms of PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences) then it would certainly be well worth considering.
Outside of how you feel about sleeping on a mattress that many other people have been lying on (some people would be very comfortable with this and others may not be) … I would also make sure that you are comfortable with purchasing a mattress that has no warranty. Most floor models are also a final sale and don’t have any options available after a purchase so you may also lose any comfort adjustments that would otherwise be available to you (I would check to confirm this). In other words it would depend on your confidence that the mattress was a good “match” for you in terms of PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and Personal preferences) and that you wouldn’t need any fine tuning after your purchase and on whether the amount of the discount off the regular selling price was “enough” make up for any additional risks and was worth it to you. These are really “best judgement” choices that each person would need to decide for themselves based on their own “risk tolerance”.
Phoenix