Hi diamond.s.ranch
As “weird” as this may seem … a pillow under your “middle” and a thin soft pillow is actually one of the best things a stomach sleeper can do to offset some of the risk connected to stomach sleeping.
Both the Aspen and the Snowmass are good value but the Aspen is a bit softer and has less latex in the support layers of the mattress. The Snowmass would probably be a little better for your stomach sleeping (it’s a bit firmer but still has the same 2" of softer latex in the top layers for your side sleeping) and in theory it would also be a little better for your husband’s higher weight (a little firmer on top and more latex underneath would likely be a little more supportive for him and more adaptable when he switches positions) but if he really prefers the Aspen and his alignment is good (which would be the main concern with a slightly softer mattress for him) then your own personal experience and what your bodies tell you should always be more important than “theory at a distance”. So in theory … the Snowmass would seem to be a slightly less risky choice for both of you but because you’ve learned how to “offset” some of the risks of softer mattresses for your stomach sleeping and if he really is OK with alignment on the Aspen, then it may be your best choice in “real world” terms. (NOTE: These two mattresses have not been replaced with the iChoice mattress/topper system).
Oklahoma mattress is a great manufacturer and they are members of this site because of their quality and value but it’s always safer to buy a mattress that you can actually test locally especially when it also has very good value. The Snowmass and Aspen is a set price and both are “mostly latex” with only an inch of polyfoam in the upper layers (which is certainly an acceptable thickness) and the rest of the polyfoam is used as a firm support base which is also fine. The Snowmass even has 8" of latex which is as much as some “all latex” mattresses. You would also be paying several hundred dollars for shipping if you were to order from Oklahoma mattress and you wouldn’t have any way to know for sure if the particular construction and softness/firmness and layers that you ordered were suitable for your needs and preferences.
So as great a choice as they would be … unless there was a big enough difference in value with all your costs included to make the additional risk of buying a mattress that you couldn’t test worthwhile … I would probably stick with something you could test locally which is a safer route to go.
If you already have sheets and a mattress protector and pillows that work for you then none of this would be necessary and you could certainly use what you have. A mattress protector is important to have of course and there are several that use various materials that can effect on sleeping temperature (including outlast which they use in their isocool protector) but if the one you have is still in good condition then you are probably fine. There are many things that can affect sleeping temperature and a protector is only one of them. Your mattress also uses more breathable foams and would likely already be cooler than many other types of mattress so whether you needed a more expensive “cooling” protector would depend on how hot you slept on the mattress and bedding you already had what other “cooling” alternatives you thought were best if you were sleeping too warm.
Phoenix
ADDED Feb, 1st, 2013: I had the chance to do some research in the Waco area and for those who are in the area here are some of the possibilities that may be worth including in your research and the brands they carry that I would consider.
As in all cases … one of the most important things when you are shopping for a mattress is to make sure that the retailer or manufacturer you are dealing with is able and willing to disclose all the quality details and specs of all the layers in any mattress you are considering. One of the most most reliable signs of a better retailer or manufacturer is one that does this and has the knowledge and experience to educate you about the difference between different types of materials that are in their mattresses.
404 | Furniture Row Regional factory direct manufacturer in Waco and other outlets in the area. They make a range of mattresses including two mostly latex and traditional innerspring mattresses with better quality and value.They don’t make any memory foam mattresses and i would also ignore the major brands they also carry.
http://www.bedroomshop.com/ Ft Worth, Longview, Arlington, Temple, TX. Factory direct manufacturer (Sleep Systems Inc) that makes their own innerspring/poly one and two sided and memory foam mattresses. Also carries major brands (which I would avoid). Will disclose all the material specs in their mattresses on request.
http://wacomattresscenter.com/brands.html Waco, TX. Boyd, Pure Latex Bliss, Southerland, Dormeo. I talked with Carol (the owner’s daughter) here and she is very knowledgeable and also understands the importance of knowing what is in your mattress. Well worth a visit.
http://www.homezonefurniture.com/ Waco, TX. They carry Bree-O-Pedic (their own brand) and Restonic memory foam and gel memory foam.
http://leemartfurniture.com/ Waco, TX. Golden
http://www.localdiscountfurniture.com/waco Waco, TX. Boyd
http://www.furniturecenterwaco.com/content/casual_shop/cs_brands.asp Waco, TX. They carry mattresses made by sleep Designs and will call the factory to find out any information about the quality of the materials that they don’t know.
http://www.rushfoam.com/ Troy, TX. They don’t sell complete mattresses but they do sell polyfoam and memory foam (no latex) for those who are more adventurous and want to build their own mattresses. they are also very knowledgeable about foam materials and will give you good and accurate information about the foams they carry and which are suitable for specific applications. If you go in this direction you would also need to buy a mattress cover (ticking) which are fairly widely available (some sources are listed here).