Hi RipVanWinkleWannaBe,
As you can see in mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here … I can only speak to the quality and value of a mattress because there are too many variables and unknowns involved for anyone to make specific suggestions based on “theory at a distance”. Each person is unique and many people have needs and preferences that are outside the “norm” and don’t fit “theories”.
The information you read is generic information that can provide insights into different types of mattress designs and construction types which may work best for different types of people but they are not specific to any person and are meant to give you the ability to ask good questions when you talk with mattress manufacturers or retailers. Your own careful and objective personal testing is always the best way to choose a mattress. If this isn’t possible, then more detailed phone conversations with manufacturers or retailers who know all the specifics of the mattresses they make or sell and can give you some insights about what others that may be similar to you tend to prefer “on average” is the next best way to make a good choice.
Theoretical or technical information about comfort choices comes in a poor third to either of these.
It’s always much more effective to connect with experts who have the experience and knowledge to help you make choices that have higher odds of success than it is to try to become an expert yourself by “studying” the very technical information that can be connected to mattress design and theory. They already know what you would otherwise need to take a great deal of time and effort to learn.
Phoenix