Hi Miko,
I think that polyfoam is less ecofriendly than recycled steel so from that perspective there would be little reason to choose polyfoam.
The real challenge is not so much knowing how a single material works for you but how a combination of materials feels and performs.
For most people, VOC’s with polyfoam or memory foam are not a significant issue if it’s made in North America or is CeriPur certified but for a smaller percentage of the population who are more sensitive, who purchase a mattress with “faulty” foam, or who for other reasons have come to believe that any type of polyurethane materials are “bad” or “toxic” (memory foam, polyfoam, gel memory foam) regardless of where it is made or any certification then of course they would need to look in other directions. It really depends on how each person answers the question “how safe is safe enough for me?” or “what is the degree or risk I am comfortable with?”. This can lead down a rabbit hole of conflicting, incomplete, and very complex information that in many cases is talking about parts per billion of dozens of chemicals with hundreds or variations that may each need to be researched individually to decide on the level of exposure to each that you are comfortable with or which set of numbers (content amounts, VOC amounts, and limits of exposure that different “authorities” consider to be “safe”) you decide is most believable because in most cases VOC’s and chemical exposures are more about how much you are exposed to from many sources than about eliminating them completely. This can often require a degree in chemistry to really understand to the level where it becomes meaningful or fully relevant.
This is a typical issue for side sleeping men especially where the broader lighter shoulders (compared to the pelvis) need to be “allowed” sink into the top materials enough to relieve pressure and allow for good upper body alignment while at the same time “stopping” the heavier pelvis from sinking down too far. In more difficult circumstances (more athletic builds) then zoning can make a difference where there are different degrees of firmness under each area of the body.
They certainly would be a fair value choice and they do use high quality materials with no “weak links” although they are a little on the costly side (Bonnell coils are typically good quality and strong but among the least costly types of innersprings while natural fibers and latex are more costly materials). The challenge here would be choosing the design that would match your needs and preferences and with all online purchases that you can’t test in person, then the recourse you have if you make a mistake may be an important part of your personal value equation. Some people equate the “feel” of a wool topper to memory foam and in many cases a wool topper can reduce the springiness of latex and creates a “combination” of the feel of both materials.
A topper is always a good backup option if you choose a mattress that is too firm but of course choosing a suitable topper without trying the combination first can be almost as challenging as choosing a mattress and it’s usually “safer” to work towards an initial combination where there is only one choice involved rather than “going in” with the idea of adding a topper. Of course a topper with a Murphy bed has its own risks although a mattress protector with fitted corners may work to keep it in place.
I think if you don’t have the chance to test a mattress in person then your confidence that you are making the most suitable choice (based on personal testing on similar mattress and more detailed discussions with the manufacturer) will play a key role in your decision along with the customization, exchange, or return options you have available after a purchase if your choice isn’t as close to your ideal as you hoped.
Phoenix