Hi cfralick.
Good to see that you narrowed down your choices to four great mattresses. Your decision to go with latex is a sound planā¦as its durability, breathability, temperature regulation, and support are ātop of the lineā
As for your choices listedā¦Flobeds, SleepEZ, CST, and Flexus: all 4 are good quality mattresses from longtime Trusted Members of the site;
In a nutshell, the main differences between mattresses are height, type of latex used, layer exchange policies, and the number of permutations to get the right comfort for you and your wife (by switching around layers). Also, youād need to assess if the mattress needs to be split down the middle to accommodate different comfort/support needs for you and your wife.
ā¢ In terms of durability (given the same ILDs for the top comfort layers) you are not likely to go wrong with any of these choices. As far as comparison goes; while latex is highly durable, the uppermost layer may wear down at some point (especially for higher BMI and softer latex). In case of your sleep profile changes down the line, having the Flobeds, āGoldilocksā freedom to exchange layers may be worth the additional cost. so thatās something to consider.
ā¢ As you have a higher BMI even a durable material like latex in the top layers will go through more mechanical stress than for average BMI sleepers and will tend to wear out the fastest, especially for softer comfort options (Lower density and ILDs). A slightly firmer latex will offer a bit longer comfort life in your situation, but it may not provide the feel you and your wife desire.
ā¢ In your considerations you need to do a bit of a balancing act between selecting a thicker mattress and firmer comfort layer(s) ā¦ or ā¦ thinner mattress and softer comfort layer(s). Larger and heavier body types generally do better with thicker and firmer comfort layers than thinner and lighter body types require. For an All-Latex mattress the thicker the mattress the higher the price point.
ā¢ The type of material in your uppermost layer generally determines if a mattress is a good match in terms of personal preferences. Talalay and Dunlop have a different feel. Talalay in the same ILD as Dunlop will be less dense (will weigh less than Dunlop per cubic foot of material) This is the basis for the angel food cake vs the pound cake analogy Because Talalay has more air in it will also be more breathable and temperature regulating than Dunlop in the same ILD.
ā¢ The value of a mattress has many movable parts and it is important to carefully look at your finalists from the perspective of your Personal Value Equation in Post # 46 and what is important to you, including the price point as well.
Hopefully, this will help you think through and āimagineā how each may feel to you and your wife without having direct comparative experience with each.
Phoenix