KSueSmith, Thanks so much for your reply. I appreciate it!
I agree that the xx firm core is a superb price, so that part of our mattress has been decided. Now I’m deciding on the other two layers. Ken primarily focused on discussing the blended talalay layers with me, so I wanted to compare notes with you, so I can make the best choice possible.
I think I’ve confirmed that my middle layer will be 3" (28 ILD) blended talalay, but I could also choose 3" Dunlop topper (25 ILD) like you did. Ken mentioned that Dunlop has more of a rubbery smell than the talalay, so perhaps that is why he did not discuss this option with me since he knew I am sensitive to smells.
I always prefer natural over anything synthetic, so after seeing your choices, it made me ponder if I need to reconsider my top two layers. Any thoughts? I don’t know enough about the difference between the two, and quite frankly I don’t have the time or energy to do any more research. We just had a death in the family today, so I am scrambling to make travel arrangements.
Back to my dilemma which is primarily the top layer. If I choose the 2" (22 ILD) blended talalay, I will be stuck with it because it is the only ILD they carry in a 2" topper, so I cannot exchange this layer. That means that the only layer that I can exchange is the 3" (28 ILD) for one of the following:
3" (19 ILD) blended Talalay
3" (28 ILD) blended Talaly
3" (25 ILD) Dunlop
3" All Natural Talalay: plush (20-24 ILD), medium (25-29 ILD), firm (30-34)
So do I spend an extra $113 to buy the 3" (19 ILD) top layer instead of the 2" (22ILD) so I have more exchange options, if needed, even though the 2" layer should work for my sleep profile? I also have shoulder, hip, & back pain, but I’m concerned 19 ILD will be too soft for back sleepers, although you mentioned it will feel “firmer” instead the mattress cover instead of on top of it.
I prefer to get it right, so I don’t have to do any layer exchanges, but since I can’t try out mattresses in person, I need to make sure I have options.