Hi lb24124,
While there aren’t a lot of great outlets in the DC corridor area … there are certainly better choices than others. Post #2 here should help a bit.
If it’s not possible to visit any of these … then an online purchase from a factory direct outlet that specializes in this may be the best option for you in terms of buying the best quality and value available. Many of these offer layer exchanges which means that you can exchange a layer of the mattress to fine tune it at a very reasonable cost rather than returning the whole mattress if it doesn’t work out well. Even here though it would help to get a sense of the general types of materials and layering that is best for you before making a purchase like this and you may need help if a layer exchange was needed to pack up and ship the layer you are exchanging. Another option is an outlet such as Costco or Sams Club and a few others which allows a mattress return at no cost.
Knowing the model of the Kingsdown that you had (assuming it worked well for you) or the suggested current “replacement” would be a good starting point to get a general sense of a mattress that works for you.
Phoenix