Hi blaster668,
Thank you for the updates.
It certainly sounds as if they are doing their best to be accommodating with the zippered encasement for potential future customizations. The polyfoam edge system is quite firm at 60 ILD and they are using a good starting density (1.8 lb) of foam for this. My biggest concern would be a slight caution with the quilt foam for higher BMIs of 1.8 lb, where 2.0 lb or above would be preferable. While this foam is pre-compressed a bit by being quilted, which will help minimize impressioning, it is the uppermost layer which does receive the highest mechanical stresses.
Synthetic or blended Dunlop is usually the lowest cost version of latex (including some of the newer continuous pour synthetic or synthetic blend Dunlop latex materials which are also promising in terms of durability) but higher percentages of synthetic rubber in a blend will generally result in a lighter (less dense) and less elastic and resilient material that is a little less “supportive” (it has a lower compression modulus which is the rate that a material becomes firmer as you compress it more deeply) but they can make a good choice if budget considerations are the most important factor and all latex is a high quality and durable material compared to other types of foam. Continuous pour Dunlop can be found in softer versions than most of the molded Dunlop you will find. 100% NR Dunlop is next up in price and are the most popular choices for overall performance and “value” while organic Dunlop is the most expensive. Organic Dunlop is most popular with those where an organic certification is important for personal reasons regardless of whether there is any difference in the actual feel or performance between organic Dunlop and 100% natural Dunlop which is basically the same material without an organic certification.
In terms of safety … all the latex you are likely to encounter (whether it’s Dunlop or Talalay and made with natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or a blend of both) will have been tested for harmful substances or VOC’s by either Oeko-Tex or Eco-Institute and certified as being “safe” so safety wouldn’t be an issue for most people regarding any type or blend of latex (see post #2 here for more about certifications)
The most “popular” choices in terms of a combination of foam characteristics that most people seem to prefer in terms of performance and price (value) is Talalay in the comfort layers and either NR Dunlop or Talalay in the support layers although any type of latex can be used in any layer and some people (including my own daughter who prefers Dunlop in the comfort layers) have much different preferences than others so I would make sure you have tested both to see which one you prefer. Your own experience and preferences are always the most important factor in choosing between them. In some cases (depending on the many factors that play a role in durability ) latex mattresses with firmer layers can last over 20 years.
There is more about the differences between synthetic and natural latex in post #2 here. I would consider the choice of choosing synthetic one of cost, comfort, and personal preference of base componentry as opposed to a quality issue. The wool would also be a high quality material, which can provide a different level of comfort as well as assisting with maintaining a more neutral sleep temperature environment.
Mattress thickness is more a by-product of mattress design as opposed to a determinant of comfort, and there would be no reason that a comfortable mattress couldn’t be achieved in either thickness.
There’s more information about the proper foundation recommended for thee mattresses in the foundation thread here. If you’re placing your mattress upon a flat surface, you may wish to consider something like a coir bed rug underneath to help promote air circulation.
Phoenix