I have been researching and reading on this forum for hours over the pat few days and although I now have an understanding of what makes a good mattress and things to look for, I still have no idea what to get. If anything, I’m more uncertain. EVERY mattress I look at has ridiculously mixed reviews of “best mattress I’ve ever owned. life changing” to “Just an air mattress with a pillow-topper. Never buy” including all of the brands recommended on here. I was looking at the Brooklyn Aurora for the cooling but the bloom seemed better with the talalay. But I see a lot of mixed reviews for both here. Saw the ghost bed and luma mattresses highly recommended here; Ghost bed uses memory foam it seems which makes me skeptical and the Luma looks to come in parts not a one piece mattress, also skeptical. I’m really just at a loss here and would really appreciate a few recommendations from someone experienced. This is my specific sleeping situation: I’m a 6ft tall 270LB male and I sleep alone. Mostly side sleeper, occasionally on my back. I am also a hot sleeper, so cooling capabilities are a must. I’m looking for a Queen or Full XL mattress under $2k. I typically like a medium firmness. I would prefer a “comes in a box” type but I’m open to other options as long as it can be delivered and not picked up in store. Appreciate any help or recommendations. Thank you.
Hi SleepSeeker123.
Welcome to our Mattress Forum. 
It sounds like you may have been infected with “paralysis by analysis.” It happens to the best of us. You’re in the right place!
While hearing others opinions can be useful, we always caution people to stay away from reviews when looking to purchase a mattress. People often review mattresses far too early after receiving them, and reviews lack specific information about all the variables that can contribute to the suitability of a mattress (like details about the person and the mattress) that would make them more meaningful/accurate. We also suggest reading about the dangers of making a purchase based on reviews here.
They do, and while they offer a number of quality choices, your heavier frame would require a 5.0 lb density memory foam for the most durable lifespan from a memory foam mattress, but beyond that…even cooling memory foams tend to sleep hot for those who are heat-sensitive sleepers, and so staying away from memory foam altogether is probably your best choice.
This is not uncommon for latex mattresses as it allows for easy layer exchanges and reconfiguration of the mattress for an ideal sleep experience. Some memory foam mattresses will even have an unattached comfort layer for similar purposes.
Latex is the most breathable of all the foams, and therefore is usually the most popular with hot sleepers. While it’s not always possible to to track down temperature regulation issues for any particular person on a specific mattress because there are so many variables involved (including your room temperature and humidity, your bedding and bedclothes, and where you are in the “oven to iceberg” range) and some people can sleep warmer on mattresses that most people are generally fine with … there is more about tracking down a potential cause or causes for temperature regulation issues (at least to the degree possible for a specific mattress) in post #2 here and the posts it links to that may be helpful.
Some other options you may be interested in are…
Nest Bedding’s Natural Hybrid Latex or Natural All Latex
My Green Mattress’ Natural Escape
The all latex and latex hybrids from Arizona Premium
FloBeds’ Natural Latex Mattress
The mattress at Foam Sweet Foam
Or by personalizing a mattress with Sleeping Organic
Also (and you’ll see me say this to just about everyone) it is important to have a detailed conversation with whomever you choose to purchase from and provide them with your stats, body type, sleeping styles, general preferences and history, some general information about your current mattress, or what you have tested, and any other specific information or circumstances that could affect your choice of a mattress so they can help you choose which may be your best fit from their inventory.
I hope this helps!
NikkiTMU