Hi huangshowen,
I think you made a good choice and I would also have chosen a mattress I had tested rather than the “double uncertainty” of a mattress and then a separate topper that I hadn’t tested. While there will be some initial softening and break in … like your previous mattress … this shouldn’t be a lot.
I have also heard a few retailers tell me they weren’t thrilled with the PLB foundation but I don’t know the details of its construction except that its a solid surface as you mention. I know the Tempurpedic foundation is very well built and strong but also more expensive than the PLB. Their warranty only says that the foundation must be must be “continuously supported by a matching foundation with an appropriated bed frame” but they don’t define what that means. I think they have the right idea in France where they use a slatted foundation and If I was to purchase one I would probably choose one of the slatted KD foundations in the foundation thread here.
With only 1/2" of the gel (which is probably part of why they can use softer latex because the gel is firmer) I would also lean away from it as well unless it was so much more “perfect” in every way compared to any other mattress that I tried that it was worth the extra price … even with a negotiated discount … compared to any other mattress that was available.
That’s good to hear. I have always been impressed with the staff at all the Healthy Back stores I have talked to.
Thanks for sharing your feedback and letting us know what you chose … and congratulations on your “new” mattress.
Phoenix