Hi DayMatt,
I would agree with this for the most part but I would still want to know to make more meaningful comparisons and because in much higher than average weight ranges the density of the deeper layers can make a bigger difference than they would for most people.
[quote]Since we wanted to know more about the Restonic we called another location that had a floor model. At that location we were told that the Restonic was a 1# support layer
And with the Restonic? 7" latex, and maybe a 1.5 or 1.8 as well? The 1# threw me off - hopeful that was incorrect.[/quote]
I would be somewhat uncomfortable if the support layer was only 1 lb even if it was deep in the mattress because it could certainly be a weak link in the mattress. I couldn’t see any reason to use foams of this low density in a mattress in this budget range other than the cost savings involved and I would much prefer to see 1.5 lbs or higher. Having said that … the 1 lb spec isn’t correct (see further in this post).
I’m guessing you mean the Restonic here. The 2.5 lb density also isn’t correct.
The variance in the specs were a little confusing to me so I called Joe Luhman (the owner) and he confirmed that the base layer was between 1.5 and 1.8 lbs (it can vary sometimes depending on which foam manufacturer their Restonic licensee is using) which would be fine in terms of durability in this mattress. He also told me that he would let his staff know to make sure they provide accurate base layer information instead of just focusing on the specs of the comfort layers.
[quote] This location told us on the Healthcare Crescendo - 4.5# memory foam before a 20% gel (unsure of what that would mean exactly) and 1.8# support layer.
told us only 4# on the Healthcare Crescendo, with a 1.8# support layer.
The third store told us the Healthcare was 4# memory foam with a 2.5# support layer[/quote]
I also confirmed with Joe that the memory foam in the comfort layers were 4 lb density. He wasn’t sure of the density of the base layer but he believed off the top of his head that it would also be in the 1.5 to 1.8 lb range. It certainly wouldn’t be below 1.5 and he said he would confirm this and let me know.
The Healthcare mattresses are made by Healthcare foam in China and I would also read post #2 here and the post it links to about some of the uncertainty that can be involved with purchasing a mattress that is made and shipped from China which I would also take into account as part of your purchase decision but they have sold these for several years and have had good results with them in terms of lack of returns and durability so the compression of the mattresses during shipping from China and storage hasn’t been a significant issue. They are also CertiPur certified so they meet the memory foam density guidelines I would suggest (see post #4 here) as long as you aren’t in a much higher than average weight range.
I would always tend to avoid guessing … but hopefully the information here can help you make a more informed decision 
Post #13 here has more about the most important parts of the “value” of a mattress purchase that may help you with any final choices.
Phoenix