Hi Phoenix.
Thanks so much for the quick response and advice. I’ve read up on everything on the site, and have now started taking notes since I’m overloaded.
I’m in Pittsburgh, so any local connections or suggestions are welcome. I don’t see any nearby retailers or manufacturers on the Membership list.
The Personal Value Equation post will be especially useful in helping me be thorough in assessment, and not overlooking various criteria. I’m a little worried because the OMF S-cape on display does NOT have a latex with it, so I will be testing that on a different foundation. Is there any way to ‘adjust?’ I am assuming from what I’ve read elsewhere, that the mattress may feel more comfortable/broken in under these circumstances. I might try visiting other adjustable bed retailers just to test the feel of the latex mattress on them – if I can find that combo. It seems to be less ‘available.’
I currently have my mattress inside an allergy barrier, and covered with a 100% cotton mattress pad which is laundered weekly. Will I need to/be able to cover the latex mattress with an allergy barrier? I assume if it is all latex that might not be necessary, except if the cloth covering is an issue and can’t easily be removed for regular laundering.
I’m going to c&p the info about Serenity you linked in Post #3 so I can reference it easily in this thread. It was very helpful:
[quote]The new Serenity Latex has a different “feel” and design from the old Latex Supreme and for lack of a better word the new one feels firmer or more “substantial” (that’s how it was described to me). The old one was fairly soft compared to many other latex choices.
Both of them have no weak links in the mattress so from a durability point of view both would be good choices (2.5 lb polyfoam is a high quality material and the comfort layers are the most significant factor in the durability of a mattress).
In terms of material value … the old one had 9" of latex (3" of it was convoluted on each side) and was $1559 in queen (mattress only) and the new Serenity has 6" of latex (3" on each side) and a core of high quality polyfoam and is $1449 in a queen so they are very close although in terms of “raw material value” I would probably give the slight edge to the old Latex Supreme but the new one may be a design that more people would prefer. With the new Serenity you are also sleeping more directly on the latex which would be more contouring because the Latex Supreme had 1.5" of polyfoam in the quilting of the mattress. The cover of the Serenity is also a good quality stretch knit vs the Damask (less stretchy) in the Latex Supreme
The raw material cost of a mattress though is only part of the “value” of a mattress and the differences are small enough that I would choose the one that was the best match for you in terms of PPP and your “personal value equation” because both of them are good quality/value choices and the one that “sleeps” the best for you would be the better choice IMO.[/quote]
I am interpreting the bold statement to mean this version will have more of the feel of a memory foam in that the body will ‘sink in’ more?
I am going to also add my notes based on the PPP equation, just so I have all my info I one place. But I welcome ANY comments and help.
Again, many thanks.
My PPP Equation notes:
P1 - Pressure relief in all your sleeping positions and in all the pressure points of your body (most commonly hips and shoulders) … especially on your side if this is one of your sleeping positions. See below* (reminders to check things in-store)
P2 - Posture and alignment in all your sleeping positions. This is about making sure that your spine is in its neutral alignment when you are completely relaxed on the mattress (which would normally involve at least 15 minutes on the mattress to “simulate” the pre-sleep state when your muscles “let go”). See below* (reminders to check things in-store, based on alignment post )
P3 - What you prefer:
Microclimate, breathability and temperature control – Generally, comfort is more important, and I am pretty tolerant of temperature. I already use only cotton, and maintain other climate concerns carefully due to allergies. I think this will end up being a non-factor if I have already limited myself to latex.
Slow or fast response and where in the range you prefer
Sleeping “on” vs “in” the mattress – I am torn here. On the one hand, I’ve disliked memory foam that made me feel trapped and unable to shift easily, but I also prefer a soft plush feeling. Is there a happy medium in terms of criteria, or is this based purely on subjective experience?
Durability of materials in the mattress – As best as I can afford, naturally. All latex – but that may be out of my price range, and isn’t available if I choose the OMF setup.
Durability of construction (such as one or two sided) – Two sided only. That’s not subject to debate.
Quality and performance of materials and construction – The two so far narrowed seem good choices if they fit my PPP. Can I upgrade, make a better choice?
Ability to open the mattress and exchange layers or make changes after purchase – Nope. If I had $$$ and time, then I’d consider this. But in terms of value and peace of mind I think not. Otherwise, I can see myself ‘chasing the willo-wisp…’
Warranty and warranty exclusions (which are often more important then the warranty itself). You can read more about mattress warranties here. – To do when closer to a decision.
Budget limitations and range – Tentatively decided, try to avoid upselling myself. 
Price vs quality and value of materials - Ditto.
Mattress only or foundation included – Adjustable Bed
Motion separation with small and large movements – Adjustable Bed, split king
Natural materials vs synthetic – As much natural as possible
The type of cover and quilting (if any) you prefer – cotton, washable regularly, allergy barrier needed?
The ease of movement or movement restriction on the mattress for changing position and “other activities” – see above…
Overall “feel” (such as the difference between combinations that include the “feel” of innersprings and/or different types of foam in the comfort or support layers) – Since I have never had a latex mattress, make sure I compare them with inner spring options again, just to verify it IS latex I want… Easy to do with OMF since there are only three options with the S-cape.
and it felt a bit like a brush-off. But I was happy to have info to research, until I got home and looked up the composition, and the link had very little content and in fact is ‘coming soon.’