Hi kt,
[quote]My spouse and I are very different body weights. I’m 5’9", about 125 lbs; he is 6’3", but well over 300 lbs. I’m prefer a very soft mattress with proper spinal support. He likes soft, but not as soft as me. Clearly, his weight is the main issue concerning our choice of mattress.
Thanks to your site, I understand I can request a split king, trying to create a much softer side for me, and, for my husband, a somewhat soft but more durable and supportive side. My main question is whether the all-latex mattress or the Aloe Alexis with its foam core is better in our situation. Would a 10" mattress (9" of latex) be enough to support him long term?[/quote]
You’ve probably seen this but the first part of post #2 here has some information about choosing a mattress for a couple that have very different needs and preferences. As you mentioned … a side by side split construction can be an effective way to do this (if this is an option with a retailer or manufacturer you are considering) although there are also mattresses where the same layering on both sides can work well (where a more supportive transition layer for you would be part of the comfort layer for him and that had a very firm support core which he will need). The best way to choose would either be careful and objective testing using the testing guidelines in the tutorial post (with both of you on the mattress) or more detailed conversations with an online retailer or manufacturer.
Post #3 here also has more information about choosing a mattress for higher weight ranges where firmer layers and choosing more durable materials will be more important than it would for lighter weight ranges.
I would be quite cautious with his weight with a mattress that used upper layers that were as soft as the Beautiful because it could be more risky in terms of alignment.
Both the Total Latex Mattress or the Alexis could work well and both of them have the option of split layering in king size so you could each choose the side that was most suitable for you. There is more about latex hybrids vs all latex mattresses in post #2 here and as you can see I would lean towards all latex for someone that can comfortably afford it. The advantage of the total latex mattress of course is that is has the benefits of an all latex mattress and you can choose the type of latex and firmness of the support core and the firmness of the comfort layer. The Alexis has a standard firmness polyfoam support core but both of the latex layers on top can be customized or exchanged instead of only a single comfort layer.
While there are no minimums because it would depend on the specifics of the design and his own testing and experiences … I would hesitate to go below a medium firmness range with his weight or at least I would minimize the use of softer layers. A manufacturer will always be in the best position to give you more specific advice about their own mattresses though when you have a more detailed conversation with them on the phone about making your firmness choices (see mattress firmness/comfort levels in post #2 here).
I’m looking forward to finding out what you end up deciding.
Phoenix