Hi dsw61,
Thanks for taking the time to share some comments and feedback about your research.
Each mattress category (including latex mattresses) can include hundreds of different mattresses with a very wide range of different designs, different “feels”, different characteristics, and different firmness levels. Every individual layer and component in a mattress (including the cover and any quilting material) will affect the feel and response of every other layer and component both above and below it and the mattress “as a whole” so each mattress category will generally include some mattresses that have a design that will be a good “match” for you in terms of “comfort”, firmness, and PPP (Posture and alignment, Pressure relief, and your own Personal preferences) and others that use the same type of materials and components and are in the same category and may be just as durable but have a different design or firmness level that may be completely unsuitable for you to sleep on … even if it uses the same general type of materials and components.
It’s good to see that you have the chance to do some testing because one of the reasons that some people prefer Dunlop vs Talalay latex is because it is less resilient and is less “springy” or “bouncy” so you certainly aren’t alone in your preferences. There is more about some of the differences between Dunlop and Talalay in post #7 here. Differences in the type and blend of latex in each layer or the firmness of each layer along with differences in overall design between different latex mattresses can make a significant difference in how they feel and perform which is why it’s always a good idea to do some good testing on a range of different mattresses to get a better sense of the type and blend of latex and the general firmness level that you tend to prefer and it can be surprising to many people how much difference there can be between mattresses that are in the same general category.
Phoenix