Hi deception,
Some of the better options in the NYC area are listed in post #2 here and there is a more categorized description with more details about some of them in post #7 here.
Latex is very different from memory foam yes. It is much more resilient and a fast response foam while memory foam is a slow response foam. They have a very different feel. You will tend to be “on” the mattress more with latex while with memory foam you will tend to be more “in” the mattress. Different types of memory foam to different degrees will tend to be warmer and more motion restricting while latex tends to be cooler and more motion friendly.
Simmons doesn’t disclose any meaningful details about the Beautyrest Black and even though it’s clear that some of the layers at least are low quality materials (the Ultimate Dreams uses higher quality materials in terms of durability) … there is no way to compare them in terms of feel except by testing them side by side in “real time” or perhaps by subjectively estimating the relative firmness that you feel on the Beautyrest Black (which may be different for you than others) compared to other types of mattresses and estimate where it is in the overall scale of firmness/softness. You could then include this information in your discussions with Chuck when you make the choice of your comfort layer. This would be very inexact and subjective of course and in general using a major brand mattress even as a testing ground will lead more to frustration than good guidance.
Keep in mind too that Brooklyn Bedding’s new mattresses that are now being released on their site also have layer exchanges which can reduce the risk of making the wrong choice and they also offer a 5% discount to forum members here on their new line as well. Just some food for thought.
It’s always best to discuss your specific choices in a more detailed conversation with the manufacturer themselves who are much more familiar with their own mattresses, the options they have available, and how theyinteract with different types of people “on average” than I am. If you are fortunate they may also be familiar with how the Beautyrest Black may compare to their mattress choices. Both Talalay and Dunlop come in a range of firmness choices but in the same firmness level Dunlop will feel a little firmer when you sink into it a little deeper because it is a denser foam.
Hope this helps.
Phoenix