Hi rtscout,
Yes, the OMF latex would be much higher quality and better durability as it has less lower quality foam in the comfort layers (1" of polyfoam in the quilting) and uses a much higher quality support layer (latex rather than polyfoam).
There are quite a few local factory direct manufacturers that sell latex in NC besides OMF (which has several outlets in the Raleigh/Durham area).
Original Mattress Factory (as you mentioned) is a regional factory direct which makes some good quality/value mattresses including a two sided latex/polyfoam hybrid and memory foam models as well as more traditional innerspring mattresses.
Only one of them besides OMF though are in or within 100 miles of Raleigh and they don’t make latex (although I’m including them for reference for others in the area who may be looking for better quality and value options in materials other than latex).
Southern Mattress, a Premium Economy Custom Mattress Manufacturer, Nationwide Delivery, Toll Free 1-800-227-8701 Factory direct manufacturer in Rocky Mount, NC. They sell mainly wholesale but have a factory direct showroom at the factory. They make a range of traditional innerspring/polyfoam two sided mattresses and use very high quality foams including HR foam in their higher end. Good quality and value for those who are looking for a traditional mattress … and good people.
Some of your other options that may have some “better than average” quality or value in the Raleigh area include …
http://www.greendreambeds.com/contact--find-us.html Durham. They carry Savvy Rest all latex mattresses (either Dunlop or Talalay) which can be chosen in various combinations of latex layering. Some outlets sell for more than others but they are a great way to test different layers of latex although they are in a higher budget range than other similar latex mattresses so make sure you make some careful value comparisons here as well. They also carry Naturepedic which are another high quality organic mattress manufacturer.
http://www.theorganicbedroom.com/ Raleigh. Retail store that carries some very high quality mattresses including Royal-Pedic, Savvy Rest, Berkeley Ergonomics, OMI, Hypnos, and their own private label line of Whitney mattresses although some of these may also be in more premium budget ranges so make sure you make some good value comparisons here.
http://www.furnitureconceptraleigh.com/Raleigh. Carries Englander made by GNC which makes some mattresses with polyfoam over latex and some with just latex in the comfort layers (depending on outlet and area). Check here as well to make sure there is no more than around an inch or so of polyfoam in the comfort layers of their mattresses. Englander uses Dunlop latex. More Englander retailers in your area can be found by emailing them here NOTE ADDED: It appears that Furniture Concepts is now out of business.
http://www.coopersfurniturenc.com/ Carries Restonic mattresses which make both all latex and part latex mattresses as well as gel memory foam and innerspring mattresses. Like Englander and other national brands that operate through licensees which service different areas … they can be made differently in different areas so check the retail spec sheet to make sure there is not more than an inch or so of polyfoam in the comfort layers of any latex mattress in your area. They usually use Talalay latex. More retailers for Restonic can be found here
http://puretalalaybliss.com/ is a national manufacturer owned by Latex International (now called Talalay Global) which produces much of the Talalay latex made in North America. They are a high quality line of latex mattresses and have better than average value but are higher priced than similar mattresses made by many local manufacturers. They are great for testing different latex layering since the specs are known. They have a retail outlet finder on their site here (if it’s not functioning then if you email them they will provide you with a list of local stores that carry them).
For “all foam” mattresses whether they have a latex or memory foam or even polyfoam comfort layer … a boxspring is not necessary and not really desirable as unlike most innerspring mattresses, a foam mattress is not usually designed for use on a boxspring. The best option is usually a firm slatted foundation with the slats about 1.5 or 2" apart (maximum 3"), a slatted tension adjustable foundation where the tension of the slats can be adjusted to fine tune alignment, or a position adjustable base (like the Reverie, Leggett & Platt, or Ergomotion) depending on your budget and the design of the mattress. While a boxspring will not usually damage the mattress … it isn’t necessary to absorb shock like it may be under an innerspring mattress. Some people may prefer the more “bouncy” feel of an innerspring however as long as it has a large and flat enough support surface not to damage the foam directly over it. OMF for some reason puts their latex mattresses on a boxspring which is unusual and will result in a difference in feel if the mattress is tested in the store on a boxspring and then used on a firm foundation. A sheet of plywood over a boxspring would provide a firmer base however it could still be somewhat springy with movement and it would not be as breathable as slats which could result in moisture being trapped between the plywood and fabric which could result in mildew or mold depending on climate and conditions. For a while it would be fine however I wouldn’t tend to do this for the long term.
There are also some factory direct outlets in NC that are further away that make a range of mattresses of many types (not all of which carry latex and the closest of which are near Highpoint) that are listed in post #2 here… just in case you tend to go near any of these. Some of these have good value but I would call first to talk with them to see if they make a mattress that would suit your needs and preferences and to get a sense of what to expect if you go there before taking a trip.
Hope this helps
Phoenix