Mattress Forum

  2" 4.5lb memory foam ($115 from foamdistributing, $119 Aerus from Amazon)
  2" 5.5lb memory foam ($157 from foamdistributing, $140 Sensus from Overstock)
  1.5" egg crate for cooling ($33 from foamdistributing HD36-R)
  3" medium density foam ($122 from foamdistributing HD36-HQ, $83 for HD36-R, $72 for HD36-R from FBM)
  4" max density foam ($163 from foamdistributing LUX-HQ, $111 for LUX-R, $72 for 3" from FBM)
  TOTAL = $500-$600

I am 6' 160lbs, she is 5'3" 125lbs.  So we are relatively lightweight, tend to like more plushy beds, and have only occasional lower back pain (probably more from computer use than sleeping).  My questions:

1) How does the foamdistributing.com or foambymail.com memory foam compare to Aerus or Sensus?  They have similar specs.  Should I just get whichever is cheaper/more convenient?

2) How does the foamdistributing.com "regular" line differ from their "high quality" line from a practical perspective?  I know the density is higher, so theoretically it will last longer.. but does it make any difference in terms of sleep quality?

3) Does the thickness of the bottom layer(s) matter that much?  3" vs 4" vs 5"?  For the pre-built mattresses, often the only difference between an 8" and 12" is the thickness of the bottom layer (and maybe a half inch more memory foam on top).

4) Any changes in layers or thickness you'd recommend for our situation?  We tried latex beds but it seemed oddly bouncy, and it's a lot more expensive.

Thanks for any help!