The bad part is they did not have latex beds to lay on only pieces of the latex.  After trying several different ILD sections we decided on the 32 core (not too firm but not too soft) with a soft topper in 24 ILD.

Should we look at it being a 3 inch topper instead?

Does anyone have any experience with their mattresses?

Latex International is the main maker of talalay latex in the U.S.  Their quality is quite good.  100% natural talalay latex will cost more than blended latex.  Not sure what you got.  Both are good quality.

I might have gone with 3" on top, and not sure you need 9" for the core.   But each person has different needs, so hard to say what would work best for you.

All in all I think we did good for less than 1800 for the mattress (no box spring or foundation).  We called another retailer in the bay area and for the same mattress out there was $3600 (matteress only).

We are a little scared to pay so much money for a mattress we can't lay on or try out until after we have paid for it.  

We know the ILDs of each section we want but now is there anything else we need to consider?

Also we want to put the mattress into a protective cover as soon as we get it too preserve the warranty the best we can.  What is a good cover that will not change the feel of the mattress?

What size are you looking at?  And I guess you need to find out if it is 9" total or 9" + a topper.   If they say it is a 9" mattress, then I think that would be total.

At sleepez you can about 9" latex mattress + a decent cover + the ability to exchange and customize layers + a 90 day return for $1725.  I think that includes shipping as well, and no sales tax (except maybe Arizona).   My guess is that is the better way to go because of the ability to customize & exchange layers, and return the whole thing if not satisfied.
 
 

Also is it a good idea to get three layers of different ILDs?  Seems like it would be a good idea to just get the two bottom layers the same 32 ILD in our case.  Unless you need to flip the bed.

The layers will depend on height, weight, sleeping style, desired firmness level.   You work with them to figure out what you think is best.  They will ship the layers and the cover, and you insert the layers into the cover to make the mattress.  Each side of the mattress can be customized seperately.   If what you get does not work right, you can exchange layers to make it softer or firmer.  If nothing works you can pack it up and ship it back.  A bit of a hassle, but better than being stuck with something you don't like.

The mattresses are not made to be flipped.  There is a top side to the cover.  Usually the bottom layer is the firmest and the top layer is the softest.  Some layers can be the same.  

Others to consider are Flobeds and foam sweet foam.   The might be local makers that can put something together for you as well.