Hi. Thanks for the thoughtful and detailed response. I have initiated the suggested conversation with Ken via email. Let me answer your questions.
Well that rules out re-testing so we’re left with some thoughtful analysis and a more detailed conversation with Ken.
Here are some questions I would consider when you talk with Ken that may provide some insights.
Your body type and weight distribution and differential between your waist and your shoulders.
I am pretty evenly proportioned, I think, but I have always had a relatively big chest and shoulders. I am ~5’7" 165-170lbs, without being overweight at all, and much of the weight is concentrated in my upper body. But it’s not really disproportionate or anything.
What type of mattress have you tended to do best with in the past … soft, medium, firm?
I have really only been comfortable on older mattresses and, oddly, fairly-to-very comfortable on a Crate and Barrel sofa stuffed with down and polyfoam. Something about the combo of the down’s softness and the polyfoam’s support worked well for me.
Do you have any history with either pressure issues or alignment issues on any mattresses?
No. I had a “plush firm” mattress from JCPenney and would routinely overheat on it. I ultimately ended up giving it to my mother, who loves it and needed a new mattress, because it was too hot for me. I gave it up because it was too hot and too firm, rather than causing me any known orthopedic issues.
What position to you tend to go to sleep in and what position do you tend to wake up in?
I tend to fall asleep on my side in a slightly “fetal” position, often cradling a feather pillow in my arms, and then switch to my back pretty quickly. I wake up on my back about 75% of the time, and on my side about 25% of the time.
What type of mattress are you currently sleeping on and what are the reasons you are replacing it?
I am currently sleeping on the down and polyfoam sofa. I sleep fine on it, but it is really not a permanent solution for sleeping. Previously I slept on the hot “plush firm” JC Penney mattress (see above).
What specific differences did you notice when you tested the medium core vs the soft core?
The medium core seemed perfect at pressure relief. Like my weight was distributed in an exactly even fashion. The soft core was cushy and very very comfortable and pleasant for that reason.
Thanks again,
Mike