“I would keep in mind that much of this (including your “memory” of the Stearns & Foster) would be quite subjective because our subjective memories are not particularly accurate.”
Yes, for the most part i agree, and Marcel Proust wrote scads of pages about that. Every so often though, a memory reawakens and the current situation hits the sweet spot as it were. That’s what it felt like when i lay on my stomach on the Nutrition model. In the intervening years, though, i did have a time where i forced to sleep on my back (unsuccessful) or side (slightly more successful) when i broke my leg and was in a cast. That’s why i want a bed that feels comfortable in all those positions. I’m doing all i can not to repeat my broken leg experience, but just in case…
You mentioned lying in my usual sleep position for at least 15 minutes so i can get a good feel of the bed. What i’m finding is that the bed i have now is not as comfy as i would like, so i do toss and turn a bit more than i have in the past before falling asleep. When i’m testing the replacement beds, i lie still and then i also toss and turn the way i do now at night to see what it feels like.
The price for the PLB seems to be pretty standard with the places i’ve checked thus far. I did notice in another thread where you mention the ILDs of all PLB mattresses (https://forum.mattressunderground.com/t/new-plb-blue-specs ) that you have the 6-inch layer of the Nature as 36 ILD, but i saw it tagged as 40 ILD.
Has anyone done testing on Tuft and Needle? I do have a call into them to ask what the ILD is, so i can compare. They have a 5-year warranty, and i’m thinking that it may just be worth my while to suck it up, get the PLB and know that i’m good for the next 20 years.
As for Dunlop vs. talalay, i thought i’d fall squarely in the Dunlop camp, so i was as surprised as anyone when i found the talalay more comfortable.
It really does help to do one’s homework, Maddening, as i’d prefer having the models i like best side by side to compare, and this is where the mattresses with the longer warranties have a leg up, at least for me. I’d rather do this every 20 years than every 5.