Day 2: The 30-Day @Casper Mattress Challenge

The second night felt markedly different from the first, not just from my body but from the mattress.

Sleep Pattern

I again laid down around 8:30pm but this time didn't actually nod off until just after 10pm.  So it took me a little longer to go to sleep than the previous day; but I woke up (my usual wake up before the "official wakeup) around 4:30 am this time.  So while it took longer to go to sleep, I slept longer before being woken up.  I'm almost confident this is because of noise outside the window; because it's a Saturday, there are less cars flying by my window early morning than there would be on a weekday.  This may very well be skewing the experience.   

It will be interesting to see what my sleep pattern is like after getting the windows replaced; unfortunately the windows won't be replaced until likely after this 30-day period; so I may need to a follow up period afterwards.  I don't want to extend the period because there will a come a point that there won't be any significant change in results.

Body And Positioning

But what is not affected by the windows is my body and posture.  Again I woke up feeling rested and not groggy despite not getting a full undisturbed sleep.  However, unlike yesterday, I did have two occasions where the body heat overcame my position and I had to pull the comforter back to release it.  It didn't happen after that; the mattress didn't feel hot, but I certainly did, more so than the previous day.  So it seemed as though the mattress hit a point of not being able to absorb additional heat, but that point or threshold was significantly higher than other mattresses.

It felt like I did more tossing and turning than I did the previous night.  I simply could not get comfortable.  On the two occasions that I laid on my back and just turned my head, I was comfortable, but I hate sleeping in that position.  Goes back to what I said about back sleepers vs. side sleepers in terms of getting used to the mattress.  I think as a side sleeper there is just a longer break-in time, unfortunately.  

Unexpected was the presence of pain on my right hip area.  It wasn't on the bone, just above it.  This was just before rolling onto my back, where the pain seemed to move (meaning the mattress was contributing to it).  It wasn't unbearable pain, but pain regardless.  It felt like it was around my diaphragm area, which likely means the mattress didn't have enough "give" to allow my breathing to work properly (your diaphragm expects to move smoothly upwards to expand and contract your lungs.  Anything pressing against your front, side or back can impact this experience, resulting in pain or at least the perception of pain).  If that's the case it might contribute to snoring, something I don't do.  The abdomen/back pain continues as of the time of this writing, though a lot less subdued.  I have to actually focus on it and move around to sense it.  Hip pain is almost non-existent. 

Mattress Durability

I again noticed that the mattress again did not look like anyone had slept in it.  However, pressing down on the mattress revealed a clear softness in the place where I was sleeping vs. where I wasn't.  It still kept its shape nicely, but most certainly was not firm in that area.  It didn't go down more than an inch or so before again hitting resistance.  This is similar to the no-name memory foam mattress I mentioned after I first bought it; it would initially be firm, but as heat increased, would get soft and eventually not go back to original shape.  I will update tomorrow's results with tonight's "press test".  If it goes back to its original firmness every time then the softness isn't that big of a deal.

I will be able to sleep on the mattress three more days, then I'm off on business travel for four days, then I'll pick up where I left off.  Unfortunately sleeping in a different (likely spring) bed is going to throw off my body's adjustment.  Might be a good thing since it's closer to the reality of bed adjustment anyway.

Day 1: The 30-Day @Casper Mattress Challenge

Short and sweet: After setting up the Casper mattress yesterday, I of course slept on it.  Note, it's just me, there isn't a "couple debate" about the firmness or anything.  The feedback is 100% mine.

Bodies take a while to adjust to a new mattress.  It is this break-in period that makes people frustrated, because you can't account for it in a mattress store.  It's the reason I'm going to share feedback over a number of days, because the experience will most certainly be different day-to-day as my body adjusts.

I noticed two things immediately with the Casper mattress.  First, it kept its shape extremely well.  Second, it never sunk in beyond a certain point even when just directly sitting on it.  As a muscular 180-pound guy, this tells me that the mattress can definitely handle at least an "average" sized guy and lower.

My usual routine is to read and/or play mobile games until I get sleepy.  I'll often start at around 8pm and be sleepy by 10pm-ish, sometimes longer.  I didn't last that long with the Casper.  I was definitely out before 10pm.  My body was also its usual hotness, but despite being under a sheet and a comforter, it wasn't ever uncomfortable underneath me.  The mattress started cool like a gel pad, then warmed just enough to match my body temperature.  It never got softer.

I can only describe the experience as similar laying on a mattress pad at summer camp that has a topper on it (obviously, camp beds do not have toppers, I'm just saying).  It's firm, but not uncomfortably firm.  Although people who don't like firm mattresses may be up in arms at that statement, the mattress just did not cause any pain points with its level of firmness because it did give at the sharp points (hips, elbows, shoulders, etc) but stood fast at the dull points (side, abs, thighs, etc).  You have the distinct feeling of lying on top of something flat, in other words, but whatever that something is, isn't pressing against your body like a table might.

I have a tendency to shift position over night mostly because of the old mattresses and I did so also with the Casper, but it was more out of habit than discomfort.  I think my body was just expecting softness and didn't get it.  That's okay, because unlike with the older mattresses, I did reach REM sleep on at least three occasions, and even though I woke up during the night (around 2:30am) like I usually do, it was not difficult to go back to sleep.  I think I was woken up because of noise outside the window (my house is on an arterial, and the windows only cut noise down about 50%.  That's changing in the near future), not the mattress.

This morning, I wasn't groggy when I got up.  I wasn't as sharp as I might have been as a kid, but that could just be age.  What's important is that I didn't have any lower back pain (which was common with the older mattresses), or neck pain, and I felt truly awake and rested.  Had I not woken up in the middle of the night I might have felt even better, and hopefully that day will come.  The mattress, of course, looks like I haven't even slept in it.  Not a single dent, despite my shifting, sitting and turning over 12 hours.

It's safe to say that if you are a back sleeper this mattress will probably feel ultra comfortable.  Side sleepers may have a longer adjustment period simply because your body has gotten used to "sinking in" where it won't with this mattress.  Stomach sleepers (I still don't understand how this is even possible, but yeah) SHOULD be able to sleep soundly on this mattress with the right pillow.  I think the problem with stomach sleepers is that your head and back get arched too much if you use a pillow that's too thick or too firm; you really should go without a pillow or get a down pillow so that your spine remains in alignment.

Tune in tomorrow for the next sleep experience.

The 30-Day @Casper Mattress Challenge: Order Process

Image screenshot credit: http://www.casper.com

Casper, a young New York company, set out in 2014 to attempt to do for mattress shopping what Steve Jobs tried to do in 2007: reinvent the product.  Think of things from a different angle.  Change the market.  After raising venture capital, they launched a mattress brand by the same name.  As I was already on the hunt for the "perfect sleep experience", I figured I would give them a try.  I'll use Blogger (assuming Google doesn't delete my blog because I have a photo of a mattress, which is normally used in porn - long story), and I will track the experience over time.

Frontier Airlines. You're ALMOST There.

I had a recent opportunity to not only fly on Frontier Airlines for the very first time (including the precedent airlines, Midwest and Republic), but to sample their nonstop route between Seattle, WA and Cleveland, OH.  The creation of nonstop routes used to be a "meh" moment, since every airline was traveling nonstop between popular destinations.  But as larger airlines merged and bought each other out and/or filed bankruptcy, we see less and less nonstop flights.  I want to share the experience, as well as tell you a bit about Frontier Airlines from an infrequent flyer's perspective.

Dear Mr. President: You're Wrong About #Ebola

Has anyone noticed how oddly similar the Ebola strain looks to Michaelangelo's "Creation of Adam"?  Coincidence? I think not.

Anyway, that's not the point of this post, Mr. Obama.  The point of the post is to call you out on a few things where you have publicly criticized "hysteria and fear".  This is because you totally missed the boat on why people are afraid.  They have legitimate concerns that haven't been addressed by the government that is elected to look out for them.  Here's what you missed.

Like A Boss: How To Debate Effectively

A lot of people don't truly understand what debating means.  Some think it means arguing.  It doesn't.  Though you do present "arguments" in a debate, it doesn't mean you're "arguing".  Let's explore that.

Buying That First Home Round Two - Part 4

So now you have a sense of things.  The next thing to know seems obvious, but many people make a critical mistake when going hunting for a home:

Get Your Funding In Order.

Buying That First Home Round Two - Part 3

Now, let's talk about a somewhat controversial topic: short sales, and the #1 thing to know about them:

Banks Don't Really Like Short Sales.

Buying That First Home Round Two - Part 2

Hopefully you read the first article.  If not, you should.  There's a lot of good information there:

Do Your Own Research BEFORE Contacting a REALTOR

Assuming you've gotten this far, it's important you understand what you're up against in terms of what's out there.  Depending on your buying power, you may find lots of inventory or very little.  It really does depend on the metro, and in this current economy, a lot of homes are being taken by Chinese investors who are dropping 100% cash to buy the homes as an investment (and in some cases, to hide their income in another country).  What's left over is going to fit into a number of categories, and you should understand the differences.

Buying That First Home Round Two - Part 1

Many may recall years ago (around 2008) I attempted to purchase a home in Oceanside, CA.  That home was a quant device that seemed as though it just was mistreated by the previous owners.  I didn't understand the process, and I trusted way too much.  I learned a lot of lessons about what not to do and swore never to make those same mistakes the next time I was "ready".

Since coming to Washington State I've realized that, though I'm working harder than I ever have before, the opportunity and net cost of living are dramatically different.  This year, as a New Years Resolution, I resolved to do two things: (A) graduate college and (B) buy a home.  Both are in progress (I told you about Western Governors University), but let me talk about (B), and let's see if I can help you.

Gay Rights <> Civil (Race) Rights

I make the assumption that you're up on the recent news about Mark Zmuda, right?  No?  Let me enlighten you.  Then I'll explain why Seattle and certain news outlets are responsible for the very negative image that Western Washington has compared to the rest of the nation.

What is the "Parable Test"?

Previously, I mentioned something I refer to as a "Parable Test".  I'm now going to define this test and how it applies to everyday life.

In a simple definition, the measurement of the Parable Test is that something must meet at least one of four criteria (though ideally it would meet all of them): Quantifiable, Justifiable, Verifiable, Testable.  But what's that exactly mean?

Analyzing the Pacquiao/Marquez Feud

The boxing universe (if there is such a thing) waxes emotional about certain feuds.  Ward/Gatti, Ali/Frazier, Ali/Liston, Tyson/Holyfield, Leonard/Duran, and a whole host of others across various weight classes.  Many years from now, they will be hotly debating one of the most controversial feuds in history: Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez - two certified Hall of Famers.  But if you look past the fights themselves and analyze the fighters behind the fights, you'll start to see some obvious signs about why they seemed so matched...and you can easily predict how each would perform against certain other notable fighters.  First, let's look at the fights.

An Open Letter to the Westfield Group

This blog is not affiliated with, managed, sponsored, or written by Westfield. The logo above was linked from another blog to support the reader's regarding Westfield's influence on shopping.


Dear Westfield,

For the sake of discussion, call me "Franchise".  For the sake of demographics, I'm in my 30's, and fairly well traveled.  I consider myself a fan of technology and everything it grants a person, and I am not afraid to try new things.  That said, I don't like when good things change.  In those cases I am a strong resistor until I see that what has happened ends up better than what came before.  It is this that I want to speak to you about, and I hope this letter finds its way into the right hands of those who can make a difference.

Let's Talk About Western Governors University

This blog is not affiliated with, managed, sponsored, or written by Western Governors University. The logo above was linked from another blog to support the reader's confirmation that the source material matches the school for which they are searching.

"Diploma mill!!"

If you've done frequent searches online, this is likely the first thing you've seen on numerous sites, and it's got you curious whether or not this school is credible.

No time to read?  The answer: WGU is NOT a diploma mill.  Not even close to one.  As hard as it may be to believe, it's the real deal, and deserves a serious look for anyone wanting to continue their education.  (For the bullet reasons and to skip the below, go to the very bottom of the post.

WWE's Missed Opportunities

I'm starting to notice a pattern with WWE.  It's a pattern I've seen before: tons of talent, not used in an obvious or logical way.

I just got done watching RAW.  Alberto Del Rio was on commentary with Zeb Colter during what was arguably the best match of the night, a three-way tag match with Cena and the Rhodes Brothers vs. Damien Sandow and the Real Americans.  Never mind for the moment the fact that Cena is not main eventing the night.  Never mind the fact that the Real Americans are losing matches.  The tag team scene in WWE is at its hottest, and now is the time for them to strike and get some good bids out of it.

What we have here...are factions.

Why PG WWE Can't Work Long Term

Viewing this blog post is likely hazardous for someone who feels that the programming on television should always be child friendly.  It's an unfortunate state of affairs when you can't even have the kind of programming quality and separation that we used to have before the days of the internet, cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices.  Because you see, a lot of parents simply allow their technology to raise their kids.  They don't have a concept of proper parenting, and they lose sight of what really matters: Your kids should be watching certain types of programming.  You should (or may) watch other types of programming.  The two are oil and water.

The Problem With "The Cloud"

It's the going buzzword these days.  Everyone wants to move to this thing called "The Cloud" and apparently - allegedly - all of your storage worries go out the door completely.  In an era where mobile devices are gaining traction and fixed desktops are starting to be less available, it seems a logical evolution.

Only problem is that there is a piece people are missing, and until that piece is in place, "The Cloud" is really vaporware.

Really Bad Words: "Busy"

Everyone is fully aware of the various swear words that exist.  I won't repeat them here.  But did you know that they're not really "bad" words?  Perhaps words that certain audiences don't care to hear, or terms that may offend certain groups.  But they're not "bad" in that they don't do direct harm.  There are a number of words that do harm others, even if you don't realize they are harming.  The harm may be to a friendship, a relationship, an interview, a business meeting, or some other social event.  I call these Really Bad Words, and we're going to start with one of the worst: "Busy".

What?

Much Ado About Requirements

Maybe you're a Project Manager who is ready to attack my commentary.
Maybe you're a Developer who is ready to applaud it.

Either way, you're reading it, and that's progress.

If you work in IT, you've heard the term "requirements" before.  You have a basic idea of what requirements are, and what they're supposed to do for you, your customer and your team.  If you're on the end user side, you may have heard the term thrown around by various IT people in their quest to get you a solution that works for you.  The problem is that many people fail to understand how to avoid what I can only term "bad requirements".