The Mattress Expert

Mattress for lumbar support

d of chicago, writes:
My question is: currently what are the best mattress for lumbar support in the L5 S1 region for back? Between $1000-2000. I have had several different beds within the last 5 years including Simmons, Sealy, tempurpedic and i find within 6- 8 mos. typically, the middle of the bed gives in abit and it causes some pain in the lower back. I usually end up putting a sleeping bag(or folded blanket) in the middle area under the mattress for additional support. Please give me your recommendations. thanks-

You mention brands, but within each brand, there are more than 30 models. There's no mention of which models you've had. You don't mention body type or weight, precise physical ailments...or even gender.
Generally, you would start with a mattress on the firmer side...and soften the surface if necessary. Other than that, I can't be more specific...given the lack of information.

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Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
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Mattress for Stenosis and disc problems

Susan of Houston, writes:
I have bulging disc L4/5, degenerative disc, and Stenosis, I prefer to sleep on my tummy, I am 5ft5 and very overweight, which would be my best bet on a good mattress for me?

Hi Susan. Because of your disc problems, weight and sleeping position, go with a coiled mattress.  The Sealy Posturepedic line has double tempered coils & would hold up the weight. I would try one of the Reserve series Posturepedics in a cushion firm. Since you are a tummy sleeper, you dont want to go too soft.  Softer mattresses will also compress quicker under heavier weight. Our names for these models are the Wysteria Lane & the Concierge Club. Right now Sealy is offering the Concierge Club for the same price as the Wysteria Lane.  Visit www.themattressexpert.com for pricing.

www.themattressexpert.com for selection and pricing.
Call toll free to order: 1-888-732-5923
Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster
Latex toppers, pillows, mattress pads and linens

Mattress for herniated cervical and lumbar discs

Jill of Highland Park, NJ, writes:
Good afternoon! Thanks for your blog, it's very informative.
Most of the questions I've seen re: herniated discs seem to be lumbar; until last week, I thought all mine were cervical. Apparently, I've got three lumbar herniations, too!
I knew I needed to replace my 12-year old mattress (a memory foam/quilting topper gave me an extra two years out of it, but it's come to the end of its usefulness), but I'm finding the whole process overwhelming. I'm a side sleeper, and I sleep on a contour foam pillow (doctor's orders). I keep reading that people with back pain need a firmer mattress, but I find firm mattresses very uncomfortable. I tried out a pillowtop Sleep to Live bed at that I really liked, but when I went home and read reviews of it, they were TERRIBLE.
Please help!
Many thanks in advance.

Hi Jill. there are very few hard and fast rules about which mattress is best for you. The idea of a harder mattress works better for back sleepers than side sleepers. As a side sleeper, with lots of disc problems, I sleep on a latex mattress. Latex provides contouring support, not unlike what your doctor recommended. The bst value in latex is the Sealy SpringFree Beachside, which has a medium feel. If you then feel you'd like the surface to be softer, you can do that with a topper. The SpringFree also has available, a softer model...the River Crest. And while the River Crest is a favorite among women side sleepers, the severity of your back problems makes me feel that the Beachside is a better choice for you.

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Simmons Beautyrest mattress

Mark of Sicklerville, NJ writes:
I'm 40, 5'1" (115lb) husband's 46, 6'1" (185lb). He has some arthritis in his back. I have back and neck problems from car accident 2 years ago and just generally worn down from over use and having 8 children. Bought $900 Sealy couple years ago didn't work (very happy teenager enjoying it) Then tempurpedic; husband loved it unless his back was out. Horrible for me... sold it few weeks ago. My son's Simmons Dresdon has proven itself with me(husband too) though hoped I could do tad better. I'm a back and side sleeper. Was going to play it safe and buy similiar Simmons model (could add egg pad if needed to) or perhaps one of their worldclass for a little more padding. You don't seem very excited about Simmons, however. I'm also suppose to recieve a MRI for both my neck and back. Wondered if I should wait for the results. Sleeping is a big issue and can't afford to make another mistake. Thank you for any advice you may have.

Hi Mark. You should definately wait. And while you're waiting, use your son's Beautyrest. I assume with that many kids, there must be a place he can bunk in the meantime. If that type of support works for you, your choices would be any bed that provides contouring support. Try the Simmons Black and NxG models. The NxG is particularly comfortable..

Naturally, we would prefer that you buy from us...and we hope you will.
Visit our website: www.themattressexpert.com for pricing and services.
We believe you'll discover that shopping with us, is your best value.
 
Much of what we offer is delivered FREE, nationally.
We also offer a selection of high quality accessories: Latex toppers, mattress pads, sheets and comforters.
 
Orders are accepted by phone. The toll free number is: 1-888-732-5923

Looking for a new mattress

Adam of Houston, TX, writes:
Peter,
Thanks for all the info, I've been reading posts for a while and you've helped me in my mattress search immensely. I wore out my 8 year old Ikea mattress (major lower back pain), and am looking for a new one. Trying out around town, I've liked the Simmons Beauty Rest Lilac Plush. My wife wants plush, and I feel I need firm. What are your thoughts on how well the Simmons would hold up. Do you guys sell mattresses in the Sealy or S&F line similar to that? Also, I tried the Sealy Latex model (Saratoga Springs), but the reviews online have been negative due to body impressions forming soon after purchase.
Regards,
Adam

Hi Adam. We have the Sealy SpringFree Beachside latex mattress at home. We are not small people and it holds up very well. The Saratoga Springs is sold by a very large, national chain. Quite often, these chains have products made for them that has different specs than the national line. You're always better off at an independent retailer.
Simmons uses a lighter and heavier gauge wire to create the plusher and firmer feels in their Beautyrest. I would suggest getting a model with the heavier wire. There are some with a plush top and a heavy wire, called plush/firm.
The S&F line also uses an individually pocketed coil.

Naturally, we would prefer that you buy from us...and we hope you will.
Visit our website: www.themattressexpert.com for pricing and services.
We believe you'll discover that shopping with us, is your best value.
 
Much of what we offer is delivered FREE, nationally.
We also offer a selection of high quality accessories: Latex toppers, mattress pads, pillows, sheets and comforters.
 
Orders are accepted by phone. The toll free number is: 1-888-732-5923

Mattress for Back Pain & Bulging Discs

Barry of Hummelstown, writes:
Just stumbled upon your blog while researching someway to alleviate my back problems. I am 5'11" and about 210lbs, stomach sleeper, who has 3 bulging discs. (i in my neck and 2 in the lumbar region) At least once a month I wake up and my back is so tight I have trouble functioning, and occasionally it locks up on me completely. I'm looking for your opinion on the best type of mattress to alleviate some of the pain issues I have. Also, my wife is predominantly a back/side sleeper who sometimes has some stiffness in her neck/shoulder area in the mornings.....we figured we would try the mattress/pillow fix first. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Barry,
Stomach sleepers tend to sleep better on a firmer, than softer mattress. You may need to add a topper to soften the surface for your wife, but that won't interfere with the firmer support. The pillow play a huge roll for your neck pain. The idea is to keep your neck aligned with your spine, so the pillow has to be the right thickness for you. Quite often, this involves some trial and error. We have many nice pillows on our website.
I would also encourage you to see a chiropractor who uses a heated stimulator pad.
It's hard to describe how good that feels.

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Mattress for Back problems

Susan of Toms River, writes:
Dear Peter,
I am currently sleeping on a Aqua Queen 90% waveless. I am 52 5'06" and 175. I have major back problems and am a lousy sleeper. When I first got the waterbed in 2001 it was great but now the ticking is all stretched and it is just not as comfortable. I also sleep hot but I think that is a hormone problem. I am moving to Florida and so have decided not to take the WB with me. I see you prefer the latex beds. Any suggestions? Also my 80 year old Mom has a Shiffman but when she wakes up every morning she is in a lot of pain. Bad hip, discs, osteo etc. What do you think?

Hi Susan. I have an 84 y/o mom and she sleeps on the Sealy Beachside latex mattress....also with similar pains....but not while she's sleeping.
As a matter of fact, we all sleep on that mattress. It contours, much as your waterbed, but also provides upward support...unlike your waterbed.
We ship that mattress to Toms River and Florida.

Visit our websites for pricing on mattresses, beds and bedding: www.ccmattress.com and www.mattresshotline.com
To place an order, call toll free: 1-888-732-5923
 
Delivery is available everywhere in the Untited States...including Alaska, Hawaii & Puerto Rico
All merchandise is ordered freshly made...factory direct
We are a family owned and operated, independent retailer

Mattress for multiple back problems

chris of Fayetteville, writes:
I have had three lower back surgerys that failed. I have some curving of the spine. My neck has 5 bad discs and three discs compress my spinal cord. My arms and hands go numb while lying in bed. My lower spine is bad and my bed causes me pain. My Doctor recommened a Temper Pedic bed. He said it would form to my body and remove my pressure points. He said get an adjustable bed. This will help reflux and take stress off lower back and help with some swelling of legs from back. I try to sleep on back or side mostly back. I have a queen sealy spring mattress 7 years old. I weight 176lbs at 5'7". What is a latex bed and what are the difference between the Temper Pedic and a latex mattress. I have not heard of a latex mattress before??

Hi Chris. Latex doesn't get the sales pitch that memory foam gets, but does the job memory foam is suppose to do without all the negative side effects that memory foam has.
Latex has proven itself to be the best available material since they started using it in the 1920s. Memory foam is a temperature sensitive material that softens from your body's heat. That's why it molds to you. That's why it doesn't respond when you move. That's why it doesn't feel at home, as it did in the showroom. That's why it's hot to sleep in. That's why it loses its resiliency over a short period of time. 
Latex is made of either natural of synthetic rubber....or a blend of both, depending on the brand. Latex is much more resilient and isn't temperature sensitive. It feel the same at home as in the store, (allowing only for "newly made vs. older floor sample"). Responds right away, should you wish to change position. Doesn't sleep hot. And, lasts a whole lot longer.
 
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Bed Choice for Bulging Disk & Sciatia

Bernie of Regina, Sask. Canada, writes:
Interesting Blog! Lots of information! We have decided to purchase an adjustable bed (S-Cape) and we are not sure which matress to choose. We have looked at Simmons Comfort-pedic Natural -- what are your thoughts on this bed with an adjustable frame?

Hi Bernie. The beauty of the adjustable bed is the ability to alter the angle slightly to take the pressure off. These days, you only have foam mattresses to choose from....latex being far better than memory foam. I'd only guard against getting anything that has an extreme feel...too firm or too soft.

WE DELIVER EVERYWHERE in the Continental US.
All mattresses are freshly made to your order.
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Mattress for a bulging disc

Peter B of Los Angeles, writes:
Hi Peter, I did not seem to find our how to post under bulging disc. I have a bulging L4/L5, sleep on my side, and have had firm beds for some time. Contrary to most here - I have slept on some soft beds recently and seem much better off. I am now starting to look at new beds (I saw 2 aireloom beds - sunflower pillowtop (more expensive) and Junstina (less). The seem to have good support and a pillowtop. I guess me questions are:
1. Is the old "firm is better for a bad back" not necessarily the case (my firm bed is killing me, even with foam additions, etc)
2. Will a softer bed sag (I am 6'2 220 - Ok, my wife says 230 ....)
3. Any other advice? (I can afford up to ~2500 or so... )
Thanks for your input, your blog is great!

Hi Peter. Did you just recently become 230? You know full well what 230 lbs does to something soft. And while "the firmer the better" is not the right way to think...and that a side sleeper will need some cushioning, I'm afraid you're leaning too far soft. Pillowtops don't hold up well under the best of conditions.,,and that particular brand doesn't enjoy a good rep. You're better off getting a basic mattress that's on the firmer side and softening it with a soft latex topper. The boutant resiliency of the latex will absorb much of your weight while providing a surface that will contour to you.
What you don't want to forget is the firm support. You still need that.

WE DELIVER EVERYWHERE in the Continental US.
All mattresses are freshly made to your order.
www.ccmattress.com