The Mattress Expert

A mattress for herniated discs and sciatica

Felix of Brooklyn, writes:
I have a herniated disc and sciatia. I am trying really hard to find the right bed and am getting more confused with the research I do. I know I do not like soft beds or tempapedics. I have seen positive reviews on Sealy and Stearns & Foster. Should I be looking at latex?

Hi Felix. That would depend on how you sleep. If you are primarily a side sleeper, the latex works well with your problems. Evenso, the Beachside plush is as soft as you'd want to go. There are two other models that are firmer. If you're a back sleeper, as a rule, the Sealy Posturepedic Signature Series, or a lower level Stearns & Foster would suit you better.
The more rigid support of the interlocked coils is better for a back sleeper with disc problems.

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Simmons Beautyrest World Class Angelique mattress

Kathleen of Springfield, writes:
Hi Peter, I have another question. I did speak with your daughter who was very helpful and timely when I made some calls to your company. After reading some of your comments I was wondering about my choices. I am interested in the latex due to the warranty,durability,and handles for rotating but I read you thought those with a back problem(disc related) may do better with a coil mattress. I haven't seen alot of comments about the Simmons mattress but read alot of mixed reviews. I was interested in the World Class Angelique extra firm.(I am used to sleeping on a firm mattress)What is your opinion of the Simmons? The warranty is 10 yrs, not sure if the extra firm is too firm as I only tested it for about 5 minutes. Do you think latex could be a problem for back problems that are disc related(degenerative disc disease)? I have also had a recent surgery for a cervical disc problem.

Hi Kathleen. The type of support from the Simmons Beautyrest and the latex mattresses is the same...both providing a contouring support. The difference is in the longevity of the latex, compared to the untempered coils of the Beautyrest. If you're a side sleeper, either will work for you, but the latex is more durable. If you're a back sleeper, neither will work for you and you'll require the more rigid support of an interlocked coil unit. The Beautyrest is not interlocked, but individually pocketed.
Shopping by warranty is a mistake. There are some very crappy mattresses out there with very long warranties. Many of which, are designed to be mis-leading. 

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Margaret - Kingsdown mattress is too soft

Margaret of Brooklyn, writes:
Hello (again), How sorry I am that I didn't find out about your great site a long time ago. It would have saved me tons of aggravation and uncertainty, however, I am grateful its here for a second time seeking advice!  I actually wrote in previously regarding problems I had with Kingsdown, Miralux and Sleepy's in general and since that time, I thought my problems were resolved, however, I find myself still in need of advice.  After test driving three different mattresses (yes three), I settled on the Kingsdown color-coded "Tan" mattress. Keep in mind, there were no color coordinated colors, it was solid tan, meaning "solid" softness - the softest they make. We have a platform bed and felt that the soft mattress would be best since mattresses lose their plushness without the use of a boxspring.  And so, I found myself in the lap of luxury for a while - dum-da-dum....until the muscles in my back start to ache recently. Pretty badly.  My question is: Did I make a mistake in choosing a super soft mattress that may not be so good for the spine/back? At this point, is there anything I can do to help? I was under the impression that since the soft feel cradled me and it felt comfy while snoozing, it was a good thing for my back, sort of like memory foam. Was I wrong?  Any help you could offer would be so much appreciated!  Again, gratefuly yours, Margaret

Hi Margaret. It has been the focus of this industry to gear their marketing to selling luxury mattresses. It is a salesman's job to appeal to your sense of luxury. The high end beds are more luxurious, but more importantly, produce higher profit margins. The factory makes more, the store makes more and the salesman makes more. Everybody wins, but you.
As you have experienced, it only takes a short time to discover that a soft mattress is as painful as a hard one.
In short, you made a mistake. And quite frankly, your back has already told you that.

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A mattress to NC

Sheryl of Greensboro, writes:
Hi, I'm 130 lbs (side sleeper), husband 220lbs (side and back sleeper). Husband has a very hard time going to sleep - he says after about 45 mins, everything starts hurting (thighs, back, neck). Most nights, it can take him 3 to 4 hours to get to sleep. What do you recommend as far as mattresses that we should look at? And, do you deliver to NC? Thanks for your time.

Hi Sheryl. We do deliver to NC.
What do you have now? How old is it?

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Simmons Beautyrest mattress for a bad back.

Tammy of Bristol, writes:
Hello,
Like many people , I have a bad back (three back surgeries) and not a lot of money and a mattress that is causing me severe pain in the AM.
My husband and I have started to look for a mattress , bought a sleep number and from night one, I haven't liked it. We are returning it and once again looking for a mattress.
I thought I had narrowed my search down to two mattress',  Simmons Beautyrest Balthasar Pillow top and the  Simmons World Class Beautyrest Tarmin River Latex Plush SPT. Both are the same price different stores. This bed felt the best when lying on it. My question is, are they compareable and are they a good quality mattress? I've read mixed reviews, but I can't tell if people who are reviewing are comparing the same quality mattresses. My other question is should I consider any other mattress?. I was going to look at the springfree latex, until I read your opinion on this type of mattress for people with bad backs. Thanks for your help.

Hi Tammy. The latex and the Beautyrest are common in that they provide contouring support. If you're a side sleeper, contouring support can work for you. The problem with the Beautyrest is basic. The coils aren't tempered in any model.
Finding a comfortable mattress is easy. Finding one that will stay comfortable is not.
Assuming you spend some time on your back, forget about pillowtops entirely. A conventional mattress that has enough padding to allow you to sleep comfortably and without pain is all you need. What you find comfy and what your back will tolerate, quite often, can be two different things.
Try the Stearns & Foster Chateau Orleans. Sears has it as the Roseau. One of the problems with pillowtops is that they don't feel the same in a very short period of time. People, such as yourself with back problems, will be more sensitive to the wearing of a mattress. The thicker it is, the faster it will change.

You'll find discount pricing on our website: www.ccmattress.com

Serta Galahad mattress

Jennifer of Ottawa, On, Canada, writes:
HI Peter,
We bought a Serta Galahad mattress in Canada about 2 months ago.  It's a super soft plush mattress, which is super comfy to lay on.  My husband has adjusted well to the mattress, where I find it doesn't support me.  I'm fairly petite and since for the last 4-6 weeks I've been waking up with low and mid back pain.  I can't seem to get used to it.
Our previous mattress had a very small pillow top on it, and I did fine on this type of bed.  However, I fell in love with the Serta Galahad b/c of it's softness, but now I'm thinking it's not meant to be.  I have a 90 night comfort guarantee, but I can only do exchange the bed once, and now don't know what I should be looking for.  Is there anything specific you would recommend? 
Thanks in advance for your help! Jennifer

Hello Jennifer. Lots of people make the mistake of buying a mattress that's too soft. The question is, "How soft is too soft?".
The answer as to which to choose next, is within you and in the question you asked. Since, Grasshopper, you only have 90 days, I'll tell you. You did well with the firmness level of the thin pillowtop you had. You'll want one that mimics that, and it doesn't have to be a pillowtop.

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Felicia pillowtop mattress

Roxanne of Little Canada, writes:
     I need help. I recently bought a mattress at Macy's the "Felicia plush pillowtop" I have had extreme back, neck and shoulder pain.  My old mattress was relatively firm, and I never had problems, but I loved the feel of the softer mattress. I looked at Slumberlands, "Belmore Falls Plush" and loved it, also theire Delaware bay was not bad either. I need to exchange the bed I have and I was wondering if you could recommend a mattress similar to these that are sold at Macy's.  I need help!  Thanks!

Hi Roxanne. You endulged your sense of luxury and turned your back on what has worked for you. Now, your back has turned against you. You don't need advice. You need only to do what you know works.

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Simmons Orange River mattress

Selene of Pullman, writes:
I have lower back, hip and shoulder pain.  I recently bought the Simmons Orange River bed (Plush/Firm) and then changed it for the same bed in the plush.  I still have the same hip and back pain, but much less shoulder pain.  The store I bought it form is willing to exchange it for another bed.  This time I am looking at the Simmons Natural Care line.  The bed I am considering is called the Riverside, also known as the Willowbrook, I believe. My question is, why have there been no reviews of this Natural Care line and if you know of it, what do you think?  Also, in a latex mattress, would I be better off with the firm or the plush?  I really appreciate all your help from these posts, and thank you, in advance, for your response to this one. 

Hi Selene. The Natural Care line is new, so if you get one, you can tell us all about how you like it. Without going to a pillowtop if you can help it, an ultra plush would better suit you. It'll give better with your hip and shoulder. You want those areas to sink enough to keep you back aligned. It's a balancing act. Try them in your sleeping positions and stay on them for a good 15 to 20 minutes. Based on body shape, weight and sensitive areas, the right mattress will be different for next person, so listen to what you're body tells you as you try them.

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A mattress for lots of back problems

Tom of Phila., writes:
peter please help.here is my problem...moderate disc degeneration with mild to moderate disc protrusion upon the dural sac norrowing both neural formina L4-5...mild to moderate multifactorial segmental stenosis L3-4...moderate disc degeneration with broad based disc protrusion impinging upon the dural sac narrowing [ as stated above ] L1-2 lower thoracia disc degeneration especially T11-12...clinical correlation advised regarding the status of both L 3 nerves... above from mri lumbar report...  below mri cervical spine  disc degeneration with mild to moderate disc protrusion and marginal osteophytosis upon dural sac and narrowing ..left greater than right  C5-6  C6-7  C7-T1...MILD TO MODERATE DISC BULGING ECCENTRIC TO RIGHT C4-5..MILD TO MODERATE DISC BULGING ECCENTRIC TO LEFT AT C3-4..MILD DISC BULGING ECCENTRIC TO RIGHT C2-3..UPPER THORACIC DISC DEGENERATION IDENTIFIED.....HOW CAN YOU HELP WITH FINDING A MATTRESS...I AM A SIDE SLEEPER BUT I CAN ONLY SLEEP ON MY RIGHT SIDE BECAUSE THE CARTILAGE IN MY SHOULDER IS ALMOST GONE FROM ARTHRITIS...ALSO AT SOME POINT MAY HAVE TO SLEEP  ON BACK OR STOMACH  BUT FOR NOW I CAN STILL SLEEP ON MY RIGHT SIDE..EVERYONE I ASK TELLS ME SOMETHING DIFFERENT THE DR. SAYS TEMPERPEDIC BUT IN THE SAME SENTENCE SAYS WHATEVER MATTRESS IS MOST COMFORTABLE BUT HE ALSO SAID THE FIRMER THE BETTER..CAN YOU HELP IN SOME RECOMMENDATION...THANK YOU  TOM B

Hi Tom. I'm surprised the doctor is recommending a Tempurpedic. A good orthopedist will recommend a firm mattress. I don't think he understands the nature of the memory foam used in the Tempurpedic. That is a heat sensitive material, meaning that it won't feel at home, the way it felt in the store. As your body's heat warms it, the memory foam softens.
The relief of pressure points can also be had with latex, which doesn't change feel. As a side sleeper, the latex is an excellent choice, but if you're afraid that you'll have to sleep on your back, your back will feel better on an interlocked innerspring. I have many of your same disc issues, complicated by my size (250). The Sealy SpringFree latex works well for me because I only sleep on my side. Like you, I can only sleep on my right side due to a bone spur in my left shoulder.
When I change position to my stomach, the latex is still good. The Sealy SpringFree Beachside is one to look at. If you prefer the more rigid support of a conventional mattress, the Stearns & Foster Chateau Orleans (plush, but not too plush), or Caravelle (firm, but not too firm), would be two to consider. The former for better comfort on your side and the later for better support on your back.
My store is just across the river from you in Cherry Hill, NJ. All these beds are on the floor to try.

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You'll find discount pricing on our website: www.ccmattress.com
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"2007-2008 Neighbor's Choice Award"

Simmons Felicia mattress

Pamela of Columbus, writes:
Hi Peter,
My fiance and I recently replaced our 1 year old, horribly sagging in the middle, uncomfortable mattress (who knows what it even was!) with a Simmons 'Felicia' Extra Firm Standard King. We decided on that mattress and boxspring because I needed something where I wouldn't feel him moving around at night and also something relatively firm since I have a bad lower back and sciatica.
We've had our new mattress a little over two weeks and I'm noticing that we are starting to create slight body impressions where we sleep with the un-slept on part in the middle. My fiance weighs about 210 lbs and I am about 135. I've been reading your blog and now see that body impressions are normal. Based on what I've read from you we will also start 1/4 turning our bed every month for the first year to minimize this issue and even out the visco foam depression. Given that we don't have a pillowtop or plush bed, do you expect the body impressions to continue getting worse or will we hit the coils and stop at some point? I've read about people ending up with "hills and valleys" in their bed and definitely don't want that to happen! We spent a good amount of money on the mattress, boxsprings  (5" low profile) and heavy duty frame and don't want to have to either deal with the warranty "police" or, God forbid, buy a new one.
I researched and tried out lots of mattresses when shopping around and was hoping we had made a good choice in something that will hold up for at least a few years. I'm hoping that since we have an extra firm the body impressions will be minimal especially if we follow your advice and 1/4 turn every month. We are really happy with the mattress other then my fear that the mattress will end up like the one we just got rid of. What are your thoughts? Any advice, especially advice which will quell my fears would be most appreciated!
Thanks! Pam
PS I wish I had found your blog while reading up on the different kinds of mattresses and what they were composed of before settling, you have information here that I did not find anywhere else.

Hi Pam. That you have an extra firm is certainly helpful. The 1/4 rotation every month will help tremendously. It's good that you caught it early. Proper maintenance goes a long way to extend the comfort life of a mattress. Make sure you're using a mattress pad to protect the fabric from any stains. A stain, regardless where it is or however small, will void the warranty.
It sounds like you have a handle on things. Try not to let your fears prevent you from getting a good night's sleep.

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