The Mattress Expert

Anna - Stearns & Foster Latex mattress for herniated discs.

Anna writes:
 
First of all, your site is very informative and we are really hoping you
can help us. Our current mattress is over 11 yrs old, and causes both
myself and my husband to wake up tired and sore. We have been mattress
shopping and are having a difficult time deciding the best way to go. To
give you some background, I have had 4 back surgeries including a spinal
fusion, two disc surgeries, and bone removed to help widen my spine. (I
have a very narrow spinal canal so any herniation of my discs causes
pain with my nerves). I basically have degenerative disc disease from
L2-S1. I have a lot of scar tissue which causes me pain as well. In
addition to that I have neck pain which they say is frozen neck, as well
as fibromyalgia. My biggest problem is that my back is so sensitive that
a firm mattress is very uncomfortable. The latex S&F bed seemed to be the most
comfortable one we tried in the showroom, but everything you have
indicated seems to point away from latex for people with disc issues. We
are both back/side sleepers, and I especially turn throughout the night
because pain wakes me or I can't find a comfortable position. We have
tried tempurpedic and don't like it at all. I have trouble sleeping on
firm mattresses because of the pressure on my back and we both like the
feel of plush mattresses. Please help recommend something that may
benefit both of us and help me get a good night sleep. Thanks!!

 
Hi Anna,
It depends, mostly, on your weight and what you choose.
Latex with a hernitaed disc can be iffy. Generally, a herniated disc requires firm support.
If you are going with the firm model, you are likely to be ok with that.
You can always add a topper to soften the surface without sacrifficing the firm support.
If you are heavier and go with a softer feeling mattress, your disc problems are likely to be painful for you.
Personally, I have many back problems and am a larger fellow, to put it gently.
My orthopedist put it less gently, when he told me I have all these problems because my fat ass has been sitting at a desk all my life.
Normally, I would take offense to that, but he was only trying to be helpful...and I did tell him to give it to me straight.
But, I digress.
I have an all latex mattress. I puchased the plush and found it too soft for me. I flipped it over, which is the same feel as the firm and found it less comfortable than I like.
My wife and I now use it with a 2" soft latex topper, and it's just right.
Here are the links to the firmer latex models and the toppers.
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Stearns-Foster-Private-Vineyard-Villa-Firm-/
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Pure-LatexBLISS-Pamper-Natural-Talalay-Latex/
http://www.themattressexpert.com/Accessories/


Thanks, Pete
 
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Joe - Back problems and a Tempurpedic Mattress

Joe writes,

Not sure if i'm following proper procedure for posting my question so apologies ahead of time. I now have a 2nd herniated disc within the last few months. Looking to replace our Tempurpedic. From what i've read on here, it would appear that you would recommmend a S&F for my situation. Would any of your latex mattresses be a consideration? love your blog.

  
Hi Joe,
At this point in the deterioration process,
I would not suggest an all foam mattress of any type. A firmer Stearns & Foster is a good choice. You can always soften the surface with a latex topper once your back stops acting up.
I can promise you that the mattress you have is exacerbating your problem.
Pete
 
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Mattress for herniated discs

Adam of Basking Ridge, writes:
Hi, I am trying to find a king mattress set that will provide good long lasting firm support w/some basic cushioning. I have herniated discs in the lower back which are normally pain free except when I sleep on any mattress that does not provide me with excellent support (no sagging). So far the mattresses that I have sampled and I like include the "Stearns & foster hotel collection (macys) natural choice firm" w/ 1.4" no sag evercloud latex and 1.5" of talalay latex on top of a 7" poly foam core. This is on sale starting this weekend for $2200 (feels very solid and durable). And the "Shifman Jade Extra Firm Plus Quilt which is currently on sale for $1399. This is a spring mattress. Do you recommend either of these for longevity (not caving in for at least 5 years) and my lower back issues or do you have any other recommendations - I am in Northern New Jersey.
thanks for any input.

Hi Adam. More often than not, people with herniated disc do better on a firmer mattress with interlocking support. Some do well with latex, but your odds are better with the Shifman. And besides, that isn't a latex mattress. The S&F model that Macy's has is a poly foam mattress with some latex in it. You'll also want to check the padding in the Shifman. If there's memory foam near the surface, it won't keep its shape. You may also consider a Sealy Posturepedic Reserve in a firm...at $1199.

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need new mattress

abbe of mount Laurel, writes:
Hello, I developed sciatica pain from a herniated disc L5-s1. I am in excellent shape otherwise and have fully recovered except for the mornings. Every day I wake up in pain from sleeping. I am a side sleeper. My husband tends to like a softer feel mattress and we have motion issues. We just got rid of our sealy (non pillowtop) it was sagging my hips had no support. We bought a S and F luxury plush euro pillowtop. The mattress is defective to short and we are sending it back because it is not helping the sciatica. I think it is the pillowtop. What do you think we should get? I would love to order it from you abbe

Hi Abbe. A pillowtop for someone with sciatica is a no-no. As a side sleeper, your hip has to give just enough to keep your aligned with your spine...as though you were crossing a "T". If the hip sinks too low or is sticking up too high, the alignment is thrown off, which is the basis for the pain. The S&F is a good choice, but I'd look at the "luxury firm" models for the right balance....that would be "without" a pillowtop.

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Mattress to help with Sciatica pain

abbe of mount Laurel, writes:
Hello, I developed sciatica pain from a herniated disc L5-s1. I am in excellent shape otherwise and have fully recovered except for the mornings. Every day I wake up in pain from sleeping. I am a side sleeper. My husband tends to like a softer feel mattress and we have motion issues. We just got rid of our sealy (non pillowtop) it was sagging my hips had no support. We bought a S and F luxury plush euro pillowtop. The mattress is defective to short and we are sending it back because it is not helping the sciatica. I think it is the pillowtop. What do you think we should get? I would love to order it from you abbe

Hi Abbe. A pillowtop for someone with sciatica is a no-no. As a side sleeper, your hip has to give just enough to keep your aligned with your spine...as though you were crossing a "T". If the hip sinks too low or is sticking up too high, the alignment is thrown off, which is the basis for the pain. The S&F is a good choice, but I'd look at the "luxury firm" models for the right balance....that would be "without" a pillowtop.

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Searching for a new king mattress

Kim of New York, writes:
Hi, I am searching for a new king mattress and here is the problem. My husband who is 6'3 & 235 lbs and has a reoccuring herniated disk problem swears he needs a firm bed, and I of average hight and weight, a committed side sleeper would prefer a more medium firmness/pillow top so my hips and shoulders don't ache. Mom suggested the Sleep Number bed but I wonder if you really get what you pay for or if its all hype. Can you suggest something that would fit both our needs please? Thank you, Kim

Hi Kim. Good heads up on that. What you pay for with an air mattress is mostly the hype it costs to get you to consider it in the first place. It relies on displacement and provids no upward support, which is essencial to your husband. They usually come with some sort of pillowtop that flattens out all to quickly...leaving your hip to fend for itself.
I assume you're looking for a compromise solution...as opposed to separate beds or separate bedrooms. When addressing multiple, conflicting physical problems, beit for the same person or two people, you have to work from the inside out. The pillowtops provide too much depth of softness for your husband's back and a firm mattress has too stiff a surface for your hips.
For this, finding one mattress is like finding the proverbial "needle in a haystack". What works best is the combo of a firmer mattress and softer topper. The topper softens the surface without too much depth of softness and without sacrificing the firm underlying support that your husband needs. Latex topper have a nice spongy feel that holds up very well over a long period of time.

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A mattress for 2 herniated discs

Jay of Chevy Chase, writes:
Hi - I appreciate the advice in your blog. This past fall I herniated 2 discs in my lower back and have had great difficulty buying a mattress. I bought a Simmmons NXG 250 Plush which I am now going to return because it is too soft and my lumbar area sinks in too much resulting in a very uncomfortable sleep (or lack thereof). My wife is a side/stomach sleeper. I am now considering 3 options which felt "about right" in the stores: 1. Simmons Black Label - Firm. 2. Tempur-pedic classic; 3. Nature's Glory Latex Box Top. I was pleasantly surprised by the Nature's Glory - it felt great and made of all organic materials; firm where it needed to be but no pressure points. I also did not get the sinking feeling I had with the NXG, and I am afraid I will get with the Tempur-pedic. Have you heard of this brand? I believe it is manufactured by World Sleep Products in Massachusetts? Any thoughts about these choices? Thanks!! Jay.

Hi jay. It sounds like you're already sold on the latex. Latex is good stuff. Off brands are something of a worry and a boxtop sounds like it'll end up being too soft for your back problems. The Tempurpedic will be more of the same. And while the "Black" series is Simmons' strongest unit, the coils are still untempered. Herniated discs require a firmer mattress. I'd suggest the firm Stearns & Foster Caravelle with a 2" soft latex topper for comfort. That way, you get comfort without sacrificing the support you need.

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Looking for another queen mattress set

Christine of Hermiston, writes:
Approximately 3 years ago we purchased a sleep number bed - big mistake!So we are in the process of looking for another queen mattress set. My husband is 5'11" 230 lbs and myself 5'6" 125 lbs. My husband has 3 herniated discs in the lower back. We do not want a firm mattress but not too soft either.What would you suggest and/or your opinion on the pillow top depth.Thank you.

Hi Christine. The Stearns and Foster level 1 plush, our Chateau Orleans, sounds like it will do the trick. The interlocking coils will provide your husband with the proper support for his back, while still having some cushion to relieve pressure points. Try to avoid pillowtops. They don't keep their shape well. When choosing a mattress, you want just enough padding to be comfortable. You can always add a topper if you need more cushion, but you don't want to start off too soft.

Delivery available everywhere in the contiental US.
NO SALES TAX outside of NJ.
You'll find discount pricing on our website: www.ccmattress.com
Toll Free phone number: 1-888-732-5923
Voted "Best Mattress Store in New Jersey"
Philadelphia Inquirer's "Neighbor's Choice Award"

Also available:
Latex Toppers...100% Talalay...US made.
Sealy "SpringFree" Latex Pillows....
Sealy "Pro-Guard" Protection Plus Stain Guard Mattress Pads
Very High quality sheets and comforters

A mattress for a herniated disc and hip pain

Bea of houston, writes:
I need your assistance in deciding which mattress would be best for me. I am 5'1",weigh 170lbs., I am mostly a side sleeper although sometimes I will sleep on my back. My problem is that I have a herniated disk on my lower back and sometimes I have some hip pain while sleeping. What would you suggest?

Hi Bea. Another problem is how the bed will wear. Most of your 170 pounds is concentrated into a relatively small area. No matter what you get, it would be helpful to rotate the mattress and where on the mattress you sleep. The Stearns & Foster Caravelle will provide the firm support for your discs. Adding a 2" soft latex topper will cushion the surface for comfort to your hip and add longevity to the mattress by absorbing some of your weight. It's not hard to find a mattress that will do the job. The hard part is finding one that will do it for any length of time. This mattress/topper combo will give you support, comfort and longevity. 

Delivery available everywhere in the contiental US.
NO SALES TAX outside of NJ.
You'll find discount pricing on our website: www.ccmattress.com
Voted "Best Mattress Store in New Jersey"
"2007 - 2008 Neighbor's Choice Award"

Also available:
Latex Toppers...100% Talalay...US made.
Sealy "SpringFree" Latex Pillows....
Sealy "Pro-Guard" Protection Plus Stain Guard Mattress Pads
Very High quality sheets and comforters

A mattress for severe herniated discs

amy of tampa, writes:
Hi, Thank you so much for doing this blog! My husband & I are looking for a new mattress & are quite confused as to what to get as he was just diagnosed with severe herniation of discs in L3-L5 regions. We live in Florida where both heat and humidity are problems. I have severe allergies & asthma along with hot flashes & some mild back pain in upper back area. My husband weighs about 300 lbs & is 6'4'' tall so I'm guessing that a pillow top would be out of the question. Right now he is sleeping on the floor per his Dr.s' suggestion & this seems to be helping.  So if you could advise of a good quality not too pricey option I would be most appreciative!!

Hi Amy. Try the Stearns & Foster Caravelle....and if needed, add a 2" latex topper to that for more surface softness. The Caravelle is quite firm and the best choice for his back. The large heavy coils will keep their shape better under his size than most other beds. If you got the topper ahead of time, he could use that on the floor. The added comfort of the topper doesn't compromise the firm support of that mattress...or the floor.

Delivery available everywhere in the contiental US.
NO SALES TAX outside of NJ.
You'll find discount pricing on our website: www.ccmattress.com
Voted "Best Mattress Store in New Jersey"
"2007 - 2008 Neighbor's Choice Award"

Also available:
Latex Toppers...100% Talalay...US made.
Sealy "SpringFree" Latex Pillows....
Sealy "Pro-Guard" Protection Plus Stain Guard Mattress Pads
Very High quality sheets and comforters