The Mattress Expert

Sleep Number Mattress causing back pain.

Hi Pete,

We have an old Sleep Number Mattress with their standard foundation and metal frame. 

My husband has a lot of back pain. He had surgery in 2016 at L4/5.

He thinks the bed is causing his pain and I don’t doubt it.  

I have some hip and shoulder pain, and periodic arm numbness but I generally can sleep on anything.

I am 5’2” and weigh 160 and he is 6’ tall and weighs about 250. 

 

We really don’t know where to start with getting an expensive mattress that we won’t be replacing in 2-3 years, but I’ve read your website and I’m convinced that we need something innerspring with a latex topper if that would seem to fit our profile.  It would be nice if it was able to be flipped, and it would also be nice if we could just keep the base system and frame that we have for our sleep number bed.  

 

Thanks for your advice! 

Kathy & Dan

Hi Kathy and Dan,

The foundation and frame that you have, has no give.

So, it shouldn’t need to be replaced. 

Just check it to make sure that it’s still nice and solid.

 

Our two sided mattresses will work for Kathy, but not recommended for someone Dan’s size.

Let me recommend to you the mattress that my wife and I have.

We are, each, over 200 lbs., and our mattress is now 9 years old and still in excellent condition. I have had a very bad back for 20 years. 

Yet, I sleep and wake without back pain, since having this mattress.

Here is a link to the Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush Mattress.

https://themattressexpert.com/liberty-ultra-plush/

It has pocketed coil support and 3” of Talalay Latex upholstery.

Due to the high quality and resiliency of the components, it’s not as soft as it sounds.

In fact, about 10% of the people who have purchased this mattress have gone on to add a soft mattress topper. It is not too soft, by anyone’s standards.

We added a soft topper to ours to further cushion my wife’s sensitive hip.

 

I don’t recommend getting a topper right away.

I suggest waiting until you’ve had this mattress for a week before deciding if further softening of the sleep surface is even necessary.

It takes about a week for two things to happen…for a new mattress to loosen up, as a new mattress is a little stiff in the beginning…and for your bodies to get used to their new home. The second part of that can even be a little painful for the first couple of nights…as your bodies are forced back into their proper alignment.

 

White Glove delivery is free.

Delivery includes setup in your bedroom and removal of all packaging materials.

Your mattress will be freshly made to fill your order and can take a few weeks, or so, to arrive.

Thanks, Pete 

 

 

A waterproof mattress protector will extend the life of any mattress, keeping it clean and dry.

https://themattressexpert.com/waterproof-mattress-protectors-encasements/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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We LOVED our 25 year old Stearns and Foster Mattress that we could flip.

Valerie writes:

 

Hi Pete,

After spending thousands of dollars on mattresses, Sleep Number and Tempurpedic, all end up with an indentation where we sleep, and we're not big people.

We LOVED our 25 year old Stearns and Foster Mattress that we could flip.

I've read your advice. Nothing is the same these days.

It looks like your Brolynn Two Sided Mattress is what we want. 

Is that your recommendation? Firm or Plush?

Thanks so much!

Valerie

 

Hi Valerie,

Most of today's mattresses are upholstered with memory foam.

S&F is now owned by Tempurpedic. 

What had been "The Cadillac of the Industry" is now nothing more than expensive junk.

Memory foam is highly deceptive by its nature.

That is to say, how a memory foam upholstered mattress feels when new, is quite different from how it will feel only a few months later.

 

The Brolynn Old Fashioned Two-Sided Flippable Mattress in Plush, is my recommendation.

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/two-sided-mattresses/

Shipping is Free.

 

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

You Should Know 

 

Using an old box spring to support any new mattress will cause premature wear and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

https://themattressexpert.com/mattress-foundations/magniflex-kd-foundations/

 

A waterproof mattress protector will extend the life of a mattress by keeping the upholstery materials clean and dry.

https://themattressexpert.com/waterproof-mattress-protectors-encasements/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

Sleep Number Mattress not working for a 450 pound woman.

Ginger writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I am currently sleeping on a Sleep Number Mattress.  

To me, it feels like I am just dealing with it, like when I go camping.

It is NOT comfortable, as the salesman promised it would be.  

I'm a very large woman, weighing close to 450 pounds.

I have a frozen shoulder, fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis and severe osteoarthritis. 

I sleep alone but I also have positional vertigo, so I sleep catty-corner so I never feel like I am falling.

This sleep number bed is certainly not working!  

I would love to hear from you.

Thanks, Ginger

 

Hi Ginger,

Not only is a Sleep Number the wrong mattress for someone your size, it’s the wrong mattress for most people. An air mattress is like a waterbed, relying on displacement rather than providing real support.

 

You're going to need a mattress strong enough to support your weight and provide proper spinal support, which you're not getting with an air bag. And you'll also need surface comfort for your other issues that the memory foam that's on top of that air bag is also not providing.

It's a tall order and not something you'll get with any mattress.

This will require a combination of products.

First, a mattress firm enough and strong enough to hold you and provide the support your spine requires.

That mattress is the Wolf Adrian...a very firm mattress with heavy interlocking coils.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices.

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/wolf-mattress/adrian/

 

Add to that, a Suite Sleep 3" Soft Organic Latex Mattress Topper.

Pure Latex is and has been the most durable, most resilient upholstery material for the past 100 years.

Latex Foam is hypoallergenic.

Shown here:

https://themattressexpert.com/xcart5/suite-organic-latex-topper.html

UPS/FedEx Shipping is Free.

 

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

You Should Know 

 

Using an old box spring to support any new mattress will cause premature wear and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

https://themattressexpert.com/mattress-foundations/magniflex-kd-foundations/

 

A waterproof mattress protector will extend the life of a mattress by keeping the upholstery materials clean and dry.

https://themattressexpert.com/waterproof-mattress-protectors-encasements/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

I'm on my 3rd memory foam mattress in 5 years!

Darlene writes:

Hi Pete,

I'm on my 3rd memory foam mattress in 5 years!  

Actually, my husband is still on the memory foam. 

I'm currently sleeping on an air mattress on the floor.

That's how bad my back hurts.  I've tried everything.

I've turned the "no flip" on the hard side and added a memory foam topper .

I've added another memory foam topper on top of the "good" side of the mattress.

After having read and reread your website, I am currently wondering whether a firm latex mattress topper over the memory foam mattress will help - or am I just wasting more money?

I am 66 - my husband is 75. I weigh 165 lbs and sleep on my side. 

My husband weighs 200 lbs and sleeps on his back.  

Thank you in advance for any assistance!

Darlene

 

Hi Darlene,

Since you’ve been reading my blog posts, you must have figured out that your problem has been the memory foam all along. Adding more memory foam was your waste of money.

Adding a firm latex topper to the top of a memory foam mattress will not produce the results you want.

 

Your memory foam mattress isn’t all memory foam.

The memory foam is only on the top.

The memory foam is supported by firm, high density poly foam.

 

Your solution is to add a Soft Suite Sleep Pure Latex Topper to the flip side of your mattress.

This provides the firm support and soft sleeping surface that a body needs.

You don't sink into soft latex. It's extremely resilient and will hold you up.

The best way to describe the feel, is that you're floating.

Those latex toppers, shown here:

https://themattressexpert.com/latex-toppers/suite-sleep-toppers/

When it arrives, flip your mattress over and add the latex topper.

Get rid of all your memory foam toppers. They’re worthless.

 

When the time comes to buy a new mattress, get a firm individually pocketed coil innerspring.

You can use that same topper on top of it.

 

FedEx Shipping is Free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

Every Mattress is Freshly Made to fill your order...Guaranteed!

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: 1-856-874-6894 

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Almost bought a Stearns and Foster Mattress. Glad we didn't. I hate memory foam.

Ruth writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I have been reading your info for over an hour and have a couple questions. 

I healed our back pain by removing our mattresses and getting 2 twin airbeds with king 2" foam topper.  

Now my husband wants a real mattress again. 

We almost bought a Stearns and Foster Mattress, this week, and so glad we didn't. I hate memory foam. 

My husband is 6'1" 240 lbs., with dense muscle mass. He works hard. I am 5'6" 180 lbs., and very active. 

We are nearly 50 and hurt by the end of the day. We need good sleep. 

We are side sleepers and sometimes both stomach sleepers.

 

I am considering 2 twin xl instead of the king to reduce sag. 

Maybe that doesn't matter with better built mattresses. 

I see a couple of your recommendations like the Natura Blossom Latex Mattresses and the Wolf brand. 

Which is better for both healing bodies and longevity? And are there more to consider? 

I am eager for your advice and ready to order!

 

Lastly, our new home does not have very high ceilings, so I plan to put our mattress on strong plywood, skip the box springs, and ultimately not hit our heads on the ceiling fan. 

Plus, I like sleeping cooler and closer to the ground than the ceiling.

 

Look forward to your input. Thank you in advance for your kind help.

Sincerely, Ruth

 

Good Morning Ruth,

Latex foam is and has been the best upholstery material for the last 100 years.

It’s the most resilient, longest last and ideal for relaxing over worked muscles and pressure point relief.

Given that your situation improved with an air mattress, a latex mattress is your best choice.

The Natura of Canada Blossom in Plush is also very comfortable.

Since there is a sizable difference in weight between you, it’ll be important to rotate your mattress on a regular basis…once a month for the first year, once every three months thereafter.

A solid base platform is the perfect support for that mattress.

The choice of 2 Twin-XL mattresses has its pros and cons.

The biggest drawback is the center, which can be overcome with a cinch strap.

Like this one on Amazon.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Samuel-Connector-Adjustable-Mattress-Stayover/dp/B08XWRZ9VH/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzu6hlP2J-QIVURx9Ch1FdwM8EAAYASAAEgIV6_D_BwE&hvadid=410040498923&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9010256&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1421669879306486669&hvtargid=kwd-6326272108&hydadcr=15251_11427281&keywords=mattress+joiner&qid=1658406379&sr=8-4-spons&psc=1&smid=AKF7QJTGKF1PZ&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExMEtORFgyRTRHVUU4JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODQxODAyMk5XNEwySVhLTEw4VCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTAxNzg0M1ZKOEk2UENJT04wSiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

 

The other drawback is the price.

The advantage is that you can rotate each mattress separately.

His side is more likely to need replacing before your side, which makes it less expensive to replace.

But latex lasts a very long time. And if you rotate it regularly, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Also, if one of you wants firm and the other wants plush is another advantage of getting 2 Twin-XL.

 

My vote would be for a one piece king.

Here’s a link to the Natura Blossom Latex Mattress in Plush, which provides firm support, with a cool and comfortable sleeping surface.

https://themattressexpert.com/natura-mattresses/natura-latex-level-2-mattress/natura-bourdolay-plush/

Delivery is FREE and there’s NO Sales Tax.

 

The choice of firm isn’t suitable for the curves of a female body.

The thicker, higher end Twilight models are less suitable for a big man.

The more upholstery there is the faster a mattress will wear under 240 lbs.

https://themattressexpert.com/natura-mattresses/natura-latex-level-2-mattress/

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

Every Mattress is Freshly Made to fill your order...Guaranteed!

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

A new topper for a Sleep Number Bed.

Jessica writes:

 

Good Afternoon,

I think the 3" topper on our sleep number bed is causing us to sleep hot and I think it's aged and not as comfortable as it was when we bought it.  

It is zippered in to the top portion of the bed so we wouldn't require a cover with the topper.

Which of your toppers would be best to replace it with?  

Jessica

 

Hi Jessica,

The topper in your bed is memory foam.

Replace it with 3” of soft latex and you love the feel.

It doesn’t allow you to sink and it sleeps cool.

Only memory foam sleeps hot.

 

The Suite Sleep All Natural Vita Talalay is a bit more luxurious feeling than the Organic Dunlop.

Both are plenty comfy and way better than memory foam.

Here’s the link.

https://themattressexpert.com/latex-toppers/suite-sleep-toppers/

 

FedEx shipping is FREE and there’s NO Sales Tax.

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Sleep Number Bed has become uncomfortable due to sagging.

Donna writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I've been following your blog for a while now, and really appreciate your advice and suggestions.  

We have a Sleep Number Bed that has become quite uncomfortable due to sagging.

My husband weighs 225 and gets too warm at night.  I weigh 135.

 

I'm considering a platform bed. 

I like what I read about the Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush Mattress.  

Have you any advice for us?

Thanks for your informative blogs and posts!

Donna

 

Hi Donna,

The Natura of Canada Greenspring mattresses use an individually pocketed coil system.

This is ideal for your situation. 

With a 90 lb. difference, the independent movement of the coils will keep you from feeling him when he moves.

The coils in the Natura of Canada Greenspring are made of heavy gauge, twice tempered steel.

And, theses mattresses are upholstered with Natural Talalay Latex....containing NO Memory Foam.

Latex is a much more resilient material than the memory foams that are used in most of today's mattresses. 

All this adds up to a product that will hold up well to a big man.

The Ultra Plush model provides extraordinary surface comfort for the curves of the female body.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices:

https://themattressexpert.com/liberty-ultra-plush/

Delivery is FREE and there's NO Sales Tax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

My wife has severe back problems on our Sleep Number Mattress.

John writes:

 

Hi Pete,

My wife has severe back problems. Our Sleep Number Mattress is not firm enough for her at 100%. 

We recently visited my sister who has an older Sealy Posturepedic firm mattress and my wife had her best night sleep in a very long time.

There is a foam pad section above the air mattress. I know there is a latex insert you recommend

What specifically can I order to correct her side of our sleep number bed?

She is 5'8" and weighs 136 lbs.
Thanks, John

 

Hi John,

A latex topper is for surface comfort, not support...and in this case, a waste of money.

It's the mattress that you look to, to provide the support a spine needs.

She’s not getting anywhere near the right support from that air mattress.

She needs a whole new mattress with proper support for spinal alignment.

This one will work well for her.

The Brolynn Old Fashioned Two Sided Mattress in Plush

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/two-sided-mattresses/

Delivery is FREE and there's NO Sales Tax.

No more chronic back pain with this mattress, and it will last for many years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

Back and Hip Pain on a Select Comfort Air Mattress.

Alan writes:

 

Hi Pete,

My wife and I bought a Select Comfort adjustable air mattress about six years ago.  

We bought it with the expectation that the foam layers in the design would allow a good balance between support and cushioning.  

At one point we added a Select Comfort 2-3" memory foam topper, but we found it to be uncomfortable and sensed feeling trapped.  We removed and stored it.

 

I am 61, 5'8", and weigh about 240 lbs.  My wife is 57, 5'5", and is average weight.  

I use a setting of 45-50, and my wife uses 30-35.  

Over time, we each have noticed that we are waking up having more pain in our backs and hips.

My wife also often awakens with neck soreness.  

 

We believe we need to make some kind of a change but don't know exactly what to change. 

Is our mattress system flawed, or do we need to add more padding of a different type?

Thanks, Alan

 

Hi Alan,

I hardly know where to begin.

You bought one of the worst quality mattresses on the market.

A bag of air is what you’re relying on for the support you’re not getting.

That worthless component is upholstered with another worthless product…memory foam. 

Memory foam is the absolute worst upholstery material ever invented.

Memory foam is specifically designed to cause a mattress to need frequent replacing.

And, it off gasses the toxic chemicals from which it’s made.

Then, you added more memory foam, making your mattress more worthless than it was to begin with.

I hope I haven’t been ambiguous about all this in any way.

 

A mattress with individually pocketed coils provides contouring support that pushes back up against your spine…maintaining your spine’s natural alignment.

And, that mattress needs to be upholstered with most anything except memory foam.

Here is a link to the Natura of Canada Greenspring line of mattresses.

https://themattressexpert.com/natura-greenspring-pocketed-coil-mattresses/

Due to the high quality of each of the components, high coil count and strength of the double tempered steel, all 4 models are firmer than their firmness designation make them sound.

The Ultra Plush model is the most comfortable and the one my wife and I sleep on at home….still in like new condition after more than 6 years under two people weighing more than 200 lbs. each.

 

These mattresses come with white glove delivery.

Delivery includes setup in your bedroom and removal of all packaging materials.

Delivery is FREE and there’s NO Sales Tax.

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.

We have a Sleep Number Foam Mattress, a truly regretful purchase.

Don writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I am certain that this is not the first time you have received this complaint and request for best path forward. We have a Sleep Number Foam Mattress, a truly regretful purchase. 

My wife and I both hate it. We feel we were victims of the marketing and hype.

 

I have spent many nights traveling and always attempt to get into a Westin hotel for the ‘Heavenly Bed’ experience and the beautiful uninterrupted night's sleep I get there..

 

What do you recommend ?

 

I sleep predominantly on my left side, but am a restless sleeper. 

I am subject to back and hip pain from this mattress, as is my wife. 

My wife and I like a firm but soft mattress for our sleeping experience.

 

Should we purchase the Natura of Canada Greenspring Liberta Ultra Plush Mattress for the absolutely best sleeping experience? Or is there another suggested path forward?

 

All the Best, Don

 

Hi Don,

The Westin Heavenly Bed is a Simmons Beautyrest.

However, Simmons has been sold to investors.

The quality is not what it was.

 

What makes that mattress so supportive and comfortable is the individually pocketed coil system, which contours to the shape of the body and maintains the natural alignment of the spine.

Older models were upholstered with polyurethane foams.

Today, it’s memory foam.

Memory foam is specifically designed to cause a mattress to need frequent replacing, as well as off gassing the toxic chemicals from which memory foam is made. It’s the worst upholstery material ever invented.

 

The key, for you, is in getting a mattress with that coil system and no memory foam.

The Natura of Canada Greenspring is the best we carry, upholstered with Talalay Latex.

Their ultra plush model is the most comfortable of them…and what my wife and I sleep on at home.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices.

https://themattressexpert.com/liberty-ultra-plush/

This mattress comes with white glove delivery.

Delivery includes setup in your bedroom and removal of all packaging materials.

Delivery is free and there’s no sales tax.

 

 

 

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://themattressexpert.com/bedding/sleepbeyond/sleep-beyond-bedding/sleep-beyond-mattress-protector/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

Free Delivery...Factory Direct.

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Serving The US & Canada...NO SALES TAX.