Mary writes:
Hi Pete,
We are in our 60's and could really use your guidance as we plan to change everything sleep related.
We need to replace a queen size Tempur-Pedic mattress with a cooling top, the foundation, the bed frame (considering an adjustable frame) and all bed pillows.
I am 5'5' 145 lbs side sleeper that sleeps hot. My husband is 5"11 350lbs with neck, back and hip pain.
He has slept in a recliner for a year due to back pain and the incline helps him breathe through allergy season.
A recent hip replacement also makes it difficult to sit on the 32" high bed.
Can you recommend a KING size mattress that would offer support but also work on an adjustable frame?
Is an adjustable frame the best solution to the congestion/breathing issue? Do we need a separate topper?
What kind of foundation is needed? Where is the best place to save inches so the bed is no taller than 28" - with the mattress, the topper, the foundation or the frame?
Best supportive pillows for a side sleeper and a side and back sleeper?
Looking forward to your advice for our many questions.
Thanks, Mary
Hi Mary,
Adjustable bed bases have a number of pros and cons.
Tilting the head up does allow for better breathing.
However, with the head tilted, the alignment of your spine is gone and back problems respond better to lying flat.
Also, you won’t achieve the lower overall height you’re looking for.
With the head tilted, your body weight becomes more concentrated in the area of the mattress just under your butt. This is not as much of an issue for you as it is for your husband.
Any mattress will wear much more quickly in that spot in the mattress. Much more so under a 350 lb. person
If considering an adjustable bed because of breathing issues, there’s a better solution for a man that size and for the additional back pain that comes from having his spine misaligned…a full length bed wedge.
This will allow for both, better breathing and proper spinal alignment.
The overall height of the bed can be controlled by using a low profile frame, as the place to start.
It does have headboard plates to attach a headboard, but they are a few inches lower than on a standard height bed frame.
This will cause the headboard to rock more easily.
I recommend attaching your headboard to the wall, like they do in hotels. Or, not having one at all.
That low profile frame along with a low profile foundation will bring the overall height of the mattress much closer to where you want it.
There’s only one mattress that I would recommend to hold a 350 lb man, long term.
The Natura of Canada Greenspring Firm Mattress.
The Natura of Canada Greenspring Mattresses use an individually pocketed coil system that aids in maintaining the natural alignment of the body and spine.
The coil count is very high and the coils are strong, made of double tempered steel.
The upholstery is a combination on Natural Talalay Latex and plant based polyurethane foams.
It has no memory foam in it, which is by far, the worst upholstery material ever invented…invented and introduced by Tempur-Pedic.
You'll see that the matching foundation for the Natura Greenspring mattress is available in the 5”, low profile height.
For surface comfort, you’ll want to order a softer latex topper to that mattress.
Latex is and has been the best, most resistant, upholstery material for the last 100 years.
Adding a latex topper does two things…(1) provides long lasting surface comfort…(2) causes the mattress to last a lot longer because it will absorb much of your body weight.
It’s a nice thing to have for anyone, but a must have for a person your husband’s size.
This sleep system combination will prevent you from becoming a frequent buyer.
Here is a link to our mattress toppers.
The Suite Sleep or Sleep & Beyond latex toppers are the ones from which to choose:
The Pure Bliss Latex Pillows provide long lasting comfort.
We use them at home and have been using the same pillows for years.
The shredded latex pillow is ideal for relieving chronic neck pain.
Lastly, a Sleep & Beyond Waterproof Mattress Protector is recommended.
It prevents moisture from perspiration from getting into the upholstery layers.
Keeping your mattress and topper clean and dry will extend the life of your bed.
All of the items, recommended in this email, address all of your needs in a way that an adjustable bed cannot…and do so long term.
The mattress comes with white glove delivery, which includes setup in your bedroom and removal of all packaging materials.
Everything else ships via UPS or FedEx.
Delivery is Free4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with AfterPay
Thanks, Pete
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Email: pete.themattressexpert@
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