The Mattress Expert

A Mattress to Relieve Sciatica Pain.

Larry writes:

Hi Pete,

I need a mattress to relieve my sciatica pain.

I bought a memory foam mattress after the salesman at the store promised me that it would take care of it. 

The only thing it took care of, was making it worse.

I found your blog, after doing some research, that offered a lot of helpful advice. I flipped this mattress over, as I read that you had suggested.

It helps, but not completely. So I don’t think adding a topper is the right choice?

I like a firmer feel, being a large man, so I was thinking that the Natura of Canada Greenspring Luxury Firm Mattress would be a good fit, based on what I’ve been reading.

Please let me know if you think so too. 

I’d like to get this order In ASAP.

Thanks, Larry

 

Hi Larry,

You’re correct about everything.

A topper is for surface comfort, not support.

The support you’re not getting from your memory foam mattress won’t change by adding a topper.

The Natura of Canada Greenspring is what we recommend for large people.

It’s incredibly durable, an ideal choice for long term use by my heavier customers, who have been as heavy as 500 lbs.

My wife and I have been sleeping on their Ultra Plush model for more than a decade. It’s still in great condition, despite each of us weighing more than 200 lbs.

Your sciatica is a result of a pinched nerve in the small of your back, due to wore or herniated disc(s) in that area.

The individually pocketed coils of the Natura Greenspring are designed to maintain your spine’s natural alignment, which will relieve that pinched nerve. 

I, too, have a very bad back…herniated & bulging discs, along with degenerative disc disease. Yet this mattress has allowed me to sleep and wake without back pain for the 10+ years I’ve been sleeping on it.

All of my customers experience the same relief from their chronic back pain.

There are 4 choices of comfort and all of them are firmer than they sound.

The Natural Latex upholstery wears extremely well…head & shoulders above memory foam.

The Luxury Firm is an excellent choice. 

No Sinking In

No Off Gassing 

No Sleeping Hot.

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

Click on any of the models to view specifications and prices 

Natura of Canada Greenspring Mattresses 

https://www.themattressexpert.com/natura_mattresses.html#/

White Glove Delivery is Free

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

 

 

Thanks, Pete - TME

 

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Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

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Voicemail: 856-874-6894

A Mattress for Sciatica, Back and Shoulder Pain.

Randy writes:

Hi Pete,

Your website and blog are very informative and we have learned a lot the past few days.  You seem knowledgeable, interested and honest . . . a rare combination.  We hope you can help us, too.

Our current mattress is 18 years old.   

I am 5’8”  135lb with a history of two fractured thoracic vertebrae, sciatica and frequent neck, upper back and shoulder pain.  

My wife is 5’6”, 145 lbs with mild scoliosis and some general back pain.

Any help would be appreciated, Randy

 

Hi Randy,

A mattress that uses an individually pocketed coil system is designed to maintain the natural alignment of the body and spine.

THIS, is what relieves chronic back and shoulder pain.

A mattress like that, which is upholstered with pure, organic and hypoallergenic latex, will provide long lasting surface comfort.

 

We have two excellent quality mattress choices that use those components. And, both are on sale for the holidays.

 

Williams Kingston Plush Mattress, which comes with White Glove Delivery and Removal of your Old Mattress.

Shown Here:

The Williams Kingston Plush Mattress 

https://cc-mattress-llc.square.site/product/kingston-plush/105?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=TBPEGMF6GAOUPNC4SCBQMGLT 

And, the PlushBeds Luxury Bliss Mattress, made the same as the Williams Mattress, but comes with a 100 Night Trial Period.

Shown Here:

The PlushBeds Luxury Bliss Mattress 

https://www.plushbeds.com/products/12-luxury-bliss-natural-latex-mattress-with-encased-coils?variant=31705061490786&sscid=71k8_pjs8o&utm_source=share-a-sale&utm_campaign=4342051

Heads up: this post includes affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally vetted.

You don’t want to put a new mattress on an old foundation.

Doing so will void the warranty of any mattress.

If you need a new boxspring/foundation, I recommend the Magniflex KD Foundation, which comes in your choice of height and color.

They’re very strong and assemble easily with no tools needed.

They are upholstered foundations, a bit dressy, but reasonably priced.

Shown here: 

 

Magniflex Foundations 

https://www.themattressexpert.com/foundations_and_bases.html#/

Also recommended is a waterproof mattress protector, which prevents perspiration from seeping into the upholstery materials.

Keeping your mattress clean and dry and odor free will enhance longevity.

 

The Sleep & Beyond Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector
is my recommendation…the one we use at home.

It sleeps cool and works well.

Shown here:

Sleep & Beyond Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector 

https://www.themattressexpert.com/sleep_and_beyond_protectors_and_encasements.html#/

Your neck pain maybe a result of you sleeping out of alignment on your old mattress. You may find that problem with self correct with your new mattress. If not, I recommend the PureBliss Talalay Latex Pillows.

These are the ones we use at home.

The Classic is extremely soft and comfortable.

The Shredded is especially good for relieving chronic neck pain.

Here is a link to those:

PureBliss Talalay Latex Pillows 

https://www.themattressexpert.com/pure_bliss_talalay_pillows.html#/

 

Thanks, Pete - TME

 

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Online Ordering is Easy & Secure.

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Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

Simmons Beautyrest Mattress Causing Back Pain.

Susan writes:

Hi Pete,

I noticed that I had been waking up with mild back pains every morning, which went away while on vacation.

We then made the decision to replace my 20-year-old Sealy Posturepedic mattress.

I went to my local store and spent hours trying out various mattresses before deciding on a Simmons Beautyrest, which felt absolutely wonderful in the store.

But when we got our delivery, the mattress felt firmer than it did in the store.

The salesman told us there was a breaking in period and to give the mattress a chance.

The first night I slept on the new mattress, the mid-back pain I had been living with had dissipated.

But after three nights on this new mattress, that mild ache has been replaced by a raging case of sciatica! 

Is this normal?

My husband also has new back pains he has never had before.

What can we do? We can't afford to buy another mattress.

Thanks, Susan

 

Hi Susan,

You have a mattress that's providing you with good support. 

What you need now is surface comfort to relieve the pressure point pain and provide a deep night's sleep.

Add a Suite Sleep 2" Soft Organic Latex Topper to that mattress, and you will be good to go.

 

It's amazing, how well it works and it lasts for many years...a true quality item.

Here is the link. You can order one on line.

https://www.themattressexpert.com/suite_sleep_latex_toppers.html#/

 

 

FedEx Delivery is Fast 

 

Delivery is Always Free
Online ordering is Easy & Secure
Visa, M/C, Discover, Amex
Or choose 4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with afterpay

 

Thanks, Pete - TME

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://www.themattressexpert.com/store/p169/Organic_Cotton_Waterproof_Mattress_Protector.html#/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

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Cheap Latex Mattress Topper only lasted 18 months.

Rebecca writes:

 

Dear Pete,

In 2018, I bought a latex mattress topper from one of your competitors because it was cheaper.  

I only weighed 135 at the time, my husband 160. 

In the last 18 months it has developed a visible hump down the middle, separating my husband and I.  

Is this normal or did I buy a cheap knock off? 

My back still hurts every morning when I wake up.

Sincerely, Rebecca

 

Hi Rebecca,

Cheap latex comes from China, where they use clay as a filler.

When it comes to latex, you get what you pay for.

The latex toppers that we sell, are Pure Latex...certainly more expensive.

Also, a latex topper only provides surface comfort. It does not provide support.

Your back hurts your because of the mattress under the topper.

It’s the mattress that supplies the support for your back.

 

Thanks, Pete - TME

 

****************************

 

Hi Pete,

The mattress under the cheap topper is a Posturepedic Mira Loma bought from Costco in 2000.  

I don't think it has any memory foam in it.  

What do you recommend for me, 5'4", 135 lbs. 69 y/o with low back pain and sciatica every morning. 

My husband 5'9" 160 lbs and can sleep on most anything.
I like a comfortable, but not too soft surface and firm support underneath.  

Thanks for any advice, Rebecca

 

Hi Rebecca,

No. In 2000, that mattress would have had no memory foam in it.

Also It's a two sided mattress.

Sealy went to making one sided mattresses in 2003....then, Sealy was sold to Tempurpedic in 2013.

As well made as that mattress was, it is 24 years old.

 

Since neither of you don’t weigh very much, there’s no need to spend a lot of money.

The Wolf Tulah Luxury Plush Eurotop Mattress provides good support, comfort and longevity.

The individually pocketed coils maintain the natural alignment of the body and spine.

THIS is the best you can do to relieve chronic back pain.

 

UPDATE!…This Wolf Mattress Has Been Discontinued.

 

We are pleased to offer you a higher quality mattress from Eco-Terra. 

This mattress provides the same support with an upgrade in upholstery.

The higher quality upholstery provides greater comfort and longevity.

Click on this link:

Hybrid Latex Mattress | Eco Terra Mattress ecoterrabeds.com

 

 

 

 

Shipping is Fast. 

 

Delivery is Always Free
Online ordering is Easy & Secure
Visa, M/C, Discover, Amex
Or choose 4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with afterpay

 

Thanks, Pete - TME

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://www.themattressexpert.com/store/p169/Organic_Cotton_Waterproof_Mattress_Protector.html#/

 

Website: http://themattressexpert.com/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 

All Items Made Factory Fresh to Fill Your Order

Follow us on Facebook & Instagram

 

 

 

A topper for a too firm mattress.

Jonathan writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I’m 38, 170 pounds, and someone who has sore muscles often from going to the gym. 

In the last year or so I’ve been dealing with DDD/spinal stenosis and sciatica. 

I got an Ultra Firm mattress thinking that sleeping on the hardest mattress I could find would help.

I sleep on my back or sides, and tend to toss and turn a bit. 

I wake up with a very stiff back, and I’m wondering if the mattress is too firm.

I’m looking for a topper that you think might help alleviate my symptoms.

Thank you so much for this service!

Jonathan 

 

Hi Jonathan,

A mattress topper will help with the pressure points, which is why you’re tossing.

The firm mattress was a good choice for support, but you also need a measure of surface comfort. 

A soft mattress topper will provide that without sacrificing the underlying firm support.

Given your size and age, one of the Magniflex Mattress Toppers will do a nice job.

Shown here:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/latex_toppers.html#/

 

Shipping is Free

4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with AfterPay

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

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

https://www.themattressexpert.com/store/p169/Organic_Cotton_Waterproof_Mattress_Protector.html#/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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Waking up with backache on a 2 years old Nova-Form plush mattress.

Roger writes:

 

Hi Pete,

We have a 2 years old Nova-Form plush mattress, and we’re both waking up with backache.

I’m late 50s, 6’2”, 225 lbs., combination side, stomach sleeper.  

My wife is 4’11”, 115 lbs., combination side back sleeper.  

She has occasional sciatica and overall back pain.

 

I wonder if we’re sleep opposites.  

Thinking about an adjustable hybrid split king, maybe a Beautyrest with each twin having different firmness. 

Do you have and mattress suggestions for “sleep opposites” couples?

Thanks, in advance for your advice, Roger

 

Hi Roger,

Is "Sleep Opposites" a term you're coining or is it something you're parroting from a salesperson.

I've never heard that term before.

And while couples of vastly different sizes may have different needs, everyone needs a combination of firm support and a comfortable sleeping surface.

When dealing with a 100 lb. difference in weight, the key is in buying a mattress that will hold up well under the heavier of the two....and rotating that mattress regularly from the beginning.

  

If you’re considering a split king adjustable bed base, you’ll need 2 Twin-XL size mattresses...NOT Twin Size.

You’ll also want those mattresses to be the same thickness. 

 

For long lasting support, comfort and durability, you’ll want a mattress that has no memory foam in it.

That eliminates all the name brands, including Simmons Beautyrest.

 

For what will work for you, consider the Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush Mattress.

This mattress provides long lasting support and comfort under heavier people.

 

https://www.themattressexpert.com/natura_mattresses.html#/

 

 

If interested in an adjustable bed base, consider these from Magniflex:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/foundations_and_bases.html#/

 

This mattress comes with White Glove Delivery.

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

Delivery is Free.

4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with AfterPay

 

Thanks, Pete 

 

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

https://www.themattressexpert.com/store/p169/Organic_Cotton_Waterproof_Mattress_Protector.html#/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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Sciatica pain has returned on a Beautyrest Black Mattress.

Marie writes:

 

 

Hi Pete,

We recently purchased a Simmons Beautyrest Black Mattress.

We were told that this mattress would relieve my sciatica problem.

At first, it did that. But now, only 3 months later, my sciatica pain has returned and is worse than before.

I contacted the store and they sent someone to inspect the mattress.

I was told that there's nothing wrong with it, and it's too late to return it.

I'm average size, but my husband is 235 lbs.

I'm confused. This mattress was expensive. What do I do now?

Thanks, Marie

 

Hi Marie,

The problem with that mattress is the memory foam upholstery.

It softens as it warms form your body heat, allowing you to sink.

At first, you sink only a little. But memory foam is not very resilient.

It only takes a couple/few months before you begin to sink too far, which throws off the natural alignment of your spine.

It's in maintaining that alignment that relieves pain from sciatica and other disc related back problems.

 

There is a way to address your problem without having to buy a new mattress.

The problem material, the memory foam, is only on the top of the mattress.

It's the individually pocketed coils that are of value to you, which you can access by flipping your mattress.

Despite being a one sided mattress, flipping it will bring the coils close to your body and take the memory foam out of the equation.

 

It is likely to be too firm to sleep on comfortably, so add what you have to soften the surface, like a comforter.

If you find your sciatica is relieved, then you've saved your purchase of that mattress.

All you'll need is a mattress topper to make your comfort permanent.

The best upholstery material is latex...and has been for the last 100 years.

I recommend the Suite Sleep Pure Plush Talalay Latex Topper, which will be a long term solution to your problem.

Shown Here:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/latex_toppers.html#/

 

FedEx Shipping is Fast & Free.

4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with After Pay

 

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://www.themattressexpert.com/foundations_and_bases.html#/

 

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

https://www.themattressexpert.com/store/p169/Organic_Cotton_Waterproof_Mattress_Protector.html#/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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A new mattress. Lower back pain, sciatica and pressure points

Carolyn writes:

 

Good evening Pete, 

I have lower back pain and occasional sciatica. 

It’s time for a new mattress and I need help on what to get. 

I do not care for memory foam, but am concerned about pressure points. 

Regards, Carolyn

 

Good Morning Carolyn,

The best type of support to relieve chronic back pain, resulting in sciatica, is an individually pocketed coil system, which contours to the shape of the body and maintains the natural alignment of the spine.

Many mattresses are made with this type of coil unit, but almost all of them are upholstered with memory foam, which totally negates the benefit.

The mattresses I’m recommending for you uses this type of coil that is also stronger than most, using heavy gauge double tempered steel for much greater durability, and Natural Hypoallegenic Talalay Latex Upholstery

The Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush Mattress.

Shown Here:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/store/p142/Natura_Greenspring_Liberta_Ultra_Plush.html#/

 

The surface is comfortable,  but not as soft as it sounds.

You may wish to add a soft mattress topper for greater pressure point relief

.

Suite Sleep Latex Mattress Toppers are made of pure latex with no fillers nor synthetics.

They are the highest quality latex on the planet.

Latex is and always has been the best upholstery material available.

Of the ones they offer, their Pure Vita Talalay Latex Topper is the softest.

My wife and I have been sleeping on this sleep system combination for many years at home.

 

Shown Here:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/latex_toppers.html#/

 

 

The Mattress comes with White Glove Delivery

The Topper ships vis FedEx

 

Delivery is Free

4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with After Pay

 

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://www.themattressexpert.com/foundations_and_bases.html#/

 

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

https://www.themattressexpert.com/sleep_and_beyond_protectors_and_encasements.html#/

 

Website: https://themattressexpert.com/

Email: pete.themattressexpert@gmail.com

Voicemail: 856-874-6894

 

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My Tempurpedic Luxebreeze memory foam mattress is causing me massive back pain.

Kevin writes:

 

Hi Pete,

My memory foam Tempurpedic Luxebreeze mattress after a year is causing me massive back pain. 

My hips just sink right down as soon as I get in. 

I can't even get in it anymore without triggering sciatic pain. 

I found your recommendations to flip the mattress and put on a 2 or 3 inch latex topper. 

My only question is should I go with medium firmness and/or thicker: 

My fiancée and I are shy of 6' tall and over 270 lbs. She is a side sleeper and I am back or stomach. 

I am pushing to be back sleeping with my herniated lumbar disc issues worsening. 

I was thinking I should start with a 3" soft Dunlop, but I've read Talalay is a bit more breathable and might do better since I sleep hot. Any advice on a latex topper is welcome.

Thanks

-Kevin

 

Hi Kevin,

That recommendation you found on our blog is a temporary solution.

Your body weights mitigate to make it even more temporary and not your best option.

Your mattress is providing inadequate support. Using a latex topper with it is not a long term viable option.

 

My recommendation is The Natura of Canada Greenspring Mattress in Luxury Firm.

This is an extremely high quality, long lasting mattress that provides the kind of support that relieves chronic back pain.

That line of mattresses, shown here:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/natura_mattresses.html#/

 

Add to that, a Suite Sleep 2” Medium Soft Organic Latex Topper.

Shown here:

https://www.themattressexpert.com/latex_toppers.html#/

 

 

Together, they provide the spinal support necessary to relieve your back pain and provide long term surface comfort.

It’s the memory foam in your mattress that is causing your problems, including sleeping hot.

There is no memory foam in this sleep system combination to cause you pain nor to sleep hot.

The quality is much higher than you have now.

You’ll enjoy this bed for many years to come.

It is designed to hold up well under people your sizes.

 

Your current foundation does not need to be replaced.

 

Delivery is Always Free
Online ordering is Easy & Secure
Visa, M/C, Discover, Amex
Or choose 4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with afterpay

 

***************

 

Thanks Pete!

I figured we'd need to move to coils for better support.

Would doing a 3" soft-medium latex topper over 2" improve the comfort for my side-sleeping fiancée?

Or is it too thick to risk spinal mis-alignment?

Regards,

-Kevin

 

Hi Kevin,

The choice of 3” soft vs. 2” medium soft has nothing to do with proper spinal alignment. 

The mattress does that job.

The choice of a latex topper is one for surface comfort.

But here, you face something of a trade off because of your sizes.

The thicker, softer topper, while providing more comfort, but will require more frequent replacing than the thinner, less soft topper. There is a financial aspect to this and my recommendation was geared to maximizing your dollars.

 

My wife and I are each over 200 lbs and sleep on the Suite Sleep 3” Soft Vita Talalay Latex Topper, which tends to need replacing every 5 years, or so.

To maximize the life of the topper, regular flipping and rotating helps a lot.

 

Thanks, Pete

 

VERY IMPORTANT:

Keeping your mattress clean and dry will increase its longevity.

We recommend our Organic Cotton Waterproof Mattress Protector. 

https://www.themattressexpert.com/sleep_and_beyond_protectors_and_encasements.html#/

 

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

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The best mattress for a side sleeper that suffers with sciatica pain?

Carmen writes:

 

 

Hello Pete,

Can you recommend the best mattress for a side sleeper that suffers with sciatica pain? 

I am 5'5", 200 lbs.

Thank you, Carmen

 

Good Morning Carmen,

To me, the best mattress is one that relieves your pain, allows you to sleep well and lasts a long time.

The problem with most mattresses made these days, is that they need frequent replacing…due to the memory foam upholstery used.

The key to longevity is a mattress with no memory foam in it.

A mattress upholstered with natural latex is best for longevity.

To relieve sciatica pain, the key is to maintain the natural alignment of the spine and body. 

This will help keep the nerves in your lower back from being pinched, which causes sciatica pain.

 

My wife and I, each, weigh more than you.

I have a very bad back.

The mattress we sleep on allows me to sleep and wake without back pain.

And, it is still in like new condition, despite being 8 years old.

This is the mattress I’m recommending for you.

The Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush Mattress.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices.

https://www.themattressexpert.com/store/p142/Natura_Greenspring_Liberta_Ultra_Plush.html#/

 

You don’t have to worry about it being too soft. 

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

 

This mattress comes with White Glove Delivery

 

Delivery is Always Free
Online ordering is Easy & Secure
Visa, M/C, Discover, Amex
Or choose 4 Interest Free Bi-Monthly Payments with afterpay

 

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://www.themattressexpert.com/protectors_and_encasements.html#/

 

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

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