The Mattress Expert

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://themattressexpert.com/magniflex-mattress-toppers/

Shipping is free

 

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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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.

  

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

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

https://themattressexpert.com/mattress-foundations/magniflex-adjustable-bed-bases/ 

This mattress comes with White Glove Delivery.

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

Delivery is Free.

 

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

 

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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 Natura Plush Talalay Latex Topper, which will be a long term solution to your problem.

Shown Here:

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/natura-of-canada/natura-of-canada-latex-mattress-toppers/

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

A new mattress. Lower back pain and occasional sciatica.

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 the 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 mattress 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.

The Wolf Jessica Medium Firm Mattress.

Shown Here:

https://themattressexpert.com/our-brands/wolf-mattress/the-jessica/

For the surface comfort you'll, which is what you look to for pressure point relief, add a soft hypoallergenic latex mattress topper.

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.

It’s what my wife and I use at home.

Shown Here:

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

UPS/FedEx Shipping is Free 

These items ship quickly and tracking information is provided.

 

 

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

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.

You can get a mattress that provides excellent support for far less than a high quality latex topper.

My recommendation is for the Wolf Old Fashioned Two Sided Brandy-Lynn Mattress.

Shown here:

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

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

Shown here:

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

UPS shipping is free

These items ship quickly, arriving in about a week’s time.

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

 

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 latex topper is one of 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.

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

 

Also, the choice of the Brolynn in Plush over the Brandy-Lynn Firm will also enhance comfort without sacrificing the spinal support you need.

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

 

With inflation being what it is, my recommendations tend to keep economics in mind, especially with larger people.

But there’s no question, the Wolf Brolynn Plush Mattress and Vita Talalay Latex Topper will combine to relieve your back pain and maximize your comfort.

What you’ll sacrifice in durability isn’t really all that great, considering the high quality of these products.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

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

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.

 

Everything we sell comes with Free Delivery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Sealy Postureperdic Plush Hotel Mattress.

Josephine writes:

 

Hi Pete,

I talked with you about a year ago when shopping for a new mattress.  

I had slept on a Sealy Postureperdic Plush Hotel Mattress, and it felt wonderful for the 1 night I slept on it.   

I understand it no longer is made. In its place is a Sealy Posturepedic Deluxe Soft mattress.  

I've not purchased any new mattress yet. 

However, after reading the reviews on this mattress I see that it gets terrible reviews.

 

I suffer from many back issues, i.e. Spondylolisthesis, Sciatica, Arthritis, etc.  

So, having the right mattress is so important for me.  

I’m a side and stomach sleeper and was hoping you could direct me to a mattress that would work for me.

One that offers the comfort I so hope to obtain. 

My husband can sleet on anything.

 

Please HELP! 

Thank you, Josephine.

 

Hi Josephine,

There are two good choices.

The Wolf Brolynn Old Fashioned Two Sided Mattress in Plush is very well made.

The ups delivery is something you may or may not be able to accommodate.

It’s that ups delivery that makes it such a great value.

 

Click on this link to view specifications and prices.

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

 

The Natura of Canada Greenspring Ultra Plush Mattress is our best.

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

This mattress comes with white glove delivery, scheduled with you in advance, brought into your bedroom, unpacked, setup, and all packaging materials removed.

 

My wife and I have been sleeping on this mattress for several years.

It’s still in like new condition, despite each of us weighing more than 200 lbs.

What’s more, I sleep and wake without back pain, despite having a very bad back.

 

Click on this link to view specifications and prices:

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

 

Neither of these mattresses have any memory foam in them.

The Wolf mattress is upholstered with natural plant based polyurethane foam.

The Natura mattress is upholstered with natural Talalay Latex.

 

Either way, Delivery is FREE and there’s NO Sales Tax.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Can I use my heated mattress pad with the mattress topper?

Hi Pete,

I would like to know if I can use my heated mattress pad with the mattress topper?

Would it help relieve my sciatica nerve problem?

Thanks, Cindy

 

Hi Cindy,

You can use a heated mattress pad with anything other than mattresses and toppers made with memory foam.

Memory foam is a temperature sensitive material that softens as it warms.

Memory foam is aka: visco foam, gel foam, slow recovery foam.

 

Sciatica starts with a pinched nerve at the base of your spine.

The pain radiates around the hip and down the leg.

A nerve is being pinch by the vertebrae where the discs have worn.

The best way to reduce/eliminate that kind of pain is the keep the vertebrae from pinching that nerve.

This is best achieved by maintaining the natural alignment of your spine.

The best material to use for this is a mattress made with an individually pocketed coil

 

Thwarting any effort on your part is when you buy a mattress upholstered with memory foam. Memory foam is the worst upholstery material ever and will cause any back problem to become worse.

 

If you don’t have the proper support, adding a topper of any kind will end up being a total waste of money.

 

If you have an individually pocketed coil mattress that’s upholstered with memory foam, you can get by for a couple/few years by first flipping the mattress over and adding a Suite Sleep 2” Soft Organic Latex Topper.

Shown here:

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]

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.

 

 

Back pain on a new Simmons Beautyrest mattress.

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

 

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.

Hump down the middle of a cheap latex mattress topper.

Rebecca writes:

 

Dear Pete,

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

I weighed 175 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.

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

 

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

 

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", 140 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 the soft surface but know I need firm for support underneath.  

Thanks for any advice, Rebecca

 

Hi Rebecca,

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

It would, also, be a two sided mattress.

Sealy went to making one sided mattresses in 2003.

As well made as that mattress was, it is 21 years old.

 

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

The Wolf Brolynn Old Fashioned Two Sided Mattress is very similarly made.

Click on this link to view specifications and prices:

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

 

I suggest ordering that mattress in plush.

Ups 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]

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.