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