Rachel writes:
Hi Pete,
I came across your blog and website today while trying to research the best mattress toppers. Several years ago I purchased a Simmons Beautyrest NXG 400 (CK size) for a good amount of money, at least in my opinion.
I chose this mattress due to lower back issues, mainly L5-S1. My mattress was comfortable...for a little while, which seems to be a common theme I've seen in your advice to others.
I ended up having back surgery on my L5-S1 in 2011.
After that, my mattress seemed to become more and more uncomfortable with each passing day, not only for my back, but for several other joints.
So much so, for the past three years, after moving in with my now fiance, we either sleep in his double bed (it has a memory foam topper but EVERY move wakes me up) or many times, the sectional couch - instead of my large, roomy, SUPPOSEDLY top-of-line waste of $$$$. (On the plus side, my mattress is still in very good condition from such little use.)
Eventually, the pieces of my joint pain came together when I was diagnosed earlier this year with extremely aggressive rheumatoid arthritis at age 35.
Along with pain in just about every joint, I also have insomnia and extreme fatigue, as well as frequent migraines, and stiff, sore muscles from medications, pain, stress, etc.
For most of my life I was a side and/or stomach sleeper, but now, due to pain, can only sleep on my back, a position in which I previously could never fall asleep in and still have extreme difficulties trying to do so. (HATE IT!!!)
I was very excited when I saw your website; it seems that memory foam (with gel temperature control) gets more hype and attention as the "new and best" thing but, I've been leery to purchase one because of some tempurpedic pillows I purchased (also for a good amount of money) that KILLED my neck, jaw, ears...everything!
My fiance also has severe allergy issues as well as some back and neck pain. He is 5'11, about 190, I'm 5'5, around 150.
I was looking at your 2" Ever Eden Talalay topper along with the Purebliss Latex therapeutic (latex/down) pillows. What would your suggestion/advice be?
Also, as a side question, I qualify for a "therapeutic mattress/mattress pad" under my health insurance DME benefits - are you aware if your mattress toppers have ever been considered as "therapeutic" by health insurance companies? It seems any I can find through DME suppliers aren't ones I'd even purchase to begin with, and certainly are not worth wasting my time to fill out insurance paperwork for reimbursement. I'd rather purchase what's BEST out of my own pocket but, it doesn't hurt to ask if you're aware of any prior customers having one approved for medical necessity/therapeutic reasons.
Thank you in advance for any advice you can give, as well as your time. I greatly appreciate it.
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
Your Simmons Beautyrest NxG 400 is loaded with memory foam.
Memory foam is the worst material ever invented for this purpose.
Memory foam has created a boon for the mattress industry and a nightmare for the consumers who buy it.
Memory foam is a temperature sensitive material that softens and sags under you once it warms from your body heat....losing comfort and support.
The diabolical part of this, is that the memory foam returns to its original shape when you get off of the bed...or, close enough to its original shape, that you won't prevail in a warranty claim.
The boon for the industry comes from not having to replace mattresses under warranty. But instead, the consumer has to replace their mattress much more frequently than in the past.
Most people don't realize that it's the memory foam causing the problem, since most people in the business talk about it like it's the best thing since sliced bread.
And so, the consumer ends up repeating their mistake...over and over again.
A latex topper will help, but your mattress has a lot of memory foam in it....junk upholstery that has seen better days.
You really can't afford to gamble with your health. My advice is to buy a new mattress and get rid of that one.
But this time, avoid memory foam.
Here is a link to the Natura Greenspring line...what we sleep on at home...a pocketed coil unit that is superior to the one Simmons makes, and upholstered with natural Talalay Latex.
https://themattressexpert.com/natura-greenspring-pocketed-coil-mattresses/
Natura Greenspring Pocketed Coil Mattresses | The Mattress ... themattressexpert.com Greenspring Liberty Plush Euro Top. Experience deeper, more restorative sleep with the Liberty Plush Euro Mattress. Lush helpings of natural ingredients come together ... |
Pure Bliss doesn't claim that their Latex/Down pillow is therapeutic. I put that there...and for good reason.
I have arthritis on one side of my neck...had it for years and lived with the pain.
When this pillow was introduced, I was given one to try at home. For the first time in years, my neck pain was gone.
Since then many people have experienced similar results. It is the best pillow for addressing chronic neck pain, that I've ever come across...and I have tried many different types.
Here is the link for those. It's the 2nd pillow on this page.
https://themattressexpert.com/organics/organic-pillows/
Pillow-Latex and More | The Mattress Expert themattressexpert.com Latex pillows are known for offering superior comfort and support. Order your Pure LatexBliss Organic or Talalay Latex Pillows from The Mattress Expert today! |
The first pillow is very popular, as well. It is extremely soft and comfy. Because it's latex, you head won't go through it.
Delivery is free and there's no sales tax.
Thanks, Pete
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