Memory Foam Mattress Warnings
Tempur-Pedic, Memory Foam, and the New Gel Memory Foam Mattresses
Tempur-Pedic and memory foam mattresses are the hottest sellers on the mattress market today; and because of all the hype and recommendations about them, so many people are sure they want one.
At least half of the customers who walked into my mattress store would announce, "I want to look at your memory foam mattresses. I've been reading up on them, my sister has one and loves it, my kid's teacher told me about hers, my doctor recommended it, etc."
Memory foam was our biggest selling mattress - and the most likely to be returned. This information was originally written a few years ago based on my experience as a mattress sales person; and the responses and feedback from real, buying customers during that time.
However, with over 200 comments and counting - this article has validated its own message through comments like the most recent ones in October 2016: "I got up this morning determined to get some truths around these mattresses and happened upon this site. I am so unsurprised to see all the comments on here and feel somewhat relieved it is not just me."
However, there are also many people who swear by their memory foam mattress. There are reasons for that - its just that memory foam isn't for everyone. That is why this article is here: because a memory foam mattress just might be the thing you need, too - or not.
This is one of the most important things you need to pay attention to before you decide to keep a new memory foam mattress: Are you moving more or less after your body has gotten used to sleeping on it..?
Return and Exchange Policies
Before you buy a new Memory Foam mattress, you should know that one of the main reasons why people get frustrated with trying to return or exchange them; is that they are often so expensive compared to other types of beds. And since most mattress stores offer credits rather than refunds if you are unhappy with it - that means that if you start out with Memory Foam.
Highlights from Wikipedia
Memory Foam is polyurethane with additional chemicals increasing its viscosity and density. It is often referred to as "visco-elastic" polyurethane foam, or low-resilience polyurethane foam. (Low-resilience = low 'push back' support)
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- Created by feeding gas into a polymer matrix, the foam has an open-cell solid structure that matches pressure against it, yet slowly springs back to its original shape.
- Was commonly utilized in cases where the patient was required to lie immobile in their bed on a firm mattress for an unhealthy period of time. The pressure over some of their body regions decreased or stopped the blood flow to the region causing pressure sores or gangrene. Memory foam mattresses significantly decreased such events.
Memory Foam Mattresses are Very Well Marketed
Memory foam was invented by NASA back in the day... Did you know NASA never used it? Tempur-Pedic was founded by a marketing executive. We can all certainly agree that Tempur-Pedic does a good job of marketing their Space-Age, State of the Art materials.
Some of the most trusted Doctors, Chiropractors and Physical Therapists in this country have recommended these products based on this marketing - which includes lots of impressive research to help make things seem so credible.
I'm not saying its not - just that its all really good marketing.
Memory foam mattresses are especially notorious for their HOT sleep and initially strong chemical smell and offgassing issues.
Memory foam basically contains the same ingredients as regular polyfoam - it's just manufactured differently. Essentially, gas is infused into a foam matrix to give it those neat body-molding and shape-remembering characteristics. This is why it can be so much stinkier than regular foam.
I talk about issues with offgassing - along with the details surrounding Federal Fire-Retardant alternatives and Regulations that are used in mattresses, in this previous article if you are concerned about those things.
What's RIGHT with Memory Foam in Mattresses?
There are good uses for memory foam. It is especially nice for those light, bed-ridden elderly folks who need to be kept comfortable.
Memory foam is also great mixed in with other foam layers in the top of a traditional, Innerspring, pillowtop mattress. Memory foam feels good next to our skin - it cuddles us and makes us feel cozy. So yeah, Memory Foam can really make the difference in the luxurious feel between mattresses.
A memory foam topper can be the ideal thing for adding more comfort to a mattress that needs it. In fact, a memory foam topper on a supportive, plush mattress (firm, but still with some cushion on top - as in the image above) can be a great sleep system and comfortable alternative for people who love the feel of memory foam; but a mattress does not work for their body and/or sleep type.
Also, if you have circulation problems and want to sleep warmer - get something with memory foam in it.
An Example of a Good Memory Foam Topper
Comments below have requested an example of a good memory foam topper. This is one that 'I would buy' because:
1) I like the gel infused into it - gels really do work to help (just help, not correct) give a little more support to the memory foam; as well as do a good job of diffusing the heat for most people.
2) I like the thicker 4" toppers because they give you the most cozy memory foam sleep experience without being a full memory foam mattress. If you're going to spring for memory foam (or latex) - you should always make it a good one. Half-way won't feel nearly as good.
If you can try them out at a store close to you - so that you can easily exchange/return them if you decide you need something thicker or thinner, etc. That is always ideal.
Sex on a Memory Foam Mattress
- What is sex like on a memory foam mattress? - Reddit
So we are talking about getting a new mattress and are kind of kicking around the idea of a TempurPedic or something similar. I've slept on one...
Memory Foam Mattresses Feel Strange for Many Sleepers
But memory foam mattresses are some of the most exchanged/returned mattresses - and that's only one of the reasons why they are so expensive.
I always told people, "Its a great nap mattress."
They almost always feel really good when you first lay down on them...
But, what if you are a tosser/turner at night? Lay down for a minute on any memory foam mattress and then try to roll over. Its like you're sunk into wet sand - good luck. I've had older people return their memory foam mattress for this reason: "You don't understand, I HAVE to be able to get out of it easy in the middle of the night!"
This also plays into sex... what will sex be like on a memory foam mattress? This is another personal choice about these mattresses; because some people like having sex on them - but, many don't like it as well.
The flip side to the 'can't move as easily' point is that your body supposedly won't want to toss and turn as much as it does after you get used to sleeping on it.
That may be, I've never slept on one long enough to know what its like after my body has gotten used to it. All I can tell you for SURE is that so many of them come back to the store just because it is such a different kind of mattress to sleep on every night.
Also, it is a HEALTHY thing for your body to move during sleep - ask your doctor. You don't want to sleep motionless, your joints need a little movement.
Memory Foam Mattresses are NOT Good for Many Sleepers for Bad Back Pain or for Relieving Pressure Points
Memory foam is a dense foam - this is why it is so hot to sleep on. Even without the pressure of a body on top compressing the foam - just lying there - it can't breathe very well.
And of course, when you lay on it - the foam compresses to an even tighter foam that breathes even less.
Also, when memory foam is compressed as when a body is laying on it - the foam that IS relieving the pressure points when you first get on that mattress is getting MORE FIRM (as in hard, 'wet sand' firm) underneath that shoulder or hip, etc., as you continue to sink into the mattress - especially if you don't do much moving (which we talked about, memory foam can diminish body movement during sleep).
GOOD POINT: Memory foam IS a good 'pressure-point-reliever' for sleepers who manage to remain tossers & turners. I'm sure it would be a good pressure point reliever for me for that reason - I doubt it would cure *my* restless sleeping habits. (I'm known for being a kicker. ;)
- Mattress, Back Support and Sleep Comfort Advice
Patients with back pain share their helpful advice about choosing a mattress at Spine-health.com
Pay Attention to Your Back, Spine & Neck
This is one of the important things that you need to pay attention to if you decide to keep a new memory foam mattress: Are you moving more or less after your body gets used to sleeping on it? Are there aches developing in your back, shoulder, neck, etc., that weren't there before? Sometimes you almost don't notice them at first; but you might more later as the situation continues..
There is NOTHING that is 'pushing back up' to support your back and keep your spine correctly aligned once memory foam turns into cozy, warm mush. This is why I recommended the plush/firm spring mattress with a memory foam topper, above - the bed beneath the topper should keep your body correctly aligned. The topper is just meant for cozy comfort.
Many memory foam mattress customers complain of shoulder/neck pain and/or backaches after sleeping on their mattresses for a few years or even just after a few months, sometimes.
This is why - memory foam actually gets MORE FIRM beneath pressure points if you don't move around much; OR you're not supported in the same way throughout the entire night on that mattress as you were when you tried it out in the store - because of the foam heating up and getting too soft where you need support.
And, this misalignment can be difficult to notice at first... During the night, your body just barely sinks out of alignment as your back starts to sway; especially those tricky back, neck and pelvic areas on your body.
If you have been sleeping on a memory foam mattress for awhile; and any part of your body is having problems - get off of it, at least for awhile to experiment. You could be doing slow-developing, long-term damage to parts of your body without realizing it - only because you don't realize it; not necessarily because there is anything wrong with the mattress.
All Sizes Available
An ideal latex topper is 4 inches thick with an ILD of 19 to 34 - lesser ILDs are for pillows and are usually too soft, with the possible exception of Fibromyalgia sufferers. Three inches is not thick enough to support a body (although for a memory foam mattress, you might get away with a 2-3" topper if the memory foam isn't too firm).
Memory Foam Mattress Potential Fixes
Adding a topper to a memory foam mattress helps many people, especially when it is too firm or too hot. If a new topper alone doesn't do enough to help you sleep more comfortably; there are cooling sleep products available - as well as ideas from other people who have dealt with that issue with semi-success. I suggest doing a general search for something that might work for you.
Its funny... I was starting to notice a developing trend shortly before I quit my job in March. Mattress customers were coming in who had purchased a memory foam mattress from other stores; and they were complaining that they were too hard. (I've had a few requests in the comments for Natural & Latex Topper recommendations for this reason - so I added these examples.)
These customers were often either looking for a topper to add to the mattress for comfort; or they were looking for a different mattress, entirely. I was beginning to wonder if memory foam mattress manufacturers haven't started making them more firm for the reasons I explained, above.
If they are, its not helping much.
A topper will not correct any structural issues that may be going on - like too much sway where you are heaviest. They do have the capability to add cushion if your mattress is too hard, or to cool it down if it is too hot.
Do yourself a favor and MAKE SURE it is the right mattress for you before your time runs out to exchange/return it.
Memory Foam Customer Experiences in the Comments Below
Thank you so much to the many readers who have shared their memory foam mattress experiences and asked more questions in the comments, below. This article very much continues with them; and is turning out to be a good online resource on the subject.
It is not an exhaustive resource, however. This is just a stop on your research trail about these popular mattresses.
Update: Good Memory Foam Mattress Alternatives
One last thing... You should know that many Doctors, Chiropractors and Therapists are beginning to recommend latex over memory foam as the mattress of choice. I talk about that why that is more in the comments, below. In fact, when you start browsing the web about this subject, many of them have 'invented' their own latex mattress brands.
A latex mattress is a really good alternative to a memory foam mattress because they both 'mold' around you like a glove - allowing for pressure point relief; BUT latex also gives support where memory foam does not. There are also other reasons to consider a latex mattress.
Another potentially-good alternative to a typical memory foam mattress for people who really like the feel; is a pocket-coil innerspring with memory foam on top. I'll talk more about why they might work in the comments; and you'll also see a couple links to them.
Mattress shopping hints: Please try not to get too hung up on brand names until you decide 'what kind of mattress' you want - then it is easier to weed through which brand might be best to buy.
I also highly-recommend going to mattress stores to test mattresses out - that is the only way your body will get a good feel for them. Here is some good, general advice while shopping for a new mattress - including how to test them to know which ones will work best for you and/or your partner's best sleep.
© 2013 Catherine Mostly
Popular
I've recently started hearing about how these mattresses are comfy, yet ultimately not healthy for your back. Good article!
Do you have any science or citations to back any of this up? Or is it just your opinion with choice words in CAPITALS?
I agree, however as salesperson are you not more likely to have unhappy customers come back to you than customers who really like their mattress? I certainly don't pop back to shop to say hi if I like the product.
I am not saying you are wrong and it is good to read this, but I am struggling to find good reading on the matter. A good quality mattress is a significant investment and should be done with care.
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This article is very interesting. I have a memory foam mattress. At first I loved it. However it gets very hot and uncomfortable. I can't get a good night sleep anymore. Constant tossing and turning. I don't like a firm mattress. I will be purchasing a new mattress with out memory foam!
Thank you for this information.
Cindy
OMG! my lower back is in pain every morning. I have the a very expensive tempurpedic. paid $4000 for it and it was on sale! is there any recommendations on a topper that might be able to patch this problem? seems like all toppers are made out of memory foam now....I hate it! its all a lie. I had a plush pillow top spring mattress that was 8 yrs old and is 200 times better than tempurpedic's crap
worse matress ever!!!! tryinr to return it after 2 months. fkin nitemare. make sure you get all th inffo b4 buying crap!!!
Memory Foam mattresses and pillows should NOT be sold at all! All my problems.... dizziness, headaches, breathing problems, rashes on my face, neck, head and eyelids started shortly after I purchase my pillows from a well known distributor. Unfortunately it took me more than a year and lots of reading to find that memory foam is a health hazard!
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Purchase Tempur mattress approx 7 years ago. Developed back pain approx 2 1/2 years ago. MIR confirmed trapped nerve. As retired able to take it easy and gradually getting better. Most mornings get out of bed and stiff for few minutes. Still getting pain in legs. Thought imagining it at first but when ever sleep in spare bed with firm standard mattress not stiff in mornings & pain in legs gone.
I relate so many of the points you've made here. We have had our Tempurpedic mattress for about six months and my hate for this mattress has grown to astronomical proportions! I am a side sleeper and have developed some serious shoulder issues from this mattress. I toss and turn all night, destroying one shoulder then the other, trying desperately to get comfortable. I have now resorted to sleeping on my couch because my shoulder hurts so badly. I knew from the first night that this mattress would not work for me, but my husband was in heaven, so I bought the whole, "your body has to get used to it," explanation and kept forcing my body through the pain. Now I believe I may have permanent shoulder damage! If I had known what I know now, there is no way in hell I would have bought this mattress!! Do not buy into the hype. If you are a side sleeper, and you weigh more than a hundred pounds, this is your worse nightmare!! It's like sleeping on a concrete slab!
I think I have to agree with David somewhat here. Not much factual information, just some speculations based on a few unhappy customers. Obviously there are different type beds to suit different needs, but just because it doesn't work for one doesn't mean it's garbage either. Pretty much any surface gets more firm the more it's compressed - poly foams, latex, h.r. foams, springs. It's called physics, not exactly a memory foam problem. To use that logic would be saying any bed is useless. Memory foam is supposed to sag, it's a comfort layer that helps reduce pressure. You can't reduce pressure by providing supportive pressure. The foam/latex layers beneath are what provide the support and if you knew anything about memory foam mattresses you'd know this. Nice to see information from both sides of the coin as it were, however it would be much more impressive with more than just subjective opinion by someone who admittedly hasn't even used the item they're warning about. As a side note, I think you could do without the snarky undertones. You were a SALES person for a whole what, 5 years? That's like the kids behind the counter at the auto parts store who show up 9-5 to sell things, most of which they've never used personally - attempting to school me on various products when in fact I'm an ase certified repair tech and know better first hand. Maybe you'd have more room to be snarky if you actually USED the product you're downing. If people would like to browse information about a variety of options, I'd recommend they hear out people who have been in the industry for decades and know a little bit more about what they're talking about. Some place like themattressunderground.com . Sorry, obviously you have SOME experience in selling them but you make it out to sound like you have a doctorate hanging on your wall certifying you 'talked about a mattress you've never used' for FIVE whole years. Not impressed. I was actually hoping for some good information, but to rant about a product and make bold statements about its' medical suitability for aching joints and spinal alignment without the first clue of orthopedic medicine is just ignorant. Any more than I have a basis to make quality claims of the beef used at a restaurant and how it's prepared simply because I ate there a few times and it didn't suit my personal tastes.. or rather in this case, going on about it because it didn't suit the taste of others who complained to me while not having tasted it or having the first clue about it in the first place.
I would be absolutely shocked if none of these comments had been written by the author to support the article's case. There's an almost deliberate variation in sentence structure, misspellings etc to the various replies that bash memory foam, all of which receive agreement and comments from the OP.
Hi Misfit I have to agree with you 100% I have a Tempur Pedic Mattress. I have started wheezing while I am in bed. I have shoulder pain and back pain while in bed and after I get out. I am not that old to have these things going on. Ours is only 3 years old and I can't wait to get it out of the bedroom. Thank you for your article and time to post it. Some of us appreciate it. Now I have to find a quality mattress that is not Memory Foam. Any suggestions on a quality mattress? Thank you.
Hate it!! Plain and simple. Way too hot to sleep on. My shoulders hurt, my hips hurt, my back hurts. I haven't had a good nights sleep in a year. My husband loves it, but he's a back sleeper and I'm a side sleeper. He's currently on his iPad looking up cooling toppers. I wish we never bought this mattress!
Arg, didn't want to buy a memory foam mattress, but they all have a component with it ... now I wish I'd looked harder, my back feels all borked ! Next time I'm want one with springs and no foam!
Idk why there are all these negative comments on this site. Almost every other site that has reviews for tempurpedic, the far majority of the comments are favorable. I own the tempur rhapsody and my wife and I couldn't imagine going back to an innerspring mattress. We both tossed and turned and had constant back problems from our sealy posturepedic euro plush pillow top. I highly doubt these are all legitimate reviews.
I've been using temper pedic mattresses for almost 7 years. I kept it because it was expensive mattress. when I bought this, the salesman told me I can use 20 years this mattress. My husband and I have a lot of back pain during night. the mattress is soft, it really doesn't firmly support your back. it sinks. also it makes it so hot after a while. I can't sleep long hours on this mattress. The temper pedic commercial is way exaggerated. whenever i watch the commercial, it feels like ripping off people. The author really explained very well.
I spent $2000.00 on a memory foam, 14in thick.... loved it, then hated it, too hot... no support!! I've had 3 lumbar surgeries and 2 c-spine surgeries and I'm dumping my memory foam. Two college degrees and retired Air Force, I know what I'm going through isn't the way it's supposed to be, what a waste of money, it's all the hype, if that many people love it...it must be perfect!! The queen bed in my spare room is 15 yrs old, not used much, but I love it; and not it's not memory foam!! I've read the articles, all of them, great info; thanks!! Will be finding me a new bed soon...and then a new pillow (not a memory foam pillow either)
Hi Misfit
Can you suggest a good mattress that is not Memory Foam and that does not have a pillow top on it? I have back issues and need a really good supportive bed. Thank you so much.
Haha, kinda funny reading this. I was looking for something else when I stumbled on this.
I actually have some generic memory foam mattress. It was like 500-700 dollars or something and it's perfect for me. Sleeping on my side, face, or back. The only thing I've noticed is that, at least I think, the foam in the middle is starting to break down since I've had it for a few years. All this means is that it's slightly softer and less firm in the middle. Never had any troubles getting out either, off the side or moving towards the end of the bed and getting off at the end, seeing as I have nothing blocking it.
I have had memory foam for a few years, never had a problem with it. It didn't get hot, and I can easily toss and turn on it. I prefer it over spring mattresses.
I love my Memory foam Mattress perfect support for my side sleeping .
I just purchased a Serta memory foam mattess since my boyfriends mattress had springs sticking out completely. i would wake up miserable every single day after getting out of bed. I had went to one store and got a memory foam mattress stupid cheap because of a mix up with the tags. I have been sleeping on it for close to a week now it's a little too firm for my liking to be honest but my back pain is completely gone after sleeping on this mattress. I'm hoping it will get a little bit softer over time but we shall see how well this all holds up. I also would toss and turn all night but now i move a few times in my sleep and that's it. ive also been resting a lot better.
I love my memory foam mattresses for the first 12 months and then I have back pain every morning. Buy a new foam mattress and it lasts again for a year and back pain starts. I pay about $700 so maybe that is the problem but not willing to risk it and spend a fortune so going back to a spring mattress asap.
I was getting excruciating pain in my right lower abdomen and back. I do have a bad back not nothing like this, a hot poker being shove in ,just above the pelvic area. I had a number of tests and found nothing. Thinking back it all started when I got the memory foam. I took it off and I now have no problem
Hi Cindy,
I have invented and produced a brand new kind of mattress, I was a retailer of mattresses for 12 years so I also see the pro's n Cons from the industry. I took the knowledge and customer feedback and tried to come up with a product that not only can suit all but you can constantly change till you do and then change again should your needs change. I would be interested to hear your views. You can view at Kind Regards Lance
We purchased this mattress about 2 1/2 years ago. I hate it. I had a spinal fusion in 2003 and never had any subsequent problems until we purchased this mattress. I wake every morning with hip and back pain and my husband says I am now shuffling, instead of picking up my feet, to walk. I am only 44. I am also waking up about 4-5 per night trying to get comfortable. I thought I was paying for an excellent sleep. Guess not
Your articles were super helpful to us in mattress shopping. Thank you for taking the time to write them! Sorry for the negative feedback you've gotten. I'm grateful for them! But I do have a question- we bought a firm bed without a pillow top since our pillow top wore out so easily. We purchased a topper that is like memory foam (it's 3in thick and a good one). I don't like it. What is another good topper choice? I've had feather before and I didn't like it bc the feathers move and get piled in weird places and poked us. This foam hurts my neck. Is there anything to but that is like what's on top of. A pillow top but is a topper? That way we can use it a few years and just buy another topper when that wears out. Thank you!
Thanks a lot this was a very helpful article.
Deleting posts hey?
You mention latex hybrid beds but what about memory foam hybrid where there is foam on top and still spring support on the bottom?
I personally enjoyed this article. I haven't made a decision as to what mattress I want yet as I'm still reading up, but I'm very prone to impulse-shopping (I'm in college lol) and I know I need to consider all parameters with this purchase. While some don't find "observation" and "personal experience" credible, plenty of people like me love a good, "word of mouth" sort of account; please don't stop with these articles! I certainly don't make purchases solely off the perspective of others but "bedding dynamics" is really unfamiliar territory lol. I needed to know this.
I really enjoyed your article and found it very informative and unbiased. (thank you!). I have been sleeping on a memory foam topper for a couple of years without any problem. However, a few months ago I started having back pain right where you mention (back meets the pelvis). I sleep so much better when traveling which started me thinking that it might be the topper. The mattress is extremely hard and requires a topper. Do you have any recommendations on a topper? I used to love those egg crate foam toppers they made 20 years ago. Are they a good option for softening an extremely firm mattress? Is latex a good option? Thanks!!
I found your article, and all the comments, to be helpful. I have severe scoliosis, which has caused a lot of neck pain over the past several years. Today I started pain management treatment and my doctor recommended my first step be that I get a temperpedic neck pillow and mattress. He says the mattresses aren't necessarily great for a lot of people, but due to my spine fusion I need a mattress that conforms to me, rather than a hard one that doesn't. I know you aren't a doctor, but during your years of sales, did you have anyone comment about conditions like this? And Have you had any experience with the pillows?
Thanks so much for the information. I hadn't ever heard of latex mattresses and pillows until I read your article, so I'll give both a try. Given the cost of both, I may end up trying out a good thick memory foam or latex topper on our current firm bed. Although they, too, are expensive, it's still more affordable than an entire new mattress.
I actually bought a wedge pillow about a year ago, but it wasn't a memory foam. It was just a cheap one I found at a local store. It worked fine for a couple of months, now I rarely use it anymore because it no longer supports. I use it for a leg prop more than anything. I may check into the memory foam wedge when I look at pillows.
Thanks again for your information. I find it helpful to hear the opinions of people who have worked in the business - they are the ones who hear a lot of feedback. Yes - the people who are happy and have no complaints generally don't come back in to tell you so. But, you still know an average of how many people you make sells to, and how many of those ARE coming back with a complaint (or compliment), and what those complaints are.
I found this article extremely interesting.. We read alk the reviews of course, but I have to say I didn't come across this article til I started looking further after having had the mattress for a few months. I've always had back issues but guess what they ate getting worse! I began to notice that I feel like I'm sunk into the mattress. Like my back is just curving more and more each night. I finally started thinking Mattress! After reading this article I'm more and more convinced that or mates is not helping me but making me worse. Tonight I'm going to sleep in my daughter's bed to see how I fare, or shud I say how my back fares. I'm heading to physical therapy for my back this morning and my mattress win be a topic of conversation! Much as it will not make my husband happy I have a feeling this mattress will be going back. I'll keep you posted, and thanks for the HONEST reviews and information from someone who doesn't have a sales agenda but clearly just wants to give consumers another piece of good information that is not coming from a mattress marketing perspective.
Whoops, is there a way to edit my post above? My darn swipe changed some of my words. Hopefully you can all read between the lines. :)
can you post a link to the best memory foam toppers that you talked about in your article? The only thing I am finding is links to other web pages to buy mattresses and toppers but I don't see any recommendations for mattresses or mattress toppers where it said they would be listed below. Thank you!
I am a user for Tempur mattress. Tempur has few models of mattresses but generally it's divided into 3 groups which are firm, medium and soft.
I used to own a firm one and found shoulder pain. Make a complaint and replaced with a soft one. Started fine in first few months but after around 6 months, shoulder pain came back. And recently, after sleeping on this soft Tempur for a year, i felt pain on my lower back, in addition to shoulder pain.
My wife and my baby who have tried firm and soft Tempur, love them both.
Misfit, could you please share your advise.
Memory foam supposed to be a pressure relieving material. So i really do not understand and a bit confused as well. Is there any scientific or logical explanation on why memory foam could cause shoulder pain when sleep on side?
And after a year on soft Tempur, why my lower back feel pain?
I spent $5,800 on a tempurpedic rhapsody luxe and within a month a had back problems. I went out of town for a month and my back pain was gone. I just got back home two weeks ago and now I'm in serious pain. I wish I would've caught this within my 90 day trial. Now I'm stuck with a near 6k bust. This really sucks. Not sure where to go from here.
What do you know about the Saatva beds?
Thanks. I'm going to try a mattress topper for now and see where I get. My bed is a 7 out of 10 in firmness
Thanks for this article. One additional question I have is whether or not weight has anything to do with getting comfortable on a memory foam mattress. My husband is 6'1" 190lbs and I am 5'2" 115 lbs. He loves it and I have been suffering for the last seven years. I never made my "dent" and as you say I have stopped tossing and turning in my sleep. I wake up every morning with lower back pain and just thought I was getting old. :( I have been suspecting the mattress was the issue for some time now. I am going to spend some time in the guest room and see if anything improves. Thanks for confirming I am not crazy or just getting rickety bones!
I really appreciate your articles, so thank you for writing them. However, now I am even more confused as to what to do lol. I did recently buy a sealy libretto and I think it is causing me issues. I told the sales guy I did not want memory foam and he told me that the libretto is not really memory foam. I feel I may have been lied to? I called the store and they said it's hard to find a mattress without some memory foam. Not sure what to do and I worry if I take it back, I will end up something worse.
Thanks for the verification. I know I have until October 6th to return it.
It was a roundabout lie. I knew it was "like memory foam, but different". He said the memory foam is down so far that it shouldn't cause a problem. Is it true that most beds have at least some memory foam now? By the way, the link is the store I bought it from.
Now I feel stuck as to what type of bed is going to help me since I just went through 9 years of hell on my old one.
Are you available on email or anything for some advice?
So, if someone is possibly sensitive to memory foam, a little is still okay? I still don't know if the bed is causing the issues, but I do know they started after getting the bed. I am running out of time to exchange it, so I think it is best to not take the chance that it is not the bed - if that makes sense lol. I am a little more than pissed that when I said I did not want memory foam I bought memory foam because I believed it is different and so far down in the bed that it wouldn't matter. Grrrrrr
Yeah, this so called gel memory foam does not sleep cool as they say. I have woken up hot in the middle of the night. Plus, there is not enough info on these gel memory foam beds. This is so frustrating. I am going to try to get to Sleep Country tonight... I tried a memory foam topper on my old bed and it made my cat ill, so that was part of why I did not want memory foam. Just so I am clear, a little bit of memory foam is not likely to cause health issues if it is in an innerspring? What about pocketcoil?
No, I am in Canada - Far from Seattle in Toronto, Ontario lol. The link you found about the Sealy Libretto was from Sleep Country Canada, which is where I bought the bed.
I am not convinced my cat isn't reacting to it. Perhaps the reaction is not as quick as it was with the topper, but since I have had the bed since Aug. 6, I am starting to piece together some differences in her.
I think it sounds like it is best to stay away from memory foam as much as possible? I am not sure I want innerspring with foam on top. Wouldn't that cause problems if someone is sensitive to it?
I did end up emailing you :)
Hi Misfit!
Haha. Oops, sorry Misfit, I had accidentally hit the "post comment" key before getting my question out a couple of nights ago. So I'm in desperate need of your help. First of all, I want to say thank you soooooo much for this webpage and all your awesome advice (for those who are bashing you, clearly need to find better ways to spend their time). So 5 years ago, we bought the firmest bed sleep country had (I think it was called their "black label" (not sure who makes it, but you probably would know) and we loved it, but as of two years ago it has been horrible. I only weigh 120 lbs and my body indentation is so deep. I will say, I do like that it reduces the transfer movements that my husband makes on his side onto mine. But, I'm just dipping in and into the center. Please keep in mind, that I'm a horrible sleeper (wicked insomnia and restless legs, according to my sleep study result, I wake up 28 times in an hour). So I'm willing to pay a lot for a bed that will help my sleep anyway. That's why the reduction of the movement from hubby was such a big deal for me, cause sadly when he turns from one side to another i feel it and it wakes me up. We are now looking for a new bed. Please keep in mind my husband has a herniated disc in his neck (he's 45 years old and weighs about 170 and i'm 39 and mentioned above weighing 120lbs) and he is a either a back sleeper or side sleeper. I'm more of a side sleeper and stomach. We had tried the tempurpedic and that lasted 2 days (of course they argued with me that I had to try it our for their trial period but that wasn't happening since it caused me hip pain in those two nights that i never had). We have stayed in great hotels in Italy and LOVE their bed. Not sure who makes them but there is zero feel of movement when my hubby tosses and turns. I absolutely love how firm they are. Someone said that European beds are made from latex?? So I'm leaning towards latex. After reading your article and those you have listed, I'm leaning towards an organic latex mattress. I just don't know where to try it out (we live in Sammamish, WA so not far from Seattle) and also what ILD number and Talalay topper would be good for us. Also, where is a reliable place to buy from and one that gives a good return policy in case it is not what we like (if it's anything like tempurpedic, I may go nuts). Also, is it better to go with one that you has the comfort layer as a separate topper so we can exchange or replace the topper? Any suggestions or advice would be HIGHLY appreciated!! Thank you in advance.
Hot, hot, hot. 'Nuff said:(
I was googling "back pain and tempur pedic mattresses" this morning, and came across your article. So helpful! We have a $4,000 tempur pedic mattress purchased about 10 months ago. I thought I loved it. I am a runner, weigh about 125, about 5'1", and I have developed a lower back pain last spring, and started seeing a chiropractor so I can run pain free. I figured I must have injured my back somehow, but when I woke up this morning with more back pain than I had when I went to bed, it finally dawned on me it may be my much-loved mattress. It is all coming together now.. Pain started about a month after my new mattress. I am shocked... Preparing for a marathon, and just not sure how I will pull this off pain free.
Also, FYI - for Kim, my husband is 5'8", and heavy, 285 or so - he loves the bed, and pain free.
Go figure.
I plan to experiment and sleep on the sofa bed for a few nights to see if my suspicion is correct. If so, I don't know what I will do.
Informative and well balanced reporting in my humble opinion as a 6 year cloud model TP owne5 , Thank You.To poster "brass" above, "The proof is in the pudding". I failed to read in your post whether you slept on a memory foam mattress or not however, if someone says," there is a fly in my soup",some would say "eat around it" and others would say " don't eat it".This article's author has creatively stated the soup itself may be fine if you like eating flies . As well,you being a mechanic ( lower on blue-collar totem pole than a Used Car Salesman), doubtful if you would purchase gas at a location where someone told you they bought gas and their car developed engine problems from the gas they bought there, AND it was confirmed by a "mechanic". Bad Gas...something you can relate to I'm sure. Thank You.
I botched my post above and it should have said " TP owner for 5 years". Anyway , enjoyed the article more than the bed.
It's been a little over a week that i just got the temperpidic cloud elite. I know you mentioned you just recently quit but was wondering if you have any recommendation for a medium firm mattress because this one is just too soft. I don't know if I haven't given myself enough time to adjust to it but so far my back pain seems to be getting increasing worse. I'm really sad because I want to like this bed but don't know how. Hopefully I can get answer before the time to return it is up.
Thank you for taking the time to share your personal experiences on Hubpages:) My personal experience sleeping on memory foam for the past six years has mostly been a good one. I do not have a Posture Peadic which feels a bit more quick sand like :) I can say however it does hold on to body heat feircy which can cause a bit of a problem during humid hot summer nights. I can also confirm it has felt a bit more firmer latey. Choosing the right pillow can help too. You did a great job covering this topic :)
My husband heard about the Tempur pedic so he wanted to go check them out. our spring mattress was giving me major side and hip problems and he was hurting too. When we went to the store it felt real comfy so we bought it... I have hated it ever since. It doesn't conform to your body at all... its like sleeping on the floor. IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE MOST COMFORTABLE BED AROUND BUT IT ISN'T!!!.. I have 2 thick quilts that I put on my side of the bed to lay on just to make it comfy.. AND the pillows that we got free with the bed CRAPPY AND DON'T MOVE EITHER.. WE CAN'T EVEN USE THEM... WE PAID ALMOST $6,000 FOR THIS AND ITS THE WORST DECISION WE HAVE EVER MADE!!!!... I HATE TEMPUR PEDIC!!!!!!!
I'm glad you wrote this article. It gave me a place to vent ;)
Bought a memory mattress 10 mth ago i could cut my wrists every night i have to go to bed. From the very 1st night my back was in agony, my spine locks and it feels like its going to snap when i move. Now its spread to my neck. Can't afford new one i hate my life
i am working on a new mattress design and would love to get your imput on it
Hey Joby... I put a really thick fluffy folded up comforter on my side of the bed and its working out fine.. No more uncomfortable sleep.. I can't afford another mattress either so get the comforter out and try it.. :)
Do you have any info on Dormeo Octaspring mattresses? The structure of the bed is very different.
I'm so glad that I had found this website. This is some useful things for the future!
Interesting to see how much controversy an article about memory foam mattresses can create! I have spent some time sleeping on memory foam mattresses (staying over at friends houses and hotels etc...). The first time I lay on one I loved it and immediately spent days reading through hundreds of online reviews of them and different brands. I tend to get rather obsessive about needing to know everything about a product before I buy one. However, as I slept on them more and more I also formed my own opinions.
I have massive back problems, and it did initially help my back. However, I found that once I got into a sleeping position at the start of the night, I kind of 'sunk' into that position and never moved from it the entire night. As a result, after a few nights sleep, my back pain got worse and so did other areas of my body that seemed to get pressure point pain. When reading reviews on line, there seems to be quite a divide. For some people it really helps with their back pain, but for others it makes it worse. It appears to be just something that you have to try out for yourself.
The hot issue is definitely a problem. I usually get quite cold at night, but I did find that these mattresses usually made me over heat.
A lot of reviews online also reported another major issue with these mattresses in some climates and circumstances. Many people reported mould developing under the mattresses and between their mattress base. Possibly caused by overheated bodies and/or humid climates. This was even after they tried using a really good mattress protector and trying to air them out. I believe this is one of the reasons why latex mattresses make a point of using open cell interiors.
Anyway, at the end of the day I just think that mattresses are a personal choice and there is not just one mattress that suits all. You need to thoroughly spend time on it (at least 20mins in store) before buying. Try to work out what type of mattresses you prefer by checking out the brand when staying at hotels and friends houses.
As for memory foam pillows, I personally can't stand them, but my physiotherapist does find that a lot of her patients really like them. Again, we all have our own personal preferences.
Great article. I have a chronic pain in lower back where I could not find yet the best mattress option for me. I was almost buying a memory foam when I read your page. Based on your experience do you have any mattress recommendation? Now I have an innespring, I hate it, always sinking. Thanks
I will never again have a memory foam mattress. I found my expensive, custom made mattress uncomfortable, hot and completely unsuitable for good sex. You just can’t move around well enough on them and they have no bounce-back, no reactive motion – very unfavorable, rhythmically speaking. I could never get a good night’s sleep on mine; always woke up with a stiff, sore back. I will have nothing but conventional inner spring mattresses from now on. The foam mattress will stay in the guest room to make sure they don’t stay too long.
Thank you Misfit Chick for providing this helpful forum.
Thank you this very informative hub.
I will not be buying one. I love to toss and turn at night.
Plus, I'm already HOT at night, and hate the idea of my bed making me warmer.
Thank You. I think everyone should know about what you have written, so I've Tweeted it.
Cheers from DOWNUNDER
I bought an iComfort mattress last summer. I spent a lot of $, thinking that this 'investment' would last for a very long time. I've got fibromyalgia and psoriatic arthritis, and a few other health issues. Little by little, I've had more pain in my body than ever before. I had no idea it was the mattress until we went away with the kids to a waterpark - and when I woke up in the morning, I wasn't limping or experiencing any hip pain. Honestly, I feel like I'm at least 85 years old with this mattress. I got a stiff neck last week, and although it loosens and feels better by nighttime, in the morning, again, it's worse. I feel like my body has no healing capabilities while I use this mattress! My 'tender points' from fibromyalgia are SO painful. Time to research what bed would be best for me. I'm just so upset I wasted thousands of dollars. :(
Thank you for this article, I only wish I would have read it before my purchase. It's nice to know I'm not imagining things!
I recently bought a tempur cloud prima about 4 weeks ago. I had good nights of sleep with my old ikea mattress which had spring and memory foam on top, and wanted to change to the well known tempurpedic. My wife is a side sleeper and she has no problems with the new mattress. For me, however, its causing me lower back problems from day one. It really does feel like I sink in and there is not enough support on my lumbar area. I also dont like the heating of the material. I decided to do some research on this topic and found your article. Reading thoroughly through I am very thankful that I found this article while I can change to a different mattress. I wanted a better sleep but TP really isnt for me. I will probably switch back to the spring + memory foam top "hybrid" mattress. Again, thanks.
Great article. Wish I'd read it before we bought the king-sized memory foam mattress, but c'est la vie. Plus, my spouse loves it, so at least one of us is happy. Unfortunately, I've been increasingly miserable with lower back pain, sciatica and sleeplessness. I've gone on weeklong out-of-town trips, slept on conventional, firmer mattresses, and felt great. Since we have a really big master bedroom, I'm seriously considering buying a twin traditional mattress set for me to use at night (and make into a Hollywood bed during the day). Crazy stuff, but I'm getting a bit desperate.
Hello
Mi have to say that reading all the above.
I now know eighteen...repeat eighteen people who realised memory foam has had a negative impact on their health.
Very soon an american report will be made public that backs this up..scientifically.
However...it does not take a scientist to work out what hurts us or makes us sleep better when it comes to the mattress....trial and error do this...elimination.basic basic human knowledge.
Memory foam like the microwave which destroys all nutrients like cows milk full of bad protein...food for cancer...one day will be as clear as day.
Big industry try to protect it...you can tell some people fear it will impact their livelyhoods...hence asking for facts.
Great article...
Have you ever heard of the cover on the foam mattress shifting. i have noticed this recently. This is i have noticed the mattress has become extremely soft. I am at the point i hate rhe thing
I did not know that memory foam mattress may not be good to sleep on. I have been shopping for a foam mattress and was holding out for the right price. Now I am going to have to do some more research after reading you hub.
Thanks for sharing this Catherine!
I certainly learnt a lot and agree with you that people need to be wary of picking a memory foam mattress if they have back pains. I'm a side sleeper, and while memory foam mattresses do a fairly good job, my top pick is still going to be a "hybrid" mattress like Turf and Needle. I have had good experiences with that mattress!
I actually run a website at and would love to connect with you!
Cheers,
Jessica
I got one of these memory foam mattresses last year. At first it was nice, because we were sleeping on an air mattress. I've grown to hate it over the last year. My chief complaint about it is the pain that it causes me. I'm a side sleeper and the pain in my hips and shoulders is hard to deal with. I have a little 1" foam topper on it, and that hasn't done a thing to help. I'd really like to just get rid of it, but it's not anywhere near the end of its useful life. I'm now looking at latex toppers to try and mitigate the pain issue. One thing that we do like about it is that we cannot feel each other move at all. I guess with latex, that will become more of an issue. These latex toppers are so expensive. I really hope that it is a solution, and doesn't make things worse.
All of these comments about how the author of the article must be manipulating the comments is just hilarious. That seems to be the go-to, knee-jerk reaction some people take when they don't agree with what someone says. So much paranoia on the internet. I appreciate this article. It backs up my experience with my mattress. As for this not being a "scientific " article, who cares? I'd rather have someone give me information based on practical experience, rather than telling me that my experiences must be wrong because some scientific article disagrees.
This was an interesting hub. I almost got a memory foam mattress last year, but got a bed at IKEA instead. I got a memory foam pillow, which worked wonders for me and my back pain.
Great posts and I'm definitely posting my own. I bought at Christeli memory foam mattress this past April. At the time I was going to the chiropractor due to a sharp pain that developed while working and it was bothering me for 3 months at that time, since the beginning of this year. Chiropractor visits started making my back feel better and he also recommended me to buy a serta memory foam, or a good memory foam mattress. Got home sarted checking reviewe and so lots of complaints on serta so after searching I found Christeli mattresses to be full of good reviews and the only one with lifetime warranty on their handmade memory foam mattresses, so I purchased one. Everything seemed fine, mattress is like quick sand and sometimes I wonder if that is the way this things are supposed to work. Never smelled any odors from it.. Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not. Sometimes the discomfort goes higher on my neck and sometimes my throat with reflux. I started wondering if perhaps the mattress had anything to do with this but my wife keeps telling me the mattress looks brand new and in good shape.. I'm a mechanic by the way. So just looking to note down my experience with memory foam and without pointing any fingers because I have no idea it it is the mattress or not, look for remedies and solutions since I lost faith in the chiro.
No need to thank me. I'm stuck in this situation and have to deal with this discomfort and pain daily until I figure this out.
I decided to contact Christeli for the lifetime warranty. Which mattress would you recommend me? The typical firm brick mattress?
To be honest I don't really wish to spend in any expensive mattress anymore. I guess a good firm mattress combined with a good topping should be fine. Situations like this make you realize how everything moves around demand and not exactly the benefit of the individual. I'm talking about the marketing practices for the most part and also most health practitioners such chiros who for the most part you would trust completely in any diagnosis or recommendation they give us. I guess it's each for their own.
Let's see what answer I get from Christeli on their lifetime warranty and if I end up a satisfied customer with a return.
Here's the answer. "Looks like a softening of the memory foam issue. Flip it around head to toes and it will take care of it. Any indentations on the mattress qualify as a warranty claim. Your sleep should improve after this." Yeah right in other words damage to my back is less important than mattress indentation. Anyways I will look for a good spring mattress and get a foam topper perhaps. I will start sleeping on the floor until I find a good mattress to replace this one. Pain is unbearable for the first 4 hours after waking up.
I looked at the latex matresses and too expensive. No way I will pay over $5000 for a matress. I need to find a good innerspring matress and something not expensive and that will help my back. What a frustration it is to find something good and affordable that actually works. Everything is ridiculously expensive.
No need to be sorry. Your posts gave me confidence that this mattress is actually harming instead of helping. I'm sitting down here on my fixed floor bed as I write, because I do not want to sleep on this mattress anymore and deal with increasing pain every day when I wake up. No I did not pay $5000 for this mattress, not even close...thank god. I was reading your articles on innerspring mattresses but it's too much info or maybe I am so frustrated with this situation that it stresses me out. Is there any brand you recommend, anything specific since my wife probably will not like the really firm surface too much and as much as I would like to say that is what I need to fix my back, it probably isn't the right choice for me. I would like to buy something that will start giving me an awesome sleep and no aches please no more aches, sleeping is a nightmare for me. Also a topper you would recommend, or perhaps thin out the suggestions from a lot to a few. Not looking to spend big either.
Info greatly appreciated. Thank you so much. I slept on the floor last night and I feel sore but I would say 80% of the pain I was feeling daily after getting out of bed was gone the minute I got up from the floor. If not a higher percentage. I'm not stingy I just don't have that type of money to spend. I wish I did. The floor thing worked awesome last night just need to cushion my butt.. All this time wondering what the hell is going on and conversing with my wife about what could be causing this debating if she saw felt or noticed anything wrong with the mattress. One day I started doubting everything from the chiro to the mattress. I have already spent about $2000 in less than a year in regular weekly visits to this place. I found this great blog that in just a few lines makes you realize that you really know your topic and more importantly you are helping out so much. I think you have helped me way more than my chiro and he's the one charging; what an irony. Your orientation is invaluable and I'm really thankful for that. I will utilize your guide to aim for a mattress that fits me and my budget, and you can bet that my memory foam mattress is going on craigslist too. I should start a site about all these pains I have been having and how to beat them and also link to your site on the bedding issues.
In case you have not noticed, a lot of things work like that in this country nowadays. Medical care included, it'll about the money not the benefit of the individual. Isn't it a red flag how the USA does not rank in the top of medical care worldwide? We have all the potential to be the best in everything, including customer and patient satisfaction, but it'll about the marketing nowadays. This is why everybody has to do their own digging and find out for themselves how things really work, in my case the hard way. But there's always people with purpose and good faith, that's why there are so many in the world, because half of us are not good for s***.
Well every single mattress I tried out today has terrible reviews in the bob in a million complaints against Sealy and Simmons as well. What about this Casper mattress and those Saatva?
I'm meticulous like that. Saatva was the only one with A in the BBB and all the others I have looked for don't inspire much confidence. The guy from Saatva told me they are a luxury innerspring mattress company. I guess L&L is their memory foam line which I want to stay away from. Anyways I could not find the article on Saatva you wrote. What about this Casper mattress? Any Latex mattresses on the economic side that you might know? Any sites to check out. Here in Miami everybody is a crook when you shop for furniture...it's hard work.
Well I just don't want to be the guinea pig in the wheelchair due to sudden developing pains instead of finding great sleep and relief. I ask not to be a pain in the butt (I know I am), but because you know about the subject and me personally all I see is info about coils and things I don't know about; I get lost. What about the Ikea mattresses, I saw a few and they have latex and also latex innerspring products....how good? A mystery to me. I think I will buy a topper and tell my wife to start sleeping on the floor too, mattress shopping is a real pain. Everytime I read foam on a product I just scratch it because of the current experience with my memory foam mattress.
I saw the link and it looks neat. I got my wife freaking out because she says we already messed up buying that foam mattress online from Christeli and then if we buy a latex one now from this people we might end up on a similar boat. Don't know how to fight that back lol. I was looking at the all natural latex and also the hybrid. Which one is better for relief and best sleep? Is firm a better option in case of wear out or softening?
Got it boss. Will do. I want to check that all latex see if I like it. The people from mattresses.net said the all latex king is $1700 and 9 inches high. I gotta try it.
Never tried it but I probably will purchase a similar product. Good hub , I'm following you now. :)
So I'm still deciding what to buy. I wrote a review on the bad quality of the foam mattress I was using, on their own site, and the next day while at lunch I received a call from Christeli due to the review I posted. I was told that if I donated the mattress by this Friday the latest and email them a donation receipt, they would refund me in full. Got confirmation in the morning since I emailed donation receipt last night.
I was recommended a Charles P Rogers powercore mattress and wanted to see your opinion on their products.
And that is why I pointed out the company to you....I value your point of view. Every store I have visited does not carry latex mattresses. I was a bit surprised. To this point I liked a Serta Perfect Sleeper Capetown that I tried at RTG. Nothing else has really tickled me or made me feel comfy. I wish I could find latex to test.
Rtg, city furniture, el dorado...those are the main ones but I thought rtg would have a latex item but they don't even carry it down here.
I'm just going to order a king size air mattress. I'm tired of looking and not finding and on top of that every mattress has terrible reviews and the warranties too. Sales people not helping at all is another factor. I'll just sleep in an air mattress. I give up
Thanks for your time and knowledge. Too much stuff around with different names and it gets overwhelming without proper assistance at the stores.
Ok I finally found the latex mattress after digging up the internet and unwinding some stress. Macy's has a few Stearns & Fosters so I will go and at least get the feel of them since they are $4000 and up. On the other hand I found a guy here in Miami named Alex who runs this place called Miami Discount Mattress and he contacted me after I emailed him and I might go this weekend and try what he has to offer. He recommended me some mattresses from a company called International Bedding which happen to be double sided. I'm not sure if this is a good idea or if I will need a box spring with this but it doesn't sound too appealing to me. The product models are Corsicana bedding from IB and this guys site is Also I had noticed the misinformation the sales people from RTG provide since one of them told me the mattress warranty is dealt with directly with the manufacturer of the mattress and then the same day at a different store another sales person tells me the warranty of the mattress is dealt with directly with RTG, and then I contact Serta by email and they respond me that the warranty is dealt with the furniture store (RTG) for the first year and after that it is handled by the manufacturer (SERTA) from the second year on, unless you pay for RTG extended warranty. They require me to save purchase proof and "law tags" for warranty issues. But then again this is just with Serta products, so the misinformation still remains for other brands. Basically RTG sales people don't even know what the hell they are selling and how warranty works. Scary.
I have a foundation question. I have an IKEA king size platform bed which has come out to be pretty good. Now that I have an air mattress until I figure out this proper mattress dilemma, I notice the slats underneath the mattress itself. I have a metal beam the runs head to toes down the middle with angular supports. On top of this I have like a square wood frame and over this frame I have slats with about one inch gap in between each. These slats are kinda curved up and I wonder if it is better to replace these slats with 3/4 inch plywood board for support, or perhaps even put these boards over the slats. Just wondering about support and good foundation.
I'm much more motivated to get this bedding dilemma solved properly from the foundation to the right mattress. Frankly, I also think the cracking of the spine when I go to the chiro is actually not helping me and more likely it is harming me.
Finally found a latex. Great feeling. Is the ultimate dreams total latex mattress from dreamfoambedding a good option?
Well I found this mattress actually on Wayfair or Overstock don't remember exactly. I went to the manufacturer brooklynbedding.com and asked if they had anything all latex and the person pointed me to their "sister" company dreamfoambedding.com My wife laid down on the latex mattress and she says it feels awesome but the one we tried was Stearns & Foster for about $3500 and only the topping was talalay latex, so I started looking online for something all latex and found this. I don't know if you were able to check for the types of latex on the topping and support section, but I did notice they have certifications. I just don't want to buy ten inches of toxic latex if this is the case. The trial period is 45 nights and you can return if not satisfied and also firmness is adjustable but there is a fee for that. At least they warn on that. They work on you on the support firmness of the latex. My wife and I are varied sleepers but she's more of a side sleeper and me back sleeper and when we tried the medium to firm in other mattresses it feels good. I just want to sleep really comfortable and deeply. Which thickness should we aim for when it comes to ILD, since I know you had told me about this previously. This mattress is about $1700 king size. One more thing, I have an Ikea king bed with metal beam support and all, and we have slats that go from each side to the middle where the beam is at. They do not go side to side completely. This slats are kinda curved up towards the sleeper and there is a 1.5 inch gap between them. I was wondering if I should just get 3/4 inch plywood boards that run from side to side for better support for the mattress. I'm about 200 lbs and my wife 170 lbs. Just trying to see if this is a viable latex option for us.
I actually called dreamfoambedding and spoke to Chuck who was very helpful with the questions. He told me that they only get latex from Latex International in Connecticut since they are the only ones that manufacture latex in the US. They use blended latex on this ultimate all latex mattress but if I wanted dunlop it could be worked out. They have a 45 night trial period and if you decide to send back the mattress all they ask for is to box it really good and they will arrange a pickup and refund you in full minus $99. You can also swap top layers for comfort and everytime you exchange it extends your trial period another 45 days. As far as the foundation goes he says Ikea products usually work good and won't affect warranty but if I feel better getting plywood boarda underneath or a bunky board then it is just a preference issue. (888) 213-8967 if you feel like bombing the guy with questions and eventually find out this is actually a viable recommendation for people seeking much more affordable latex mattresses than the big boys in furniture offer. I forgot to ask about the warranty after the trial period. So far I'm somewhat satisfied with the answers and I have not found negative pointers on these people and the few issues I found were actually resolved by Chuck himself reaching out and working with the customer. So far dreamfoam bedding and Arizona premium mattresses are the companies that interest me and that I might be willing to make an investment with, when it comes to a latex mattress. They are both in Arizona by the way.
Those are the details someone like me will never know or might miss. They seem pretty similar when it comes to price but the Total Latex has 3 inches of latex on top layer and the Arizona Premium is 2 inches, when switched to 3 price goes up. The shipping process seems better with dreamfoam bedding since it's free and takes a week to seven days, while Arizona Premium takes around a month. I have noticed other options like flobeds and astrabeds and sleep ez but their prices go far beyond what I can afford. All these companies claim they use all natural etc etc so apparently everybody agreed to preach the same way. Hopefully all they bring is good quality and nothing toxic. That is in reality my true wish. I do not know any other online seller near Miami that carries this latex mattresses, so dreamfoambedding and arizona premium are what I can afford, unless you happen to recommend any other one to consider them before reaching a decision. My wife has mentioned me she is allergic to latex gloves, I have read it is the proteins used what causes the reaction and not the latex. Will this be an issue? Another thing is memory foam pillows...my wife's neck has been suffering pain for a while and it happens that I had given family members a couple of those pillows as random gifts and they had neck issues at some point. Is there any pillows you would recommend or any guidelines?
Well I'm just trying to make up my mind and see what I buy. Astrabeds seems really neat but they only use Dunlop. Plushbeds uses only comfort talalay layer and the core is dunlop "because it is more supportive" said the agent, flobeds seems like they do all talalay I believe. So this is the dilemma. I would like to get something organic with no chemicals. Almost at the end of the tunnel with a bunch of exits.
I have bad retentive. I read that article like 9 times already and I can't keep up with most of it. You mentioned you sleep in all natural talalay, which brand is your mattress if you don't mind me asking. At this point I have come to realize that most of this companies make every layer of different materials. And if you pay attention to their agents you're in for a ride of confusion since at the end they just want to sell.
Great article, I have researched memory foam before but still learnt a few new things here. I love the toppers. I don't think the super thin ones give you enough "mush" and really deep ones do curve around you making you warm. But I love them. about 2-3 inches in depth is idea for me. They relieve the pain of my back.
I've had a natures sleep gel memory foam bed for 5 weeks and have developed low back pain as well as thoracic pain. Is this common?
Is it really true it could be my bed?
Have had a tempur mattress for just over 18 months and am thinking about going back to a regular pocket spung mattress now. Pretty much had enough of sinking into a hollow and having to fling myself out of it in a morning. I'd also like to point out that its absolutely rubbish for fooling around in - yes, I do mean that. There's no bounce back!
Both the wife and I are suffering with lower back pain, though to be fair I had mine prior.
£1700 is a lot to pay for a mattress but I've had enough now. No more.
I tell you if you are sleeping on the wrong mattress you will know it when you get out of bed. I experienced sleeping on the wrong mattress and boy I know how important it is to make sure you have the right mattress. Your article talks about back, neck and spine concerns. It is not fun after hours of sleep waking up with pain. The right mattress will not cause pain after waking up.
Do you think a generic innerspring mattress placed underneath a 4 inch memory foam mattress would help? Or is it better to buy a topper?
Thanks for the reply! Μy bad, it's actually 5 inches of dense foam plus 2 inches of softer foam on top but still, I tried it last night and I woke up pain free after days of suffering. I will keep it for a while and report back =)
I have a memory foam mattress that has Alzheimer's. There are two deep dips with a crest in the middle that do not bounce back. My mattress is about two years old and this has been a problem right along. There is no "memory" in this mattress. My first mattress 47 years ago lasted over 20 years until we though it became a little uncomfortable. Wish I still had it. So much expensive junk out there. Going shopping today but not sure what to buy. Spring mattress sounds good to me, if I can find one.
Misfit Chick...I just wanted to commend you for how you've answered these people that are giving you such a hard time about writing an article based on your experience. I find it incredibly helpful as I am on this site because I'm in agony over a memory foam mattress. It's a posturepedic, one that my chiropractor DOES NOT recommend. I wake up sweating, my back and neck are killing me and it feels like I blew out a rib. I am not a heavy person, but clearly the memory foam is not for me. There, now if only the individuals who found that they WERE for them would read your article and move on! Thank you for confirming what I believed to be true. Thank you for your experience, your complete honesty, and especially for telling everyone to bite you :)
Dear Misfit Chick,
I found your article while searching for a remedy to help with my memory foam mattress pain issues. I wish i had seen your articles earlier. I am heavier, esp at my bottom. I purchased a memory foam mattress at a mattress store. Initially, during the exchange period, my lower back killed me when i woke up in the mornings. After talking over with the sales associate, the recommendation was to purchase the frame since my old mattress' frame was spring. That worked but then (and now) my upper back started to hurt and still hurts. In a discussion with my Physical Therapist, we discovered that my upper back was being curved due to my lower half weight; the PT told me that memory foams were no longer the best/recommended mattress, rather a mixture of coils and foam to ensure support. the down side is that i got this info after i could return the mattress. i was hoping that i could fix the issue, but based on your examples, this doesn't seem plausible, so l'll be in the market soon to buy a new one.
We need commentry like this on any and every thing on the net. Thank you.
We've had a Tempur mattress for several years now and my back has been steadily getting worse since having one. I am in constant pain with my back, I have a compressed disc, bony spurs etc. I am nowing getting shoulder pain as I tend to favour one side more than the other and am also getting knee and elbow pain and I'm only 44 years old.
I've never liked foam mattresses. I like to be cooler and feel a more plush texture under my body like sleeping or lots of pillows.
We bought a new bed frame,box spring, and mattress( Serta perfect sleeper) box spring started making creaking noises.(box spring has been replaced)has seemed to maybe solved one problem- not completely sure.Their is still an issue with the mattress.Have severe lower back pain,shoulder and some neck pain with pain that radiates down the leg.It is torture going to bed every evening and waking up every morning in such pain. The pain has worsen since we bought this new set. It has been a night mare for us. Talked to the company we bought it from. Their response was Unbelievable(was told it might be a comfort issue)
Hello Catherine glad to be following you. Your hub on the mattresses is so detailed and filled with excellent and informative content. You covered so many concerns that a potential buyer would have. Nice meeting you. Look forward to reading many more of your wonderful hubs. Linda
Very helpful! Thank you!
Thanks for your article, expertise, and findings. I'm literally sitting in a chair right now because I can't get comfortable in my bed. Bought my foam mattress about 6 months ago. Got 2 pillows as well. Almost immediately my fiance and I noticed the pillows were killing our necks and stopped using them. I have some previous issues with my shoulder due to work but my shoulder and neck has been in so much extra pain the past couple of months. Like go the ER pain. I was planning to go tomorrow. But tonight my back is killing me. No matter what position I get in, its painful. I am literally almost in tears. It's 2am. I wish I had done some research before my purchase. I had an excellent firm, but soft mattress that I had for 10 years, that never gave me a problem. I sold it yesterday, as it was in excellent condition still. Now I'm regretful and standing next to my bed because I cannot lay down on this bullshit ass mattress. I think sitting in the bed is probably the most detrimental. The only thing that sinks is the heaviest part of your body, eaving everything else unbalanced and out of wack.
Right, I would have sold the foam one, had I realized it was the problem. I was wondering about it, but when I read your article and the comments, it all added up. Especially one commenter who wrote about their extreme neck and shoulder issues, and being a side sleeper. I'm going to try to contact the place I bought it from and threaten to sue due to injury. Lol. Ill be nice first. But seriously, I hope they work with me. Thanks again!
I am so disgusted with Tempurpepic ... We bought a tempur-crapic 2 years ago and after 4 months started hating it . We wanted to return it before the 90 day trial was up and they told us it wasn't broken in yet give it more time . Wish I never believed that lie !!! Three months ago we started trying to get the company to do something about this hunk of junk that we paid 3,000.00 for . They replaced it with the same model and I hate it more than the first one . My husband is 230 lbs and was complaining about his arms going numb at night waking him up and getting up in the morning with back pain we are in our early 40's . More and more the pain is getting worse and I also wake every day with terrible pain in my back . I wish we researched more before buying this terrible bed . The company has a lot of bad reviews . I wish we never bought this bed . Now we are in the market again for another bed which I am furious about . This bed should have lasted at least 7 years or so . We are side sleepers and have been to 15 different stores looking at beds this weekend . They don't make beds like they did even 15 years ago . I had a symbol mattress for 14 years it was the best bed I ever owned wish I could find another one . I don't know what we will do at this point but we need a new bed and this tempur has to go . Good luck to everyone else out there in this situation. And thank you for writing this information . Don't believe the hype about Tempurpedic it's garbage ... What a waste of money !! I guess all you can say is live and learn
Never again tempur crapic !!!
You've explained a lot about memory foam mattresses and the detail you gave is extremely useful for anyone planning to buy one.
It's true that many people trust the opinion of friends. But as you said, it all depends on the individual and how they sleep.
Your opinion is the most trusted since you actually sell these in your store. I applaud you for your honesty.
We bought a tempurPedic a few months ago. What would be the best type of topper to buy to help eliminate or reduce the "pudding/quicksand" feel of the tempurPedic? My husband has mobility issues from a spinal cord injury and while the Matress is comfortable once he's in bed, getting out of bed is a big problem for him due to the tempurPedic feel.
Our bed is an adjustable split King and we just bought it a couple of months ago. The only issue my husband is having is the sinking from the quicksand feel when he's trying to get out of the bed....other than that the tempurPedic has worked well for him. I was thinking that perhaps a down or down alternative topper would give him a bit more "grip" or "moveability" when getting out of bed and being able to shift a little more during the night. So many toppers on the market these days are foam of one variety or another. Will all types of foam toppers give that "sink in" feel? I have a friend with a memory foam topper on her bed and you don't get that pudding or quicksand feeling problem at all. Thanks for the suggestions!!
I bought a popular brand-name memory foam mattress (not Tempurpedic.) Within a couple of months it was sagging like a hammock hung between supports that were only four feet apart. It was unusable after six months. Never again...
How to install a memory foam mattress: Immediately after receiving it throw it in a dumpster or throw it on a bonfire.
This is good information to know! Thanks for sharing. Was recently thinking of splurging on one.
Catherine! Great article and I wish I read before! After trying 578876 beds we bought a Keetsa Tea Leaf Dream from their showroom. It's a hybrid of regular coil with memory foam. It was a floor model so we can't return (baaaaaaad idea).
It's not considered a firm bed, it's actually quite plush on top. But my husband is a side sleeper and is having the shoulder pain thing.
Do you think a topper may help? Seems weird since the bed is already so soft and sinks quite a bit when you lay on it! How thick a topper if the bed is plush to begin with? Latex or mini coil topper? Any suggestions will be appreciated! Thanks!!
I bought a memory foam mattress about a month ago. It has eliminated a lot of my hip pain, hand numbness and constant tossing/turning, but I have chronic upper back (muscle) and neck pain ever since. I just bought a slim sleeper pillow and that is helping the neck. In fact when I wake up, my neck feels the best and then goes downhill through the day. I am struggling to get rid of the upper back knots and hope there is a perfect pillow somewhere for me because I really love the feel of this mattress. I sleep on my right side and I have an issue with my left arm, as in I don't know what to do with it and believe that is the culprit. On a firm mattress, it kind of just goes into position, but this one makes me my arm go too far forward into the mattress. So....I am trying a small body pillow to rest my left arm on. Such work to try to go to sleep!
Great article, a good read. You are expressing your opinion based on what you've seen while working in the industry, don't know why some ppl just don't get it.
Anyway, I just bought full latex mattresses for the wife and I a week ago. So much for the kids inheritance! I've had memory foam topper on a firm sprung mattress, worked well for me, but wife didn't like it. So got rid of the wife. Just kidding. So, latex was the compromise. But for me, I find it quite firm, too firm. Tried it for a week to "work myself into it", but keep waking up with a sore back. So tonight I've put the old memory foam topper on it to see if it "softens" it up. Will keep ya posted. Question - based on your opinion, what else should I try? I was thinking of a wool topper, you have an opinion on those?
Thanks.
We have had our TempurPedic Cloud for about 6 years. About a year ago my husband stated complaining about his shoulder and we figured that it was due to his job. Recently I would wake up with my left shoulder being very painful so I started sleeping on my right side. Well, now my right shoulder hurts as well. I also have started noticing that my hip bone areas are very sore when I wake up.
After Googling shoulder and hip pain I came across many articles that have me rethinking about my mattress.
I will try a topper and hope for the best.
Does TempurPedic ever do returns? I remember that there was a guarantee.
This is a real post. We spent over $5,000 for our king size mattress. My husband loves it and I loathe it!!! If you like sleeping on overheated marshmallows in quicksand and are celibate, then this is the mattress for you.
My back slowly started aching after a few months, and I discussed my suspicions with him about the mattress- it must be a guy thing to deny everything your wife suspects, even when she is right. NOT just anecdotal evidence. The smoking industry said the same thing for decades- Where is the proof, right? Now we know more, and have evidence. "My proof/personal opinion" (not evidence) is that every time I go away for more than a week or two and sleep on other beds, my backpain subsides. I was away all summer sleeping in all sorts of crappy beds, with relatives and not in posh hotels... and was amazed that my backpain was eliminated...Unfortunately, upon my return (and my guard up about the bed )after about a couple of weeks, the backpain had crept in again. I have slept on the couch and sometimes on my daughter's bed for a month and have milder lower back issues. Now I see this webpage and think there is a lot more to the story!!!BTW, we know how bad non-stick T-Fal is , but it was originally promoted as the perfect product and is still on the market, VW is just recently admitting to their product failures. Just saying...
My wife and I bought a tempura cloud about eight months ago and I have recently started to suffer really painful hips and back which is keeping me awake for most of the night.
I actually resorted to making up the spare room bed settee around 3 AM this morning as I was becoming more and more irritated and obviously tired.
I got up this morning determined to get some truths around these mattresses and happened upon this site. I am so unsurprised to see all the comments on here and feel somewhat relieved it is not just me.
Looks like I will have to cut my loses and have the blasted thing replaced with a good old fashioned sprung mattress.
Thans Missfit for raising this issue and bringing some unbiased views to the table.
KRYPTONITE for me!! I had to google this, this bed should be illegal. Staying at a hotel with these seemingly plush mattresses. Tired from a traveling day I happily fell into this bed and quickly fell asleep.I knew the first night the mattress was the culprit, I could not even roll over and get the alarm, in so much pain. My rib age hurt whenever I moved. Definitely a hazard if I would have needed to get out of the room quickly. Took about 15 minutes of working to get out of bed. I toured the city we were in all day still hobbled up. Day 2 I was just tired and went to bed, same results. Angry with myself the next morning for doing it again, and very irritable with my family. I went to bed dreading the sleep experience. I usually fall asleep quickly and sleep about 4 hours and roll over and sleep another 3-4. I am in so much pain trying to just roll over. Breathing, ribs, shoulders, hips. It is like my bones are brittle going to just shatter. I have never felt anything like this before. I am wondering if this is what severe arthritis feels like? I am 48, 5'6" and 150lbs. I would normally say I am in excellent health. I camp frequently and can sleep on the ground w/o padding and do pretty well. This is ridiculous. My husband does not like the beds, but has not complained like I have. I will be sleeping on the little love seat tonight and if it is too cramped then I'll be on top of the cushions on the floor...never again. While it would be unfair to say these beds have ruined our trip, they certainly have impacted it, as we can't seem to get moving in the morning. If the hotel asks on departure, I will tell them we had a poor experience with the beds. What surprised me was so many posts indicated these people had a long term decline in sleeping and finally came to a conclusion it was the bed. Mine was less than 4 hours and I was immobile each time. A mini torture chamber...
I started out with a memory foam pillow and thought it was the best, most comfortable thing ever, until 6 months or so later when I started getting unbelievable neck pains. I believed the foam compacted after a time and was now too hard and stiff, so I returned to a regular pillow and everything was fine. Then I bought memory foam mattress toppers for a little luxury. I splurged on a 3" and loved it right away. I have back problems, and it just molded to my body perfectly. I did notice sleeping hotter, and lots of ribcage pains, and it WAS hard and a little painful waking up and rolling out of bed every morning even though I slept great. Eventually, rolling out of bed got easier, even though ribcage pains persisted, and probably actually got worse for a while. After 3 years on this topper, all of a sudden I'm waking up with incredible searing pain in my neck and shoulders, if I can even fall asleep at all. Again, I figure the foam has compacted and is causing problems. Last night was the worst yet, so I moved to the other side of my mattress (which no one sleeps on) and slept with absolutely no problems. I'd say this gives a little validity to the fact that it's not necessarily that "memory foam isn't for everyone". It's that there is actually some sort of breakdown in the material happening over a period of time or usage that makes this product's longevity extremely questionable. Because of how quickly I've found this product to break down, the prices are way too high.
we purchased a TempurCloud Allura (with a pillow top) and spent $4800 - it is now sitting in our spare bedroom. I have degerative disks and thought 'oh good, i'm purchasing a good supporting, firm mattress, with a pillow top" Well was extremely difficult to turn over at night - so i either 'threw' myself over into another position or i stayed in one position all night long - this flaired up my sciatic nerve pain and it basically got to the point that I i had to move our old mattress back into the room. Memory Foam is NOT, I repeat, NOT the answer for people with back problems. AVOID AVOID. I recently have purchased a top of the line Beautyrest Black Hybrid - which is a innerspring with some memory foam --- this seems to be working much much better and if far more comfortable.
Wow. I have been in horrible pain (back, neck and both shoulders) ever since by husband and I got married and I moved into his place. We sleep on his Tempur-pedic mattress that he swears by. We travel a lot for work and when I'm not home on that mattress my symptoms start to clear up. He wasn't buying into it being the mattress. So happy I found this site and your comments. I'm a tall fit person that works out and usually feels great! But omg lately it's getting so bad. We will def be changing our mattress. Thanks for the article and thanks to everyone commenting their experiences.
Just agreeing with Dave. This article has no scientific backing. I love my memory foam mattress and it has helped me through so much back pain. It amazes me how snippy you have gotten with commentors. This article caught my eye because of the fact that I swear by memory foam. I'm sure you won't publish this comment, and thats okay. You just need to know some of your comments and replies were extremely unprofessional.
Thanks for this informative article. I have had an extra firm tempurpedic for 2 years and have my back pains have gotten worse. I get better sleep on my yoga mat on the floor. I'm finally having the sense to try something different.
@misfit chick: If I want something more firm, do you think it works to add a Japanese futon mattress on top of the memory foam? (The reason I'm looking to keep the memory foam is for my husband who loves the memory foam)
Thanks so much for your detail thoughts Misfit Chick. You rock! You're a mattress Superchick. :)
We are about to have a little test...
I have been a big fan of memory foam, in theory, for many years. I have also, for about the same period of time, had various forms of lower back pain. I recently developed sciatica in my left leg that has left me bedridden for the better part of three weeks now. Morning back pain remains a standard feature of life these days. I sleep on a futon mattress with a 4" memory foam topper.
I have also noticed that when I go to visit family and sleep in guest rooms or in hotels, I don't seem to wake up feeling like this. I am, as of this morning, going to try pointing the finger at my mattress topper. I always thought the futon was too much like a slab of stone for anyone to consider it a legitimate sleeping surface, which is why I was eager to cushion it with several inches of the thickest, densest memory foam I could find. And here I lie, years later, plagued with regular back pain and now leg pain.
Today, with some help, I am going to remove the memory foam. I am going to try to start sleeping straight on the futon. I haven't done this is forever. As I am typing this message, my back is aching and the pain in my hip/ leg is starting to act up again. So we are going to see what happens when I— gasp!--remove the memory foam. Since this is a one-off case study, it will not have any statistical significance. But won't it be interesting if I write back to this page in a week or two and report significant improvement in my lower back? Or maybe things will get much worse... Who knows? I can report that, too! But the pain— the sciatica— has just been so excruciating, that I have to try something besides regular stretching. I think the problem may be in the foam. So expect to hear back from me before the year is out to hear how I have fared, and know beforehand that I have always loved the idea of memory foam sleeping... For me, the idea and the reality may be about to split (or they may not, but we are going to find out). The fact that these problems seem to vanish when I sleep away from my "cozy" memory foam bed has made me wonder. Today I am going to start finding out the answer to at least THIS part of the question.
Hi! I was looking up about 7 zone mattresses and found out on memory foam. I am glad this post is still alive.
I am a stomach sleeper and nothing but a firm block of foam feels good. For some 5 years I have been buying and fighting mattresses. Latex was not an option because of course my hips and stomach sink in and my lower back hurts. We have a memory foam, and i can't use it. My body sinks and I can't get my head in a confortable position because if it gets confortable my nose is stuck inside the mattress. Then I try side and back but does not work. I am from the still sleepers, I could sneak out in the morning without having to make the bed!
It is very difficult to find any advice for belly sleepers besides "sleep on your side".
And not surprisingly it seems impossible to find an old fashioned block mattress!
Thanks for so good amd straight forward information on mattresses!
Okay, well, it's been eight days now... The pain component of the sciatica is all but gone, and though I am still limping a bit while walking and have some residual numbness in the front of my lower left leg, I have to attribute at least part of my recovery to putting away that memory foam topper.... Though I do miss it's "comfy" factor! The futon is pretty hard, and has neither springs nor foam, but for what it's worth, I can sit up in the morning again and stand without help (did I mention I am 47? And that 47 seems like too soon to be disabled with sciatica?). Honestly, part of me wishes there were no correlation, and that I could justify returning to the memory foam topper. But given the improvement I've felt so far, and despite your wisdom that the problem could be a still-too-firm futon, I really can't complain (except that I miss the memory foam feel). What strikes me as weird is that I now feel like I am sleeping with all the "bad posture" positions that the memory foam was supposed to help alleviate. How this can be better for me I cannot imagine. But I like being able to stand up in the morning, and that suggests, after 8 days, that perhaps memory foam had something to do with it.
If the sciatica ever returns, I will have some very different commentary to leave (and will be sure to do so!). For now, I am counting my blessings and am learning to sleep like the Japanese, though it grieves my heart.
I had a memory foam mattress three years ago and had to giveit away due to it causing low back pain within the year of purchase. Went back to my spring supported that I had placed in the guest bedroom.
I don't understand why people are complain about not enough research on this subject matter. If research is done they would need subjects to test this theory wouldn't they?
On the subject of pillows. I bought two pillows from a chiropractor many years ago called ChiroFlow. The center of the pillow you fill with water using a funnel; filling it to your comfort level. I love it and they have lasted for over 8 years. The only two drawbacks is that they can get heavy due to the water and they are expensive about $50+. Ask your chiropractor about them.
Good hub on an important subject -- thanks for your work on Hubpages!
Interesting hub. I had a memory foam pillow once but I found it uncomfortable, so I went back to using my other ones. I've never tried the mattresses though.
Thanks for writing this article, I wish I saw it earlier, though I did manage to return my memory foam in time.
It was just a torture for about a month and a half, so I couldn't handle it and had to go back to inner spring. I was so worried about it that I decided to take a firm innerspring. The pain immediately stopped the next morning.
Only wishing that I bought a pillow top which would be same as my old bed.
Innerspring with pillowtop is the way to go.
I'd like to try latex top but honestly, after this experience with memory foam, everything that even looks like it scares me.
I would like to get some kind of a pillowtop even though really- no complaints, this innerspring is just heaven after memory foam experience even if it's a bit hard.
Nowadays, they have many more different types of mattresses that are made with totally different materials than they used to be made with. Some are harder or softer than others, while some are sort of in-between, as some people would put it. I have found that a mattress that's either too hard or too soft is way too tough to sleep on. I waited almost 20 years before I replaced my old mattress, and I'm sorry I didn't replace it sooner. My present mattress is 10 years old, and it, too, should be replaced, soon, I think.
I have been living with back and hip pain at night for years. We bought our expensive memory foam mattress to try to address this. It didn't change anything. Recently when we took turns sleeping in our spare rooms (due to colds and flu) my husband and I both discovered that the 40 year old box spring mattress he used as a teenager and the cheap foam slab on our kid's bed are WAY more comfortable. Neither of us woke up with any back pain after sleeping on these cheaper beds.
Since figuring this out I have been experimenting. I found that if I fold up a towel to raise my hips up an inch while sleeping on the memory foam, my back and hip pain almost completely disappear. Clearly my hips sink down too much on the memory foam bed. Does anyone else have a similar experience? Any ideas on how to find a mattress that will work for us?
I have a 4 inch memory foam topper on my bed. It's only been about two months, but it's so hot, and my neck, full back, and hips hurt every morning. I'm only 28. I definitely believe this article! I think I'm going to take it off tomorrow and see if I feel better. I had some pressure points that were hurting me before if I slept too long, but now I'm waking up at 3 am every day sore, so that's worse than having to turn over.
Hi, I'm glad I happened upon this hub, as I have been researching memory foam and shoulder pain, which I have had for the last year now and have not been able to figure out why. I've had two memory foam mattress pads or toppers, and the last one I got was a good inch thicker than my last one, and has caused my shoulder to have incredible spasms and pain every night. It's gotten so bad, that I couldn't even switch back to hook my bra or to pull up my pants. I'm thinking the memory foam is way too firm, because I went on a trip with my husband and daughter to San Francisco a couple weeks ago and we stayed in a hotel for three nights, and my shoulder pain was about 50 to 60% better.
My question, if you were still following this hub's comments is this: I just bought a new topper that is not memory foam and is much more soft and not as thick. Its called Zen Bamboo Ultra Soft Mattress Topper, and just wondering if you have heard of it?
It was way cheaper then the memory foam and it has an average rating on Amazon of five stars, so was just wanting to get your opinion of it. I am sleeping on a regular innerspring mattress, but it's way too firm so I got memory foam topper to make it softer, but I have a 2 1/2 inch right now and it is absolutely killing my shoulder.
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