Back Pain Forum - memory foam mattress help back pain?

Dear all,

Thanks in advance for any help.

I've recently broken down and made the decision to buy a new mattress to hopefully help with the chronic pain in my back. (I was injured a couple years ago squatting 475lbs, compressed 2 discs, and its lately been giving me a lot of pain.) A doctor I went to recomended that I look into getting a new mattress and after some searching I believe that I've found something that might work. A visco-elastic mattress. They're suppose to conform to your every muscle and curve AND 'decrease' pressure points, but is this for real? Is this something that's really worth spending the money on? I mean my health is definately #1 for me, but I do have a very limited budget (especially due to this HORRIBLE ecconomy) -- I first heard about this kind of technology from Tempur-pedic, which was like $2000 for one of their mattresses ($5k or $6k for a better one). But I just found another company that's ALOT cheaper (only like $500) but then again I don't know if its worth it, or if the cheaper one wouldn't do what I'd need it to. Can someone give me some advice on this? Maybe someone who already bought one of these things? Did it help? Is it worth the large investment (even for the less expensive one I feel like its a lot of money unless it'll really help)? Is this other company The Mattress Secret ligitamint...has anyone heard anything about them, can you give me a second opinion on this or any help at all?

Thanks again,

Hurttin-Back-Guy

Replies(9)

CarolDiane

replied on July 13th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

I myself having multiple back problems have often thought about that. But, after thinking it over and spending so much money, I kinda washed away that though due to the fact if you have really bad back problems ei..herniated disc's, buldgiing, or narrowing vertabre,I can honestly say, as I feel I may be to far gone for the sleep contour to do any good. I would hate to buy one and find that out. I do know for a well person, it has great feedback.
Maybe Rich T can give some insight on this or one of the other spinies here.

RichT

replied on July 14th, 2008

Active User, very eHealthy

Hello Fireboxboy,

Welcome to this forum and the great group of spineys here.

I have not tried a Tempur-pedic mattress though I have tried a few in the mattress stores. I certainly didn't give them the all night test, howver, my ole back was not that impressed. Perhaps like Carrie (CarolDiane) said, they may be fine for a "well person".

For me the worst is a pillowtop or a firm mattress. Pillowtops may feel fine at the store, but after a few years they feel like a hammock. TOO much foam/fibers that compress where you lay for me. I tried to sleep on my daughter's firm mattress one night and it killed my back.

THEN, by chance I tried an air mattress. I have been sleeping on one for the past 18 momths. I does take a bit to know how much air pressure is right for ones body, but that's about it. Oh, and the price is right.

Oh yes, there is another "air mattress' company and I tried their mattress too for several years. Not pleased.

Best I not get into brand names here because EHealth does not like that. Send me a PM and we can chat more openly.

RichT

RichT

replied on July 14th, 2008

Active User, very eHealthy

Hello Carrie,

You shared some good thoughts with Fireboxboy.

Nice having you back on EHealth. Hope you are doing better.

Take care.

RichT

Users who thank RichT for this post: CarolDiane

CarolDiane

replied on July 14th, 2008

Extremely eHealthy

Hi Rich

I also have an air mattress. Has the feace on it so you bedding don't sliip off. I love it. I just put the right enough air in to suit my needs. It's a qeen size, so I have alot of room to move around.

I would also suggest that fireboxboy look into them. Personally, I would stay away from foam contouring mattresses. I know, like Rich said. They look so yummy and cuddly. You can also by that foam seperatly $$$$.

Fairy Godmother

replied on July 14th, 2008

Supporter

Hi Sweetie! Me Fairy*Godmother

Just got a new mattress like you are describing. Did NOT get Tempur-pedic, was not about to fork out that kind of money. I went to bedinabox.com and bought this. You have to know you will not need a lot of cover as once you are "conformed" into the mattress, you are there. No need to try to roll over or move. We have the downcover for the mattress, plus i have an additional quilt on top before putting top fitted sheet. It gets HOT.....but well worth the price. We have not had any trouble with our backs since getting this in February. The one we purchased make the foam for Nassa. They are made in North Carolina. We are very pleased with ours. We did have to buy a frame for it to sit on. But, it also fits on our queen bed frame. Go to a mattress place and try them out before you invest....then check out the website I gave you. Any other quesitons feels free to PM! My husband and I love ours!

painsucks

replied on July 15th, 2008

New User

memory foam

Hello there, here is my story. As a chronic back pain sufferer I was looking for comfort and better sleep, NOT a cure to my back problems. I think that is a little unrealistic to think that a bed mattress is going to cure your pain. Having said that, this is what I did. Instead of paying out big bucks for a whole mattress, I purchased a 3-inch thick "topper" for my perfectly good and firm conventional mattress, then on top of the memory foam I laid a sheet of nice "egg-crate" foam.
It does not cure anything but it DOES help me to sleep better and it really is like laying on a cloud when you first try it. So, 3 years later I am still using it, and it only cost me about $150 on ebay - look there for good deals because there are several dealers on there with all sizes and shapes of memory foam products, and they are a heckuva lot cheaper then Tempur-pedic (do a search for "memory foam"). Best of luck to you!

NavyDave

replied on September 14th, 2008

New User

Memory Foam / Generic vs. Temperpedic

Hi -
I agree w/ painsucks that a mattress will not cure anything; it's really about finding a mattress that you seem to sleep well on.

A couple notes: "Temper-pedic" - the name brand is actually the "original" - NASA patented material.

However, the patent ran out several years ago, so many non-name brand 'memory foam' mattresses have the same structure.

I've had my "memory foam" matttress for about 1 year, and I like it a lot. It's a 12" mattress, I bought from Overstock.com. I think I sleep a bit more soundly and toss and turn less.

One thing to be aware of memory foam mattresses, is that they are a little "warmer" than regular mattresses; so you may want a "wicking" or "breathable" mattress pad underneath.

Good luck on your search for the perfect mattress; I hope what works for you works for your spouse too!

Dave

fireboxboy

replied on September 14th, 2008

New User

Update in my Status for those of you curious.

Dear all,

I ended up breaking down and buying one of these type of mattresses. I did end up buying it from TheMattressSecret . It's also a 12" one like yours Navy Dave. And I have to say, it's wonderful. My pain is definately better. Thanks to all for your help.

Bests,

Hurtin-Back-Guy

Fairy Godmother

replied on September 15th, 2008

Supporter

YEAH

So glad you found some relief! Don't you just love that bed?????????????

Learn About Us

Get Help

Join In

Do More

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health
information:
verify here.

The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author, and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made. Schizophrenia health sitemap.
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc