Memory Foam Mattresses vs. Back Pain from Herniated Discs.

Anne writes:

Hello Peter, 
I saw a question you answered online questions about memory foam and disc related back issues.
I have 5 herniated discs in my lower back and will soon be seeing a neurosurgeon for surgery. 
My current mattress is over 10 years old and it is now becoming excruciating to sleep on (coil pillowtop). 
I have looked at some beds within my price range and was offered a good deal for the Sealy posturepedic Gillam mattress (adjustable bed). 
I lay down on it, and it seemed the most comfortable for me (medium firm - I'm a side sleeper). 
There was one that was a little better but it was out of my price range.

I came across an answer you gave someone about memory foam making disc problems worse.
Then, I found other articles stating that memory foam was good for bad backs and disc problems. 
I use a memory foam pillow which helps with my neck disc issues - but I know that's a completely different area.

Can you give me some pointers? Should I be wary of all memory foam? 
I'm desperate for more than 4 hours sleep at night. Any info would help! 
Thanks, Anne


Good Morning, Anne.
Memory foam can be very comfortable, initially.
It’s the biggest selling product on the market, due to its initial comfort.
The problem isn’t in finding a comfortable mattress.
The problem is in finding one that remains comfortable for more than a year.

Reviews on memory foam mattresses vary so greatly, due the wide variety of people buying them.
When you’re young and fit, your body can tolerate a lot without pain.
When you’re older and have herniated discs, your body’s sensitivity to change is much greater.
Memory foam is only temperature sensitive mattress material.
It softens as it warms from the heat your body emits.
Once it softens, you sink into it, with the heavier parts of your body sinking further than the lighter parts.
This will throw off the alignment of your spine.
In your case, that translates into pain.

And just because the young and fit can tolerate this change, that doesn’t mean it’s good for them. 
This lack of proper support will take its toll on their bodies, as the years go by.

What good is it to base a purchase on comfort, when that comfort is gone within a year or two?
In fact, the purpose of memory foam is to create sales....since they have to be replaced so frequently.
And, you can all but forget about the warranty.
Memory foam returns to its original shape when you get out of bed.
It is highly unlikely to measure the sustained impression needed to prevail in a warranty claim.
Memory foam is what the industry uses to scam the consumer.
All of the major brands have been sold.
The new owners of those companies, names you once could trust, are profiting from the reputations of those names.
But today, it’s not about quality...just profit.

Mattress stores are also in the business of maximizing profits.
Besides pushing memory foam filled mattresses, they love jacking up the price with an adjustable bed base.
All those things are good for, is hanging out in your bedroom.
They have little to no therapeutic value.
To relieve your back pain, you must have the bed flat.
The mattress I’m recommending will provide the firm contouring support that will maintain the natural alignment of your spine.
If you do like sitting up in bed to watch TV, then that’s what an adjustable bed base is good for.
If you don’t hang out in your bedroom, it’s a waste of money.

If you want to buy a mattress that will support your spine properly, be comfy on top, and remain like new for many years, the sleep system combination of a Simmons Beautyrest and latex topper has been highly successful for the past decade, or so.
For you, specifically:
The Simmons Beautyrest Platinum Gibson Grove Luxury Firm Mattress and the EverEden Pure All Natural 2” Soft Talalay Latex Topper.
Here are links to each of those items.


If you do want an adjustable bed base for this, we can get that for you.

If you would like to order this bed, simply give me a call.
856-874-6894

Thanks, Pete

Phone: 1-856-874-6894 
Email: themattressexpert@live.com

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