I recently found out that I have an L5 herniated disc. I’ve been following my doctor’s orders and taking the meds. But the pain has gotten increasingly worse and it’s clear it’s the mattress that’s not helping. So, I want to buy a new one. But there are so many, I wanted to at least have an idea. Any suggestions?
Years ago, they used to recommend getting a hard mattress. Now they’ve discovered that getting a hard mattress creates pressure points and closes off blood flow. I would recommend getting something in the middle. Not very hard, not very soft. Although there are lots off great quality innerspring mattresses available, I would consider looking at Latex or Memory foam.
#1 by Richard C on January 19th, 2010
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You need to find a mattress that is soft enough to allow you to sink into it and be comfortable. The idea that you must have a hard mattress is crazy. If that were true we would all be sleeping on the floor. A mattress is there to support ones body and not generate pressure points. The best way is to go to a store wearing clothing as close to what you would wear to bed. Try as many mattresses as is necessary until you find one that is comfortable. Just getting on the mattress is not the answer. Relax as if you are going to sleep. There should not be a break in period. If they tell you that leave the store and find another one. One is either comfortable on the mattress or not. Your body will tell you within fifteen minutes if that is the correct mattress. Sleep on your side with the knees tucked up into a fetal position with a pillow between the knees. Also get a referral to a physical therapist. They should be able to help you with this problem. Use ice on the area for fifteen to twenty minutes per hour to deaden the pain.
References :
physical therapist
#2 by Jenny on January 19th, 2010
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Go for a memory foam mattress. The special properties of a memory foam mattress provides the back a better support as it conforms to the shape of your body. The body’s weight is better distributed so it will help relieve your back pain.
If you have not tried a memory foam mattress, I would suggest you to try out at your local store or purchase from any store that have a money back guarantee, just in case that you do not like the feel of the mattress.
You can check out the following site for more information on memory foam mattress.
References :
http://memoryfoammattress101.com
#3 by jonathan p on January 19th, 2010
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Years ago, they used to recommend getting a hard mattress. Now they’ve discovered that getting a hard mattress creates pressure points and closes off blood flow. I would recommend getting something in the middle. Not very hard, not very soft. Although there are lots off great quality innerspring mattresses available, I would consider looking at Latex or Memory foam.
References :
http://www.consumerreports.org
http://www.mattressinsider.com
http://sealyposturepedic.blogspot.com