latex vs memory foam vs springs for back trouble

[dpopiz]

I've been reading quite a few of these threads on here about these new types of mattresses and it sounds pretty exciting to me because I've always had pretty bad back problems. I feel a little aching now and then during the day, but when it really causes unbarable pain is right after I get into bed for about the first 15mins until my back adjusts I guess. (I sleep on my back mainly because it makes my acne bad when I sleep on my side (rubbing against pillow), and because I've read that sleeping on you side can put an unhealthy amount of pressure on some organs due to gravity)

right now I have a spring mattress and I've never tried any other types. I've read some conflicting opinions on the web and usenet though regarding memory foam and latex mattresses. some people actually say they're detremental to the back.


does anybody here have a good scientific explanation of the different mattress types and their effects on the back?

 

[SagaLore]

Get memory foam.

It's the only bed where there is almost no pressure points created.

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

heh, I'd be interested in this as I've been on a waterbed for the past 8 years.

 

[HappyPuppy]

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX
heh, I'd be interested in this as I've been on a waterbed for the past 8 years.

Waterbeds are evil. Sleeping on the floor would be better for your back. Seriously.

 

[GtPrOjEcTX]

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy

Originally posted by: GtPrOjEcTX
heh, I'd be interested in this as I've been on a waterbed for the past 8 years.

Waterbeds are evil. Sleeping on the floor would be better for your back. Seriously.

It's not as bad as some (it has a heavy layer of pad floating at the top)

 

[dpopiz]

what about the heat problem? are latex and memory foam mattresses more hot and sweaty?

 

[hzl eyed grl]

My boyfriend and I have about a 4" thick memory foam mattress pad on our bed. I have a bad back and I LOVE it! Whenever we sleep somewhere else like a motel or if we're on a trip, it just doesn't feel right. lol I'm spoiled now.

 

[dirtboy]

Something else you should think about is doing back exercises, if you're not doing them now. Yes, a fancy matress will help, but it isn't always a permanent solution.

My back used to bother me all the time and I'm not a heavy set guy at all. After working out and getting the muscles built up again, the pain went away.

 

[BigPoppa]

Strong abs = strong back. I'm overweight, but i've always been pretty built, especially in my abs. In the past year i've only had one back ache due to the horrible, horrible support my dorm bed gives.

 

[Pliablemoose]

There was a big study in Europe recently, they gave folks with bad backs soft & firm mattersses, the folks they gave soft mattresses reported significantly less back pain. I think the memory foam would be that much better than a soft top mattress.

We have a memory foam topper & love it.

 

[PlatinumGold]

Latex is just as good for comfort as memory foam, the advantage to latex is that it lasts longer.

if you are buying a topper, memory foam is better, if you are buying a new mattress latex is better.

i currently own a king size latex mattress.

the biggest disadvantage to the latex mattress is, my king size one weighs 200 lbs. you can hurt you bad back trying to move it.

 

[SCSIRAID]

I got an airbed from Select Comfort about 5 years ago. End of my back problems. Best sleep ever. They are wonderful. Nice thing about the airbed is that it can be adjusted from quite soft to quite a slab. Not cheap though.

 

[dpopiz]

so is there a significant cost difference between latex and memory foam? what's considered a "good" price?

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: dpopiz
so is there a significant cost difference between latex and memory foam? what's considered a "good" price?

i paid $1000.00 for my king size + the Box Springs. if you already have a good set of box springs OR the bed you have doesn't require them than you can usually get about a 20% discount.

 

[Lvis]

I have a mattress pad that I bought here: Smart bargains

It is very nice. In a couple of years I will probably get a mattress thats made of the stuff. Laying on it, it feels much like the $1000 sets they sell at brookstone's.

I have two "memory foam" pillows that are very nice, too. Again an off brand, but the price was right. $27 bucks at Sam's club.

 

[flot]

I guess I'll have to check out one of these magic foam matresses (I keep hearing about them but haven't paid much attention, as my current mattress is only a couple years old and was pretty pricy).

BUT... What I do recommend is a down "featherbed." Basically the same thing as a down comforter, but 3x thicker. So you're sleeping on an inch or two of feathers... probably performs much the same function as the memory foam. Between that, a down comforter, and a collection of down pillows... I think 5,000 geese died for my sins.

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: flot
I guess I'll have to check out one of these magic foam matresses (I keep hearing about them but haven't paid much attention, as my current mattress is only a couple years old and was pretty pricy).

BUT... What I do recommend is a down "featherbed." Basically the same thing as a down comforter, but 3x thicker. So you're sleeping on an inch or two of feathers... probably performs much the same function as the memory foam. Between that, a down comforter, and a collection of down pillows... I think 5,000 geese died for my sins.

everything i've read tells me that featherbeds don't offer good support.

seriously, try a latex or memory foam mattress. they beat the spring mattresses hands down.

oh ya, i went into one of the air mattress stores. the saleman approached me and asked me if my bed had springs. i said, nope i'm on a latex mattress. he walked away and didn't even try and sell me.

those air mattresses just can't compare to a latex or memory foam mattress.

http://www.mattresses.net

check them out, that's where i bought my mattress. their prices have gone up a bit since i bought mine, i think they are doing pretty well tho.

at least browse the web site and read the materials they have on latex.