Mattress buying guide

hago123

Hi,
Past few months I have been suffering pain the lower back. Especially when I get up in the morning severe pain and later in the evening the pain subsides.

I am suspecting my mattress because I see a sag in the middle of the mattress.
When inspected further, I see that I am already having an orthopedic mattress.
I will be going for a MRI scan too.

Any suggestion what mattress should I change to? my weight is roughly 76 kgs.

Thanks
Hago

Spend the money on physio instead.

Zenify

Try doing some back exercises and ab workout before you go to sleep. Strengthening your abs will straighten your back, especially if you do it just before bed time.

3DataModem

Go to a physio. They'll make suggestions about mattresses and other stuff.

.......

How old is your mattress?

They only last 5-8 years.

I never stint on mattresses, I want good quality for something that supports me for 8 out of every 24 hours.

At the moment I have a King Koil Spinal Guard, it might be too firm for some people but I like a firm mattress.

jlm29

Everyone is different, you should go to a furniture shop and try a few out to see what suits

the_syco

hago123 wrote: »

I am suspecting my mattress because I see a sag in the middle of the mattress.

Buy a bedside stool, to use to get dressed, etc, rather than sitting on your bed.

antix80

the_syco wrote: »

Buy a bedside stool, to use to get dressed, etc, rather than sitting on your bed.

Is that a thing? Surely most people get dressed on their feet.

antix80

There shouldn't be a sag in the middle of your mattress. It suggests your mattress is clapped out and maybe your bed-frame is clapped out too.

A medium-firmness mattress should be fine for your weight. Very heavy people might need a firmer mattress.

I've noticed a lot of people with back and neck pain rush to spend a lot of money on new mattresses and pillows when a lot of the time it's things like sedentary lifestyle, bit of weight round the mid-section, lack of core strength, etc, that is probably the root cause of their pain, even if they only tend to notice it while trying to sleep or the next morning.

I agree with what others say. It's a lot better to visit a physio to rule out back problems than to rush to spend a lot on orthopaedic beds/mattresses/pillows that might cost more and be more uncomfortable without fixing your problem.

jlm29

antix80 wrote: »

There shouldn't be a sag in the middle of your mattress. It suggests your mattress is clapped out and maybe your bed-frame is clapped out too.

A medium-firmness mattress should be fine for your weight. Very heavy people might need a firmer mattress.

I've noticed a lot of people with back and neck pain rush to spend a lot of money on new mattresses and pillows when a lot of the time it's things like sedentary lifestyle, bit of weight round the mid-section, lack of core strength, etc, that is probably the root cause of their pain, even if they only tend to notice it while trying to sleep or the next morning.

I agree with what others say. It's a lot better to visit a physio to rule out back problems than to rush to spend a lot on orthopaedic beds/mattresses/pillows that might cost more and be more uncomfortable without fixing your problem.

In fairness, if the OP says his mattress is sagging in the middle, he needs a new one, and if he goes for physio, one of the first things they will (or should) ask is what condition his mattress is in, so he’ll be advised to buy a new on anyhow.

antix80

jlm29 wrote: »

In fairness, if the OP says his mattress is sagging in the middle, he needs a new one, and if he goes for physio, one of the first things they will (or should) ask is what condition his mattress is in, so he’ll be advised to buy a new on anyhow.

True. But there's a difference between buying a new mattress and paying double on an overly-firm one that could actually make things worse. What I'm saying is I don't think op needs a "mattress buying guide" as much as he needs a new mattress.

As for the MRI if you have severe back-pain and suspect it's your mattress that sags in the middle.. of course you'll book yourself in for an MRI.

accensi0n

jlm29 wrote: »

In fairness, if the OP says his mattress is sagging in the middle, he needs a new one, and if he goes for physio, one of the first things they will (or should) ask is what condition his mattress is in, so he’ll be advised to buy a new on anyhow.

I've been to multiple (supposedly reputable) physios, none of them asked about my mattress/bed.

hago123

3DataModem wrote: »

Go to a physio. They'll make suggestions about mattresses and other stuff.

Ok. So once my MRI is done, will my GP refer me to a physio? How does that work in Ireland? I have private insurance.

.......

hago123 wrote: »

Ok. So once my MRI is done, will my GP refer me to a physio? How does that work in Ireland? I have private insurance.

Is the MRI public or private?

When the results come back to the GP he/she will then discuss next steps with you. It may be referral to a consultant or physio or something else.

How it works is that if its public you go on a waiting list, if its private you find yourself a physio and go and get physio and pay and claim something back from your insurance if you can.

is_that_so

Can't comment on the health issues here but any mattress from €800 upwards should be more than sufficient. Harvey Norman have a decent range and do that interest-free payment plan. When testing them lie fully on the mattress. Sitting on it won't do.

Rootsblower

My wife has a damaged disc in her lower back coupled with a worn out mattress left her in a lot of pain especially first thing in the morning.

A orthopedic surgeon recommended a Tempur mattress. They are v pricey but it was bye bye pain for my wife and that was 2014 and none since.

P.S I don’t work for Tempur or any furniture retailer or neither do any of my relatives.

jlm29

Did the gp refer you for the MRI, or did you self refer?

If you need to have physio, the gp can refer you publicly, and you can wait- wait times will vary depending on where you are. Some areas are very quick, others, you can expect a fine wait in the public system.
If you want to pay for private physio, you can just find one and book yourself in. You may or may not be able to recoup some of the costs through your health insurance.
But really, if your mattress is sagging and old, you might need none of the above, including the MRI. It seems like an extreme first step.

jlm29

accensi0n wrote: »

I've been to multiple (supposedly reputable) physios, none of them asked about my mattress/bed.

Maybe your symptoms didn’t warrant the question. But the OP is waking with back pain that goes away throughout the day. It’s a fairly logical question to ask them

hago123

jlm29 wrote: »

Did the gp refer you for the MRI, or did you self refer?

If you need to have physio, the gp can refer you publicly, and you can wait- wait times will vary depending on where you are. Some areas are very quick, others, you can expect a fine wait in the public system.
If you want to pay for private physio, you can just find one and book yourself in. You may or may not be able to recoup some of the costs through your health insurance.
But really, if your mattress is sagging and old, you might need none of the above, including the MRI. It seems like an extreme first step.

The GP referred me to the MRI. It is private one. Based on the results. if he suggests a physio can I ask for a public one? I live in Shannon, Co Clare.

jlm29

hago123 wrote: »

The GP referred me to the MRI. It is private one. Based on the results. if he suggests a physio can I ask for a public one? I live in Shannon, Co Clare.

It seems a bit like overkill, unless you’ve been having problems for ages or something. You can ask to be referred publicly. Find out where your local primary care team is based and ring and ask how long the wait list is.

KOKOKOKOKO

My recommendation is to lie for at least 10 minutes. Move to right, left test different pillows, check if the cover can be removed and washed. If you are buying double/king size let your partner to test it as well. Move intensively, check if you disturb you partner. Check if the mattress can turned upside down....or with other words...feel what your body will tell you.
10 years ago I bought 7' full memory foam - very expensive one. The seller said to me:
1. your are going to spent 1/3 of your life - invest on it
2. the only disadvantage if the this model... is that you can't sleep well when you are not at home.
He was right for both and I don't regret with my choice.
Good luck

antix80

KOKOKOKOKO wrote: »

My recommendation is to lie for at least 10 minutes. Move to right, left test different pillows, check if the cover can be removed and washed. If you are buying double/king size let your partner to test it as well. Move intensively, check if you disturb you partner. Check if the mattress can turned upside down....or with other words...feel what your body will tell you.

All this in the shop? Bizarre.

KOKOKOKOKO

antix80 wrote: »

All this in the shop? Bizarre.

As much as allowed. I bought mine abroad and it was fine to try. My idea was to test it thoroughly and to have a kind of check list. I have had the perfect mattress and pillow tested separately but used together didn't work.

klaaaz

About mattresses, old fashioned mattresses which lasted decades were so comfy without a hitch to back problems. These days, certain mattresses do not last as to what they say "on the tin". I've noticed this with an Ikea mattress, it didn't last 5 years with springs springing up in various places with hurt to the body and this was a mattress which was treated with delicacy since the purchase date as it was never jumped on for example. Perhaps we need a mattress mega thread!

Ursus Horribilis

If the OP is in a rented house and the mattress came with it, goodness knows what he's sleeping on. Mattress might be a cheap and nasty one not designed to last long. I have slept on mattresses that were too soft for my liking and after a few nights, they've resurrected old aches and pains.

Balanadan

If you're looking to buy a good mattress, you need to go to a shop to try them out. Everyone is different, and what suits one person won't suit another - any mattress that claims otherwise is bull****. Take your time and lie on the mattresses. You can get a (very) good double mattress from around €400 and up. The most expensive mattress isn't necessarily the best one for you.

the_syco

antix80 wrote: »

Is that a thing? Surely most people get dressed on their feet.

Some do, some don't. If there's a sag in the middle of the bed, then I'm guessing they sit on the side of the box.

=-=

Not sure about here in Ireland, but in Toronto, "bed in a box" is handy. It comes compacted, you lay it on the floor, and 48 hours later you have a mattress. Not bad, but not great, and certainly not firm; I got the firmest one there was, and it wasn't all that firm. Would never buy a bed in a box again.

hago123

UPDATE:
After posting here, I went home and flipped my mattress. For the past 2 nights, I have been sleeping like this.
Guess what, that pain which was almost killing me was not felt in the morning. There is still some discomfort but that unbearable pain is not there.
What could be my next steps?

Thanks

jlm29

hago123 wrote: »

UPDATE:
After posting here, I went home and flipped my mattress. For the past 2 nights, I have been sleeping like this.
Guess what, that pain which was almost killing me was not felt in the morning. There is still some discomfort but that unbearable pain is not there.
What could be my next steps?

Thanks

Cancel the mri. Go to a shop. Buy a new mattress. Probably live happily ever after

hago123

jlm29 wrote: »

Cancel the mri. Go to a shop. Buy a new mattress. Probably live happily ever after

Thanks, but the question is what mattress should I buy? I live in Co Clare, Ireland.

Ursus Horribilis

Are there no mattress shops in Co. Clare?

jlm29

hago123 wrote: »

Thanks, but the question is what mattress should I buy? I live in Co Clare, Ireland.

You should go to a shop and lie on a few until you decide what suits you best. Nobody can advise you what you will find comfortable, everybody is different. I can’t recommend a shop, but any decent furniture shop should have a selection.

chicorytip

You need an extra firm (tufted) mattress. You will find it hard to lie on at first but will soon become accustomed. This is the only type of mattress that will provide the level of support you require and can genuinely be described as orthopaedic. Sealy is the best brand.
Is it a single or double you require? A single Sealy can be bought from Littlewoods Ireland for about three hundred and fifty euro.

Ursus Horribilis

It doesn't matter if your existing mattress is an orthopaedic one. Maybe it was a good mattress one but that could be 20 or 30 years ago for all you know. In the meantime, goodness knows what hardship it has been through. I should hope that you've reached the stage of your life where you can tell the difference between the type of mattress you like and the ones you don't. Sagging mattresses don't do anybody any good, nor do cheap ones that are too soft. Lie down on the cheapest mattress in the shop and you'll soon see what I'm on about.

Buying a mattress isn't rocket science. You simply go into a furniture shop that sells bedding and lie down on mattresses until you find one that's comfortable for you. The man I dealt with in the shop where I bought my bed was very helpful and didn't push me towards buying the most expensive mattresses in the place. There are different types of springs, mattress toppings etc. and he was able to tell me which ones would be too warm etc. I can't remember how much I paid for the mattress now but it was probably in the €400 price range for a double. It was delivered that same day too which was very handy. Even if you end up going to a physio, what they might recommend to you won't solve your problem. You still have to be able to sleep on the mattress and you're unlikely to do that easily if it's like lying on a board. We've established that flipping the mattress and sleeping on a less knackered side is helping you. So you don't need to go into overkill. You just need a mattress that isn't sagging in the middle.

Graces7

Turning top to tail and over will help.

In desperation I have also put mattress on the floor and slept there

The worst I have had in rentals was a one inch thick felt pad through which the slats were keenly felt. The best twice; a really good ortho mattress like now.

It matters greatly

antix80

chicorytip wrote: »

You need an extra firm (tufted) mattress.

Not necessarily. Extra firm for someone who isn't heavy can cause back pain.

Balanadan

chicorytip wrote: »

You need an extra firm (tufted) mattress. You will find it hard to lie on at first but will soon become accustomed. This is the only type of mattress that will provide the level of support you require and can genuinely be described as orthopaedic. Sealy is the best brand.
Is it a single or double you require? A single Sealy can be bought from Littlewoods Ireland for about three hundred and fifty euro.

I really can't agree with anything in this post, apart from the fact you can buy a Sealy mattress in Littlewoods :pac:

chicorytip

antix80 wrote:

Not necessarily. Extra firm for someone who isn't heavy can cause back pain.

Balanadan wrote:

I really can't agree with anything in this post, apart from the fact you can buy a Sealy mattress in Littlewoods

That's o.k.