Question
QUESTION: Do you know much about matresses by chance? I am in the market for a new mattress, but it doesn't seem like there is much unbiased info out there, and I can't find an expert on mattress. Any suggestions? I was watching one youtube video and the mattress person (who is a salesmen) was talking about how memory foam is good for overall pain, but latex is better support for back pain. But with memory foam mattresses there is the issue of heating. What do you know on the subject of mattresses?

ANSWER: Dear James,

You are absolutely right. Everyone has an opinion, and they are ALL biased, including mine.

I often have patients that ask me this question, so I will tell you what I tell them.  This, of course, does not make me an expert on mattresses...

First off, you want a firm foundation. You don't want anything that is going to sag in the middle... or begin to sag in the middle with time.  Unfortunately, box spring mattresses do this, over time. They will hold up for a while and then gradually give out.  The memory foam mattress will do the same. The key here is "memory"... sounds like it wants to, and will, form to your body, no matter how distorted it is.  Like you said, it also can be quite warm.

I personally think that the ideal mattress would be the air mattress.  If I were purchasing one today, I would probably look for the most simple select comfort, or similar, air bed.  If you think about it, the air bed will not sag in the middle, no matter how old it is, as long as it is inflated sufficiently.  On top of the simple air mattress, I would then begin to build my own "pillow top".   Here, I might consider a 2-3 inch thick memory foam mattress pad, or a waffle foam pad, a latex mattress pad... or a lamb skin... or a combination of coverings.  It is often the "pillow top" component of a mattress that is going to be the first thing to break down under the heat and pressure of daily use.  If it is not attached to the air mattress, it can be discarded at any time and replaced with something new.  Since the air mattress is still good, once the toppings are replaced, you essentially have a new mattress, with a good solid support, and new "comfort" toppings.

Whenever a sales person begins to tell you that a particular type of mattress is better for a particular type of pain or condition, he is just blowing smoke.   Everyone is different... and everyone has different preferences. That is why I like my idea the best.  It makes the tension of the mattress adjustable for both you and your wife. It makes the mattress pad variable and easy to change, across the entire bed or even simply half of the bed.  Each person can select their "sleep number" and their mattress pad.

I hope that this gives you some ideas. Buying a mattress can be very frustrating and complicated.  Keep it simple. Think of durability, firm foundation, variability, and finally, the option to choose AND change your pillow top.

Good luck,

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So I assume you would not recommend a memory foam or latex mattress? Just the air mattresses? I have been on a blow up mattress before and I kept sliding off the edge of it. lol. Someone suggested a mattress that is memory foam with a good thick and dense core and latex on top to craddle the spine better and handle the issue of heating. Is Tempur Pedic in fact the most popular mattress out there? And if so, is it for good reason? I am concerned that it will start to sink in the middle and have that hammock effect, but do you by chance know how many years someone can get out of it before that starts to happen? Also perhaps there is a way to put a flat board over the bed during the day to reshape it somewhat to a flat surface?

Answer
Dear James,

I would recommend a firm mattress foundation, with whatever pillow top you choose to have. I am not a fan of the Tempur Pedic because of its tendency to break down under heat and pressure. I have no idea how long it will take for it to happen, nor how long they guarantee the product. Why pay money for a memory foam mattress that you then cover up with latex?  You might as well get a solid box-spring mattress (half the price) and cover it with a latex mattress pad... which brings me back to my original thought... air mattress (adjustable, stable, won't break down under heat and pressure, etc) with a latex top.

Placing a flat board over the bed to "reshape" it doesn't sound like a solution to me.  This is going to do nothing for the fact that you place your body on the mattress at the same position and location night after night.  Also, placing a board and taking it off every day is not practical for somebody who is already having aches and pains.

"most popular" is a sales statement. There is no data that I am aware of that verifies such a claim.

Ultimately, the choice of a bed is based on individual bias and preference. Try out as many as you can. See what YOU like, not what everybody else likes.

good luck,

Dr. Biggs
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com