Question
Hi Mr Leatherman, I am currently sleeping on a mattress that seems to be over the hill, and despite a lot of confusion about what might be causing my backpain (exercise, posture etc.) I believe the real reason is my terrible mattress.

I have been looking at fairly cheap replacements for my small room, and am not sure whether to buy a foam mattress or an inflatable air bed.

The pros and cons seem to be that the foam will mould to the shape of your body, where the airbed can be inflated until it is quite firm or to the firmness of your choosing. Do you have any idea what would be best?

I've only just started looking so am still a bit confused.

Best regards

Mike Turner

Answer
Dear Mike,

The purchase of a bed is an important decision as well as a large purchase these days.  If you are really looking for a bed to help alleviate back pain that you attribute to sleeping, then I would suggest that you budget for more than $1000.00.  I have patients that when faced with the realization that their sleeping arrangements are causing the bulk of their problems balk at the price of a quality mattress, but believe me the price is worth it.

Most of the mattresses on the market are made with coil springs that will not support the spine in a neutral position and create pressure spots.  For a mattress that will truly reduce pressure on the spine and muscles thereby alleviating increased strain, I would recommend you purchase a sleep number bed, or a Tempurpedic bed.  In addition, these mattresses come with much longer warranties, and will last.

An air mattress will not support you well unless it has a baffle system in in, and most do not.  Air mattresses have been designed for temporary sleeping conditions...a few nights to a week or so.  In contrast a foam mattress will continue to create hard spots and pressure unless it is over 4 inches thick and is high density but not hard...this is unlikely.  If you are plagued by a budget that will not allow you to spend the money to buy a quality mattress, I would suggest that you place a piece of 1/2 inch plywood under your current mattress for more support, then buy a memory foam bed topper and place it on top of your current mattress.  This will still run you about $100.00, but it will give you more support than just an air mattress.

Good luck Mike.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman