posted
Just wondering if there are strong recommendations for good mattreses for us lymies.
We have so many issues with sleep, pain, stiffness etc maybe sleeping on the right matress can help?
Another way to look at this is which ones should be avoided.
I bought a very expensive matress with magnets before I knew I had lyme and was having lots of symptoms. An alternative doctor told me I would never get well if I continued to use it because they were only meant to be used for short periods not hours.
Any one try the tempurpedic or memory foam ones?
Thanks in advance for any input.
Posts: 925 | From California | Registered: Sep 2004
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
DolphinLady, I use a memory foam pad over a firm mattress. When our present mattress needs to be replaced, I won't buy a "pillow top" style, as I'll be using a memory foam pad again.
I used to wake up all night from hip and shoulder pain. The first night that I used the memory foam pad, I slept all night!
Carol
Posts: 6947 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
I've tried a memory pillows but I don't like them, I want to be able to prop up my pillow this way or that depending on how I want to position myself. I used to have a very firm mattress but that didn't work for me at all, I constantly woke up with numb or tingling limbs and my hips hurt. Now I have quite a soft mattress which is great. I have quite broad hips and a small waist and I love how my hip sinks in to the matress and gets my back alligned straight. I use two normal, soft pillows and a teddybear to support my arm when I roll onto my side. Like when I lie on my right side teddy supports my left arm so it doesn't "hang" from my shoulder. I also tuck a bit of my blanket between my knees so my legs lie a bit more straight (more like o== instead of 0>= if that makes any sense...). Takes quite a while to get tucked in
[This message has been edited by dafje (edited 05 July 2005).]
Posts: 185 | From the Netherlands | Registered: Mar 2005
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riversinger
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4851
posted
If you are chemically sensitive, be very careful of the memory foam. It has been found to have very high levels of off gassing.
There are natural latex mattresses available, but they are very expensive. Plus, some people will have trouble with the latex. Some can't tolerate the odor, and some are allergic to latex.
There is also a wool mattress topper, called Cuddle Ewe, which some people really like. No problems with chemicals, not AS expensive as the whole latex thing. I haven't tried it, but have thought about it as an option.
Last thing to be aware of (that I know of). There is a highly toxic chemical being used in all furniture and bedding as a fire retardant. It is being phased out, and I think will not be allowed after 2006. You can get some bedding made without it if you have a doctor's letter stating you cannot tolerate exposure.
This may not be an issue for everyone, but for some of us, every added exposure makes things harder.
I'll be interested to see what people come up with, as this is on the edge of my priorities for this year.
posted
My chiropractor actually recommended AGAINST the memory foam mattresses when I was trying to buy a new mattress. When I asked for the data she was siting, she replied it was from a combination of actually papers and anecdotal evidence from other chiropracters that there was essentially a trade off in problems.
While the mattresses alleviated some problems, because the nature of the mattress significantly reduces the amount of naturally-occuring movement that we experience in our sleep, other issues cropped up.
I ended up going with a pillow-top medium mattress that seemed to work with the hip pain that is my primarily sleep-time issue. Because I have allergies to latex, wool, and (ahem) $1000 mattresses, my options were more limited than usual.
Currently, as I am staying with a friend and have to deal with whatever mattress is in her guest room, I have two pink foam thingees on top of the mattress that has dealt with the hip pain.
All this to say, go with what feels best and deals with the issues that you have. I suspect like our antibiotic regimines, there is no "mattress for people with TBD," no?
Posts: 689 | From western MA (we say buttER and pizzA) | Registered: Nov 2004
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HEATHERKISS
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6789
posted
I have a temperpedic. I love it. It takes some getting used to. You don't move around as much because it's not bouncey.
My husband is indifferent about the bed. He wishes we had a waterbed again.
H
Posts: 1974 | From ABERDEEN, NJ 07747 | Registered: Jan 2005
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posted
I bought recently avigon comfortec mattress/spring...pillow top like. It's really different. Couldn't find a nice SOFT mattress anywhere.
Hubby had to make me a stool to step up to get into it since I'm short! I use a pillow between my legs especially since my left thigh sciatic nerve is so bad!
Cuddle ewe -- my fibro friends who bought this were very disappointed in it.
good comments too about the chemicals in how they were made, etc.
bettyg
Posts: 1 | From US | Registered: Aug 2015
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riversinger
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4851
posted
Betty, Thanks for the feedback on the Cuddle Ewe. Guess you saved me some money!
posted
Oh yeah I forgot cause it's summer now, but during winter I have a 100% sheep wool blanket that goes on top of the mattress with the sheets over it. It really helps with muscle and joint pain.
Posts: 185 | From the Netherlands | Registered: Mar 2005
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lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
I have a Sleep Number bed. (you may have seen the commercials with Lyndsay Wagner). www.selectcomfort.com
It's filled with air. No springs. No pressure points. You can adjust it to however you want, any time you want. It's HEAVEN!! I also got their own brand pillows, which are made depending on if you sleep on your back or your side. My LLMD recommended an air-filled bed.
------------------ Julie G. ___________ lymeinhell
Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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It probably is very individual and may come with pros and cons like so many other things.
Unfortunately, I'm allergic to feathers and wool for example. I know how comfy these are.
I was hoping some brands would stand out as more therapeutic than others.
Regardless of my decision I will put a plan in place for off-gassing. What comes to mind is keeping the mattress in another room where sunlight and heat will hit it for a time and thus off-gas it well before use.
I will also get a note from my doctor to avoid additional fireretardant chemicals.
I'll do both of the above to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals that come with a new mattress.
Is the sleep number electrically powered? If so can you unplug it once it's set up?
Thanks for the helpful tips!
Posts: 925 | From California | Registered: Sep 2004
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groovy2
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6304
posted
Hi all Because I had night sweats so bad for a long time I bought a air bed so I could keep it clean
I tried about 7 diffrent kinds. The Best one I have found is from wal mart--Ozark Trail brand--- no.607707 Queen size83x61x20-- it is 20 high like a regular bed. built in air pump.Works very well.
It is very comfortable and By Far the Best air bed I have had, others not even close. $50--in walmart camping section. I dont know why it is in camping section tho--its way to nice for a camping bed
Most air beds leak or seams tear in a short period --this model has been perty good--
When I first started trying diffrent air beds--I was very sick and spent most of my time in bed--so the seams sprang leaks fast.
This model of Ozake Trail has held up perty well--but has sprung a leak where I get in and out--I fix with eletric glue gun--works well-- Fill up till very ferm--
This bed is made for wal mart only--
This is the only thing I buy at walmart--I do not like what they have done to america--but it is the only place I can find this type of bed--
The bed is Very well designed-- very comfortable and has held up well-- Its not like any other air bed you have seen .$50
Air Number bed is Nicer but not alot--- Bed comes in a green and white box. Make sure you get correct model-- others not near as nice .
Speaking of bed -- thats where I am now headed--Jay--
Posts: 2999 | From Austin tx USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
I have a tempurpedic memory foam mattress. I got it at the recommendation of my physical therapist and it has made a tremendous difference in my comfort and pain level. I miss it whenever I travel.
A lot of my pain was muscular. My personal reasoning on the reason tempurpedic works for me is that it provides enough support that my muscles can relax rather than holding me up when I sleep. I have a fake tempurpedic pillow that has also helped with neck pain.
If you don't go for the tempurpedic, I was told that you need to find a happy medium between too firm and not firm enough. A lot of people like mattresses to be soft, but that can actually be bad for joints and muscles. You want the support while you sleep. But the really firm ones have no give, so that's bad too.
And I also can tell my cats prefer the tempurpedic.
Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
Lymeinhell and Sapphire, I was wondering more specifics on the sleep number beds you chose. I see there are many choices within that name.
I really need to replace my daughter's mattress and was thinking of that brand for her.
Thanks for your help.
Posts: 270 | From Charlotte, NC | Registered: May 2005
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valymemom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7076
posted
My son's chiro recommended a pillow that you fill with water (the amount you want). He has been sleeping on it for close to a year and likes it.
If anyone wants the manufacturer or info I will look for it.
Posts: 1240 | From Centreville,VA | Registered: Mar 2005
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lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
sorry, lost the thread!!
Yes, the SleepNumber is electric. You can unplug it if you're not planning on changing the 'number' - which indicates the level of firmness that you want. Goes from 0 - 90( I think??)
I sleep at 30, because I love a soft bed - hubby at 45. I bought the model that has 2 individual 'adjusters', so we can each sleep at a different number. Each adjuster controls half the bed.
I tried out all the models, and ended up with the top-of-the-line king size. I'm not sure of the model number - it was a year and a half ago. It has an extra thick covering (because I have dogs and worried they would manage to tear the liner), dual wired controls. Even the box-spring doesn't have springs. It's basically a plastic shell frame. But they all were very comfortable - sooooooooo much better than a spring mattress.
And if you're going to get one, go for the pillows!! Pricey, but SOOO worth it. I sleep on my side (and sometimes on my back), and got the side sleeper, which is a softer pillow. I bought a back sleeper pillow for hubby, but took it back because it was too firm.
I worry about the therapedic mattress - it's foam, and at some point, just like a spring mattress, that foam has to start sagging. An air bed, you just put more air in.
Many years ago, I had a flotation mattress, which was like a waterbed/matress combo. Water bladders underneath a mattress shell. That was awesome - until it leaked of course.
After spending $1500 on a king-size premium spring mattress set, I was seriously pissed to have to throw it in the garbage after 3 1/2 years. But I had no choice, since it was sagging, and I could no longer take the pressure point pain any more. The premium Sleep Number may be double that, but I know I won't have to pitch it any time soon. The bed has a 20 year warranty.
Sorry for the infomercial, but you asked. Hope it helps!!
------------------ Julie G. ___________ lymeinhell
Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
quote:Originally posted by lymeinhell: I worry about the therapedic mattress - it's foam, and at some point, just like a spring mattress, that foam has to start sagging. An air bed, you just put more air in.
The tempurpedic is not a regular foam and it lasts significantly longer than most spring mattresses. The actual material is strong enough that it does not sag. I know of people who have had them for years and years with no problems. I sleep in the about the same spot every night, and you wouldn't know to look at the bed.
Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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cootiegirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3216
posted
We have had the select comfort mattress for about 2 years now and it is the best mattress we have ever owned. I'm not crazy about the temperpedic - it makes me feel too warm - the foam tends to hold heat in.
The select comfort adjusts to your comfort level. My number while it might be the same as my husbands feels totally different because of our weight and size. I like the fact I can adjust the firmness as I need it. Some nights it feels better to sleep firm; other nights a less firm.
Prior to getting this mattress I had a lot of numbness in my legs and hands - all gone now - and very good night's sleep.
Comparable in price to a regular mattress. I'm not a big fan of pillow top so you can get the mattress just 'plain'.... cootiegirl
Posts: 1728 | From New York State | Registered: Oct 2002
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