Bumping up from prior post: seeking help with severe hip pain and feedback on <4PFC foam density

[kkcc2026]

Thank you @DLX ! This is very helpful information to know re: the quilting on the top layers. The Stearns & Foster Lux Estate is a huge mattress - I think it comes in at 18 inches, or close to it, but I guess the top comfort layers and quilting are just not soft enough for a 120lb / 5’6, thin-boned person.

My zip code is 28211. There is a Naturepedic store near me, and an independent store here that makes its own latex mattresses…I tried out the latex mattresses at the independent store on Sunday and was not sure that I liked the feel of the latex…felt a little jiggly to me on the turning, etc. I replied to Maverick’s response that I went back to my old Serta Dr. Green on Monday night, and the hip pain instantly vanished; however, I’m having the lower back discomfort (bordering pain) and the ongoing knee discomfort - the knee discomfort/pain is an entirely NEW thing that started a little over a week ago while on the new Stearns & Foster, and I’m guessing it was from the extended hip inflammation that has now radiated down to my knee. This seems to be a dangerous business trying out new mattresses!!! Who ever would have known. And I’m just hoping I can get this newly initiated pain and discomfort to dissipate so that I can return to my active lifestyle.

I’m thinking now that I need to tweak my pillow situation for my old mattress to find a better side/back sleeper combo pillow. I think the pillows I have now are too high when I’m on my back ,but likely okay for the side. Do you have any recommendations on pillows for side/back combo sleepers?

Thank you so much for all of the helpful information!

[Maverick]

Hey again kkcc2026,

The Oxygen-Pillow is designed for both back and side sleepers, and I would recommend speaking with them about the loft and firmness that would best match your mattress firmness, body type, and sleeping style.

The Latex Cube and the Helix ComfortAdjust are both adjustable, multi-position pillows. The Latex Cube has a slightly softer, more cloud-like feel, while the Helix has a little less pushback than the other two, but as a memory foam pillow is wonderful and not a hot sleeper. At that point, it really comes down to your personal preference and what feels most comfortable to you.

I don’t think you have to choose between relieving your hip pain and supporting your lower back, knees, and the rest of your body. It often takes some experimentation to find the combination that works.

For example, I sleep right on the edge of my mattress, literally on the edge. I tuck the overhang of my duvet and cotton blanket between my knees to keep them from rubbing together and relief the pressure. When I roll to my other side, still toward the edge of the bed, I hug an extra pillow like a body pillow. It helps keep my shoulders aligned and prevents me from rolling too far.

I do think it’s reasonable to let your body settle down after everything you’ve been through with the new mattresses. Once the inflammation and irritation have a chance to calm down, you’ll have a much better sense of what adjustments are actually needed. A new pillow that better supports both your back and side sleeping on your old mattress may end up being all that’s necessary.

I really believe you’ll find the sweet spot, the right combination of mattress, pillow, and sleeping position that brings everything together. It can take a little persistence, but keep at it.

Maverick

[DLX]

If the Stearns & Foster is 18" thick, that rules out our theory that a thicker mattress is the solution.

It looks like there’s an Original Mattress Factory showroom in Charlotte. It might be worth trying some mattresses there.

I’m not sure what type of latex you tried, but keep in mind that Talalay latex tends to feel more “jiggly” than Dunlop for some people. But, some people find both types of latex to be too jiggly. If you only tried Talalay, it may be worth trying Dunlop. However, if you already tried Dunlop and it felt too jiggly, Talalay probably won’t be any better. As a point of reference, I believe Naturepedic uses Dunlop latex.

Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with the Serta Dr. Green mattress. There were quite a few different models and there isn’t much information available about the construction beyond the possibility that it used a pocket coil system. Posting a few photos of the mattress, along with any law tags or labels, might help give us some ideas or pointers, although it won’t tell the full story.

One other thing to consider is what’s supporting the mattress. Does the Dr. Green mattress use a different bed frame, foundation, box spring, or adjustable base than the Stearns & Foster? The support system underneath the mattress can have an impact on how it feels.

For knee pain, some people find that a knee pillow helps, although everyone is different. It doesn’t work for everyone and it can take a little time to get used to.

As for pillows, back sleeping and side sleeping almost require two different pillow heights. When you sleep on your side, you generally want a pillow that’s thick and firm enough to keep your head and neck in a neutral position. This prevents your head from tilting toward the mattress, which can drive your shoulder farther into the mattress and increase pressure on it. Back sleeping usually doesn’t require a pillow that’s as thick or firm, since that can tilt your head forward and contribute to neck pain.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a go-to pillow recommendation. Beyond looking for a pillow with a good return policy, the biggest suggestion we have is to keep two different pillows in bed one for side sleeping and one for back sleeping.