I’m sorry to sound so useless, incompetent, and completely and utterly incapable of shopping for my own matress!!!
I’ve gone through a total of 4 toppers, and 3 mattresses. I cannot find the right one. The last one I got is the purple premier 4 and it’s causing mid back pain. I researched it heavily online it was suggested for side sleepers, which is my sleep position. I even tried it in the store and it felt great.
I tried tempur pedic pro adapt medium and soft. Medium felt too firm and soft was too soft.
I’m at my wits end and don’t know what else to do. I feel like no amount of online research or using my own judgment when trying them out in the store or talking to mattress sales people is going to help give what I need.
Is there such a thing as an expert that can walk around with me, check the shape of my back when laying on them to determine if it’s too firm or soft or unsupportive for my back? Would maybe a chiropractor do something like that? Does such a person exist, or am I living in fantasy world to think such a thing exists?
I don’t know what else to do. 
It would be helpful to also have your height, weight and body shape (helps to understand if there’s hammocking or other alignment issues at play).
Hello,
I am 5 ft 11in, 225 pounds. I also bought a Purple 4 and I had to return it because it was causing me back pain. PPP…I had the Preference and the Pressure Relief, but it did not have Posture…so my back hurt.
I love the Tempurpedics. Not sure how much you weigh…but Pro Adapt Medium or firmer might be good. I like Pro Adapt Firm or Luxe Adapt Firm. Im probably going with Luxe Adapt Firm. The Tempurpedics don’t last as long as they used to…but they are better than anything else. I thought Pro Adapt Medium was pretty good, but I was thinking that my hips/butt sank down a bit too far and that is why I am thinking Pro Adapt Firm or Luxe Adapt Firm might be great. PAF is firmer that LAF. Im thinking that LAF is just a bit firmer than PAM. When you go out there looking for Tempurpedics, go to at least 3 stores because you will find that the same model might feel slightly different in each store. What do you do? You take an average of the 3 stores. Im extrapolating a bit here, but Im thinking that Luxe Adapt Firm might be your perfect mattress.
Let me know what you do!
John
Hello,
Oh…Pro Adapt Medium was too firm. You might consider Pro Adapt Medium Hybrid. It is a touch softer. You might also consider the Pro Breeze Medium. I don’t know much about the Breeze line because I do not sleep hot. They might even have Pro Breeze Medium Hybrid too. The Breeze line tends to run about $1000 more than the Adapt line, but if you like it…it is worth it.
Let me know!
John
My height is 5’ 8" and my weight is about 165 and Im a male. I don’t know if I would consider myself super curvy, but it feels like in between my ribs and butt (stomach area), it curves in a little like an hourglass. This is on my side.
I wonder if either that area is missing support, causing bending in that area or if my butt in sinking in too much or both.
If sticking something like a folded up shirt under those areas is the solution, I would rather do that as I’m tired of going through mattresses. I don’t think the store will take this one back because I’ve already exchanged the tempurpedic soft for this one. I’ve had this one almost 2 months.
I’m just thinking about how much money I’m going to lose if I try and sell it online.
Been dealing with this over a year and I’m tired of it. Been doing my own research ad nauseum and getting nowhere. I can’t trust my own judgment to buy the right matress, so as pathetic as it sounds, I need hand holding. Could there potentially be an expert in my local area that could help me find the “right one” so I dont have to go through this again? Maybe I’m living in fantasy land to think there is such an expert, but I’m getting desperate.
Look into something adjustable.
1-Flobed Vzone…infinitely flexible. Latex. Im not a fan of latex, but don’t let that stop you.
2-Flexus Comfort 13 inch mattress. Latex with 4 …3 inch layers of latex that can be modified. You get 1 core exchange. King size? $1984. I actually went there to lay on the beds. All latex for you is definitely the was to go over the latex hybrid. All latex gives you 4 layers to manipulate.
3-Arizona Premium…latex. Call them up to see what they say.
I like VZone for you because you have a the top layer Vzone that is adjustable which is perfect for you. I think the Tempurpedic Pro Adapt Medium might work well for you. I thought the Pro Adapt Medium was so sumptuous and luxurious. Its not for me because I weigh 225 and you weight 165. I sank too far into it. I guess you can try Costco beds because of the return policy…all it costs you is time.
Dark horse entry would be Intellibed Matrix Supreme (soft). They have a whole series of 5 Matrix beds. The “Supreme” surname changes…for example Matrix Deluxe. It was hard to decide between the 5 Matrix Intellibed beds. But the sales guy at Mathis Brothers (Ontario, California) stated that the Intellibed Matrix Supreme was the bestseller in the Intellibed line. Supposedly, Intellibed can be firm and soft at the same time. Purple beds are a derivative of Intellibed. Some here hate Purple Bed…but only your opinion matters.
I was not sold on the Intellibed buckling gel matrix and felt that Tempurpedic was better for me.
When you try your mattresses, try to test them all in the same day. Go back several times to a store even if you get irritating.
I will extrapolate to make an educated guess…go with Flobeds Vzone or Tempurpedic…but do what you want and try them all. Ignore all reviews and opinions including mine.
John
Hi buzzdrew7.
Let’s try to break it down to see what the issue may be. You’re experiencing mid-back pain likely because your recessed area between the ribs and hips isn’t getting enough support. Does that sound right?
It’s not uncommon for the Purple to be too firm and disappoint. Sorry you’ve experienced that. Of the toppers, how thick are they and do you happen to know the ILD/IFD of the toppers and if they’re latex, memory foam, etc?
Do you find the rest of your body is relatively comfortable on your current setup? Is the mid back pain alleviated if you place a pillow or a rolled towel under your waist when you sleep on your side?
Also, you mentioned wanting to see an expert in person to maybe help get you assessed. What area do you live in (you don’t have to be too specific)?
NikkiTMU
I agree with that assessment. Yes, Im going to try to put something under that receeded area to see if that helps. Dont mind keeping my current mattress if that helps.
I live on the east side of Washington state. I was thinking about sleep number potentially just so it’s adjustable. Don’t know what your thoughts are on sleep number.
Stay away from Sleep Number. Looks good in theory. Doesnt work in the real world. Lots of hammocking. But with that said……try it out.
John
Hi buzzdrew.
We don’t have problems with Sleepnumber as a rule, but often find that the large ‘S’ brands use less durable materials that mean a higher turnover in terms of mattresses. It’s worth going and testing their mattresses if you’re interested in them, but they likely won’t give you any useful specifications.
I’ll be interested to hear how this experiment works out for you!
I don’t know how far from Seattle you are, but one of our Trusted Member, Nest Bedding, has a show room there. They’re super knowledgable and transparent and even if you weren’t to purchase from them, you’d get some great testing guidance.
NikkiTMU