Mattress suggestions for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity combined with sciatica back problems

Suggestions please for a mattress that will work for someone with the combined fun of sciatica and other back problems with multiple chemical and environmental sensitivities.

I’ve been searching for several months and think the latex will be the best bet but I’m not even sure about that. Possibly hybrid or full latex. My partner and I are both 5’4" and between 120 and 150 pounds. Both in our 50’s. I’m a hot sleeper plus being in a hot and humid state.

I didn’t think I had any stores near me that had a latex mattress but I have found one that carries the posh and lavish brand so I’m at least going to be able to go and try one out.

Other than that I’m incredibly overwhelmed with all the searching to find something that will serve both purposes. I’m tired of jumping out of bed with foot cramps due to my sciatica but also have reactions just walking into stores. My current mattress is a handme down ten yera old simmons beautyrest and a box spring that I just figured out is from 2001 so I need to also get a foundation for my traditional bed frame.

Thanks so much for any help.

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I can understand why you would be overwhelmed with all of the issues you are facing and I would love to give you some pertinent information that I think can give you some clarity on where to head from here. First, as someone with chemical sensitivities, it would be great if you go with a mattress that has been tested for V.O.C.s (Volatile Organic Compounds), since it really comes down to what is off-gassing from the mattress. Organic mattress can still have V.O.C.s like Formaldehyde, so testing is still essential for you situation. Greenguard Gold is the highest level of certification that has even double the standards of CertiPUR-US, so that will be what you want to look for with the mattress you purchase. It also helps if you go with all U.S.A. components, since overseas materials don’t have the same standards in terms of both quality and environmental concerns.

Regarding the Sciatica and back problems, to address that, you have to look at how the spine is aligning when you are in your sleeping position(s). As a Chiropractic doctor and mattress designer, I done extensive testing over the years and it is what lead me to create the Mattress Checker App., which is the first tool for objectively measuring spinal alignment while on a mattress.

The problem I found with most most mattresses (latex included) is that the heavier mid-section of the body is not properly supported, thereby allowing your spine to go into a hammock type of position. Without enough support in the mid-section, it is likely your spine is being placed in a poor alignment position throughout the night and that will cause uneven pressure that can result in aggravating and over time even causing spinal and other musculoskeletal conditions.

To verify this, I came out with an App. called the Mattress Checker that allowed me to test hundreds of customers over many years, in order to find a solution to how to properly correct this. If you want to check your alignment, you can download the Mattress Checker App. for free in both Apple and Android devices (Mattress Checker App | Back Science™ Bed - The Bed That Has Your Back™ ).

That said, the mattress that I developed called Back Science was created to solve these types of issues. The Back Science mattress offers more structured lumbar support through its double zoned patent pending Lumbar-Flex interlocking support which is intended to maintain the spine’s alignment and preventing the lower back from sinking too deeply, which can lead discomfort and potential back problems over time. A recent Trust Pilot 3rd party survey showed that 97% of Back Science users experienced an improvement with their back pain. Additionally, that same survey showed that 96% of those surveyed found the Back Science mattress cooler than their last mattress. That can be attributed to the Back Science patented Airflow Transfer System that allows up to a 100 times more breathability, as well as the cooling Hypergel surface.

Lastly, with Back Science there is also a full 365-night trial that allows for free customizations if needed to first try and solve the issue before returning or exchanging the mattress. That is an extra part of Back Science’s success, though the majority of Back Science users love the way the mattress performs without any modifications. If modifications are needed, it is a simple exchange of comfort and/or zone layering via UPS that can insert into our proprietary GripLock modular cover system.

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions whatsoever or I can be of further assistance and if you do purchase a Back Science mattress, be sure to use The Mattress Underground discount code we offer to members: TMU10 for an extra 10 percent savings.

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Naturepedic definitely comes to mind when thinking of chemical-free and hybrid mattresses. Naturepedic also has one latex mattress model as well. They have showrooms all over the country and have several customization options if that would be helpful. Beyond not aggravating your sensitivity, a chemical-free or organic mattress has other benefits, like breathability.

The other brands we are familiar with are Healthy Choice and Obasan for latex. High-quality organic latex is non-toxic and chemical-free, while also providing contouring - and in some cases, a mattress that can be customized so you get the correct balance of comfort and support. All three brands offer a layer swap after purchase if it isn’t working.

We offer all three of these brands and are located in the Northeast (and if you are in a hot and humid state, you are probably not near us!). If we can help, please give us a call. Best of luck with your search

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I had the opportunity to test out a posh and lavish mattress today. I wantedto try the relax but they only had the two models above. I didn’t like the topper it felt too soft and i sunk into it but I did like the main mattress without the topper. It was rather disappointing that I knew more about the mattresses than either of two people who came to “help” me. Anyway, at least now I know I liked the firmer mattress and preferred it to the traditional foam hybrid mattresses they were trying to show me.

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Thank you for sharing your experience. It highlights exactly why the Trusted Members of TMU are carefully selected based on their professionalism and expertise. While I always recommend testing a mattress before making a purchase, there are situations where that’s simply not possible. In these cases, it’s crucial to rely on the knowledge of experienced mattress professionals who can project what will be the ideal fit based on various factors like age, height, weight, and personal preferences. Their ability to assess these details and recommend the right mattress is what makes their expertise invaluable.

Your story is a perfect example of why the Mattress UnderGround and our Trusted Member Talk to The Experts group are so valuable. Having access to knowledgeable experts can make all the difference when navigating a mattress purchase—especially when you’re faced with less-than-ideal assistance from sales staff.

It’s great to hear that you discovered your preference for a firmer mattress and gained more clarity on what works best for you!

All the best to you,

Maverick

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Between the sciatica, sleeping hot and chemical sensitivities I would say that organic latex would be your best bet. I have numerous pain issues and did a three-layer DIY organic latex with the help of Roger from Latex Mattress Factory. I put it on an adjustable frame which is great for the back if you are a back sleeper. The experts can recommend firmnesses based on height, weight, sleeping positions and health issues. It’s a little more work than having a local store deliver, but well worth it in the end.

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