Hi, everyone. I’m not one that typically asks for help, but I currently find myself both overwhelmed … and sleeping on the floor.
Quick background: 40 years old. Stomach sleeper. Regular lower back and shoulder pain due to a long athletics history, working out, and over 10 years of sleeping on the same, college-quality mattress. (I have a feeling that the latter most variable is the primary contributor.) I recently moved for my work and threw out said mattress with 0 backup plan. I just knew that it had to go and that I needed something much better.
I’m now looking for a King Size replacement that’s best suited for a stomach/side sleeper. I’ve had friends clamor for the Purple Mattress, Tempur-Pedic, and even Sleep Number (“The
Sleep Number 360 iLE Limited Edition is 50% off right now!” I’ve watched several YouTube videos ranking mattresses, but it’s all just contributed to me being stuck in neutral. All while I sleep on the floor with a dang comforter.
My budget is 5k, but that’s at odds with my simple, minimalist way of life. It just seems like a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a bed, even though I now (and finally!) have the money to spend on nice things.
Thus, I guess, unless there’s an expensive option that’s “WITHOUT A DOUBT WORTH IT!,” I’m looking for balance. King. High quality. On the firmer side. A purchase that I’ll enjoy for the next 5+ years.
For anyone who can help, every muscle and bone in my body thanks you.
Hi MattressMigraine.
Welcome to our Mattress Forum. 
I’m having a bit of trouble posting the reply I created for you, so please do bear with me as I attempt to troubleshoot that.
NikkiTMU
Hi again MattressMigraine.
I hope you didn’t receive an over abundance of notifications while I was trying to get this reply sorted and posted!
Sorry to hear you’re currently on the floor. That can’t be comfortable! I’m also sorry that you have consistent lower back and shoulder pain. While an adequate mattress can help alleviate some discomfort, definitely do see a doctor about anything persistent.
As a stomach and side sleeper, you would classify as a “combo sleeper.” With combination sleeping it is usually wise to choose a comfort layer that is a little thinner than your “deepest” sleeping position would normally require (typically side sleeping) and then choose a support layer underneath that helps you to sink in a little extra when you need it. A middle layer or “transition layer” can be especially useful for those who sleep in multiple positions and it can help you to sink in enough to help with pressure relief and also help keep you from sinking down too far and causing back issues. Innerspring designs that are more conforming like pocket coils or offset coils or different foams that are softer on top and become firmer faster when they are compressed (such as latex) also make very good choices here. (1/3)
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I’ve had friends clamor for the Purple Mattress, Tempur-Pedic, and even Sleep Number (“The
Sleep Number 360 iLE Limited Edition is 50% off right now!” I’ve watched several YouTube videos ranking mattresses, but it’s all just contributed to me being stuck in neutral
It’s great they have mattresses they love, but none of them are your height and weight, with your sleeping profile or pain/pressure points. I’d suggest reading through this article of preferences and personal statistics if you haven’t already.
My budget is 5k, but that’s at odds with my simple, minimalist way of life. It just seems like a ridiculous amount of money to spend on a bed
Good news You definitely don’t need to spend this much! While I obviously can’t choose for you, there are some models that come to mind from our Trusted Members that you may find worth a look. Because of the technical issues I’m facing, I’ve emailed those and the remainder of this reply to you. I apologize for the inconvenience that may pose to you, or anyone reading the thread!
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NikkiTMU