I bought a medium firmness Dunlop from Mattress Makers. I had some issues with it and had it replaced with a big cushy mattress from them, much softer. I then developed Sciatica like symptoms and SI pain. When sleeping on my parent’s 25 yo Chattam and Wells I no longer had this pain, however it is lumpy and some parts seem like they are about to go.
I was able to get a replacement to the Mattress Makers mattress with firm 36 ILD talalay 3in over coils. I slept on that last night and my sciatica symptoms seem to be back immediately. My hips felt like they were going pretty deep into the foam.
I’m pretty tired of this search. I am not sure what my options are at this point. I think MM has gone above and beyond expectations for me, but I have still found nothing that works. I am afraid to spend more money testing different foams. I do not think I have the budget to buy a new Chattam and Wells and I am unsure if they still make them like they did 25 years ago. I’m not sure if a Dunlop layer would have been better than Talalay or if there’s something else entirely that simply isn’t clicking.
I’m really sorry to hear how frustrating this search has been for you. Back pain and sciatica symptoms are no joke, and I can tell you’ve already gone through a lot of trial and error.
A couple of things stand out:
The old Chattam & Wells: Those older models were built with heavier materials and natural fibers (wool, cotton, horsehair), which gave them a balance of support and cushioning that’s hard to find in most mattresses today. That “supportive but forgiving” feel is probably why your body responded better to it, even though it’s long past its prime.
Where issues usually come from: When a mattress isn’t working, it usually comes down to one (or more) of three areas—the top cover, the comfort layers, or the bottom support layer (coils, latex base layer). The good news is, each of these can often be adjusted with our mattresses.
Foundation matters too: The mattress is only as good as its weakest link. If the base or foundation isn’t giving proper support, it can throw the whole system off.
Positioning: A mattress typically gets you 75–80% of the way there. The last 20–25% often comes down to how you sleep and your body positioning. Sometimes an adjustable base helps, but I’d first see if we can get your mattress itself dialed in.
I would love to jump on a quick call or have you stop by the store so we can test some adjustments in person. That way we can see if we can get you out of this cycle and into something that truly works for your body.