Back pain starting up again with new latex mattress
Aug 15, 2010 8:11 PM
Joined: Mar 11, 2010
Points: 56
I have had  the Costco Sleep Science latex since May. It was a bit too firm, so after some trial and error, I now have the convoluted latex topper from Flobeds, and a CuddleBed mattress cover. My lower back pain has started again, which I was experiencing with my s-brand mattress after sleeping in the deep middle well. Before we bought this current mattress, I built up the middle of my s-brand mattress to get rid of the center depression. It relieved my back pain. The pain just started back up within the last 3-4 weeks. I've had the Flobeds topper for about 2 months. I have tried both sides of the Costco latex. Back hurts worse with the soft side up, but still isn't completely gone with the firmer side up. And, It's too firm, even with the topper, when I have the firm side up.

I'm frustrated. I will probably send it back and try out a Flobeds (since I already have one of the components) but I'm worried that it won't be any better. The costco is dunlop and Flobeds has Talalay. Can it really make that much difference? My husband is convinced that I need a firmer mattress, but I am a side/stomach sleeper. I definately need firm for the stomach sleeping but would like some softness in the hip area when I am side sleeping. I am 5'6" and 132lbs.

Re: Back pain starting up again with new latex mattress
Reply #2 Aug 16, 2010 12:17 AM
Joined: Aug 21, 2009
Points: 486
Are you using the foundation that comes with the Sleep Science latex mattress?  By most accounts it's a piece of crap, and if you're using it, you might try changing out the foundation.

Also, keep in mind that with all the buzz about latex, people seem to expect it to solve all our back problems.  It doesn't.  It's one piece of a program of back pain relief, but it can't cure everything.

I've had horrific back and hip pain, and the Flobeds latex mattress has gone a great way towards helping me.  Some days, the time I spend lying on my bed is the only time my back isn't aching.  I'm a side sleeper too, and I have a very firm mattress (3 layers of 36 ILD under the convoluted topper).  It still has enough give to provide good pressure relief.

Re: Back pain starting up again with new latex mattress
Reply #3 Aug 16, 2010 12:07 PM
Joined: Oct 15, 2009
Points: 966
The back issues are probably due to the combination being too soft.  I think you confirm this by saying it is worse with the soft side up.  The mattress may have softened up slightly since you bought it.   So, you may want to try different variations, like take off the cuddlebed off, change to soft side with no topper or cuddlebed, etc.  Maybe none will be right.  Maybe the convoluted topper is not the right topper.  Unfortunately, often the only way to find out is by trial and error.

With the vzone flobed you will have a lot more ways to customize.  However, you may still be stuck with the dilemma of having soft enough for comfort vs. firm enough for back.