Mattress Forum

Haven't started any new exercise programs or done much differently lately...but I could be doing something--sitting differently--without really realizing it, I guess.  The mattress was the obvious difference, so I thought I'd start with it as a possibility.  As you mentioned, I'd typically heard about people who had back pain initially in the morning (with it gradually getting better), but not the other way around as I'm experiencing it (great in the morning, gets worse over the course of the day).

I am a side sleeper, but the mattress does not feel too firm to me (no pressure points or anything like that); in fact, it feels very comfortable to me when I lay on it.  Haven't paid attention to my hip alignment, but I'll check that out.  The mattress appears firmer than my old mattress (I particularly notice this when I sit on it), but not dramatically so.  I've also spent a couple of nights on my sister's much softer, pillow-topped mattress, and the pain was still present the following days...but I wasn't sure whether one or two nights away from the problem would be enough to "magically solve" mattress-induced pain...

Sandman, if you care to help someone with there problem I suggest sticking to answering the question at hand and not commenting on other users.

Slomack,  good luck in your search and finding out what is wrong with your back.  I hate to say it, but sometimes talking to a doctor is the best move you can make.

It is hard to say.  2 nights on your sisters bed might not be enough time to see a change.  Have you ever had back issues before on any other types of mattresses, or is this the first time?

Since it has helped your husbands back, the mattress does seem to be making a difference.  I assume it was too soft for him before, and his back is a bit better with the new one.   If it is a bit too firm for you, you might be sleeping in a bit different position to get more  comfortable (or again maybe your hips are a bit out of alignment).  That could be fatiguing/straining some of your lower back muscles and it only shows up later in the day.  It is a mystery though why it would not show up first thing in the morning.

I know when I am on too firm of a mattress, I tend to slump over a bit more on my stomach to relief the hip pressure.   That can give me a sore back, but I usually feel it first thing in the morning. 

If had something softer to add on top, like 1-2" of memory foam or latex, then it would be a good experiment to try that for a few days to see if it makes any difference.

One issue you may end up having is getting it right for you and your husband.  That is one benefit of having mattresses that can customize the firmness of each half.