back pain caused by new mattress and latex, advice needed please!
Jul 6, 2009 2:11 PM
Joined: Jul 6, 2009
Points: 3
Howdy.  I just found this site and it appears as if many of you are versed in mattress comfort.  I am 5'5" 128 pounds--a relatively  fit and healthy  person who has never had sleep problems until recently getting rid of an old mattress  and boxspring (traditional boxspring, flippable--my boyfrend and I slept on this  little full size thing for 10 years!--Unfortunately I don't know what kind of mattress it was--i.e. firmness, etc.  although I know it was an S brand). 
Anyhow we purchased a 100% natural latex mattress from a local bedmaker-Mulligan's Mattresses--he claims it was Dunlop (however, I saw some packaging in his store that was Talalay and when I questioned him he was vague--.  We also purchased a platform frame from West Elm. 
Anyhow, my spouse thought this new get-up  was the most comfortable sleep he had ever had (queen sized, medium fimness with softer 2" topper).
While it initially felt comfy when lying down, I woke in extreme agony by 2 am--entire back aching.  Mulligan's had us flip it over to try the firmer side, try towels beneath for lumbar support, gave us a firmer mattress to try, and then a topper--all caused me extreme discomfort.  He was kind enough to provide a full refund.  Then we tried a Simmons BeautyRest, Plush Firm. We both started having low back aches.  Now we are on a Sealy Posterpedic Cushion Firm-- with a thin layer of latex  at the head and foot and memory foam in the middle.  We have this on the platform.  Again, it feels comfy upon lying down but I wake up in extreme agony--mid side aches, upper  and lower back pain...We added a memory foam topper but it hasn't helped.  I am even going to see a back specialist--however, I am certain this is due to the mattress not something else physiological (or psychological!)...I am a stomach and side sleeper and I have tried accomodating positions, pillows between legs, etc. to no avail.

Reading through this forum it appears as if there is a problem that others have also experiences with latex and aching backs. 
Does anyone know more about this issue?
Is it possible that the platform bed frame is the cause of all this discomfort?

At this point I know I need another bed but since I am now going to be losing 900.00 on the mattress exchange from the S brand, I am hesitant to start throwing away more money...

Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
S in Portland!

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