Stomach Sleeper Help PLEASE!
Jun 25, 2009 6:57 AM
Joined: Jun 25, 2009
Points: 1
Hi there.  My wife and I recently bought the very expensive Simmons NxG Advanced Memory Foam Mattress.  We enjoyed it just fine for 6 weeksor so and then my back started hurting every morning.  I have tried sleeping on my side but I always end up on my stomach.  I have tried body pillows between the legs and anything else I can think of.  So, now it has been 3 months since we purchased the mattress and we cannot take it pack at this point.  What do I do? Do I just chalk this up as a VERY expensive lesson and get a new firmer mattress?  Is there anything I can put over the mattress we have to make it firmer on my side?  Any help is much appreciated.  I really would hate to have to toss a $2,000+ mattress after 3 months and spend more money on another mattress that may or may not be better.  Thanks!!
Re: Stomach Sleeper Help PLEASE!
Reply #3 Jul 1, 2009 2:25 AM
Joined: Jul 10, 2008
Points: 69
I have a memory foam pillow that I have a love/hate relationship with. What works best for me these days is to have a thick pillow cover (thicker than a case) laying over the pillow to keep heat from making it sink. You may want to try that, get some pad that will insulate you from the mattress and keep it from sinking so much. 
Re: Stomach Sleeper Help PLEASE!
Reply #4 Dec 27, 2010 12:36 PM
Joined: Dec 27, 2010
Points: 3
Hi.  I don't know if you still have that mattress, but I agree, memory foam is the worst for stomach sleepers.  As you sleep, the mattress heats up and your midsection sinks in thus you are almost sleeping in a shallow u shape.  Bad for back.  Now here is what I have seen in mattress stores and at home shows.  Memory foam mattresses are not one big thick foam mattress.  They are layers of various densities of foam, usually 4 to 6 layers.  I am assuming your wife likes the mattress, so here are some possible solutions.   First take a razor knife and make a small slice that you can get your hand into so you can verify that it is layers of foam.  Now get a piece of 3/4 inch plywood, smooth finish on both sides so it will be easier to slide in and out.  You will want to rip (cut) the plywood to half the width of the bed so if it is a queen mattress than 1/2 of 60 or 30 inches.  Now for the length, there are 2 ways you can try.  Way #1, you can use a full head to toe cut.  A regular queen is 80 inches so cut the board 77 or 78 inches for the length.   Way #2, cut the length to go from above your knees to mid chest probably about 3 feet in length.  Now the part that your wife is going to hate (Do it when she is not home surprise)  Use your razor knife and slice open your side of the mattress.  On your side only.  On the side of the mattress.  If you use way #1 then you'll have to slice the full length.  If you do way #2, just enough to get the plywood in.  Now lets say that you have 5 layers of foam.  Slide the board in between layers 3 and 4.  Try it for a week.  If it is still too soft, move the board up a layer or too hard then move the board down a layer.   Way # 3, the memory foam is usually the top 1 or 2 layers, you could try to remove just your side of those layers.  This way would probably be the hardest and you would have to cut on the top of the mattress to cut down the middle.   Once you find the optimum position and situation for you, either sew the openings shut or install a zipper.  Have to appease the wifesmiley.   Good luck, hope this helps if you still have that mattress.  For future reference, I have found that a firm mattress, not extra firm, not hard, not soft and not memory foam works best for me, a fellow stomach sleeper.  Also I like a latex mattress, which is foam but not memory foam.   Again, good luck.

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