Will it ever end? Not until I die.
Mar 29, 2010 1:04 PM
Joined: Oct 8, 2009
Points: 192
I reported no back pain with my Costco Latex, and I think that the pain I am having isnt related to the bed, it is just a reality I have to live with.

 

If I were to do the exercise I know would help, probably would not be the major issue it is.

 

The firmness of my bed is probably helping it not be any worse than it is...I want to win the lottery so I can have 3 bedrooms all with different beds, then maybe I can find the right one   wink

This message was modified Mar 29, 2010 by randys
Re: Will it ever end? Not until I die.
Reply #1 Mar 29, 2010 4:44 PM
Joined: Jan 18, 2010
Points: 143
Hi Randy,

I'm so sorry about your back pain.sad I finally came to the same realization, no bed is going to do away with my pain.

So I have a question for you... if you could magically set aside the pain issue.. out of all the beds you've tried, and I know you've tried a fewwink, which was/is your favorite?

For anyone else, if you were magically painfree and could have any mattress you've ever laid on, which would you choose?

Best to you,

Natalie <--- wishing she had a magic wand.

This message was modified Mar 29, 2010 by Natalia
Re: Will it ever end? Not until I die.
Reply #2 Mar 29, 2010 4:51 PM
Joined: May 3, 2008
Points: 827
After trying a wool topper for the first time, I have to say without the XXXX stitching lines to irritate me, it has helped me.  I will maybe upgrade to a thicker version sometime.  Maybe you could try that over the latex.  Just a thought.

There seems to be no 100% solution for me either.  But I made it almost 5 hours three nights in a row, and that is a record for me. surprise

This message was modified Mar 29, 2010 by Leo3
Re: Will it ever end? Not until I die.
Reply #3 Mar 29, 2010 5:58 PM
Joined: Aug 21, 2009
Points: 486
Well . . . my Flobed latex mattress has almost 100% eliminated what used to be excruciating back pain all night.  It isn't the fact that it's a Flobed in particular, it's that it's a latex mattress and I seem to have gotten the right firmness configuration.

It didn't happen overnight, but I did notice a marked lessening of my back troubles within a night or two.  I'd say 95% of my nights are totally pain free and I wake up without pain.  About 5% of the time I feel a slight twinge now and again.

That's a remarkable improvement over my pre-latex days when I used to dread going to bed, then toss and turn in agony, it was relief to finally get up in the morning.

As time has gone on, I feel better and better.

I still don't have any kind of mattress pad on the bed, which bothers me a little, as I do want to preserve the life of the mattress and cover.  But the best feel comes from having just the sheet on the bed.

Re: Will it ever end? Not until I die.
Reply #4 Mar 30, 2010 12:27 AM
Joined: May 3, 2008
Points: 827
That is great Kimberly, that your mattress is being good to you.  If it is better to sleep on the mattress without the pad for you, I wouldn't worry too much about it.  Your comfort is more important.  yes
Re: Will it ever end? Not until I die.
Reply #5 Mar 30, 2010 3:37 AM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
Leo3 wrote:

That is great Kimberly, that your mattress is being good to you.  If it is better to sleep on the mattress without the pad for you, I wouldn't worry too much about it.  Your comfort is more important.  yes


I agree - I wish I could win the lotto so I could try every mattress I hear about that I think might work! But will it ever end? Maybe not. I can't say for sure in your case, but in my case I am still somewhat optimistic but I think our backs or whatever specific problem each of us have, sometimes are going to hurt no matter what.

I think I'm at about 70% improvement over where I was a year ago, mattress-wise and pain-wise. That is, both my shoulder has improved (less pain) and my mattress has improved (mostly latex + springs instead of mostly-HR foam + springs).

Leo, glad the wool is helping. I go back and forth on mine because I think mine's a little too thick for me, but I do love the feel of soft wool under my sheets.

These days my m.o. is that I sleep really well for about 5 hours then I wake up to use the bathroom or whatever, and after that I feel a little more pain in my shoulder. I seem to wake up about the time my back starts to hurt from laying in bed. I don't necessarlily notice that is why I am waking up, I may be waking up for something else, but the fact is, I usually start to hurt some after about 5 hours. However, the difference between now and a year ago is that a year ago, those next 2-4 hours of sleep would really be painful and nearly impossible. Now I have some pain those last few hours, but I can still mostly sleep through it.

I'm hoping if our personal financial situation doesn't get worse, like I am thinking it might, then I'll buy one of those soft latex toppers - 18ILD or the softest one I can get - to put on top. A mattress expert recommended this to me a couple years ago and I just haven't gotten one yet. Right now I am actually using a 1/2" piece of memory foam again, after sayng I woudl not use any memory foam. But I felt I needed just a little more softness and it does seem to be helping. But the problem is it will break down quickly and I'll have to re-configure again.

Re: Will it ever end? Not until I die.
Reply #6 Apr 9, 2010 12:25 AM
Joined: Dec 29, 2009
Points: 57
KimberlyH wrote:

Well . . . my Flobed latex mattress has almost 100% eliminated what used to be excruciating back pain all night.  It isn't the fact that it's a Flobed in particular, it's that it's a latex mattress and I seem to have gotten the right firmness configuration.

 

It didn't happen overnight, but I did notice a marked lessening of my back troubles within a night or two.  I'd say 95% of my nights are totally pain free and I wake up without pain.  About 5% of the time I feel a slight twinge now and again.

That's a remarkable improvement over my pre-latex days when I used to dread going to bed, then toss and turn in agony, it was relief to finally get up in the morning.

As time has gone on, I feel better and better.

I still don't have any kind of mattress pad on the bed, which bothers me a little, as I do want to preserve the life of the mattress and cover.  But the best feel comes from having just the sheet on the bed.



I am completely with Kimberly here.  My FloBed latex mattress has pretty much eliminated my pain as well.  Now that I think I have finally got it right (or close to!)...I'm sure it will get better.  But I definitely am not tossing as much as I used to, my shoulder never hurts any more at all (VZone) and I am only suffering from occasional hip pain..(I might try going one step firmer there).  The only real problem I have left these days is that I love falling into bed and hate getting out in the am!  Which doesn't make for a very productive person!laugh

Re: Will it ever end? Not until I die.
Reply #7 Apr 9, 2010 1:05 AM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
TJ12 wrote:



 The only real problem I have left these days is that I love falling into bed and hate getting out in the am!  Which doesn't make for a very productive person!laugh


Count your blessings, TJ12. Many of us wish we had that problem!

And once you Do get out of bed you will be more productive because you are rested!

I am lucky if I get 6 hours before I start to hurt a bit, and after 8 hours - or occasionally 9 - I am almost forced to get out of bed because I just don't feel comfortable any longer. I am not sure this is due to the bed, it may be due to my body's problems. But in any case, count your blessings, and congrats on finding a comfortable configuration. My advice: Don't worry too much about chasing that last 5-10% of comfort, at least not until you sleep on it as is, for a month or so.

Re: Will it ever end? Not until I die.
Reply #8 Apr 9, 2010 2:36 PM
Joined: Dec 29, 2009
Points: 57
jimsocal wrote:

 


Count your blessings, TJ12. Many of us wish we had that problem!

And once you Do get out of bed you will be more productive because you are rested!

I am lucky if I get 6 hours before I start to hurt a bit, and after 8 hours - or occasionally 9 - I am almost forced to get out of bed because I just don't feel comfortable any longer. I am not sure this is due to the bed, it may be due to my body's problems. But in any case, count your blessings, and congrats on finding a comfortable configuration. My advice: Don't worry too much about chasing that last 5-10% of comfort, at least not until you sleep on it as is, for a month or so.



I know you're right Jim.  And that you hurt a lot...I'm sorry that it's such torture for you.  Have to say ...I haven't been more productive quite yet, still in the lazy stage I think...but hopefully, that will get better and hopefully, you are correct, another month or so will help me settle in.  I figure a lot of it can't be helped due to the physical issues I have (hips for one thing among others and no energy among others)...so I also re-joined a health club this week and am going to attempt to strengthen my body there ...(ugh...and grrr....unlike others in So Cal [yes, I am here also!])...it doesn't make me excited! LOL] So maybe that will help too.  I remember eagle2 recommending that exercise would also help with the bed thing so we'll see.  Also, I know that you are always trying new things...I want to mention...we have an adjustable bed base (which of course, is a big investment but we needed to do it to due to injuries my husband has which sometimes almost incapacitate him), and I think that helps quite a bit too...I do sleep with legs and head slightly elevated.  It really does take the pressure off of my lower back.  So, yes, I will consider myself lucky at this point.  Before I got my FloBeds, I woke up miserable pain and stiff every day for the past five years!  Crazy!

Re: Will it ever end? Not until I die.
Reply #9 Apr 9, 2010 6:46 PM
Location: L.A. area
Joined: Jan 18, 2008
Points: 1161
TJ12 wrote:



I know you're right Jim.  And that you hurt a lot...I'm sorry that it's such torture for you.  Have to say ...I haven't been more productive quite yet, still in the lazy stage I think...but hopefully, that will get better and hopefully, you are correct, another month or so will help me settle in.  I figure a lot of it can't be helped due to the physical issues I have (hips for one thing among others and no energy among others)...so I also re-joined a health club this week and am going to attempt to strengthen my body there ...(ugh...and grrr....unlike others in So Cal [yes, I am here also!])...it doesn't make me excited! LOL] So maybe that will help too.  I remember eagle2 recommending that exercise would also help with the bed thing so we'll see.  Also, I know that you are always trying new things...I want to mention...we have an adjustable bed base (which of course, is a big investment but we needed to do it to due to injuries my husband has which sometimes almost incapacitate him), and I think that helps quite a bit too...I do sleep with legs and head slightly elevated.  It really does take the pressure off of my lower back.  So, yes, I will consider myself lucky at this point.  Before I got my FloBeds, I woke up miserable pain and stiff every day for the past five years!  Crazy!

 

TJ, I am in the same boat as you: I need to do more exercise but hate exercising. I like doing fun outdoor activities rather than exercise but I can't seem to find the right fun, finding the people to do it with, etc.. so I am working on finding the right thing to do alone, that will inspire me to exercise. I am, however, beginning to do more, and with summer coming I will work toward developing some good exercise habits.

I'll only caution you, though, not to OVER-do it! A couple years ago after my 2nd-to-last car accident I went through quite a while of no exercise due to my neck and shoulder injury (whiplash). So then I bought a book with a VERY easy (I thought) exercise plan designed for people who want to lose weight and build muscle in just 20 min. or so a day. Well, some of those exercises weren't as gentle as they seemed to be, and I really screwed myself up due to my already screwed-up neck and shoulders. I made my neck and shoulder and back worse and so I had to quit exercising again, and that set me back many more months and worsened my pain (and caused me to put on weight). So just be very aware of any stress on your problem areas and know that it's better to do too little than too much exercise, especially when you haven't done a lot for awhile.

My pain isn't as bad as many other people's, nor is it as bad as it was a year ago and for the few years before that. Now it is quite bearable, in fact it's almost to the level of "discomfort" more than pain, so that's good! Since I re-built my mattress a year ago it has generally been much better, and last night, for example,  I slept a good 8 hours and though I felt a bit stiff and sore when I woke up, I slept very well. Sometimes I do suffer discomfort at night, and wake up after 5-6 hours but in general it seems to be getting better. Maybe (?) I have found a good configuration now, finally.

But I'm always expecting my mattress to change - or me, or whatever it is - and then have to go through re-configuring again. I can't understand why that is, but I just know that is how it has been going. I keep hoping things will "settle" and I can stop messing with my mattress! wink Despite what some here might think, I really don't like changing it all the time, and actually wish I could just leave it alone and forget about it!

Can you give me a link to your adjustable frame? If and when I can afford it, maybe I'll try it.

Good luck with the exercising!

Re: Will it ever end? Not until I die.
Reply #10 Apr 10, 2010 2:11 AM
Joined: Dec 29, 2009
Points: 57
jimsocal wrote

 

TJ, I am in the same boat as you: I need to do more exercise but hate exercising. I like doing fun outdoor activities rather than exercise but I can't seem to find the right fun, finding the people to do it with, etc.. so I am working on finding the right thing to do alone, that will inspire me to exercise. I am, however, beginning to do more, and with summer coming I will work toward developing some good exercise habits.

I'll only caution you, though, not to OVER-do it! A couple years ago after my 2nd-to-last car accident I went through quite a while of no exercise due to my neck and shoulder injury (whiplash). So then I bought a book with a VERY easy (I thought) exercise plan designed for people who want to lose weight and build muscle in just 20 min. or so a day. Well, some of those exercises weren't as gentle as they seemed to be, and I really screwed myself up due to my already screwed-up neck and shoulders. I made my neck and shoulder and back worse and so I had to quit exercising again, and that set me back many more months and worsened my pain (and caused me to put on weight). So just be very aware of any stress on your problem areas and know that it's better to do too little than too much exercise, especially when you haven't done a lot for awhile.

My pain isn't as bad as many other people's, nor is it as bad as it was a year ago and for the few years before that. Now it is quite bearable, in fact it's almost to the level of "discomfort" more than pain, so that's good! Since I re-built my mattress a year ago it has generally been much better, and last night, for example,  I slept a good 8 hours and though I felt a bit stiff and sore when I woke up, I slept very well. Sometimes I do suffer discomfort at night, and wake up after 5-6 hours but in general it seems to be getting better. Maybe (?) I have found a good configuration now, finally.

But I'm always expecting my mattress to change - or me, or whatever it is - and then have to go through re-configuring again. I can't understand why that is, but I just know that is how it has been going. I keep hoping things will "settle" and I can stop messing with my mattress! wink Despite what some here might think, I really don't like changing it all the time, and actually wish I could just leave it alone and forget about it!

Can you give me a link to your adjustable frame? If and when I can afford it, maybe I'll try it.

Good luck with the exercising!



Thank you Jim!  You're right, I am being very cautious...I am only slightly stiff in the legs from the first time!! cheeky  But each day gets worse in the beginning, right?  So, check with me tomorrow! LOL  However, I have only 1 word for you...YOGA!!!  I used to do it years ago, and of course, got lazy but went back to an Iyengar Yoga class today (focuses on spine alignment)...I must say, I almost cried from the spinal discomfort (no I didn't push it, it was a first level class but any stretching is torture to my spine which is not flexible whatsover! ) but when I got out of there...the bulge in the back of my neck actually got smaller (two people confirmed this so no, I am not imagining it!) and I felt much more energetic and stronger.  I can only think that this bulge which has been building up from too many hours at my desk in front of the computer was the result of my discs compressing and that the stretching pulled them apart.  So, I intend to drag my husband, who has 3 herniated discs in his cervical spine in to try it...if it helps him, my case will be made and I will let you know. (And he is a real outdoorsman at heart!)  The thing about therapeutic yoga is that they teach you to adapt the poses to your injuries with tools (i.e. I couldn't reach the floor leaning forward in what is called the "down dog" position, but the instructor gave me a chair to use instead so I did not have to go so far which helped with my spine issues.)

Either way, I would rather do the outdoor thing as well, but it seems as if by the time you figure it all out and get out there, it takes a big time commitment to do on a regular basis which is hard to do if you have to work as well.

Here is a link to the Leggett & Platt adjustable frames http://www.lpadjustablebeds.com/.  I bought mine at Electrosonic in Burbank ..they also have a store in Orange County.  But they are not returnable.  Might be at other stores, not sure.  There are others out there....but these guys make solid frames. FloBeds and SleepEZ buy their adjustable bed frames and "re-package" them.  You can always try them though, they do have LI blended latex mattresses on top of them (simple ones with just two layers and about 8") but it might give you an idea.

P.S. I know FloBeds didn't work for you, but you never tried the VZone, did you? I believe I read that you once said it wasn't around when you tried your mattress...I really do think it's the best thing since sliced bread!  You can switch layers around a lot (i.e. hips and feet, etc.) to customize.  In my case, I have ended up with a custom VZone though...and that is what finally made me happy!

I'll keep you posted!

 

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