Disability and Comfort- Back Pain and Mattress Shopping

I recently had to get a new mattress because mine was old, and it has been a long and expensive process. This week, I want to share my process of finding a new mattress, share what I hope will be my final choice, and talk about how disability inherently is expensive.

One thing I hear a lot in society is that being in your 20s is when you should live as cheaply and uncomfortably as you can to save money and chase experiences. I have struggled with feeling left out because I can't live that way without being in a lot of pain. One of the more expensive purchases in my family is finding a mattress that I can sleep on without having bad back pain. I'm sure most of you are familiar, finding a mattress can be time-consuming, expensive, and not the most fun way to spend time. My mattress was old, and I needed to find a new one.

My first problem is that they stopped making the mattress I loved. This probably would not be a blog post today if I could just have repurchased my old mattress. I have since learned from the mattress salesperson I talked to that companies are constantly changing mattresses. This means that it is very unlikely that you could purchase the same mattress you had because most mattresses last around 10 years. I already don't like change, but I needed a new mattress, so I had to start trying things.

I ended up getting a Back Science Four for round one. It was soft and made by a chiropractor with the goal of helping people with back pain. I have back pain and see a chiropractor, so I thought I was the perfect candidate. My physical therapist recommended it, and the salespeople were super nice. Unfortunately, it really hurt my back. By the end of my time with it, I had to sleep on the couch. For round two, I tried the Back Science Three. This mattress was made by the same company, but it was firmer. This time, instead of feeling like I was sinking into despair, I felt like I was lying on a harsh slab. My back pain has been exponentially worse than it has in months, and I couldn't keep doing it.

Just this week, I am starting with a Tempurpedic mattress. I had a more firm one in college, but the one I had also hurt my back, so I didn't want to try again. However, the one I have now has a lot of memory foam, so I feel like my back is floating on a cloud. I desperately hope this one works because I am tired of having back pain and can't get my old mattress back. I will update once I get used to this bed to see if it is a magical sleeping experience.

Here is what I have learned through this process:

1: Mattresses should be considered medical equipment, because a bad mattress can cause extreme back pain.

2: Don't rush into buying a mattress, or you risk paying for multiple mattresses.

3: When I shop for a mattress, it is better to go with a friend or family member to talk about it with someone who isn't trying to sell me a mattress.

4: Try multiple mattresses; don't just stick to one brand because someone else likes it. What I like might not work for you, and what someone else likes is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

5: I need memory foam in a mattress. This is not a universal lesson, but I learned I shouldn't take a recommendation if it doesn't meet my needs.

Thank you for reading about my experience shopping for a new mattress as someone with chronic back pain. If you have any questions or comments, please comment on the blog, reach out at @Anniekrollblog on Instagram or Facebook, or email me at Anniekrollblog@gmail.com. I hope to see you next week!