My wife has a bad back--not crippling, but sore after a bad night's
sleep.  What are the best mattresses/mattress toppers for a bad back?

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 17 Sep 2004 14:14 PDT

I believe the "best" mattress or topper for a bad back is one made of memory-foam.
While I have not used one, I've read about them; many people boast in
how wonderful they are -- how they all but eliminate the source of
pain from sleeping.  They're supposed to allow for significantly less
pressure on the body, especially the back.  Here's one of many
different sources for memory foam:

http://www.memoryfoamfactory.com/

If this looks like something you're interested in, let me know.

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Clarification of Question by ytbeard-ga on 17 Sep 2004 14:44 PDT

That's definitely the kind of thing I'm looking for--but I'd love to
see some science/medical backup if there is any.  If not, maybe some
sort of a consumer survey or a Consumer Reports type thing.

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Request for Question Clarification by jbf777-ga on 19 Sep 2004 21:32 PDT

I think the best thing available is anecdotal postings from people in
discussion groups such as:

http://groups.google.com/groups?q=%22memory+foam%22+back&ie=ISO-8859-1&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search

I'm not seeing any studies readily available.

Another note: you might want to take a look at your existing bed from
the side view and see if there are any little dips in it.  You can
place books or other similar items in between any areas that are
dipping.  That might improve things, at least as an interim solution.

Each individual finds a certain type of bed most comfortable. This is
why I can sleep grandly on a hard-as-a-rock mattress and my poor
husband can't sleep on it at all; he sleeps well on something soft.
Therefore, you might consider a bed with adjustable levels of
hardness--on each side. That way, she can find what works best for
her, and you can still remain comfortable.

Kriswrite

Kriswrite--

Good advice!  I'm lucky enough to be able to sleep anywhere on
anything, so as long as she's comfortable, we're OK.

If I might add...sometimes one of those wedge pillows from a medical
supply store can be used to prop up the top of the body...then your
favorite pillow goes under your head.

Another thing that helps is having relaxed muscles.  Magnesium is a
natural muscle relaxant which has many other health benefits as well. 
Check out
                 http://www.naturalcalm.net/home.shtml
You mix the powder and it dissolves instantly in hot water.  It is soooo relaxing!!

A personal observation: My husband has used both a memory foam pad and
a memory foam bed. He was convinced one or the other would be the key
to a good night's rest. Both approaches failed, in his case.

Kriswrite