Expert: John Quackenbush DC - 7/12/2011

Question
Hi, I have been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.  I had severe hip pain sleeping on my inner-spring mattress.  It was relieved only by getting out of the bed and walking.  I could stay in bed for only 3-4 hours at a time. So I invested $2000 in a new mattress--a Sealy Embody, memory foam mattress.  It did relieve the hip pain.  But it has absolutely killed the lumbar area of my back.  I have only slept on the bed four nights, but it as been torture.  I talked to the store, and they insist there is an adjustment period, and that I must devote more time to the bed before making a decision.  They will take the bed back for exchange.
But, as you can imagine, I have several concerns about an exchange, as they will only let me do this one time.  I did months of research about buying a bed before I opted for memory foam.  Perhaps I selected a mattress that is too soft and is not properly supporting my lower back?  (I am a side sleeper.)  Or is memory foam a bad choice, and maybe I should consider another type of bed altogether?  
ANY thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.  It would be so nice to be able to get out of my recliner and back into a bed!
Thanks for your help.

Answer
Annie,

This is very difficult to answer because there is no one bed fits all solution.The problem still remains a recommended bed while great for one person is terrible for another and this is true of pillow selection also. I understand your frustration. I am not a proponent of the memory foam mattresses but it did solve your hip problem and to be truthful the symptoms you described are about the only time I would recommend a memory foam bed.I would consider using the bed for the maximum time prior to loosing your exchange ability. This could be torturous to you lower back though. You can try pulling your knees up toward your chest (fetal position)and put a thinner pillow between your knees. Also you might try those big body pillow and still side sleep but throw one leg up and over the body pillow.

I didn't know that memory foam came in different styles such as soft or firm was this a choice? If so change to the other after giving the mattress a fair tryout.

You can go into any sleep number store and get a demo. I actually went through the demo and was quite impressed but then again a sleep number bed might work great for one person and terrible for another. It's really hard to get behind any one manufacturer. I sleep on a my comfort matress which touts the blue gel and I had a good run on my recommending this mattress manufacturer. Problem is they went out of business when a new owner drove the price up and out of the market. My mattress is three yewars old and I don't have the foggiest idea what I will replace it with when it comes time to do so! :)

Also you should get a chiropractic exam as there is a distinct possibility that a few adjustments might help relieve your lumbar issues.

Sincerely,
Dr John Quackenbush