So recently I bought a Beautyrest Black Series 2 Medium Pillowtop. Everywhere that my body sinks in, my knees and shoulders, hurts like hell. I’m 5’7" and 170 pounds and have a large booty. I’m a side sleeper but I like to wrap myself around a body pillow to the point I’m almost on my stomach. I used to sleep on my stomach but think the beds I’ve had over the last 18 years have been too soft for me to do so. 6 months later I bought a Bedstory mattress firm Amazon because the Beautyrest was killing me. See link for BedStory King Mattress, 14 Inch… BedStory 14 Inch Deep Sleep Mattress | Extra Lumbar Support & Motion I – Premium Mattress & Bedding | BedStory® 2025
I thought this mattress was too firm for me but am thinking this might work if I can figure out a topper that doesn’t get too hot and cause my butt to sink in, which is what this mattress does. My hips are killing me. My shoulders and knees though seem to be great. I could also start sleeping on my stomach again if it didn’t get hot and sink in causing my hips to hurt. My other option, which is probably better considering I paid $1800 is to find a topper for the Beautyrest that doesn’t hurt my knees and shoulders. Any recommendations on a topper? I really didn’t want a topper because in my experience they make me sweat at night because I’m a hot sleeper and they seem to radiate my heat. I’m thinking about getting a talalay topper for my Beautyrest seeing how it’s hurting my shoulders and
Hey ChelleBelle22,
Sorry to hear you’re dealing with all these mattress issues—it sounds frustrating!
So, I’ve got to be upfront with you: the BedStory mattress you bought is pretty low-quality foam, and honestly, trying to make it work is probably a short-term fix at best. A decent latex topper could actually cost more than that BedStory mattress itself, if not twice as much, so I’d be cautious there.
As for the Beautyrest, how long have you had it, and are you still in the trial period? I assume you are beyond the trial, as you would have likely returned it already. So, if you’re past the trial, I get why you’re looking for a solution.
As a side sleeper, you really need something that balances good support and a comfy, cushioned comfort layer. I think using a body pillow is a smart move for taking pressure off your knees and shoulders. While I’m not the biggest fan of the current Beautyrest line, you might have a better chance making it work compared to the BedStory.
I know you’re thinking about a latex topper, but just so you know, it won’t make a mattress firmer. However, it might be able to change the feel of your Beautyrest and help reduce the pain while side sleeping.
I personally use a 3" organic wool topper from @ONFM, and it’s been great for helping with temperature control and sweating under the covers. Wool molds to your body, but just know it can leave body impressions after a while. Wool also feels firmer as it compacts, so maybe a mix of wool and latex could be a good long-term option for you.
If you’re looking for something a bit more high-end, I’ve tried the Perfectly Snug Smart Topper (it is still on my bedding set up now, on top of my wool topper.) It’s pricey, but it has built-in fans to cool you down in the summer and heat you up in the winter. It also made with a firm polyurethane foam that can make the mattress feel firmer while still molding to your body based on the underlying support from the Beautyrest.
As for the hot sleeping issue, what kind of mattress protector are you using? You might want to switch to a breathable cotton protector like the one from Avocado, naturepedic, cozypure, or something similar which doesn’t use any plastic. A quilted or melton wool mattress protector is another option one that still lets the mattress breathe. Also, if your sheets aren’t cotton, it could be worth switching to a breathable cotton or percale sheet to help with the heat.
It’d help to know more about your experience with the Beautyrest, since you spent a good amount on it. Trying to modify it to get the most out of it might be a better solution than jumping to another mattress. Or, you could always consult with a mattress expert to see if there’s a better option which allows for modification out there. Most of the TM’s here at TMU when consulted and collaborated with have an over 90% satisfaction rate. So you always have that route to take.
I know this is not the suggestion you were looking for, but trying to find a silver lining in the BedStory is likely not the answer.
Best of luck!
Maverick