Hi all,
This site seems like a terrific resource, so thank you for providing this helpful service. This is a general purpose question about mattress options for a (somewhat) unique need based on comfort/support. My need isn’t super unusual, but I’d like to be sure I get the right mattress beyond being “wowed” in the showroom. I’m replacing a 30-year old mattress so am still learning about new technologies and options.
I’m a 5’10", 210 lb side sleeper with an old lower back sports injury for which I receive regular therapy. Despite my stats, my muscle/tissue composition isn’t the most compact. That is, I’m meaty enough but my thickness - how compact my muscles, tendons, etc are compositionally and how they withstand pressure, like gravity, while side-sleeping - isn’t very strong. Have you ever hugged a friend and realized they’re thick like a board despite their appearance or dimensions? That’s what I’m referring to. I’m on the softer side in that department. For example, my neck will crick easily if I use a thin or even medium pillow, and my low back will be tight, if not simply injured, if I sleep on a soft mattress.
So I’m looking for options that give firm support for 200 lbs, but isn’t so firm it restricts easy, minor movement while asleep. And will retain those qualities. I’ve gone to a few stores and find I generally still prefer what they call firm these days. But not being well-versed in the modern balance between comfort/support and how that works with my needs - and not knowing what models will keep their showroom properties months or years later - I’d still like advice. I found a local retailer who seems to know what he’s talking about and is willing to be completely transparent/research-spec friendly, and he will find out the information listed on this site’s tutorial if he doesn’t know already.
A few more things:
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I’m open to DIY, build-your-own suggestions if they could be particularly beneficial considering my situation.
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I only notice very mild shoulder discomfort from side sleeping but should probably be mindful of that.
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I have no allergies but would prefer organic/natural options if I can.
Thanks in advance!
Hey Reading_Bug.
Welcome to our Mattress Forum. 
What kinds of mattresses did you test? Pillow top? Hybrid? How did they feel?
Making sure to choose a product that uses good quality and durable materials will always be your best way to not have any potential issue with lasting durability.
To quote Phoenix
When you are heavier, I would tend to make sure that both the support layers and the comfort layers are firmer and higher quality than the “average” because firmer materials in both (and especially in the comfort layers) will tend to be more durable and suitable and will feel softer than they would for lighter weights. In some cases and with some types of mattress it may also be worth considering a thicker mattress and post #14 here has more about this. I would also consider a strong innerspring with good quality comfort layers as well as a latex/polyfoam hybrid if they are available in your area.
Wow! Have a retailer you can trust is half the equation. Do they manufacture any of their own beds, by chance?
NikkiTMU
Hi, reading bug, and welcome to the Mattress Underground!
I am responding to your desire for natural or organic materials. We sell many organic and natural mattresses with no chemical flame retardants, and most of our mattresses are made of some combination of individually pocketed coils or organic latex, organic cotton, and organic wool. In the higher-end models, there can be horsehair, cashmere, or alpaca.
I concur with Nikki and with what she quoted from Phoenix. High-quality natural materials can be very durable. Most of the mattresses we sell have 20-30-year warranties, with a few on the lower end with 10 years. I would also suggest a firmer mattress, as did Phoenix(in the quote). You can always add a topper if it feels too firm, and it sounds like your back needs that support.
However, it also sounds like your shoulder needs some give, so individually pocketed coils with latex on top might help you achieve the responsiveness and flexibility you need.
When you try a mattress in a showroom, have someone look to see how straight your spine is when you lie on your side. That will help you know whether you are getting the support you need.
A mattress that has a good return policy or a swap layer program where you can swap layers to tweak the firmness if needed may give you peace of mind.
What kinds of mattresses have you tried?
