Hi hmssleep,
Welcome to the Mattress UnderGround, and becoming a member of the community.
When selecting a mattress, the first priority should always be to find one that matches your PPP’s (personal preferences, posture alignment, and pressure relief needs) in terms of firmness, posture alignment, and pressure relief. These are the key factors—personal preferences (like sleeping position, preferred firmness level, etc.), posture (ensuring proper spinal alignment), and pressure relief (addressing specific body areas where pressure builds, like the lower back) that determine whether a mattress will be comfortable and supportive for you.
While a company’s return policy and customer service are undeniably important, the real focus needs to be on working with mattress professionals who understand your specific needs and body profile, so they can help guide you toward a solution that truly supports your comfort and health.
It’s essential to communicate clearly with customer service about your sleeping preferences (such as sleeping on your back), weight, and any pressure points you’re experiencing, such as the gap in your lower back. Professionals who understand these factors can assist you in selecting the right mattress and recommend appropriate adjustments if needed, whether that’s through customization options or changes like switching to a firmer mattress or adding a topper.
One of the benefits of working with companies that offer mattress customization is the flexibility to fine-tune comfort and support without the need to return the entire mattress. Rather than going through the hassle of sending the mattress back, consider if the mattress build allows for personalized adjustments (like switching layers or adding a topper) that can better address your issues.
In the case of your SOL mattress, if you’re feeling discomfort or pain due to a gap in your lower back, the solution may not necessarily require a complete mattress replacement. However, the issue with the SOL mattress is that it doesn’t offer the same level of customization as some other brands, like Sleepez or Arizona Premium Mattress, which offer more flexible configurations.
So, the SOL, while a very nice mattress, in essence, is not as versatile as one might like when it comes to adjusting the feel without returning the entire mattress. If you’re looking for a more tailored solution, a firm build or a medium-firm topper could provide relief without the need for a full replacement. A topper would allow you to fine-tune comfort by adding a little extra support to your lower back, without compromising the mattress’ main structure.
Ultimately, a mattress that offers a path to customization without a full replacement gives you flexibility, which is essential for solving comfort issues as they arise.
In your specific situation, a 2-3" medium talalay topper might fill that gap, provided the mattress is provided the support you need.
Sometimes, the gap is due to not having the right alignment between the head and the body. Adjusting the pillow height can make a difference. When sleeping on your back, a pillow that’s too thick or too thin might tilt your head too much, leading to poor alignment and worsening the gap. You may want a medium loft pillow that keeps your neck aligned with your spine. Pillows are a real thing and is one of my obsessions.
Another consideration for someone your weight and size is a hybrid mattress, coils and latex. These can provide contouring (from foam) for pressure relief while still providing support from the coils to maintain proper spinal alignment.
Sorry that you are going through this. Perhaps one of our latex experts @Arizona_Premium or @Sleep_EZ may see a shorter cut solution, but without a mattress that is customizable, the only solution might be a 2-3" topper.
All the best,
Maverick