Hi, consider switching to a traditional coil mattress, cuz they are much easier to get out of (or turn over). If you both go to the store together, let him try each kind for himself. That way you're sure.
Physical Therapist here. I think a memory foam mattress would be very difficult for someone with mobility problems. I recommend a fairly firm mattress with a pillow top. If possible, I would go to a mattress store to try them out. Make sure you have an edge firm enough that it does not compress while sitting on the edge with feet flat on the floor. My mom used to slide right off the edge after she sat up, so I have some personal experience also.
I am fused in my lumbar and cervical spine. I did research and discovered Latex is a better choice for spine health. I have a latex topper for my mattress and it is a life saver. Memory foam kills my back as it is so hard.
On a side note, the Hilton hotel has a whole hotel bedding set that is so dang comfortable. It is the only hotel I will stay at.
I got my dad a hospital rail that goes under the mattress and AI put that up at the top of the bed so he can grab the bar to pull himself up. We also have an electric bed that the feet and head can both raise up.
I have a bad back - three surgeries on my lower back that helped for about a minute but have since been deemed “failures” by my doctor.
Ever since my back issues started ive been on a quest to find the perfect mattress.
I have learned from doctors, physical therapist, mattress sales people and my own research that “memory” foam mattress are a bad choice for folks with back issues along with elderly individuals - anyone really who has low strength and low muscle tone. It’s the sinking in - as another reply mentioned - that is the problem. It’s like trying to get up out of quicksand.
A firm, but not too firm, standard mattress is a better choice than memory foam.
However. After trying a “Sleep Number” bed for a few years - my hips began to ache so I replaced it with a Temperpedic adjustable memory foam bed. I bought the King size with the movable base. It’s really two twin extra-long mattresses pushed together - which allows for you and your sleeping partner to attain independent positions. Be warned - it cost a small fortune but at least at this point I’d say I’m happy with it. I just wish I had bought the topper thingy that helps to keep it cooler.
I havent had to do it yet - but if I had to I can use the remote to get the bed in a full sitting position which would be a huge help in getting out of the sinking rut in the memory foam. It wouldnt help much for just shifting sleeping positions... well, it would - but it would be a lot of time and effort to merely roll over.
I do have a antique brass bed - the headboard has bars which I can grab for leverage when I need help rolling over.
As well - I learned a move back when a physical therapist was working with my son that makes sitting up from laying down much easier. It’s hard to explain but if you or your husband have the occasion to work with either a physical or occupational therapist- they could teach it to you. Basically, is rolling to your side and then using your hands and arms to “walk” yourself upright - bending at the waist. That’s probably hard to visualize- sorry.
If you're not keen on a whole hospital bed, you can get bed-rails and bed-sticks - these are devices which are fitted firmly either to the bed frame or to the floor next to the bed, and provide a strong, fixed handle to help a person change position or get up.
If you look online at disability and mobility equipment suppliers and search for "bed-rails" you'll see the kind of thing and how they work.
I have a memory foam mattress (endorsed by a celebrated sportswoman, as it happens, though not 'til after I'd bought mine) which I am very happy with because it is kind to my shoulders; but although I am reasonably fit and agile I too find that I sink quite firmly into it and I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who had trouble manoeuvring.
What about pocket-sprung mattresses, would they be worth considering? They are also very comfortable and a lot bouncier.
I would suggest a hospital bed as well. If you can afford it, you might consider contacting a disability, mobility or special needs contractor to add a pull up bar (like a trapeze bar), if that service has a carpenter familiar with the needs of anchoring something into the ceiling studs. Verify credentials if you go this route; you want to ensure the contractor or carpenter is familiar with this type of installation.
There are also bars (like the stripper bars) that extend from ceiling to floor and can provide something to hold onto while getting out of bed. I personally don't think they're that safe though.
A walker can tip over, unfortunately. But Power makes a good suggestion of something that he can grab to hold onto while shifting positions. The grab bars on a medical bed could help with that.
If you are looking for leverage while in the bed, they also make a strap/ladder that hooks on to the bed, but it won't cover the same angles as the trapeze bar.
How about a hospital bed? I've seen some of them for sale used online for as little as $200 but can't vouch for the quality at that price. You could also ask his doctor to order one for him. It seems to be standard to do so when someone no longer has the abdominal and back strength to raise themselves up. My Dad can no longer figure out how to roll over sideways and use his hands to push himself up, so he tries to just "levitate" his upper body, which was getting too hard, so we got a hospital bed for him.
It’s an issue I have personally, but I had a 3 inch topper and I weigh 120 and still sink to a point I feel like I’m stuck plus I get hot. It’s like sleeping on quicksand to me. It’s Labor Day and there’s a sale at every mattress place. I’d go now! Consider getting risers for your frame as well so he isn’t so low to the ground or vise versa. I took mine off last night! There’s plenty comfortable mattresses even with a thin layer on top that’s firm, hold your ground with the salesman and if he’s closer to your husbands size have him lay on it to see if he sinks. I slept better last night than I have in months! Hopefully you can get 24 months 0 interest. Perhaps consider a firm pillow so he can use it to get his torso up and possibly make it more simple to get his legs to the ground or roll over, they have wedges that might be a good option too? Also a walker next to the bed so he has something to grab ahold of?
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On a side note, the Hilton hotel has a whole hotel bedding set that is so dang comfortable. It is the only hotel I will stay at.
I got my dad a hospital rail that goes under the mattress and AI put that up at the top of the bed so he can grab the bar to pull himself up. We also have an electric bed that the feet and head can both raise up.
Ever since my back issues started ive been on a quest to find the perfect mattress.
I have learned from doctors, physical therapist, mattress sales people and my own research that “memory” foam mattress are a bad choice for folks with back issues along with elderly individuals - anyone really who has low strength and low muscle tone. It’s the sinking in - as another reply mentioned - that is the problem. It’s like trying to get up out of quicksand.
A firm, but not too firm, standard mattress is a better choice than
memory foam.
However. After trying a “Sleep Number” bed for a few years - my hips began to ache so I replaced it with a Temperpedic adjustable memory foam bed. I bought the King size with the movable base. It’s really two twin extra-long mattresses pushed together - which allows for you and your sleeping partner to attain independent positions. Be warned - it cost a small fortune but at least at this point I’d say I’m happy with it. I just wish I had bought the topper thingy that helps to keep it cooler.
I havent had to do it yet - but if I had to I can use the remote to get the bed in a full sitting position which
would be a huge help in getting out of the sinking rut in the memory foam. It wouldnt help much for just shifting sleeping positions... well, it would - but it would be a lot of time and effort to merely roll over.
I do have a antique brass bed - the headboard has bars which I can grab for leverage when I need help
rolling over.
As well - I learned a move back when a physical therapist was working with my son that makes sitting up from laying down much easier. It’s hard to explain but if you or your husband have the occasion to work with either a physical or occupational therapist- they could teach it to you. Basically, is rolling to your side and then using your hands and arms to “walk” yourself upright - bending at the waist. That’s probably hard to visualize- sorry.
Good luck to you!
If you look online at disability and mobility equipment suppliers and search for "bed-rails" you'll see the kind of thing and how they work.
I have a memory foam mattress (endorsed by a celebrated sportswoman, as it happens, though not 'til after I'd bought mine) which I am very happy with because it is kind to my shoulders; but although I am reasonably fit and agile I too find that I sink quite firmly into it and I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who had trouble manoeuvring.
What about pocket-sprung mattresses, would they be worth considering? They are also very comfortable and a lot bouncier.
There are also bars (like the stripper bars) that extend from ceiling to floor and can provide something to hold onto while getting out of bed. I personally don't think they're that safe though.
A walker can tip over, unfortunately. But Power makes a good suggestion of something that he can grab to hold onto while shifting positions. The grab bars on a medical bed could help with that.
https://www.agingcare.com/products/tension-mounted-transfer-pole-grab-bar-445149.htm
If you are looking for leverage while in the bed, they also make a strap/ladder that hooks on to the bed, but it won't cover the same angles as the trapeze bar.
https://www.agingcare.com/products/sit-up-in-bed-support-451887.htm