[GaryH]

Re: Best bed mattress if you have multiple myeloma?

by GaryH on Mon May 30, 2016 4:48 pm

I'm wondering if every multiple myeloma patient goes through this question of what the right bed is for them. I also think it's a very personal choice as to what works. But one important point to keep in mind is that with this disease, your body will change (i.e., more broken bones, different positions are no longer an option).

When I was first diagnosed, I thought the bed was to blame for my pain! We quickly changed out the old waterbed for a new mattress and box spring. Fast forward a couple of years and I found the mattress too hard. So we went and bought a new super waterbed! That worked for quite a few years, until last year.

Then we went to foam. We bought the best support for the foam, then a 4" medium density topper foam. We started out with a high density foam, but found it too hard for us. The salesman let us exchange it within a month (a good idea to investigate). So, we have had this combination for a year now and I find it very comfortable as it supports whatever part of my body is on. Hopefully it is a keeper, because it's starting to get expensive! But a good nights sleep is an absolute must!

[Anny2B]

Re: Best bed mattress if you have multiple myeloma?

by Anny2B on Tue Dec 13, 2016 3:01 pm

Hi,

My husband Gerry was diagnosed with stage 3 myeloma about 18 months ago. He is too old for stem cell treatment and has been through two lots of chemo, firstly thalidomide and cyclophosphamide, and then Velcade, plus dex both times.

He has a wedge fracture at T10 and has lost about 6 inches (15 cm) in height.

We have found little help with practical solutions. Usually the answer to any query about comfort is "take more painkillers".

We are currently struggling with comfort at night time, and wondered if anyone has specific kinds of mattresses they can recommend?

We have tried several different beds/mattresses, and he is currently waking up in total agony in his lower back every morning.

Thanks in advance.

[JBarnes]

Re: Best bed mattress if you have multiple myeloma?

by JBarnes on Tue Dec 13, 2016 11:49 pm

Foam - huge improvement.

[MrPotatohead]

Re: Best bed mattress if you have multiple myeloma?

by MrPotatohead on Wed Dec 14, 2016 3:52 am

My multiple myeloma left me with several vertebral fractures and broken ribs.

For me, the best mattress turned out to be memory foam. I also have an adjustible frame that can raise or lower the upper, lower, and middle section of the bed, which can be very helpful in getting to a comfortable position.

[DanielR]

Re: Best bed mattress if you have multiple myeloma?

by DanielR on Sun Jan 01, 2017 3:42 pm

Since I was first released from the hospital in December of 21013, I have not been able to sleep on either of our beds. Admittedly, neither of them has an adjustable frame, nor are they top of the line mattresses. The exorbitant costs were just beyond our means, combined with the fact that we could not get them through the doorway frames into either bedroom.

So for the first 2 years I slept on our sofa: it provided me with the support, in the form of the nook between the seat and the back, that I so required, and it minimized the pain from fractures and lesions in my spine. Additionally, it made it easier to get off the sofa relative to out of a bed.

Then about a year ago when new lesions had caused my pain levels to again skyrocket, some friends loaned me a leather zero gravity chair. OMG! While I was in it, I had zero pain, something no drug they had given me had been able to achieve. Plus I could sleep up to 6 hours at a time. I consider it a miracle.

If anyone wants to look at them, be sure to include "leather" in your web search. Otherwise you'll end up with zero gravity lawn chairs, same idea, but totally different experience. Also, don't be misled into thinking that a conventional recliner will provide anything remotely close to the same experience.

Wishing you all pain relief and positive blood values!
Daniel