Description: Specialized mattresses & overlays are different from traditional mattresses in ways that may be beneficial to pain relief efforts.

Type: Foam form fitting mattress overlays tend to be large blocks of foam (usually 6-8 inces thick) that are laid on top of a traditional mattress. These types of mattress covers adjust themselves to fit the shape of the person using them.

Pros: Form fit may be more comfortable for those with AS fusions.

Cons: May lead to improper fusion due to alteration in firmness.

Personal Experience: I find these types of overlays too mushy and therefore uncomfortable.

Type: Foam firm mattress overlays tend to be large blocks of foam (usually 6-8 inces thick) that are laid on top of a traditional mattress.

Pros: Soft and may be more comfortable for those with AS fusions.

Cons: May lead to improper fusion due to decreased firmness.

Personal Experience: I find these types of overlays too mushy and therefore uncomfortable.

Description: Specialized pillows tend to be specially shaped to fit the contours of the body.

Type: Foam firm pillows tend to be pillows made of a firm foam that fit a certain body part (such as neck, in between knees, etc).

Pros: Easy to find. Easy to use. Wedge variety of these are very popular because they allow for a wide variety of bed relaxation positions.

Cons: Cost can be an issue for some. Wedges tend to be bulky (though light)

Personal Experience: I use a foam firm pillow for my head (which is scooped out in the middle for good neck ergonomics) and another for stomach laying. I have a special foam firm pillow for women that is like a hollowed out triangle so that it fits the breasts neatly inside and allows comfortable stomach sleeping.

Type: Foam form fitting pillows adjust themselves to fit the shape of the person using them.

Pros: Adjust to the needs of the person using them and spring back into shape when not in use.

Cons: Cost for some. Some find these too soft.

Personal Experience: Some people swear by these types of pillows but I found them too soggy for me. It reminded me of all the hype a few decades ago about the benefits of the waterbed to people with back problems. Waterbeds turned out to be too mushy for most with back problems as well.