Landing the ‘Brick’ lets us look back on the great mattress mishap with a laugh
We are sleeping soundly again and my morning exercises are effortless
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A few months ago, my husband and I decided it was time to replace the mattress set we’d slept on for the past 10 years. Though originally high-quality, its firmness had faded to the point that our bodies left two permanent troughs where we snoozed each night.
Who knew a simple shopping trip would become a practical lesson in one of my personal ALS mottos: In a short time, this will be a long time ago.
We visited a national furniture chain that we chose for its selection and accessibility. Because I use a mobility scooter, features like accessible parking, automatic doors, and wide aisles take the stress out of venturing out.
When we asked to see the firmest mattresses on the floor, we quickly realized our idea of a traditional box spring and mattress was outdated. Apparently, box springs are out; thick slabs of memory foam paired with adjustable mechanical platforms are in. The setup sat nearly 25 inches off the floor — so high that I doubted my ALS-weakened legs could hoist me up to test them. My husband took over testing duties and reported back as I rode along on my scooter.
Success
After what felt like hours, my husband declared, “This is the one!”
Sensing my hesitation about the height, the salesperson assured us the delivery team could adjust the platform legs lower. We made the purchase, feeling relieved.
A few days later, a friendly delivery team installed the new bed, adjusting the legs to their shortest setting. But by the third night, we knew it was a mistake. Beyond feeling far too soft, the bed was now too low.
Because the edges lacked structural support, sitting on the side of the bed to put on my slippers sank me into a deep squat. Standing up required extending an arm to my husband so he could pull me up.
Hope
We returned to the store to explain the issue. The salesperson gestured to a far corner, toward a mattress he called “the Brick.”
We were on it in a flash. The Brick checked every box — solid support, zero squish, and it passed the edge-sitting test with flying colors.
“How soon can we exchange it?” we asked. He told us we couldn’t make an exchange until we had had it for a month. No amount of pleading could bend the rule.
The next morning, my usual in-bed exercise routine was a struggle against sinky foam. As I waited for my husband to pull me to my feet, frustration crept in. Why do ALS and everyday life conspire against me? I’ll never make it 30 days.
But I did. Exactly one month later, the Brick arrived, paired with a platform set to the proper height. Now, we sleep soundly, my morning exercises are effortless, and I can stand up from the edge on my own. Plus, we share a laugh whenever we recount the experience.
What pulled me through that month was rereading my own column on that familiar motto. For those of us living with ALS, almost every day brings an unexpected hurdle. The key is to move through the frustration and, whenever possible, frame it with humor. Patience and a light heart aren’t just helpful — they are essential to learning to live well with ALS.
Note: ALS News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of ALS News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to ALS.
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