@sbtheplumber1 , you might check with a hospital bed supply store. Insurance should cover it. It connects to a pump that fills the mattress topper (which lies on top of your regular mattress) with air. As your body exerts pressure, the air expands. It’s designed to prevent pressure sores on patients who lay in bed for long periods of time without moving. The downside is that it creates a bit of noise. Also, it moved a lot and takes getting used to. I hope it gives you at least an option.

@sbtheplumber1
Hi all, I just want to quickly mention a difference in inflatable air beds that might help someone who has to use one temporarily, or whatever. I have lower back pain, and slightly slipped discs, which can be uncomfortable in bed--though not as bad as yours--and I learned something about air mattresses when I did seasonal work all over the Northwest and had to carry a bed for frequent moving.

If you're getting an air mattress, I urge you to try one that is made like long sausages side by side. With that design, your hips sink into one of the cracks between the "sausages," while the ones on either side support you just a bit. For awhile, I liked this air bed better than any regular mattress. So, give it a try if you are desperate or in need of a traveling bed. I don't remember the brand name, but I believe I bought mine at Big 5 Sporting Goods. They probably don't have it anymore, but they might remember it. I think it was soft and flannel-like on one surface.

Eventually I settled in one place, and I now have a medium-firm, memory foam mattress from Wayfair (I think). It was a gift, but I think it was pretty low cost, like $300? I've had it several years (10?), on the slats of a wooden bed frame (no foundation) and while not perfect, it's pretty comfortable for me. It still looks like new and is just a flat as it was then--no depressions.