Well I have had probably 4 different mattresses in the last 4 years. I can't say any help or hurt my areas of pain but some for me are more comfortable then others. Right now I am staying at my gramps and the bed is like a rock and it is not good. I have not thought about the chemical issue. I think everyone's body is different. For me even with a good mattress I usually get a foam topper. I would go into a couple mattress stores and try out some and see how you feel.