I am older woman & need new mattress for my antique double bed-advice?

I'm not sure what your budget is, but there are many options at warehouse stores like Sam's, Costco , etc. if you have a membership or know someone who does , try to look online for the best deal .

Novaform memory-foam mattress from Costco is infused with gel beads and was impressive both at supporting the spinal curve while you're on your back and supporting you while you're lying on your side. It also came out great after eight years of simulated use. The mattress comes folded in a box, but there's free pickup and return for an unspecified period if you’re not satisfied. Getting it back into the box is not required. Our tested model measures a bit more than 14 inches high, so you might get by without deep-pocket fitted sheets.

I rely on consumer reports to help me when trying to make a decision: http://www.consumerreports.org/mattresses/best-mattresses-of-2016/

You have some excellent suggestions here. I feel for you as I have had multiple back surgeries myself. Stand your ground with pushy and sometimes clueless sales people. It is your money and your back, the fit has to be right for you. If going out shopping, if possible, bring a trusted friend along and hopefully her or she can toss in a comment ot two if you encounter difficulty. Or just tell them they lost a sale and shop another store or request the manager. Just remind yourself to never let anyone intimidate you.

There are a few new mattresses sold only online that let you test out the mattress for 100 nights (or more) and offer free returns if you don't LOVE it. Some brand names are Casper, Saatva, Loom and Leaf, Zenhaven, and on and on. I just Googled "mattress with free trial" and found many more than I expected! As far as the slats on your old bed, look for something called a "bunkie board". I just heard of this myself. It goes under the mattress for some of the newer foam and gel mattresses in place of a box spring. One person said it elevated the mattress just enough to make it easier to put on bedding.

I went to amatress factory they cut a oueen down for me.

Thank you for your response. Sales tactics are so tough nowadays I don't always have the confidence to stand my ground.

i have a similar antique bed...had the mattress and box springs made for it..at a special mattress factory...outrageous price......But my son had bought one like it the same day at the antique store...and he just took off the original wood railings and put on the metal type you can get anywhere ....and now his fits the mattress at the stores...no special made...no special delivery....lol

Have a look at https://johnryanbydesign.co.uk - the ' understanding beds' section has a lot of information on choosing a new bed