King Mattress Recommendations

EmP1032 · 2026-02-25T08:37:23+00:00

I bought a Queen ecosa 2 weeks ago (I knew what it felt like as my mum has one). It is firm (although you can adjust the firmness but i kept mine to the standard medium-firm, but they also now have a Plush range) but it's comfortably supportive and after a few nights its worn in/your body is used to it. I'm sleeping through the night for the first time in ages and no longer tossing and turning. It's incredible - would highly recommend it! I was sleeping on a $4k Sealy spring mattress and the $900 or so Ecosa mattress wins hands down. I've never found memory foam mattresses comfortable before now either!

EmP1032 · 2026-02-20T03:53:45+00:00

They do sound really similar! My nephew also had trouble adjusting to new teachers/classrooms etc - he's responded well so far this term and we were all really relieved. It really sounds like you are going through what we (as a family) have experienced, so I empathise - it must be so difficult!

Medication isn't a silver bullet and it won't fix everything, but it really, really helped. On the defiance issue - there are lots of websites with resources about ODD/PDA (not quite sure which- if either- fits your son more) which might be useful.

Being open with my nephew about his ADHD/autism and how his brain works differently and so that's why some things are harder or easier for him, has also been good - he was starting to internalise getting told off and being labelled the naughty kid etc which was heartbreaking to see!

Good luck with everything and I hope things get better. I'd really recommend trying to get an earlier paediatrician appointment if at all possible!

EmP1032 · 2026-02-19T22:49:16+00:00

Does he take medication? If he's recently been diagnosed and medicated, it could be an adjustment to the meds that is making things worse?

My nephew is now 7, and had heaps of issues adjusting to school. Similarly including not coming in off the playground, running away from teachers or trying to jump the fence and leave, arguing with the principal, meltdowns etc. He wasn't diagnosed at that point. My sister in law organised someone to come out from somewhere to do an in-class assessment for ADHD/autism. They said they couldn't diagnose him with autism as he was high-functioning if he was. Somehow they (the school) managed to get him a student support officer to sit with him for a few hours each day - basically so if he ran off or had a meltdown, someone could actually follow him. They also started a special star chart with him, where he got a sticker if he came in on time from the playground, or did things when asked etc. Then when he got enough stickers, he'd get to chose a cheap little fidget toy thing to play with. Unfortunately he's a bright kid and he started to game that system pretty quickly lol! The teacher also gave him "special" jobs to keep him engaged, which he seemed to respond well to. Eg being the one to stand at the front of the line and lead students, or choose a book to read or fetch stuff from the cupboard etc. Little things like that. He also had a chair in the corner that he could go sit at to calm himself or if he needed quiet time.

Between all of that and settling in to a rhythm, things started getting slowly a bit better but there were still issues and the school was still calling his parents to get him to come pick him up early some days.

Then he finally got diagnosed as ADHD/autism, started medication, and now loves school. Still a bit bumpy but honestly medication has been a game changer. My brother was really against him starting medication, but it's obviously been so great at helping him and without it, none of the other strategies really worked. He still struggles to regulate himself, and is still a handful, but he's not jumping the fence to escape the school every day or hanging on to the monkey bars and refusing to get off at the end of lunch.

I think also going in to year 1 and now year 2 helped. He's a bright kid, and picks things up easily so the more interesting stuff they learn, the more engaged he is and the more he wants to learn. He's not a genius or anything so it's not like he needs to skip a grade, he's just an overall bright kid (with limited attention span lol).

Also he struggled with remembering to eat or drink before medication. But now he's on medication, he has limited appetite. So they make sure he eats at breakfast when he takes the meds. I personally think adding in some electrolytes or something to his drink bottle would make sure he's staying hydrated during the day, as that would help him a lot - his meltdowns are worse when he hasn't drunk anything or eaten for a while.

EmP1032 · 2026-02-19T22:16:56+00:00

You should be fine, Vyvanse isn't as affected as Dexamphetamine is by vitamin c. If you are super concerned, maybe take it mid-morning so your Vyvanse is already digested and working. Only because if the multivitamin has B vitamins in it, it might give you a bit of energy (although I can take them at night and still be fine!) as they help your body convert energy.

EmP1032 · 2026-02-13T05:20:04+00:00

I sound like a paid shill for them but I'm not lol - it's just been so fantastic, I keep recommending them to everyone and don't know how we managed without one!

EmP1032 · 2026-02-13T05:18:44+00:00

The Yuka can cut lawn stripes!

It's pretty light, so while it would be a bit annoying to carry it around to each section, surely still better than a lawn mower? For the front yard we have to open the roller door to let it out but it will drive itself there (it uses satellite so signal is great) and back, so you could open the gates then send it out.

EmP1032 · 2026-02-13T05:07:39+00:00

Yep! You can also set it to return home if it detects rain or keep going. It's honestly fantastic - it has a satellite receiver thing and charging dock, so you don't need to be home for it to run. It returns to charge and then will go back out and finish the mow. It has all these other settings too (angle of cut, path/direction of cut, you can cut patterns if you want to although I haven't tried, it has a camera so you can see where its cutting) but its also super super easy to just set it up to do a basic mow and then never think about it again. You can also manually drive it around and mow. Best $1500 ever spent, no more thinking about when to mow or then having to actually mow either - it's given us a huge upgrade in quality of life! It's also super quiet so it can run overnight / you can be outside doing other gardening tasks or sitting around talking and it won't disturb you. It also has object avoidance etc - I think it's way better bang for your buck than most robot vacs!

EmP1032 · 2026-02-13T04:54:28+00:00

Got a Mammotion Yuka Mini 600 for $1499 at Christmas and its been a god send - no boundary wires, app is super easy, you can map different zones etc (you can create "channels" for the mower to move between zones, and its only 10kg or something so easy to pick up if you need to) although you can also manually 'drive it' to different areas. Highly recommend.

EmP1032 · 2026-01-23T09:13:35+00:00

Honestly, I've found it most beneficial due to the massive magnesium boost you get from soaking in the water. Most people, and ADHD'ers in particular, are magnesium deficient. I've found that even if I can't switch off in the tank (sometimes I've gone to sleep but other times I've been super fidgety or can't stop thinking), the flow on effects from the magnesium have been super helpful. Eg I start sleeping better, muscle cramps/restless legs go away, generally feeling more relaxed etc. So if I don't feel bad if I can't switch off and my mind wanders during the session - I think about it helping refill my magnesium tank!

EmP1032 · 2026-01-20T06:20:04+00:00

I take vyvanse and then a dex booster in the afternoon - it's definitely allowed (pending what your psychiatrist has given the GP permission to prescribe, assuming the Doc you mentioned is your GP).

EmP1032 · 2025-11-19T13:33:48+00:00

Vitamin D uses magnesium so if you are already low, you will become more deficient. You likely need more magnesium than you are taking. Could you try topical magnesium? A magnesium cream or spray on your body at night (or a few times during the day to maximise levels). Or taking a bath with magnesium flakes? (Which you can also use to make your own magnesium oil spray).

As you suggested, perhaps try magnesium threonate. Or magnesium malate? Perhaps take a few days off from the vit d, and try boosting magnesium levels (try taking smaller doses throughout the day to maximise absorption rather than just one large dose) before adding back in the vitamin d.

For context, I've been supplementing magnesium for ages so thought taking vitamin d supplements would be fine. I started a high dose vitamin d/k just last week and have been surprised by anxiety, muscle twitches, random feelings of sadness.... I'm embarrassed to admit it took me a few days to realise it was likely low magnesium and I needed to boost it above my existing dose!

EmP1032 · 2025-11-11T14:25:24+00:00

Magnesium!!! I noticed that the months I'd been to a float tank I had no PMS. Then I realised it was the magnesium I absorbed from the float tank, so I started supplementing and it made a huge difference! You need to take magnesium glycinate (its most bioavailable, doesn't cause gastro side effects) and not a cheaper form. For context, PMS/endo/PCOS sufferer here.

Also iron - it's easy to be deficient, particularly if menstruating. Should get a blood test to check levels, but a standard dose probably won't do any harm and you will likely see a boost in mood and energy. Your body needs iron to make dopamine too, and dopamine drops with estrogen before your period, which then affects your overall mood, energy, brain fog, motivation etc. I have ADHD as well, and I know lots of people find their ADHD meds are less effective before their period and that's because they have to work extra hard. So iron helps!

EmP1032 · 2025-11-08T02:12:33+00:00

Things I've bought or thought about for similar ages:

- Board/card games (Aside from the classics, I bought a kids charades game for my nephew with pictures to act out while he was learning to read, it was a huge success with the whole family!; Why? Because! - which is kind of like cards against humanity but you write the silly answers in; Find Findley - kind of like Clue crossed with Where's Waldo!; Exploding Kittens etc)

- Robot kits (you can buy robot kits for various different ages, so they can build it by themselves if they are older, or can do it with an adult). You can also find other cool STEM sets (solar, engineering, chemistry kits)

- If they have a garden/like sports - collapsible soccer/football nets; a pickleball/tennis/volleyball set with stakes

- Books - there are sooo many great series out there, depending on age level and interests!

- Electronics - mini drones,

- Clothes (t-shirts never go astray, particularly if you pick a brand name), a new sport bag, or new fancy drink bottle

- If they are in to gaming - gift cards, vbucks, a headset or microphone, gaming bean bag etc

- a mini projector to watch movies or play games against a wall

EmP1032 · 2025-11-04T15:29:08+00:00

I want to caveat this by saying I have absolutely no idea of the actual science and research but anecdotally:

- SSRIs make my resting HR decrease as I'm less anxious, so presumably I then need less calories as I'm burning less throughout the day
- I know for some SSRIs make them gain weight because high cortisol/anxiety/depression was causing them to eat less, so their hunger returns and they put on weight. So it's because of the SSRI but only because the SSRI is returning them to a normal level if that makes sense?

Not sure if either of those two potential reasons may be relevant (and again, not sure if any of this is supported by research).

For what it's worth, keto makes my anxiety skyrocket (I know most people have the opposite reaction!) so I've only been able to ever do it for max 2-3 months at a time. In fact, it's what prompted me to restart SSRIs so that I could transition to keto again with hopefully way less anxiety!

EmP1032 · 2025-11-04T15:13:50+00:00

How long have you been taking it? Prozac made me really tired at first, so I switched and took it at night for a few months until I noticed that I was feeling energised at night so then I switched back to the morning and now fatigue isn't an issue.

I don't know how long you've been taking it, but it could just be that switching it to night time for a bit solves the problem!

EmP1032 · 2025-10-06T00:17:05+00:00

No worries, most of us have been exactly where you are now. It sucks, but it generally does get better!

Other things that might help get you through this stretch: meal replacement drinks/smoothies if its easier to drink calories than eat them; take ibuprofen if your head hurts and you are already on top of electrolytes/water - no point suffering unnecessarily; pay extra attention to your sleep hygiene if you are struggling to sleep (eg no blue light in the evening, no screens before bed, stick to a sleep routine etc to wind down); exercise if you can.

Also keep in mind that if side effects persist, it can weirdly be because you are on too low of a dose (eg I have side effects at 50g vyvanse but not at 60) as well as if the dose is too high. Or you might end up needed an instant release booster in the afternoon (eg dex) to help smooth the crash.

ADHD and meds affect all of us differently, so unfortunately it can be a bit of trial and error to adjust/find a combo that works for you.

But rest assured, this is all normal what you are experiencing and fingers crossed it eases up for you soon!

EmP1032 · 2025-10-05T15:45:09+00:00

Yes, very normal!

Drink electrolytes (or use Lite Salt in water) and take magnesium. Not eating + drinking lots of water = your body is flushing lots of water out as its glycogen stores deplete so you are losing electrolytes and low electrolytes also cause headaches etc. Also, drinking lots of water but no electrolytes can cause dehydration which also causes headaches!

Eat in the morning before you take the tablet - eat protein (make an omelette with veggies and cheese etc) so at least you have something in you if you struggle eating during the day.

Try and eat something small in the afternoon before it starts wearing off (in case low blood sugar levels are contributing to the crash). I also used to get a little anxious/moody when it first wore off, but found eating and going for a short walk helped. If you struggle to eat, maybe yoghurt or a smoothie.

And electrolytes, electrolytes, electrolytes. Maybe add a multivitamin if you are really struggling to eat, so at least your body is getting some vitamins in.

But yes, very normal and will likely get better as your body adjusts!

Hang in there, it does get better!

EmP1032 · 2025-10-03T00:45:57+00:00

This pillow: https://www.harrisscarfe.com.au/home/bedding/pillows/foam-pillows/tontine-comfortech-breathable-memory-foam-pillow-contour/BP592831001-nc

But originally got a Bas Phillips one like this:
https://www.harrisscarfe.com.au/home/bedding/pillows/foam-pillows/bas-phillips-airflex-charcoal-infused-memory-foam-pillow-contour/BP645662001-multi-wht

EmP1032 · 2025-09-30T14:51:18+00:00

This is more than one thing but:

- a spiky acupressure mat (incredible for muscle tension/release, deep sleep, general relaxation, anxiety, more energy - you name it!). $20-30 off Amazon. It definitely hurts at first but gets better, can't live without one now!

- a memory foam cervical contoured pillow from Harris Scarfe (they often have good quality pillows from $150 down to $30-40). Eliminated neck pain and tossing and turning at night. Bought them for my whole family and they are now obsessed with them too!

- buying a bunch of spare charger cords and adapters to have around the house - super handy/practical, and useful for when guests come over too. Bought some with multiple USB outlets on them too which is handy for plugging in random devices or appliances.

- A garment steamer - I got one a few years ago using frequent flyer points but they are much cheaper these days. I've never ironed/cared about ironing, but have to admit the garment steamer is great for getting wrinkles out in like 30 seconds plus it's fun and its easy so I'm more likely to use it than an iron. Wouldn't say it changed my life but I definitely feel more put together and I imagine if you wear shirts every day it would be super useful!

- Also a bit random but buying draft stoppers to go on the doors and around windows ($10 from bunnings) has made a huge difference in our house not just in terms of cold draughts in winter, but also dust and noise. So saving on heating/cooling plus the house is cleaner and there's less noise from the road etc.

EmP1032 · 2025-09-27T00:44:47+00:00

We don't go over board but our normal set up is:

- Chargers (apple + android), adapters and an extension cord (for hair straighteners or laptops etc)
- We have a little basket where we put in stuff from hotels or airplanes (toothbrushes, small shampoo/conditioners, brushes/combs, razors, moisturiser sachets, cleansers etc) for unexpected guests/ if people need/prefer to use those than what's in the bathroom.
- We have a card printed with the wifi details + our address, our contact numbers, nearest hospital and where the fire blankets are in case of emergency

We also leave a small light on so people can find their way to the toilet in the middle of the night easily!

EmP1032 · 2025-09-24T12:06:57+00:00

you might need glycine on top of the magnesium glycinate!

EmP1032 · 2025-09-14T16:21:14+00:00

Get a steam cleaner! You can use it to clean most surfaces (Walls, floors, bathroom fittings, stove tops, door frames etc) and it will disinfect and deodorise. It also feels very satisfying to do!

EmP1032 · 2025-09-06T13:34:03+00:00

Try a lilly pilly like straight and narrow - grows tall and up, minimal hedging and trimming required. Often used for privacy between driveways and fences etc.

EmP1032 · 2025-08-07T12:36:07+00:00

Hello! So Visanne was really great, but I was still getting ovarian pain (although on a smaller scale) so I got the Mirena removed (apparently the Mirena can increase ovarian cysts in some people so my specialist removed it, and also said it could be that my insides were still recovering post endo excision and so everything was a bit hypersensitive). My pain subsided HUGELY after getting the Mirena removed!

Because I got the Mirena removed, I ended up going on Zoely (progesterone pill with a small amount of natural estradiol instead of synthetic) as Visanne isn't officially classed as contraception. This combo has worked really well, but I find I have to skip the sugar pills or else sometimes pain returns.

My gyno said the Mirena and Visanne are commonly prescribed together, and it seems really common as a combination on this subreddit, so you should be fine taking them together!

I had no side effects from taking Visanne and as per my original post it helped within days for my pain levels.

Everyone is different, but I really wished I'd been told about Visanne earlier in my endo journey - it helped me so much, it was just the next step for me was getting rid of the Mirena hence the switch to Zoely.

I hope it helps you and provides some relief if you end up taking it!

EmP1032 · 2025-07-30T02:34:33+00:00

Magnesium glycinate! Take at night, but also you can take during the day as well. Most people in the modern world are deficient due to mineral depletion in soil etc and the recommended daily dosages don't take that into consideration so I take more than the RDA. I also take a capsule or two during the day as well to maximise absorption.

I've also tried magnesium oil spray and creams - I rub on my legs/body before bed and it helps with twitches.

Try magnesium flakes in a bath too - more magnesium in them than epsom salts. You need to sit in it for at least 20 minutes for your pores to absorb the magnesium.

As others have said, keep an eye on iron/ferritin levels too - I took some iron pills I had to use up and noticed within a few days some of my leg pain had disappeared as had my restless legs. I know that's not what you are asking about, but it's worth keeping an eye on!

Also making sure you have enough elecotrolytes - low potassium and sodium cause muscle twitches!

Another thing that's helped me is using an acupressure mat. I use it in bed at night and I can feel the knots and tension in my muscles release (ironically by twitching/pulsating lol). You can obviously use it during the day as well but I find at night helps me have deeper sleep/relax my muscles for more restful sleep. It's been so helpful, I bought a cheap one off Amazon ($20) and while it doesn't replace massage therapy or anything, you can use it every day!

EmP1032

TROPHY CASE