It is very uncomfortable to lie down flat. In bed, even with pillows behind you, you tend to scoot down as you sleep. You will wake up in pain. If you can’t get a recliner, then purchase the firm back and leg support devices that you can find online….even amazon. It’s important to support your upper body when recovering from mastectomy or any breast surgery. Even after the exchange surgery when expanders are removed and implants placed. The days go by quickly, so having to sleep in a recliner for two weeks , goes quickly. And if it means a better result, it’s worth it. You can place TV trays around you with your pain med supplies and all supplies. Try to get a motorized recliner, as the old handle crank kind will not feel good on your chest incisions! Having to exert pressure, to use that old handle for the up and down is not good for your recovery. Even a furniture rental place might be an option if you don’t want to purchase a recliner for long term use. Do these things that others have experienced, so that you will heal better, with less stress on your body.

Also, at 62 I figure some day it maybe handy to have around hehehe

I slept in a recliner 3 nights I believe. Then I moved to my bed with a wedge pillow bought from Wal mart. I had a recliner available, so I used it. I believe with a wedge pillow, you do not have to get a recliner. The key was laying flat was not recommended by my surgeon, I also had a variety of pillows under my shoulders (age related arthritis) and on my sides to keep me from turning over in my sleep. I also had a pillow under my knees because laying on my back bothered my hips (age related lol ).
During the day, I sat in one of the zero gravity lounge chairs with a pillow behind my head and one on each side of me. I slept comfortably there also for looong naps during the day. (I brought the lounge chair in to the den from off my deck).

Forgot to add, that when you sleep in a recliner, having a neck pillow is a must.
Like the ones you see people take on a plane. It really helps support your head
and spine, so you can sleep easier when in a recliner.

I slept in a recliner the first 2 to 3 weeks. I would strongly advice if having double mastectomy since you have no muscle to get out of bed, unless you are in super good shape and only use stomach muscles to get up. Unfortunately that wasn't me. If you don't have one, I would use lots of pillows to prop you up. Prayers for a successful surgery and a speedy recover ❤️