Waking up with aches and pains in your shoulders, back, hips, or general stiffness is a common experience for many sleepers. Often, the cause is an unsuitable mattress. A mattress that doesn't provide proper support and pressure relief can lead to inevitable body aches. This is why prioritizing pressure relief is crucial when considering a new mattress.
At Sleepiverse, we understand the frustration of searching for the perfect mattress. That's why we equip you with informative mattress reviews and measurable, research-backed data through our comprehensive research methodology. We test many features that directly impact your sleep comfort, including pressure relief.
In this article, we'll focus on our pressure relief testing methodology. But before that, we will discuss the concept of pressure relief itself, so you can understand the purpose and significance of our testing scores.
What is mattress pressure relief?
Mattress pressure relief and comfort go hand-in-hand. A mattress's ability to relieve pressure is a strong indicator of how comfortable it will be. Pressure relief is essential for overall comfort and a pain-free sleep experience.
Pressure relief simply refers to the mattress's ability to cushion pressure points and evenly distribute your weight and pressure across its surface.
Importance of Pressure Relief in Sleep Quality
Pressure relief is crucial for your sleep quality, not only because of the increased comfort it provides but also due to several additional benefits, as explained below.
- Prevents Pain: Pressure relief helps distribute your body weight evenly, preventing the buildup of pressure points that can cause pain. This means you're less likely to wake up with aches and pains, allowing for a more restorative sleep.
- Improves Circulation: By reducing pressure on your body, blood can flow more freely throughout the night. Improved circulation not only helps you feel more refreshed in the morning but also promotes overall health and well-being.
- Maintains Proper Spinal Alignment: A mattress that offers adequate pressure relief allows your spine to maintain its natural curve. This proper alignment is key to preventing back pain and ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed.
- Reduces Tossing and Turning: When your body is comfortable and properly supported, you're less likely to shift positions frequently during the night.
Understanding Pressure Points
As we previously mentioned, a pressure-relieving mattress cushions pressure points. These are specific areas of your body that protrude and naturally accumulate weight during sleep. If your mattress doesn't relieve pressure effectively, you'll likely feel pain or discomfort in these areas.
Pain at all pressure points isn't common; you might experience it at one point but not another. This is dependent on several factors, which we'll discuss later. The most common pressure points are the shoulders, hips, and back. Others may experience pressure at points like the knees, head, and heels.
Learn More: Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain, Best Mattresses for Hip Pain, and Best Mattresses for Back Pain.
Causes of Pressure Points During Sleep
- Inadequate Support: When your mattress doesn't properly support your body's natural curves, it can create pressure points. This misalignment forces certain areas, like your hips or shoulders, to bear more weight, leading to discomfort and potential pain.
- Firmness Mismatch: A mattress that's too firm or too soft for your body type and sleeping position can cause pressure points. The wrong firmness level fails to distribute your weight evenly, resulting in increased pressure on specific areas and disrupted sleep.
- Mattress Age and Wear: Over time, mattresses lose their ability to provide consistent support. An old, worn-out mattress can develop sagging spots or uneven surfaces, creating pressure points that interfere with your sleep quality and leave you feeling unrested.
- Poor Quality Pillows: In addition to mattress issues, using a poor-quality pillow can lead to inadequate neck support and misalignment of your spine, creating pressure points in your neck and shoulders. This can result in stiffness, headaches, and poor sleep.
- Health Conditions: Certain medical issues, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, can make you more susceptible to pressure points during sleep. These conditions may require special consideration when choosing sleep surfaces to ensure proper support and comfort.
Learn More: Best Mattresses for Arthritis and Best Mattresses for Fibromyalgia.
Factors Influencing Mattress Pressure Relief
Now that you understand the importance of pressure relief and how a mattress that doesn't relieve pressure can cause pressure points, let's explore how to identify a mattress with good pressure relief based on the factors discussed below.
It's important to note that these are general rules of thumb. A mattress may have one or none of these factors and still provide pressure relief. Conversely, it could have all of them and perform poorly. Ultimately, pressure relief depends on the quality of materials, construction methods, and any special pressure-relieving technologies used.
Mattress Type
The type of mattress is one of the most significant factors affecting pressure relief. Some materials naturally offer pressure relief, while others are firmer and less cushioning, and some are even adjustable. Below, we'll explore common mattress types and their performance in terms of pressure relief.
- Memory Foam: These memory foam mattresses mold your shape, offering excellent pressure relief. They're perfect for side sleepers and those with joint pain, as they distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure points.
- Latex: Natural or synthetic, latex mattresses provide a responsive, bouncy feel with good pressure relief. They're great for combination sleepers who need support and comfort in multiple positions.
- Innerspring: Traditional spring mattresses offer less pressure relief compared to foam options. However, models with pillow tops or euro tops can provide additional cushioning for sensitive areas.
- Hybrid: Combining the best of both worlds, hybrid mattresses feature a supportive coil base with comfort layers of foam or latex. They offer balanced pressure relief and support, suitable for most sleep styles.
- Airbeds: Airbeds are high-tech mattresses that allow you to adjust firmness levels, potentially offering customized pressure relief. Ideal for couples with different comfort preferences.
- Waterbeds: While less common, waterbeds can provide excellent pressure relief by conforming to your body's contours. They're especially beneficial for those with chronic pain conditions.
- Smart Mattresses: The latest in sleep technology, smart mattresses often incorporate pressure-sensing technology to automatically adjust firmness and support throughout the night.
Mattress Firmness Levels
Mattress firmness plays a major role in pressure relief, but there's no one-size-fits-all solution. To maximize pressure relief, you'll need to find the perfect firmness. Here's a breakdown of common firmness levels, as well as who might find them ideal:
- Soft (1-3): This firmness level is perfect for side sleepers and those with joint pain, it cradles your body, alleviating pressure points on the hips and shoulders.
- Medium (4-5.5): It offers a balanced feel that's just right for most sleepers. It provides excellent pressure relief in all sleep positions, contouring your body without sinking excessively.
- Medium-Firm (5.5-7): This is the most versatile and commonly used firmness level, offering a perfect blend of comfort and support. It excels in pressure relief for back and combination sleepers, adapting to your movements throughout the night.
- Firm: Mattresses with a firm feel provide solid support. Ideal for stomach sleepers, it promotes proper spinal alignment and distributes body weight evenly. These mattresses keep you on the mattress rather than in it, reducing pressure on your lower back.
- Custom or Adjustable: For personalized pressure relief, consider a mattress with adjustable firmness. These innovative designs allow you to fine-tune your mattress, ensuring optimal comfort and support for your body type and sleep preferences.
Learn More: Best Soft Mattresses, Best Medium-Firm Mattresses, and Best Firm Mattresses.
Sleep Positions
While the factors we've discussed are all inherent to the mattress itself, sleeping position is a more personal factor that influences pressure relief. Your preferred sleep position can indicate how and where you're most susceptible to pressure points. Let's explore the different sleeping positions and the features each needs for optimal pressure relief.
- Side Sleepers: Side sleepers often experience pressure on their hips and shoulders. They should look for soft mattresses with zoned support that offer extra cushioning in these areas, promoting proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure points for a restful night's sleep. For more information, check out the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers.
- Back Sleepers: For back sleepers, even weight distribution is key. They should opt for a mattress with medium firmness that maintains the natural curve of their spine while providing adequate support to prevent lower back pain and pressure buildup. Learn more about the Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers.
- Stomach Sleepers: Stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to prevent excessive sinking of the hips, which can lead to spinal misalignment. They should choose a mattress that offers enhanced support in the midsection, helping to distribute body weight evenly and alleviate pressure on the lower back. To learn more, check out the Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers.
- Combination Sleepers: If you tend to switch positions throughout the night, seek out a mattress with quick-response foam or hybrid designs. These materials adapt to your movements, ensuring consistent pressure relief and support regardless of your sleeping position. For more assistance, check out the Best Mattresses for Combination Sleepers.
Body Weight
Body weight is another personal factor to consider for pressure relief. It influences the amount of pressure you exert on the mattress, playing a major role in selecting the right mattress type and firmness. Here's a general guide to help you choose:
- Light Sleepers (under 150 pounds): These sleepers often find softer mattresses more comfortable. Memory foam mattresses can be ideal, as they allow lighter individuals to sink in just enough for pressure relief without feeling "stuck." However, some light sleepers may prefer the responsiveness of latex or hybrid mattresses for easier movement. If you need more assistance, check out our list of the Best Mattresses for Light Sleepers.
- Average Weight Sleepers (150–250 pounds): This group typically has the most options. Medium-firm hybrid mattresses often provide an excellent balance of support and pressure relief. Innerspring mattresses with plush top layers can also work well, offering a mix of bounce and comfort.
- Heavy Sleepers (over 250 pounds): Firmer mattresses are usually best for providing adequate support and preventing excessive sinking. Latex mattresses offer natural resilience and durability, while high-quality hybrid mattresses with strong coil systems can provide excellent support and pressure relief for heavier individuals. For mattress suggestions, check out the Best Mattresses for Heavy Sleepers.
How We Test for Mattress Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is a complex mattress feature to assess accurately. We want to save you the hassle of researching or testing mattresses yourself.
Our detailed and accurate test provides an easy way to compare the pressure relief performance of various mattresses in one place, with information accessible from any device. Here are the steps we take to ensure accurate testing and ratings.
1) Test Preparation
When it comes to evaluating a mattress's pressure relief performance, preparation is key. At Sleepiverse, we take this process seriously, starting with the selection of an average-weight reviewer. This step is crucial, as it ensures our results reflect the experience of a typical sleeper.
Once we've chosen our reviewer, we start by using a new mattress and unboxing it. It might seem simple, but proper unboxing is more than just removing packaging. We follow a precise protocol to ensure the mattress fully expands and settles, allowing it to reach its intended shape and firmness.
2) Gathering Equipment
Once we've prepared for testing, we gather the necessary equipment, which includes a pressure mapping system and a computer to read and visualize the pressure data.
A pressure map is a technological tool that evaluates the distribution of pressure across a surface. It consists of a thin sensor mat placed directly on the mattress. The reviewer then lies on the mattress, and the system creates a visual representation of pressure points using a color spectrum, typically ranging from red (high pressure) to blue (low pressure).
3) The Pressure Map Test
With everything prepared, we begin the testing process. Our reviewer lies comfortably in a specific sleep position for 20 minutes on the pressure map. We then repeat this process for each sleep position—typically back, side, and stomach. After each 20-minute session, we save the pressure data results for analysis.
4) Data Analysis
Once testing is complete, we consolidate the pressure data from all three sleep positions into a single image for easy analysis. To represent pressure distribution, this image makes use of the same color spectrum as the pressure map, highlighting pressure points specific to each sleeping position. The following is a description of the color spectrum.
| Color | Pressure Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Very high pressure | This area receives the most pressure and likely offers minimal to no pressure relief. |
| Orange | High pressure | This area experiences significant pressure, and the mattress might not conform well here. |
| Yellow | Medium pressure | This area experiences an average amount of pressure, potentially indicating adequate support. |
| Green | Low pressure | This area experiences minimal pressure, suggesting good pressure relief and conforming support. |
| Blue | Very low pressure | This area experiences very little pressure, suggesting the mattress is providing optimum pressure relief and support. |
While an all-blue reading might suggest perfect weight distribution with no pressure points, it's uncommon and potentially problematic. In some cases, an entirely blue map could indicate a lack of support or proper spinal alignment, especially for individuals who require a firmer mattress.
Ideally, for a mattress to excel at pressure relief, we expect to see a dominant presence of blue and green throughout the pressure map image. This combination indicates a balanced level of support while providing sufficient pressure relief.
5) Rating the Mattress
Following testing and analysis, we present a simplified pressure relief rating for your convenience. This scale ranges from 0 to 5, with higher scores indicating better pressure relief performance. Below is an explanation of each rating.
| Score | Test Result |
|---|---|
| 0 (Very Poor Pressure Relief) | Offers almost no pressure relief. Pressure map results show intense pressure levels, with weight concentrated on specific areas. Sleepers may experience significant discomfort and pain. |
| 1 (Slight Pressure Relief) | Provides slight improvement when compared with the previous rating. The pressure map indicates large areas of high pressure. Pressure and weight distribution are poor, with most sleepers likely to experience discomfort throughout the night. |
| 2 (Below Average Pressure Relief) | Offers some pressure relief, but still falls short for many sleepers. The pressure map shows some high pressure. The uneven distribution of weight could potentially cause mild discomfort. |
| 3 (Average Pressure Relief) | Delivers satisfactory pressure relief for most sleepers. The pressure map reveals fewer hot spots with improved weight distribution. Some sleepers may still experience some pressure. |
| 4 (Above Average Pressure Relief) | Provides excellent pressure relief. The pressure map shows minimal hot spots, with weight evenly distributed across the mattress surface. Most sleepers will feel cradled and supported, waking up refreshed and pain-free. |
| 5 (Excellent Pressure Relief) | Offers exceptional pressure relief, and the pressure map results reveal a nearly perfect weight distribution without any noticeable hot spots. Sleepers of all types will experience luxurious comfort and wake up feeling rejuvenated. |
Conclusion
Pressure relief is undoubtedly the most critical factor for sleepers to consider when choosing a new mattress. At Sleepiverse, our goal is to simplify your mattress selection process through informative reviews, helping you find the perfect mattress for a good night's sleep and, in turn, learn more about your sleep quality. If you still have trouble figuring out which mattress to get for optimum pressure relief, check out our list of the best mattresses for pressure relief.
Jessica H.
Jessica is a reviewer, writer, and sleep enthusiast at Sleepiverse. Jessica graduated with her master's degree in Nursing research and education. She is a registered nurse and currently works in the Intensive Care Unit. Since becoming a nurse, Jessica has worked the night shift, which means a disrupted sleep schedule. Knowing she needed to function at her best while caring for patients at night, she spent a lot of time researching how to sleep well with a difficult schedule.