I am Chris Miller, and I run mattress testing for our team at Dweva. When I talk about pressure relief, I mean how well a mattress spreads your weight and softens the load on shoulders, hips, and lower back during real sleep, not just a quick showroom lie-down.
Modern mattress research now treats pressure relief as a measurable property. Labs use interface pressure mapping, subjective comfort scores, and body-position analysis to evaluate how a surface changes blood flow, tissue stress, and perceived comfort. Clinical guidelines for pressure injury prevention also frame pressure redistribution as a core function of good support surfaces.
On this page, I explain exactly how we test pressure relief on every mattress. I walk through each step, from first impressions to pressure maps, and then into multi-week use. I show how different bodies in our team stress the foam and coils in different ways. I also explain how our clinical and ergonomic advisor, Dr. Adrian Walker, reads our findings from a medical angle.
The goal is simple. When we say a mattress offers strong or weak pressure relief, that statement should match what you feel at home, over many nights, in your normal position.
What “Pressure Relief” Means in Our Lab
Pressure relief describes how well a mattress reduces peak load on sensitive points. These points sit where bone lies close to skin. That usually means shoulders, outer hips, knees, sacrum, and heels.
From the perspective of sleepers, three questions matter.
- Does this mattress ease sharp pressure at my main contact points.
- Can my spine stay aligned while those points relax.
- Do I wake with less numbness, tingling, or joint ache.
Research on pressure distribution shows that comfort improves when peak pressure zones fall and contact area rises. That kind of distribution supports blood flow and reduces tissue stress under common sleep positions.
Side sleepers care most about shoulders and hips. Back sleepers focus on sacrum and upper back. Stomach sleepers feel pressure mainly through hips and chest. Consumer and clinical guides now highlight these differences and link them to mattress choice.
We treat pressure relief as its own score, separate from motion isolation and edge support. It still connects to support and alignment, but it deserves focused testing and a clear rating.
Our Pressure Relief Rating Scale
Every mattress we test receives a 0–10 pressure relief score. That number reflects both measured pressure distribution and multi-week body feedback.
Our 0–10 Pressure Relief Scale
| Score band | What we experience in testing |
| 9.0–10.0 | Excellent relief at shoulders and hips in all key positions. |
| 8.0–8.5 | Strong relief for most sleepers, with minor hot spots for some. |
| 7.0–7.5 | Adequate relief; some users still feel pressure in problem zones. |
| 5.5–6.5 | Noticeable pressure at joints; sensitive sleepers may wake sore. |
| 4.0–5.0 | Weak relief; we see consistent complaints at shoulders or hips. |
| Below 4 | Very poor relief; we strongly warn pain-sensitive sleepers. |
In our view, scores above 8.0 indicate strong pressure performance for most people. Scores around 7.0 can work for many back sleepers, yet side sleepers with sensitive shoulders may want more softness on top. When the score falls near 6.0 or below, we start seeing repeated notes about sore joints, pins-and-needles, or the need to change position often.
We never inflate scores because of brand name or price. A modestly priced hybrid can reach the top of this scale if its comfort system distributes load well. A premium mattress can still perform poorly if it keeps too much weight on small, concentrated zones.
Step 1: Standard Setup and Baseline Feel
Before we talk about pressure points, we make sure each mattress starts with a fair setup.
We always:
- Place the mattress on a flat, supportive base that matches manufacturer guidelines.
- Use a thin sheet and no topper during core testing.
- Let compressed models fully expand and off-gas for at least 48 hours.
Under these circumstances, early impressions mean more. I lie on my back, side, and stomach and take mental notes about initial contouring. I pay close attention to my lower back and hips because mild lumbar tightness makes me sensitive to poor weight distribution.
During this stage, I describe where I feel quick relief and where I feel sharper contact. I also log how fast my shoulders and hips relax after thirty seconds in one position. That early feel does not decide the score. It sets a baseline we compare with objective pressure maps and longer sessions.
Step 2: Human Body Testing Without Sensors
Before we attach any sensor mats, we test pressure relief through guided body sessions. Many review organizations still rely heavily on this stage, and clinical comfort studies also use structured self-report scales.
Each tester follows a script.
2.1 My Baseline Pressure Sessions
I run three core positions on every mattress.
- Ten minutes on my back in the center.
- Ten minutes on my right side.
- Five minutes on my stomach, even though I rarely sleep that way.
During each segment, I watch for:
- How quickly tension in my lower back eases.
- Whether my shoulder sinks enough to stop feeling jammed.
- Any tingling or numbness in hands or feet.
Afterwards, I rate each position from one to ten on perceived pressure relief. I add free-form notes about where the mattress feels too firm, too flat, or pleasantly cradling.
2.2 Side-Sleep Testing With Mia
Mia is our reference for petite side sleepers. She has sensitive shoulders, outer hips, and knees. She spends long sessions on each side and does not forgive sharp pressure.
Her script includes:
- Fifteen minutes on her left side with knees slightly bent.
- Fifteen minutes on her right side.
- Short rolling moves between sides to see how quickly she regains comfort.
She logs exactly where pressure builds. She uses phrases like “sharp point at the outer hip” or “soft pocket under my shoulder”. When she stops feeling her shoulder grind into the mattress, that mattress earns early credit for side-sleep relief.
2.3 Heavy-Frame Pressure Testing With Marcus
Marcus gives us the heavy-frame view. His weight amplifies peak load at hips and chest, especially during back and stomach tests.
He spends:
- Ten minutes on his back, focusing on the mid-back and sacrum.
- Ten minutes on his stomach, watching hip and lumbar behavior.
- Additional side-sleep checks when a mattress targets larger bodies.
Under these conditions, mattresses with thin or overly firm comfort layers tend to show their limits. He reports when his hips feel like they rest on a hard slab instead of a cushioned surface.
2.4 Combination and Active Testing With Jamal, Jenna, and Ethan
Jamal shifts between back and side, with some knee and hip tightness. He notices when a mattress supports his weight yet still lets joints relax. Jenna and Ethan, as a couple, give us pressure feedback when two people share the bed and crowd each other’s space.
Across this group, we collect dozens of specific comments like “hip pressure never went away” or “my shoulder finally relaxed after a few minutes”. These notes feed into our later scoring and also help us interpret the pressure maps.
Step 3: Objective Pressure Mapping
Subjective comfort matters, but we also want clear data. Independent labs and many review sites now treat pressure mapping as a standard tool for mattress evaluation.
We use a thin, calibrated pressure mat that sits between the sleeper and the mattress. The mat divides the body area into sensor points and sends readings to software that displays a color map and numerical values.
3.1 Positions and Testers in Pressure Mapping
For each mattress, we run at least three testers through mapping sessions.
- I provide the average-weight reference.
- Mia represents a lighter side sleeper.
- Marcus shows how a heavier sleeper loads the surface.
Each of us repeats the same pattern.
- Back-lying mapping.
- Right side mapping.
- Left side mapping.
We hold each position long enough for readings to stabilize.
3.2 Metrics We Watch
Different systems use different terms, yet most track similar metrics. Research and industry documents emphasize average pressure, peak pressure, and contact area at the body–mattress interface.
From our standpoint, key numbers include:
- Maximum pressure at shoulders and hips for side sleeping.
- Maximum pressure at sacrum and shoulders for back sleeping.
- Distribution pattern across thighs, calves, and upper back.
- Total contact area in each position.
Lower peak values and broader contact bands usually indicate better pressure relief. The ideal pattern looks like a smooth, wide area of moderate pressure rather than small, intense hot spots in red or orange.
3.3 Interpreting the Maps
The sensor output does not speak on its own. We compare each map with the tester’s notes from Step 2.
For example, if Mia reports sharp shoulder pressure yet the map shows low peaks at her shoulder zone, we question our setup or rerun that position. When Marcus says his hips feel jammed and the map shows a bright, narrow hip hot spot, that agreement strengthens our confidence that this mattress has limited relief for heavier stomach or back sleepers.
We store all maps and track them across models. Over time, patterns emerge. Mattresses with thick, well-designed comfort systems usually keep side-sleep hip and shoulder peaks noticeably lower than models with thin or overly firm tops. That trend matches findings from research that links layered structures and optimized firmness to wider contact and lower peak pressure.
Step 4: Position-Specific Pressure Relief Testing
Pressure relief is highly position dependent. Side sleepers demand more contour at shoulders and hips. Back sleepers need load distribution without losing lumbar support. Stomach sleepers need their hips kept in line while avoiding a hard, stabbing feel.
We organize our testing around these realities.
4.1 Side-Sleep Pressure Relief
Side sleeping moves most body weight onto a relatively narrow profile. For many people, this position produces the sharpest pressure problems. External guides about side-sleeper mattresses nearly always center on shoulder and hip relief.
Mia leads this part of the protocol. When she lies on each side, she reports:
- How deeply her shoulder sinks before it feels cradled.
- Whether her neck and upper back still feel straight.
- Whether her outer hip feels cushioned or jammed.
At the same time, the pressure map shows how the mattress spreads load across her ribcage, waist, and thighs. A good pressure-relief mattress for her creates a wide, moderate zone at the shoulder and hip, with minimal intense peaks.
Marcus gives us the heavy side-sleep picture. His side maps tend to show higher peaks. When a mattress still keeps those peaks reasonable and his notes mention “no sharp hip pain”, that model earns strong marks for heavier side sleepers.
4.2 Back-Sleep Pressure Relief
Back sleepers need their lower backs supported while still avoiding hard, concentrated pressure at sacrum and upper shoulder blades. Research on supine pressure often points to the sacral area as a high-risk zone for pressure-related tissue problems.
Carlos focuses on this map. He evaluates:
- How well the mattress fills the gap under his lumbar region.
- Whether his sacrum feels like it presses into a hard point.
- How his upper back and shoulders feel across long, still periods.
A strong back-sleep pressure profile shows moderate pressure at the sacrum with no tiny, extreme hot spots. The mattress should distribute weight across a broad zone from shoulders through hips while keeping his spine straight.
4.3 Stomach-Sleep Pressure Relief
We do not recommend stomach sleeping for many people, yet some still choose this position. They place concentrated load on hips and lower ribs. Pressure relief matters here because a very hard surface can create sharp contact at those zones, while a very soft surface can drag the spine into a swayback posture.
Marcus and I handle stomach mapping. We look for:
- Hip peaks that rise far above other zones.
- Signs that the mattress spreads some load into thighs and lower ribs.
- Subjective reports of stabbing or punching sensation at the front of the pelvis.
We do not chase maximum softness for stomach sleepers. We want controlled pressure that avoids harsh points yet still supports alignment.
Step 5: Time-Based Pressure Relief and Night-Wakening
Short tests matter, but pain related to pressure often appears after longer stretches. Many people wake after an hour or two because one shoulder or hip starts to burn or tingle. Clinical advice for pressure injury prevention stresses the role of time and repositioning.
We run whole-night sessions on every mattress.
Each tester logs:
- Where they fell asleep and in which position.
- When they woke and why.
- Whether any wake-ups felt driven by pressure at specific joints.
Mia, for example, often wakes on bad mattresses with shoulder or hip ache and the urge to flip. On mattresses with strong pressure relief, her night notes mention fewer forced position changes.
Marcus notes whether his hips or chest start to feel compressed after long back or stomach spells. Jamal watches for knee or hip tightness after active days. Jenna and Ethan track pressure behavior when they crowd each other and use less of the surface.
I compare these diaries with the pressure maps. When a mattress shows moderate peaks but still triggers frequent pressure wake-ups, I look more closely at firmness, rebound speed, and alignment. Those extra factors can turn decent raw pressure distribution into a less comfortable real-world feel.
Step 6: How Construction and Materials Affect Pressure Relief
Pressure relief comes from design choices. Research on mattress biomechanics lays out how foam types, layer thickness, zoning, and coil systems influence interface pressure and comfort scores.
We keep those insights in mind while still trusting what our bodies and maps show.
6.1 Memory Foam and High-Contour Foams
Memory foam is known for strong contouring and envelopment. Many consumer and expert guides highlight its role in pressure relief, especially for side sleepers.
In our lab, thick memory foam comfort systems often:
- Lower shoulder and hip peaks on the pressure map.
- Produce a smooth gradient from peak zones into surrounding tissues.
- Reduce sharp points but sometimes increase “stuck in place” feeling.
Mia often prefers these surfaces when her shoulders feel raw from other tests. Marcus sometimes finds them too enveloping if the foam is very soft and slow, especially when he tries to roll.
6.2 Latex and Responsive Foams
Latex and some high-resilience foams combine pressure spreading with quick response. They compress under joints yet push back more strongly than slow memory foams. Research that compares comfort on different foam types usually treats pressure distribution and muscle activity together.
In our testing, latex hybrids often show:
- Broad, even contact zones with moderate peaks.
- Easier repositioning for active sleepers.
- Slightly higher peak readings than deep memory foam, yet fewer complaints about being stuck.
Jamal tends to favor this balance. His joints feel cushioned, yet he can move freely during the night.
6.3 Zoned and Layered Designs
Many modern mattresses use zoned coils or zoned foam to tune pressure and support under different body regions. Interface pressure mapping studies show that zoning can reduce high-risk hotspots at hips and shoulders when properly executed.
We test zoning effects directly. On well-designed models, our maps show:
- Lower hip peaks with stronger support coils under the pelvis.
- Softer shoulder zones that let side sleepers sink.
- Smooth transitions between zones without sharp steps.
Carlos watches zoning from an alignment angle. If zoning keeps his spine straight while reducing sacral and shoulder pressure, he views that as a positive design.
6.4 Poor Construction Patterns
Some patterns repeatedly cause poor pressure relief in our lab and match concerns raised in clinical and engineering papers.
We see trouble when:
- Comfort layers are very thin over firm cores.
- Foams have low density and lose resilience quickly.
- Surfaces feel very hard under bony areas with minimal give.
Under those circumstances, our maps show focused red spots, and testers report sore joints or numb limbs after relatively short sessions.
Step 7: Dr. Walker’s Medical View on Pressure Relief
Dr. Adrian Walker reads our pressure data and diaries from a clinical perspective. He sees pressure-related issues in his practice, especially in patients with reduced mobility, chronic pain, or cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
7.1 Pressure, Blood Flow, and Tissue Risk
Medical literature links sustained, concentrated pressure to reduced capillary blood flow and tissue damage, particularly at bony prominences. That connection forms the basis of clinical definitions and guidelines for pressure ulcers.
Dr. Walker does not treat consumer mattresses as medical devices. He still views better pressure distribution as helpful for many people with pain sensitivity or limited movement. When he sees our maps shift from narrow red peaks to broad, moderate bands, he regards that change as favorable from a circulation standpoint.
7.2 Pain, Sleep Quality, and Firmness
Studies on mattress firmness and sleep quality often show better outcomes at medium or medium-firm levels, where pressure relief and support meet.
From his view, this kind of firmness often allows enough contour under shoulders and hips while still holding the spine in a healthy range. Very hard surfaces may raise peak pressures and provoke pain. Very soft surfaces may reduce some pressure yet harm alignment and increase muscle strain.
When he reviews our reports, he looks for combinations. He pays attention when a mattress shows low peak pressure yet low alignment scores, or the reverse. His comments remind us that pressure relief and support have to be evaluated together, even when we present separate scores.
7.3 Special Groups and Pressure Relief
People with high risk of pressure injuries or severe mobility limits need dedicated medical surfaces and clinical care. Guidelines call for pressure-redistribution surfaces and regular repositioning in those settings.
Dr. Walker draws a line here. Our reviews focus on consumer mattresses for the general population. When we notice designs that spread pressure unusually well, we highlight that behavior in plain language. We still advise high-risk individuals to consult clinicians about specialized surfaces rather than relying on retail mattresses alone.
Step 8: How We Combine Data Into One Pressure Relief Score
After human testing, pressure maps, time-based logs, and medical review, we still need one number in our score box. That number must be consistent, transparent, and meaningful.
8.1 Internal Weighting
Here is how we roughly weight different elements when we set the pressure relief score:
- Pressure mapping results across positions and body types: about thirty-five percent.
- Structured human comfort sessions and diaries: around thirty-five percent.
- Construction analysis and expected long-term behavior: roughly fifteen percent.
- Dr. Walker’s clinical input and special concerns: about fifteen percent.
These weights are not rigid. If a mattress shows outstanding maps yet produces real pain for several testers, lived experience pulls the score down. If a mattress feels great now yet uses clearly fragile materials, durability concerns pull the score down as well.
8.2 Patterns by Mattress Type
Certain trends appear repeatedly and align with public test reports and award write-ups.
Across our lab:
- Well-built memory foam and hybrid models often reach the top of our pressure scale.
- Zoned hybrids with good pillow tops give side sleepers strong hip and shoulder relief.
- Very firm, thinly padded innersprings frequently create hot spots for lighter or side sleepers.
- Cheap foams that break down quickly lose pressure relief within weeks.
We still judge each mattress individually using the full protocol. Type alone never decides the score.
Step 9: How Each Team Member Experiences Pressure Relief
Our team exists to show how different bodies interact with the same surface. Pressure relief testing brings those differences into sharp focus.
9.1 My Experience as a Combination Sleeper
I move between back and side. Mild lower-back tightness makes me sensitive to any mattress that lets my hips sink too far or keeps them perched on a hard point.
On good mattresses, I feel my lower back relax within a minute or two on my back. When I roll to my side, my shoulder slides into a gentle pocket instead of a hard ledge. On poor ones, I wake with a rigid back or a numb shoulder, even if the mattress felt fine in short tests.
9.2 Marcus: Large Body, High Peak Loads
Marcus places heavy demand on any surface. If a comfort layer is thin or stiff, his hips, chest, and shoulders become pressure hotspots fast.
He treats nightly comfort very bluntly. He reports when he needs to roll often just to escape hip pain. When he finds a mattress that lets him stay still longer without that urge, we know the pressure distribution holds, even at higher loads.
9.3 Mia: Petite, Pressure-Sensitive Side Sleeper
Mia is our hardness detector at the shoulder. Many mattresses marketed as “plush” still feel firm to her because her lighter frame does not sink as deeply.
She gives the clearest signal for side-sleep relief. When she says “my shoulder disappeared into the mattress”, that usually matches a low, broad peak on the pressure map. When she says “my shoulder never settled”, we almost always see an intense shoulder hotspot.
9.4 Carlos: Alignment and Mid-Back Fatigue
Carlos cares about how pressure distribution interacts with spinal alignment, especially during back sleeping. Tension in his mid-back builds when a mattress fails to support his lumbar curve or loads his sacrum too sharply.
He focuses less on local joint pain and more on whole-back fatigue. When a mattress spreads pressure while still maintaining a natural curve, his mid-back feels quiet in the morning.
9.5 Jenna and Ethan: Shared Surface, Crowded Zones
Jenna and Ethan point out how pressure relief changes when two people share space. They crowd each other’s shoulders and hips, especially on queen and full sizes.
They log:
- Whether one partner rolls away because of pressure.
- Whether they both avoid a certain area that feels too firm.
- Whether they feel comfortable sleeping close together without joint discomfort.
Their notes show how real couples experience pressure patterns, not just one person in isolation.
9.6 Jamal: Active Body, Joint Sensitivity
Jamal comes into testing with knee and hip tightness after sports. A mattress that fails to cushion his joints leaves him stiff in the morning.
He pays attention to whether he can stretch on the bed without feeling pressure spikes under kneecaps or outer hips. His experience helps us understand how a mattress behaves for people who put active stress on joints during the day.
How You Can Use Our Pressure Relief Ratings
The numbers on our charts matter, yet how you read them matters more.
If You Are a Side Sleeper
Side sleepers usually need the highest pressure relief. The shoulder and hip contact area is smaller, and the load is higher at those points.
If you sleep on your side most nights, focus on:
- Our pressure relief score.
- Mia’s comments on shoulder and hip comfort.
- Our pressure maps for side positions when shown.
Mattresses that perform very well here often combine a supportive core with thick, well-graded comfort layers on top.
If You Are a Back Sleeper
Back sleepers care about balanced pressure across the back and hips while keeping alignment intact.
Read:
- Carlos’s notes on sacrum comfort and mid-back fatigue.
- Our comments on how the mattress fills the lumbar curve.
- Pressure mapping results for back-lying.
Many back sleepers do well on medium to medium-firm mattresses that achieve pressure relief through contouring rather than deep softness.
If You Are a Stomach Sleeper
Stomach sleepers walk a line. They need hips high enough for alignment yet low enough pressure under the pelvis to avoid a bruised feeling.
Check:
- Marcus’s and my stomach-sleep notes.
- Any mention of hip hot spots or chest discomfort.
- Our firmness discussions in the review.
You may accept slightly higher pressure at some points to protect your spine. A surface that keeps you rigidly high yet painful at the hips is not ideal either.
If You Have Pain or Sensitivity
If you already deal with shoulder, hip, or back pain, pressure relief likely matters more. Dr. Walker’s comments help in that scenario.
Look for:
- High pressure relief scores combined with strong support scores.
- Clear reports of reduced joint tension from multiple testers.
- Design details like quality foams, effective zoning, and durable comfort layers.
When your situation involves serious medical risk or limited mobility, treat our information as background. In that case, clinical guidance and specialized surfaces come first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Pressure Relief Testing
How is pressure relief different from support or firmness?
Pressure relief deals with how the mattress spreads your weight and reduces local peaks. Support concerns whether it keeps your spine aligned. Firmness describes how hard or soft the surface feels overall. A mattress can feel firm yet still provide good pressure relief through smart contouring.
Why do you rely on both body feedback and pressure mapping?
Pressure maps show where and how strongly the mattress pushes back. Bodies tell us whether those numbers translate into real comfort, deeper sleep, or fewer wake-ups. Research and review frameworks now often mix objective and subjective measures for that reason.
Do you use the same testers on every mattress?
Yes. The same core group tests every mattress. That consistency lets us compare pressure relief scores across brands and models because we know how each body usually responds.
Do toppers change your pressure relief score?
We score the mattress as sold, without toppers. Toppers can change local feel and pressure, yet they sit on top of the underlying design. When a topper significantly alters pressure behavior on a popular mattress, we may discuss that in a separate section. The official pressure relief score still reflects the bare mattress.
How long do you test before deciding on pressure relief?
We combine structured session data, at least one intensive week of sleep, and follow-up checks. If pressure-related complaints increase or decrease over time, we adjust the score. We do not freeze the number based only on day-one impressions.
