Pressure Relief and Mattresses
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Pressure relief is key when picking out a mattress since it has a big impact on how well you sleep and how you feel overall.Lots of people deal with joint pain, back pain, and other aches that the right amount of pressure relief can really help with.
We really focus on pressure relief when we test mattresses and write our detailed reviews.So why is it such a big deal, and how do we check for it?Keep reading to learn more.
Why Pressure Relief Matters in a Mattress
Pressure relief means how well a mattress can spread your weight evenly and take some pressure off certain areas of your body, like your shoulders, hips, and lower back. A mattress with good pressure relief helps reduce strain on these pressure points, keeping your spine in a better position (especially if you're a side sleeper) and cutting down the chance of feeling pain or discomfort.
How We Test Mattresses for Pressure Relief
Testing pressure relief is both a bit of a science and an art. So, how do we do it?
Expert Testing
First, we have different experts test every mattress. Since they have different body types and sleep positions, it helps give a full picture of how well a mattress does at relieving pressure. They’ll compare how soft or firm the mattress felt and how much it supported their joints.
Pressure Mapping
They also lie on a special electronic mat that creates what we call a “pressure map.” It’s a color-coded chart that shows how the tester’s body presses into the bed in different sleeping positions. The areas of the body that get the most pressure show up in lighter colors like yellow, orange, and red. A map that’s all blue and green means the mattress is really good at relieving pressure.
PSI Measurements
Below, you’ll see three side-sleeping pressure maps from three different mattresses. Take note of how the areas with the most pressure shift in where they are and how intense they get.
The mat also tells us the PSI (pounds per square inch) that the tester is feeling. This number shows us the amount of pressure on the body and helps us judge how well the mattress handles pressure. For a back sleeper, a PSI of 12 or less is awesome. For a side sleeper, we aim for a PSI around 14 or less.
This data allows us to assign each mattress a pressure-relief score out of 5, helping you understand exactly how each performs in this category.
The Best Firmness Level for Pressure Relief
Mattress firmness is usually rated from 1 to 10, with 1 being super soft and 10 being super firm. The perfect level of firmness for pressure relief really depends on how you sleep and your body type. But generally, you’ll want a mattress that’s a good mix of comfy softness and solid support, so you don’t sink in too much.
Check out the charts below to get a better idea of the ideal firmness based on your body type and sleep position.
Side Sleepers
Body Weight
Suggested Firmness
Lightweight (under 130 lb)
5 to 6.5/10
Average (130 – 230 lb)
6 to 6.5/10
Heavyweight (over 230 lb)
6.5 to 7/10
Back Sleepers
Body Weight
Suggested Firmness
Lightweight (under 130 lb)
6.5/10
Average (130 – 230 lb)
6.5 to 7/10
Heavyweight (over 230 lb)
7 to 7.5/10
Stomach Sleepers
Body Weight
Suggested Firmness
Lightweight (under 130 lb)
6.5 to 7/10
Average (130 – 230 lb)
7 to 7.5/10
Heavyweight (over 230 lb)
7.5 to 8/10
Combination Sleepers
If you’re someone who moves around a lot in your sleep, you’ll need to find a middle ground, picking something that works for the positions you end up in during the night and your body type, as shown in the charts above.
Best Mattress Types for Pressure Relief
Another important factor in pressure relief is the material your mattress is made of. Different materials provide different levels of support and how well they shape to your body. We’ll dive into some of the best options for pressure relief below.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are famous for their amazing pressure relief. The way memory foam molds to your body’s shape helps spread out the weight evenly, easing pressure on spots like your hips, shoulders, and lower back. This is super helpful for people dealing with chronic pain or anyone who enjoys that cozy, body-hugging feel.
Latex
Latex mattresses also do a great job at relieving pressure. Natural latex is known for being responsive and giving solid support. It shapes to your body without losing its firmness, which helps distribute pressure just right. Plus, latex mattresses are really durable, making them a solid long-term choice.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses bring together the best of both memory foam and innerspring systems. They usually have layers of memory foam on top of a supportive coil system, offering both that comfy contouring feel and strong support. This makes them a great pick for anyone wanting the best of both worlds.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses, on the other hand, don’t contour as much as memory foam or latex, but they still provide decent pressure relief. The coil system gives a responsive feel and helps relieve pressure by spreading out weight evenly. Still, if pressure points are a bigger issue for you, memory foam or latex might give you better relief.
Best Mattress Toppers for Pressure Relief
Mattress toppers can add extra support and help reduce pressure on your bed. If your mattress is too firm or soft for your preferred sleep position, a topper can make a big difference.
For instance, a soft mattress topper can provide the pressure relief you need if you're a side sleeper on a firm mattress. When you're shopping for one, it's important to check out what it's made of and how soft or firm it feels, just like with a regular mattress. In general, the best materials for mattress toppers are memory foam, latex, and wool.
