What Are The Benefits Of Using A Soft Pad
Mattress toppers do a lot of good for their users. Aside from providing pressure relief and additional support they are a great way to save shoppers some additional money. People can simply alter their sleeping surface for just a few hundred bucks as opposed to spending hundreds to thousands on a new mattress.
Mattress pads provide a way for sleepers to easily adjust their bed. Preferences change and although your mattress may be just fine, if your body adapts to like a softer surface, a topper can easily provide that comfort you desire.
Are Soft Mattresses Good For Cooling
It depends on several factors, the most important of which is the construction of the mattress. Soft mattresses are usually made with one or several foam layers, which is known to trap heat more than a type of mattress made exclusively with, say, natural latex or innersprings.
That is not to say, however, that a soft mattress cannot be cool. Many companies incorporate high-qualitygel memory foam into their mattresses, which helps to disperse body heat rather than store it. If youre a hot sleeper who loves a soft mattress, make sure you keep an eye out for this material.
There are also ways to enhance the cooling abilities of your new mattress. Consider purchasing cooling sheets, or even one of our best cooling mattress toppers. The addition of these sleep accessories can make a world of difference when it comes to temperature regulation.
Related:Best Cooling Mattresses
What Is A Soft Mattress
There is no industry standard for mattress firmness. To help guide your selection to finding a soft mattress, many mattress companies use a 10-point scale to rate comfort level. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the firmer the mattress, from 3-4 at the low end to 7-8 at the high end.
Here’s the comfort level scale Saatva uses:
Don’t Miss: Purple Mattress Cross Section
Which Type Of Mattress Topper Should I Choose
Mattress toppers come in a wide variety of sizes, materials, and firmnesses options. To find the right mattress topper for you, youll need to consider your unique comfort preferences, body weight, and preferred sleeping position. The material you choose will have a significant impact on your toppers comfort. Well break down potential benefits and drawbacks to consider for each type of mattress topper.
Memory FoamMemory foam is a specially formulated material originally designed by NASA. Its highly contouring for excellent pressure relief. Memory foam is often used in soft mattress toppers, as it responds to both heat and weight to conform closely. However, it is known to trap body heat. If you tend to sleep hot but enjoy the feel of memory foam, look for cooling toppers with features that are intended to fight heat buildup, such as gel-infusions, open-cell technology, or phase change material.
PolyfoamPolyfoam is a versatile type of foam commonly used in mattress toppers. Higher density polyfoam often provides a firmer sleep surface, but there are plenty of soft polyfoam mattress toppers on the market. Lower density polyfoam tends to be softer, but may be more susceptible to deep impressions over time.
Latex Natural latex provides contouring and pressure relief, with top-notch temperature regulation and durability. Latex toppers tend to be more supportive than memory foam models, and they will not feel as soft as down or down alternative toppers.
What Makes The Helix Sunset Stand Out
- Given that its a hybrid, the Helix Sunset should also be a cooler-sleeping mattress. Its individually-wrapped coils promote airflow through the bed and keep it from trapping too much heat.
- Helix is all about customization and offers many different models to fit a variety of sleepers. For instance, those who want something thats plush but a bit more supportive can opt for the Moonlight. Customers can also take a sleep quiz to find the right bed.
- The Sunset comes in a Luxe version for those who want to add some more plushness and luxurious features to their mattress.
Caspers flagship mattress is an all-foam mattress that has a softer-than-average firmness of 6/10. However, its more than just another plush bed it actually features Zoned Support designed to keep you supported in all the right places for proper spinal alignment. Found in the transition layer, this system makes the Casper feel firmer when someone is back-sleeping or stomach-sleeping and softer when theyre side-sleeping.
Read Also: My Pillow Mattress Toppers
Will A Soft Mattress Help With My Back Pain
For many sleepers, back pain is a frustrating part of their nightly routine. Back pain can occur for any type of sleeper, regardless of what position you sleep in. Also, it can be caused by a variety of factors, but one of the most common is inadequate mattress support. In general, most who struggle with back pain will require a medium, slightly firm, or firm mattress. A soft mattress, even one with good support, can create additional problems and pain for the back.
FAQ: Whats the best mattress for back pain?
For those who suffer with back pain, but are certain they still want / need a softer feel, selecting a mattress with a modern thin cover design can help. Traditional quilted covers, padded, or pillow top covers that are excessively soft are most liable to exacerbate back pain. However, thin covers where the softness of the mattress is derived from supportive foam, coil, or hybrid layers generally provide a stronger and more supportive base.
What You Need To Know About Soft Mattresses
Mattress firmness indicates how the surface of a bed feels beneath the sleepers body. The cover and comfort layer of a mattress affects firmness to the greatest extent.
We measure mattress firmness using a 1-to-10 scale, with 10 being the firmest and 1 being the least firm although the vast majority of mattresses sold today fall between a 3 and an 8 . When we discuss soft mattresses, were referring to beds with a rating of 5.5 or lower on this 1-to-10 scale.
Soft mattresses are generally most popular among side sleepers due to improved spinal alignment and pressure relief, as well as lighter individuals who do not experience as much conforming on firmer models. However, softer mattresses have also been linked to certain disadvantages, such as high body heat retention, more off-gassing odor, and shorter overall lifespan.
Don’t Miss: What Mattress Does Drury Inn Use
Mint Mattress By Tuft & Needle
Youre going to love our #4 pick among the best soft mattresses, the Mint Mattress by Tuft & Needle, because it combines softness with breathability. Three layers of foam are combined to provide the softness youve been dreaming of sleeping on. Tuft & Needle utilize what they call adaptive foam, which is an open-cell memory foam that responds to the weight and pressure of your body.
This mattress has a higher profile than other foam mattresses, thanks to the 4 inches of extra-firm foam that makes up the base. Ceramic beads are incorporated into the adaptive foam, which provides progressive firmness as more pressure is placed on the mattress. This allows for a soft mattress that wont have you waking with back pain in the morning.
More graphite is infused into the top layer of the open-cell adaptive foam, which allows increased heat distribution so you dont wake up drenched in sweat. The mattress is wrapped in a visually appealing, dark grey knit covering that is more resistant to stains from the messes and spills that are bound to happen over time.
Tuft & Needle was started by two software engineers who were tired of the cumbersome process of purchasing a mattress. They decided to start an online mattress company that would provide reasonably priced, high-quality mattresses to consumers who knew what they were looking for. Over seven years later, they are still in business and providing great mattresses at a competitive price.
How Thick Is A Zinus Green Tea Mattress
The Zinus Green Tea memory foam mattress is the company’s best-selling mattress and comes in four thicknesses: 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches. This medium firm mattress is composed of three layers of foam to relieve pressure and is suitable for all types of sleep. Zinus Green Tea Mattress Specifications Depth: 10″.
Don’t Miss: Purple Mattress Payment Plan
What Level Of Firmness Do I Need
As a rule of thumb, heavier people should avoid mattresses that are too soft as they wont provide sufficient support, while lighter people should steer away from very firm mattresses . Medium support suits most people best and you could consider a topper if you find it needs slightly softening or firming up.
Should You Buy A Mattress
There are some advantages to buying your mattress-in-a-box online. As well as being a cheaper, and much more convenient, almost all brands let you assess the mattress after purchasing. If you don’t like it you can return it for a refund making the purchase more or less risk free, and there’s no pressure to buy.
Stores, meanwhile, involve a lot more pressure. Sales people hover, you’re unlikely to get more than five minutes on the bed before they come back to bother you. You can’t change your mind once it’s used, there’s generally no trial period and our test results found that sales practices are often on the shady side .
That said, you can only try before you buy in-store. Sure, mattress-in-a-box brands have a trial period but sending it back can be a big hassle. Also, stores offer a much larger range from multiple brands under one roof which makes direct comparison much easier,and they typically stock multiple materials and builds such as spring, memory foam and latex. You have a clearly defined point of return if something is faulty and, most importantly, you can haggle.
Online-only mattress-in-a-box brands require a lot of consumer faith. You have to hope the product lives up to its claims and there’s no way to try it without laying down your hard earned cash. Plus, most mattress-in-a-box models are made of foam, with very few spring or hybrid options around. If foam isn’t your thing, then you’re options are very limited.
Also Check: How To Return My Pillow Mattress Topper
Puffy Royal Hybrid Mattress
The Puffy Royal Hybrid is Puffys take on a luxury memory foam hybrid mattress. Its medium-soft firmness level and conforming top layers make it ideal for side sleepers who like a neutral all-foam feel.
The Puffy Royal Hybrid mattress is an affordable, luxury hybrid mattress. Side sleepers with extra-sensitive pressure points will enjoy the memory foam used in this mattress is infused with gel that keeps you cool and also offers pressure relief. The Puffy Royal Hybrid works well for sleepers who tend to switch positions throughout the night, and it also works well for committed back and side sleepers who love the feel of a thick, luxurious mattress. Its a bed-in-the-box mattress thats easy to set up, and the company offers free shipping, a 101-night sleep trial period, and a Lifetime warranty on the product.
Read our full Puffy Royal Hybrid mattress review for more details!
Can Too Soft Of A Bed Hurt Your Back
If youre waking up with back pain, it might be because of a too-soft mattress. When you lie down on an overly soft mattress, your spine may sink too deep, creating an unhealthy arch.
If your mattress feels too soft, you can try firming it up with a mattress topper. You might also try switching to side sleeping side sleepers are most comfortable on a medium, medium-soft, or soft mattress.
Also Check: Vacuflat Mattress Bag (king Size)
Select Your Mattress Firmness Level
Once youve determined the best mattress type, youll need to hone in on the best firmness rating for you. Mattress firmness corresponds to a 1 to 10 scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmnest. Most mattresses available today range from Soft to Extra Firm . Typically, people use a combination of their body weight and sleep position to figure this out.
Body Weight and Mattress Firmness
Sleepers of average weight usually find a Medium or Medium Firm mattress to be most comfortable, depending on their sleep position. Those who are side sleepers will want something on the softer end of that range, while stomach sleepers will require something firmer .
Heavier individuals may need a firmer mattress to enjoy adequate support and avoid sagging, while lightweight individuals may prefer softer mattresses that provide more cushion.
Sleep Position and Mattress Firmness
Of the three sleep positions, side sleepers require more give from their mattress. For this reason, side sleepers often find softer mattresses to be more comfortable. This firmness range allows the wider parts of their body, such as the hips and shoulders, to sink deeper into the mattress surface so their spine can stay straight.
Stomach sleepers lie on the other end of the spectrum. They need a firmer mattress, so their stomach and pelvic areas dont sink too deeply into the mattress, thereby pulling their lower spine out of alignment.
Things To Know About Soft Mattress Pads
A softer pad may be better suited for people who sleep on their sides. Plusher materials can help to wash away pressure in the hips and shoulders.
Soft pads are also a good option for lighter individuals who want to be able to sink just a bit into their mattress. Heavier folks can enjoy a soft top if they want to relive some strain that their firmer bed is causing.
Back sleepers who experience back pain should benefit from a soft option as they are designed to help distribute the sleeper’s weight and ease their weight into the firmer layers of their bed.
A soft top is an all around good option for people who just prefer a more plush feeling on their sleeping surface.
Soft toppers are often used for people recovering from injury and people who are often sore from working out, playing sports, or living an otherwise healthy and active lifestyle.
Recommended Reading: My Pillow Matress Topper
Logan & Cove Luxury Hybrid Pillow
Between the ultra-soft silk blend pillow top and the cooling gel foam layer, you will feel like royalty as you lay down on this precision-crafted mattress from Logan & Cove. It is a hybrid mattress that is just loaded with so many great features it is hard to know where to start.
So, lets start at the top! The top layer of this mattress is woven from a silk blend and stuffed with plush pillow filling. The next layer down is a supportive yet soft gel foam that contours to your body while also pulling away heat to keep your temperature regulated.
Next up is a layer of high-density foam that supports the spine and allow for motion isolation. Below that is another layer of cooling gel foam followed by another layer of high-density foam. This alternating pattern is unique and allows for so much more flexibility without losing an ounce of support.
At its foundation, this mattress has pocketed coils, providing a responsive bed that lets you move without making you sink into it. It is one of the most unique and cozy designs out there!
How To Shop For A Mattress
Buying a mattress no longer requires heading to a showroom and having a salesperson lurk over you as you lay on a mattress for 10 minutes to decide if it will suit you for the next decade. In fact, we put together a handy guide of what to expect if you’re shopping for a mattress online at nine popular brands.
To help you shop for a mattress, we spoke with Dr. Luis Javier Peña-Hernández, a lung and sleep health specialist at PCSI.
Recommended Reading: Purple Mattress In A Bag
What’s The Best Mattress For Back Pain
For years, the common wisdom was that a firm mattress is best for back pain. However, a 2008 study published in Applied Ergonomics found that firmness had no effect on back pain and stiffness.
Instead, it’s important that you invest in a supportive mattress that’s right for your body type and sleeping style. You want your spine to stay aligned while sleeping. This generally means a firmer mattress for heavier people or those who sleep on their back or stomach. A mattress with average firmness or softer is better for back pain sufferers who sleep on their side, are petite, or are older.
I also recommend looking for a mattress with zoned support. These offer more pressure relief around the hips, lower back, and shoulders.
Lastly, take full advantage of the home trials offered by all of the companies in our guide. After all, the only way to know if a mattress is right for your back is to sleep on it.
Our Review Of The Sleep Number 360 I8 Smart Bed
Pros: 20 firmness options make it ideal for all sleeping styles, good edge support, white glove delivery included with purchase, built-in sleep tracker, automatic air adjustments based on sleeping position
Cons: Hard to move, terrible motion isolation, may not be ideal for hot sleepers
Your mattress should last you for at least 10 years. In that time, a lot can happen to change your firmness preferences. For example, when I lost significant weight, I developed a preference for softer mattresses. Also, if you share a bed with someone, the odds are pretty small that you’ll find the same firmness comfortable. These scenarios demonstrate why an airbed with adjustable firmness is a good investment.
The Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed is the best adjustable airbed I’ve tested. Two features set it apart. First, it has an automatic function that, when engaged, will adjust the firmness of the mattress as you shift positions in the night. Second, the mattress tracks your sleeping and offers custom recommendations in the app .
While I found the adjustable air feature was a game-changer and significantly improved my sleep, the sleep tracking was nowhere near as accurate as my Garmin Forerunner 945 watch. However, even during the month I tested the mattress, Sleep Number made improvements to the app, and a representative for the company said a team is constantly making tweaks to make it more useful.
| Only in NYC and unavailable during the pandemic |
Recommended Reading: How Long Before I Can Sleep On My Dreamcloud Mattress
