Do You Need Better Pressure Relief From Your Mattress?
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Ever wake up with that familiar pins-and-needles feeling in your shoulder? Or maybe it’s an achy hip that has you tossing and turning all night, searching for that elusive comfortable position. If you’re nodding along, your mattress is not doing its job when it comes to pressure relief.
Pressure relief isn’t just some fancy mattress marketing term. It’s actually the foundation of getting the restorative sleep your body craves and deserves. When you understand how pressure points work and what causes them, choosing the right mattress becomes so much clearer.
Let’s dive into why pressure relief is so important when it comes to getting the restorative sleep you deserve.
Understanding pressure points on your body
Think about the shape your body makes when you’re lying down. Pressure points are the areas where your body naturally sticks out, and makes the most contact with your mattress surface. The common pressure points most people experience include:
- Shoulders: Especially problematic for side sleepers
- Hips: Bears significant weight, regardless of sleep position
- Lower back: Vulnerable when your spine isn’t properly aligned
- Head and neck: Critical for preventing morning headaches
When these pressure points don’t get adequate support, blood flow can become restricted. Your body responds by sending signals to your brain, telling it to move to a more comfortable position. If you’re experiencing these pressure points, you might find yourself constantly shifting around throughout the night (and never quite getting to that good-sleep sweet-spot).
What do pressure points do to your sleep quality?
Pressure points can turn what should be peaceful rest into a nightly struggle. When pressure builds up in these sensitive areas, several things happen:
- First, the pressure compromises your blood circulation. Think of it like sitting on your foot for too long – that uncomfortable tingling sensation is your body’s alarm system. Now imagine that happening while you’re trying to sleep.
- Second, your muscles can’t fully relax. Instead of releasing the day’s tension, they remain partially contracted to protect those pressure-sensitive areas. This means you wake up feeling just as tense as when you went to bed.
- Finally, and perhaps most importantly, pressure points interrupt your sleep cycles. Every time you unconsciously move to relieve pressure, you’re pulling yourself out of deeper sleep stages. It’s a subtle shift – you might not fully wake up, but you’re definitely not getting quality rest.
The science behind pressure relieving mattresses
Types of pressure relieving mattresses
Not all pressure reducing mattresses are created equal. Understanding the different types can help you make an informed decision:
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam responds to heat and pressure, creating a personalized contour that supports every curve of your body. It also returns to its original shape when you move, so your body gets consistent support throughout the night.
Hybrid Mattresses
Combining the pressure-relieving benefits of foam with the responsive support of innersprings, hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds. They’re particularly great if you want pressure relief but don’t love the “hugging” sensation of pure memory foam.
Mattresses with Zoned Support
These innovative designs feature different support levels in different areas of the mattress: stronger support where you need it (like your lower back) and softer cushioning for pressure points (like shoulders and hips). Zone support is available for both memory foam and hybrid mattresses.
Get the firmness right for your sleep position
When it comes to pressure relief, your sleep position is everything. What feels perfect for a side sleeper could create new pressure points for a stomach sleeper—and vice versa.
Here’s what to look for based on how you actually sleep:
Side sleepers: medium-soft to medium (4-6/10) with strategic contouring If you’re a side sleeper, you’re dealing with the most challenging pressure point situation. Your shoulders and hips are bearing concentrated weight all night long, and research shows this can create pressure levels exceeding 32 mmHg—enough to seriously restrict blood flow.
You need a mattress that lets your shoulders and hips sink in just enough to keep your spine aligned, while still providing gentle, even support. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses with substantial comfort layers (we’re talking at least 3-4 inches of pressure-relieving material) work particularly well here.
Back sleepers: medium to medium-firm (5-7/10) with balanced contouring Back sleepers need that sweet spot between contouring comfort and structural support. You want enough give to support your spine’s natural curves—especially that lower back curve—without so much sinking that you end up with back pain.
Stomach sleepers: medium-firm to firm (6-8/10) with responsive support Stomach sleeping can be tricky because this position naturally wants to create pressure points in your lower back, chest, and neck. The key is finding a mattress that provides enough support to keep your hips aligned with your shoulders while still offering some pressure point relief.
Look for responsive materials that won’t let your midsection sink too deeply—which can strain your lower back and create entirely new pressure points.
Combination sleepers: medium (5-6/10) with responsive materials If you’re constantly switching positions, you need a mattress that works across all sleep styles. This means finding that careful balance between contouring comfort and responsive support that makes position changes easy.
| Sleep Position | Firmness Level (scale of 1–10) | Primary Pressure Points | Key Mattress Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | Medium-soft to Medium (4–6) | Shoulders, hips, knees | Deep contouring, 3–4+ inches comfort layers, excellent motion isolation |
| Back Sleeper | Medium to Medium-firm (5–7) | Lower back, shoulders, tailbone | Balanced contouring, spinal alignment |
| Stomach Sleeper | Medium-firm to Firm (6–8) | Lower back, chest, neck | Responsive support, minimal sinking, proper hip alignment |
| Combination Sleeper | Medium (5–6) | Variable based on position | Easy movement, consistent support, responsive materials |
Creating your personal pressure point map
Understanding your own pressure point map can be incredibly helpful when shopping for a new mattress. Here’s a simple way to identify your problem areas:
Pay attention to where you feel discomfort when you first lie down on your current mattress. Those initial points of tension are likely your primary pressure points. If you feel numbness or tingling after lying in one position for a while, you know those are areas where circulation is being restricted.
Keep a sleep journal for a week, noting any aches or pains when you wake up. As patterns emerge, you’ll see exactly where your current mattress is falling short.
Once you’ve identified your trouble spots, mattress shopping becomes so much more focused. You’re not just lying on random mattresses, hoping something feels comfortable — you know exactly what problems you’re trying to solve
The role of mattress firmness in pressure relief
Here’s a common misconception: soft mattresses automatically mean better pressure relief. While it’s true that a mattress soft enough to contour to your body is important, going too soft can actually create a whole new set of problems.
The ideal mattress for pressure relief strikes a balance between conforming comfort and supportive structure. This is why many of the best mattresses for pressure relief use multiple layers with varying densities.
For side sleepers especially, it’s crucial to find a softer mattress that still provides adequate support. You want enough give to cushion your shoulders and hips, without sacrificing proper spinal alignment.
Pressure relief beyond your mattress
While choosing the right mattress is crucial, there are other ways to improve your pressure relief throughout the night:
Use the right pillow: Your pillow should fill the gap between your head and shoulders, helping to keep a neutral spine alignment. The wrong pillow can create pressure points in your neck and shoulders, and eventually lead to headaches and neck pain.
Consider your sleep position: Sometimes, you just need to adjust how you sleep. If you’re a side sleeper, try placing a pillow between your knees to align your hips and reduce lower back pressure.
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule: Regular sleep patterns help your body relax more fully, reducing muscle tension that can exacerbate pressure point discomfort.
Stay hydrated: Proper hydration keeps your muscles and joints functioning optimally, and reduces sensitivity in those pressure points.
Investing in a quality pressure relieving mattress isn’t just about comfort – it’s about your overall health and well-being. When you consistently get restorative sleep without pressure point disruption, everything improves: your mood, your energy levels, your focus, even your immune system.
Our Nectar mattresses were designed with pressure relief as a primary focus. Multiple layers of premium memory foam work together to cradle your body’s curves, while denser foam provides the support needed for proper alignment. They’re engineered to respond to your body weight and temperature, creating that perfect balance of softness and support that defines excellent pressure relief.
Need help choosing the right mattress? Our Mattress Quiz is a great place to start. Answer a few quick questions about how you sleep, what you’re looking for, and any specific concerns, and we’ll point you toward the best options.
Prefer to talk with someone who really knows mattresses? Our sleep experts love helping people find their perfect match. Chat with us online, email us, or give us a call at +1 (888) 863-2827.
Remember: living with pressure point pain doesn’t have to be your normal. With the right pressure relieving mattress, your restless nights can easily become restorative. The right mattress for you is one that addresses your specific pressure points while supporting your preferred sleep position.
Frequently Asked Questions About Edge Support
Which types of mattresses are best for pressure relief?
Both memory foam and hybrid mattresses can provide excellent pressure relief, but they work differently. Memory foam creates personalized contouring that supports every curve of your body and returns to its original shape when you move. Hybrid mattresses combine the pressure-relieving benefits of foam with responsive innerspring support, making them ideal if you want pressure relief but don’t love the “hugging” sensation of pure memory foam.
What firmness level is best for pressure relief based on sleep position?
Firmness needs vary by sleep position: Side sleepers need medium-soft to medium (4-6/10) with strategic contouring for shoulders and hips. Back sleepers need medium to medium-firm (5-7/10) with balanced contouring for spinal alignment. Stomach sleepers need medium-firm to firm (6-8/10) with responsive support to prevent midsection sinking. Combination sleepers need medium (5-6/10) with responsive materials for easy position changes.
How do I know if my mattress is causing pressure point problems?
Signs you need better pressure relief include waking up with pins-and-needles feelings, achy hips or shoulders, constantly shifting positions during the night, feeling numbness or tingling after lying in one position, and waking up with aches and pains. Pay attention to discomfort when you first lie down and keep a sleep journal noting any pain patterns when you wake up.
What mattresses offer the best pressure relief for side sleepers?
Side sleepers need mattresses with medium-soft to medium firmness (4-6/10) and deep contouring capabilities. Side sleepers face the most challenging pressure point situation since shoulders and hips bear concentrated weight all night, with research showing pressure levels can exceed 32 mmHg. Look for memory foam or hybrid mattresses with substantial comfort layers (3-4+ inches of pressure-relieving material) that allow shoulders and hips to sink in while maintaining spinal alignment.
Do softer mattresses automatically provide better pressure relief?
No, softer mattresses don’t automatically mean better pressure relief. While a mattress needs to be soft enough to contour to your body, going too soft can create new problems. The ideal pressure relief mattress strikes a balance between conforming comfort and supportive structure. This is why the best pressure relief mattresses use multiple layers with varying densities to provide both cushioning and proper spinal alignment.
What should heavier sleepers look for in a pressure relief mattress?
Look for thicker comfort layers that won’t compress too quickly under your weight, paired with high-density support cores that maintain their structure over time. You want construction specifically designed to keep your spine properly aligned even with the additional weight distribution.
Hybrid mattresses often work really well for heavier sleepers because they give you that sweet spot—the pressure-relieving foam layers you need for comfort, plus the robust coil support system that won’t sag or lose its integrity. Think of it as getting both the cushioning and the structural backbone your body needs for quality sleep.
