What's "Better"? A Hard or Soft Mattress?

There's an age-old question among sleepers – whether to buy a hard mattress or a soft one. Either side hosts strong allegiances, and will claim that their version is better for the back, more comfortable, and a clear choice all should make. They also claim that their version is better for the muscles, as well as for posture in general. But which type of mattress is actually better? And what type of surface should you be sleeping on? 

The answer might actually be somewhere in-between. In a recent report of mattress softness ratios, where 1 is extremely firm and 10 is as soft as it gets, results showed the least amount of back pain came with mattresses measuring at 5.6.

Additional research shows that when a mattress is too firm, it puts unnecessary pressure on joints and bones, especially those that are more likely to sit unevenly, like the hips and shoulders (when sleeping on the side). Additionally, when sleeping on the back, a surface that's too firm won't let the body "settle" and properly displace weight. 

Meanwhile, a mattress that is too soft won't offer up support at all. It will let the rear and lower back sink, rather than holding them upright. Though these mattresses might feel comfortable at first, as a long-term solution they can actually cause more harm than good. This is also true of mattresses that are too worn, even if they are firm (or were initially). 

When mattress shopping, consider a version that's in-between normal soft and firm standards. This in-between version can provide plenty of ongoing support, while offering back posture right where it's needed. Additional pain prevention can be found with toppers or support pillows that are specially designed for body posture. 

Start browsing available options on ContourLiving.com today.

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Wedges and Elevations for Different Conditions: Mid-Level Inclines

Last week we talked about the wedge and how sleeping or just resting on an incline can better your health. Today we take that same concept a step further and focus our attention on mid-level wedges. Slightly taller or steeper than their shorter friends, there's plenty that the mid-level wedge can do. Just like its lower counterpart, it offers pain relief, circulation increases, and all-around comfort.

But just who should use it? And what conditions are best to take on with a mid-level wedge? 

According to medical research and scientific designs, it's best for reaching the middle of the back. Pains, misalignments, as well as ongoing injuries can all be reached with this size of wedge. Its efforts then trickle down into the lower back, hips, and knees, as well as up into the shoulders and neck. Mid-height wedges are also great for surgery recovery, allowing you to elevate the chest, or to prop legs and increase circulation. Just like in the hospital, but in the comfort of your own home. 

Or, if you suffer from heartburn or GERD, mid-sized wedges can help more severe cases. Because there's more height, the wedge lets gravity do the work, keeping stomach acid suppressed by forcing a steeper climb. 

Many of our mid-height wedges come as part of an adjustable set, allowing the user to choose just how propped they'd like to be. This can be an ideal way to switch between sleeping and watching TV, as well as a supportive position for the couch. With versatility and healing all in one, you can gain multiple perks with a single incredible product.

Of course, you can always talk with your doctor about treatment options regarding your wedge pillow. Experiment to see what positions provide the best relief, and gain their medical advice to find the best outcome possible. 

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How Can a Knee Pillow Help With Back Pain?

Neck pillows support the neck. Head pillows are made to support your head while resting. And so on. It's a logic that makes sense. It would also make us think that knee pillows are made for knee health. And while that's true, there's also far more to it than that. Knee pillows aren't just for the knees. They can also help support the entire back.

By adjusting your alignment and encouraging blood to flow more efficiently, knee pillows can help put body weight where it needs to be. That means reducing pressure on the back, and therefore alleviating pain. Essentially, it helps put the legs where they need to be. Which can then reduce weight and pressure or pain that's cause by misaligned lower limbs.

More often than not, back pain is caused by something in particular. Maybe it's a pinched nerve. Or the neck turned wrong so it's causing uneven weight displacement. Slouching or causing uneven bones – even when you are standing or sitting still. By correcting this problem, you are able to in turn reduce or eliminate back pain.

If your back hurts when sitting, consider adjusting your position. This can be a minor change, or enlisting the help of a pillow that will properly align and support the body. Therefore reducing pains. The longer this practice is continued (or more often) the greater amount of relief that can be found. 

Knee pillows can do wonders for your back pain, especially when used to doctor specification, and on a regular basis. Start searching to find your ideal knee pillow today. 

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Could you be at Risk for Sciatica? And Other Things Your Backside is Telling You

More often than not, our body is smarter than we realize. Rather than acting up for no reason, its pains and aches, even muscle movements, are trying to tell us something. Early warning signs that something is not as it should be. At yet we ignore them time and time again. 

Rather than assuming you slept wrong, or have a wonky pain that’s a one-time thing, consider listening to your body the next time it lets you know something isn’t quite right. 

One of the most telling areas is actually located in the rear – yes really! As it hosts weight (while sitting) or helps even it out and stay upright (while standing), its pains are associated with muscles or other nearby areas of the body. Regular or intense pains can be a cause for concern and should be checked out by a doctor. They can indicate sciatica, a pinched nerve, bad bed or chair support, poor circulation, improper alignment, and more.

Which is why it’s so important to listen to your rear. Pain simply means it’s trying to communicate, and it’s your job to help figure out what that is. That also means symptoms can be caught early on, eliminating the chance at developing more problematic. 

If you’re unsure as to whether your main might be a fluke, it’s a good idea to start keeping track. Keep a notebook or electronic list of dates and times that pains occur. List intensities, as well as how long they last. If a pattern begins to develop, or you have pains more often than you realized, it’s likely time to schedule an appointment. 

Professional insight can also allow you to get a better handle on back or rear communication. Consider scheduling an appointment once you have a better handle on symptoms and schedule.

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What Customers are Saying About the BackMax Wedge

Convertible comfort has always been the goal of the BackMax Plus. With the ability to turn and rearrange into eight different positions, it’s a pillow that adapts to user needs as they’re happening. Use the cushion to elevate knees or legs after surgery, allow it to take the weight off your lower back, or simply use it as a comfortable place to lounge – whether on the floor or the bed. With its versatility and smart design, the BackMax has been helping patients since its release.

Over the years, we’ve upgraded the cushion to better meet user needs – based on comments and requests. We created a wider version in the extra-wide deluxe set, we include a free fleece cover for ample comfort and cleanliness, and we even offer free shipping to help get your BackMax to your door faster.

But we aren’t the only one singing this product’s praises. Our customers, too, have shared their love for the BackMax Wedge.

They write:

“Wonderful product! Very easy to elevate legs -- easy to use like the pictures.” Jeffrey, 5-21-13

“I didn't know what to do about my back problem; I had not been sleeping in my bed for over five years. The neck pain often became excruciating. It finally dawned on me to search the Internet and I found Contour Living’s BackMax. Best thing I could have done. I had to return it only to EXCHANGE for BackMax Plus. Firm and comfortable. Thank you Contour Living!” Joyce G., 2-3-14

“Excellent product helps my aching back!” Robert, 5-21-13

“I have spent the last three years of my life in pain. I’ve seen both physiotherapists and osteotherapists, and still had continued to live with the pain, that was until I found the Contour BackMax. After four nights, I am now waking up without any pain. This has been a complete lifesaver, Thank you Contour!” from “Satisfied Customer,” 1-28-14

“I now own two sets because I NEVER want to be without it. One set is just for back up. So happy I found these -- I have back issues and fibromyalgia. The [BackMax] gives a very firm support, which I need. If I heard this company was going out of business, I would probably buy ten sets. That's how much I like them.” Mick, 8-6-13

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