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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One Month With My Contour Pillow: A Review

A little over a month ago I ordered myself a Contour Cloud Pillow. And I love it. Like 100% obsessed – more than I thought was possible to love a pillow – obsessed.

I’d known about them for quite some time. But for whatever reason, hadn’t taken the leap into head-supported sleeping. (I’ve been sitting on a Kabooti for over a year – and have yet to be disappointed in even the slightest, so really, there’s zero excuses for my procrastination.) 

Once it arrived, however, I was almost instantly hooked. (Almost just because it came at 10 am, which is well before my normal bedtime.) That night, I used it in lieu of my flatter, regular pillow, and noticed immediate results. My neck was comfortable and cushioned. My lower back earned a sense of weightlessness and relief that I didn’t even know it needed. As for the rest of my back, it felt like I’d come fresh off a chiropractor appointment – free of stress and perfectly aligned. All from about 30 seconds with my new pillow.

If my bed hadn’t been comfortable before, with the Contour pillow it received the largest of upgrades – turning it into a cozy and cushioned fortress that pretty much makes it impossible to stay awake.

Testing Out the Sleeping Rounds

Resting on my back wasn’t the only place that was comfortable; I’m a side sleeper. Once I’d rolled and gotten into my normal position, I couldn’t move. It was that comfortable. Infinitely more comfortable than with my previous pillow. The smoke detector could have been blaring and I’d have been waving it off, wishing for “just a few more minutes.” 

Now, just over a month later, the pillow’s my go-to model. Every night. I have other pillows on the bed, but they’ve all been demoted to reading and/or TV watching supports only. Because with the Contour pillow, not only do I know I’m going to be cozy, any back pains are taken care of before they even have the chance to form. It’s seriously comfortable, helps me gently drift into sleep, and relaxes my spine and neck with zero effort on my part. 

It’s a dream of a pillow, really. I think I’ll keep it. 

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Improve Mattress Quality on a Budget

We know it’s important to sleep on a quality mattress. Failing to do so can cause all types of back issues, especially pains. However, when sleeping on a quality mattress, one that cradles and supports, we can work to improve muscle and bone alignment. Just from sleeping. 

But what creates a “quality” mattress? Sure, you could go out and purchase a new one, but beds are expense and difficult to get into place. In fact, unless yours is more than 10 years old, you can stick with your current model. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be improved. Rather than purchasing an entire new mattress, consider a pad or foam topper. These models not only create an added layer of comfort, they can increase the lifespan of your bed. Or, if you’re ready for a softer or firmer feel, change out your bed accessories for an instant way to adjust the mattress’s surface. 

Other add-ons come in the form of specialty pillows, whether for the head and neck, legs, or back. Many wedge options (such as those offered by Contour Living) even come with versatile needs so users can move or rearrange as needed. A simple way to reduce pains without requiring multiple or expensive pillows. 

Finally, once you’ve explored all your pillow and cushion options, it’s time to consider additional esthetics. Such as sheets. Sleeping on quality materials can add an even more relaxing feel to the comfiest of beds. They’ll fit your bed better, holding mattress accessories properly in place, while adding a silky, warm, cozy, or whatever type of feel you prefer. In contrast, cheaply made sheets can make you itch throughout the night. 

Nighttime rest can be greatly affected by a few factors. Look to pillows, sheets, and more when improving your sleep quality in an effective, yet budget-friendly manner. 

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