Latest news with #comfort
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Saatva Contour5 Review: Enjoy The Perks Of Supportive Memory Foam
Saatva is generally known for its top-rated innerspring mattress the Saatva Classic, but now it's introduced the Saatva Contour5 to its lineup. It's a cooling memory foam mattress layered with advanced features to make it ultra comfortable, supportive and contouring. We had a group of nine testers try the brand's newest bed, including our senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman, and observe important features like firmness, pressure relief, ease of movement, motion isolation and more. In our Saatva Contour5 Mattress review below, see our perspective from a range of different body types, sleeping positions and pain points and whether or not we think it's worth the cost. We had nine different people share their thoughts on the newest memory foam bed from Saatva for our ... More Saatva Contour5 review. Memory foam is known for its molding, morphing feel that contours to the curves of your body. Note that common downsides can include inhibited movement and heat retention. The Saatva Contour5 works to solve these issues and deliver nestling comfort that keeps you comfortable through the whole night. For more insight into the brand's other options, we also have a flagship Saatva Classic review. Saatva Type: Memory foam | Brand firmness rating: Medium (5 to 7) or firm (8) | Trial period: 365 nights | Shipping: Free whit- glove delivery | Warranty: Lifetime Best for: Skip if: Since our testers have become so familiar with the Saatva Classic, the Saatva Contour5 is a surprising 180 to the bouncy innerspring bed. Updates writer Alex Garrett says her first reaction was, 'Wow, I really sink into this,' as her knee dipped around three inches as she climbed into the bed. 'It feels dense, yet cushioned at first touch with what seems like a pretty traditional memory foam feel. It's nothing like the Saatva Classic that I tested initially.' As for Chapman's first impressions, she said it's comparable to well-known, high-end memory foam mattresses. 'It has a very classic memory foam feel where the foams slowly contour to your joints and provide nice relief. The foam is dense, pressure relieving and supportive. It feels like the foams are high-quality and similar to a Tempur-Pedic.' With multiple firmness options, a cooling cover and advanced design, our testers discovered that the bed has a lot to offer in terms of pressure relief, cooling comfort, motion isolation and more. Standing at 12.5 inches tall, the Saatva Contour5 Mattress is stacked with foam layers that each serve a different purpose. A look at the memory foam Saatva Contour5. This mattress offers two firmness levels: medium (rated a 5 to 7 by the brand) and firm (rated an 8 by the brand). Our team of nine testers tried the medium model and most agreed with its rating, but some said it leaned more toward 6 than 5. This firmness profile seems to be a sweet spot that accommodates different sleeping positions, as our team rated it an 8 for side and stomach sleepers, and an 8.5 for back sleepers. 'Side sleeping is wonderful on the Saatva Contour5, as a lightweight sleeper,' says Garrett. "The mattress hugs my hips and shoulders, providing a solid pressure-relieving sensation. My spine also feels supported and aligned.' As for back sleeping, a tester in the 250-pound weight class says, 'This mattress provides an excellent feel with the right amount of sinkage and support for my back.' However, we think the firm model is going to be better for dedicated stomach sleepers, especially those who weigh over 250 pounds. One of the brand's best stand-out features is its patented Lumbar Zone PCM Matrix layer. It's strategically placed in the center third of the mattress right under the lumbar region of your spine to provide lift and support, whereas other memory foam beds may sink under the pressure. At the same time, this layer provides a cooling feel that regulates temperature and makes the mattress noticeably cool. 'The mattress is the coolest of the ones I tested. It definitely feels like it has some sort of cooling technology within it,' says one tester who was unfamiliar with its exact construction. If you're a hot sleeper but love the feel of memory foam, the Saatva Contour5 is a good sleep solution. Memory foam is known for its pressure-relieving feel, and this mattress delivers with doughy, slow-moving foam that morphs under the weight of your body. Our testers rated the medium model's pressure relief an 8 out of 10, as the foams contour around your shoulders and hips. It provides a comfortable alignment for side and back sleepers, but for a little more support and less give, opt for the firm model. As we mentioned previously, the Saatva Contour5 Mattress contains technology that helps it sleep more comfortably than your average all-memory foam mattress. Several of our testers noted its cool-to-the-touch feel, while others mentioned that it feels more temperature neutral. Either way, we think it's a good choice for most sleepers, unless you sleep particularly hot. Then you should consider one of our best cooling mattresses that contain multiple cooling layers. Couples who are easily disturbed by each other's movements or have different sleep schedules should consider a mattress like the Saatva Contour5 that's good at stopping motion transfer. We put this memory foam bed to the test by having our testers place a glass of water at the edge of the mattress and make a combination of jerky and subtle movements to see how it reacted, and our testers gave it an 8 out of 10 score. 'The motion isolation was very good,' says one tester. 'The water showed no signs of getting close to spilling. If you need a smaller mattress and have a significant other, this is the mattress for you.' Another echoes this thought, and says, 'The Saavta Contour5 has excellent motion isolation. When I changed positions and got in and out of bed, the water in the glass barely moved.' For a mattress that's made without steel coils, our testers found the mattress to be pretty supportive while lying on their side, back and stomach. It also offers decent edge support for a foam mattress, as our team rated it an average of 7.5 out of 10. However, according to Saatva, it can only support up to 300 pounds per side. As a result, we recommend this mattress to people under 250 pounds so it stays durable, supportive and comfortable throughout its entire lifespan. People who weigh over 250 pounds should consider the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid or one of our editors' favorite mattresses for heavy people. The Saatva Contour5 has surprisingly good edge support for an all-foam mattress. Some memory foam mattresses can feel like they're pushing back against your body when you try to switch from one position to the other, or like you have to pull yourself out of a you-shaped indent. However, our testers scored ease of movement an 8 out of 10. One person says, 'It's easy to switch from one position to another. I don't feel any resistance or like I'm 'stuck'.' Another tester concurs, and says, 'I have no issues switching positions on this mattress.' Saatva is an online mattress brand that offers high-end, quality mattresses made in the USA at an affordable price. Saatva Mattresses are comparable to the likes of beds from veteran brands like Tempur-Pedic and Beautyrest. The Saatva experience is more premium and luxurious, and it shows in the products and services it provides. Saatva offers white-glove delivery on all mattresses, while most other online-exclusive brands sell mattresses from a box. That means you can schedule a time for representatives to hand-deliver your mattress and set it on your frame for you. They also remove your old mattress and responsibly dispose of it–for free. Saatva is generous when it comes to its trial policy, as you get a full year to try out your Saatva Contour5 Mattress. If you're unhappy with your purchase by the end of your trial, you can initiate a return with Saatva who walks you through the process. The only caveat is that you have to pay a $99 return and restock fee. The mattress comes with a lifetime warranty, which means the company covers any manufacturing defects for as long as you own it. For the first two years, Saatva replaces your mattress with a new one for free if there are defects. Starting in year three, the brand completely repairs and re-covers the mattress for a $149 fee. Saatva The brand's original mattress comes with two innerspring layers and enhanced lumbar support technology, which makes it one of the best mattresses for back pain. It's offered in three different firmness levels and two heights, so sleepers can customize their Saatva Classic to their liking. Saatva The Saatva Rx Mattress is specifically marketed for sleepers with chronic back and joint conditions. If we were in the market again, I'd consider this new model because the company says it's designed to eliminate pressure points. This mattress is a new competitor for other high-end memory foam beds on the market, and it appeals to a myriad of different people. Our nine different testers vary in weight, gender and sleeping position, and they all came to agree that the Saatva Contour5 is a premium memory foam mattress with comfortable features. 'The Saavta Contour5 would be a solid mattress choice for any sleeping position. It's also beneficial for people with back and joint pain concerns, as well as couples,' says Garrett. Another person adds, 'This is definitely one of the better, sturdier memory foam beds that I've tried, and it certainly feels high-quality. I would put this one in the running for my own future purchases.' With added cooling enhancements, lumbar support, pressure-relieving layers and a hugging memory foam feel that people know and love, we recommend this bed for: back, side and stomach sleepers; people under 250 pounds; cosleepers and people looking for a more responsive Tempur-Pedic dupe. Chapman, our senior mattress and sleep editor, led a team of nine people who differed in height, weight, sleeping position and gender to test the Saatva Contour5 from multiple perspectives. We paid close attention to certain features that are most important to sleepers including the following: For more insight on how we test each bed and its different features, see our guide on how we score mattresses. Is The Saatva Contour5 Any Good? We had nine different people try the Saatva Contour5, and they rated it a 9 out of 10 because of its pressure-relieving memory foam comfort, supportive feel and cooling technology. It's more responsive than your typical memory foam mattress and is made with eco-friendly touches. What's The Difference Between The Saatva Classic And Contour5? The Saatva Classic is a bouncy innerspring mattress that contains two layers of coils and a small amount of memory foam for lumbar support. The Contour5 is the brand's memory foam mattress and it offers a slow-moving, contouring feel that's opposite from the Saatva Classic. Are Saatva Mattresses Made In China? No, Saatva mattresses are made to order in the United States.
WIRED
2 days ago
- Health
- WIRED
The Best Sweatpants for Comfort and Style
When I hop into sweatpants, I want to feel like I'm on cloud nine, and both of these sweatpants from Canada-based Roots deliver exactly that sensation (mind you, the pants are made in Cambodia). The reason for that is the brushed fleece on the inside, which is super soft against the skin. The Roots Athletics Sweatpant (64 percent organic cotton, 36 percent recycled polyester fleece) is the more traditional design, with a classic fit that extends down close to my ankles on my 6'4" frame. But I like the Cloud Straight Leg even more. No skin-tight pants here! These are airy, whimsical, and tremendously soft. Made from 80 percent organic cotton and 20 percent recycled polyester fleece, the pants are smooth but plush. They do get a bit warm for the shoulder seasons and summer, but out of the many sweatpants I've tested, I'm happiest with these. — Julian Chokkattu Available Sizes XS to XXL Available Colors Athletics Sweatpant: 2. Cloud Straight Leg: 3 Fabric Details Athletics Sweatpant: 64% organic cotton, 36% recycled polyester fleece. Cloud Straight Leg: 80% organic cotton, 20% recycled polyester fleece Photograph: Louryn Strampe Photograph: Louryn Strampe If millennials are known for skinny jeans, Gen Z is known for the exact opposite of that. Think big, interesting silhouettes, varying waist heights, and different colors and washes. These trendy Lululemon cargos were a bit out of my early-thirties comfort zone. But they're awesome. They've got a mid-rise fit that shows off just the right amount of tummy if you pair them with a crop top, and they're roomy throughout the hips and thighs. The two-way stretch fabric is water-repellent and slightly ribbed, with a lightweight feel that's perfect for summer (or sweating in a dance studio, presumably.) There are pockets galore, including hand pockets with a hidden card sleeve, back pockets, and cargo pockets. All of these pockets are useful, and my phone has yet to fall out of any of them. The waist has a drawstring, and the hems are cinchable to let you adjust how tight they are—a feature I appreciate as a shortie, since I can cinch them up if I don't want them to drag on the ground. These pants run just a little big, and my only complaint is that the hand pockets tend to stick out a bit. (My younger sisters assure me that they look all right, but it still bugs me just a little.) Ultimately, though, I feel super cool when I wear these pants, both temperature- and style-wise. — Louryn Strampe Available Sizes XXXS to XL Available Colors 7 Fabric Details Waistband: 88% nylon, 12% Lycra elastane. Pocket: 86% recycled polyester, 14% elastane. Body: 94% nylon, 6% elastane
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Travel + Leisure
After Wearing Sloppy Travel Pants for Years, I'm Switching to These 10 Comfy, Flattering Pairs—From $34
As a late-30s millennial who prioritizes comfort over fashion, I refuse to wear uncomfortable clothing when I travel. Never have I set foot on a plane while wearing jeans with an actual button fly, and 99 percent of my favorite travel pants feature wide elastic waistbands. This used to mean slumping around in a baggy sweatsuit as I waited for Boarding Group 8. Now, thanks to the emerging athleisure trend, lots of pants have elastic waistbands—and they're way more stylish than your average sweatpants; my options for comfortable-yet-cute bottoms expanded greatly. After much searching, travel, and wear-testing, I have accumulated an impressive collection of 'grown-up' alternatives to classic sweatpants. My go-to travel pants range from sleek, fitted joggers to wide-legged linen pants, and they're all perfect for a long flight or road trip. Keep scrolling to shop the elevated but still extremely comfy styles that you can always find in my suitcase. I've been on the hunt for wide-legged linen pants for the past year, and Athleta's Retreat Linen High-rise pair was exactly what I was looking for. They sit comfortably on my waist without bunching, and feel tailored and stylish despite the wide design. The two zippered pockets were perfect for stashing my hotel room key on a recent trip, and they pair nicely with chunky-heeled boots thanks to the floor-skimming length. I love the neutral colorways, and they give off an elevated look that puts them a few rungs above sweatpants without losing the comfort of my classic faves. They're light and breezy and don't cling in humidity, and the colors pair well with a range of tops and shoes. They also dried quickly after getting caught in a rainstorm, and any wrinkles shook out quickly after being packed in a suitcase. $108 at I've been hearing nothing but rave reviews about Vuori's incredibly soft DreamKnit material, and it has not disappointed. I'm loving wide-legged looks lately, and these low-slung Halo Essential pants are relaxed without looking sloppy, and pair well with a slightly taller pair of shoes thanks to their 31-inch inseam. If I wear them with flat shoes, I just double the waistband over so they don't drag on the floor. I wore these with a matching Halo Performance Hoodie for comfort during my recent cross-country travel day, but if that breaks your big-pants-little-top rule, you can switch it up with a more form-fitting long-sleeve top. I quite literally said, ' Oh my God, yes, ' when I opened this matching set from Rhone. The material feels luxuriously soft without snagging, and it has a slightly heavier, more premium feel than similar sets. The pants are long, though, so I'd recommend wearing them with a slightly taller shoe, or rolling and cuffing them to avoid dragging on the ground. These manage to be extremely soft without pilling, and have sleek, tailored lines on the trouser legs to maintain a nice shape. The waistband is a wide elastic built into the material, and the side taping is embossed with a subtle logo. These feel high-end and have the best combination of comfort and elevated style out of all the pants I tested. When it comes to joggers, I'm all about Centerline Athletics' retro-cool Courtside joggers, which are perfect for taking a short hike, jog, or hitting the pickleball court. The material is a little stiffer than some others on this list, which is why I'd also like to point in the direction of the Baleaf Woven Joggers, $39. They have the same breathable, sweat-wicking benefits but with more stretch (check out that wide, high-rise waistband). Skida's slightly cropped pants are the closest things to sweatpants I've found with their breezy, lightweight feel. The ruched waistband, flowy silhouette, and gorgeous patterns give them an elevated look when compared to traditional yoga pants, and the pants are great for warm-weather travel where I want to keep my legs covered without sacrificing breathability. Over at Amazon, the Angerella High-waisted Palazzo Pants are winning over shoppers for the same reasons. The high, wide waistband is comfortable for walking around as well as sleeping on a plane. Finally, they pack down to save luggage space—great news for travelers like me who make a valiant attempt to never bring more than a carry-on. $108 at REI $108 at With a similar look to my favorite wide-legged Vuori Halo pants, these Beyond Yoga Stretch Woven Pants fit slim through the hips but have a wide leg that creates a flattering silhouette without losing essential sweatpants comfort. The two oversized hand pockets on the front fit my phone and a small wallet, though they lack a zipper, so I usually carry a small bag if my top doesn't have a zipper pocket. The 31-inch inseam is the same length as the Vuoris, which means they brush the ground in low-profile shoes unless I double the waistband over. Overall, these are airy, breathable pants that pair well with a fitted tank top or crop top, look good in a variety of settings, and have a barely-there comfort for full travel days, or overnight flights, or train rides. The only pants with a button fly to make the cut, the cropped Kuhl Seaboard Pants snuck onto my list thanks to the loose fit and high percentage of elastic. These pants took me by surprise with their stretchy, lightweight feel, and I can sit cross-legged without any tightness or bunching. They have a casual-chic vibe that pairs as well with Blundstones as they do with dressier sandals, and I wear these with both short and long-sleeve tops depending on the weather. Out of all the comfortable travel pants on this list, these are both the least like sweatpants and the most appropriate for a variety of situations. While I wouldn't love sleeping in them, I can wear them on a full-day train ride and then out to a concert in the evening without feeling suffocated or out of place in either situation. I always pack a jumpsuit for its versatility, breathability, and range of styling that can be dressed down for a casual walk and dressed up for a nice evening dinner. Currently, I can't stop reaching for Imbodhi's Mari Jumpsuit, which has light compression through the top that is both flattering and supportive. It's truly a one-and-done travel outfit, and I never complain about putting on one item of clothing and being fully dressed. Similarly, Spanx AirEssentials Sleeveless Jumpsuit (yup, it's from the Oprah-loved AirEssentials collection) comes with a waist-snatching drawstring to create the perfect fit, plus plenty of thoughtful details to accentuate and flatter your shape without sacrificing comfort. The lightweight, fine-knit fabric promotes airflow and ensures you have enough flexibility to smoothly navigate busy airports, town squares, concert venues, and more. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Sony WH-1000XM6 wireless headphones have major design change that I love – but are they worth it?
Design and comfort While the all-new XM6 borrow some of the same minimalist styling as the XM5, Sony's made enough changes here that it feels like an upgrade. The earcups are rounder and more sculpted, ditching that slightly squared-off look that never quite grew on me. They look more polished, with no seam running down the side of the earcups. But beyond the cleaner design, one of the first things you'll notice is that they fold again. After abandoning the hinges on the XM5, Sony's brought them back, and it genuinely makes a world of difference. The headphones now collapse inwards into a much more travel-friendly shape, making them easier to chuck into a bag. The only annoying bit? Despite the smaller footprint, the case is still just as big as the zip-up one that came with the XM5. That said, I genuinely love the design of the new case. You fold the headphones up, pop them in and close the lid. It's instant – it clicks shut with a magnetic flap, so there's no faffing about trying to line up a zip. You still get an internal pocket for cables, and the whole thing feels sturdy and protective. There's also a wider headband. It's still wrapped in that soft vegan leather, but the underside is now flatter and thicker towards the back, so it's easier to tell which way round to wear them without feeling around for the tactile L marker. The tweak is supposed to improve comfort and weight distribution – and maybe it will for some people – but I actually found its predecessor more comfortable. The new fit has a firmer clamping force that improves sound isolation, but after long sessions, I started to feel a bit of pinch at the crown. It's not unbearable, but a little more noticeable than I'd like. The XM5s felt more relaxed on my head, especially when wearing them for a full day. They didn't fall off or rattle around my head when I was wearing them at the gym, however. Talking of tactile markers, the power button has a small but welcome glow-up. It's now circular and slightly recessed, making it much easier to locate by touch, so no more thumbing around the cup wondering if you've just hit the ANC toggle by mistake. That's still a longer, flatter strip, so the two are thankfully easy to tell apart without looking. You can also turn the ANC button into a microphone mute button in the Sony Sound Connect settings – this will mute and unmute your mic if you click the ANC button twice. There are minor changes to the touch controls, but they feel more responsive this time around. I didn't find myself repeating gestures as often as I did with the XM5. There's still no haptic feedback, but there are sound effects, so you know when swipes and taps are registered. The XM6 come in black, platinum silver and a new midnight blue colour. Overall, it's just a much more refined pair of cans compared to the XM5. Features The WH-1000XM6 are just as feature-packed as ever. If you've used the XM5s, most of this will feel familiar. Speak-to-Chat (which pauses your music the moment you start talking) isn't turned on by default anymore, a welcome change if, like me, you've always found it more annoying than helpful. Quick Attention mode is still here and works well – just cover the right earcup and it'll pipe in the outside world without you having to fumble with buttons. You've also got support for LDAC, high-res wireless audio, multipoint for two devices, and DSEE Extreme upscaling. But there are new tricks worth flagging. The first is auto switch, a feature borrowed from Sony's newer LinkBuds Fit and LinkBuds Open. It automatically switches the music to your LinkBuds speaker when you return home (or pause your music on your headphones). Leave the house, and it'll switch it straight back to your headphones again. It's a really neat little feature. One of my other favourite features from the LinkBuds is also here: Background Music mode. This pushes your music outwards, so it feels like it's coming from a distance, a little like listening to a playlist in a café. It's really good if you need to focus but don't want it to be completely silent. It'll stop you from singing along to tracks because it sounds so far away. The XM6 also feature a new QN3 processor that's said to be seven times faster than the QM1 chip in the XM5. It powers smarter noise cancelling, with a new adaptive NC optimiser that adjusts on the fly depending on your environment and how much you're moving (but more on that below). There's now a dedicated Cinema mode that upmixes stereo sound into Sony's 360 Reality Audio. I tried this while watching a couple of shows on Netflix and was genuinely surprised by how immersive it felt. Dialogue still sounded clean and centred, but ambient effects and music had a bit more air and spatial separation. Is it Dolby Atmos? No. But for stereo content, it's surprisingly convincing. There's also a new ten-band EQ (up from the 5-band EQ on the XM5), including a dedicated Gaming preset, plus support for Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast, though there's not much that takes advantage of those just yet. One neat upgrade is that you can now listen while charging – something the XM5 didn't allow. Sadly, there's still no USB-C audio, so wired playback is limited to the 3.5mm jack. Noise cancellation and call quality Sony's noise cancellation has always been among the best, but the WH-1000XM6 improve that even further, making noise cancellation more consistent and natural. The XM5 had a slightly annoying lag with the ANC when the noise level changed. I found that if I walked from a quiet room into a noisy office, I'd hear that swoosh of sound sneak in before the ANC kicked in to silence it. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but it was distracting. I'm pleased to report that doesn't happen on the XM6 in my initial tests. With the new adaptive NC optimiser, it now feels much more stable and immediate. It handles shifts in environmental sound well without drawing attention to itself. It's better in every way. It's not quite as forceful as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra, which still has a kind of vacuum-seal feel, but the XM6 is less fatiguing and more natural over long sessions. Wind noise was barely an issue in testing, even when walking outdoors or near traffic. Saying that, I still think ambient mode is better on the AirPods Max. While it's definitely improved, and you can hear practically every sound in your environment, the AirPods always make it sound like you're not wearing any headphones at all. There's still a little bit of blunting of environmental sounds with these headphones. In terms of call quality. Sony's new beamforming setup now uses three mics per earcup instead of two, and combined with some clever AI, it's remarkably good at isolating your voice. I made a few long calls in loud environments and didn't get a single 'Can you repeat that?' back. However, it still struggles a little with the wind. If you wanted better and more subtle noise-cancelling from your headphones, Sony's really delivered with the XM6 on first test. Sound OK, Sony's done it. These are my favourite-sounding noise-cancelling headphones right now – and I don't say that lightly. I already liked the tuning on the XM5s, but I always found that the bass lacked a little richness. These fix that issue and bring the sound to an all-new level. There's a newly developed 30mm driver built with the same carbon fibre composite materials in Sony's premium Walkman range, and it has been tuned in collaboration with Grammy-winning mastering engineers. Sony says this gives your music better separation, deeper bass and more clarity across the board. There's also a look-ahead noise shaper built into the processor, designed to smooth out sudden changes in volume and reduce distortion when streaming. Even without playing around with any EQ settings, the XM6 sound more spacious and balanced. When I listened to the vocals on Olivia Rodrigo's Sour, I could feel more depth and better separation in the mids. Bass is stronger too, but not in a showy way; it's less murky, more present. The rubbery synth bassline on MGMT's Little Dark Age used to feel a bit bloated on the XM5s, but here it's tight and punchy, gliding underneath the track without swallowing everything else. Dan Romer's Station Eleven score also sounds sparse and intimate. The XM6 do a better job of capturing string swells, with a sense of texture that wasn't quite as defined on the XM5. If you're coming from the XM5s, it's a clear step up, and I think the XM6s are more musical than the Bose QC Ultra or the AirPods Max. After a few days of listening, these are excellent. As for battery life, it's still rated at 30 hours – the same as the XM5 – but I haven't had long enough with them to say how accurate that claim is just yet. They've held up well so far, even with ANC on, but I'll need more time to test them properly across longer stretches. Still, in 2025, 30 hours doesn't feel quite as generous as it used to. Plenty of cheaper models can eke out more.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Health
- Arab News
Elevating the comfort and dignity of Hajj pilgrims
JEDDAH: A number of premium amenities are available for Hajj pilgrims seeking greater comfort, safety and accessibility during the pilgrimage. Some of the offerings include specialized tents, gourmet meal options, personal care kits, and 24/7 medical support. Hajj operator Abdullah Ali bin Mahfouz spoke to Arab News about some of the new services introduced this year. 'We have enhanced our services in very small things,' he said. 'Like the pillow, which now weighs 1,100 grams, and the mattresses, which are more comfortable for rest. 'We've also set up specialized tents that include mosque praying areas, which were previously located outside. One entire tent is equipped with massaging chairs to provide added comfort to the pilgrims.' These upgrades allow pilgrims regardless of age or physical condition to perform their rituals with dignity. 'Our trained staff are available to support pilgrims at every stage, with special care provided for those with mobility needs.' Wheelchair users are offered dedicated support during essential movement between the holy sites, and the operator also offers 24-hour meal and medical services. 'The Islamic sermon is provided in English, Arabic and Urdu, ensuring that everyone can understand and connect with the spiritual message,' Mahfouz added. Mohammed Hamed, representing another Hajj operator, highlighted efforts to provide a comfortable pilgrimage. 'We have designed beds in a style with dividers so pilgrims are not disturbed by others in the tent,' he said. 'Each sleeping space includes charging points and reading lamps, allowing pilgrims to rest and recharge both physically and electronically.' To minimize crowding and waiting, the company brings meals directly to pilgrims. 'We will provide food to them wherever they are sitting ensuring a peaceful environment,' Hamed added. Critics of VIP Hajj packages sometimes raise concerns about preserving the pilgrimage's spiritual essence. However, providers insist these services are aligned with Islamic values and are merely accommodating varying needs among the faithful. Salim Mansour, another Hajj service provider, defended the rise of VIP offerings. 'The VIP packages are carefully designed to remain within the accepted religious guidelines of Islam. 'Many pilgrims opt for VIP Hajj packages to enjoy added conveniences, such as accommodation near the Jamarat area in Mina and dependable transportation services.' These services are part of a wider initiative under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing and modernizing the nation's pilgrimage and tourism offerings.
