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Globe and Mail
4 hours ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
A sleep expert explains why you need lighter, breathable blankets this summer
As temperatures climb, most people naturally adjust their routines: more patio time, fewer layers, an uptick in ice cream consumption. But overlooking one key change at bedtime could sabotage your slumber during the warmer months. As hot nights lead to restless sleep, too many of us keep using our winter-weight bedding. A seasonal swap to lighter, breathable blankets isn't just about aesthetics (though breezy linens and nautical stripes can transform a bedroom into something more beach-y and fun). Experts say it could also be one of the simplest ways to deepen your sleep from June to September. 'Changing blankets seasonally can help improve sleep quality by keeping your body at a comfortable temperature,' says Armin Rahmani, a psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist. 'Since your thermal needs vary depending on the season, using the same blanket year-round may not provide the best sleep environment.' Struggling with insomnia? 'Sleep hygiene' rules could be making it worse Overheating at night is more than just uncomfortable. 'It can reduce the amount of deep sleep you get, which is critical for feeling rested,' explains Rahmani, who also sits on the board of the Canadian Sleep Society, an advocacy group whose goal is to improve sleep for all Canadians. 'Even mild discomfort from feeling too warm can lead to more fragmented sleep and lighter sleep stages.' Losing sleep over your blanket might sound ironic, even silly, but the consequences can be serious. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research links chronic sleep deprivation to a multitude of issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension and poor mental health. And Canadians aren't exactly getting enough shuteye as it is. According to a 2023 survey by Narrative Research, just 16 per cent of us report sleeping well all seven nights of the week. Blankets are not the only cause. Tariffs, politics and a slumping economy are among the many stressors likely keeping us tossing and turning. But it's still worth asking: What should you be snuggling up with when it's more than 25 degrees at midnight? To get clues, Rahmani points to a recent systematic review published in the Journal of Sleep Research. 'The findings highlight that the relationship between bedding materials and sleep is complex,' he says. 'No single blanket type is ideal for everyone. But generally, lighter, breathable materials may benefit those who tend to overheat or sleep in warmer environments.' Insulative materials such as wool and down, he notes, are generally better for chillier seasons. Sogol Asghari, president of Canada's Institute of Textile Science, agrees. 'The most suitable blankets for summer are made from breathable, moisture-wicking and lightweight materials,' she says. 'Fabrics with loose weaves promote airflow and help regulate body temperature during sleep.' Both experts suggest natural fibres such as linen, cotton and bamboo. 'Studies show linen can improve sleep quality under warm conditions, especially in young adults,' Rahmani says. 'For cotton, which can be relatively affordable, look for lightweight, percale-weave cotton for a cooler feel. Bamboo-based fabrics are antimicrobial and naturally cool to the touch.' There can also be environmental pluses, depending on the fabrics. 'From a sustainability perspective, organic cotton and bamboo are appealing options for ecoconscious consumers – when responsibly sourced,' Asghari adds. Look for seals of approval from organizations such as OEKO-TEX, which screens for products detrimental to human health, or the Forest Stewardship Council, which notes the companies that responsibly grow products like bamboo. As for what to avoid? 'Polyester and other synthetic materials may trap heat and sweat, which can disrupt sleep, especially for hot sleepers,' Rahmani says. In short, aim for anything comfortable. If you're waking up tangled in sweaty sheets or peeling polyester off your legs at dawn, your blanket might be unfit for the season. Summer sleep should feel like bliss, not bedlam. A good summer blanket begins with a natural and lightweight fabric.
CNN
14 hours ago
- Health
- CNN
While you sleep, these bugs throw a party on your face
Sign up for CNN's Sleep, But Better newsletter series. Our seven-part guide has helpful hints to achieve better sleep. As you fall asleep each night, you can take comfort in knowing you are never truly alone — thanks to the dozens of eight-legged mites crawling out of your pores to party. You can't see or feel these nocturnal crawlers, called demodex mites, but like almost every adult, you have them all over your body. Smaller than a pinpoint, the tiny invertebrates, which measure about 0.15 millimeters to 0.4 millimeters in length, live around the outer parts of hair follicles and feed on their oily contents. 'While we are sleeping, they come out and are very happy, mating, visiting relatives, walking on our faces. The moment we wake up, they go back inside the pore,' said Alejandra Perotti, an associate professor of invertebrate biology at the University of Reading in England. If you're creeped out, Perotti said, 'don't be.' Demodex mites are more often friends than foes. In exchange for cleaning the gunk out of our pores, we offer these miniature vacuums our melatonin, a hormone produced in the skin that puts us to sleep but gives the mites vital energy, Perotti said. And like microscopic vampires, the mites have evolved to avoid ultraviolet rays from the sun, which easily destroys their DNA. The face typically has up to five mites per square centimeter — although without putting a sample of skin under a microscope, it's impossible to see them with the naked eye. If your immune system weakens, the mite populations can sometimes overproduce, leading to a host of skin and eye conditions. When they 'mite' cause problems Demodex mites can multiply overnight, causing an overgrowth called demodicosis, said Dr. Richard Locksley, professor of medicine at University of California, San Francisco. Immunodeficient individuals, such as older adults or people on chemotherapy, are more vulnerable to demodicosis and may have an inflammatory response to the mites and the bacteria that can colonize them, Locksley said. It's not totally known why some people experience inflammation from the mites, Locksley said. 'But what is known is that wild animals don't have any diseases from the mites, but domestic dogs and cats do. So perhaps when we moved into a different environment, and the way we evolved, a genetic mutation compromised our immune pathways.' The inflammation can manifest as rosacea, acne, dryness and flaking, especially on the cheeks, eyelids, forehead and creases where oil may accumulate, said Dr. Roberto Ricardo-Gonzalez, associate professor of dermatology at University of California, San Francisco, who worked closely with Locksley to research the mites. To determine whether demodex mites are the cause of skin irritations, dermatologists can tape or lightly scrape the top layer of skin and place the sample under a microscope, Ricardo-Gonzalez said. During a routine eye exam, the doctor may check for a waxy buildup of demodex eggs and waste around the base of the eyelashes. said Dr. Cory Lappin, an Ohio optometrist. For patients with eyelid infections, this buildup is a common cause of dryness, itchiness, eyelash loss and even recurrent sties. Preventing and treating overgrowth For most healthy adults, there is no need to panic about demodex mites. 'Most people are completely unaware they have the mites, and (it) should stay that way,' Locksley said. 'You could do more harm picking around looking for problems than just being agnostic about it. And if you have problems, you should go talk to a physician first.' Both Lappin and Ricardo-Gonzalez recommend maintaining a regular hygiene routine before bedtime, including a gentle cleanser to remove debris and excess oil from the face. Take off eye makeup and false lashes before sleep as well to keep the area clean and avoid irritating the delicate tissue around the eye, Lappin said. Those with acne-prone skin can use a topical retinoid one or two nights a week, Ricardo-Gonzalez said, noting that moderation is key to a bedtime skin care routine. 'I've seen it in patients when you have moisture-barrier disruption, meaning your skin is overly dry or overproducing oil from inflammation or excessive washing. The mites can overgrow in those instances,' Ricardo-Gonzalez said. Regular, adequate sleep is also important to prevent skin from overproducing sebum, the oily substance that's like food for the mites, studies have shown. To treat demodicosis, a dermatologist might prescribe topical or oral ivermectin to reduce the populations back to normal counts, Ricardo-Gonzalez said. It's not possible, though, to completely rid yourself of the mites permanently. The US Food and Drug Administration approved medicated eye drops in 2023 to treat demodex-related eyelid inflammation, Lappin said. Here today, gone tomorrow? Observed on humans for centuries, demodex mites are thought to be passed from contact with our mothers shortly after birth. Perotti and her research team discovered in 2022, however, that these symbiotic creatures may be experiencing what she calls 'a long-term evolutionary death.' 'When you have organisms that are exposed to this symbiotic life, it leads to genome erosion, or a loss of genes over time,' Perotti said. 'We predict that this will continue to the point that (the mites) will disappear.' With no predators, external threats or competitors, demodex mites have no selective pressures, Perotti explained. And since they are passed down between related humans, the populations lack genetic diversity — in other words, they are inbred. It's unknown how long the extinction will take, but to Perotti, this is nothing to celebrate — or mourn — considering humans will likely adapt to need demodex mites less as they die out. 'There has been very bad talk about the mites for a long time. They have been blamed for a lot of problems, but the suppressed immune system is the problem, not the mite itself,' Perotti said. 'We should think of them as our companions.'
CNET
15 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
20+ of the Best Memorial Day Mattress Deals Still Live: Your Last Chance to Save on a New Bed
Memorial Day may be over, but several top mattress brands are still offering extended sales. If you're thinking about upgrading your sleep setup, this is your final opportunity. These leftover deals won't last much longer. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. CNET's sleep experts have spent years testing mattresses to help you find the best options for your budget and sleep preferences. Right now brands like Casper, Purple and Nectar are still running major discounts. You'll find deals on everything from memory foam and hybrid mattresses to bedding and sleep accessories. We'll keep updating this page with the latest prices, so check back often before these extended Memorial Day offers disappear. Best overall Memorial Day mattress sales Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Bedding's beds are known for their quality and affordability, so it is notable that its prices have dropped 30%. CNET's best overall mattress, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature, drops below $999 for a queen with this sale. The Aurora Luxe, our favorite cooling bed of all time, is just less than $1,700. Down from $2,265, this is an excellent price for a bed that will help hot sleepers rest better. The 25% off sale is sitewide with the code MEMORIAL25. Details 25% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL25 See at Brooklyn Bedding Close Leesa Leesa's ultra comfortable mattresses are some of my favorites. The Leesa Sapira Chill, our pick for the best luxury mattress, is on sale for $1,584. That's more than $679 in savings. It's still expensive but this is a good deal for the quality, especially because Leesa is adding a free sleep bundle that includes two pillows and a microfiber sheet set. Details 30% off select mattresses + free sleep bundle See at Leesa Close Nectar Hands down, Nectar does some of the most generous sales of all the mattress brands, which is good because some of the newest Nectar beds can be pricey. For Memorial Day, Nectar beds are up to 50% off, and bundles are 66% off. That means you can get the Nectar Classic Hybrid for $799 instead of $1,531. If you want to update your whole bedding setup, add the optional bundle for only $179. It includes a sheet set, two cooling pillows and a mattress protector. The all-foam model of this bed is only $649. Finding quality queen mattresses for less than $1,000 can be difficult, so this sale is big if you're a fan of dense memory foam. Details Up to 50% off mattresses + 66% off bundles See at Nectar Close Helix Helix's early access Memorial Day sale is 25% sitewide with a free bedding bundle if you buy a Luxe or Elite mattress. Here at CNET, we're big fans of Helix mattresses, especially the comfy pillowtops on the Luxe models. The Helix Midnight Luxe, which I recommend to just about anyone who wants a medium mattress, is down to $1,780 with this sale. Admittedly, the Luxe beds are on the more expensive side. You can drop a tier to the core collection for more affordable beds. The Helix Midnight is $999 right now. If you choose from the core collection, you'll miss out on the free bedding bundle that includes a sheet set and mattress protector. The bedding bundle's value isn't more than the difference between the two prices so I don't think the free offerings are enough to move the needle for you. I'm currently testing the Helix Frame, which is on sale for $187. I highly recommend it for people who want a no-fuss bed frame that is easy to assemble. Seriously, it took me less than 5 minutes to put it together. Use the code MEMDAY25 to cash in on these savings. Details 25% off sitewide + free bedding bundle with select mattresses with code MEMDAY25 See at Helix Close Saatva For Memorial Day, Saatva is running deals where you can save up to $600 off a mattress. The amount off will depend on the total of your purchase. A $950 to $1,999 purchase will save you $200, plus an extra $100 off if you get an adjustable base or upholstered bed frame with the mattress. You won't get that $600 off unless you spend more than $4,500. It's not the most generous sale we've seen from Saatva, but it's still a nice chunk of change off the price of a luxury bed. The Saatva Classic, our favorite firm bed, is only $1,799, $300 off of the usual price. If you're looking for a bed specifically for back pain, the Saata Rx is reduced to $3,049 for a queen. Details Take up to $600 off See at Saatva Close Casper Casper mattresses are up to 30% off for Memorial Day. The savings will vary by bed. Casper's best-selling all-foam bed, the One, is on sale for only $799 for a queen. That's 20% off. The more expensive the beds, the higher the discount. The Casper Snow cooling mattress is 30% off, which drops the price to $1,745. Details Up to 30% off mattresses See at Casper Close Bear Bear is a brand that makes affordable beds that will surprise you with how comfortable they are. The Memorial Day sale from Bear makes the beds almost impossible to pass up. There's sales of 35% off sitewide with two free pillows when you buy a mattress. The Bear Original mattress is one of my favorite all-foam mattresses for the price. With the sale, you can get a queen for only $649. The Pro Hybrid is only $1,113, a great price for a hybrid bed. Details 35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows + 40% off mattresses with code MD4TY See at Bear Close DreamCloud I'm a big fan of DreamCloud beds and I helped my brother buy one during the Presidents Day sale. Little did I know the Memorial Day mattress sale would be even better. I'm not sure I've ever seen a sale with up to 60% off. The DreamCloud Classic all-foam bed is only $799 for a queen, and the hybrid is only $649. If you're a pillowtop lover, I highly recommend DreamCloud. Details Up to 60% off mattresses See at DreamCloud Close Best Memorial Day sitewide mattress deals Plank Plank is offering a 25% off sitewide sale right now. That's a great sale for people who want extra-firm mattresses. The Plank Firm, a flippable all-foam mattress, is easily the firmest mattress I've ever tested. Right now, you can get it for less than $1,000. If you're looking for a hybrid bed, I'd recommend the Plank Firm Luxe, also on sale for just under $1,300. Use the code MEMORIAL25 for this sale. Details 25% off with code MEMORIAL25 See at Plank Close Avocado Avocado beds are easily the best organic beds out there. Besides the eco-friendly construction, the Avocado Green mattress has the most green certifications of any brand. Avocado's Memorial Day sale is up to 20% off mattresses, bedding and furniture. That drops the cost of a queen Avocado Green bed to $2,099. Use code HONOR10 for 10% off select eco organic mattresses, pillows and bedding. Use code HONOR15 for 15% off select green mattresses. Use code HONOR20 for 20% off select luxury organic mattresses. Details Up to 20% off mattresses, bedding and furniture See at Avocado Close Titan Titan is running a 25% off sitewide Memorial Day sale covering beds, accessories and bases. The Titan Plus mattress is CNET's choice for the best firm mattress for heavy people because of its extra-durable construction. This sale means you can get a queen Titan Plus mattress for only $937 with the code MEMORIAL25. Finding a quality bed for less than $1,000 is hard, so this is an excellent sale for heavy back and stomach sleepers. Details 25% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL25 See at Titan Close Nolah Nolah's 35% off sitewide sale includes two free pillows with your mattress purchase. The Nolah Evolution is my favorite mattress for those looking for a soft mattress. The pillow top is one of the plushest options out there and a queen is currently on sale for $1,383 with two free pillows. This sale is across Nolah's beds, frames and bedding. Details 35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows See at Nolah Close Dreamfoam Budget brand Dreamfoam from Brooklyn Bedding is running a 25% off sitewide Memorial Day sale with the code MEMORIAL25. The beds are priced well for the budget tier, so this sale only sweetens the deal. The Dreamfoam Doze, our favorite cheap firm mattress, is only $180 for the 7-inch model. The 11-inch model, which I recommend for side sleepers, is $251 for a queen. These beds aren't going to knock your socks off with special features or cooling covers, but they're the most affordable online beds we've tested. Details 25% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL25 See at Dreamfoam Close Naturepedic Through June 2, Naturepedic is offering 20% off sitewide with the code MEMORIAL20. That means the Naturepedic Serenade mattress is only $1,599. Organic beds tend to be more expensive so it's not a bad price for an eco-friendly bed. Details 20% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL20 See at Naturepedic Close Essentia Another organic mattress that's on sale is the Essentia Grateful Eight. With the 25% off sale, you can snag this bed for only $2,125.50 for a queen. That's $708 in savings. Essentia is also offering free gifts with purchase on eligible mattress orders. The Essentia sale includes more than beds. You can also get Essentia pillows, foundations and organic bedding. If you're looking for sleep essentials made from clean, non-toxic materials, you won't want to miss this sale. Details 25% off sitewide See at Essentia Close Big Fig Big Fig makes mattresses able to support bigger bodies up to 1,100 pounds, and right now you can get 25% off the brand's mattresses with the code MEMDAY. You can get the same discount on bedding and foundations when you purchase a bed as well. We like Big Fig's flagship mattress for its sturdy hybrid construction and comfort for all sleeping positions. Details 25% off sitewide with mattress purchase See at Big Fig Close Zinus Save up to 60% on Zinus' signature green tea mattresses this Memorial Day. You can get the Zinus original organic green tea mattress for $499, or opt for the ultra cooling version for $599. Plus, get an extra 10% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL10. Details Up to 60% off mattress + extra 10% off sitewide with code MEMORIAL10 See at Zinus Close Memorial Day mattress and accessory bundle deals Birch Birch is one of our favorite organic mattress brands. For Memorial Day, you can get 25% off with two free pillows when you buy a mattress with code MEMDAY25. Birch Natural is our pick for the best organic hybrid mattress, and you can get it for $1,399 during this sale. While 25% is in line with a lot of the other sales, the two included pillows are a $149 value, so that's a nice addition. Details 25% Off Sitewide + 2 Free Eco-Rest Pillows with code MEMDAY25 See at Birch Close Purple Purple offers up to $700 off mattresses and bases for Memorial Day. The amount you save depends on the mattress and base. For example, the Purple Restore hybrid is $300 off. The sale also varies by base, like the Premium Smart Base, which is $300. Put those together, and you'll get closer to $600 off. You don't have to buy a base to get the discount on the mattress but you have to get a mattress and a base to receive the discount on the base. The sales don't stop there, as Purple is offering 30% off bedding, pillows and more. Details Up to $700 off mattresses + bases See at Purple Close Layla Up to $200 off is Layla's typical holiday sale, although the two free pillows do sweeten the deal. If you're interested in a Layla mattress, now's a good time to buy. You also get 50% off all bases and accessories with your mattress purchase. Our pick for the best bed for side sleepers, the Layla Hybrid mattress, is $200 off, bringing the queen's price down to $1,499. The memory foam model is $949, which is $150 off. Details Up to $200 off mattresses + two free pillows See at Layla Close All other Memorial Day mattress deals Mattress Firm Mattress Firm is offering several sales through the Memorial Day weekend. Most notably, select beds from top brands like Tempur-Pedic and Serta are up to 60% off. Qualifying mattresses also unlock a free base valued at up to $499 with the code ELEVATE. Details Up to 60% off select mattresses See at Mattress Firm Close Sleep Number Sleep Number's Memorial Day is up to 50% off iLE smart beds. The C2 smart bed, one of the more affordable beds from Sleep Number, is 10% off. That means a queen price is only $1,169. The Climate360 smart bed that actively warms or cools you is $2,000 off, dropping it to $7,999. The customizable smart beds from Sleep Number are well into the luxury price range so seeing chunks off is nice. Sleep Number is also offering BOGO 50% off pillows and sheets. That includes one of my favorite sheets, the True Temp sheet set. They're breathable and great for hot sleepers. Details Up to 50% off iLE smart beds See at Sleep Number Close Amerisleep We've reviewed Amerisleep for a long time, and its beds have appeared on several of our best lists. For Memorial Day, you can save $600 on mattresses using the code MD600. That means the AS2 is only $949 instead of $1,549. You'll be hard-pressed to find such a quality queen bed for less than $1,000. If you've been considering Amerisleep, now is a great time to buy. Details Save $600 on mattresses with code MD600 See at Amerisleep Close My Green Mattress If you've been looking for a more affordable organic bed than popular options like Avocado, you should check out My Green Mattress. You can now snag organic mattresses, bedding and bases from My Green Mattress for 10% off. The Natural Escape organic hybrid bed is only $1,529 for a queen during the Go Green Mattress Sale. The Pure Eco Organic Kids Mattress is not included in this sale. Details 10% organic beds, bedding and bases See at My Green Mattress Close Is Memorial Day a good time to buy a mattress? Memorial Day is a good time to buy a mattress if you're in the market for one. Some of the sales are generous, especially the ones that throw in extra pillows and bedding. I've been doing this long enough to notice sales trends across brands. For instance, Saatva usually peaks around $600 off mattresses, while Nectar has been known to mark 50% off. Most big names offer sales within a specific range, so if you can't afford a mattress right now, don't sweat it. There's always another holiday coming. Should you wait until Prime Day to buy a mattress? No, it's not necessarily better to wait until Amazon Prime Day in July to buy a new mattress. While some brands will offer deals around that time, nearly all mattress companies offer discounts around Memorial Day. Additionally, upcoming tariffs may increase the prices of mattresses across the board, so if you want to snag a new bed for a lower price, significant sales are happening now. Our sleep and deals experts monitor the web to uncover the best discounts and help you save big. Check back, as we update our deals pages often.
Forbes
20 hours ago
- General
- Forbes
How To Make Your Mattress Firmer: 6 Expert-Backed Methods
When it comes to the ideal mattress, some people think the softer, the better. While an ultra-plush model works great for those needing deep pressure relief, for others (namely back and stomach sleepers) it spells a night of back pain and stiffness caused by poor spinal alignment. If you find yourself suffering from the aforementioned ailments after a night of sleep, then you might want to firm up your mattress. Here are six ways to make your mattress firmer, including adding a mattress topper. Before you resign yourself to buying an entirely new mattress, there are several steps you can take to make your current mattress feel firmer, from adding a topper to simply rotating it. Below, we detail how to make your mattress firmer using six tips, plus offer further expert insight into who a firm mattress is best for. Here are six different ways you can make your mattress firmer: A mattress topper is an easy, relatively inexpensive way to transform the feel of your mattress, whether you're looking to add more softness or firmness. Firm mattress toppers are typically made from latex, memory foam, polyfoam or microcoils, which offer various firmness levels and their own set of benefits. PlushBeds Helix Sometimes poor firmness in a mattress has nothing to do with the mattress itself but rather what it's resting on. The right bed frame lends the proper support needed to maintain a bed's firmness. Depending on the type of mattress you have, a wood or metal bed frame can be supportive, although we recommend Thuma's Classic Bed, which uses a Japanese joinery technique and cushion-coated slats to support up to 1,500 pounds. (See our full Thuma Bed review to learn more.) Thuma Addressing the issue of a lack of firmness might require some investigating as to what's going on beneath the mattress. Slatted bed frames or bases that are older might not be providing the necessary support your mattress needs, causing it to sag, have an uneven surface or generally feel less firm than it actually is. The addition of extra slats, like the Zinus replacement bed slats , or supports help to redistribute the weight of a mattress, in turn creating a firmer sleeping surface. Certain mattress materials like memory foam are sensitive to temperature, causing their firmness to change based on how hot or cold it is. Memory foam becomes more pliable in warmer temperatures, softening to more easily contour to your body. Some might find that the mattress becomes too soft, but a quick and easy fix is to lower the temperature to let it firm back up a bit. Sleeping in the same spot night after night can start to wear on the mattress, evidenced by indents and sagging. Rotating your mattress so that the head becomes the foot helps to evenly distribute wear and prevent indentations and sagging that hinder sleep. It's generally recommended to rotate your mattress every six months, although the frequency can vary depending on the type of mattress, so be sure to check with the manufacturer if you're unsure how often you should be rotating your specific model. If you've attempted the above tips and still find yourself dissatisfied with your mattress' firmness and your overall sleep quality, it might be time to consider a newer model. 'Mattresses are designed to last for about seven to ten years. You will know that it is time to get a new mattress if you see a visible sag where you sleep,' says Andrew E. Colsky, JD, LLM, LPC, LMHC and founder of National Sleep Center. Colsky also recommends investing in a new mattress if you find yourself experiencing back, neck or hip pain caused by lumps and dips in your current one. Choosing the best mattress for your sleep style and needs can be an overwhelming process, which is why we've tested more than 150 mattresses firsthand to determine the best mattresses for all types of sleepers, including our top pick, the Helix Midnight Luxe. During our testing, we also found the Plank Firm Mattress to be the best firm mattress overall, thanks to its flippable design that offers two firmness levels. Plank You might think that the feel and the firmness of a mattress are one in the same, but they actually mean different things. Where 'feel' refers to the sensation of the mattress' materials (i.e. bouncy latex or plush, dense memory foam), firmness refers to how hard or soft the mattress is. A mattress' firmness is often rated on a scale of 1 to 10 and falls into either the soft, medium-firm or firm categories. Determining the right firmness for your sleep style and needs is key to achieving comfortable, healthy sleep. With mattresses that are too soft, your body could potentially sink too much, causing spinal misalignment that leads to pain and discomfort. On the other hand, a mattress that is too firm might not contour the body enough to provide adequate pressure relief. Not everyone benefits from a firm mattress, but several types of sleepers find a firm model works best for them. It's important for back sleepers to have the necessary support to maintain natural alignment and keep the hips from sinking too deeply (and thus preventing lower back pain). A medium-firm to firm mattress like the Leesa Sapira Chill, our top pick for back sleepers, helps prevent the back from dipping. 'If you sleep on your stomach, a firm mattress stops your midsection from sagging, which can otherwise hyperextend your spine and cause discomfort,' says Colsky. Similar to back sleepers, the best mattresses for stomach sleepers are medium-firm to firm. Like back and sleepers, sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds should opt for a firm mattress, or one specifically designed for them, that offers ample support to stop unnecessary sinkage and keep the spine aligned. The Forbes Vetted sleep team has over a decade of experience testing and reviewing mattresses and sleep products, reflected in our extensive content library, which includes everything from mattress guides to sleep product recommendations.
Forbes
20 hours 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.
