How to Buy a Mattress with Proper Support

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Did you ever get that sinking feeling? You lay down on a memory foam mattress and you feel like you’re sinking in quicksand. Well that feeling is normal to a point; but if you sink in too far, your body will not get the proper support.
 
Foam beds reduce pressure points with their unique ability to absorb body weight and conform to your body. But some foam beds let you sink in too far, allowing your whole body to bump against the firm base layer of foam. This creates pressure points and defeats the purpose of owning a foam mattress. A good memory foam bed will allow your heavier parts (hips and shoulders) to sink in further while offering the proper support for your legs, neck, and lower back.


Sleeping in a Pit

One of the biggest complaints about some memory foam beds is that they feel like you are sleeping in a pit.
 
Foam beds are usually made of 2 or more layers, a soft memory foam layer on top and firmer base layer on bottom. The soft layer allows your body to sink in, but should also provide support. When the top memory foam layer is too soft, your body sinks all the way down and bumps against the base layer.
 
This can mean that your body weight is too great for that mattress. But usually it just means that the memory foam top layer is not firm enough to provide proper support to a normal size adult. This is very common, especially with inexpensive beds, but also with some higher priced beds that are poorly designed.


What a Good Foam Bed Should Do

A good memory foam mattress will allow your body to sink in, reducing pressure points, but not too far. When a good balance is met, your spine will be in alignment, you will feel comfortable, and you will gain from all the healthful benefits of a good memory foam bed:
  • Relieves pressure points that cause soreness and poor sleep
  • Prevents the “hammock effect” (curvature of spine)
  • Keeps your spine in alignment
  • Promotes circulation to all parts of the body
  • Stops tossing and turning
  • Encourages long periods of stillness and deep sleep
Memory foam’s slow response gives you a sinking feeling, and laying in a small indentation can feel strange at first. But it’s this ability to mold to your body that gives foam beds their healthful and comforting benefits.
 
So when you are choosing a mattress, be sure to find one that feels soft and comfortable, but also be aware of how the bed supports your body overall. If you feel like you’ve sunk into the bed too far, and it’s hard to move around, this is usually a sign that the foam is not firm enough to support your body weight. Sleeping on a good memory foam bed should feel like floating in water. You will be supported by an even pressure at all points.