Good Morning TMU,
I’m a newbie here and I posted yesterday regarding help with needing a new mattress. I was given good advice but I’m having trouble finding the mattress suggested, Aireloom M2, due to my location.
I am a side sleeper with chronic pain, weighing only 120 lbs. Main issues have been hip, shoulder and back pain from mattresses.
As I’m continuing to read the forum I came across this statement and I’d like clarification/more help if possible. I’m not sure if the question that I’m asking has already been addresses. I’m reading through the topics as much as I can.
Here’s where I need more help. According to this quote," Side sleepers actually need the thickest (plushest) comfort layers because there are more “bony protrusions” such as hips, the pelvic crest, and shoulders that need pressure relief and the “gaps” in the side sleeping profile that need filling in are bigger…
Below average weight = thinner and softer comfort layers and possibly softer or average support layers."
Based on this statement, how thick of a mattress should I look for? I take it that based on my weight I actually need less comfort layer. Is this correct? So, am I looking for 3-5" of comfort layer or less. I have a lot of “bony protrusions” which would require more comfort but based on the second part of the statement it seems that I should be looking for less. Should I not look at beds that are say 15" thick?
Thanks for bringing this question to our Mattress Forum.
Do you find this is because you don’t sink far into the layers due to your weight/overall body composition?
Preferably a softer layer - thickness is really going to come down to preference (how deep do you want to sink?) but a softer layer is going to allow you to sink in more deeply and support those pressure points.
So think of it like this - if you have a 2" soft layer atop a 2" medium layer, you can sink “through” that comfort layer into a firmer support layer that’s going to - well - support your alignment. If you pick a 5" comfort layer you’re just going to sink willy nilly into endless foam, but that said, some people really like that feeling (cough me cough)
Thicker mattresses really exist for larger folks with extreme support needs. I really don’t know that you’d want or need something quite that thick (unless it’s just something you personally really like, and really want). The standard 9 - 10" mattress is likely enough for your needs, with the right configuration.
Are you wanting to look specifically in-person or are you open to online recommendations as well?
That’s a good question. It’s a bit of both. I’m currently on a 14" mattress that’s supposed to be plush. It’s a hybrid online Mattress,Wolf to be exact. I bought it before my research on the forum. I’ve had similar beds in the past. I have been buying the typical “plush” mattresses but they don’t seem to be soft enough for me. Although, at the same time, I do sink into the comfort layers. I think that the lack of plushness is why I have shoulder and hip pain. I feel it as soon as I lie down. The back pain is due to my hips sinking too far. When I’m on a firmer mattress I don’t have back pain but it’s unbearable for my hips and shoulder.
I too like that feeling but perhaps I haven’t come across the right configuration that offers that while supporting my back at the same time.
I am open to either options. I live in the boondocks in South Georgia which has limited resources. Thus far, I’ve traveled to Atlanta and Savannah with no success.
I have come to realize that the thicker mattresses aren’t right for my frame. I lose the sense of being supported. You are so right on that.
