But how do you know which mattress firmness is right for you?

Should your mattress be soft and pillowy, or very firm? This all depends on a multitude of factors, such as sleep position, weight, pain issues, and personal preference.

This article discusses mattress firmness levels, how to soften a firm mattress, how to firm up a mattress, and more.

Ready to sleep comfortably?

Types of Mattress Firmness

There isn’t a distinct mattress firmness scale that all brands use. Some companies may have a 1-10 system with a mattress firmness chart while others may just stick to Soft, Medium, and Firm.

For the purposes of this article, let’s stick to Soft, Medium, and Firm and explain what exactly those labels mean.

A Soft mattress means that you sink into it as it cradles your pressure points (hip and shoulder). It should feel cloudlike and luxurious–the type of bed that you crawl into and immediately feel as if your mattress is giving you a hug.

A Medium mattress has some softness still but is also balancing the line between cushiony comfort and sturdy support. You’ll notice you don’t sink in quite as much yet the mattress isn’t rigid. A Medium mattress should essentially be neutral in feel, the type of mattress that can accommodate a large array of sleepers while Soft and Firm are on either side of the mattress scale and are more specific in feel.

A Firm mattress has no give. You should not sink in at all but insead feel that you are simply lying on top of the mattress. Firm mattresses are beneficial for stomach sleepers who should never have a mattress that is too soft (this is because their stomach will sink into the mattress, leading to their back to bend). Firm mattresses are also popular for those with nerve-related back pain who must rely on a solid mattress for proper support.

Which mattress firmness is best for me?

There are several factors to consider.

• Sleep position: A side sleeper may benefit more from a softer mattress for pressure point relief, while a stomach sleeper will gravitate towards a firmer mattress. A back sleeper will typically prefer either a medium or firm mattress depending on their weight, if they have any specific back issues, or if they tend to toss and turn at night. 
• Weight: You want to make sure that your mattress can support your body so that you are getting the best sleep possible. 
• Pain issues: If you are experiencing hip pain and you sleep on your side, your mattress is probably too firm so you’ll want to purchase a softer mattress. If you are experiencing nerve-related back pain, we typically recommend a firmer mattress to make sure you are getting plenty of support. 
• Comfort preference: It’s about choosing what feels best to you, which is why it’s important to pick a mattress that has as much customization as possible so you can determine the exact firmness you want.

Mattress Firmness for Side Sleepers

We recommend a softer mattress for side sleepers. When sleeping on your side, you’re putting pressure on your hip and shoulder. If your mattress is too firm, it will start to aggravate those muscles, whereas a softer mattress will gently cradle those pressure points. You may even opt for a pillowtop mattress for the ultimate luxurious comfort.

If you are a larger adult that sleeps on your side, a medium mattress may be more preferable since it is the best of both worlds: slight softness with plenty of support.

Mattress Firmness for Back Sleepers

If you sleep on your back, we recommend either a medium mattress for those who still like some softness, or a firm mattress to those who have back issues and need that sturdy rigidity that a firmer mattress offers. 

Mattress Firmness for Stomach Sleepers

We always recommend a firm mattress for a stomach sleeper because it is imperative their back stays straight while sleeping. When a mattress is too soft, your stomach will sink in, and your back will arch, which will lead to waking up in the morning with pain.

How to Soften a Firm Mattress

An easy way to soften a mattress is simply adding a mattress topper. Mattress toppers are available in a variety of materials such as natural latex and wool. They are typically meant to add a plush feel to your mattress, though customizable toppers can also be made more firm if preferred.

If you are simply looking for subtle softness, we recommend a wool mattress topper.

If you are looking for that cloudlike feel that resembles memory foam but without the synthetic materials, we recommend a natural latex topper.

Mattress toppers can also add a bit more height to your mattress if that is also desired.

How to make a Mattress more Firm

This is when a customizable mattress is so helpful. If you have a latex mattress that includes different density latex layers, you can simply unzip the mattress and swap out soft layers for firmer ones. In some cases, you won’t even need to purchase new latex–just change the order of the layers inside your mattress.

Learn more about latex layers here.

You could also add a customized Dunlop latex mattress topper to firm up your existing mattress a bit.

How to tell if your mattress is too soft or too firm

If you’re waking up in pain every morning, but then the pain goes away within an hour or two, it could be linked to your mattress. 

If you are a side sleeper waking up with hip pain, your mattress may be too firm and could benefit from a plush mattress topper for extra pressure point relief.

If you’re a stomach sleeper and you wake up with back pain, your mattress may be too soft so you need to either purchase a firmer mattress, or add a customized topper with a firmer layer for some relief. Keep in mind though that if your mattress has a dip, a topper will not solve that problem. The entire mattress will need to be replaced. 

If you’re a back sleeper and are waking up with back pain, you may be sinking into your mattress too much, meaning it is too soft. Spinal alignment is key, and this also applies to side and stomach sleepers. If your mattress is not the right fit for your body, it can lead to back discomfort.

Don’t be afraid to start a conversation with the mattress brand you’re interested in. Speak to a customer service rep and tell them the type of mattress you currently have, what you like and don’t like about it, any pain you’re waking up with, and what you desire in a mattress. They will be able to steer you in the right direction.

Why We Recommend Natural Latex Mattresses

We recommend choosing a natural latex mattress for your health and the health of our planet. 

Sap from rubber trees is harvested and baked into cozy layers available in soft, medium, and firm densities. Meanwhile, memory foam and polyurethane foam are synthetic and may offgas harmful chemicals into your home air environment. Some memory foam mattresses also use chemical flame retardants rather than a natural flame barrier, such as wool. This is why when shopping for a mattress, we recommend looking for certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and Greenguard GOLD.

But beyond the natural element of latex mattresses, we also love them because of their level of customization, which is key when searching for the right mattress firmness.

Some latex mattresses include 2-3 layers of latex that you get to select yourself, meaning you create the mattress you are looking for instead of settling for one-size-fits-all.

Shopping for a Latex Mattress

Now it’s time to shop! We recommend starting here for a vast array of organic latex mattress options, most of which are customizable so you can get the exact mattress firmness you’re looking for. Happy shopping!

The post The Ultimate Mattress Firmness Guide appeared first on Savvy Rest.

So, what is the best mattress for hip pain? A customizable latex mattress. Keep reading to learn more.

Why do my hips hurt when I sleep?

If you notice that you have hip pain in bed or it seems to be most intense right after you wake up, it may be your current mattress.

If you sleep on your side, it’s very important that your mattress offers pressure point relief for your hip and shoulder. This means that a mattress shouldn’t be too firm. It should instead cradle you as you gently sink in. However, at the same time, it shouldn’t be so soft that you no longer have any support. There truly is a balance.

Of course, other reasons why your hips hurt may have nothing to do with your mattress. Some of these reasons include…

• Arthritis
• Hip injury
• Pregnancy
• Bursitis

If you think your hip pain is caused by a medical issue, consult with your doctor.

Can hip pain impact sleep?

YES! Pain and discomfort can absolutely wake you up in the middle of the night, or make it difficult to fall asleep in the first place. It can also lead to tossing and turning, which is your body’s way of desperately searching for a comfortable position. You will feel antsy, agitated, and exhausted in the morning after a poor night’s rest.

What is the best sleep position for hip pain?

If you are able to sleep on your back, this may be your best solution. However, if you wish to sleep on your side, you can try sleeping with a pillow between your knees (we recommend using a body pillow), or you can soften your mattress even further with a mattress topper. 

Using a mattress topper for hip pain gives you that pillowy relief without the expense of buying a whole new mattress (if it is indeed the mattress that is causing you issues). However, please note that if your mattress has a large dip that is aggravating your hip, adding a topper will not solve the problem. The topper will dip with the mattress.

Best Mattress for Hip Pain

We recommend a customizable latex mattress because of its ability to give you the exact feel you need for ultimate comfort.

The Serenity mattress is available in two different types of latex, Dunlop latex and Talalay latex. Each type of latex comes in Soft, Medium, and Firm densities. The Serenity includes 3 layers of your choice.

Dunlop is more dense than Talalay so if you are looking for a softer, “sinking in” type of feel to your mattress that will gently cradle your hip, we recommend that at least the top layer of your mattress is Soft or Medium Talalay.

When considering the best mattress for sore hips, the key is to make sure your mattress is firm enough that it has support but soft enough that your hip doesn’t feel pressure. 

To learn more about mattress configurations, check out this page.

Is my memory foam mattress causing hip pain?

Memory foam mattresses are excellent for pressure point relief BUT they also pose the risk of never bouncing back over time, causing dips and sags in the mattress. If your memory foam mattress has a significant dip, this may be contributing to your hip pain.

You can read the differences between memory foam and natural latex here or watch this video.

Best Mattress Topper for Hip Pain

If you are looking for a mattress topper that is plush and mimics the feel of pressure-relieving memory foam (without the memory foam), then we recommend The Vitality mattress topper. This topper includes one layer of Soft Talalay latex that is wrapped in an organic knit fabric. The stretchy fabric allows close contact to the latex, which means you really get to feel that luxurious softness that is so comforting.

Best Body Pillow for Hip Pain

If you are a side sleeper with hip pain, we highly recommend adding a body pillow to your routine. The organic kapok body pillow is fluffy, lightweight, and allows for pressure point relief and spinal alignment. 

Say Goodbye to Hip Pain

We hope that with a more supportive sleep set up, you can rest more comfortably and either decrease or completely eliminate your hip pain. The power of a quality mattress should never be underestimated.

The post What is the Best Mattress for Hip Pain? appeared first on Savvy Rest.

Or you have two totally different sleep schedules when one of you is an earlier riser and the other wants to stay under the covers.

Or maybe your spouse sleeps hot and spends the night tossing and turning, trying to move as far away from your body heat as possible but never finding relief.

None of these scenarios sound ideal, which is why a popular solution is sleeping separately.

Yes, about 25% of American couples sleep in separate beds, and it might be right for you.

Is sleeping separately bad for marriage?

No, it is not! We all have our own preferences when it comes to sleeping environments, and outside factors like differing schedules and medical issues can also impact sleep.

Married couples sleeping separately (or even new couples sleeping separately) does not mean that the relationship itself is flawed or in trouble. 

And contrary to the popular term “sleep divorce,” it is not a red flag. As long as both you and your partner agree that it is the best decision for your specific relationship (and you are not simply sleeping in separate beds when angry), then that’s all that matters.

What are the benefits of sleeping in separate rooms?

Let’s explore the pros and cons of sleeping in separate beds, starting with all the potential benefits.

• Feeling rejuvenated in the morning due to an uninterrupted sleep cycle
• More alone time to help decompress & feel less stressed
• Not hearing your partner snore
• Not feeling overheated due to increased body heat
• Not being kicked while you sleep (restless legs)
• Increased happiness in the relationship when both parties are getting more sleep
• Increased sex drive & desire
• Honoring your own sleep preferences and the preferences of your partner by sleeping separately (sound machine, using a fan, nightlight, etc).
• Valuing & looking forward to your daytime interactions with your partner

What are the potential cons a couple sleeping in separate beds may face?

Some of the potential disadvantages to consider include…

• Less time together
• Struggling to connect
• Growing apart
• Feeling left behind
• Feeling insecure about your snoring or other sleep issues
• Feeling as though sleeping apart is a punishment
• Feelings of anger and dissatisfaction

To avoid the vast majority of these cons, communication is key. You and your partner should focus on healthy communication and check-ins with one another to make sure you are always on the same page when it comes to this aspect of your relationship.

Couples who sleep separately also prioritize time with each other before saying goodnight.

How can we prevent growing apart when sleeping separately?

Here are some ways to keep your connection with your partner strong despite sleeping in separate beds…

• Go on a date night once a week
• Cuddle before bed
• Prioritize a healthy sex life
• Spend evenings catching up on each other’s day
• Listen to each other’s needs and show support in the relationship
• Value healthy communication
• Know each other’s love languages

Where does cosleeping with children fit in?

Cosleeping is a divided topic among parents. Some households swear by cosleeping, while other couples want their bedroom to be their own personal space and have their children sleep in another room.

But what happens when your partner wants to cosleep and you don’t? This can cause friction without proper communication.

Some couples may decide that one parent will cosleep with the child, while the other sleeps in a separate bed. Perhaps you take turns in this arrangement. This is a very personal choice and the key factor is knowing if this is a healthy decision that BOTH parties agree to. If one feels isolated and ostracized from their partner due to sleeping separately, this will lead to conflict.

Is sleeping separately right for me & my partner?

If you or your partner are struggling with their comfort and sleep quality at night, bring the topic up in a loving, respectful way. Ask if they have ever considered sleeping separately and express that this may be worth exploring. It isn’t for everyone, but you don’t know until you try.

Sleep is vital for our mental health, and if you are not getting enough, it can impact your well-being, which can trickle down and cause issues within your relationship. There is nothing selfish or problematic about exploring options that can help get you more sleep, and a supportive partner will understand this necessity.

Is there an alternative solution instead of sleeping separately?

If the only issue is that one of you loves the feel of your mattress and the other doesn’t, another solution is opting for a customizable mattress where each side can differ in feel. This is excellent for couples with opposite preferences where one person likes a soft mattress and the other wants it firmer.

You can go a step further and get an adjustable bed frame so that you can control the elevation of your side of the mattress. Make sure to get a specific mattress made for an adjustable frame if this is your preference.

We hope both you and your partner get the healthy, comfortable sleep you deserve. 

The post Couples Sleeping in Separate Beds: Is it Healthy? appeared first on Savvy Rest.

If you are ready to make your bedroom a comfy oasis for Fall & Winter, here are a few of our must-have bedding items, from cotton blankets to wool duvets.

1. Organic Cotton Blanket

Let’s start with the most economical change that will make a big difference. Every bedroom needs a blanket that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

We love this organic cotton blanket because it’s a neutral cream color that goes with any decor. The herringbone weave design adds some texture and it’s made without any bleach, harmful dyes, or other toxic chemicals.

Shop the blanket.

2. Natural Wool Duvet Insert

Wool is a valuable material because it can be used all year round. Wool is breathable enough for the summer months but will keep you warm in Fall and Winter. 

We love this duvet insert because it’s filled with domestically-sourced natural wool and covered in organic cotton.

Add a burnt orange, rust, or dark brown duvet cover to really play up the Fall vibes.

Shop the duvet insert.

3. Organic Kapok Pillow

We love a fluffy pillow for the ultimate cozy vibe. Enter the kapok pillow! It’s luxuriously soft and mimics the feel of a down pillow without the feathers. 

Kapok has that cotton-like feel that is perfect for someone who loves a soft pillow they can sink into.

Shop the kapok pillow.

4. Organic Cotton Sheets

It’s so rejuvenating to add a freshly washed, brand new set of sheets to a bedroom. Savvy Rest organic cotton sheets are GOTS-certified organic, soft, breathable, and neutral so they can go with any bedroom style, including a Fall-themed wonderland.

There is nothing comfy about cotton treated with pesticides so we always recommend sheets made of certified organic cotton.

Shop the sheets.

5. Natural Savvy Woolsy Topper

If you’re willing to invest in a truly plush feel that fully embraces the cozy Fall theme, we highly recommend the Natural Savvy Woolsy topper. This wool topper is excellent for pressure point relief and adds a touch of softness to your mattress without going overboard.

Don’t worry–it’s not just for the colder months. This mattress topper can be used all year since wool is excellent at temperature regulation.

Shop the mattress topper.

Your Fall Bedroom

It’s time to brew a cup of tea, light some non-toxic candles, snuggle into your new organic blanket, and watch Gilmore Girls in your updated Fall bedroom. We hope it’s filled with cozy Savvy Rest treats and decorated with pumpkins, acorns, and all things “autumnal.”

As always, thank you for supporting small businesses in every season. 

The post Fall into a Healthy Sleep: Bedding Refresh appeared first on Savvy Rest.

When shopping for your bedroom, you want to make sure that you keep your sleep position in mind so that the products you’re buying will improve your quality of sleep instead of working against it. Simply buying a pillow that “looks comfortable” isn’t enough.

In this blog post, we break down the best pillows for side sleepers, keeping in mind support for the neck, and even highlighting body pillows for side sleepers.

We will also touch upon the best mattress toppers for side sleepers since pressure point relief is so important.

Don’t worry–we discuss the best mattress for side sleepers too so keep reading!

Top Pillows for Side Sleepers

The first step when shopping for new bedding is your pillow! We spend about a third of our lives sleeping so our pillow is such a key factor when thinking of healthy, restful sleep.

But how do you know which is the best pillow for side sleepers? We have some excellent options for you…

Pillow for Neck Pain

If you are experiencing neck pain, you will need a pillow that offers enough support. A super plush pillow is probably not your best choice so we recommend the soap-shaped pillow, which is made of organic Dunlop latex and has an overall medium firmness with a touch of give.

Shop the soap-shaped pillow here.

Wedge Pillow

Want more elevation? We recommend a natural Talalay latex wedge pillow that can be used between your knees while sleeping on your side.

This knee pillow for side sleepers can also be used as a head pillow if you are sleeping on your back. Potential health benefits include alleviating acid reflux, post-nasal drip, and snoring.

Shop the wedge pillow here.

Soft Pillow

If you love a soft, plush pillow but would prefer an alternative to a down pillow, we highly recommend organic kapok. This plant-based fill is fluffy without any feathers. It is also totally customizable, so you can remove as much of the fill as you’d like to adjust the height and overall feel of the pillow.

Shop the organic kapok pillow here.

Cooling Pillow

If you have a tendency of feeling overheated while you sleep, you will want a cooling pillow. Wool is breathable and won’t retain your body heat.

Shop the organic wool pillow here.

Body Pillow

A body pillow will keep your spine aligned and pressure off your hip and shoulder as you sleep on your side. It is also an amazing sleep aid to use during injury recovery or while pregnant.

We recommend using an adjustable body pillow. This allows you to remove some of the pillow fill to change the height and fullness of the pillow which is helpful when working with a body pillow.

Shop this best-selling body pillow.

Best Mattress Topper for Side Sleepers

While a mattress topper isn’t totally necessary, it can very much benefit side sleepers.

Side sleepers need pressure point relief and the plush softness of a topper gently cradles the hip and shoulder, creating a cozy yet supportive sleep.

Soft Mattress Topper

If you want a plush mattress topper with a hint of softness, we recommend a wool topper. Wool offers that desired softness without sacrificing support, which is critical.

Wool is also great for those who sleep hot since it naturally stabilizes temperature instead of trapping body heat.

Shop our favorite wool mattress topper here.

Mattress Topper for Hip Pain

If you are experiencing hip pain, it may be because your mattress is way too firm. A simple way to combat this is adding a soft mattress topper.

The Vitality mattress topper is excellent for those who like the “hugging” feel of memory foam without any actual memory foam. Instead, it is made of natural Talalay latex that is responsive and has an open cell structure which helps you stay cool as you sleep.

Shop The Vitality topper here.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

If you are looking to invest in a new mattress, make sure your mattress isn’t too firm. Side sleepers need a hint of softness to avoid hip and shoulder pain, especially if you are on the petite side.

We believe the best organic mattress for side sleepers is made of natural latex and totally customizable so you can create the exact feel that works for your body based on sleep position, weight, potential medical conditions or injuries, etc.

The Serenity mattress is GOTS-certified organic and available in Dunlop and/or Talalay latex. We recommend that the top layer of your Serenity mattress be either Soft or Medium Talalay latex to give you that pressure point relief.

Shop The Serenity mattress here.

We hope this bedding guide leads you to a more comfortable sleep. Enjoy!

The post Best Bedding for Side Sleepers: Pillows, Mattress Toppers, & More appeared first on Savvy Rest.

Learn why you may be sleeping hot and what you can do about it.

Why do I sleep hot?

There are several possibilities, some environmental and some related to your specific body.

Here are some potential reasons…

Your bedroom temperature is set too high. 

The optimal temperature to sleep at is around 65 degrees fahrenheit, though we understand that may be too cold for some! Keeping the thermostat set to around 68 degrees is a more reasonable temperature.

If you don’t want to blast the air conditioning in the summer, make sure you have your ceiling fan on and/or room fans to help circulate the air and keep cool.

Your mattress is trapping your body heat.

Do you sleep on a memory foam mattress? Memory foam is a synthetic material that tends to trap body heat. It is the chemical reaction between the foam and your body heat that allows the foam to conform to your curves. This is very comfortable and helps relieve pressure points at first but you may experience the downside of overheating.

Some memory foam mattresses have tried to combat this problem with cooling gel but we never recommend synthetic or chemically-treated materials. Instead, we opt for natural materials that can give you that same cooling effect while still being kind to our health and the health of our planet.

Your bedding is not breathable.

If you are using synthetic bedding materials, they may be contributing to your night sweats. Ditch them.

You drink caffeine too late at night.

Avoid having caffeine in the evening since this may increase your body temperature. Keep your coffee indulgences for the morning only!

Your partner is too hot (literally and figuratively).

Have a partner who loves to cuddle or sleep right next to you? While it may increase your oxytocin, it can also increase your body temperature, leading to feeling overheated.

When it’s time to fall asleep, try to stay on your side of the bed. If your partner’s body heat is continuing to negatively impact your sleep routine, maybe it’s time to discuss the possibility of sleeping in separate beds. Plenty of happy and healthy couples do this to improve their quality of sleep.

Sleeping in separate rooms is in no way of a reflection of how satisfied you both are in your relationship–it’s a personal preference with lots of potential benefits.

You’re having symptoms of PMS or Menopause.

Obviously, this does not apply to everyone, but hormone fluctuations may be causing you to sleep hot at night.

Menopause for example is notorious for hot flashes. You may feel that you are in the scorching desert but really it’s winter in Minnesota. Hormones can be cruel like that.

How do I stop getting hot at night?

Okay, so what can you do to stop waking up sweaty in the worst way possible?

Sleep naked.

Let’s start with the least expensive option–sleep naked.

Sleeping naked can help regulate your body temperature. Clothing, especially made of materials that are not breathable, are just extra unnecessary layers that will make you wake up in the middle of the night.

Switch out your bedding.

Opt for organic cotton sheets that are lightweight and free of bleach, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals that you want to avoid anyway.

We also highly recommend adding wool bedding to the mix. When people think “wool” they tend to think of sweaters and warmth. However, wool is the best bedding for night sweats! Wool is VERY breathable and will help keep you cool in the summer but cozy in the winter without feeling overheated.

If you are using a bulky comforter made of synthetic materials, switch to a wool duvet insert.

If you are in need of a mattress topper for extra pressure point relief, we recommend opting for a wool mattress topper to keep you cool.

Shopping for a new pillow? Choose a wool pillow or a wool body pillow if you sleep on your side and need spinal alignment.

Get a natural latex mattress.

This is most certainly the most expensive swap but natural latex, especially Talalay latex with its open cell structure, is excellent for those who sleep hot.

A natural latex mattress may be an investment but these latex mattresses last for YEARS and are worth every penny.

Take a cold shower before bed.

We’re not saying you need to jump into a freezing bath but a cool shower before bed can help reduce night sweats.

Decreasing the water temperature may also positively impact your skin since hot showers tend to dry it out, especially in the winter.

Evaluate your sleep environment.

This was already touched upon earlier but make sure your thermostat is set to a lower temperature, your partner is not in your personal space (or simply opt to sleep in a separate bed), and you’re utilizing fans.

Improve Your Sleep!

We hope these tips help improve your sleep routine and your overall health and happiness. Sleep well!

The post Sleeping Hot? Here’s What to Do appeared first on Savvy Rest.

Body pillows can be used while sleeping on your side, while propped up in bed, or even while pregnant to offer extra pressure point relief and support.

If you want to learn more about the best body pillow for back pain, keep reading.

How Do Body Pillows Help Back Pain?

Body pillows are designed as a supportive sleep aid and can be incredibly helpful to those who deal with back pain.

A full body pillow for back pain can help ease your discomfort by keeping your spine aligned. Your muscles will also be able to relax as you fall asleep.

Here is a full list of body pillow benefits:

• Proper body support for side sleepers
• Pressure relief on the lower back, spine, and hips
• Improved shoulder, hip, and spinal alignment
• Relaxation of the muscles along the spine
• Improved weight distribution and blood circulation
• Diminished snoring by helping you sleep comfortably on your side
• Potential pain relief from headaches
• Versatile sleep aid for injury recovery
• Additional support during pregnancy

What Type of Body Pillow Should I Pick?

Savvy Rest recommends the shredded latex body pillow if you are laying on your side and want to place the body pillow behind you for added support. This natural latex pillow is totally customizable so you can remove as much of the fill as you’d like to adjust the feel.

If you would prefer something more lightweight, the organic wool body pillow still has that necessary firmness and is also an adjustable pillow.

We also recommend opting for an organic body pillow in general while shopping. The materials in your bedding matter. Avoid synthetic fabrics and conventional cotton that may be treated with bleach or pesticides. Instead, choose an organic cotton body pillow, meaning a body pillow with an organic cotton pillowcase that is safe to sleep with throughout the night. This will help you avoid harsh chemicals that offgas into the air.

Add A Body Pillow to Your Bed!

Even if you don’t experience back pain, a body pillow is still a worthy addition to your bedroom. The benefits to your sleep and overall health are worth it!

Learn more about choosing the best body pillow for your needs.

Choose an Organic Body Pillow That Suits Your Body

Shredded Latex Body Pillow

Natural shredded latex in an organic cotton casing.

Wool-Latex Body Pillow

The perfect balance of softness and support.

Wool Body Pillow

Comforting organic wool in an organic cotton casing.

Organic Kapok Body Pillow

Our softest organic body pillow.

The post Do Body Pillows Help with Back Pain? appeared first on Savvy Rest.

Whether you need a wedge pillow for acid reflux or an anti-snore wedge pillow to keep your partner happy, we have a recommendation for you.

What is a Wedge Pillow?

A wedge pillow is a formed pillow with a unique, angled design. Wedge pillows are meant to elevate the upper body as you sleep.

The shape of it essentially looks like a wedge of cheese!

What are the Health Benefits of a Wedge Pillow?

There are several health benefits associated with using a wedge pillow, particularly for those who suffer from specific sleep-related issues.

It is the elevated design of the pillow that lifts your head and neck, allowing for more airflow through your nasal passages and reduced sinus pressure.

The elevation also helps stop stomach acid from creeping up into the esophagus, which is what happens to those who suffer from GERD. That’s why an acid-reflux wedge pillow for side sleepers is worth looking into.

All in all, there are incredible benefits to staying elevated while sleeping.

Wedge Pillows Can Help Alleviate…

• Acid reflux
• Back pain
• Inflammation
• Nighttime asthma
• Poor posture
• Post-nasal drip
• Sleep apnea
• Snoring

Wedge pillows are also helpful in achieving pressure point relief for the neck and shoulders. However, we also strongly recommend looking into an organic body pillow for side sleeping support if your focus is on the whole body rather than just the upper body.

Latex Wedge Pillow or Memory Foam Wedge Pillow?

We recommend choosing a natural latex pillow rather than a memory foam pillow.

Natural latex is derived from rubber tree sap and baked into cozy, supportive goodness. Memory foam is a synthetic material that may offgas harmful chemicals while you sleep.

We encourage you to look for certifications that give you confidence in the quality and purity of materials. This should apply to your pillows, bedding, and mattresses.

Best Latex Wedge Pillow

We highly recommend this natural Talalay latex wedge pillow made of Cradle to Cradle GOLD-certified Talalay latex and covered in an organic cotton knit fabric.

Flip the pillow vertically if you wish to prop yourself up as you read in bed. Keep the pillow flat and horizontal while sleeping on your back to help alleviate snoring, acid reflux, and post-nasal drip. You can even use it between your knees for added support while sleeping on your side, or under your knees while sleeping on your back to relieve back pain.

This pillow is responsive, versatile, and healthy for your sleep routine.

We hope you give it a try!

The post Wedge Pillow Health Benefits: Targeting Sleep Issues appeared first on Savvy Rest.

Mattress toppers can offer extra comfort and improve your overall quality of sleep.

This blog post will explore the different types of mattress toppers, from latex to wool. We will also dive into the various benefits of toppers and what they are designed to do so keep reading!

What is a mattress topper?

A mattress topper is an extra layer that is placed on top of your existing mattress. It typically will add a few more inches of height to your mattress.

While most people opt for a soft mattress topper with the goal of having a cloud-like feel, you can also choose a firm mattress topper.

Mattress toppers also add an extra layer of protection for your mattress. However, keep in mind that a mattress topper is not the same as a mattress pad or a mattress protector which are designed with the intent of protection being the #1 concern. They are also much thinner than a mattress topper. Meanwhile, a mattress topper’s main focus is comfort.

We always recommend having either a mattress pad or a waterproof mattress protector, regardless of whether or not you choose to also have a mattress topper.

Can a mattress topper help my quality of sleep?

Yes, a mattress topper can absolutely help you get a better night’s sleep.

If your mattress is too firm and causing you aches and pains, you always have the option of simply adding a plush mattress topper to soften your bed.

Mattress toppers are particularly beneficial for side sleepers since they gently cradle your hip and shoulder as you sleep. Pressure point relief is important for side sleepers!

Add an organic body pillow too for optimal results.

What type of mattress topper should I get?

There are several different options out there. Natural latex, wool, memory foam, and polyurethane foam are a few.

We recommend choosing either a natural latex mattress topper or a wool mattress topper and staying away from synthetic materials.

Looking for a firmer sleep experience? 

We recommend a latex topper with Dunlop latex. Organic dunlop latex is natural, comfortable, and known for being incredibly supportive and on the firmer side.

Try the Harmony topper with either Soft or Medium Dunlop latex. This is a 3-inch mattress topper that is completely customizable.

Looking for a softer sleep experience?

We recommend a latex topper with Talalay latex. Talalay is a natural latex that is known for its excellent pressure point relief.

Try the Vitality topper.

Looking for a cooler sleep experience?

Contrary to popular belief, wool is not just for the winter. Wool is breathable and won’t cause you to overheat. It will help keep you cooler in the summer months!

Try the Natural Woolsy Topper.

A mattress topper is a less expensive way to enhance your sleep.

If you’re unable to change the feel of your mattress and can’t invest in a whole new one just yet, then a topper is the perfect solution. You’ll be able to adjust the firmness level, add a bit of height, and get the sleep you deserve.

We hope you choose a Savvy Rest mattress topper!

Learn more about our organic mattress toppers

Natural Savvy Woolsy

Add pillowy softness to your mattress with three inches of domestically-sourced, natural wool.

Vitality

The luxurious Vitality is one 3” layer of Soft natural Talalay latex in a certified organic cotton knit casing.

Harmony

The Harmony is one 3” layer of Soft natural latex in the Savvy Rest organic casing. (Added to the Serenity, it creates the Unity Pillowtop.)

The post Does a Mattress Topper Really Help? appeared first on Savvy Rest.

Luckily, we’re mattress experts.

Knowing the benefits of a mattress will help you understand whether or not it fits your needs.

Here is some helpful information about firm mattresses.

What is a Firm Mattress?

A firm mattress is one that you don’t sink into. While it can have some give, it shouldn’t have that plush cradling feeling that a Pillowtop mattress has. Instead, a firm mattress should offer exceptional, sturdy support.

Very Firm Mattress

A very firm mattress has no give. It’s best suited for either back sleepers with nerve-related back pain (particularly disk issues) or stomach sleepers who want to avoid sinking into their mattress. If a stomach sleeper sinks in too much, this will cause their back to bend uncomfortably, leading to back pain.

When helping you choose a mattress configuration, we may ask for your sleep position, height, weight, and if you have any health or sleep issues. This will help us understand which type of mattress is best for you and what you would consider firm if that’s the route you’d like to go.

Remember, what one person considers firm may not be firm for someone else.

The firmest mattress configuration we recommend in our popular Serenity organic latex mattress is Medium Dunlop on top, Firm Dunlop in the middle, and Firm Dunlop on the bottom.

Learn more about the benefits of GOLS-certified Dunlop latex.

Medium Firm Mattress

A medium firm mattress has a little more give but is still great for back sleepers.

Medium Dunlop on top, Medium Dunlop in the middle, and Firm Dunlop on the bottom has an overall medium-firm feel.

If you want a mattress with a little more give, you can switch that top layer of Medium Dunlop for Medium Talalay instead.

Talalay latex offers excellent pressure point relief without sacrificing support. It’s more responsive than Dunlop, which some people prefer in a mattress, particularly if you switch over to your side.

Learn more about the benefits of Cradle to Cradle GOLD-certified Talalay latex.

Mattress Materials

As you have probably figured out, there are several different mattress materials on the market: natural latex, memory foam, polyurethane foam, coils, etc.

So, what’s the best? That’s a big question.

Natural Latex

We recommend natural latex as the premiere mattress material, both for health and comfort.

Natural latex will also help you sleep cooler when compared to other mattress materials. Talalay latex is especially known for its breathability and open cell structure.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are a more affordable option if you wish to keep costs down. You can even opt for a hybrid mattress that has both natural latex and coils.

If you want to go the coil route, we recommend wrapped coils because unlike bonnell springs, wrapped coils have less motion transfer and are individually encased rather than interlocked.

A wrapped coil mattress still offers that gentle bounce of a traditional coil mattress. You can also find all types of mattress densities with wrapped coil mattresses, including firm.

Mattress Shopping

It’s time to shop for your perfect mattress! If you need help choosing a mattress and can’t make it into a store, use our mattress tool or contact customer service for a phone consultation.

You’ll be sleeping comfortably soon!

The post What are the Benefits of a Firm Mattress? appeared first on Savvy Rest.