Why Mattress Body Impressions are Crucial for Quality Sleep

If a mattress salesperson ever tells you that mattress body impressions are bad for you and your mattress, run — run far away. This misinformation has spread because some mattress industry leaders are still uneducated about what sagging is versus what body impressions are. They are not the same. Luckily, the mattress experts at Texas Mattress Makers are highly educated on the topic of healthy sleep and can dispel any mattress myths regarding mattress body impressions.

We’ll tell you now that mattress body impressions are actually essential for quality sleep, while a sagging mattress is a sign that you might need a new mattress — like we said, the two are not the same. Let’s review some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that we hear from our community so that you can become an educated mattress shopper and owner.

What is the difference between mattress sag and body impression?

While it may be difficult to tell them apart with the naked eye, sagging and body impressions are different indicators of your mattress’s health. In short: sagging is bad, and body impressions are good. 

Let’s dive a little deeper.

Mattress sagging can be identified by a 2” or more dip in mattress height and a crater shape typically in the middle of the mattress (although they can appear anywhere). This occurs when the mattress’s supportive components break down and can no longer support your body weight, resulting in a caved-in appearance and feel. A sagging mattress can result in aches and pains in your back, shoulders, and hips, worsening your sleep quality. 

Learn more about how to measure mattress sag

Mattress body impressions appear on your side of the bed, where your body naturally compresses into the mattress. If you look closer, the indentation should have subtle curves where your body lies on the mattress. The appearance of these body impressions can vary from sleeper to sleeper, depending on the type of mattress you have and your preferred sleeping position. This indicates that your bed’s components have conformed to your body and are correctly supporting your weight.

Why does my mattress have body impressions?

After working in the mattress industry for over 40 years, our founder, Youval Meicler, says this is his most frequently asked question. So, in order to set the record straight, here is a video detailing how mattress body impressions are created.

Far from being a flaw, body impressions are a natural and healthy part of the mattress settling in, helping ensure a more personalized and comfortable sleep over time.

When you are going through the process of breaking in a mattress, you and your mattress are taking time to adjust to one another. Mattress body impressions occur when your mattress’s components fully adapt to your specific body, weight distribution, and sleeping position to support you properly as you sleep. Every time you lie down to go to sleep, your mattress is ready to support your spine, your weight, and your position because of the body impression.

Think of how a new pair of shoes or a stiff pair of jeans takes time to mold to your feet or hips to be more flexible and comfortable — this is the same principle. The more you sleep on your mattress, the better it can provide the right comfort and support you need to get a good night’s rest every night.

Are mattress body impressions normal?

Yes! Not only are they normal, they’re necessary for healthy, restful sleep. Why? Because they promote proper spine alignment. 

As we sleep, our spine must remain neutral and relaxed to ensure our muscles, joints, and ligaments can fully rest and recover without being strained or pulled out of position. This prevents aches, stiffness, or long-term pain, especially in the neck, back, and hips. Good spinal alignment also promotes healthy circulation, better breathing, and more restorative rest.

We understand that seeing slight indents on a mattress can look concerning, but think of it this way: your body isn’t flat, so why would your mattress be? Having gaps between your body and your mattress means your weight distribution across the mattress is off, causing you to wake up with discomfort, potentially resulting in chronic pain down the line.

In short, yes, mattress body impressions are normal and are no cause for concern. They are a sign that your mattress’s components are high-quality and performing correctly.

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What are some myths surrounding mattress body impressions?

Anytime we see a statement declaring that mattress body impressions are bad, we know we must do more to educate fellow industry professionals and consumers alike about the benefits of body impressions. Just so that you have all of the information, here are some common myths we hear often.

1. Myth: Sagging and body impressions are the same. As we’ve explained, a sag is a sign that your mattress’s components are weakening, resulting in a two-or-more inch crater.
2. Myth: Body impressions mean the mattress is defective. The truth is the opposite statement: body impressions are a sign that your mattress has adapted to your unique body.
3. Myth: Rotating or flipping the mattress can extend its lifespan. There are many things wrong with this statement.
   • Your body has not adjusted to each area of the mattress, which will cause discomfort.
   • Continuous sleep in one spot creates healthy body impressions for spinal alignment.
   • As long as the components are strong and top-quality, your mattress will last a long time without needing to be rotated or flipped.
   • Unless you have a double-sided mattress meant to be flipped, flipping a mattress will result in your body coming into contact with the support components that are on the bottom and not the comfort materials. Ouch.
4. Myth: A firm mattress won’t develop impressions. Even firmer mattresses will form body impressions over time. It’s less noticeable than in plush models, but any material that softens to your shape — like foam or padding — can show signs of use.

If you ever have a question about mattress body impressions, our experts are here to answer and educate so that you can get the best sleep possible.

Our Mattresses Facilitate Healthier Sleep

Now that we have discussed the benefits of mattress body impressions, we hope that you have a better understanding of what a healthy mattress and healthy sleep will look and feel like. As long as your weight distribution is equal and your spine is aligned correctly each night, your body will enjoy the restorative rest it needs to function.

Each mattress made by Texas Mattress Makers is crafted with top-of-the-line components that are designed to provide personalized comfort and support to your unique body. Our dedication to quality and long-lasting craftsmanship results in mattresses that can last a lifetime and provide you with the best night’s sleep possible each night.

Ready to get better sleep? Visit any of our mattress stores in Houston today to see which mattress will be the perfect match for your body and needs.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• 5 Unexpected Benefits of Sleep
• Is Memory Foam Good for Your Back?
• Experts Answer: Are Mattress Toppers Worth It?
• Possible Reasons Why Your New Mattress is Too Firm
• Best Mattresses for Heavy People