The official website of Consumer Reports states what many believe to be common knowledge about mattresses: firmer is better. However, Consumer Reports also states that: "If a mattress is too firm, it won't support all body parts evenly and may cause discomfort at the heaviest points (hips and shoulders)." Thus, if you're staying in a hotel room with a mattress that has a level of firmness that is causing you discomfort, there are things you can do to ensure you get a good night's rest.
A feather bed is a lightweight mattress filled with feathers that rests on top of the main mattress. It's sort of like a giant down pillow, and it gives you a cushioning effect, a suitable solution if your mattress is too firm. A feather bed also adds a great deal of warmth, which can help your muscles relax after a long day. Feather beds also mold to different shapes, giving you more support.
One of the biggest selling points of memory foam is that it can mold and sculpt to various sleeping positions, giving you even more support than a feather bed and a gentler form of support than a firm mattress. Memory foam also provides some cushioning between you and the hard mattress. Memory foam reacts to temperature; the warmth of your body causes it to become even more pliable. As an added benefit, memory foam is more hygienic, creating a layer between you and possible dust mites that might be lingering in the mattress.
A mattress pad is exactly what it sounds like: a thin cushion or pad that you place over your mattress for a greater amount of cushioning. Mattress pads offer you a great variety of materials and thicknesses. You can get mattress pads made of latex, cotton, and wool. Some mattress pads are just a fraction of an inch thick, while others are almost as thick as feather beds. Many mattress pads come with specific back support properties, and some are even made specifically for mattresses that are too firm.
