Mattresses are too soft: how can I get a better night's sleep in a hotel?
I've noticed that mattresses (and pillows) in hotels tend to be softer than I'm used to, and I don't get a good night's sleep like I do at home. I don't have anything super-special going on (no weird medical stuff); I just have a firmer mattress and pillow at home and I notice the difference at hotels, sometimes waking up with a bit of a backache. Is there anything I can do in a hotel room, or when making a reservation, to firm up the bed, within the constraint that when I fly I try not to check baggage? (So if I bring something, it has to pack down.) I don't want to sleep on the floor (that's too firm).
Best Answer
One thing I noticed is that more expensive hotels tend to have softer mattresses and fluffier pillows.
While probably not universal, it might be worth experimenting with selecting a slightly lower class hotel, or just a different chain.
In extreme cases, sleeping on the floor is of course an option, even at home I have to do that sometimes when I've a severe attack of back pain (and my mattress there is pretty hard indeed).
But if your back is healthy, the aches waking up in a strange bed have more to do with the bed being strange and not shaped/moulded to your body as the one you have at home is than with the specific firmness of the mattress and bottom (the stiffness, shape, and movement of the springs or wooden slats the mattress is sat on have a big influence as well on your nightly comfort).
You will notice the same thing the first several days to weeks after purchasing a new mattress for your home.
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Quick Answer about "Mattresses are too soft: how can I get a better night's sleep in a hotel?"
How do you sleep on a mattress that is too soft?
If your mattress is too soft, try slipping some plywood boards between the mattress and the box spring or the bed frame. This will add some extra support. Try a mattress pad or mattress topper.What can I put on top of my mattress to make it more comfortable?
Try a Mattress Topper A mattress topper sits on top of, or straps onto, your mattress. Its purpose is to provide a layer of padding to boost comfort, enhance support, or cover any awkward lumps. A topper typically consists of a layer of foam, which can range from thin (about two inches) to thick (four inches and up).Why is it hard to sleep in a hotel?
Ever wake up groggy after your first night in a hotel? Your brain may be keeping watch for danger. New research suggests that the parts of the brain do not go into \u201csleep mode\u201d during the first night of sleep in a new environment.Why do hotels have soft beds?
One of the main reasons why hotel beds are so deliciously comfortable is because they are covered in luxurious and premium soft sheets. The management opts for light, silky, breathable, and crisp material such as silk or Egyptian cotton with a thread count of 300 or higher because of their excellent softness.How can I make my firm mattress softer?
More answers regarding mattresses are too soft: how can I get a better night's sleep in a hotel?
Answer 2
Some hotels offer a choice of mattresses, not advertised but it is worth asking.
I had an uncomfortable night at one large hotel because the mattress was too hard for me. I called the front desk to complain. The next night there was a much softer mattress on the bed.
Answer 3
Check for online reviews about the bedding. When I see "too hard" I think, "perfect for me." Also, you can call the front desk of hotels before you reserve a room and ask what guests typically say about the beds.
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