NEWS
The Firmness Scale: How to Choose the Right Firmness Level For Your Mattress

Mattress firmness matters more than you think. While the right firmness level can enhance the quality of your sleep, sleeping on a surface that is too hard or too soft can lead to back pain and posture problems.
Here’s what you should know about the mattress firmness scale.
Is a medium mattress right for everyone?
A medium mattress is a product with a firmness level of 5 or 6. It’s a popular firmness level with many great options, including the Dormeuse REM9 Organic Mattress by Essentia.
Opting for a medium firmness level makes sense for most sleepers because these products feel soft and comfortable. Moreover, they provide you with enough support to keep your spine aligned throughout the night.
Medium mattresses are also popular because they accommodate different sleeping positions and are suitable for overweight individuals. Several studies have found that participants tend to prefer mid-firm mattresses to reduce back pain and improve sleep quality.
Another advantage is that the materials used are light enough to allow for airflow, which results in a mattress that helps you stay cool at night.
Who should consider a soft mattress?
You can find soft mattresses with a firmness level of 3 or 4 and extra soft options that rank a 1 or 2 on the firmness scale.
A soft mattress has little surface pressure and allows you to sink into the top layer. Some sleepers prefer this feeling, and the limited surface pressure can help if you suffer from joint pain.
While soft mattresses can lead to posture problems for back sleepers, they can be a good fit for side sleepers who like sinking into the mattress. Another advantage is that soft mattresses weigh less and are easy to move. You can also find soft roll-up mattresses that you can easily put away to save space.
What are the pros and cons of firm mattresses?
If you need more support, you should consider a firm mattress. These mattresses use surface pressure to prevent you from sinking into the top layer.
The firmness level can be anywhere between 7 and 10, depending on the amount of surface pressure the mattress creates.
Firm mattresses tend to cost more, but they’re more durable. They also provide a reasonable amount of support for heavier sleepers and can help keep your spine aligned if you sleep on your back.
However, firm mattresses sometimes create high-pressure points for the body parts that come in contact with the mattress, such as your hips and shoulders. These points can feel uncomfortable and reduce circulation.
Final thoughts
You can start by finding out the firmness level of your current mattress. Are there uncomfortable pressure points? Do you feel that your mattress lacks support? If yes, consider opting for a different level of support.
An excellent way to better understand what different firmness levels feel like is to visit a local mattress store and try multiple products. You can then shop around to explore more options or get a good deal on a mattress with an ideal level of firmness.

Khalil ur Rehman is a proud born and raised in Abbottabad. Khalil has worked as a journalist for nearly a decade having contributed to several large publications including the Yahoo News and The Verge. As a journalist for The Hear Up, Khalil covers climate and science news. [email protected]
NEWS
The importance of animal welfare during Qurban Festival

Introduction, The Qurban Festival is a religious observance celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide. The festival involves the ritual sacrifice of animals, including cows, goats, and sheep, as a symbol of devotion to Allah. While the festival has deep spiritual significance, it is essential to prioritize animal welfare during Qurban.
Increasing Awareness
Animal welfare is an issue of global importance, with increasing awareness of the need to treat animals ethically and humanely. During Qurban, animals are subjected to unique challenges that can impact their well-being, including transport, handling, and slaughter. In this article, we will explore the importance of animal welfare during Qurban Festival and discuss ways to ensure that animals are treated humanely during this critical time.
Understanding Animal Welfare Animal welfare refers to animals’ physical and mental well-being. It is an essential aspect of animal care that ensures that animals are treated with respect, kindness, and empathy. Factors that affect animal welfare include access to food and water, appropriate shelter, protection from disease and injury, and freedom from fear and distress.
During Qurban Festival, animals are exposed to various stressors that can impact their welfare. Transport to and from the festival can be stressful for animals, as they can be separated from their herd or family members. The slaughter process can also be traumatic if not conducted humanely. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that animals are treated with care and respect during Qurban.
Islamic Principles on Animal Welfare
Islamic Principles on Animal Welfare Animal welfare is a central tenet of Islamic teachings, and the religion has clear principles on how animals should be treated. In the Quran, Allah states that humans are entrusted with animals’ care and should be treated with kindness and compassion. The Prophet Muhammad also emphasized the importance of animal welfare, urging Muslims to treat animals humanely and with respect.
According to Islamic teachings, animals should not suffer unnecessary harm or pain. During Qurban, it is essential to ensure that animals are handled and slaughtered in a manner consistent with Islamic principles. This means that animals should be treated humanely and their welfare should be a top priority.
Standard Practices and Concerns during Qurban Festival Traditionally, animals are slaughtered during Qurban Festival using a sharp knife to the neck, severs the carotid artery and jugular vein, leading to rapid death. However, there are concerns that traditional slaughter methods may not always be carried out humanely, leading to unnecessary animal pain and suffering.
There are also concerns about the handling and transporting animals during the Qurban Festival. Animals may be subjected to long journeys without access to food or water, which can be stressful and potentially harmful. Additionally, there are concerns about the conditions in which animals are housed during the festival, including access to appropriate shelter and protection from the elements.
Ways to Ensure Animal Welfare
Ways to Ensure Animal Welfare during Qurban Festival There are several ways to ensure that animals are treated humanely during Qurban Festival. Pre-slaughter handling and preparation are critical to ensuring that animals are in good health and are not subjected to unnecessary stress. This includes providing animals with food and water, appropriate shelter, and veterinary care.
During slaughter, it is essential to use humane methods that minimize pain and suffering. This includes ensuring that the knife used for slaughter is sharp, that animals are appropriately restrained, and that the massacre is carried out quickly and efficiently. After slaughter, animals should be handled with care to minimize contamination risk and ensure that they are disposed of appropriately.

Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.
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