How to Choose the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Side sleeper mattress is for around 15% of all adults prefer to sleep on their side with their legs stretched out, and another 41% of adults sleep in a fetal position with their legs bent and backs hunched. Evidently, the kind of support they need while sleeping is different from people who sleep on their backs. It is because there are many more pressure points that can cause strain and pain throughout the body. However, with the best mattress for side sleepers, the stress can be alleviated, and you can enjoy a relaxing sleep.

Below are Some of the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers –

1. Memory Foam

If you are looking for maximum comfort and support, especially if you are a side sleeper, then a memory foam mattress is an ideal choice for you. When you lie on it, the mattress seamlessly conforms to your body, offering equal support throughout the body. Moreover, different layers of foam protect the mattress from sagging in the middle, so you don’t have to flip the mattress frequently.

2. Gel Mattress

It is another best type of mattress for side sleepers that you can consider. Basically in gel mattress, the gel is included in the foam mattress either into the upholstery layer or support system. However, it does have a different feel than memory foam; therefore, it is better to test it. Gel mattress tends to dissipate the body heat more efficiently, so you will not have to wake up feeling hot and sweaty.

3. Pillow Tops

Pillow tops are the best mattress for side sleepers, for people who don’t want to go for either memory foam or gel-based mattress. Pillow tops are an additional upholstery layer that you add on top of your mattress. They are extraordinarily cushiony and soft and gives the feeling of a memory foam mattress. Your hip and shoulder sink into the pillow top and keep you back aligned to provide optimum comfort.

4. Innerspring

Innerspring or coil mattresses are the ones that use metal springs to provide internal support. The quality of this mattress is gauged based on the number of coils used inside it. The coil distribution allows the mattress to conform to the body and provide optimum comfort.

5. Latex Mattress

Latex mattresses are made of latex foam rather than using memory foam. It offers a different level of plushness and firmness to provide comfort to the back, tummy, or side sleepers. Latex mattresses are also less dense as opposed to memory foam mattresses; therefore provide less heating.

The mattress you choose plays a significant role in providing a comfortable sleep. When you sleep on your side, there is a lot of pressure on your shoulder and hip. So you need a mattress that can alleviate the stress on these regions and provide optimum alignment and comfort. Above are some of the best mattresses to choose, if you are sleeping on your side based on your preference.

Also Read- Essential Tips For Choosing The Best Queen Size Tempurpedic Mattress

Mattress Buying Guide for Side Sleepers

People who sleep on their sides have less strain on their neck; however, this position can apply a lot of pressure on the arms and legs. Various studies reveal that sleeping on this position can, at times, lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. Opting for a right mattress can help you reduce the pressure on your legs, arms, hips, and shoulder and provide you with better sleep. There are various factors that you should consider while buying a mattress for side sleepers and below are some of the prominent ones –

1. Firmness

The firmness of a mattress significantly impacts your sleep. When it comes to side sleepers, they need a mattress cushioned enough to conform to the curves of their bodies. Inadequate contour will create pressure points that will result in neck, back and shoulder pain. Side sleepers will need a medium to firm mattress, depending on the body size. If you have a large build or on the heavier side, then a firmer mattress will be able to provide better support. If you have a petite figure, you can get adequate support from a softer mattress.

2. Pressure Relief

Irrespective of what sleeping position you choose, specific pressure points will be created in your body. For people who sleep on their sides, these pressure points are formed at the more contoured areas of the body that are pressed more in-depth into the mattress while lying laterally, which is hips and shoulders. So when you have a wrong mattress, you will often feel pain or numbness on the side when you wake up in the morning.
Mattresses designed for side sleepers will conform to the body’s position and provide adequate support to keep your body relaxed throughout the night.

3. Spine Alignment

When you are sleeping on your side, ideally your side, you should align in a straight position. This fact often comes as a surprise for people who imagine sinking into their mattress deeply to sleep. When you sleep on the side, your spine forms an ‘S’ curve; however, it should stay straight from a posterior or anterior perspective. While bending to the side is completely normal, you should not remain in the same position for more than a couple of seconds, let alone throughout the night. It can considerably impact your back health. So your mattress should prompt adequate spinal alignment. You don’t have to opt for a substantial mattress, but it should be firm enough to provide enough support to your spine.

4. Materials

No mattress can cater to the sleeping needs of different types of sleepers. From memory foam, later to innerspring to hybrid, each mattress comes with its share of benefits. Whether or not it is ideal for you depend on factors including mattress construction along with your body size and sleeping preferences. For instance, memory foam mattresses are often designed to relieve pressure within its top layers. And, innerspring mattresses provide adequate support to your body weight while offering equal body contouring. While these are the most preferred mattress for side sleepers, you must test and verify whether or not they are ideal for you.

Why Sleep on a Side?

Sleeping on the side is the second most suggested sleeping position by doctors across the globe. Side sleeping can help you gain a lot of health benefits. To begin with, it is incredibly gentle on your neck as opposed to sleeping on your stomach, which often causes sleep apnea, snoring, backache, etc. Now, if you think sleeping on the left side and the right side is all the same, you are wrong.

Studies proved that sleeping on your left is considered more beneficial. Right side sleeping can elevate heartburn and acid reflux, and these issues can be eliminated by sleeping on the left side. Due to the positioning of various organs in the body, left-side sleeping can improve digestion and blood circulation, assist the brain in filtering waste, and promote lymphatic drainage.

There you have it everything you need to know about sleeping on the side. If you are a side sleeper, this article will be your perfect guide to choose the ideal mattress for yourself and help in enjoying a comfortable and healthy sleep.

Also Read- Choosing The Right King Size Tempurpedic Mattress To Suit Your Needs