Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Expert Recommendations and Reviews
Unfortunately, numerous mattresses fail to cater to the specific needs of side sleepers. They may be excessively firm, causing pressure on the shoulders and hips, or excessively soft, lacking the necessary support. So, what can these individuals, who prefer to slumber on their sides, do? Fortunately, there is good news, as there is a wide range of exceptional mattresses available that are specifically designed to meet their sleep preferences. In the following sections, we will highlight some of our top recommendations and explore the factors that contribute to an optimal side-sleeping experience.
To select these mattresses, we subjected each one to a series of tests to assess their performance in areas such as cooling, pain relief, motion isolation, and more. We paid particular attention to pain relief since side sleepers exert the most pressure on their shoulders and hips. A suitable mattress for them will not add any extra pressure to these areas.
Our Top 10 Recommendations for Side Sleepers:
- Helix – Helix Midnight
- Nectar – Nectar Memory Foam
- Dreamcloud – DreamCloud Premier Rest
- Brooklyn Bedding – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling
- Bear – Bear Star Hybrid
- Nolah – Nolah Evolution 15
- Winkbeds – The Winkbeds
- Brookly Bedding – Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe
- Layla – Layla Hybrid
| Material: | Hybrid |
| Trial Period: | 100 nights |
| Shipping Method: | Free delivery |
| Firmness: | 7/10 |
| Warranty: | 10-year warranty |
The Helix Midnight mattress stands at a height of 12 inches, offering optimal comfort and support at a competitive price. It is constructed using top-notch materials to ensure a luxurious sleeping experience. Key components include a Soft Touch Design cover, DuraDense foam, coils, high-grade polyfoam, and Memory Plus foam. This combination of materials effectively alleviates pressure in the hips, shoulders, and legs, while also maintaining proper spinal alignment to help alleviate back pain.
One of the standout features of the Helix Midnight mattress is its 8-inch coil unit, consisting of individually-wrapped coils. This design minimizes motion transfer, ensuring that the movements of one person on the bed do not disturb their partner. Additionally, the foam layers on top of the coil unit provide excellent structural support, preventing excessive sinking into the mattress.
The Helix Midnight mattress excels in several aspects. Firstly, its Soft Touch Cover is particularly beneficial for individuals who tend to sleep hot, as it aids in temperature regulation throughout the night. Despite the presence of memory foam, the coil unit promotes airflow, preventing the foam from becoming excessively hot.
Furthermore, the Helix Midnight mattress is a high-value option due to its premium materials and the inclusion of thicker-gauge coils along the perimeter. These coils provide enhanced edge support, ensuring a sturdy and stable sleep surface.
In summary, the Helix Midnight mattress offers an impressive range of features. With its height of 12 inches, premium materials, effective pressure relief, motion isolation, temperature regulation, and sturdy edge support, it is a top-notch choice for a comfortable and supportive night's sleep.
| Material: | Foam |
| Trial Period: | 365 nights |
| Shipping Method: | Free shipping |
| Firmness: | Medium 6.5/10 |
| Warranty: | Lifetime warranty |
When it comes to finding a mattress suitable for side sleeping, value is a crucial consideration for many individuals. Nectar, a brand committed to providing exceptional value, offers a mattress that may not be the cheapest option available, but is undoubtedly one of the best deals. This is precisely why we have selected it as our top choice for side sleepers. Considering its construction and materials alone, one would expect the Nectar mattress to come with a much higher price tag.
The Nectar mattress boasts a two-layer design, with each layer consisting of memory foam. The first layer is a softer gel-infused memory foam, while the second layer is a firmer Hi Core memory foam. Both of these foam layers excel at relieving pressure, allowing side sleepers to gradually sink into the mattress. As someone who personally sleeps on their side, I found the pressure relief provided by the Nectar mattress to be ideal for my sleeping position.
Experience exceptional value and superior pressure relief with the Nectar mattress, a standout choice for side sleepers seeking a mattress that delivers both comfort and affordability.
Discover the Highlights of the Nectar Mattress:
Experience relief from joint pain with the Nectar mattress, which caters to sleepers with various types of discomfort. The memory foam construction of the Nectar mattress conforms to the body, effectively alleviating pressure and providing soothing comfort for aches and pains.
Despite being a memory foam mattress, the Nectar stands out for its cooling properties. While traditional memory foam tends to retain heat, the Nectar incorporates unique features such as a breathable cover and gel-infused memory foam, ensuring a cooler sleeping surface. The Nectar mattress offers a balanced foam feel that appeals to a wide range of sleepers. It is particularly comfortable for back sleepers and side sleepers, providing the optimal combination of support and pressure relief.
Experience the exceptional benefits of the Nectar mattress, including pain relief, cooling comfort, and a balanced foam feel that caters to the preferences of various sleeping positions.
| Material: | Hybrid |
| Trial Period: | 365 nights |
| Shipping Method: | Free shipping |
| Firmness: | Medium 6.5/10 |
| Warranty: | Lifetime warranty |
The DreamCloud Premier offers the perfect blend of pressure relief from memory foam and the responsive bounce of springs, eliminating the sensation of being stuck often associated with memory foam mattresses. With its softer firmness level, this mattress is especially well-suited for side sleepers who commonly experience pressure points around the hips and shoulders.
Furthermore, the incorporation of springs in the mattress design promotes enhanced airflow, preventing the body heat from getting trapped as it can with traditional foam. Combined with advanced gel-infused memory foam, the DreamCloud Premier ensures a cool and comfortable sleep throughout the night. Additionally, the mattress's lifetime warranty demonstrates the manufacturer's confidence and provides buyers with peace of mind.
The DreamCloud Premier arrives conveniently compressed in a box, eliminating the need for coordinating with a delivery truck or handling transportation logistics.
Why do we love it?
The plush Euro top cover adds an extra layer of pressure relief, specifically targeting the shoulders and hips, making this mattress highly desirable for side sleepers seeking optimal comfort.
The DreamCloud Premier is an excellent choice for sleepers who tend to sleep warm, as the springs facilitate continuous airflow, aiding in temperature regulation throughout the night.
| Material: | Hybrid |
| Trial Period: | 365 nights |
| Shipping Method: | Free shipping |
| Firmness: | Multiple firmness options |
| Warranty: | 10-year warranty |
For side sleepers, the concentration of weight on the hips and shoulders can lead to potential hip pain if the mattress fails to contour these areas properly. The hybrid Aurora Luxe model by Brooklyn Bedding directly tackles this issue by offering three firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. Specifically, the Soft firmness level caters to individuals who prefer side sleeping.
Experience targeted hip pain relief with the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe, carefully designed to contour the hips and shoulders of side sleepers. Choose the Soft firmness level for optimal pressure relief, ensuring a comfortable and pain-free sleep experience.
Hot sleepers, take note: The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe features a specially designed cover made of Phase Change Material, which actively contributes to a cooler sleep experience. Additionally, the incorporation of coils in the mattress promotes airflow, ensuring effective temperature regulation throughout the night. The support layer of the Aurora Luxe plays a significant role in maintaining a low temperature, making it an ideal choice for individuals who tend to sleep hot.
Back sleepers will also find comfort on the Aurora Luxe, thanks to the coils that help maintain neutral spinal alignment. We recommend opting for the Medium model for an optimal balance of support and comfort for back sleepers.
Couples seeking a responsive, cooling, and motion-isolating mattress will find the Aurora Luxe an excellent choice. However, it's worth noting that the edge support may not be the strongest aspect of this mattress. If you sleep with a partner, considering a king-size option will provide ample space for both of you to spread out comfortably.
Stay cool, comfortable, and well-supported with the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe, designed with features that cater to the specific needs of hot sleepers, back sleepers, and couples alike.
| Material: | Hybrid |
| Trial Period: | 120 nights |
| Shipping Method: | Free shipping |
| Firmness: | Soft 6/10 |
| Warranty: | Lifetime warranty |
The Bear Star Hybrid mattress was specifically created with athletes in mind, which explains its exceptional support and pressure relief properties, essential for preventing back pain. In fact, during our pressure map test, where we assessed the level of tension on our back, the map indicated minimal to no pressure at all. This indicates that the combination of copper-infused memory foam and individually wrapped coils in the Bear Star Hybrid works harmoniously to maintain a neutral alignment of the spine. Whether you're an athlete or not, rest assured that this mattress won't exacerbate any aches and pains while side sleeping.
Experience the ultimate support and pressure relief with the Bear Star Hybrid, thoughtfully designed to address the needs of athletes and anyone seeking optimal comfort and pain relief during side sleeping.
Bear Star Hybrid mattress has been rated 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, placing it in the medium-soft range. It is essential to note that the industry standard for medium firmness is typically rated at 6.5 out of 10, providing context for the Bear Star Hybrid's firmness level.
Similar to many other Bear mattresses, the Star Hybrid features a cover made of Celliant, a material that has been shown in some studies to assist with blood flow and muscle recovery. This attribute contributes to Bear's popularity among athletes, as it can aid in their recovery process.
Celliant also offers the advantage of sleeping cool. When combined with the copper-infused foam and the airflow-promoting coils, the Bear Star Hybrid ensures a cool sleep environment, providing a refreshing and comfortable experience.
Experience the medium-soft firmness level and the cooling benefits of the Bear Star Hybrid mattress. The incorporation of Celliant technology, copper-infused foam, and airflow-promoting coils contribute to a restful and cool sleep experience, making it an excellent choice for athletes and individuals seeking optimal comfort and temperature regulation.
| Material: | Hybrid |
| Trial Period: | 120 nights |
| Shipping Method: | Free shipping |
| Firmness: | Multiple firmness options |
| Warranty: | Lifetime warranty |
The Nolah Evolution mattress stands at an impressive height of 15 inches and is available in three distinct firmness options. This bed showcases a combination of premium materials, including an organic cotton cover, a cooling Euro topper, AirBreath™ heat escape gusset, Nolah AirFoamICE™, high-resilience foam, transitional foam, coils, and a plant fiber foundation layer.
One standout feature of the Nolah Evolution is its suitability for couples, offering both bounce and edge support. The incorporation of memory foam in the mattress provides exceptional pressure relief and comfort for side sleepers, particularly in the softer models. Back sleepers seeking additional support should opt for the firmer options within the Nolah Evolution range.
What sets the Nolah Evolution apart is its use of CertiPUR-US certified memory foams, ensuring high-quality materials that meet rigorous standards for safety, durability, and environmental impact.
Discover the Nolah Evolution mattress and enjoy its exceptional features, including a range of firmness options, superior pressure relief for side sleepers, strong edge support, and the use of certified memory foams for a safe and comfortable sleep experience.
| Material: | Hybrid |
| Trial Period: | 120 nights |
| Shipping Method: | Free shipping |
| Firmness: | Multiple firmness options |
| Warranty: | Lifetime warranty |
If you prefer a firmer mattress, we highly recommend the WinkBed. With its pocketed coil support layer, this mattress offers a traditional innerspring feel. When lying down, you'll experience a sensation of being "on top" of the mattress rather than sinking deeply into it. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for back sleepers, as it provides the necessary support to maintain a neutral spinal alignment. Additionally, combination sleepers will appreciate the bouncy nature of the WinkBed, making it easy to switch positions throughout the night.
The WinkBed is available in several models, including Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. During our testing, we focused on the Luxury Firm model, which provided an optimal balance of comfort and support. For individuals who weigh over 250 pounds, the WinkBeds Plus model is also available for an additional cost. This model is specifically designed with heavy sleepers in mind, ensuring exceptional durability and support.
Discover your perfect level of firmness with the WinkBed mattress, tailored to meet the needs of back sleepers and combination sleepers seeking robust support and ease of movement.
The WinkBed consistently earns a spot on our list of the best mattresses for back pain, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking relief and support. Additionally, the mattress's responsiveness makes it effortless to get in and out of bed, appealing to seniors and sleepers with mobility issues who require easy accessibility.
Sleeping cool is another standout feature of the WinkBed. The pillow top infused with gel, combined with the airflow between the coils, ensures optimal temperature regulation, allowing you to enjoy a comfortably cool sleep environment.
Find relief for your back pain and enjoy the ease of movement and cool sleep provided by the WinkBed mattress. Its exceptional responsiveness, accessibility, and cooling properties make it a top choice for those seeking relief from back pain or individuals with mobility concerns.
| Material: | Hybrid |
| Trial Period: | 120 nights |
| Shipping Method: | Free shipping |
| Firmness: | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Warranty: | 10-year warranty |
Heavy-side sleepers require a mattress that provides adequate support while alleviating pressure on the hips and shoulders. As most of your weight is concentrated on a narrower surface, it's crucial to avoid shoulder and hip pain. That's why side sleepers benefit from a softer bed that allows for contouring and pressure relief.
The Titan Plus Luxe is specifically designed for heavy individuals. Although we have rated its firmness at 6.5 on our scale, the mattress should feel slightly softer for those weighing over 230 pounds. Remarkably, the Titan Plus Luxe can handle a weight capacity of up to 1,000 pounds, evenly distributed at 500 pounds on each side.
Highlighted Features:
The Titan Plus Luxe showcases 8-inch TitanCliber™ coils, offering the essential support and bounce required for easy repositioning during sleep. These coils span from side to side, providing enhanced edge support, making it comfortable to sleep near the edge of the mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding offers a generous 120-night trial, allowing you to thoroughly test the mattress and ensure it aligns with your unique sleeping habits.
Discover the exceptional support and comfort tailored for heavy side sleepers with the Titan Plus Luxe mattress. With its high-quality construction, advanced coil system, and edge support, this mattress is engineered to provide the perfect balance of support and contouring.
| Material: | Hybrid |
| Trial Period: | 120 nights |
| Shipping Method: | Free shipping |
| Firmness: | Multiple firmness options |
| Warranty: | 10-year warranty |
Layla stands out in the sleep industry with its innovative flippable design, offering sleepers the choice between a soft side and a firm side. The soft side is particularly well-suited for side sleepers. The foam gently contours to the body, effectively relieving pressure at the shoulders and hips – the areas where side sleepers often experience the most pressure. It's important to note that the Layla Hybrid features a layer of coils in the center, ensuring consistent support, regardless of which side you sleep on.
Experience the exceptional benefits of the Layla mattress, including the option to choose your preferred level of firmness with its flippable design. The soft side offers optimal contouring and pressure relief for side sleepers, while the presence of coils in the Layla Hybrid guarantees reliable support no matter which side you choose to sleep on.
The Layla Hybrid's unique flippable design caters to all sleeping positions, making it a versatile choice. Back sleepers and stomach sleepers will likely find the firm side of the mattress most suitable, as it has been rated 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale (while the soft side received a 5).
The inclusion of coils in the Layla Hybrid promotes ample airflow throughout the mattress structure, ensuring optimal breathability and temperature regulation. However, it's important to note that the soft side of the Layla Hybrid may sleep slightly warmer than the firm side due to the thicker foam layers.
With its layer of springs, the Layla Hybrid offers greater responsiveness compared to the original all-foam Layla mattress. This responsiveness facilitates easy and comfortable transitions for combination sleepers who frequently change positions throughout the night.
Discover the versatility and comfort of the Layla Hybrid mattress, suitable for all sleeping positions. The option to choose between the soft and firm side, enhanced airflow from the coil system, and increased responsiveness make it an excellent choice for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers alike.
How to Choose a Mattress for Side Sleepers?
When it comes to choosing a mattress for side sleepers, there are several important factors to consider. The qualities that side sleepers look for in a mattress differ from those of stomach or back sleepers. To help you make an informed decision, we have combined the insights from two writers to provide you with a comprehensive guide.One crucial aspect to look for in a mattress for side sleepers is pressure relief. Since side sleepers put more pressure on their hips and shoulders, it's essential to find a mattress that cradles these areas and offers optimal pressure relief. Soft mattresses are often the best choice for side sleepers as they allow the foam to mold around the shoulders and hips, providing the necessary support.
Firmness is another important consideration. Soft mattresses are generally more effective in relieving pressure compared to firm ones. A firm mattress can press into the hips and shoulders, causing misalignment of the spine and potentially leading to back pain. For side sleepers, a softer mattress is recommended to ensure proper support and alignment during sleep.
Weight also plays a role in mattress selection. Heavier sleepers, weighing over 230 pounds, may find that a firmer mattress feels softer than advertised. On the other hand, petite sleepers under 150 pounds might prefer an extra-soft mattress to avoid a too-firm sensation. It's essential to consider your weight when choosing a mattress to ensure optimal comfort and support.
Health concerns should also be taken into account. If you experience back, side, or joint pain, it's crucial to factor this in when selecting a mattress. For individuals with back pain, a side sleeper mattress that offers a balance of pressure relief and support, such as the Purple mattress, can be beneficial. Those with hip or shoulder pain usually find that a softer mattress provides better pressure relief for their joints compared to a firm bed.
Additionally, it's worth noting that neck pain in side sleepers can often be attributed to the pillow rather than the mattress. Using a supportive pillow can help alleviate neck pain and ensure proper spinal alignment. For specific recommendations on pillows for side sleepers, we recommend referring to our dedicated article on the topic.
When it comes to back pain, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. While a medium-firm and supportive mattress is generally recommended for individuals with back pain, it's important to seek a professional opinion for a comprehensive understanding of your condition and specific needs.
Similarly, if you experience hip pain, it is always best to consult a doctor before making any mattress decisions. While the mattress can contribute to hip pain, a healthcare professional's guidance is essential to address the underlying causes.
In summary, for side sleepers, a mattress that offers great pressure relief is crucial. Opting for a soft mattress allows for proper contouring and relieves pressure on the hips and shoulders. Considering your weight and any existing health concerns, such as back, hip, or shoulder pain, is vital in selecting the right mattress. By taking these factors into account, you can find a mattress that provides the necessary support and comfort for a restful night's sleep.
What impact does side sleeping have on your sleep quality?
In addition to providing a comfortable sleeping position, side sleeping offers numerous health benefits. Notably, it helps reduce the risk of sleep apnea, enhances brain health, and improves gut health and function. Choosing the best mattress for side sleepers can further enhance comfort and contribute to a restful night's sleep.Side sleeping is particularly recommended during pregnancy due to its positive effects. It aids in achieving higher-quality sleep by alleviating pressure on the belly, and sleeping on the left side promotes optimal blood flow through the inferior vena cava. This major vein plays a critical role in pumping blood both to your heart and to your baby.
However, it's important to note that side sleeping can have adverse effects if the right mattress is not used. Improper support can lead to excessive pressure on the shoulders and hips, resulting in joint pain and discomfort. To avoid these issues, selecting a suitable mattress is crucial. Besides being comfortable, there are also countless health benefits to side sleeping as well. Helping reduce the risk of sleep apnea, improving the health of your brain and even improving gut health and function are included among the benefits of sleeping on your side. And the best mattress for side sleepers can improve your comfort while you get a good night's sleep.
It's also recommended to side sleep during pregnancy. It promotes better quality sleep by keeping pressure off your belly, and sleeping on the left side promotes ample blood flow from the inferior vena cava. This is a crucial vein that pumps blood through your heart and also your baby.
However, sleeping on your side can have some adverse effects if you're not using the right mattress. It can put undue pressure on your shoulders and hips and lead to joint pain and discomfort.
Tips for achieving comfortable side sleeping
Enhance your side sleeping experience with these helpful tips:Choose the right pillow: The pillow you use plays a vital role, especially for side sleepers. Opt for tall and lofty pillows that provide proper support to your head and cervical spine. Avoid using flat pillows that can cause misalignment and potential pain.
Add extra cushioning: If needed, utilize additional pillows for added padding and support where you need it most. Placing a soft and fluffy pillow between your knees can alleviate pressure on your back and promote better alignment. For those experiencing shoulder pain, consider using a pillow under the armpit for additional pressure relief.
Consider a mattress topper: If your current mattress is too firm but still has some life left, a mattress topper can be a practical solution. It allows you to make your mattress softer without the need to purchase an entirely new bed. Look for a soft and plush mattress topper that can significantly alter the firmness profile of your mattress, catering to the needs of side sleepers.
What to Consider When Choosing a Mattress for Side Sleepers
If you're curious about how we determined these mattresses as the best for side sleepers, we're here to provide the answers. Let's start by highlighting key features that side sleepers should prioritize when searching for a mattress. We'll also discuss the ideal firmness, mattress types suitable for side sleepers, and recommended mattress accessories.- Support for Side Sleepers: Support is crucial for all sleepers, but it holds particular importance for side sleepers. The contorted positions assumed during side sleeping can challenge healthy spine alignment, especially in the fetal position. Opting for a mattress with excellent support ensures proper adaptation to the body's shape, promoting comfortable synergy within the musculoskeletal chain.
- Contouring for Side Sleepers: Contouring is especially vital for side sleepers. Sleeping on your side creates uneven spaces between the hips and shoulders, requiring a mattress that fills in these gaps. A mattress with effective contouring provides targeted support where needed, creating a cradling sensation instead of exerting pressure on the hips and shoulders. Memory foam mattresses excel in contouring, as they respond slowly to pressure and conform to the body's unique shape.
- Pressure Relief and Pain Alleviation for Side Sleepers: Side sleeping places increased pressure on the hips and shoulders compared to back or stomach sleeping. Selecting a mattress that offers both support and pressure relief in these areas is essential to prevent or alleviate pain. Soft mattresses are particularly beneficial for side sleepers as they provide the necessary cushioning, allowing the hips and shoulders to sink comfortably.
- Shoulder Pain: For side sleepers experiencing shoulder pain, a notably soft mattress with a firmness rating of 5.5 or lower is recommended. Given that side sleepers tend to exert more weight on their shoulders, a cushioning mattress that provides maximum support and comfort is preferable.
- Hip Pain: Similarly, side sleepers with hip pain should opt for a plush mattress that cradles their sensitive joints. A mattress with a firmness rating of 5.5 or lower is ideal in this case, offering the necessary support while providing a gentle and supportive feel.
- Back Pain: If you're a side sleeper struggling with back pain, focus on finding a mattress that promotes neutral spine alignment. Maintaining a straight spine is crucial for preventing and alleviating pain, as it aligns with the spine's natural position. Look for a mattress that allows your hips and shoulders to sink adequately, supporting optimal neutral spinal alignment. Consider exploring mattresses with zoned support for additional benefits.
Determining the Optimal Mattress Firmness for Side Sleepers
When it comes to firmness, side sleepers should consider mattresses that range from soft to moderate on the firmness scale. While many assume that firmer mattresses offer better support, an exception must be made for those who predominantly sleep on their sides.A plush mattress provides the necessary cushioning for pressure relief, which is vital for side sleepers. While a firm mattress may offer support for sitting up, a plush mattress offers greater comfort and relief for sensitive areas.
A plush mattress typically falls within the firmness range of 4.5–6 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 6.5 being medium firmness. A plush mattress should:
- Provide ample pressure relief and support to the neck, hips, and shoulders.
- Allow for deep sinkage to prevent pressure point formation along the spine.
- Firmness is a critical attribute for side sleepers due to the nature of the position. The mattress needs to contour to the body's curves to prevent discomfort or pressure.
Determining the best mattress type for side sleepers depends on various factors, including body type, body weight, specific concerns or preferences, and individual needs. Here are some notable options:
- Memory foam mattresses are suitable for side sleepers as they conform to the body, providing relief to areas that may feel compressed. They excel at contouring to the body's shape and are ideal for individuals seeking pain relief. However, heavier side sleepers may face issues if the bottom foam layer is excessively soft, causing excessive sinking.
- Hybrid mattresses are versatile options suitable for various sleeping positions, including side sleeping. They combine a coil base with foam or latex layers on top. This construction offers a balance of support and cushioning desired by side sleepers. Memory foam hybrid mattresses are especially beneficial for couples due to reduced motion transfer, while the coils enhance airflow and breathability.
- Latex mattresses available are technically latex hybrids, featuring a coil base with a latex layer on top. These mattresses are known for their bouncy surface and natural sourcing. Side sleepers should ensure that the supportive latex layer offers sufficient give for their hips and shoulders. Latex mattresses are also suitable for combination sleepers who switch between different sleeping positions.
- Innerspring mattresses are the traditional type, primarily consisting of steel coil materials. They offer a bouncy feel and responsiveness. However, side sleepers should be cautious as these mattresses tend to be firmer. If you prefer the classic innerspring feel and sleep on your side, ensure the mattress is soft enough to prevent discomfort and pressure at the shoulders and hips.
FAQs
- What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?Memory foam mattresses are among the best options for side sleepers. They conform to your body shape, relieving pressure points and maintaining spinal alignment while you sleep on your side. Additionally, side sleepers should consider softer mattresses as they provide optimal pressure relief for the shoulder and hip joints.
- What level of firmness is ideal for side sleepers?
While there isn't a single definitive answer, most side sleepers tend to prefer mattresses with a soft to medium level of firmness. Mattresses in this range offer sufficient contouring to alleviate pressure in the shoulders, hips, and knees when sleeping on your side, while still maintaining proper spinal alignment to prevent waking up in discomfort.
- Is memory foam suitable for side sleepers?
Absolutely. Memory foam is renowned for its ability to relieve pressure and conform to the body's curves. When sleeping on your side, memory foam gently embraces the shoulder and hip joints, providing enhanced comfort and support.
- Are firm mattresses unsuitable for side sleepers?
Firm mattresses can be unsuitable for side sleepers, especially those weighing under 150 pounds. Excessively firm mattresses may lack the necessary cushioning and give required for pressure point relief. This can lead to sleep disruptions, discomfort, and even numbness or tingling in the extremities. Ultimately, individual preferences and personal comfort play a role, but most side sleepers find medium to softer mattress options to be more suitable.
- Is it better for your health to sleep on your side?
Sleeping on your side is widely considered one of the healthiest sleeping positions, with sleeping on the left side believed to offer more benefits than the right. This is particularly true during pregnancy, as it enhances blood flow between the uterus, heart, fetus, and kidneys. However, both sides provide advantages such as relief from chronic back pain, pressure relief, reduced snoring, and improved spinal alignment.
- What are the top pillows for side sleepers?
Selecting the right mattress is the initial step toward better side sleeping. The subsequent step is finding the best pillow for side sleepers, specifically designed to provide additional support to the spine, particularly the neck and shoulders.
When choosing the ideal pillow, factors like loft (height), materials used, level of support, and additional features such as cooling properties or suitability for specific health conditions should be considered.
Pillows come in various materials, including memory foam, latex, buckwheat, down, bamboo, and cotton, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
According to Harvard Health, individuals who frequently sleep on their side should use a pillow that supports the neck more than the head. While support is essential, it is advisable to avoid pillows that are excessively firm or high, as they may cause stiffness and discomfort.
- What is the best mattress topper for side sleepers?
If your mattress is too firm or too soft, adding a mattress topper can help adjust its feel. Look for a medium-firm mattress topper that offers pressure relief and contours to address the lack of support in your mattress. Consider the thickness and density of the topper as well. A thicker topper provides more cushioning, while a denser material delivers greater support and durability.
- What is the ideal mattress firmness for side sleepers?
Most side sleepers prefer soft to medium-firm mattresses due to their pressure relief, contouring properties, and support. Soft mattresses offer the highest level of pressure relief, but they may only provide adequate support for lightweight individuals. Additionally, soft beds may not be suitable if you share the bed with someone who doesn't sleep on their side. Medium and medium-firm mattresses are also suitable for side sleepers and tend to be more versatile, especially for those who share a bed.
- Is edge support important for side sleepers?
Edge support refers to the mattress's ability to provide support along its perimeter. Good edge support ensures you can fully utilize the mattress surface and makes getting in and out of bed easier.
As a side sleeper, you may frequently use the edge of your mattress. If this is the case, it's important to choose a mattress that scores well in terms of edge support. Some manufacturers incorporate denser foam or reinforced coils along the edges to enhance support.
- What if I am a combination sleeper?
There are many excellent mattresses suitable for exclusive side sleepers as well as those who switch between different sleeping positions. The best mattresses for combination sleepers typically have adaptable medium firmness and facilitate easy repositioning through coil or latex layers. However, it's important to consider the amount of time spent in each position. If you spend the majority of your time on your side, these mattresses should be suitable. However, if you spend most of your time on your stomach and only occasionally on your side, a firmer mattress, typically preferred by stomach sleepers, may be a better option.