How to Choose the Best Mattress For Side Sleepers?
Side sleeping is the most common sleeping position. According to studies, 74% of Americans prefer curling on their side. Only 16% and 10% admit sleeping on their stomach and back, respectively. Sleep experts say that sleeping on your side packs several benefits only if it’s done correctly. “Correctly” in this context is all about getting proper body alignment.
The problem with sleeping on your side
Side-sleeping is generally comforting for most people. However, it also tends to cause the most pressure points compared to stomach- and back-sleeping, thus increasing back, hip, shoulder, and neck pains.
What’s the remedy?
Pressure points refer to the parts of your body that press down into the mattress when sleeping. For a side sleeper, pressure may develop on the ear, shoulder, ribs, waist, lower back, hips, side of the knee, and foot. The best way to prevent pressure points as a side sleeper is to get a mattress that doesn’t push so hard against you. The mattress needs to be soft enough to let your sharp parts sink slightly while offering adequate support for proper spinal alignment.
Best Mattress Firmness Level for Side Sleepers
We recommend getting a mattress that falls between 4 and 6 on the firmness scale. The right firmness level will depend on your weight. Light individuals need a softer mattress, while heavy individuals require a firmer mattress. Recommended Mattress Types for Side Sleeping
Memory foam- this material responds to body heat and pressure to mold around the sleeper. It distributes the weight evenly across your body, thus relieving pressure points and preventing pains and aches.
Latex- slightly softer latex is another excellent option for side sleepers. These mattresses also contour around your body to form a pressure relieving cradle while offering cushioned support. Unlike memory foam, latex has less sink, so it’s easy to change positions and move on the bed.
Hybrid- these mattresses boast a sweet balance between comfort and support. They provide the pressure-relieving comfort of foam (memory foam or latex) with tons of support from the coils. Additionally, the spring base provides significant bounce making it much easier to switch positions and move on the sleeping surface.
Innersprings- traditional innerspring mattresses don’t offer the contour that side sleepers demand. However, most of the newer mattresses are built with a plush comfort section, making them an ideal choice for side sleepers on a budget.
