Choosing The Best Mattress for a Side Sleeper

Side sleeping is one of the most common sleep positions. From personal preference to choosing it for its potential benefits, such as reduced back pain and improved digestion - side sleeping is more common than you think. However, it requires proper support to avoid discomfort. 

The key to this is aligning your spine with your head and neck. Think about it: if you sleep with a pillow on a soft mattress, your body will start sinking below the shoulders. This will misalign your spine and put pressure on your joints.

In this blog post, we'll dive deep into the best mattresses for side sleeping and how to set up the ideal bed for side sleepers. From understanding the intricacies of pressure relief and spinal alignment to choosing the perfect mattress, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover how you can get the best night’s sleep!

Understanding Side Sleeping

When it comes to side sleeping, you need enough firmness that the mattress contours to the body. This supports your shoulders and hips. Medium-firm mattresses won’t lock your hips and shoulders in their place while you’re sleeping. At the same time, you need a soft feel so that you can move easily in your sleep. Read more about the key considerations and proper setup for side sleepers below.

Key Considerations for Side Sleepers

The way you sleep will decide your choice of bedding and mattress. When choosing bedding and the best mattress for side sleepers, consider your specific needs. Here are some key factors you should think about if you're looking for the best mattress for side sleepers (with shoulder and hip pain) in Australia.

Pressure Relief

Side sleeping inherently places more stress on certain parts of the body, particularly the hips and shoulders. This can lead to discomfort or pain, especially on pressure points. This can ultimately disrupt sleep and cause lingering pain or worsen chronic pain.

An ideal mattress for side sleepers should have a top layer that contours to the body, distributing weight evenly and reducing pressure at these critical areas.

Spinal Alignment

Maintaining proper spinal alignment is crucial for side sleepers. The spine should remain in a natural, straight line to prevent any awkward bends or twists that might strain muscles and ligaments. A mattress that is too firm may not accommodate the natural curvature of the body. On the other hand, one that is too soft could cause the body to sink too deeply, misaligning the spine. 

Softness and Support

Finding the right balance between softness and support is vital for side sleepers. The mattress should be soft enough to relieve pressure points but firm enough to support the body without excessive sinking. This balance helps reduce the risk of waking up with aches and pains and enhances overall sleep quality.

Types of Mattresses Suitable for Side Sleepers

The key requirement for side sleepers is supporting the body’s weight and aligning the spine. This will reduce the pressure on your shoulders and hips, making sure you don't develop pain in these joints. A medium-soft to medium-firm mattress typically offers the best balance.

Memory foam is a popular choice as it moulds to the body’s shape. Memory foam mattresses cradle the hips and shoulders and alleviate stress.

Latex mattresses are also effective. They provide a comfortable feel that adjusts to movements throughout the night. Memory foam is still the best choice as it is a soft enough mattress to contour to the body.

Spring mattresses are not ideal for side sleepers as they are much firmer. A firm mattress will put pressure on your hips and shoulders. If you're a side sleeper, you should skip on the spring mattresses.

Another great option is hybrid mattresses, the perfect combination of memory foam, latex and spring. Hybrid mattresses have the contouring of memory foam along with the back support that spring mattresses offer.

Mattress Features to Look For

We know that side sleepers should choose memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses or hybrid mattresses. But even within these 3 types, there are more options. This is where your personal preferences come into play. These are the key mattress features that can help you make a decision:

Contouring

Side sleepers need a mattress that conforms to the body’s shape to support the natural curve of the spine. This will relieve pressure on the hips and shoulders. A mattress with good contouring will distribute weight evenly across the surface, preventing pressure points and promoting comfortable sleep.

Memory foam and latex mattresses are excellent for contouring, as they adapt to body shape and provide support where needed.

Motion Isolation

Side sleepers often move around to find a comfortable position, so a mattress with excellent motion isolation helps ensure that movements do not disturb a sleeping partner.

Memory foam is ideal for motion isolation, absorbing movement rather than transferring it across the bed. This feature is particularly important for those who share a bed, as it allows one person to adjust their position without waking the other.

Breathability

Side sleepers can sometimes experience heat buildup at the points where their body contacts the mattress, such as the shoulders and hips. A breathable mattress facilitates air circulation, helping to maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature.

Look for mattresses with cooling technologies such as gel-infused memory foam.

Additional Tips for Side Sleepers

Pillow

Your bed is incomplete without a comfortable pillow. Side sleepers generally need a firmer, higher-profile pillow. This is because the pillow should be thick enough to keep the head and neck aligned with the spine. You want your pillow to fill the space between the neck and the mattress. By ensuring the head is properly aligned with the spine, high-profile pillows offer good support and pressure relief.

Mattress Topper

Side sleepers benefit from a mattress topper that adds a layer of cushioning and support. This alleviates pressure points, particularly at the hips and shoulders. Mattress toppers are essential if you have a soft mattress that makes your body sink in.

A memory foam topper is an excellent choice because it conforms to the body's contours. Memory foam offers personalised support and relieves pressure at crucial joints like hips and shoulders. A latex topper can also provide similar support. The goal is to get both comfort and alignment without the deep sinking sensation.

When selecting a topper, side sleepers should aim for one that is medium to medium-soft in firmness. This ensures adequate support and sufficient softness to maintain spinal alignment and overall comfort.

Have More Questions? Get In Touch!

Your sleeping habits are highly individual and can also depend on factors like body weight, personal preference, and any specific health issues like neck or back pain. Even with all our suggestions, personal comfort is the biggest factor when it comes to side-sleepers, just like those who are back-sleepers or stomach-sleepers. Choosing the perfect mattress means trusting your gut and going with what feels right. 

If you have any questions about finding the right mattress for yourself, get in touch with the team at Factory Buys. We’ll be happy to help you out.