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If you prefer sleeping on your side, you’re in good company. Experts at the Mayo Clinic suggest that side sleeping is often the best choice for minimizing snoring and maintaining clear airways, especially in comparison to back or stomach sleeping. However, the type of mattress you choose plays a crucial role in ensuring a restful night. A mattress that is too soft can cause your spine to misalign due to the gravitational forces at play, while one that’s too firm may not adequately cushion your shoulders and hips. Ideally, side sleepers should look for a medium-soft to medium mattress to balance support and comfort, helping to maintain proper alignment and alleviate pressure points.
Benefits & donwsides of side sleeping
Sleeping on your side comes with a range of benefits and downsides that can significantly affect your health and well-being. One of the primary benefits is improved spinal alignment. When you lie on your side, your spine is less likely to experience undue pressure or misalignment compared to when you’re on your back or stomach. This position can also alleviate certain types of back pain and reduce the risk of developing pressure sores, making it a preferred choice for people with these conditions. Additionally, side sleeping can benefit those with sleep apnea, as it may help keep the airways open and reduce snoring, leading to a more restful night’s sleep. Pregnant individuals, especially in their later trimesters, often find side sleeping more comfortable and beneficial for blood circulation to both the mother and the baby.
However, there are also some potential downsides to consider. For some people, sleeping on their side can put pressure on the shoulder and hip, leading to discomfort or pain over time. This can be exacerbated by an unsupportive mattress or pillow. Side sleeping might also contribute to developing wrinkles or pressure marks on the face if you sleep on one side consistently. Additionally, this position might not be ideal for everyone, particularly those who have certain types of joint issues or digestive problems; it can sometimes increase the pressure on internal organs, potentially causing digestive discomfort. While side sleeping is generally beneficial, it’s important to ensure that you have proper support from your bedding and to listen to your body’s signals to avoid any adverse effects.
We’ve picked the best mattress for side sleepers, which comes highly recommended by experts for its exceptional support and comfort. Scroll down to see our top pick!
Novilla queen mattress
The queen memory foam mattress features a high-quality knitted fabric cover, offering superior comfort and breathability for a cooler night’s sleep. Ideal for those who overheat, it provides medium firmness with excellent pressure relief, edge support, and a supportive base for a restful, pain-free experience
Pros
- Well-Priced
- Breathable
- Well-Countring
- Best Cooling Features
- Avialable In Four Size
Cons
- Initial Odor
- May Be Not Suitabel For Those Who Sensitive To Temperature Change
Nectar gel memory foam mattress
The Nectar gel memory foam mattress is designed for all types of sleepers, providing tailored support and comfort. It features dual-action cooling with an airy, heat-wicking cover and ActiveCool HD-infused phase change material to regulate body temperature. With 5 layers of CertiPUR-US Certified foam, Nectar ensures a refreshing rest and perfect support, regardless of your sleep position
Pros
- Well-Priced
- Breathable
- Well-Countring
- Best Cooling Features
- Great Values
- Quality Foam
Cons
- Initial Odor
- Edge’s Support Is Not Well
dreamcloud mattress
The mattress features a luxurious cashmere blend quilted cover and is designed with high-quality gel memory foam for enhanced comfort. Its pressure-relieving layers ensure a restful sleep by conforming to your body’s shape while offering breathability and cooling for a fresh sleep environment. Additionally, the mattress provides low motion transfer, making it ideal for couples who want to minimize disturbances from partner movements.
Pros
- Well Pressure Relief
- Good Motion Isolation
- Well-Countring
- Luxury Feel
- Made Up With Premium Materials
Cons
- Expensive Due To Premium Materials
- May Be Too Firm For Some Sleeper
awara natural hybrid mattress
The Awara mattress features a breathable cotton blend cover with a quilt of sustainably sourced wool, which effectively wicks away heat for a cooler sleep. It includes 8 inches of individually wrapped steel springs that provide excellent support by conforming to your body’s contours. The individually wrapped coils enhance breathability and minimize motion transfer, ensuring a comfortable and undisturbed night’s rest
Pros
- Natural Matrails
- Good Edge Support
- Well Breathability
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Not Best For Couple Beacuse Of Too Much Movement
- May Not Best For those Who Suffer From Shoulder Pain
helix midnight mattress
The mattress features a premium quilted pillow top for added comfort and luxury. It includes three select foam layers that offer tailored pressure relief and ergonomic support, with targeted zoned lumbar support to aid spinal alignment and alleviate back pressure. The full perimeter edge support enhances structural stability, while hundreds of individually wrapped steel coils provide exceptional support and minimize motion transfer.
Pros
- Design Specially For Side Sleeper
- Best Support
- Great Values
Cons
- Average Edge Support
- Not Best For Heavier Sleeper
How to pick a best mattress for side sleeping
Pressure Relief
When choosing a mattress for side sleeping, it’s crucial to focus on pressure relief. The best mattresses for side sleepers are designed to contour to your hips and shoulders, offering optimal pressure relief. This is why softer mattresses are often preferred, as they adapt to your body’s curves, providing necessary cushioning.
Firmness
Firmness is another key factor. Softer mattresses typically offer better pressure relief compared to firmer ones. A mattress that is too firm may exert pressure on your hips and shoulders, disrupting the alignment of your spine and potentially causing back pain. For back sleepers, finding the best mattress for back sleeper that combines comfort and support is essential.
Weight
Your weight also influences how a mattress feels. For heavier individuals above 130 pound, a firmer mattress may provide a slightly softer feel than advertised, which can be beneficial. Conversely, lighter sleepers less then 130 pond might find that a softer mattress is better suited to prevent it from feeling too firm.
Health
Health considerations are important when selecting a mattress. If you experience back, hip, or joint pain, you should look for a mattress that balances pressure relief with support. For example, a mattress with medium firmness, like the Purple, can be effective for back pain, while those with hip or shoulder pain might benefit more from a softer mattress that alleviates joint pressure. Additionally, finding the best pillow to complement your mattress can enhance overall support and comfort.
Material
The materials used in the mattress also affect its durability and feel. Mattresses with a coil base generally last longer. Whether you prefer the feel of neutral foam, memory foam, or a pillow top can help you determine the right type for your needs.
Budget
Finally, setting a budget early on can streamline your options. Keep in mind that mattresses frequently go on sale, and timing your purchase around major holidays like Presidents Day or Labor Day can help you save money.
best mattress for side sleeper with hip & shoulder pain
We think a mattress with well-counter is best option for those who sleeping on their back and suffer from shoulder and hip pain, a Memory foam mattresses specifically designed to reduce spinal curvature proves most effective. The study found that this experimental mattress, which features customizable firmness levels, significantly decreased pain while lying and improved comfort compared to participants’ own mattresses. The zonal mattress helps maintain spinal neutrality, which alleviates pressure on the shoulders and hips, thus reducing pain and improving overall comfort during sleep.
Muhammad Bilal is the founder of Home Vibe Decor. I write articles and reviews on mattresses, pillows, and other essentials for a restful and stylish home
