Are You A Side Sleeper? Here’s How To Select The Most Suitable Mattress For You

Side sleeping, or lateral sleeping as called by experts, is one of the most popular sleeping positions. Research points out that side sleeping is more common among older adults and those with a higher body mass index. Many sleep studies have shown that sleeping positions can significantly affect the quality of sleep. Sleeping in the wrong way can result in the formation and aggravation of neck and back pains, and it can also obstruct the airways to the lungs. 

Side sleepers enjoy many advantages over other positions. When done correctly with the proper body alignment, side sleeping can reduce snoring and the possibility of body pains. Scientists also say that side sleeping can also help with digestion, as the position eases muscles and organs related to heartburns, constipation, and bloating. 

However, when done incorrectly, side sleeping can lead to many issues, including chronic body and neck pains and a disruptive sleep cycle. The posture and using a suitable, best mattress can help the body derive maximum benefits from the sleeping position. Here are a couple of factors to keep in mind when choosing a mattress for side sleeping.

Soft vs. Firm Mattresses

Some people prefer soft mattresses, and some prefer firm ones. When it comes to sleeping on the side, a mattress that falls somewhere in the middle of these two is thought to work best. Softer mattresses tend to be very comfortable, but they don’t offer the proper joint support during sleep. Even if it feels comfortable when the body goes to sleep, since the joints often are at the risk of collapsing and sinking further into the mattress throughout the night, the body may feel pain and soreness in the morning. A firm mattress helps with offering joint support. However, falling asleep on a firm mattress can be quite a hassle since it often feels uncomfortable and too hard. The bed needs to be just comfortable enough to induce sleep while offering proper support to joints and body parts. One solution is to order trial versions of mattresses or go to the store and try and experiment with them for a long time. Hence, the mattress shouldn’t be too firm, and yet it shouldn’t be too soft either. 

Material

For side sleepers, it is widely recommended that the mattress have at least one layer of memory foam because it facilitates the right support for the curvature of the spine and minimizes the risk of waking up with aches and sores. Hybrid mattresses with inner springs and memory foams can significantly help correct the posture and offer a comfortable and healthy sleeping experience. It is also important to have suitable pushback mechanisms to offer pressure points that support all body parts in a balanced fashion. If one part sinks too far into the mattress, the alignment becomes unbalanced, and this could result in chronic pains.

While experts agree that side sleeping comes with a range of advantages like better digestion, improved breathing, and good spine alignment, using a mattress that does not suit the body’s requirements can negate these positives and lead to avoidable body pains and disruptions in the sleep cycle. Since each body is different in terms of postures, curvatures, spinal structures, and muscles, it is impossible to develop a one-size-fits-all approach in selecting the right mattress. Hence, it is crucial to research, try out and invest in a suitable medium-firm mattress and appropriate accessories that fit the body’s unique needs to get the best sleeping experience while ensuring good sleep hygiene.