Side sleeping reduces back discomfort, improves breathing, and improves digestion. Side sleepers commonly endure shoulder and lower back discomfort if their mattress is unsupportive or unpleasant. Side sleepers like a mattress that conforms to the body and relieves pressure points. We’ve tested hundreds of mattresses for side sleepers of different weights. Our memory foam without fiberglass testers evaluate temperature neutrality, pressure alleviation, edge support, and motion isolation.
Side Sleeper Support
While it’s crucial for everyone to have a supportive mattress, side sleepers—who often twist in ways that aren’t great for their spines—may need it the most (think fetal position). The “musculoskeletal chain,” as Dr. Poorbaugh calls it, is brought into a relaxing harmony by a mattress with excellent support because it contours to the body’s unique structure.
Firmness Of The Mattress And Spine Alignment
Note that firmness and support are not the same thing: Even if your mattress is on the softer side, it may still provide enough support for your body. If you sleep on your side, here are some things to keep in mind while shopping for a new bed:
- Try to get one that can be adjusted to fit your specific body type.
- If you toss and turn a lot in your sleep, it’s important to have a bed that can adapt to your shifting needs.
- Pick a bed that helps you relax all over without making you feel “swallowed up” in the framework.
Contouring
The same way that side sleepers place a premium on support, they should also prioritize contouring. If you have a habit of sleeping on your side, you may find that your hips and shoulders start to feel disproportionally out of place in the morning. Filling this void with a mattress is preferable than keeping it unsupported. For this purpose, contouring is used. Rather of pressing up on your hips and shoulders, a mattress with decent contouring will provide you a little more support where you need it. Memory foam mattresses will conform to your body more than any other kind of mattress. Memory foam conforms to the contour of your body and offers a gentle pressure response.
Pressure Reduction And Pain Reduction
It’s best to sleep on your back or stomach to avoid placing as much strain on your shoulders and hips as you would while sleeping on your side. As long as you own a good mattress, the extra weight won’t bother you. You need a mattress that will support you and take weight off your hips and shoulders to keep you from getting discomfort or making it worse if you already have it. Soft mattresses are ideal for relieving pressure points. If you sleep on your side, you’ll appreciate these mattresses’ ability to sink to a comfortable level for your hips and shoulders.
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder discomfort sufferers who sleep on their sides should look for a mattress with a firmness rating of 5.5 or below. If you tend to sleep on your side, you may find relief from back discomfort by switching to a mattress with more shoulder support.
Hip Pain
People with hip discomfort, like those with shoulder pain, want a soft mattress. They require a bed that will gently support their aching bones. Again, these people should look for a mattress with a firmness rating of 5.5 or below.
Back Pain
Back pain sufferers who sleep on their sides should prioritize choosing a mattress that allows for neutral spine alignment. The normal posture of the spine is a straight line, thus maintaining that position is essential for pain prevention and relief. Your ideal mattress will sink just enough at the hips and shoulders to keep your spine in a neutral position while you sleep.