The Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
October 28, 2022
Are you in the market for a new mattress? One of the biggest things to consider before purchasing a new mattress is the position you normally sleep in. Why does your sleeping position matter? Not all mattresses are made the same and some mattress types are ideal for certain sleeping positions.
According to News-Medical.Net, the majority of adults, about 54%, are side sleepers. If you regularly sleep on your side, here is our advice on how to choose the best mattress to help you get a quality night of sleep on a regular basis.
Which Mattress Types Are Available?
When shopping you will notice that there are most commonly, three types of mattresses from which you can choose. These include traditional coil mattresses, memory foam mattresses, and hybrids.
Traditional Coil Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are also known as traditional coil mattresses, or until recently, standard mattresses. Innerspring mattresses are made with coil springs encased in thin layers of fabric for comfort and are topped with a comfort layer.
The strength of the coil springs provides added support and bounce that other mattress types can sometimes lack. Innerspring mattresses are a great and generally more budget-friendly option.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are now the most popular mattress on the market. Foam mattresses are made of primarily one or many layers of foam.
They have many benefits including their ability to absorb movement more easily, conform to the sleeper's body to relieve pressure points, and unmatched comfort and cushion (Medical News Today).
Hybrid Mattresses
A hybrid mattress combines the properties of a foam mattress and an innerspring mattress. This can give you the best of both worlds by providing added comfort along with the support of innerspring mattresses.
The Best Mattress Type for Side Sleepers
According to SleepFoundation.Org, side sleepers sleep best on a hybrid mattress or memory foam mattress. These mattress types, unlike innerspring mattresses, contour more easily to the body providing support for side sleepers.
Which Firmness is Best for Side Sleepers?
Not only do you need to choose the mattress type you want to purchase, but the firmness as well. Your ideal mattress firmness is dependent on your age, weight, sleeping position, and personal preference.
This graph can help to take the guesswork out of it.
| Firmness Scale | Firmness Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Extra Soft | Side sleepers under 130 pounds |
| 3 | Soft | Side sleepers under 130 pounds |
| 4 | Medium Soft | Sleepers under 130 pounds; side sleepers under 230 pounds |
| 5 | Medium | Back and side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds |
| 6 | Medium Firm | Sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds; side sleepers over 230 pounds |
| 7 | Firm | Side sleepers over 230 pounds; back and stomach sleepers over 130 pounds |
| 8-9 | Extra Firm | Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds |
Adjustable Bases
An adjustable base, paired with the perfect mattress, can improve your sleep quality and comfort even further. Studies have shown that sleeping in an incline position can reduce snoring and improve sleep quality.
Adjustable beds also allow you to sleep in a “zero-gravity” position. This means your upper body and legs are both elevated above your heart and stomach. There have been several benefits attributed to sleeping in this position including, deeper sleep, reduced snoring, reduced heartburn, improved digestion and circulation, insomnia reduction, and more.
Howard’s Mattress Stores
At Howard’s, we make the process of purchasing a new bed set easy. We offer a wide selection of mattresses, foundations and adjustable bases, bedding, and pillows. Our specialists can help you quickly and easily navigate the options to find the best fit for you.
Shopping at Howard’s also gets you a 120-night sleep guarantee on all mattresses, free next-day delivery, and a 60-day price match guarantee. Visit our appliance and mattress stores throughout Southern California today to get more information and test your next mattress in person.
