Many side sleepers swear by the various health benefits of sleeping on their sides, and multiple scientific studies are already underway to prove these claims. However, finding the best mattress for side sleepers can be particularly difficult, despite the fact that they make up most of the American population! Let’s take a deeper look and try to understand why:
Symptoms Experienced by Side Sleepers
The concentration of body weight on the curves of our sides develops pressure points. As a result, most side sleepers struggle to find a snuggle-worthy mattress that doesn’t cause:
- Sore hips and shoulders
- Tossing and turning
- Numbness/tingling in the arms and legs
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Acid reflux
Tips to Find the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
There are many things to consider in order to get the best mattress for side sleeping, including the following:
A good mattress can make a world of difference to your sleep. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Look for Optimal Comfort and Pressure-relief
Most side sleepers find softer mattresses more comfortable. If you’re noticing any soreness or pain, your mattress is probably too hard. Hardness causes pressure points which result in these various forms of discomfort, including the hindering of blood circulation, which causes numbness and tingling.
So, next time you’re at the mattress showroom, test soft to medium-firm mattresses by lying on your side for at least 15-20 minutes. Pay close attention and note if you start to experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. But remember, everyone’s body is different, so if you want to try a different kind of mattress, give it a shot!
Ensure Proper Spinal Alignment with Lumbar or Zoned Support
The best mattress for side sleepers needs to fill the gap at your flank so that your spine remains straight. Give special consideration to mattresses with lumbar, zoned, or graduated support. Such mattresses conform to your flank curves better, improve support, and resist sinkage. The goal is to keep the flanks up as hips and shoulders sink into the bed for pressure-relief. Ask your partner or friend to observe your spine while you’re lying down to ensure that it’s a right fit.
Flank support is so crucial that you can even find specialized pillows/support wedges on the market to ease any discomfort.
Look for Contouring Comfort
Contouring mattresses mold to your curves for better support and weight distribution. When testing different mattresses, look for a sensation similar to lying on a cloud. Viscoelastic foams like memory foam and pocketed springs offer excellent contouring and offer the right amount of sinkage for side sleepers.
If you prefer firmer beds, look for high-density foams or latex support cores. Hybrids that have supportive pocketed coils with memory foam at the top suit most side sleepers quite nicely.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
There are many different types of mattresses for side sleepers, including loom and leaf, Plushbeds Botanical bliss, Plush soft saatva, Amerisleep AS4, and my green mattress among others. let us take a look!
Loom and Leaf
Memory foam mattress lovers will enjoy a perfect slumber on Loom & Leaf, thanks to its eco-friendly foams. This innovative offering by Saatva company is naturally cool and odorless.
The presence of spinal zone gel ensures perfect lumbar support, while the all-foam construction hugs your curves, supports your flanks, and offers enough give for cozy pressure-relief. Best of all, the brand advocates sustainable living and ensures a minimal carbon footprint.
Plushbeds Botanical Bliss
This is an excellent mattress for all side sleepers, but especially for those who are overweight. The latex foam provides a weightless feel which is especially suitable for people craving more support. The three foam layers distribute your weight evenly, preventing the formation of pressure points and offering additional lumbar support. Plus, the organic wool and organic cotton cover keep you sweat-free throughout the night.
Plush Soft Saatva
If you crave a traditional innerspring feel but develop pressure-points easily, the Saatva Plush Soft is the way to go. The coil-on-coil support combined with luxurious contouring foam makes their Plush Soft mattress model a top pick for lumbar support and overall comfort.
Amerisleep AS4
Made in the USA, the Amerisleep AS4 is another great example of a sustainable, eco-friendly foam mattress. AS4 is medium-soft with Bio-PurTM foam, providing cushioning support similar to memory foam. It also offers zoned support to provide enough give to shoulders and hips while keeping the flank in a naturally curved position. The foam does a fantastic job at distributing pressure evenly and providing a weightless comfort that feels as if you truly are sleeping on a cloud.
My Green Mattress
Being a hybrid latex mattress, My Green Mattress is an excellent product if you prefer a firmer surface with an on the mattress feel. The Dunlop latex offers excellent bounce while the pocketed coils mold to your curves. The strategic zones ensure proper spinal positioning and pressure-relief for your muscles and joints.
No matter which mattress you choose, testing in-store is always the best way to find the perfect fit for you. It saves you the hassle of online returns, refunds, and exchanges. Plus, many of the online mattress brands are now available in showrooms. In one place, you can explore all possible options, compare online and offline mattress models, and ensure that you snag the best deal possible. Good luck and happy hunting!
