The Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

December 20, 2023 · Silverback Strategies

The Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Studies show that most people prefer to fall asleep on their sides. If you’re among the majority, we have advice on how to optimize your favorite position, including suggestions for the best mattresses for a great night’s sleep.

Sleeping on Your Side: Positions, Pros & Cons

Side sleeping has unique advantages and disadvantages, and there are differences between sleeping on your right versus left side.

Different Positions for Sleeping on Your Side

Common side-sleeping positions include:

  • Fetal position: Curling up into a ball with arms and legs tucked in close to the body.
  • Log position: Stretching out in a straight line with arms by your sides and legs straight.
  • Yearner position: Stretching out arms and legs as if reaching for something.

No matter which position you prefer, comfort and spinal alignment are key.

Advantages of Sleeping on Your Side

Side sleeping offers many health benefits. Which side you sleep on can also affect your body’s needs:

Right Side Sleeping Advantages

  • Protects injuries on your left side, such as shoulder or hip issues.
  • More comfortable for individuals with heart problems; studies show they naturally avoid sleeping on the left side. Learn more.

Left Side Sleeping Advantages

  • Protects injuries on your right side, such as shoulder or hip issues.
  • Helps reduce symptoms of GERD or acid reflux.
  • Provides better blood flow to the baby during pregnancy. Learn more.

General Benefits of Side Sleeping

  • Can reduce snoring and sleep apnea effects. Read more.
  • May offer more comfort for neck or back problems.

Disadvantages of Sleeping on Your Side

  • Increased pressure on shoulders and hips, especially on firm mattresses.
  • Some may find it harder to breathe while side sleeping.
  • Can cause tightness in the shoulders over time.

What Should Side Sleepers Look for in a Mattress?

The right mattress can make a huge difference for comfort and sleep quality.

Pressure & Pain Relief

Side sleepers need a mattress that provides support for the spine while relieving pressure on shoulders and hips.

Contouring

Contouring fills the gaps between the hips and shoulders. Memory foam mattresses are excellent for this as they adapt to your shape. Learn more about memory foam.

Firm-to-Soft Ratio

Side sleepers usually prefer a mattress in the plush-to-firm range to maintain proper spinal alignment.

Different Types of Mattresses for Side Sleeping

Side sleepers have different preferences, from memory foam to innerspring mattresses.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses have coils for support and tend to be bouncier. Side sleepers should look for plush or pillow-top options and can use a mattress topper to relieve pressure.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses contour to the body, relieving pressure points and keeping the spine aligned, making them ideal for side sleepers.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring support with memory foam contouring. Side sleepers should find a balance of firmness and softness for support and comfort.

Some of the Best Mattress Options for Side Sleepers

Mattress Warehouse offers options for all types of side sleepers.

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-ProBreeze 2.0 Medium Hybrid Mattress

This cooling hybrid mattress offers excellent motion separation and pressure relief, ideal for side sleepers.

Sealy Hybrid Haralson Soft Mattress

With fabric-encased coils and memory foam layers, this plush hybrid provides both support and cushioning for pressure points. Cooling technology keeps you comfortable all night.

Serta Perfect Sleeper Castara Pillow Top Mattress

Featuring individually-wrapped coils, memory foam, and cooling technology, this exclusive mattress provides maximum comfort and motion isolation for side sleepers.

Other Considerations for Side Sleepers

Pillows

Choose a pillow that supports your head while lying on your side, maintaining neck alignment. Learn more.

Alignment

To maintain proper spinal alignment, use a pillow between your knees and consider a body pillow to support arms and legs, preventing your spine from twisting while you sleep.

Shop Mattresses at Mattress Warehouse

Visit Mattress Warehouse to find the perfect mattress for side sleepers. Use our bedMATCH® system or speak with an expert at a showroom near you.