Side sleeper mattress FAQs
James Brains/Insider
What should side sleepers look for in a mattress?
Determining if a mattress is right for you requires sleeping on it for many nights in your preferred sleeping environment. The most important factor to consider when choosing a mattress is a long, risk-free trial period.
According to Dr. Rebecca Robbins, an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and associate scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, it is recommended to try out several mattresses in person before making a decision.
Our mattress picks come with sleep trials of at least 90 nights, allowing you to return the mattress if it does not meet your preferences.
What types of mattresses are best for side sleepers?
The four main types of mattresses are hybrid/innerspring, foam, adjustable airbeds, and latex. While each has its pros and cons, memory foam mattresses, with their body-contouring properties, tend to be more appealing to side sleepers.
Here are more details about each mattress type:
Hybrid/innerspring: These mattresses feature metal coils that provide durability, airflow, and support. Their suitability for side sleepers depends on the specific model, but it is recommended to look for a pillowtop for added softness.
Foam: Foam mattresses have layers of viscoelastic memory foam, open-cell foam, or gel-infused foam. The best foam mattresses adjust to the contours of your body, relieving pressure and promoting spinal alignment. However, they may retain heat.
Adjustable or airbeds: Adjustable airbeds have air chambers that can be adjusted to suit your comfort needs. While they can be expensive, they are ideal for couples with different firmness preferences since the two sides can be adjusted independently.
Latex: Natural latex mattresses are often considered eco-friendly, and it is recommended to look for certifications such as OEKO-Tex or Greenguard Gold. Latex is more responsive than other materials, providing quick contouring to relieve pressure points. It also offers a cooler sleep.
Is memory foam good for side sleepers?
Yes, the best foam mattresses conform to the contours of your body, ensuring proper spinal alignment and pressure relief. Tempur-Pedic’s “Tempur material” is particularly effective at contouring to your body.
What type of mattress is best for side sleepers, firm or soft?
According to Dr. Luis Javier Peña-Hernández, a sleep health specialist at the Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Disorders Institute, it is recommended to look for a medium-firm mattress. Research suggests that a medium-firm mattress offers the most benefits.
Are firm mattresses bad for side sleepers?
Both experts agree that medium-firm mattresses are the best option for side sleepers. Firm mattresses do not allow enough sinkage of the shoulders and hips, leading to discomfort. However, if you are a heavier individual, you may still experience sufficient sinkage and spinal alignment on a firm mattress.
What if I’m a side sleeper and my partner is not?
To accommodate different comfort preferences, it is recommended to use a mattress topper on one side of the bed. Alternatively, sleeping separately can also improve sleep quality. An adjustable air bed, such as the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed, allows independent customization of firmness on each side of the bed.
Is it bad to sleep on your side?
No, sleeping on your side can actually be beneficial. Stomach sleeping can cause spinal problems, while back sleeping may lead to breathing issues and snoring. Side sleeping, on the other hand, reduces the risk of back pain, acid reflux, and sleep apnea.
How do you clean a mattress?
Stains on your mattress should be treated as soon as possible. Deep cleaning your mattress with baking soda and a vacuum every 3 to 6 months is also recommended. For more detailed instructions, refer to our article on how to clean a mattress.
For more answers to your mattress questions, please consult our comprehensive guide to the best mattresses.
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