How to Choose the Right Mattress for Side Sleepers

July 31, 2023

Are you a side sleeper struggling to find the perfect mattress for a restful night's sleep? Or are you wondering: What is the best mattress for side sleepers? Sleep is a vital aspect of our overall well-being, and finding the right mattress tailored to your specific needs can make a world of difference in your sleep quality. Our mattress experts at Standard are here to guide you, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated every morning.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to choosing the best mattress for side sleepers. We'll also showcase some of the best mattresses for sale at Standard and share valuable tips to enhance side sleeping.

Choosing the Right Mattress

Before going over the steps of selecting the right mattress for side sleepers, it's essential to be aware of potential pressure points that may lead to pain or discomfort. Pressure points are areas where your body's weight is concentrated, causing strain on certain body parts. As side sleepers, our bodies apply more pressure on specific areas like the shoulders and hips, leading to potential discomfort and pain if not properly addressed.

Understanding pressure points is crucial when purchasing a mattress because it directly impacts the quality of sleep and overall comfort. Choosing a mattress without considering pressure points can result in inadequate support and improper spinal alignment, causing restless nights and morning aches.

Identify Your Ideal Firmness Level

The first step in finding the right mattress for side sleepers is to determine the appropriate firmness level. Each individual has unique preferences and requirements when it comes to mattress firmness. For side sleepers, it's crucial to strike a balance between support and contouring. Side sleepers generally need a mattress that offers sufficient support to keep the spine aligned while also gently conforming to the body's curves, particularly around the shoulders and hips.

Medium to medium-soft mattresses often work best for side sleepers. They provide adequate support without putting excess pressure on the shoulders and hips. If you are testing out mattresses, pay attention to how your body feels. It is important that your spine feels properly aligned when lying on your side. Remember to look for mattresses specifically labeled as "mattress firmness for side sleepers" to make sure you're choosing from options tailored to your sleeping style.

Our Pick:
Sealy Response - Posturepedic Plus - Satisfied II - Medium (526132KING)

Features:
Experience excellent support for your back and core with the help of a special gel memory foam in the center of the mattress. Feel increased support for your entire body thanks to a tightly packed coil design, along with comforting pressure relief from extra memory foam. The mattress is topped with a refreshing, cool-to-touch cover and offers a medium level of firmness for your comfort.

Consider Mattress Materials

The choice of mattress materials plays an important role in determining your sleep experience as a side sleeper. Memory foam mattresses are a popular choice among side sleepers due to their ability to gently contour to your body's shape, relieving pressure points and ensuring proper spinal alignment. The even distribution of body weight on memory foam can lead to a more comfortable and supportive sleep surface, ideal for side sleepers who often experience pressure on their shoulders and hips.

Another viable option for side sleepers is latex mattresses, which also provide a comfortable yet supportive sleep surface. Latex mattresses offer a responsive feel that adapts to your body's movements without sinking excessively. These mattresses can be particularly beneficial for those who prefer a slight bounce in their bed.

If you lean towards more traditional mattress options, consider mattresses with pocketed coils. These individually wrapped coils offer great support and motion isolation, allowing you to sleep well even if you share your bed with a partner or pet.

Our Pick:
Sealy Brenham - Soft - Hybrid - King (527754KING)

Features:
This is a mattress that epitomizes the perfect blend of luxury and eco-friendliness. Crafted with utmost care and attention to detail, this mattress is designed to offer you the restful sleep you can trust from Sealy while being mindful of the environment. At its core, the Sealy Brenham features motion-absorbing coils that provide unparalleled full-body support, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep for you and your loved ones.crafted with a conscious choice of materials, including cotton, cotton-based fibers, responsibly sourced wool, and 100% natural latex. With each layer contributing to the perfect balance of softness and support.

Assess Motion Isolation

Motion isolation is an essential factor to consider when buying a mattress, especially if you share your bed with someone or a pet who tends to move throughout the night. Side sleepers may be more sensitive to motion transfer, and a mattress with poor motion isolation could lead to disrupted sleep.

Memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattress often excel in this area. The properties of memory foam allow it to absorb movement, preventing it from transferring across the bed. Similarly, hybrid mattresses, which combine memory foam layers with supportive coil systems, can provide excellent motion isolation while maintaining great support.

Our Pick:
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-ProAdapt® Collection - TEMPUR-ProAdapt® Soft - Cal King (TEMPURPROADAPTCOLLECTIONTEMPURPROADAPTSOFTKING)

Features:
The TEMPUR-APR® material surpasses the original TEMPUR® with a finer and tightly closed cell structure. This innovation allows it to adapt and conform better to your body, providing balanced and supportive comfort. It absorbs force and motion effectively, relieving pressure points in your shoulders, hips, and spine. Additionally, ProAdapt beds feature the cutting-edge SmartClimate® Dual Cover System, a removable and machine-washable cooling cover to keep you cool and relaxed.

Check Edge Support

Edge support is another aspect that side sleepers should keep in mind when choosing a mattress. A mattress with good edge support will help you sleep comfortably near the edge without feeling like you might roll off. This can be very useful if you share a bed with a partner and need to utilize the full surface area.

When testing mattresses, make sure to lie near the edge and test how well it supports your weight. Look for mattresses with reinforced edges or those with thicker foam layers around the sides to enhance edge support.

Our Pick:
Stearns & Foster Estate Collection - Soft - Tight Top - Cal King (30088KIN)

Features:
Experience elevated comfort with the Stearns & Foster® Estate Collection, which incorporates TEMPUR-Indulge™ Memory Foam for superior pressure relief and our exclusive IntelliCoil® innersprings for consistent support throughout the night. The PrecisionEdge™ Technology surrounds the mattress with a high-density border, ensuring better edge support, enhanced durability, and overall comfort.

Temperature Regulation

For some side sleepers, heat retention can be a concern with certain mattress materials. Memory foam mattresses, while excellent in contouring and pressure relief, might trap body heat and make you feel too warm, especially if you tend to sleep hot.

If temperature regulation is a priority for you, consider mattresses with cooling technologies. Gel-infused memory foam, for instance, dissipates heat more effectively than traditional memory foam, promoting a cooler sleep experience. Additionally, mattresses with open-cell foams promote better airflow, helping to regulate temperature throughout the night.

Our Pick:
Sealy High Point - Soft - Hybrid - King ( 527761KING)

Features:
This is a mattress that redefines the meaning of cool and comfortable sleep. Designed to provide you with a restful slumber, this mattress features innovative SealyCool Gel Foam, specially engineered to keep you cool throughout the night. The SealyCool Gel Foam works tirelessly to regulate your body temperature, ensuring a refreshing and sweat-free sleep experience, even on warm nights. The hybrid design of the Sealy High Point further enhances its cooling properties, thanks to the motion-absorbing coils that improve airflow and breathability.

Choosing the Best Side Sleeping Mattress

Quality sleep is essential for a productive and fulfilling life. Investing in a high-quality mattress is an investment in your overall health and well-being. By identifying your ideal firmness level, considering mattress materials, assessing motion isolation, checking edge support, and taking temperature regulation into account, you can narrow down your options to find the perfect mattress that suits your specific needs.

Tips to Improve Side Sleeping

Now that you know how to properly choose a mattress for side sleeping, it is also beneficial to understand how to properly sleep on your side. To fully enjoy the benefits of side sleeping and ensure a comfortable and healthy rest, consider following these tips:

Choose the Right Pillow

Your head should be in line with your spine, not tilted upward or downward. A supportive pillow that fills the gap between your neck and the mattress can help you achieve the right alignment.

Support Your Hips and Shoulders

Side sleepers often place more pressure on their hips and shoulders. To alleviate this pressure, consider placing a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned and reduce stress on the lower back. Additionally, hug a pillow or use a body pillow to support your upper arm and shoulder.

Find the Ideal Sleeping Position

Not all side sleeping positions are the same. The fetal position, where you curl up with your knees drawn toward your chest, is one common variation. Alternatively, you can extend your legs straight or slightly bent. Experiment with different positions to see which one feels the most comfortable and supportive for your body.

Discover the Right Mattress for Side Sleepers

Now that you have a better understanding of what to look for in a mattress as a side sleeper, it's time to start exploring your options. We invite you to explore our online catalog, which features a wide range of mattresses specifically designed for side sleepers. Our collection encompasses various mattress materials, firmness levels, and sizes, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your unique preferences. We also offer other bedding products, such as pillows, adjustable bases, and more.

If you prefer the idea of testing a mattress in person, we encourage you to visit one of our Standard TV & Appliances stores in Beaverton, Portland, or Bend, Oregon. Testing out mattresses in person can provide you with a more tangible experience, enabling you to assess comfort, support, and other features. Our knowledgeable staff will be delighted to assist you throughout the process, helping you find the ideal mattress for a peaceful and rejuvenating sleep experience.

Our stores also provide a wide variety of kitchen and commercial appliances, such as refrigerators, cooking appliances, food disposers, dishwashers,grills, air conditioners, washers and dryers, TVs, and more.

Commonly Asked Questions About Mattresses for Side Sleepers

What type of mattress firmness is best for side sleeping?

When it comes to mattress firmness for side sleeping, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, soft to medium firmness mattresses tend to be the best options for most side sleepers. These mattresses offer a good balance of support and contouring, allowing the hips and shoulders to sink in slightly while keeping the spine properly aligned.

Is a firm mattress suitable for side sleepers?

The ideal thickness of a mattress for side sleepers generally ranges from 10 to 12 inches. A mattress within this range typically provides adequate support and alignment for side sleepers, ensuring a comfortable and restful night's sleep.

How thick should a side sleeper's mattress be?

The ideal thickness of a mattress for side sleepers generally ranges from 10 to 12 inches. A mattress within this range typically provides adequate support and alignment for side sleepers, ensuring a comfortable and restful night's sleep.

Can side sleeping cause back pain?

Side sleeping, in general, is considered a healthy sleeping position. However, an unsupportive mattress can lead to back pain and discomfort, regardless of your sleeping position. Choosing the right mattress with adequate support is essential to prevent back pain and promote better spinal alignment.

How often should side sleepers replace their mattress?

On average, mattresses should be replaced every 7 to 10 years. Over time, mattresses lose their original support and cushioning, which can affect your sleep quality and overall comfort. If you notice sagging or a decline in support, consider replacing your mattress sooner to ensure optimal sleep conditions.

I am a side sleeper with chronic shoulder pain. What mattress features should I prioritize?

If you experience shoulder pain, focus on finding a mattress with good pressure relief properties. Memory foam mattresses with added cushioning or pillow-top layers can help alleviate shoulder discomfort by reducing pressure on this sensitive area. Additionally, consider a mattress with a medium to medium-soft firmness level to provide ample support without putting excessive pressure on your shoulders.

I am a side sleeper with chronic hip pain. What mattress features should I prioritize?

Look for a mattress that offers excellent pressure relief to alleviate stress on your hips. Memory foam or latex mattresses often excel in this area. Opt for a mattress with a medium level of firmness, as it can provide a good balance of support and contouring to your body's curves. This should help align your spine and reduce hip pain. Finally, choose a mattress with a durable and supportive edge to prevent sagging and ensure the mattress remains stable even when you're near the edge.

I am a side sleeper with chronic back pain. What mattress should I prioritize?

If you sleep on your side and experience chronic back pain, it's important to find a mattress that supports a natural alignment for your spine. Keeping your spine in a straight position can help prevent and relieve pain. Look for a mattress that allows your hips and shoulders to sink comfortably, promoting this neutral alignment for better sleep and reduced back discomfort.