We all have a way of sleeping that we find most comfortable, even if it causes us to wake up with a sore neck. Sometimes though, those mornings after the problems start to work their way into your sleep routine and you start having trouble sleeping at all. Side sleepers may struggle with this, as this position can cause pain in the hips, shoulders, and even wrists. So, keep reading to find the best mattress for side sleepers with our comprehensive guide to the best mattresses reviewed.

pressure points

Sleeping on your side affects most pressure points in your body. Your shoulders and hips are the main problem areas because they need a lot of support throughout the night. You should also be careful with your ears, as sleeping on your side can make them sore after being pressed against a mattress all night. In order to relieve any pressure in these areas, you need to consider many things, such as the type of mattress you use and its firmness.

Type of mattress

It is often said that memory foam is the best type of mattress for side sleepers. This is because it comfortably molds to the shape of your body while providing you with support. This removes any tension on the side of your body and will prevent you from waking up feeling stiff and sore. A gel mattress can also be a good option, as it is super responsive to the curvature of your body and helps keep it cushioned. Latex mattresses are usually equipped with spring technology, which can also be ideal for side sleepers. The springs help give your body maximum support, but the latex gives you soft padding to keep your joints from feeling stiff.

Firmness

Choosing your mattress firmness as a side sleeper can be a bit tricky. You might think that the firmer the mattress, the more support you get. While this may be true in some cases, opting for the hardest mattress possible as a side sleeper may actually cause more problems. For example, you may be woken up by pins and needles at night because the firmness puts too much pressure on your joints. Sider sleepers should opt for a slightly softer mattress as this will relieve any tension during sleep. You also don’t want to pick one that’s too soft as it could sink your spine and lead to back pain. You should also consider your body weight. The heavier you are, the firmer your mattress should be. So if you are slightly lighter you can probably go for the softer mattress, but if you are heavier you may need to upgrade to a firmer one.

Test it

If you buy a mattress from a store, be sure to test it first. Don’t sit on it either. No matter how silly you feel, lie on the mattress like you would in bed and see how comfortable it is. You want your spine to be aligned without tilting, your neck to be in a neutral position, and your hips to be cushioned. All of these things will help you choose the right mattress for you as a side sleeper.

Sleeping on your side may actually be one of the best ways to sleep. You’ll likely snore less, have less joint pain in the long run, and it may even help relieve chronic pain. However, if you don’t have the right mattress, your comfortable position can quickly turn into a painful nightmare. Be sure to consider the type of mattress you choose and its firmness before deciding which one to buy. With the right mattress, side sleepers can have amazing sleep every night.