How to Choose the Right Mattress for Side Sleepers

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 innerspring mattresses, hybrid mattresses, memory foam, and more at Standard and share valuable tips to enhance side sleeping.

Choosing the Right Mattress

Before reviewing the steps for 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 they directly impact sleep quality 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 determining the appropriate firmness level. Each individual has unique preferences and requirements when it comes to mattress firmness. For side sleepers, it's crucial to balance 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, consider how your body feels. It’s 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 Greyfield Medium Foam Mattress (Model: 53128351)

Features:
The 10" Palatial Crest by Sealy foam mattress supports every part of your body through a combination of SealyComfort™ Gel Foam and SealySupport™ Foam and comes conveniently compressed in a shippable box.

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 disrupt sleep.

Memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses 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-Adapt® Medium (Model: 10734110)

Features:
Experience the technology that revolutionized comfort, now reimagined for modern needs. Enjoy the exceptional cool-to-touch sensation and benefit from two layers of advanced TEMPUR Technology. These layers work in harmony to constantly adapt and conform to your body's evolving needs throughout the night. They relieve pressure, minimize motion transfer, and ensure you wake up feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Sleep better and wake up refreshed with the superior comfort of TEMPUR.

Check Edge Support

Edge support is another aspect that side sleepers should consider 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 they support your weight. Look for mattresses with reinforced edges or thicker foam layers around the sides to enhance edge support.

Our Pick:
Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Soft Euro Pillowtop (Model: 53008451)

Features:
The Stearns & Foster® Lux Estate Collection offers an unparalleled level of comfort and support, enhanced with features designed to keep you cool throughout the night. Enjoy a luxurious sleep experience that combines superior comfort with innovative cooling technology for a restful and refreshing night's sleep.

Temperature Regulation

For some side sleepers, heat retention can be a concern with certain mattress materials. While excellent in contouring and pressure relief, memory foam mattresses 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:
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-ProAdapt (Model: 10738110)

Features:
Experience continuous and breathable comfort. Expertly crafted with our most advanced pressure-relieving material, TEMPUR-APR®, the TEMPUR-ProAdapt™ beds provide deep, relaxing sleep that rejuvenates your entire body.

With an antimicrobial treatment, the TEMPUR-APR™ support layer, and the SmartClimate® Dual Cover System featuring a zip-off, cool-to-touch outer layer, and super-stretch inner panel, this bed offers both convenience and comfort for an unparalleled sleep experience.

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 aligned 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 better understand 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 different mattress materials, firmness levels, and sizes, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your unique preferences. We also offer other bedding products, such as adjustable bases.

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 and help you find the ideal mattress for a peaceful and rejuvenating sleep experience.

Our stores also provide a variety of kitchen and commercial appliances, like refrigerators, food disposers, dishwashers, outdoor grills, and more.

Interested in learning more? Check out some of our related readings:

• The Mattress Makeover: How to Refresh Your Bedding
• Why Adjustable Bases Are Worth the Investment

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 are 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, so you get a comfortable and restful night's sleep.

Can side sleeping cause back pain?
Side sleeping is generally considered a healthy sleeping position. However, regardless of your sleeping position, an unsupportive mattress can lead to back pain and discomfort. 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 support and cushioning, affecting 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.