Do you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day? Or do you suffer from aches, pains, and stiffness in the morning?
If you belong to the latter group, you might want to reconsider your mattress choice.
Your sleeping position plays a big role in how comfortable and supportive your mattress feels, and choosing the
wrong one can affect your health and well-being.
In this article, we’ll explain how to choose a mattress that suits your sleeping position, whether you sleep on your side, back, stomach, or a combination of these.
We’ll also recommend some of the best mattress for each sleeping position based on our expert reviews and customer feedback.
How to Choose a Mattress by Sleeping Position
There is no one-size-fits-all mattress that works for everyone.
Different sleeping positions require different levels of firmness, pressure relief, and spinal alignment. Here are some general guidelines on how to choose a mattress based on your sleeping position:
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
According to the National Sleep Foundation, side sleeping is the most common sleeping position, with about 74% of people sleeping on their side at least some of the time.
Side sleeping has many benefits, such as reducing snoring, improving blood circulation, and alleviating acid reflux. However, side sleepers also face some challenges, such as pressure points on their hips and shoulders, spinal misalignment, and reduced airflow.
To address these issues, side sleepers need a mattress that can cushion their pressure points and keep their spine aligned. A memory foam or latex mattress is usually a good choice for side sleepers, as these materials can conform to their body shape and distribute their weight evenly. However, some side sleepers may prefer a hybrid or innerspring mattress that offers more bounce and breathability.
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
Back sleeping is the second most common sleeping position, with about 16% of people sleeping on their back at least some of the time.
Back sleeping can have some advantages, such as reducing facial wrinkles, preventing acid reflux, and easing lower back pain. However, back sleepers also face some challenges, such as snoring, sleep apnea, and spinal misalignment.
To address these issues, back sleepers need a mattress that can support their lower back and keep their spine in a neutral position. A too-soft mattress can cause their hips to sink too much and create a curve in their lumbar region, while a too-firm mattress can cause pressure on their upper back and neck.
A medium-firm to firm mattress is usually a good choice for back sleepers, as it can provide a balance of support and comfort. A hybrid or innerspring mattress is usually a good choice for back sleepers, as it can offer more support and breathability than a foam or latex mattress.
Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleeping is the least common sleeping position, with about 7% of people sleeping on their stomach at least some of the time.
Stomach sleeping can have some drawbacks, such as causing neck strain, lower back pain, and breathing difficulties. However, some people find stomach sleeping comfortable and relaxing, and may even snore less in this position.
To address these issues, stomach sleepers need a mattress that can prevent their hips and belly from sinking too much and causing strain on their spine.
A too-soft mattress can cause their spine to arch and compress their nerves and discs, while a too-firm mattress can cause pressure on their chest and ribs. A firm mattress is usually a good choice for stomach sleepers, as it can provide a flat and stable surface that keeps their spine aligned.
A hybrid or innerspring mattress is usually a good choice for stomach sleepers, as it can offer more support and breathability than a foam or latex mattress
Summary on How to Choose your Mattress
There is no one-size-fits-all mattress that works for everyone.
Different sleeping positions require different levels of firmness, pressure relief, and spinal alignment. Here are some general guidelines on how to choose a mattress based on your sleeping position:
• Side sleepers need a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress that can contour to their curves and relieve pressure points on their hips and shoulders. A too-firm mattress can cause numbness and tingling in their limbs, while a too-soft mattress can cause their spine to sag and misalign.
• Back sleepers need a medium-firm to firm mattress that can support their lower back and keep their spine in a neutral position. A too-soft mattress can cause their hips to sink too much and create a curve in their lumbar region, while a too-firm mattress can cause pressure on their upper back and neck.
• Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress that can prevent their hips and belly from sinking too much and causing strain on their spine. A too-soft mattress can cause their spine to arch and compress their nerves and discs, while a too-firm mattress can cause pressure on their chest and ribs.
• Combination sleepers need a medium-firm mattress that can adapt to their changing positions throughout the night. A too-soft or too-firm mattress can cause discomfort and disruption when they switch from one position to another.
Of course, these are not hard-and-fast rules, as other factors such as your body weight, height, shape, and personal preference can also affect how you feel on a mattress. The best way to find out if a mattress is right for you is to try it out for yourself before buying it. Most online mattress brands offer generous trial periods of at least 100 nights, so you can test the mattress at home and return it if you’re not satisfied.
Conclusion
Choosing a mattress based on your sleeping position is an important step to improve your sleep quality and comfort. By following the guidelines above, you can narrow down your options and find the best mattress for your needs.
Remember to also consider other factors such as your budget, your partner’s preferences, your temperature regulation, and your motion isolation when shopping for a new mattress.
Happy sleeping!
