If you’re looking for the best mattress for side sleepers, Good Housekeeping Institute has done the research and testing to help you find the perfect one.
I recently bought a new mattress myself and wanted to share my experience with you so that you can make an informed decision.
The Good Housekeeping Institute tested dozens of mattresses in their lab to identify those that provided optimal comfort and support for side sleepers.
Based on their findings, they ranked the top five mattresses as follows:
1. Tempur-Pedic LuxeAdapt Mattress
This memory foam mattress is designed with cooling technology and adaptive cushioning.
It conforms to your body’s contours for maximum support and comfort no matter what sleeping position you prefer.
2. Casper Wave Mattress
This hybrid mattress has a combination of latex foam, memory foam and support coils for a perfect balance between cushy comfort and supportive structure.
3. Saatva Classic Mattress
This innerspring mattress is designed with individually pocketed coils and encased in multiple layers of breathable fabric to provide targeted support while still remaining comfortable.
4. Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
This all-foam bed features layers of cooling gel to help regulate your body temperature for a good night’s sleep.
It also contains memory foam for contouring comfort that cradles your body as you move throughout the night.
5. Layla Hybrid Mattress
This mattress has a unique combination of memory foam and pocketed coils to provide pressure relief while also supporting your body’s natural curvature.
No matter which mattress you choose, Good Housekeeping Institute recommends looking for one with the following features: breathable fabric, firmness options and motion isolation technology.
The Good Housekeeping Institute also suggests checking out consumer reviews before buying.
When shopping for the best mattress for side sleepers Good Housekeeping Institute is an excellent resource as they have done extensive research and testing on dozens of mattresses to make sure that you get the perfect fit.
Consider their top five picks above or use their tips and advice to find the right mattress for your needs.
Are Firm or Plush Mattresses Better for Side Sleepers
When it comes to finding the right mattress for a side sleeper, firm or plush is often the main consideration.
It can be tricky to decide between the two since they offer different levels of comfort and support.
To make matters more complicated, there are also hybrid mattresses that blend both features.
In this blog post, I’ll break down the pros and cons of firm vs plush mattresses when used by side sleepers so you can make an informed choice.
Pros:
A firm mattress provides excellent spinal alignment and support for side sleepers who tend to sink into their mattress too much.
This helps prevent pressure points from forming in your hips, shoulders, and neck, which is essential for proper posture and overall health.
On top of that, firm mattresses are more durable and longer-lasting than softer ones.
Cons:
Firm mattresses can be uncomfortable for side sleepers who need a bit more cushioning, as they don’t conform to the body’s curves.
This lack of adjustability often leads to an unsettling feeling in certain areas of the body.
Additionally, some people find firm mattresses too hard and rigid, which could cause restless nights.
Pros:
Plush mattresses offer plenty of comfort and cushioning for a restful night’s sleep.
They conform to your body easily, providing pressure relief and immediate comfort without sacrificing support.
Plus, plush mattreses are better at reducing motion transfer, which is essential for couples.
Cons:
Plush mattresses often lack the necessary support for side sleepers, making them an unwise choice if spinal alignment and joint pain are a concern.
Some people also find plush mattresses too soft, leading to body aches in the morning.
Hybrid Mattress Pros:
A hybrid mattress offers the best of both worlds – it’s supportive like a firm mattress but still cushiony enough to keep you comfortable all night long.
Hybrid beds feature layers of foam and coils that work together to provide superior comfort and pressure relief while still offering excellent support.
Plus, they’re usually quite durable since they contain steel coils, so you won’t have to worry about replacing your mattress anytime soon.
Hybrid Mattress Cons:
Hybrid mattresses are often more expensive than their firm and plush counterparts, so it’s important to do your research to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
Additionally, some people find hybrid beds too heavy or cumbersome, making them difficult to move or lift.
To sum up, when choosing a mattress for side sleeping there is no one-size-fits-all solution – it all comes down to personal preference.
If you’re looking for excellent support and durability, a firm mattress is probably the way to go; if you need cushioning and comfort, consider going with a plush mattress; and if you want the perfect blend of both features, opt for a hybrid bed.
Whichever you choose, make sure to read up on all the product details before making a purchase so you can rest easy knowing you’ve made the right decision.
How Thick Should a Side Sleeper Mattress Be
When it comes to sleeping on the side, mattress thickness can have a huge impact on comfort and support.
After all, sleeping position is one of the most important factors in determining how comfortable you are when snoozing.
From my experience as a side sleeper, I’ve found that mattresses between 10-14 inches thick usually provide good levels of comfort and support for someone in this sleep position.
Of course, each person’s body type and preferences will differ so there isn’t necessarily one ideal mattress thickness that works best for everyone.
A thicker mattress (14+ inches) can be beneficial because it allows more space for cushioning layers like memory foam or latex which helps to isolate motion transfer throughout the surface of the mattress.
This can be great for those who share their bed with a partner, pet or child.
On the other hand, too much thickness can cause shoulder and hip pressure points to build up over time which could lead to discomfort.
A thinner mattress (10-12 inches) may make it easier to move around on your side throughout the night without having to battle against excessive cushioning layers.
When deciding on a mattress thickness for side sleepers, the best course of action is to consider what factors are most important in regards to comfort and support.
If motion transfer is an issue then leaning towards thicker mattresses is usually recommended whereas if you’re looking for good posture alignment then thinner models may be ideal.
Is Foam or Spring Better for Side Sleepers
When it comes to choosing a mattress, side sleepers have some unique challenges.
They need one that supports their hips, shoulders, and spine in the correct position.
That’s why we’ve asked ourselves: is foam or spring better for side sleepers?
In this blog post I’m going to discuss the pros and cons of both types of mattresses to help you make an informed decision about what type of mattress is best for you as a side sleeper.
Foam Mattress Pros
– Pressure Relief: Foam mattresses provide excellent pressure relief due to their conforming properties. This means they hug your body, taking weight off your joints and providing support where it’s needed most.
– Motion Isolation: Foam mattresses are great at absorbing motion and reducing transfer, making them perfect for couples who share the bed.
Foam Mattress Cons
– Too Firm or Soft: Most side sleepers prefer a softer mattress, but foam can be too firm or soft depending on your body type and personal preferences.
– Heat Retention: Foam tends to retain heat more than spring mattresses, so if you tend to sleep hot this may not be the best option for you.
Spring Mattress Pros
– Supportive Feel: Spring mattresses provide excellent support and offer many different options depending on your needs. You can even find hybrid models with layers of both coils and foam.
– Cooler Temperature: Spring mattresses are naturally cooler than foam due to the air that circulates between the coils, making them a great option for hot sleepers.
Spring Mattress Cons
– Motion Transfer: Springs tend to transfer more motion and can disrupt your partner’s sleep if one of you is a restless sleeper.
– Noisy: Springs can also be quite noisy when you move around in bed, so if noise bothers you this may not be the best choice.
Overall, both foam and spring mattresses have their pros and cons when it comes to side sleeping.
It really comes down to your personal preference and what type of feel and support you prefer in a mattress.
If you’re still unsure, you can always test out different mattresses in a store before deciding on the best one for you.
Happy shopping!
