How often do you find yourself curled up like a croissant, arm tucked under the pillow yet still battling to drift off to dream-filled slumber? And once you have finally hit the sweet sleep zone, your shoulder starts to ache and your hip protests to the point where you wake up, turn over, and repeat the pattern. If you are waking up with a stiff neck, sore shoulders, or cranky hips, before making a physio appointment, consider that the problem might lie with your mattress. But how do you choose a mattress that will cradle you in supportive comfort and leave you feeling like you have just emerged from a spa retreat? The sleep specialists at The Bed Shop are here to guide you on finding the best mattress for side sleepers.
How to Choose a Mattress for Pressure Relief
Side sleepers naturally put more pressure on specific points of the body, mainly the shoulders and hips. So, based on this, The Bed Shop will assist you in how to choose a mattress based on more than a comfy surface. The right mattress should cradle your body, allowing these pressure points to sink in slightly while keeping your spine aligned. Too firm, and your hips and shoulders don’t get the cushioning they need. Too soft, and your spine can curve out of alignment, potentially leading to back pain. As a side sleeper, you need to find the “Goldilocks” mattress, one that offers gentle-firm support.
Finding Your Match
When choosing mattresses, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Different materials bring different benefits to the table; some are better at hugging your curves, while others excel at keeping things cool during the night. Let’s take a look at three types, ideal for solo side sleepers or for those who prefer not to keep partners awake while they toss and turn.
- Memory Foam
Memory foam has long been a favourite for side sleepers, thanks to the material’s ability to contour to the body. Traditional memory foam moulds to your shape, providing excellent pressure relief around the hips and shoulders. The only downside is that it tends to trap in heat, and if you tend to run hot, it could be a problem. Gel memory foam offers the same comforting hug but with cooling properties, often fused with gel beads or layers that help regulate temperature. If you love that feeling of sinking into your mattress and staying in place, memory foam, especially the gel variety, is worth serious consideration.
- Pocket Spring
These aren’t your old-school creaky coil mattresses. Pocket spring mattresses contain individually wrapped inner coils that move independently. This allows for excellent support and responsiveness while still adapting to your body’s unique physique. As a side sleeper, pocket spring mattresses with plush top layers can deliver a great balance of support and softness. It’s ideal if you prefer more bounce than memory foam offers. Plus, it tends to stay cooler as air flows more freely between the coils.
- Hybrid
As the name suggests, hybrids combine elements of different mattress types, usually coils and foam. A common combination for side sleepers is a pocket spring base with a memory foam or latex top layer. This provides the pressure relief of foam with the support and breathability of springs. Hybrids are great for couples with different sleeping preferences or for anyone who wants a bit of the best of both worlds. These mattresses are also a good middle-ground choice if you are unsure whether you want a foam or spring mattress.
Always Opt for Uninterrupted, Restorative Sleep
Never settle for a mattress that leaves you waking up in the morning feeling like you have gone ten rounds in a boxing ring. Now that the sleep specialists at The Bed Shop have answered your question on how to choose a mattress, your uninterrupted, restorative sleep is a simple click away. By accessing our easy-to-use mattress buying guide on our website, you can explore our range of mattresses designed with side sleepers in mind. Experience the difference a truly supportive mattress can make; your mornings will thank you.
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