Side sleeping is the most common sleep position in the world, so hey, definitely you are not alone! As the result of that fact, most of the sleeping products available on the market are catered towards side sleepers. That, however, can be both good and bad thing at once.

It’s true that you will have more options compared to stomach sleepers and back sleepers. However, that also means that it will be harder to make your choice. Stomach sleepers, for example, can have an easier time choosing their mattresses, because they are more specific to their needs.

Even more, since it’s considered the ‘generic’ position, most side sleepers failed to understand their own sleeping position, the pros and cons, and in turn, their needs.

Hence, before we dig further, let us first understand the side sleeping position better, the risks it imposes, and its benefits.

Side Sleeping Facts

As we can see, the biggest concern about side sleeping is pressure. Side sleeping position will:

• Put a pressure on one side on your face, which will restrict blood flow, as well as cause skin problems
• For women, will put pressure on one breast, which may induce sogginess
• Restrict blood flow on one side of the arm
• Strain the hip and the spine, which may lead to back and hip pain
• With improper firmness of mattress and pillow, will strain the area between the neck and shoulder, often causing neck pain in the morning
• Heat retention could be more problematic because you put more pressure compared to other sleeping positions. Hence, you have the tendency to sleep hot

With that being said, here are some consideration you should have about your mattress:

1. Firmness Vs Support

Side sleepers should aim for medium firmness, a balance between support and softness. Too soft, and you put more strain on your neck. Too firm, and you put more stress on your back, shoulders, and hip.

2. Heat Retention

Heat retention is especially important for side sleepers. Aim for a mattress with better air ventilation to prevent sleeping hot.

3. Thickness

Modern mattresses can have all the different technologies to approach their thicknesses. In the past, the thicker the mattress, generally the firmer it will be, but that’s not the case nowadays.

Hence, the thickness won’t matter as much, as long as you can have the proper balance of support and softness.

With that being said, let us learn about all the different types of mattresses available in the market today.

Different Types of Mattresses

There are generally three different mattress type available today. There might be more niche types you can find in the market, such as the bamboo mattress, green tea mattress, and many more, but they will always boil down to these three:

1.Memory Foam Mattress

The newest of the bunch, but also the most popular today with its reasons. Made from polyurethane with additional chemicals, it is designed to contour to your body shape as it ‘detects’ your body temperature. Hence the name memory foam, since this mattress seemingly remember your body shape as you sleep.

Pros for side sleepers:

• Its plushness guarantees fewer pressure points, essential for side sleepers
• Extreme comfort, great to relieve fatigue
• Reduce strains of neck and shoulders
• Available in different firmness levels, so you can choose the right balance between support and softness

Cons for side sleepers:

• Retains heat, so if you have high body temperature, it could be problematic
• On the other hand, if you have low body temperature (or your room is too cold), it will fail to contour to your body
• Often contain chemicals, and can have chemical smells, although newer products use more environmentally friendly materials
• Relatively expensive

2. Latex Mattress

The popular latex mattresses are known for two qualities: they are often very affordable, and they are very environmentally friendly. If you are green conscious, this kind of mattress might be your first choice. However, let’s take a look at its pros and cons for side sleepers.

Pros for side sleepers:

• Relatively more affordable
• Often have great ventilation system and won’t retain heat as much
• Again, environmentally friendly and perfectly safe for your children
• Very durable

Cons for side sleepers:

• More often than not, they are more firm than other types, which is bad for side sleepers
• Relatively heavy to move around
• You will need to choose your pillow carefully due to its natural firmness

3. Innerspring/Coil Mattress

The most popular, and arguably the oldest type of mattress. Mainly made from coiled springs, that are individually wrapped under the mattress. As a result, it is relatively flexible in term of firmness and can come in different levels of support and firmness. Widely available and relatively affordable, it is most probably your first choice.

Pros for side sleepers:

• Wide range of products to choose from with different price point and different firmness/thickness
• Relatively good in passing your body heat
• Durable and long-lasting

Cons for side sleepers:

• Heavy to move around
• Not as comfortable as the other two
• More difficult to clean

As you can see, each type has their own benefits, so we can’t say that a certain type will be better for side sleepers. Rather, each individual product might have the right qualities that will cater to side sleepers. After we have learned the right qualities you need, here are our picks for the best choices available.

1.LUCID Plush Memory Foam and Latex Mattress

Read customer reviews here

Technically, this mattress is a hybrid between memory foam and latex. Now, we have mentioned that for side sleepers, the most important thing is to have a balance between support and firmness. This mattress belongs to a very soft/plush category, yet it has a very good support with a 10-inch thick support layer. If you are looking for a maximum comfort of a memory foam yet don’t want to lose the great support and ventilation of latex mattress, this one is for you.

Why it’s great for side sleepers:

• Very plush, yet with adequate support and response
• The top layer is actually a memory-foam layer, infused with bamboo charcoal to reduce odors and moisture
• Extreme comfort with its top memory foam layer
• Great air ventilation system allowing better heat dissipation
• Very durable and luxurious

A consideration:

• It is extremely plush/soft, which is certainly not for everyone

Bottom Line

If you are a side sleeper who is currently looking for a plush and soft option, there is no better choice. Priced at $660, it is definitely a bargain for its quality. Get it for $110 less here.

2. Leesa Mattress, Queen Size

Read customer reviews here.

Another hybrid memory foam mattress, but instead of using traditional latex, Leesa used avena, which is more durable and environmentally friendly than latex. The Leesa Mattress is not as plush as LUCID mattress discussed above, firmness-wise, we can say that it’s medium-soft. It is also very supportive, so it’s great to eliminate pressure problems common with side sleepers.

Why it’s great for side sleepers:

• You get all the benefit of latex-like avena: support, better air ventilation, durability and the comfort of the memory foam
• Luxurious looking and durable
• Perfect firmness for most side sleepers
• 100-night trial, no-question return policy

A little bit of consideration:

• A little more expensive than LUCID Memory Foam/Latex

Bottom Line

The Lessa Mattress comes from a relatively new manufacturer but really surprised us with the quality. It’s more or less very similar to the LUCID plush memory foam/latex mattress, but is more durable and a little more firm. The firmness level, however, is actually better suited for most side sleepers. It is officially priced for $940, but you can get it for just $865 here.

3.Brooklyn Bedding Latex Mattress Queen, Medium Firmness

Read Amazon reviews here

While the other two we have discussed above are hybrid memory foam and latex mattresses, the Brooklyn Bedding is made from wholly traditional latex. There are actually three firmness levels available for this product: soft, medium, and firm. However, we chose the medium firmness for this best mattresses for side sleepers list, for reasons we’ve stated above. We were actually surprised with the overall quality and durability of Brooklyn Bedding’s Latex mattress, which are worth every penny.

Why it’s great for side sleepers:

• Although generally, latex mattresses won’t be as comfortable as memory foam ones, that’s not the case with this mattress, it is very luxurious and comfortable
• Being of fully latex material, very durable
• Perfect balance between firmness and support for side sleepers
• Great air ventilation technology and you won’t feel hot during your sleep

Minor considerations:

• Bulky and heavy to move around

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a reliable, traditional latex mattress, the Brooklyn Bedding Latex Mattress Queen is simply one of the best options available. It provides a perfect balance of firmness and support, ensuring less pressure throughout the night during your side-sleeping habit. Available for only $750 here.

4.Zinus Sleep Master Ultima, Memory Foam Mattress, Queen Size, 12″

Read customer reviews here

Now, we understand that some of us have a strict budget and are looking for cheaper options. We also understand that although we have stated that memory foam mattresses are commonly not suited for side sleepers, there will be some of us that will strive for its comfort. Hence, this product will represent both! Zinus has been known to provide affordable, yet high-quality memory foam mattresses in recent years, and this mattress is not only very affordable, yet will provide great comfort and other values necessary for side sleepers.

Why it’s great for side sleepers:

• The sleep master ultima provides a good balance of firmness and support, which is rare in a memory foam mattress. Perfect for side sleepers with three layers: memory foam, pressure relieving comfort foam, and base support.
• Very comfortable, as expected of memory foam mattresses
• New environmentally-friendly technology so that the memory foam use less petroleum-based chemicals, less chemical odors too as the result

A bit of concern:

• Although Zinus use an advanced ventilation technology, it will still retain more heat compared to latex mattresses
• As with most memory foam products, it is vacuum packaged, will take time to fully reform, and can have slight chemical odors when unpacked

Bottom Line:

With its great price tag, available only for $276 here, Zinus Sleep Master Ultima is more than a bargain. The overall quality of the product is excellent for its price, and for a memory foam mattress, it provides an excellent balance of support and firmness side-sleepers need.

End Words

If possible, always try before you buy a mattress. Depending on your size and weight, you might need different levels of firmness than what we’ve stated above. Most reliable manufacturers offer great trial period, sometimes for up to 120 days, including the products we have listed above.  When trying for a new mattress, try to lie on it for at least 10 minutes so that you can test the contour and heat retention.

Remember, the key for a sound side-sleeping is the balance of both support and firmness, so that you won’t put too puch pressure on your arms, breast, and face, while keeping the neck strain at a minimum.

 

 

Choosing the best mattress is an important decision for your health and your overall comfort.  Buying a mattress should not break the bank though.  The top name brand mattresses like temper pedic, sleep number, and many other name brands are often very expensive.  They are a good investment for your health but there are many other mattresses that do the same thing for less money.  Read more to find out what the best mattress for back pain is.

Best Mattress For Back Pain

There are many mattresses out there to choose from.  There is not one mattress that stands out particularly as the best mattress for back pain.  It really is what you want and like in a mattress.  There are both firm and soft mattresses to choose from.  Saatva mattresses are the top rated mattress brand for back pain. They are a luxury mattress company and are more reasonably priced then other mattress brands.  The Saatva mattress has the latest mattress technology to help ensure that you sleep comfortably.  This mattress has lumbar support and is memory foam.  Not only is this mattress great for your back but it is great for your wallet too.  Compared to other name brand mattresses it could save you up to $2,000.  Not only is the Saatva mattress the best for back pain but lets go into what a good mattress for back pain should be so you can decide for yourself.  For back pain the best type of mattress is a medium-firm mattress.  Unless you sleep on your stomach because of lower back pain you should select a mattress that is more firm to keep you afloat.  If you are a side sleeper then you need a mattress with a little more softness to support your shoulders and hips.  The best mattress for back pain depends on your likes and comforts.

Best Mattress For Lower Back Pain

No mattress has the same effect for everyone, so really there are many mattresses for lower back pain that are great.  It all depends how you sleep, on your side, stomach, or back, and whether you like your mattress to be firm or soft.  It all depends on you and your back pain preferences.  Some of the best mattresses for lower back pain are the Saatva mattress, the Amerisleep Revere mattress, the Helix mattress, and the Bear mattress.  Each of these mattresses are great for helping with lower back pain and back pain in general.  Each of these mattresses contain memory foam.  High quality memory foam has been proven to provide relief to chronic lumbar discomfort.  The Lumbar is the foundation of your spine and is your lower back.  So to to find the best mattress for lower back pain you will need to find one with memory foam, especially around the middle of the mattress.  But not only memory foam is used in matresses, traditional coils are added too to help give a not too soft but not too firm feeling.  Therefore the best mattress for back pain has a combination of the traditional coil springs and memory foam.

Best Mattress Topper For Back Pain

Finding the right mattress topper should not be a difficult process.  There are all sorts of places that sell mattress toppers like, department stores, home stores, and online.  Although mattress toppers can be expensive they are a great investment for your health.  Some of the best mattress toppers are Queen Size 3 Inch Thick 4 Pound Density Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress Topper, Sleep Innovations 4-inch Dual Layer Mattress Topper, Sleep Joy 3″ ViscO2 Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper, LUCID 3 Inch Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress Topper, 3.3 Cloud 9 Queen 3 Inch 100% Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress Topper. Each of these mattresses has 3 or more inches of memory foam.   Also, each mattress is designed to help with back pain.  The best mattress topper for back pain is the Queen Size 3 Inch Thick, 4 Pound Density Visco Elastic Memory Foam Mattress Topper.  It is not only great because it provided support and comfort to ease back pain but it is also environment friendly and responds to temperature.  A mattress topper is the perfect way to make your old mattress more comfortable.  Also, they relieve pressure and help to relieve back pain.  If yo do not have the money to buy a new mattress or are going off to college a mattress topper is the perfect solution to your problems.  You do not want to be in pain because of a mattress you think you can’t change.

Why Buy an Expensive Mattress or Mattress Topper?

I hate to break it you but the best mattresses and mattress toppers for back pain are usually more expensive.  The investment is so much more than the money though, it’s an investment for your health too.  If you select a mattress that helps to relieve your back pain then you could save a lot of money in medical bills.  Also, if you take care of your body now then you will have less problems in the future.  A good mattress makes your life more enjoyable because you don’t have to worry about having chronic back pain.  So yes you should invest in a good mattress or mattress topper.

How To Choose The Best Mattress For Your Back Pain

1. You determine what is best for you- No one knows how comfortable you are or what helps you to have a good nights rest other then you.  If you have back pain choose what is best and most comfortable for you.  If you have lower back pain choose something that supports your spine and is comfortable.
2. Understand what is inside your mattress- The number of coils, how much padding, the thickness of the mattress all matters when you are choosing a mattress.  The alignment of the coils is what helps to give you support in certain areas.  Padding on the top of the mattress can range in size, test some mattresses out and see what you like the best.  It is helpful to know what is inside your mattress so you know what you are getting.
3. Find a mattress with back support- Researchers have found that medium-firm mattresses are the best for back pain.  When you are looking for a mattress make sure it supports you and has the correct spine alignment for you.
4. Find the perfect balance between your comfort and back support-  It is just as important to find a mattress with great back support as it is to find a mattress with great comfort.  If you choose a mattress just for your back then you could be causing pressure on other parts of your body causing more aches and pains. A medium-firm mattress gives back support and comfort.
5. Recognize when you need a new mattress-  If your mattress becomes uncomfortable or starts to sag in the middle it is time for a new mattress.  If you have back pain, sleeping on a run down mattress is not the smartest idea for you.
6. Coils or memory foam?- Coils typically provide you with a firmer mattress depending what is on top of the coils.  The use of coil springs has gone way back in time.  Memory foam on the other hand is more soft and provides a less firm feel.  Many people like the memory foam mattress because it conforms to their bodies.
7. Ignore the price- The coils and memory foam in a mattress are all made by the same manufacturer.  So the price does not matter that much.  Although the products that are in the mattress does matter.  So buy something that is reliable and built well.
8. The bigger the mattress doesn’t mean the better the mattress- Many companies use the thickness of a mattress to con you into thinking it will be more comfortable.  Do not fall for it, the thickness of the mattress does not matter in most cases.  Find something that is comfortable for you.
9. Find a bed that is adjustable- If you sleep with your spouse or partner then remember to get a bed that can be adjusted to both of your preferences.  Find a bed that lets you to change each of your sides so there is no conflict over which bed to get.
10. Try it before you buy it- Test out different mattresses to see what you like.  Test “sleep” on a mattress for at least 20 minutes before you purchase it.  Make sure when you are testing out mattresses that you lay in your normal sleeping position.  Also, when you are testing out a mattress make sure you remember to check out how your back feels when laying on the mattress.

Now you know that the best mattress for back pain is really dependent on what you prefer.  It is based on comfort and relief.  Although mattresses can be very expensive, they are a great investment for your long term health.  Picking the perfect mattress or mattress topper does not need to be a stressful decision.  Find what fits you and do not settle for what some one else might say is comfortable.  Unless your significant other tells you otherwise.