What’s the best firmness for a side-sleeper?
One day, I decided it was time to upgrade my mattress. I’d been waking up with a stiff shoulder, and my back started feeling sore. I knew it was because I mostly sleep on my side, and my current mattress was too firm. But with so many options out there, I felt lost. I wanted to find a mattress that would let me sleep comfortably on my side, without sinking too much or being too hard. So, I began my search.
For side sleepers like me, the best mattress firmness is usually on the softer side. Side sleepers need a mattress that can cradle their hips and shoulders, allowing the spine to stay aligned. If it’s too firm, it can cause pressure on those points, leading to discomfort and pain. If it’s too soft, though, your body may sink too much, causing your spine to curve unnaturally, which can also lead to pain.
Here are some factors that can affect mattress choice for side sleepers:
- Firmness: A medium-soft mattress is usually best (rated around 4 to 6 out of 10).
- Pressure Relief: The mattress should cradle hips and shoulders to maintain spinal alignment.
- Weight: Heavier people need firmer mattresses; lighter people can go softer.
It’s not just about softness, though. Your weight plays a big role in deciding how firm your mattress should be. Heavier people tend to sink more into their mattress, so they need something a bit firmer to keep their body supported. For lighter people, a softer mattress is usually best since they don’t sink as much.
I remember reading a post where someone said they found a latex foam bed perfect for side sleeping. They had tried memory foam, but it was too hot, and over time it caused back pain. Latex foam was cooler and had the right amount of sink without being too soft.
Others shared their experiences too. One person mentioned they bought a medium-firm mattress and found it good for both side and back sleeping. They liked that it wasn’t too soft for their back, but still provided enough give for their shoulders when they slept on their side. They were around my height and weight, which made me think this might be a good option for me too.
Another person talked about how they tried a mattress that was rated 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, but found it too firm for side sleeping. They ended up adding a foam topper to make it softer.
Tips for adjusting a too-firm mattress:
- Foam Topper: Adds extra cushioning without buying a new mattress.
- Pillow Adjustment: Using a softer pillow can help with neck and spine alignment.
Some side sleepers found that a firmness level of 4 to 6 out of 10 worked best for them. This is considered medium-soft, providing enough cushion for the shoulders and hips, but still supporting the spine. If the mattress is too firm, it’s like sleeping on a board, and if it’s too soft, it’s like sinking into quicksand – neither of which is ideal.
When I went to check out mattresses in person, I tried a few that were too firm, like one person said in a review. They compared it to camping on the hard ground, having to roll over every couple of hours just to get comfortable. I knew I didn’t want that. But I also didn’t want to sink so much that I’d feel stuck in the mattress.
After testing a few options, I realized a medium-firm mattress with a soft top layer felt right for me. It provided enough support for my back when I shifted positions but was soft enough to relieve pressure when I lay on my side. That combination felt like the best of both worlds.
In the end, I went with a hybrid mattress that had both foam and coils. It gave me the support I needed but still had that soft, cushioned feel. And as someone who sometimes rolls over in the middle of the night, it was a great fit because it worked for both side and back sleeping.
Now, every morning I wake up refreshed, without the aches and pains I used to have. If you’re a side sleeper, I’d recommend looking for something on the softer side, maybe around a 5 or 6 out of 10 in firmness. But remember, it all depends on your weight and personal preference. What feels perfect to one person might not work for another. So take your time, test out different options, and find the right fit for you.