Our preferred sleeping position generally dictates the type of mattress and pillow we find most comfortable. Of course, the proper support and level of firmness from both your mattress and pillows can also help to alleviate a multitude of common sleep problems ranging from snoring to sore or painful joints and sleep apnea.
Making the correct bed or mattress choice can also effectively assist in distributing your weight evenly across the bed and helping to achieve the optimum body and spine alignment.
By visiting the nearest The Bed Centre to discuss your individual sleep needs and concerns you can get just the rest you need with the right choice of mattresses, pillows, bedding and mattress protectors available in multiple brand names. Below, however, are some of our basic guidelines on mattress types and firmness, depending on the sleep position you most enjoy:
Back Sleeping
Although it’s not the most popular sleep position, sleeping on your back is really one of the best positions for the head, back and neck alignment. Back sleeping or sleeping face up allows your spine to rest in a neutral position and takes that extra pressure off the other areas of your body.
However, for those who suffer from acid reflux and snoring or apnea, sleeping face up can worsen those issues.
Memory foam or hybrid (a combination of coil and foam) mattresses are generally best for conforming to your spine, neck and head if you are prone to sleeping on your back. Latex and spring mattresses are also good choices and help to provide the right orthopaedic support. Mattress Toppers can also help to provide pressure relief and improve comfort.
Side Sleeping
The majority of sleepers prefer to sleep on their side. However, side sleeping can often lead to shoulder, hip and back pain if your spine, neck and hips aren’t properly aligned or if you potentially have the incorrect mattress or bed option.
For anyone who experiences discomfort from their side sleeping preference, the solution to improved cushioning and better night’s sleep lies in choosing the best mattress for sleeping on your side and the best side sleeper pillow. These options are generally medium-firm in terms of support.
When you sleep on your side, you should ensure your body remains aligned so that pressure is taken off your upper body (including neck and shoulders) and hips. Any mattresses for side sleepers should also provide sufficient comfort; meaning ultra-plush and plush mattresses and latex and memory foam are often the best options.
If you’re an edge sleeper as well as a side sleeper, you may benefit from a mattress that has a reinforced perimeter. This means that the edge of the bed offers the same comfort and support as the middle of the mattress.
Certain pillows are designed specifically for sleepers who seek relief from neck and back pain. Mattress toppers can also provide similar benefits to acquiring a brand-new mattress and can ensure that your spine is properly aligned whilst you sleep.
Stomach Sleeping
Stomach sleepers have probably heard much about the general consensus that it’s not the most beneficial position for sleeping, this is because of the extra strain it can place on your neck and spine.
Healthcare providers generally recommend those who sleep face down switch to a sleeping position that offers better health benefits, though this is often easier said than done.
The best mattress type for stomach sleepers is one that gives you optimal support and comfort. Stomach sleepers should typically try to avoid plush mattresses. If your chosen mattress is soft enough to sink into, this may cause a problem with aches or stiffness. A firm, high-quality mattress is best for stomach sleepers. By providing your muscles with resistance, the best firm mattress for back pain will help prevent misalignment of your spine.
Multiple Sleeping
Couples often have differing sleep needs and sleeping positions. This naturally means that one person may have to sacrifice their individual sleeping preferences in order to prioritise their partner’s physical needs. However, it is still possible to find a mattress that fulfils both your requirements for sleep!
In this case, it’s important to select a new mattress or bed set as a couple vs. shopping separately and comparing findings. If one of you is a side sleeper and the other is a back sleeper or stomach sleeper, we’d encourage you to test out all the mattresses you’re interested in at your nearest The Bed Centre, together as a couple, and to seek our expert advice in-store.
Whilst selecting the right mattress as a couple can seem like a challenge, it’s important to be open-minded and to test different-size mattresses. Try out a variety of sizes — like queen mattresses and king mattresses — to make sure both partners have plenty of room to sleep peacefully.
