Today we’re talking about side sleeper mattresses. Side sleeper mattresses are mattresses of a specific tension that suit those that sleep on your side either some of all of the night. If this is your sleeping style then it is important to get a mattress that will be suitable for side sleeping. When I lie on my side on a mattress that’s too firm, I can feel the pressure build around my shoulder pretty quickly.
Guidance in the mattress industry can be somewhat confusing as much of the advice online can be conflicting, hopefully this guide will give you a better idea of the type of mattress which might be suitable. I’ve found in my own testing that two ‘medium’ mattresses from different brands can feel miles apart.
Typically when it comes to side sleeping, the firmness of the mattress should be somewhat softer than what would normally be recommended should you sleep on your back. To that end, if you have a standard BMI and are of average height and weight, we would normally recommend a medium tension mattress. This means that side sleepers that meet the above criteria would be happy with a medium soft tension mattress. If you are lighter with a lower BMI than a soft mattress would prove more suitable while a firmer mattress would be more suitable should you be on the heavier side. The downside is if you go too soft, your hips can sink a bit and you end up feeling a little out of line through the lower back.
One key thing to remember is that terms like “firm” and “soft” are not standardised in the UK meaning that the firmness of mattresses is generally left to the interpretation of the supplier or retailer meaning that there can be slight discrepancies across a mattress lineup. That can be frustrating if you’re buying online, as you might need to lean on the trial period to get it right.
The choice of a mattress can be hugely personal and is down to a degree of personal preference and consumer testing. Below are some mattresses that are from some of the most popular brands in the industry and frequently top the charts when it comes to finding the most suitable side sleeper mattress. One thing I will say is that if you’ve got broader shoulders or a curvier shape, a ‘medium’ can still feel too firm at the pressure points, so don’t be afraid to size the comfort up a notch.
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