Are Firm Mattresses Bad For Side Sleepers

Can Plush Mattresses Be Too Soft

A mattress can be too soft for certain people. If you notice your mattress has started to feel too soft, check your warranty, it may be time to replace your mattress or box spring.

If your mattress isnt due to be replaced, you may just need to add some firmness to it. This can be done by adding a firm mattress topper to your bed. You can also try placing a piece of plywood underneath your mattress.

Are Firm Mattresses Bad For Side Sleepers

Not necessarily. Side sleepers need some type of cushioning around their shoulders, hips and knees, so an ultra-firm mattress might not have enough give to contour the body properly. If the mattress is too firm, you can wake up with numbness and tingling in your arms. On the other hand, if the mattress is too soft, it can cause back pain. Thats why medium-soft to medium mattresses usually strike the best balance for side sleepers. If you find you need more support, consider a medium-firm or luxury-firm option, like the DreamCloud Premier Rest.

Can You Sleep On A New Mattress Straight Away

You usually can sleep on a brand new, quality bed in a box mattress a few minutes after its been unboxed. Well-made mattresses are usually quick to expand once theyre free of their plastic wrapping.

Still, it usually takes at least a few hours for the mattress to reach full expansion, so the bed might not be as comfortable as it could be if you give it more time to reach its full shape.

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Do Side Sleepers Need A Firm Mattress

By: Author Harris

Mattress shopping is a challenging task.

When trying to narrow down the choices, you must consider your sleeping style. If you sleep on your side, you might need a different type of mattress than someone who sleeps on their back or stomach.

Many side sleepers think they need a firm, unyielding mattress. But is this true?

Do side sleepers need a firm mattress? The short answer is maybe. Some side sleepers need a mattress on the firmer side, while others need softer mattresses.

The rest of this article will discuss the types of mattresses that work for different side sleepers. If youre a side sleeper looking to buy a new mattress, read on.

Classic Brands Cool Gel Ultimate Memory Foam

Pressure-removing memory foam is exactly what side sleepers need right now. But its hot, right? Not with the Classic Brands Cool Gel technology. Its high-density foam will conform well to your body to ease the pressure points while keeping your body cool through its aerated cool gel memory.

It bears a medium-feel with maximum support and adjustable base. This comes with a memory pillow which is a complete package for easing shoulder pain.

The good thing about this mattress is its made of pure foam. NO springs or coiled stuffing. It has four layers of foam for maximum comfort and restful sleep. It also has a stretch-knit cover that matches the mattress perfectly the best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain.

This comes with a 10-year warranty, so if it doesnt work as promised, you can send it back. Take note that this is a bed-in-box type so everything will be delivered on your doorstep.

For this Classic Brand mattress, youll have to wait for a few weeks until the foam stabilizes. Its too soft for a few nights then it will become firmer. Then very firm. But after a week or two, it will achieve its perfection. Somehow, it will reduce the sweating if youre a constant hot sleeper.

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Best Hybrid Mattress For Side Sleepers With Back Pain

Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress

• Type: Foam
• Height: 13 inches

Reviewers with back pain report experiencing reduced episodes of pain when sleeping on the Casper Wave Hybrid.

One side sleeper with back pain credits the mattress for completely eliminating the aches and pains they felt with their old mattress. Another reviewer who describes themselves as a mature athlete says that the mattress helps relieve pressure points on sore joints.

However, a few people complain that the mattress is a bit too hard for their liking.

What Is The Right Firmness

Theres no one-firmness-fits-all rule for side sleepers. Each of us will have varying preferences and needs based on our individual conditions.

The rule of thumb for side sleepers is a mattress not tougher than a moderate or medium firm.

A very firm mattress fails to support the neck and hips of a side sleeper. What happens is that the pressure points and gaps between the body and mattress linger. Accumulatively, this will cause more than a mild shoulder pain. Its one reason why you should get the best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain.

When you stick to a moderate firm, the material of the mattress will fill the gaps by sinking according to the weight of the body. So can you also opt for a softer one? Again, this depends on your comfort level. If you dont mind waking up in a pit that seems to swallow you, you can probably give a soft mattress a go.

Last note about softer mattresses: Very soft mattresses dont offer much motion control. So if youre sleeping with someone thats notorious for tossing and turning, youre doomed to have sleepless nights.

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How Long Does It Take To Adjust To A New Mattress

It should take approximately 30 to 60 days to adjust to your new mattress, as it can initially feel somewhat stiff, and your body may not be accustomed to its new support system. That said, you might feel totally comfortable on it from day one, and thats great!

Luckily, many companies offer sleep trials to give customers time to be certain they enjoy their new mattress. Its encouraged that you test your mattress for at least one month before making a decision to keep or return it.

Comfortable For Those With Arthritis And Joint Pain

Those with arthritis and joint pain tend to find relief with a softer mattress that cushions sensitive areas. If these sleepers rest on a firm mattress, it could force the body into uncomfortable sleep positions that exacerbate pain.

The spine should also be kept in a neutral position to alleviate tension. Therefore, the torso must not sink too far down. If you are a heavier sleeper with arthritis, you may be more comfortable on a medium mattress.

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Choose The Right Mattress For Side Sleeping

Luckily, all the negatives to side sleeping are usually caused by an incorrect mattress or pillow

The right mattress will alleviate these drawbacks and ensure a tension-free sleep in the side position.

Let’s look at what you should pay attention to when buying the right mattress for side sleeping.

Best Pillows For Front

Front-sleepers and back-sleepers are very similar in needs when it comes to pillows. This is because your neck and shoulders should mostly be aligned with your spine when you sleep like this. The main difference between these two sleeping types is that if you’re a front-sleeper, you should have a flatter pillow to maintain a good posture.

As you are putting more pressure on your pillow by sleeping on your stomach, you want a pillow that you can fully sink into. This helps to ensure your spinal alignment is healthy. So, you should try to look out for pillows with the following firmnesses:

This means that you can experience plush comfort with great support!

We’ve listed some of the best comfort fillings for front-sleepers below:

• Feather and down

  Feather and down pillows are great for sinking into after a long day and the fillings will adjust as you move in the night.

• Hollowfibre

  Hollowfibre pillows are budget friendly and they are much thinner than other pillow types.

• Memory foam

  Memory foam pillows will provide amazing support and will mould to your shape as you sleep, making them ideal for front-sleepers.

• Latex

  Latex pillows are super responsive and will maintain their shape, so you can enjoy the cosiness of these pillows for years to come.

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Best Firm Mattress: Amerisleep As2

The Amerisleep AS2 is perfect for back sleepers and those with back pain. This firmness is often recommended by chiropractors for those with chronic pain.

• Warranty:

• Back and stomach sleepers.
• Those with back pain.

The AS2 has a perforated cover that allows warm air to pass through the mattress without causing it to become hot and uncomfortable. Since Amerisleeps Bio-Pur® comfort foam is made with fewer synthetic oils and more plant-based oils, it retains less heat and moisture.

Beneath the comfort layer is Amerisleeps Affinity foam with HIVE® technology. Along the surface of this foam, hundreds of hexagonal cutouts respond to different levels of pressure. For example, near the hips and shoulders, where we are the heaviest, this foam is more conforming to prevent pressure points. However, along the back, HIVE® is firmer to prevent sinking and spinal misalignment.

The base of the AS2 features Bio-Core®, Amerisleeps stable support foam that is resistant to sagging and indentations. This durable foam ensures sleepers rest in a safe, comfortable position for many years.

The AS2 comes with a generous 20-year warranty, covering manufacturing and structural defects. It also comes with a 100-night sleep trial so you can test it out at home and make sure it meets your needs.

Best Mattress For Side Sleepers In 2021

These mattresses for side sleepers will have you snoozing soundly and waking up pain-free.

• $1,399 at Brooklyn Bedding

The best mattress for dedicated side sleepers should offer enough pressure relief for your hips and shoulders. Dedicated side sleepers should also consider factors like mattress firmness or whether motion transfer is reduced . And if you’re a combination sleeper, you might want a firmer mattress that offers pressure relief and support so it’s adaptable regardless of your final sleep position.

Even if you narrow the search to only look for the best mattress for side sleepers, your options are expansive, and finding your ideal match can be a challenge. New online mattress brands launch regularly and mattresses in boxes have flooded the market. But how does a dedicated side sleeper sort through all the available choices to find the best mattress? There are just so many different types, not to mention extras such as mattress toppers or adjustable bases for your bed. Seriously, who has time to sort through these or to test every memory foam mattress, gel memory foam mattress, natural latex foam mattress, hybrid mattress and innerspring mattress to determine which is the right one for a particular sleep position?

· Type: Hybrid mattress

· Firmness: 3 firmness levels | Plush Soft: Medium or 5 | Luxury Firm: Medium-firm or 7 | Firm: 9/10 or firm

· Trial: 180 nights

· Warranty: 15-year limited warranty

· Price : $1,595

· Trial: 120 nights

· Price : $1,499

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Innomax Genesis 800 Dx Watermattress

Best for lower back pain

According to the manufacturers, this waterbed distributes body weight evenly and reduces pressure on the shoulders, lower back, hips, and heels. They highlight a 10-layer support system that is firmest in the middle to support the back.

A suggests that waterbeds and foam mattresses perform better for participants with chronic lower back pain than firm mattresses.

Innomax offers a 20-year extended limited warranty.

The following are some frequently asked questions about mattresses for side sleepers:

How To Adjust Your Sleeping Position To Get A Better Nights Rest

Sleeping on your back is not the best method to sleep. It can cause neck and shoulder pain. This is since when you sleep on your back, the weight of your head pushes down on the muscles in your neck and shoulders.

The most popular sleeping positions are side-lying, supine, and susceptible. Prone allows for more oxygen intake and puts more pressure on the spinal column than supine does.

Some people may be able to change their sleeping position. In contrast, others may require help by using an assistance pillow or a prop such as a rolled-up towel or thin blanket.

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Best Budget Mattress For Back And Neck Pain

Beautyrest Silver BRS900 Extra Firm

• Price: $

research from 2015 , medium-firm mattresses tend to provide the ideal combination of sleep comfort, quality, and spinal alignment.

Still, the feel of a mattress can be subjective, depending on personal preference, body frame, and weight and even the type of pain you experience.

If a medium-firm mattress doesnt hit the spot, you may consider this extra-firm hybrid from Beautyrest. If youre worried extra firm is just another way of saying like sleeping on bare floor, it may help to know that several reviewers call this mattress very comfortable, though a few people say they needed a few days to adjust.

Overall, reviewers praise this mattress, saying they slept better and woke up free of pain.

Hybrid mattresses combine foam and coils for stronger support than foam alone. This option has a cooling layer designed to help you sleep more comfortably and individually wrapped coils made to reduce motion transfer. Reviewers also praise the edge support and say it works well for couples.

What Types Of Mattresses Are Best For Side Sleepers

Generally, mattresses that support spinal alignment relieve pressure on the back and joints, which may alleviate back pain for some people.

During sleep, the primary force affecting the back is gravity. Because of this, sleeping on a mattress that is too soft or hard or that does not support the alignment of the spine may put pressure on the joints. For some people, this can cause or worsen back pain and impact overall sleep quality.

A person should purchase a mattress that keeps their spine in a straight position and contours to pressure points, such as the hips and shoulders. Additionally, people should feel comfortable in every sleeping position.

People often believe that firm mattresses are good for back pain, but an

Another study , this time from 2008, suggests that people who sleep on waterbeds or memory foam mattresses may have improved sleep and back symptoms compared with those who sleep on hard mattresses. However, the authors note that the differences between all three mattress types seem to be small.

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Side Sleeper And Personality

Its true that while we spend about a third of our lives sleeping, we dont often stop to consider what our sleep positions reveal about our personalities. A study by Professor Chris Idzikowski, Director of the Sleep and Assessment Advisory Service, signals that similar to our body language during the day, our subconscious sleep posture might also hint to our personality traits. While the results are self-reported, its still fun to explore and there are plenty of variations within side sleepers that might reveal more about your personality than you would think.

Below, weve compiled more about about the most common type of side sleepers and what your go-to option says about you.

The Most Popular Sleep Position

There are all kinds of sleepers. Some can only fall asleep on their stomachs. Others need to sprawl out across the bed. Some curl up into little balls. And yet, others find that sleeping on their back is the way to go. Whatever you choose, its important to know that your sleep position can affect how you feel in the morning and throughout the day. And interestingly enough, it may also reveal a bit about your personality. Here, we focus on the side sleeper: the most popular sleep positionout there.

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What Is A Side Sleeper

There are all kinds of sleepers in this world

Some lie flat on their stomachs, cheeks pressed down into the mattress.

Others lie on their backs, sprawled out across the bed.

A side sleeper is someone who sleeps on their side.

There are many subcategories of side sleeping positions, like the foetal position, where side sleepers crawl into a ball, or pillow huggers, where side sleepers cuddle with a pillow.

Sleeping on your back is often deemed the healthiest position as it creates the least tension for your body, but most adults sleep in the side position.

This can create a fair bit of tension, which is why it’s so important to choose the right kind of mattress.

Stomach sleepers struggle the most with neck and shoulder tension. Therefore, this sleep position is not recommended. However, if you can’t sleep in any other position, look at our article on the best mattresses for front sleepers to ensure the healthiest sleep in this position.

Best Foam Mattress For Back And Neck Pain

Nolah Original 10 Inch

• Type: foam
• Height: 10 inches

If you have back and neck pain, you need a mattress that provides excellent pressure relief, and thats just what the Nolah mattress aims to do.

According to the company, their specially designed foam provides four times the pressure relief of standard memory foam in three key zones: shoulders, back, and hips.

This foam is also made without viscoelastic chemicals the chemicals in memory foam known for trapping heat and creating a sinking in feeling for a neutral temperature. Several reviewers confirm it does stay cooler through the night.

Reviewers have plenty of good things to say about this mattress. Several people mention significant improvements in back and neck pain and rave about the great sleep theyre getting. Others praise the motion isolation and the supportive edges. The firmness also feels just right to many: soft enough for comfort yet sturdy enough for support.

That said, dedicated stomach sleepers and people who weigh more than 200 pounds may want to consider a firmer option for added support.

The Nolah mattress is engineered for durability to provide comfort and support for years to come. Since the company offers a 120-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty, youll have plenty of time to make sure the mattress really does relieve your pain.

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