Why Memory Foam Might Be Your Best Mattress Option If You're A Side Sleeper

Sleeping on your side isn't the worst sleeping position, but it's not the best either. While it can be beneficial to try sleeping on your back, you might find that sleeping on your side is the most comfortable position. Instead of forcing yourself to sleep on your back, choosing a mattress that contours to your sleeping position and helps relieve pressure points will allow you to sleep more comfortably. If you're a side sleeper, memory foam mattresses are ideal. They're the most comfortable and supportive for any aches you might experience at night.

In a study that evaluated adults' sleeping positions and nocturnal body movements, more than 50% of them slept on their sides, via The National Library of Medicine. As the age groups got older, more adults slept on their side. When lying on your side for hours at night, you put a lot of pressure on your shoulder, hip, and lower back, causing pain to occur over time. The pressure on your body can also affect your spine's alignment since some areas dip lower into the mattress than others. While you might switch sides throughout the night to alleviate any pains and aches, there can be long-term effects where the pain lingers or creates muscle imbalance.

Side sleepers need a mattress that is soft enough to alleviate pressure points and firm enough to keep their body aligned. You don't want a mattress that's too soft where you sink in completely and have some body parts higher than others. For instance, when you use a pillow, your head and neck are higher than the rest of your body. 

Memory foam mattresses are perfect for side sleepers because they have a medium-firm surface that allows the body to dip into it and mold around it so that it evenly distributes the weight to support all pressure points in the shoulders, hips, and lower back. In addition, you can seamlessly move around the mattress without worrying about leaving indents in the mattress because the foam springs back into place when you move.

Memory foam mattresses are also more durable than other mattress types because they're made with a denser foam that prevents it from sagging or losing shape quickly. You can go months without having to flip or turn the mattress since they're made to spring back into their original shape. It'll last you for years as opposed to traditional mattresses. Memory foam mattresses can last up to 15 years, while others might last you up to eight years.

If you're a side sleeper struggling with getting a good night's sleep and feeling comfortable, and you've tried creating a peaceful bedroom or buying new pillows, but nothing has worked, then it's time to try a new mattress. When shopping for a memory foam mattress, various brands will allow you to customize how firm or soft you want the surface to be — choose the one you'll feel the most comfortable and supported. Nectar has a mattress with a 2-inch layer of memory foam to relieve pressure points and lower back pain. It has a medium-firm rating of 6.5, claiming it's the right amount of support and comfort. It ranged between over $300 to over $1,000 for sizes twin to split king. Nectar gives you a 365-day trial to test the mattress and ensure it's right. Customers gave the mattress a 4.7-star rating.

Another memory foam mattress option is Saatva's Loom & Leaf Mattress, which has a slightly firmer surface and minimal plush padding. It helps keep your spine aligned while relieving pressure from your shoulders, hips, and lower back. In addition, three layers of memory foam each target specific areas for your body, allowing balance and comfort from head to toe. You can choose from two firm levels: relaxed firm or firm, but the relaxed firm is ideal for side sleepers. It costs between $1,000 and over $2,000 for sizes twin to cal king and received a 4.9-star rating from customers.