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You already know, 7 or more hours of sleep is important for your health and wellbeing. And, when you retire to bed at night, you’re likely to sleep in the same position throughout the night which is why choosing a mattress based on your sleep style is so important.

Every sleeping position demands a specific type of mattress. Different mattress types support different unique sleeping needs which require an ideal firmness level.

The big problem is when choosing the best mattress for your needs – most people do so on outstanding reviews, but it may not complement their sleeping style. Luckily for you, you can learn more about the mattress types and the best one for your sleeping style.

What Position Do You Sleep In and How Do You Choose the Ideal Mattress?

Your sleeping position determines the best mattress for you. This article will provide useful insights about sleeping positions and the ideal mattress for your sleeping style. Whether you are looking for the best hybrid mattress or an all-out memory mattress, we’ve got you covered. So let’s get started.

Side Sleepers

It should come as no surprise, sleeping on the side is said to be the most common sleep position. Sleep experts recommend this position for pregnancy since it reduces heartburn, helps with heart circulation and is generally more comfortable if you are trying to get a better night’s sleep while pregnant.

Side sleeping does not only include the famous fetal position, but there are also more side styles:

• Fetal – You’re more likely to assume the fetal style when your legs are bent and your arms are curled towards your body
• ‘Yearner’ – Usually, your legs are straight, but there’s a slight curve in the back with your arms extended out in front
• ‘Log’ – Here, you’ll be sleeping on your side with the arms and legs straight (so you look like a log).

Side sleeping is often associated with back problems. The fetal position, for instance, strains the neck and back and also restricts deep breathing. What’s more, if you sleep on the right side, you put additional strain on the stomach, lungs, and liver.

But, there’s nothing a good mattress can’t help prevent (or fix) which is why it’s important to spend time researching the best mattress for your needs.

The Best Mattress for Side Sleeping

Ideally, you need a mattress that accommodates the natural curves of your body. Therefore, a mattress that is too firm isn’t the right choice.

A medium-soft mattress allows your body to sink a little into the mattress while relieving stress from your hips and shoulders. You might also want to place a small pillow between your knees to alleviate joint pains.

On average, side sleepers require a 3 inches thick layer mattress. If the mattress doesn’t cradle your body, you risk waking up with numbness and soreness. You’re also likely to lack enough sleep.

Back Sleepers

For a long time, doctors have been saying sleeping on your back with arms spread on the side is the best sleeping position.

Sleeping on the back is strongly linked to snoring and sleep apnea. On the positive side, you’re less likely to have wrinkles or experience acne (there’s no contact with pillows).

A few people rarely find back sleeping comfortable. Of course, they’re likely not using the mattress designed for this position.

 A Perfect Mattress Should Be

When you sleep on your back, you create a gap in the lumbar area. With that in mind, it’s vital to ensure you support this part of the body well. 

If you’re a back sleeper, the most crucial things in a mattress are support and firmness. A medium-firm mattress is, therefore, your ideal choice. It provides excellent support but its soft enough (curves more readily) to eliminate pressure points.

In other words, a mattress that is too soft will not offer the required pushback. Lack of much-needed support misaligns the spine leading to back problems.

A 5 to 8 firmness range will do the trick. If you sleep on your back, consider investing in a memory foam bed. Eschew from sleeping on a stiff spring mattress.

Stomach Sleepers

A bonus of sleeping on your stomach is a lack of snoring. It’s a common position among people with degenerative disc disease. This sleeping style tends to cut down pressure in the disc area.

However, there’s also a concern that sleeping on your stomach may strain your neck and back or put pressure on your internal organs. But with a good mattress, you’ll have the most comfortable sleep while preventing these issues.

What’s the Ideal Mattress?

If you enjoy a full night’s sleep on your stomach the most crucial consideration in a mattress is support. You will, therefore, want to invest in a medium to a firm mattress.

Remember, your torso will exert the most pressure on the bed. You, therefore, need a stiffer mattress that offers uniform support on your whole body (prevents your mid-section area from sinking).

Otherwise, a soft mattress will allow your abdomen to sink and hence alter the alignment of your spine, causing lower back pains. Choose a firmness rating between 5 and 7.

Combination Sleeper

If you change positions over the course of the night, then you’re part of the majority. From the side, stomach, and back – the combination sleepers are a little bit of each.

As far as choosing a mattress is concerned, combination sleepers are harder to please. But, it’s certainly not impossible.

The Ideal Mattress for All Sleeping Positions

In this case, you should start by knowing your most predominant position (the one you find yourself sleeping in the most). Rather than catering for only that sleeping position, do with something in between.

Hybrids work great for combination sleepers. They’re a blend of foam and coil, providing support and pressure relief.

Find the Perfect Mattress!

Besides your napping style, add in other considerations such as your body weight, budget, and mattress types. Another important consideration is the age of the mattress. As a rule of thumb, you should use your mattress for eight years at most. Each of the additional factors helps you to meet your goal of picking the most comfortable mattress.

In conclusion, when choosing a mattress it’s prudent to buy a suitable mattress for the sake of your sleep and health. A right mattress choice can go a long way in relieving pain related to sleeping problems.