Are You A Side Sleeper? Use These 8 Proven Testing Techniques To Discover Your Dream Mattress In A Showroom (Part 1)

July 29, 2021

Side Sleeping-The Most Popular Slumber Position
Even though most of people would sleep on their sides, finding the best mattress for side sleepers is not an easy task. A perfect bed is hard to discover anyway, but if you snooze facing east or west, the task becomes more arduous.

Side sleeping is the most popular slumber position, no doubt. Most sleepers swear by the benefits of lying on your sides. Moreover, various scientific studies are exploring the health benefits of sleeping on your left side. These benefits include:
Reduction in heartburn
Improvement in blood circulation
Prevention of snoring and sleep apnea
Improvement in lymphatic drainage
Digestion boost
Improvement in overall brain health
However, finding a cozy bed for side snoozing isn’t that simple. Getting a refreshing rest in fetal position requires a mattress with balanced sinkage and support. That’s why most side sleepers prefer to test the sleep surface in a showroom before bringing the mattress home.

So, what’s the secret recipe for a snug side sleeping mattress? Test the sleep surfaces for these eight factors and enjoy your ZZZs without a care in the world.

Common Problems Faced by Side Sleepers
Despite the wonderful health effects, finding comfort lying on your sides is a tough task. The reason for discomfort is the concentration of body weight on the curves of your sides.

As a result, most side sleepers struggle to find a snuggle-worthy sleep surface that doesn’t result in:
Sore points in hips and shoulders
Tossing and turning
Numb arms and legs
Neck pain
Back pain
Acid reflux
Test These Factors in Store to Find the Best Mattress for Side Sleeping
The two-minute test in a store cannot get you the best mattress for side sleeping. Therefore, be ready to spend at least 15-20 minutes test-driving each product. And, while you lie on each sleep surface, note the following factors to find the best fit.

1. Get the Firmness Right
Get the Firmness Right
Most Suitable Firmness Range for Side Sleepers
Firmness level is highly subjective, but most side sleepers find their perfect match anywhere from Soft to Medium-Firm comfort level.
However, it’s better to ignore the mattress firmness labels. Instead, lie on your favorite side for 10-15 minutes on each mattress. Note any discomfort or numbness after lying for an extended time.
A softer mattress suits the side sleepers, the best. If you are overweight or like a firm mattress, choose a medium-firm mattress. For a firm one, consider the presence of quilted cover or pillow top to experience some extra give. However, a very soft mattress dips too deep and fails to maintain proper postural alignment.
You can also consider custom-made mattresses like Helix, Business Insider’s best for side sleeping. Or else, opt for fully customizable ones like Morphiis and Spindle. They are best for lower back pain in side sleepers.

2. Relief from Pressure Points
Pressure points formation is the most prominent side sleeping woe. Since all your body weight is concentrated on the curves at your sides, they tend to become sore if the mattress doesn’t sink.
Ideal sleep surface for side sleepers compresses just enough to prevent discomfort in shoulders and hips. These are the two major body parts you’ve to focus while in-store mattress testing.
Lie on your preferred side for ten minutes without shifting position. Note formation of any pressure points along your side. As you change position after some time, see if you can move your arms and legs comfortably. There should be no discomfort or soreness afterward.
The Purple is known for being the ultimate “no pressure” mattress, a remarkable choice for side sleepers of all body shapes and size.

3. Look for Contouring Comfort
Contouring is very important as you lie on your sides. You should experience instant pressure-relief with a sensation similar to “lying on a cloud.”
Close your eyes and feel the mattress against your body. From shoulders down to the hips, you should feel the foam hugging your figure without any gaps. If the sleep surface closely follows your curves, you feel well supported irrespective of the pressure exerted by your body.
Viscoelastic foams and pocketed springs both provide this targeted support, crucial for side sleepers. The Nectar is an excellent mattress for body contouring, allowing initial sinking followed by delayed support, depending on your weight. It’s among the best mattresses for side sleepers with hip pain, shoulder, and back pain.
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