Free Shipping
ON EVERYTHING!
Quick Payment
100% Secure Payment
24/7 Support
Ready For You
UK Based
Delivering Nationwide
ON EVERYTHING!
100% Secure Payment
Ready For You
Delivering Nationwide
A good night’s sleep is the foundation of a healthy, productive day. While there are many factors that contribute to a restful night, a major one is the quality of your mattress. However, what works for one person may not work for another. One of the most important considerations when buying a new bed is your primary sleeping position. Choosing a mattress tailored to how you sleep can alleviate pressure points, prevent aches, and promote proper spinal alignment.
If you typically sleep on your side, you’re in the majority. This position is great for spinal alignment, but only if your mattress is the right fit. When you lie on your side, your body weight is concentrated on a few key areas: your shoulders, hips, and knees. A mattress that’s too firm won’t contour to your body’s curves, leading to uncomfortable pressure points and potential numbness in your arm or shoulder. A mattress that’s too soft can cause your spine to sag, leading to lower back pain.
Firmness: The ideal firmness for a side sleeper is medium-soft to medium. This firmness level allows your shoulders and hips to sink just enough to keep your spine in a straight, neutral line from your neck down to your lower back.
Mattress Type: Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are excellent choices. Memory foam is renowned for its ability to contour to the body’s unique shape, providing excellent pressure relief. Hybrid mattresses combine the support of a sprung core with the comfort of a foam or latex top layer, offering a balance of support and pressure-point cushioning.
Back sleeping is often recommended by doctors as it evenly distributes your body weight and keeps your spine naturally aligned. However, a mattress that is either too firm or too soft can cause problems. A mattress that is too soft will allow your hips to sink in, creating a curve in your spine and potentially leading to lower back pain. A mattress that’s too firm can create a gap between your lower back and the mattress, putting a strain on your muscles.
Firmness: A medium-firm to firm mattress is generally the best choice for a back sleeper. This provides a supportive, flat surface that keeps your spine in its natural “S” curve.
Mattress Type: Orthopaedic, pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses are all strong contenders. They provide the necessary firm support and stability without being unyielding. Orthopaedic mattresses, in particular, are designed with extra support in mind.
Sleeping on your stomach is the least common position and can put the most strain on your back and neck. This is because your torso is heavier than your limbs, causing your hips and pelvis to sink into the mattress. This can lead to an unnatural arch in your back, causing strain and discomfort.
Firmness: A firm to very firm mattress is absolutely essential for a stomach sleeper. This will provide the robust support needed to keep your body on a flat plane, preventing your hips from sinking.
Mattress Type: Pocket sprung mattresses are a great option here due to their firm, stable support. Latex mattresses are also a good choice as they offer a firm but responsive feel. A thin pillow, or no pillow at all, can also help reduce neck strain.
While your sleeping position is a great starting point, there are a few other things to keep in mind to find your perfect mattress:
Body Weight: A person’s weight can affect how a mattress feels. A mattress rated as medium-firm will feel firmer to a lighter person and softer to a heavier person. Be sure to check the mattress’s specifications and weight guidelines.
Partner’s Needs: If you share a bed with a partner, you might need a mattress that offers excellent motion isolation to prevent waking each other up when you move. Hybrid and foam mattresses are particularly good for this. If you have different firmness preferences, a split mattress with two different firmness levels might be the best solution.
Finding the right mattress is an investment in your well-being. By taking into account your primary sleeping position and a few other key factors, you can make a confident choice that will lead to more restful and restorative sleep for years to come.
© 2025 Express Mattress Ltd – Powered by Northern Edge
