Side sleeping is the most common sleep position in America, and for good reason — it promotes healthy spinal alignment and reduces snoring. But side sleepers also face unique challenges that the wrong mattress can make worse.
Why Side Sleepers Need Special Attention
When you sleep on your side, your body weight concentrates on your shoulders and hips. Without proper cushioning, these pressure points can cause numbness, tingling, and morning stiffness. The right mattress cradles these areas while keeping your spine in a neutral line.
Ideal Firmness for Side Sleepers
Most sleep experts recommend a medium to medium-soft mattress for side sleepers — roughly a 4 to 6 on a 10-point firmness scale. Here's why: - Too firm: Creates painful pressure on shoulders and hips - Too soft: Lets your body sink too deep, causing spinal misalignment - Just right: Contours to your curves while maintaining support
Best Mattress Types for Side Sleeping
Hybrid mattresses are often the top choice for side sleepers. The foam comfort layers cushion pressure points while the coil base provides deep support. At Mattress Discount Plus, the Diamond Dream Collection (firmness 5/10) is our best-seller for side sleepers — it features gel-infused memory foam over individually wrapped pocket coils.
Memory foam is another excellent option. It conforms closely to your body shape, distributing weight evenly across the surface.
Innerspring can work for side sleepers who prefer more bounce, but look for models with a plush pillow top. The Sealy Posturepedic line offers medium options that work well.
Pillow Matters Too
Side sleepers need a thicker, firmer pillow to fill the gap between their shoulder and head. A pillow that's too thin lets your head drop, straining your neck. Our Memory Foam Contour Pillow at Mattress Discount Plus is designed specifically for side sleepers.
Common Mistakes Side Sleepers Make
- Sleeping on a mattress that's too old: After 7-8 years, even a good mattress loses its ability to properly support pressure points
- Using the wrong pillow height: Your pillow should keep your head level with your spine
- Ignoring shoulder pain: If you wake up with shoulder pain, your mattress is likely too firm
Find Your Perfect Side-Sleeper Mattress in OKC
Visit Mattress Discount Plus at 110 Yukon Crossing Ave, Suite 300, Yukon, OK. We'll have you lie on your side on several models so you can feel the difference. No pressure, just honest advice.
