Best Mattress for Side and Stomach Sleepers

June 08, 2024
LA Mattress Editorial Team

Finding the best mattress for side and stomach sleepers can be a challenging task, but it can make a world of difference in the quality of your sleep and overall health. The right mattress can provide the necessary support and comfort to ensure a restful night's sleep, tailored to your specific sleeping position.

In this blog, we will explore what makes a mattress suitable for side and stomach sleepers, offering insights into key features to look for, and the benefits of choosing the right mattress. Understanding these factors will help you make an informed decision and enhance your overall sleep quality and well-being.

Key Takeaways

Sleeping Position Needs: Side sleepers require pressure relief and proper spinal alignment, favoring soft to medium-firm mattresses. Stomach sleepers need firmer mattresses to prevent excessive sinking and maintain spinal alignment.
Hybrid Mattresses: These are an excellent choice for both side and stomach sleepers, offering a combination of support and comfort through innerspring coils and foam or latex layers.
Cooling Features: Look for mattresses with cooling technologies like breathable fabrics or gel infusions to ensure a comfortable sleep temperature.
Product Highlights: The reviewed mattresses offer a range of support levels, from plush to firm, catering to the specific needs of side and stomach sleepers.
Durability and Support: Choose a mattress that provides edge support and is constructed with high-quality materials to ensure longevity and consistent support.
Budget Considerations: The reviewed mattresses vary in price, offering options from moderate to high-end, allowing you to find a suitable choice within your budget.
Overall Recommendation: Matching the mattress to your specific sleeping position and comfort preferences is key to improving sleep quality and overall health.

Understanding the Needs of Side and Stomach Sleepers

Side Sleepers

Side sleeping is one of the most common sleeping positions and offers several health benefits, including reduced snoring and improved digestion. However, it also requires a mattress that can accommodate the curves of the body, particularly at the shoulders and hips. Here are the key considerations for side sleepers:

Pressure Relief: A mattress for side sleepers should provide ample pressure relief to prevent pain in the shoulders and hips. Memory foam or latex mattresses are often ideal because they contour to the body.
Spinal Alignment: Proper spinal alignment is crucial to avoid back pain. The mattress should support the spine's natural curvature, ensuring that it remains straight throughout the night.
Soft to Medium-Firm Feel: Side sleepers generally benefit from a mattress that is soft to medium-firm. This allows the shoulders and hips to sink in slightly while still providing support.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping is less common but is the preferred position for some people. This position can help reduce snoring but may lead to neck and back pain if the mattress is not supportive enough. Key considerations for stomach sleepers include:

Firm Support: A firmer mattress is essential for stomach sleepers to prevent the midsection from sinking too much, which can cause spinal misalignment.
Minimal Sinkage: The mattress should have minimal sinkage to keep the spine aligned and avoid pressure on the neck and back.
Supportive Core: Mattresses with a supportive core, such as innerspring or high-density foam, are often best for stomach sleepers.

Best Mattress Types for Side and Stomach Sleepers

When choosing a mattress suitable for both side and stomach sleepers, it's important to focus on the types of mattresses that offer the right balance of support and comfort. Here are the mattress types that work well for these sleeping positions:

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring coils with layers of foam or latex. They provide a blend of support and contouring, making them ideal for side sleepers who need pressure relief on their shoulders and hips, as well as stomach sleepers who require a firmer surface to keep their spine aligned.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are known for their contouring properties, which help distribute body weight evenly. For side sleepers, this means excellent pressure relief on the hips and shoulders. Stomach sleepers can benefit from a firmer memory foam mattress that prevents excessive sinking and keeps the spine properly aligned.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses offer a responsive and bouncy feel, along with excellent support. They are naturally breathable and can provide a comfortable surface for both side and stomach sleepers. The firmness level can be adjusted to suit individual preferences, ensuring adequate support and pressure relief.

Innerspring Mattresses with Pillow Top

Innerspring mattresses with a pillow top layer offer the traditional support of coils combined with the cushioning of a pillow top. This combination provides the firm support stomach sleepers need while offering enough softness to relieve pressure points for side sleepers.

Adjustable Mattresses

Adjustable mattresses allow users to modify the firmness and support levels according to their needs. This versatility makes them an excellent choice for side and stomach sleepers, as they can adjust the settings to achieve optimal comfort and support for both positions

Benefits of a Good Mattress for Side and Stomach Sleepers

Investing in a good mattress tailored to your sleeping position can lead to several benefits:

Improved Sleep Quality: The right mattress can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer by providing the necessary support and comfort.
Reduced Pain: A mattress that supports proper spinal alignment and provides pressure relief can reduce or eliminate pain in the back, neck, shoulders, and hips.
Better Health: Quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. A good mattress can help you get the restorative sleep you need to feel your best.

Reviewing Top Mattresses for Side and Stomach Sleepers

Eclipse Cares Collection Peacefulness Hybrid 12" Plush Mattress

Description: The Eclipse Cares Collection Peacefulness Hybrid 12" Plush Mattress is designed to offer a luxurious sleeping experience with the perfect balance of comfort and support. This mattress combines the benefits of both innerspring and memory foam technologies to provide a restful night's sleep.

Key Features

Hybrid Design: Combines innerspring coils with multiple layers of memory foam for enhanced comfort and support.
Plush Comfort: Soft, plush top layer for added cushioning, ideal for side sleepers.
Breathable Fabric: High-quality fabric cover ensures breathability and moisture-wicking properties.
Edge Support: Reinforced edges to prevent sagging and provide better edge support.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent support for side sleepers due to the plush top layer.	May be too soft for stomach sleepers who need firmer support.
Hybrid design offers the benefits of both innerspring and memory foam.	Some users may find it too plush, leading to a sinking feeling.
Breathable fabric keeps you cool throughout the night.
Good edge support enhances the overall durability of the mattress.

Check Price

Katrina Firm by Spring Air Back Supporter Hybrid

Description: The Katrina Firm by Spring Air Back Supporter Hybrid mattress is crafted to provide firm support while maintaining a comfortable sleep surface. This mattress is ideal for those who prefer a firmer sleeping surface, especially stomach sleepers.

Key Features

Firm Support: Designed to provide a firm sleeping surface, perfect for stomach sleepers.
Hybrid Construction: Combines supportive innerspring coils with layers of high-density foam.
Back Supporter Technology: Specially engineered to offer enhanced back support and spinal alignment.
Durable Materials: Made with high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting durability.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Firm support is ideal for stomach sleepers, preventing the body from sinking too much.	May be too firm for side sleepers who require more cushioning.
Back Supporter Technology promotes proper spinal alignment.	Some users may find it too rigid, leading to discomfort.
Durable construction ensures longevity.
Hybrid design offers a balance of support and comfort.

Check Price

Englander The Supreme Collection Essex Firm 16" Mattress

Description: The Englander The Supreme Collection Essex Firm 16" Mattress is a high-end mattress designed to provide luxurious comfort and firm support. This mattress is suitable for both side and stomach sleepers who prefer a firm yet comfortable sleeping surface.

Key Features

Firm Comfort: Offers a firm yet comfortable sleeping surface, ideal for side and stomach sleepers.
16-Inch Thickness: Extra thickness provides additional support and durability.
Multiple Foam Layers: Includes layers of memory foam and high-density foam for enhanced comfort and support.
Cooling Technology: Integrated cooling technology to regulate temperature and keep you cool.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Suitable for both side and stomach sleepers due to the firm yet comfortable surface.	High-end pricing may not be suitable for all budgets.
Extra thickness provides superior support and durability.	Some users may find the mattress too thick, making it difficult to move or adjust.
Multiple foam layers offer enhanced comfort and pressure relief.
Cooling technology ensures a cool sleeping environment.

Check Price

Diamond Rally Medium Hybrid Cool Copper Gel Memory Foam 12"

Description: The Queen Diamond Rally Medium Hybrid Cool Copper Gel Memory Foam 12" Floor Sample Clearance Mattress is designed to offer a medium-firm sleeping surface with advanced cooling technology. This mattress is ideal for those who prefer a balance of comfort and support.

Key Features

Medium-Firm Support: Provides a balanced sleeping surface suitable for both side and stomach sleepers.
Hybrid Construction: Combines innerspring coils with copper gel memory foam for enhanced support and cooling.
Cool Copper Gel: Infused with copper gel to provide cooling properties and prevent overheating.
Floor Sample Clearance: Available at a discounted price as a floor sample clearance item.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Medium-firm support is ideal for both side and stomach sleepers.	Limited availability due to being a floor sample clearance item.
Copper gel memory foam offers excellent cooling properties.	May not have the same longevity as a new, non-clearance mattress.
Hybrid construction provides a balance of support and comfort.
Available at a discounted price as a floor sample clearance item.

Check Price

Conclusion

Choosing the best mattress for side and stomach sleepers involves considering the unique needs of each sleeping position. Side sleepers require a mattress that offers pressure relief and proper spinal alignment, typically preferring soft to medium-firm options. In contrast, stomach sleepers need firmer support to prevent excessive sinking and maintain spinal alignment. Hybrid mattresses often provide a balanced solution, combining the support of innerspring coils with the comfort of foam or latex layers.

The Eclipse Cares Collection Peacefulness Hybrid 12" Plush Mattress, Katrina Firm by Spring Air Back Supporter Hybrid, Englander The Supreme Collection Essex Firm 16" Mattress, and Queen Diamond Rally Medium Hybrid Cool Copper Gel Memory Foam 12" Floor Sample Clearance Mattress each offer unique features catering to different preferences. These mattresses vary in firmness, support levels, and additional features like cooling technology, making them suitable for a range of sleepers.

By understanding your specific needs and preferences, you can choose the best mattress that provides optimal comfort and support, ultimately enhancing the quality of your sleep and overall health. Investing in the right mattress tailored to your sleeping position can lead to better sleep quality, reduced pain, and improved overall well-being.

FAQ’s

What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?

Side sleepers generally benefit from mattresses that provide ample pressure relief and contouring. Memory foam or hybrid mattresses with a soft to medium-firm feel are often ideal, as they can cushion the shoulders and hips while maintaining proper spinal alignment.

What type of mattress is best for stomach sleepers?

Stomach sleepers typically need firmer mattresses to prevent the midsection from sinking too deeply, which can cause spinal misalignment. Firm innerspring or hybrid mattresses with a supportive core are often the best choices.

Can a mattress be suitable for both side and stomach sleepers?

Yes, hybrid mattresses are often suitable for both side and stomach sleepers. They combine the support of innerspring coils with the comfort of foam or latex layers, providing a balanced sleeping surface that caters to different positions.

What are the benefits of a hybrid mattress?

Hybrid mattresses offer the benefits of both innerspring and foam/latex mattresses. They provide excellent support, durability, and comfort, along with better temperature regulation and pressure relief, making them ideal for various sleeping positions.

How important are cooling features in a mattress?

Cooling features are essential for preventing overheating and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment. Mattresses with breathable fabrics, cooling gel infusions, or other cooling technologies help regulate temperature and keep you cool throughout the night.

What is the ideal firmness level for side sleepers?

Side sleepers usually prefer a mattress with a soft to medium-firm feel. This allows for adequate cushioning of the shoulders and hips while still providing the necessary support to keep the spine aligned.

What is the ideal firmness level for stomach sleepers?

Stomach sleepers generally need a firm mattress to maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent the midsection from sinking too much. A firm sleeping surface helps distribute body weight evenly and reduces the risk of back pain.

How can I tell if my mattress is causing back pain?

If you wake up with back pain that improves throughout the day, your mattress may not be providing adequate support. Consider a mattress that offers better spinal alignment, pressure relief, and overall support to alleviate back pain.

How often should I replace my mattress?

Most mattresses should be replaced every 7-10 years, depending on their quality and wear. Signs that it’s time to replace your mattress include sagging, lumps, persistent discomfort, and increased allergies due to dust mites.

Are there any specific brands recommended for side and stomach sleepers?

Several brands offer mattresses that cater to side and stomach sleepers. In this blog, we reviewed top-rated options from Eclipse, Spring Air, Englander, and Diamond Mattress. These brands provide a variety of hybrid and foam mattresses designed to offer the necessary support and comfort for different sleeping positions.

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