Which type of mattress is best and worst for side sleepers? To find out, you should start here.
Selecting a mattress type is a bit confusing, especially when there are a lot of options to choose from.
However, is it essential to choose the right mattress type when purchasing a mattress?
Considering that the construction and materials of the mattress have a huge impact on the quality of your sleep, what and how the mattress was made of are critical factors to consider when buying the right mattress for you.
What are the different types of mattresses?
There are several types of mattresses – memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses. And to find out which mattress suits you best, it is time to explore it and get more details about it.
Memory Foam Mattress
The memory foam mattress is the most popular type of foam mattress in the market today. It is layers of memory foam or visco-elastic foams that are made from polyurethane. Memory foams use body heat to soften the foam and contours along the curves and the body’s natural lines. For this reason, memory foams are the best when it comes to providing body support and promoting proper spinal alignment. Here are a few of its pros and cons:
PROS:
- Great for spinal alignment and body support.
- Helps relieve back, neck, shoulder, and hip pain.
- Less to no noise.
- Manufactured with minimal motion transfer.
CONS:
- Not designed for hot sleepers.
- May have off-gassing (chemical-like smell that most memory foams create).
Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses feature a high-density polyfoam support core with a layer of synthetic or natural latex. These mattresses are bouncier than memory foam mattresses and often recommended to hot side sleepers and individuals with allergies. Here are a few of its pros and cons:
PROS:
- Close to contouring but provides great pressure relief.
- Less to no noise.
- Manufactured with less motion transfer.
- Naturally breathable.
CONS:
- A bit expensive.
- May sag after several uses.
Innerspring Mattress
These are the traditional type of mattresses that feature evenly spaced steel spring coils that provides support. However, not all mattresses with spring coils are ideal for side sleepers; unless it is added with quality foam that provides great body contouring. As an example, there are innerspring mattresses that are built with memory foam.
PROS:
- Inexpensive
- Breathable and ideal for hot side sleepers.
- Designed with strong edge support.
CONS:
- Does not have conforming capability unless topped with quality memory foam or latex foam.
- Noisy.
- Has above-average motion transfer.
Hybrid Mattress
If you are looking for the best mattress for a side sleeper, you may want to consider a hybrid mattress. Hybrid mattresses are designed with a combination of two or three materials found in other mattresses. There are hybrid mattresses that are designed with innerspring, memory or latex foam, and cooling gel.
PROS:
- Provides better body support.
- Helps relieve back, neck, shoulders, arms, and hip pain.
- Reduces pressure points.
- Provides better body contouring.
- Has strong edge support.
- Great for hot side sleepers.
CONS:
- Expensive
- Additional Advice
Before reaching a decision, you should also check which mattress's level of firmness and find out which is the best for side sleepers. Every mattress is manufactured with levels of firmness, which ranges from 1 to 10; 1 is super soft and 10 is super firm. For most side sleepers, it is recommended to choose a mattress with 5 to 6 levels of firmness (medium-soft to firm). However, you should also consider your weight when choosing the right firmness of a mattress.
Lastly, read a reliable post and product reviews on the best mattresses today before placing an order online.