Did you know that 1 in 5 people in the UK doesn’t get enough sleep? It’s recommended that adults sleep for around 7-9 hours each night. According to Mental Health UK, regular nights of poor sleep can lead to physical and mental distress. One of the quickest ways to slip into a peaceful slumber is with a comfortable mattress. Whether you’re a side, back or front sleeper will determine how comfortable you feel a mattress is. As everybody has their preferred sleeping position, we’ve looked at what mattresses are best for you based on how you sleep.
Why different sleeping positions matter
A mattress’ comfort levels will differ depending on who you are and how you like to sleep at night. Without a good-quality mattress supporting your body, you’ll likely experience pain at night, leading to disturbed sleep. Not getting enough sleep can lead to further problems, such as lack of focus, memory and concentration, and increased stress. Your sleeping position affects how a mattress feels, as weight is distributed differently depending on how you lie. Therefore, buying a mattress based on how you sleep is essential.
Best mattress for side sleepers
Sleeping on your side is the most common sleeping position. It’s also the position where the most vulnerable pressure points come into contact with the mattress, so comfort and support are key. Shoulders and hips are prone to soreness when a mattress is too firm. Choosing one with enough give will allow the mattress to contour to your body’s natural curve whilst keeping the spine aligned. Side sleepers should choose a softer mattress as there’s less resistance than a firm one. The best mattress type for a side sleeper is a memory foam mattress, which promotes comfort and body alignment, allowing you to get a good night’s sleep.
Best mattress for back sleepers
Sleeping on your back is reportedly the best position for a good night’s sleep. Lying in a flat and straight position prevents unnecessary pressure on your body and helps to keep your spine naturally aligned. Firm and extra-firm are the best mattresses for back sleepers as they’ll provide you with the right support. A soft mattress won’t provide the necessary support, so a firmer mattress is best if you sleep on your back. The best mattress type for back sleepers varies from pocket sprung and open coil to orthopaedic.
Best mattress for front sleepers
Although stomach sleepers may find lying on their front the most comfortable position, it’s recommended that you try and find an alternative. It’s reported that being a front sleeper means you’re less likely to snore, but as your head and spine are out of alignment, it can cause back and neck pain. However, a good mattress should help alleviate aches and pains the next day if you can’t sleep in any other position. Due to the level of support the spine requires when lying on your stomach, a medium or firm mattress is best for front sleepers. Opt for a mattress that is too soft, and your body will sink into it too much. However, a mattress that’s too firm won’t allow your spine to fall into its natural curve. The best type of mattress for front sleepers includes memory foam and pocket sprung.
Best mattress for those who toss and turn
It’s not very often you’ll wake up in the same position you fell asleep in. During the night, you may toss, turn, roll around, or even end up on the opposite side of the bed. If this sounds like you, it can be hard to define yourself as a back, front or side sleeper. A medium mattress is in the middle of the scale in terms of firmness, making it a great all-rounder. What’s more, combination sleepers should opt for a pocket-sprung mattress.
Best mattress for couples
Sharing a bed with someone you love is one of the most homely and relaxing feelings. However, if the pair of you sleep differently, this can lead to a bad night’s sleep. If you both sleep in the same position, choosing a mattress that suits you is easy! However, if one of you is a front sleeper whilst the other is a back sleeper, this can be a problem when shopping. In most cases, a mattress that doesn’t bounce around too much is the best option. Hybrid mattresses provide the best of both worlds as they’re designed with a multi-layer construction with an innerspring system.Â
Body type also matters
Not only is your sleeping position affecting how comfortable a mattress feels, but your body type also has an impact. Lighter body weights will interact with mattresses differently compared to those with a larger frame. The more you weigh, the further you’ll sink into the mattress. Therefore, those with a bigger body type are more likely to experience higher levels of comfort on a firmer mattress as there’s less risk of your spine alignment being thrown off. People with a lighter profile tend to require more give in their mattress, allowing for good contouring, which is why a softer one is best.
However, it’s not just your weight you need to consider. Side sleepers with broad hips and shoulders may require an even softer mattress than those with a narrower bone structure. These joints require as much pressure relief as possible when sleeping on your side. Softer mattresses offer more comfort and relief to your joints as they shape themselves around your body.
Things to consider
When buying the best mattress for your sleeping position, there are three main things to consider. If shopping online, you want to look at the mattress type, firmness level and how deep it is.
Mattress Type – What the mattress is made of greatly impacts its comfort. Some of the most common mattress types are memory foam, open coil, pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses, all of which feel different when you lie on them as they have different components inside.
Firmness Level – This refers to how soft or hard a mattress feels. However, please note that each firmness level will feel different to each person. Generally, the lower the number on the firmness scale, the softer the mattress will feel.
Mattress Depth – Although firmness levels are likely to be the deciding factor when buying a mattress, depth also matters. A thicker mattress will have more in-built layers to provide more cushion and support, resulting in a more luxurious feel.
Mattresses for all sleeping positions from British Beds Direct
At British Beds Direct, we cater to every sleeping position. We believe it’s important to experience a blissful sleep every night and pride ourselves on the quality of our mattresses. We’ll have your dream mattress, no matter your sleeping style or the type or comfort level you require. We also offer a 40-night trial period to allow you time to get used to your new mattress. If your mattress isn’t as comfortable as you’d like after 40 nights, we’ll exchange it for a new one – as long as you’ve used a mattress protector.
Read our blog on how to take care of your mattress to ensure your new mattress lasts longer.
