How firm should a mattress be for side sleepers? That is one of the most frequently asked questions by consumers, and understandably so considering most people sleep on their side. Finding the best mattress for side sleeper can be a daunting process because there are more curves on the side of the body, and the mattress should cradle the shoulders, hips, and knees to avoid creating tension and pressure. Firmness is one of the vital aspects to review when comparing mattress options.

The Best Mattress for Side Sleeper

Side sleepers need a mattress that falls between medium soft and medium firm. Such mattresses offer the proper support and gently hold and protect the hips and shoulders from stress or injury.

Don’t confuse firmness with “support”, which describes how well the mattress can relieve pressure and hold the spine. Firmness refers to how the mattress feels and how closely it conforms to the body when sleeping.

Mattresses range from very soft to very firm. Most manufacturers indicate the firmness level using a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 represents a very soft and 10 represents a very firm mattress.

Note that firmness is relative, so what’s too firm for one person may be just soft enough for another. However, the scale is a good starting point when looking for the best mattresses for your needs.

How Firm Should the Mattress Be?

If you sleep on your side, your hips and shoulders sink further into the mattress’s top layer. If a mattress is too soft, you will sink deeper into the mattress which may not support the ideal spinal position. On the other hand, if the mattress it’s too firm, the shoulders and knees won’t sink enough, causing tension and injury. Medium soft mattresses are recommended for side sleepers.

Still, different body types and sleeping habits require different things. Heavier people need a firmer mattress to support their frame and prevent sinking too deep. Conversely, people with smaller frames should avoid firm mattresses beccause they will not feel the cushioning effect sufficiently for comfortable sleep. The goal is to ensure your spine is straight and neutral when sleeping.

Misalignment of the spine can result in back pain and other injuries. Therefore, you need an option that responds proportionately to your pressure points to keep the spine in neutral alignment.

Side sleepers should choose mattress firmness based on their needs. If you aren’t sure what number to pick on the scale, visit a local store and test the different options.

The Chiropractor’s Recommendation

Deciding mattress firmness boils down to personal needs. When you test mattressses, start with the softer options and work your way up to firmer ones until you find one that feels best for your comfort and support. If you have specific needs like back pain or other musculoskeletal condition, choose chiropractor-recommended options.

Revive Chiropractic can help you achieve the correct posture, reduce muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and restore range of motion. We’ll also help you find the best mattresses to support your spine, treat back/neck pain, and manage other injuries.