Sleep Positions & how they effect which mattress you should buy
Have you ever noticed that you may fall asleep in one position but wake up in another? If you answered Yes, then what we talk about in this article is for you!
The positions that we Sleep In play a huge role not only in our health and wellness but, are also a big determining factor on what kind of mattress is right for you.
Now, you may be wondering “what is the Healthiest sleeping position? Or What is the most relaxing sleeping position?”
However, just like all of us as people are unique, so are our individual sleep positions and how they differ in comfort and support for our backs, head and necks.
This makes it especially important to understand what kind of a sleeper you are and how a certain mattress may benefit you best.
But there are universal truths behind each position to sleep in and the positive and negative side effects for each are what we will be addressing in this article.
The main types of “sleepers”, side sleepers, back sleepers, stomach sleepers, & combination sleepers.
"Side Sleepers" or people who lay on their right or left side, often put extra pressure on their body in multiple spots, most commonly at the hips and shoulders. It’s important to have a mattress that can support those pressure points and that can help to keep your spine aligned while you sleep. A lot of side sleepers use a firm pillow to either put between their legs for support or use it to support higher pressure areas. A mattress which is too firm will cause discomfort in these areas and may even lead to misalignment of the spine. When thinking about what kind of mattress to get as a side sleeper, Soft to medium Firm is most likely a good choice for you.
If you are a Back sleeper then you might feel more or most of the pressure on your lower back while you are sleeping. Having a mattress that is too soft may cause the sleeper to sink into the mattress in the lumbar region, pulling the spine and causing strain on your muscles while you sleep. For this reason, it may be best to stick with a medium firm to Firm mattress, also its important to think about your bodies contour while sleeping on your back and getting a mattress that can adjust to it.
Much like Back sleepers, Stomach sleepers put much more pressure on their lower back and lumbar while sleeping. Firm or Medium firm mattresses work best to add support and keep your spine in alignment and avoid sleeping in a “U-shape”.
Now, if you find that you are maybe a side sleeper AND a stomach sleeper or any combination of these sleeping positions and you are confused on what mattress you should look to get don’t fear.
As a combination sleeper you should try to find mattress based off what position you spend the MOST time in. So, if you spend most the time asleep on your back you would lean towards a Medium firm to firm mattress, or if you sleep on your side most of the time it would likely be best to go with a softer mattress.
Not you? If you want to check out some more sleep positions and how they may affect your health check out this article! How Your Sleep Position Affects Your Health (webmd.com)
How Body Type Influences Your Mattress Choice
Body type just like your sleeping position plays a big role in influencing which mattress you should choose. Spinal support, lumbar support, and contour are all key features to think about when considering which mattress fits your body type best.
People with a lighter build and smaller profile, people under 130 pounds are less likely to sink into a mattress while sleeping. So, to get the best contouring you would benefit most from a softer mattress. Lighter profiled people may be a poor fit with an innerspring mattress and could benefit from considering hybrid or foam options. People ranging from 130-230 pounds can typically use the Sleep Position guide above to help determine which kind of mattress would be best.
People weighing over 230 are prone to sinking further into mattresses, especially in heavier areas which can throw off spinal alignment and put pressure on lumbar vertebrae. For this reason, Firmer mattresses are best for these sleepers, to help prevent the risk of spine damage. Firmer mattresses allow for people weighing over 230 pounds to not feel “stuck in bed” and allow for easier movements.
Another important feature to think about as a sleeper over 230 pounds is durability. Heavier sleepers tend to wear on the top layer of a mattress, for this reason thicker mattresses made with higher density materials.
However, it is not just weight that should influence your decision making when shopping for your mattress. People who stand over 6 feet tall should always be sure to check the dimensions of mattresses to make certain they will fit comfortably when they stretch out. Also, People with bigger hips or broader shoulders may be more comfortable in a softer mattress than firm.
Body Weight, Height, and of course your sleep position are only a few of the different things to consider when you set out to buy your mattress. Here at Snooze Sleep we are always available to help you through the process of finding your good night’s sleep! We hope this helps you when choosing your mattress!