The secret to a blissful night's sleep isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. It's all about finding a mattress that supports your unique body and preferred sleeping position.
Research suggests there's no "right" way to sleep, most people favour either side-lying or back-lying and choosing the right mattress for those positions can make a world of difference. While prone (front-lying) sleeping is better at preventing snoring at night, it can cause pain and dysfunction in the neck and lower back.
Side Sleepers: Comfort That Cradles Your Curves
Side sleepers tend to be wider in the hips and shoulders, creating pressure points around the pelvis and upper body. To offer optimal support, choose a mattress that's:
- Firm enough to keep your spine aligned, preventing discomfort and promoting proper joint positioning.
- Soft enough to cushion your curves, relieving pressure at the shoulders and hips.
Back Sleepers: Pressure Relief for a Balanced Rest
Back sleepers primarily put pressure on their lower back and hips. To evenly distribute this weight and achieve a comfortable spinal alignment, look for a mattress that's:
- Soft enough to allow your body to sink in slightly, supporting your curves and reducing pressure points.
- Supportive enough to maintain proper spinal alignment, especially in the lumbar region.
Remember, Choosing a Mattress is Personal
Ultimately, the best mattress is the one that feels most comfortable to you. Consider visiting a store with knowledgeable staff to test different options in your preferred sleeping position. Pay attention to how the mattress supports your curves and pressure points, and listen to your body!
How To Test a Mattress
Despite the fact that sleepers spend a third of their lives in bed, most people still do not know how to effectively test drive a new mattress or pillow to ensure they provide support, pressure relief and temperature regulation.
Lie on your back on the mattress. Slide your hand (palm down) between the small of your back and the mattress.
Too Firm – There is a gap between your hand and your back.
Too Soft – You struggle to fit your hand in.
Correct – Your hand slides through easily but is loosely
touching your back.
Mattresses Wear Over Time
Over time, all mattresses deterioriate and need replacing as their tensions change. By continuing to monitor the support offered by a mattress over time, an individual can assess the quality of their comfort and sleep over time to establish when their mattress may need to be replaced.
Beyond the Mattress: Optimising Your Sleeping Space
A number of common neck problems, including cervical strain and cervical discogenic pain can be exacerbated by poor use of pillows. To combat neck problems it is necessary to assess the pillow or pillows used.
Back lying – Your pillow should be just high enough to support your head, whilst keeping your chin in a relaxed position.
Side lying – Your pillow should be high enough to make up the gap between the point of your shoulder and head, benefitting both the neck and the thoracic spine.
Finding the perfect mattress is crucial for optimal sleep and a healthy body. By knowing your sleep preferences and these guiding principles, you can choose the right mattress that ensures quality rest every night.
We have over 35 different models of mattresses so that you can choose the right comfort and support. Please visit us at our Surbiton showroom to try before you buy!
For more information and tips for choosing the right mattress for you why not read 8 Tips For Buying a New Mattress or 20 Top tips on selecting and buying a new mattress.