Sleep is one of the most fundamental aspects of human health. It is the pillar upon which the human body lays its rejuvenation activities. A night of healthy sleep has innumerable benefits to help maintain optimum health and overall well-being.
Sleepless nights can cause a loss of productivity, fatigue, distortion, unclear thought patterns, increased risk of heart diseases, etc. It is of one’s primary interest that they sleep well to get rejuvenated in the morning so that they can take on life’s activities with full vigor.
Since every human being is different, their sleep patterns, comfort level, and sleeping positions also vary. Sleep science reveals that there are particular matches of mattresses for every kind of sleeper appropriate to their body weight too.
Since mattresses are available in various types, forms, and combinations, viz., latex, spring, foam, cotton, futons, pocket latex mattress, etc., we are generally overflowing with different options. However, simply choosing a mattress without the correct information will lead to a wrong choice, and your sleep pattern can eventually be disturbed.
Worry not, because we have covered in this article the information to decide what type of mattress is best for your sleeping position.
Based on the sleeping patterns observed, a person may be a side sleeper, a back sleeper, a front sleeper, or any combination of the three. However, it is vital to note that to get the optimum rest and comfortable sleep, one must choose the mattress accordingly.
1. Side sleeper
If you sleep on your side most of the time, you will be considered a side sleeper. Most of the population are side sleepers. However, side sleepers put pressure on their shoulder joints and hips. Therefore, the mattress should have a cushioning effect that balances the curvy pressure points.
Because of the cushioning requirement for a side sleeper, a firm mattress is never suggested. A medium firm or soft mattress is generally preferred.
Also, depending on your body weight, a mattress’s firmness level must be decided. If your body weight is heavy, you would require a firmer mattress in general.
Concerning mattress type, a foam, latex, hybrid, or pocket latex mattress should provide a side sleeper with a very cozy and comfortable night’s sleep.
2. Front sleeper or stomach sleeper
If you find yourself sleeping on your stomach, your chiropractor may recommend changing to a different sleeping position. Sleeping on your stomach exerts too much pressure on your neck and spine, harming the body in the long run.
However, a stomach sleeper in the meanwhile needs the right kind of mattress to have a comfortable position that rests your body weight evenly.
If your mattress is too soft, your body torso will dive down, causing the spine to take the pressure of your entire body, and you may wake up frequently with a stiff neck and spine ache. Therefore, for a stomach sleeper, a firmer mattress is usually recommended. If your body weight is light, a medium-firm mattress will be appropriate for sleeping. However, if your body weight is heavy, the mattress should be firm enough to bear the weight and support the spine, neck, and waistline.
However, a very-firm mattress is never recommended for a stomach sleeper. It will be stiff and will not give the cushion to support the curves of your stomach, neck, and shoulders. Speaking of which, a stomach sleeper can opt for memory foam, pocket spring, or pocket latex mattress. Such mattresses will be helpful for even distribution of the body weight due to their structure and function, providing natural cushioning along with bounce and appropriate firmness.
3. Back sleeper
If you lie on your back while sleeping, you are a good friend to your spine. The spinal alignment is the most appropriate while someone sleeps on their back. It also gives back sleepers a lot of flexibility for choice in mattress types.
A back sleeper can choose from a traditional spring, latex, foam, memory foam, orthopedic, or pocket latex mattress.
A back sleeper, however, needs to ensure that the back does not curve and the natural spinal alignment is maintained throughout while sleeping at night. Keeping your spine aligned requires a mattress to be at least medium-firm, whereas a firm or a very firm mattress would be the apt choice for a back sleeper.
4. Combination sleeper
A combination sleeper is someone who changes their sleeping position during their sleep. If you find yourself turning and twisting for a swift shift to a different sleeping position, you would require your mattress to be flexible enough to make your position-shift easy. It should also be able to support your body type, curves, and weight in all the sleeping positions.
Therefore, a combination sleeper should opt for a medium firm mattress to provide the optimum cushioning that will be comfortable for all the sleeping positions and supportive of transitioning during their shift to a different sleeping position.
About mattress types, a combination sleeper should avoid sleeping on a memory foam mattress since it might have the memory of your sleeping position and make you feel stuck while changing your positions. Alternatively, you may consider a latex, hybrid, spring, pocket coil, or a pocket latex mattress since these mattresses generally respond well to movements and bounce and are supportive for all sleeping positions.
Wrap Up
Whether your body weight is light or heavy, or you sleep on your sides, back or belly, choosing an appropriate mattress requires you to consider at least two crucial factors – its firmness level and the mattress material.
From soft, medium firm, to very-firm levels, a mattress is chosen by its ability to support a particular body type and sleeping position. Similarly, the type of mattress viz, latex, hybrid, pocket coil, pocket latex mattress, etc., supports the movement, bounce, and buoyancy of the body’s sleeping position.
Let us know your favorite sleeping position and the mattress you prefer to sleep on.
