Is PlushBeds Good for Side Sleepers?
PlushBeds is an award-winning vendor of mattresses and bedding. Many happy clients describe the mattresses as premium quality, soothing, and luxurious. So if you're wondering whether you'll have similar sentiments as a side sleeper, the answer is yes!
Benefits of Sleeping on Your Side
Sleep experts consider side sleeping a healthy sleeping position because of its numerous benefits. The most common benefits of side sleeping include:
Improves Gut Health
Sleeping on the side reduces heartburn, constipation, and bloating. Remarkably, sleeping on the left side improves digestion and gastric emptying.
Reduces Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Side sleeping keeps the airway open to reduce snoring. When you sleep in this position, your tongue doesn't fall too far back in your throat to block the airway. For this reason, sleep specialists advise sleepers suffering from sleep apnea to sleep on their sides, to reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea.
Eases Chronic Pain
Unlike sleeping on the back, side sleeping eliminates pressure on the spine. In addition, it aligns the spine properly to maintain its natural S-shaped curve.
Sleeping on the side is also suitable for sleepers with conditions such as fibromyalgia. This is because this sleep position has fewer pressure points than sleeping on the back or stomach.
Improves Brain Health
The human brain has a waste disposal system that operates during sleep. It gets rid of waste carried by the cerebrospinal fluid that drains into the intercellular spaces of the brain tissue. During sleep, these intercellular spaces expand, allowing more fluid to flow easily.
However, new studies show that your body posture during sleep impacts how the brain's drainage system works. More specifically, sleeping on the sides optimizes the brain's drainage system, promoting a healthy brain.
Promotes a Healthy Pregnancy
Doctors often advise expectant mothers to sleep on their left side because:
- Side sleeping makes it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body
- This position also protects the liver from the baby's weight
- Sleeping in this position while pregnant eases pressure exerted on the lower back
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Not all mattresses are suitable for side sleepers; some may feel too hard on the shoulders and hips, resulting in pain. Others may lack sufficient support to keep the spine in proper alignment, causing lower back pain. Here are some key features to look for when shopping for a great mattress for side sleepers.
Firmness Level
The firmness level of a mattress determines how its surface feels. Generally, side sleepers feel more comfortable on soft to medium-firm mattresses. Such mattresses provide adequate cushioning on the shoulders and hips, easing pressure during contact with the mattresses.
Your weight also plays a significant role in selecting the ideal firmness level of a mattress. You'll most likely feel more comfortable on a firmer mattress than a softer one if you're heavier. On the other hand, a soft mattress may give in too much, and misalign your spine.
Besides your weight, you should also consider the materials the mattress comprises. Usually, a foam mattress feels softer than an organic latex mattress. But, if you prefer a body-hugging mattress, you can opt for The Cool Bliss memory foam mattress, or Ocean Mist memory foam mattress from PlushBeds.
Temperature Regulation
Sleeping hot is one of the common causes of sleep disruptions, affecting many sleepers. This problem often depends on the materials used to make the mattress. For example, memory foam traps the body's heat within its closed-cell structure, causing it to feel too warm at night. As a result, sleepers end up tossing and turning all night.
You don't have to worry about temperature regulation while sleeping on a PlushBeds mattress, regardless of its materials. The memory foam mattresses have layers of gel-infused foams that promote air circulation while sleeping. You can also choose any of our latex mattresses best known for breathability, among several other advantages.
General Support
Sleeping on a supportive mattress feels comfortable, and keeps your spine in proper alignment. However, this factor often depends on the thickness and density of the mattress.
Approximately 12 to 14 inches in mattress thickness provides adequate support for a side sleeper. It also provides sufficient cushioning to cuddle the hips and shoulders.
Similarly, denser mattress materials also make supportive mattresses. For instance, mattresses made using latex foams provide extra support for best results.
Edge Support
Edge support is different from the general support of a mattress. The former refers to the support around the perimeter of the mattress. It prevents you from rolling off the bed while sleeping, and lets you get off the bed easily.
Most side sleepers tend to sleep too close to the edge of the bed. This makes edge support an essential factor while choosing the ideal mattress. It's also vital for sleepers with mobility issues caused by pain or old-age, and couples sharing a bed.
PlushBeds' Most Popular Mattress
The Botanical Bliss organic latex mattress is PlushBeds' most popular mattress based upon mattress reviews and customer testimonials, all for good reasons. It contains natural materials, including organic latex, cotton, and wool blended to produce one of the most luxurious mattresses you'll ever come across.
Natural mattresses with latex foam layers also come highly recommended by orthopedics and chiropractors (unlike traditional coil mattresses) because of its soothing pressure relief and superior support.
The Botanic Bliss mattress contains eco-friendly materials certified by globally recognized mattress regulators. The certified organic latex is GOLS approved, while the organic cotton and wool have GOTS certification (GOTS certified organic cotton).
These certifications prove that the mattress contains 100 percent organic materials, free from harmful toxins. If you struggle with chemical sensitivity or allergies, PlushBeds Botanical Bliss mattresses are the best online mattress choice.
The Botanical Bliss latex bed suits sleepers of all kinds, including side sleepers. In addition, it is available in two firmness levels - medium and medium-firm. The medium firmness mattress level will work best if you're lighter than 130 pounds. If you're heavier than 130 pounds, choose the medium-firm firmness level for more support and comfort.
That said, PlushBeds also offers a Luxury Bliss Hybrid Latex Mattress in the form of an organic latex hybrid mattress that also has excellent mattress reviews.
Best Accessories for Side Sleepers
You can improve your comfort while sleeping on the sides using a few bed accessories. Here are some bed accessories you'll find at PlushBeds:
Side Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow
The Side Sleeper Memory Foam Pillow perfectly cradles the sleeper's head, and supports their neck when sleeping. Thanks to its shape, the pillow gives enough room to the shoulders, reducing tension and offer adequate pressure relief.
This pillow contains memory foam, best known for its conformity and softness. In addition, it is infused with natural Lavender oil that promotes relaxation while getting the best night’s sleep.
Wool and Latex Side Sleepers Pillow
The Wool and Latex Side Sleepers Pillow is ideal if you prefer all-natural materials in your bedding. It provides breathability and plushness, while the latex adds support and responsiveness to the pillow.
The wool and latex side sleepers pillow has a U-shaped cut out on one side of its edges. This shape enables sleepers to comfortably rest their head and neck on the pillow, without putting too much tension on the shoulder.
CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers
The CPAP Pillow for Side Sleepers has inward depressions on the longer sides that promote a sleeper's comfort. As a result, it is ideal for sleepers using the CPAP breathing machine.
This pillow is filled with natural wool to promote breathability. You can also adjust it by fluffing out the wool to suit your comfort needs.
Tips for Sleeping Better on Your Side
If you don't usually feel comfortable while sleeping at night, here are a few tips to help you sleep better.
Use Pillows Below Your Head
A good pillow significantly improves the quality of your sleep as a side sleeper. For best results, put a pillow below your head to reduce pressure on your shoulder and neck.
Use a Pillow Between Your Knees
You may place another pillow between your knees while sleeping on the sides. This helps reduce the pressure your hip exerts on the opposite leg. In addition, if you're pregnant, placing a pillow between your knees increases your comfort while sleeping.
Hug Your Pillow
Place your hand under the pillow to reduce pressure on your shoulders, and add more support for your neck and head.
Sleep on Your Left Side
Sleep specialists recommend sleeping on the left side because of its health benefits. This sleep position promotes better digestion, reduces heartburn, and boosts brain health.
Keep Your Hands Parallel
Keep your hands parallel below your face and neck. This is because sleeping on your arms may obstruct blood flow through your arms, causing shoulder pain and more.
Lift Your Knees Towards Your Chest
Slightly lift your knees to form a fetal position while sleeping on the sides. This reduces pressure on the back, and makes you feel more comfortable.
Side Sleeping Positions and Personality
Each side sleeper assumes a particular side-sleeping position when lying down. According to some studies, these sleeping positions provide hints about a sleeper's personality traits. Here are the popular side sleeping positions, and what they say about your personality.
The Fetal Position
Some side sleepers curl up into a fetal position, by pulling their knees towards their chests while sleeping on their sides. Sleepers who prefer this position tend to be emotionally sensitive. However, they may appear tough on the outside.
The Thinker
Thinkers sleep with their hands supporting their chins, and their knees drawn towards their chests. Such sleepers have strong emotions, which often makes them moody.
The Log Position
Log position describes sleepers who place their arms down along their bodies, while laying on their sides. Usually, log sleepers are very friendly, and popular among their friends.
The Yearner
Yearners sleep with their arms stretched in front of them. These sleepers are often open-minded, but cautious. In addition, they tend to weigh the pros and cons before making decisions.
Pillow Huggers
Pillow huggers place their hands below the pillow, and a pillow between their knees. Such sleepers are often friendly, and value their relationships more than anything.
FAQs About Mattresses for Side Sleepers
We've answered some of the most questions about mattresses for side sleepers.
What Type of Mattress Should a Side Sleeper Use?
Medium to medium-firm mattresses are ideal if you are a side sleeper. These mattresses cradle the shoulders and hips to reduce pressure. They also provide adequate support and comfort while you sleep.
Do Side Sleepers Need a Soft Mattress?
Although a softer mattress provides excellent cushioning, they may not suit all side sleepers. For example, heavier side sleepers will sink too deep into the bed while sleeping on a softer mattress. Instead, the right mattress firmness for such sleepers ranges between medium and medium-firm.
Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good for Side Sleepers?
PlushBeds' memory foam mattresses are suitable for side sleepers, too. They contain layers of cooling gel that improve temperature regulation. They also have excellent cushioning and support. However, if you're looking for organic mattresses, choose one from PlushBeds latex mattresses, including the Luxury Bliss organic latex hybrid mattress, both of which are constructed with organic materials.
Should Side Sleepers Use a Firm Pillow?
A firm pillow feels too stiff, and may cause you pain in the neck. To avoid this, choose pillows made with softer materials, such as wool and memory foam. In addition, consider buying an adjustable pillow that lets you reshape it to a comfortable height for your neck.
PlushBeds has pillows specially designed to suit side sleepers. The ergonomic contours of these pillows provide sufficient space for the shoulders to rest. As a result, they ease pressure on the shoulder, while keeping your head and neck in proper alignment.
Does Sleeping on the Sides Hurt Your Back?
Sleeping on the sides is suitable for your back, as it maintains the neutral position of the spine. However, if you're sleeping on the wrong mattress for side sleepers, you'll most likely develop back pain. For example, if the mattress is too soft, you'll sink deeper into it, causing your spine to curve out of its position. On the other hand, if the mattress is too firm, you might feel pain in your shoulders and hips.
Key Takeaways
PlushBeds mattresses provide luxurious comfort and support to side sleepers. This conclusion is based on feedback from many happy clients.
When looking for a great mattress for side sleepers, consider its firmness level, temperature regulation, general support, and edge support. For the ultimate sleep experience, consider adding some sleep accessories, such as pillows. And, add a mattress protector for protection.
Even though side sleeping comes with numerous benefits, you can maximize these benefits by practicing the side sleeping tips we've discussed in this article, and by reviewing PlushBeds mattress FAQs.
Lastly, your side sleep position can reveal a thing or two about your personality. While these predictions may not be 100% accurate, studies have shown a level of truth in them.
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