Best Mattress Firmness Levels to Support Side Sleepers for a Restful Night

If you've fallen asleep on your side, curled up in a cocoon-like position, you aren't the only one. Sleeping on the side is one of the most popular sleeping positions all over the globe. It is comfortable, it feels cozy, and for a good number of individuals, it's simply the way they fall asleep. But there is a small catch - whether your mattress is too soft or too firm on that side, you can either make your nights blissfully restful or leave you waking up with an aching back, stiff shoulders, or sore hips. 

Finding the perfect balance between softness and support can be a bit of an adventure for side sleepers. In this blog, let’s talk about the best mattress firmness levels to support side sleepers, why firmness even matters, and how Kurlon offers different types of mattresses that provide all the comfort and support you could ever want. 

Why Mattress Firmness is Important for Side Sleepers 

When you sleep on your side, your body weight is not distributed evenly. Your hips and shoulders bear most of the pressure. When you sleep on a too-firm mattress, it can leave you rising up in the mornings with sore areas or numb sensations. But sleeping on one of the extremely soft mattresses without any structure can cause your body to sink too low, leading to poor spinal alignment and creating discomfort or even chronic strain in the lower back. 

That’s why the sweet spot for side sleepers usually lies somewhere in between. You want a mattress that feels soft enough to cushion your curves, but still supportive enough to keep your spine in a straight line.

How to Choose the Right Firmness for Side Sleeping

Mattress firmness is determined by how soft or firm a mattress feels once you lie down on it. To simplify the concept of mattress firmness, most mattresses have a rating system of 1-10. To break it down further: 

• 1-3 (Soft): A cozy sensation, like a hug. It's good for you if you like a lush, pillow-like sensation, but a little too soft for you to use to keep your spine steady through the night.
  

• 4-6 (Medium to Medium-Soft): This is the best for the majority of side sleepers. It is soft enough to cushion your shoulders and hips, yet firm enough to stop you from sinking in too far.
  

• 7-10 (Firm): Very supportive and sturdy. It works well for back or stomach sleepers, but might feel a bit hard on pressure points for side sleepers.  

Most side sleepers feel good in the middle of the scale - it's comfortable, supportive, and perfect for a good night's sleep. 

Which Mattresses Work Best for Side Sleepers?

Firmness is a part of the equation, but the material of the mattress is also very important for how supportive and comfortable it feels. Let's look at some common types of mattresses and how they perform for side sleeping.

1. Memory Foam Mattresses

The memory foam is a preferred option for side sleepers as it conforms to the shape of your body. It cushions you at the pressure points while aligning the spine. If you’re looking for a comfortable mattress that adapts to your body curves, you should consider this one.

2. Latex Mattresses

Natural latex is slightly bouncier than memory foam. It's soft, supportive, and durable. It is a good option for side sleepers who don't like the "sinking in" sensation of foam; latex is more responsive while still giving pressure relief.

3. Coir Mattresses

A coir mattress uses natural coir for firmness and durability. The coir provides a stable surface while still including soft comfort layers, making it a reliable choice for side sleepers who prefer extra support without compromising ease.

4. Pocket Spring Mattresses

A pocket spring mattress provides customized support by responding to the pressure points of your body. They can provide good support to the hips and shoulders for side sleepers while holding the rest of the body in place. 

How to Find the Best Mattress Firmness for Side Sleepers

This is a helpful guide to allow you to match levels of firmness and your comfort level:

• Lightweight Side Sleepers (<60 kg): The softer foams (3-4) will offer a higher comfort level as your body will not sink too much into the mattress.

• Average Weight Side Sleepers (60-90 kg): Medium firmness (5-6) tends to work best, providing a mix of comfort and support. 
  

• Heavyweight Side Sleepers (>90 kg): Medium-firm to firm (6-7) prevents too much sinkage but still cushions the shoulders and hips. 

Remember, it’s not always about going for the softest mattresses but about finding that balance of comfort and support that suits your weight and body type. 

Kurlon Mattresses Designed for Side Sleepers 

At Kurlon, we understand that side sleepers require an optimal combination of support and cushioning. That's why our collection has mattresses designed to maintain the alignment of your spine while providing relief from pressure on your shoulders and hips.

• Mermaid Foam Mattress: A soft foam design that molds to your body, providing you with a plush yet supportive mattress feel throughout the night.

• KurloBond Essential Coir Mattress: Constructed from natural coir to provide firmness and topped with comfort foam, it's a long-lasting option if you prefer a stable base with just the right amount of cushioning.

• Desire Top Spring Mattress: Pocket springs move individually to support your body's pressure points, while the soft top layers make it a comfy mattress for side sleepers who enjoy a bit of bounce.

With these choices, it is possible to easily determine the ideal mattress firmness for side sleepers regardless of your comfort level. 

Quick Fixes to Sleep More Comfortably 

If you’re not ready to replace your mattress just yet, here are some small tweaks that can improve comfort:

• Add a memory foam or latex mattress topper to soften a bed that feels too firm.

• Use a supportive pillow so that your head is aligned with your back. 

• Flip or rotate your mattress if the design allows - it helps even out wear.

• Pair your mattress with a sturdy bed base for better overall support.

These little changes can sometimes make even an old mattress feel like a more supportive mattress. 

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Fit 

For side sleepers, the best mattress firmness level usually falls in the medium to medium-soft range. It is soft enough to cushion your shoulders and hips but firm enough to prevent back issues. The type of mattress you choose - whether memory foam, coir, latex, or spring - will depend on your personal comfort preferences.

Kurlon makes the decision simpler by providing a variety of comfortable mattresses that strike a fine balance between softness and support. From memory foam mattresses for cloud-like comfort to coir and spring mattresses that blend durability with responsiveness, there’s something for every side sleeper. 

At the end of the day, your mattress should feel like a partner in giving you restful sleep. So don’t rush the decision. Try, test, and listen to your body. The right mattress firmness could be the difference between waking up refreshed and rolling out of bed with aches.

Ready to upgrade your sleep? Explore Kurlon’s mattress collection today and bring home the comfort that’s made for you. 

FAQs

Q. What is the best mattress firmness level for side sleepers?  

A. Side sleepers usually do best with a medium to medium-soft firmness (around 4-6), as it cushions the shoulders and hips while still keeping the spine aligned.

Q. Is an orthopaedic mattress good for side sleepers?

A. Yes, as long as it’s not overly firm. Kurlon’s ortho options that balance support with comfort can work well for side sleepers.

Q. How do I know if my mattress is too firm?

A. If you wake up with sore shoulders or hips, or feel pressure points instead of comfort, your mattress may be too firm for side sleeping.