There are so many different types of mattresses out there it can be hard to know which one’s right for you.
Your preferred sleeping position should be top of the list of considerations when it comes to choosing a new mattress. We look at the best mattresses for all sleeping positions to help you find a mattress that works for you.
From side sleepers to back sleepers, find your match…
Why Should I Choose The Best Mattress Based on Sleep Position?
The way you sleep, whether that’s curled up, sprawled out or a combination of the two, can affect your sleep and overall health long term.
If you often wake with back, hip, shoulder or neck pain, this could be due to a poorly matched bed type for your usual sleeping position. It’s important that you maintain natural spine alignment during the night, no matter your position and the right mattress can help you do so.
Different sleepers should take the following factors into account when choosing their new bed;
- Mattress type - do you need an orthopaedic or cooling mattress?
- Mattress materials - memory foam, springs or a mix of both?
- Mattress firmness rating - soft, medium or firm?
- Comfort preferences - do you like soft or firm support?
- How much you weigh - heavier sleepers will need higher density foam
Let’s take a closer look.
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
It’s widely suggested that sleeping on your back is the best position for your health. Back sleepers can enjoy full-body support, improved blood circulation, and even reduce the risk of wrinkles.
The only drawback? Sleeping on your back can be problematic for snorers – or rather, their partners.
Our Recommendations for Back Sleepers
Healthy back sleepers have the luxury of being able to choose from a wider array of mattress types. So, if you prefer the bounce of spring, a pocket spring mattress is an excellent option.
However, back sleepers must make sure that their back is properly supported during the night. If there’s a gap between your lower back and the mattress, your back is not properly supported. Memory foam to the rescue! This amazing material moulds to the shape of your body, and provides full-body support – your lower back included.
Mattress Firmness for Back Sleepers
Most people who sleep on their backs should be happy with a medium, or medium-firm mattress. This will also depend on your personal comfort preferences.
Best Mattress for Sleeping on Your Back
For back sleepers who enjoy that ‘sinking in feeling’ of foam, we recommend the Zen Superior Quilted Memory Foam Mattress.
This luxurious mattress features;
- Deep 20cm layer of memory foam
- Temperature regulating Coolmax cover
- Luxury quilted cover
- 10-year warranty
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Sleeping on your side is the position of choice for many. The problem for side sleepers on traditional mattresses is the increased pressure which piles up on your hips, shoulders and knees.
For the ultimate comfort, pressure relief and support, side sleepers should be looking for a mattress with a deep memory foam layer (ideally 5cm+). This deep comfort layer will allow your hips, shoulders and other high-pressure points to sink into the mattress, resulting in correct spinal alignment and a healthy sleeping position.
With the right memory foam mattress, you’ll find you’re waking up feeling well-rested, refreshed and free of aches and pains.
Our Recommendations for Side Sleepers
We produce memory foam mattresses which are loved by side sleepers across the UK. Choose from 5cm, 7cm and even 8cm of memory foam depending on how firm or soft you like your bed.
Avoid innerspring mattresses which could poke into your shoulders and hips, or add a memory foam topper for extra protection.
To help with alignment, why not try sleeping with a slim memory foam pillow between your knees to ensure your hips stay level? A contour memory foam pillow under your head can also help to keep your neck aligned and reduce pressure on your shoulder.
How Firm Should a Mattress be for a Side Sleeper?
Side sleepers tend to do well with a soft to medium mattress that combines support with extra cushioning.
Best Mattress for Sleeping on Your Side
The ClassicPedic Ultra Memory Foam Mattress is specially designed for back pain sufferers and features an extra deep memory foam layer for ultimate pressure relief.
This mattress features;
- Orthopaedic memory foam
- Medium soft support
- Triple-layer design
- Washable cover
Best Mattress for Front Sleepers
Bad news – sleeping on your front comes bottom of the list for your health. It’s not good for spinal alignment and can also put strain on your pressure points.
Our Recommendations for Front Sleepers
Memory foam is great for front sleepers, as it helps to improve your nighttime posture by providing full-body support.
Try to sleep with a very slim pillow (or no pillow) to avoid straining your neck.
Mattress Firmness for Stomach Sleepers
If you tend to sleep on your front, we recommend opting for a firmer mattress. This will help to minimise the curve in your lower spine for proper alignment.
Avoid extra soft mattresses that let you sink in too far.
Best Mattress for Sleeping on Your Stomach
The Coolmax Deluxe Memory Foam Mattress offers firm support for front sleepers and a breathable cover to keep you cool during the night.
Top features include;
- Cooling Coolmax fibre technology
- Temperature-sensitive memory foam
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Washable cover
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers
So you’re fluid with your sleeping positions – you like to keep things exciting. If you find yourself on your front one minute and curled up on your side the next, you need a hard-working mattress that can keep up with you.
Our Recommendations for Combination Sleepers
Hybrid mattresses combine the best of springs and foam to deliver versatile mattresses to suit all kinds of sleeper.
From cooling covers to orthopaedic support - a hybrid mattress can solve multiple sleep complaints in one.
Best Mattress for All Sleeping Positions
Introducing our Guru Bed in a Box Mattress. This luxury triple-layer foam mattress, complete with cooling memory foam, is designed to suit all shapes, sizes and sleeping positions. In other words, it’s designed to suit you.
Features include;
- Made in the UK
- Free delivery
- 10-year warranty
- 100-night sleep trial
- Easy delivery
Best Mattress for Different Sleepers and Couples
Are you and your partner wedded to different sleeping positions? Don’t panic – there is a solution.
We offer a whole range of memory foam mattresses to suit all sleeping positions so that both you and your partner sleep well together.
The 4G Aircool Pocket Spring Mattress boasts 1500 individually encased pocket springs that respond to individual movement. Combined with a movement absorbing memory foam topper - you won’t get disturbed by your partners tossing and turning.
Mattress features include;
- Pocket spring base
- Soft support
- Eucalyptus infused cover
- Four layers of comfort
- 4G cooling sleep technology
- Suitable for sensitive skin
How to Sleep on a Memory Foam Mattress
And finally, here are some tips on how to make the most of your memory foam mattress.
- Allow your new mattress to completely expand before sleeping on it
- Allow a few days to get used to your new memory foam mattress as it can take a little time to soften fully
- Make sure your bed frame isn’t broken or missing slats - this could cause your mattress to dip
- A memory foam mattress topper can add an extra layer of cushioning for side sleepers
- Choose the right pillow for your sleeping position - front sleepers will benefit from a slim pillow, while side sleepers should choose contour pillows
- Use a memory foam bed wedge to sit up comfortably while reading or watching TV in bed
- Try sleeping on your left to improve circulation, digestion and prevent snoring
- Try out our 100-night sleep trial to be sure you’ve picked the right mattress for your needs
- Read our mattress buying guide for further information
If you’d like personalised help and advice finding the perfect mattress for you, get in contact! We’d love to hear from you.
Or browse our full collection of memory foam mattresses to get started.
