According to a recent survey, a whopping 74 percent of people sleep on their sides -- that’s a lot of people when you really think about it! And if you’re one of them, then you are probably intimately acquainted with the snuggle struggle -- assuming a comfortable position requires a night-long dance of fluffing, wiggling, tossing, and turning until that one slept-on arm begins to lose circulation, and then the cycle starts all over again -- ugh!
For the sake of our exhausted slumber sanities, we put together everything you need to know to find the best pillow for your side sleeping ways.
Are you ready to catch some Zzz’s? Let’s dive in.
Sleeping On Your Side
Believe it or not, snoozing on your side is widely recognized as the most comfortable and healthy sleep position. Yup, it’s true -- side sleeping can help to ease acid reflux, prevent snoring, and creates a sense of cozy comfort that ensures you sleep soundly all night long. Some of the other amazing benefits include:
- Side sleeping helps to prevent neck and back pain while alleviating pressure throughout the body by keeping your spine properly aligned. Additionally, it may help to eliminate chronic pain that is commonly associated with long-term conditions like sciatica and fibromyalgia.
- Side sleeping is associated with improved air circulation as the airways stay wide open in this sleep position which aids in proper airflow.
- Sleeping on your left side specifically can also aid digestion. Sleepers experience the elimination of waste and toxins from the body. And the gravitational pull from sleeping on your left encourages the movement of food waste from the small intestine to the large intestine.
- The health of your ticker may improve as snoozing on the left side puts less pressure on it. Additionally, side sleeping may also help to alleviate heartburn and improve blood circulation in the body.
- Ladies with a bun in the oven may experience discomfort while sleeping on their backs because of the weight concentrated in their bellies. Catching Zzz’s on the left side is the best for pregnant women because it helps to transfer the weight away from the body for a more comfortable snooze.
The Needs of a Side Sleeper
To help keep a neutral spine and healthy posture, fuller-figured rock stars who dream on their sides need a quality pillow with a high loft (the height of your pillow as it lays flat on the bed) and firmer support. Side sleepers might also find that soft, fluffable materials or shapeable materials like down are particularly useful for the lateral position. Here’s why:
- High Loft: Most importantly, a top-notch pillow with a taller profile is going to prop your noggin up so that it’s in neutral alignment with your spine. In addition, a lofty pillow will relieve pressure in your shoulder, making sure that it’s not bearing the brunt of your body’s weight. Ever feel like your shoulder is digging deeply into your mattress? Yeah, that’s probably because your pillow isn’t lofty enough!
- Firm Support: Quality pillows with a firm level of support will serve to keep your neck and head in line with your spine throughout the night. If your pillow is a bit too soft, your head will gradually sink down over the course of your forty winks -- throwing your spine out of neutral alignment (hello, stiff neck).
- Shapeable and Fluffy: Sleeping on a firmer pillow can take some time to get used to, so we recommend searching for fluffable materials like down or down-alternatives. These fluffy materials are pretty soft on their own, so make sure your pillow is amply stuffed, and the loft is high. Finding a good pillow that can be fluffed into a higher loft is often beneficial for side sleepers with broader shoulders (we see you, big boys). Also, fluffy pillows that are easily shaped allow you to reach one arm beneath the pillow in a snug embrace, which is a go-to move for many fans of the side sleep position.
The Wants of a Side Sleeper
When it comes to the needs of a side sleeper, a fluffy pillow with a high loft that offers firm support is essential. But what if you want to make your snooze even more comfortable? Here are some specific sleep accessory desires:
- Moisture-Wicking: Despite what many people may think, just because a pillow is designed to be cooling doesn’t necessarily mean it’s made to be moisture-wicking, as well. So, if you happen to be prone to night sweats or going through the motions of menopause, it’s best to shoot for pillow fabrics that are naturally absorbent. Bamboo and polyester are both great examples of materials that aren’t designed to feel cool to the touch but will wick away moisture while you catch some Zzz’s.
- Natural and organic: If you have sensitive skin or are prone to relentless breakouts, sticking with good quality pillows made from all-natural materials might be the way to go. Cellulosic fibers and organic cotton are great options for side sleepers looking for organic or hypoallergenic materials.
- Breathable Foam: There’s a good reason why memory foam is such a popular pillow option -- many side sleepers can’t get enough of that deep sink and slow response to pressure. However, what side sleepers don’t always love about memory foam is that it tends to trap body heat. How do we remedy this, you ask? Reach for comfy pillows filled with shredded memory foam rather than one solid piece of foam. The individual, popcorn-sized shreds can move freely within the pillow’s cover, allowing for much better breathability. This way, the pillow is dissipating your body’s heat while you’re still enjoying that classic memory foam feel.
What About The Mattress?
When it boils down to quality sleep, the mattress is just as important as your pillow.
You may already have a preference for a kind of mattress -- whether it is one that’s firm or soft. But when it comes to side sleeping, a quality mattress that falls somewhere in between these two spectrums works best.
A super-soft, cushiony mattress doesn’t offer very much joint support, and while you may find the softness comfortable on your knees and shoulders at the start of the night, you just might wake up feeling pretty achy in the A.M. Why? Because an ultra-soft mattress puts your joints at risk of collapsing and sinking further into the mattress over the course of the night -- that’s why.
Pain can be warded off with a firmer mattress, but you don’t want one that’s too firm. An extremely hard mattress can be really uncomfortable to fall asleep on because it doesn’t support your sleeping position and body shape. The combination of a super-comfy pillow and a soft, yet supportive mattress is the answer!
Okay, so which mattress is best?
There are a ton of different mattresses on the market, but there’s only one designed specifically for big and tall sleepers -- The Big Fig Mattress. Gone are the days of buying a super-pricey mattress only for it to sag a few months later -- with Big Fig, you can finally have your cake and eat it too!
The hybrid construction of high-quality pockets, springs, and foam provides the ultimate mix of support and comfort. Additionally -- as if this mattress could get any better -- Big Fig uses high-performance materials that work together to keep you comfy and cool through the night. The plush, quilted top is treated with innovative THERMOGEL COOLING ® technology that activates with body heat. And just beneath the THERMOGEL COOLING ® infused top, you’ll benefit from a layer of gel-infused perforated foam for maximum airflow. Together, these layers are actively cooling the body for a more comfortable sleeping experience.
And the best part? The Big Fig Mattress is perfect for side sleepers.
Bottom Line
Getting a good night’s rest is crucial to your overall health. But sometimes, it can be really challenging to find that perfect comfy-cozy position, keeping you from drifting off to dreamland-- especially if you’re a side sleeper. Thankfully, there are some amazing pillows out there designed specifically for those who like to snooze on their side.
As for the mattress, check out Big Fig -- the mattress for a bigger figure. This innovative mattress is designed to support every curve to provide you with your best sleep yet.
Ready to count some sheep? Head on over to Big Fig Mattress today.
Sources:
National Sleep Survey Pulls Back The Covers On How We Doze And Dream | PR News Wire.
How These 3 Sleep Positions Affect Your Gut Health | Healthline
Best Sleeping Position For Acid Reflux: The Gerd Sleeping Position | Sleepscore
