The best mattress for you based on your sleeping position

Types of mattresses and which one to choose

There are numerous types of mattresses with varying sizes, firmness and benefits. The popular choices tend to be spring mattresses, memory foam mattresses or a hybrid of both. 

Mattresses tend to be either soft, medium or hard and can vary depending on your preference. Choosing the wrong mattress firmness or type for your sleeping position can have detrimental effects on your sleep quality, as well as physical effects such as neck or back pain. 

Best mattress for sleeping on your side

A memory foam mattress, like our Emma Original Mattress, is a popular choice for side sleepers due to its supportive qualities. If you are a light sleeper who finds themselves waking up at the slightest noise, a mattress with springs maybe isn’t the best choice. 

The mattress firmness recommended for side sleepers is a soft mattress, as it can help keep pressure off your spine, which will help reduce any discomfort or back pain. Memory foam mattresses tend to support your body in all the right places, making them a versatile choice  for all sleeping positions. 

Best mattress for front sleepers

When you sleep, you need to make sure there’s no pressure on any part of your body that could make you wake up with stiff joints or pain. To awaken your best, it’s important to keep your spine aligned and your neck adequately supported.

For front sleepers, the recommended mattress is usually a medium-firm mattress, such as our Emma Premium Mattress. This mattress provides the right amount of support for your spine and the rest of your body. A medium-firm mattress has a bit of give, and can contour to your body as you settle into it. 

If you tend to wake up a lot during the night, a medium-firm mattress may be a good option, as it allows you to sleep comfortably and easily and fit with your allotted sleep schedule. Having as little disturbances as possible may help you to achieve your desired amount of sleep. 

A medium-firm mattress also offers support for all of your body, allowing you to have an undisturbed sleep and wake up every day feeling refreshed and well rested.. 

Best mattress for back sleepers

Back sleepers often need a firmer mattress, as a soft mattress would make you sink into it and ruin the alignment of your spine. A mattress with springs may be a good option here, to offer even more support without being uncomfortable. 

Firm mattresses have little give, meaning that you won’t sink into them as much as you would with a medium-firm or soft mattress. You’ll find you will also be able to move more freely and comfortably with a firm mattress. Those of us who stick to a sleep schedule may not necessarily need a specific mattress, as our sleep cycles tend to be more regular, and we tend to experience fewer sleep disturbances and waking problems than other types of sleepers.

Why not try the Emma Foam Pillow, for the ultimate support induced by the addition of our Emma Hybrid Mattress, which offers optimal support through a combination of foam and springs. 

What is the healthiest sleeping position?

According to WebMD, the foetal position is the most beneficial to sleep in, as it helps your spine maintain its natural alignment. Other recommended positions are side sleeping with your back as straight as possible, or sleeping on your back on a firmer mattress. 

However, sleeping on your back isn’t recommended for sleep apnea sufferers or those prone to snoring, as it can exacerbate both conditions.  

If you wake up and wonder why your neck is stiff or why your lower back hurts, then there could be  something wrong with your sleeping set up, such as having too many or too little pillows which can often lead to neck pain.

Whether that is a bad or worn out mattress, a sleeping position that is affecting your spine or body, or other bedroom environmental factors, such as air quality or lighting. It’s important to ensure you’re sleeping on the right size mattress as well.