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Not many people know that sleeping on your side is one of the most common sleeping positions.
But this sleeping position can often lead to pain and discomfort on the shoulders and neck, especially if you’re not using the right mattress. This is because it causes the misalignment of muscles, such as those of the back, and finding a mattress that provides adequate support for this position is not easy.
While there are products from different brands claiming to be designed for side sleepers, most fail to deliver effective results. And identifying the worthwhile options from the rest requires a considerable amount of effort and time.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide reviewing some of the best mattresses for side sleepers in Canada. And to make things even easier, we’ve even answered some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic.
So, without further ado, let’s begin!
Featuring high-quality construction that utilizes premium materials, including gel-infused memory foam and non-allergenic latex, the Ghostbed Classic is an excellent choice for side sleepers. Its high-density support foam helps reduce pressure on various areas like shoulders and hips, while the breathable cover promotes better airflow for efficient temperature regulation. Cooling is also enhanced with the proprietary open-cell technology of the brand.
Additionally, the Ghostbed classic mattress can easily support upto 750 pounds of weight, so even heavier people can use it without any sagging issues. It also comes with CertiPur-US certification, which ensures no harmful chemicals are used in its construction. And you get a 20-year warranty along with a 101-night trial, making this a highly recommended option.
The Ghostbed Classic has high-motion transfer, so it may not be ideal for couples.
With its premium quality build and superb support, the Ghostbed Classic mattress is among the finest options for side sleepers. And its non-allergenic, breathable cover and efficient cooling technology further add to the user experience.
Wholly made in Canada, the Puffy Lux mattress has been designed to be used on almost any surface, including flat or adjustable frames, box springs, and slats. It has been developed for all types of sleepers and is perfect for side sleepers since it can provide adequate support to the spine. The mattress also comes with a six-layer system that delivers better support to the back for comfortable sleep.
Apart from that, there is the stain-resistant cloud cover that protects the mattress and ensures that it lasts longer. This cover is also hypoallergenic and can prevent the accumulation of dust and dust mites, making the mattress suitable for those with allergies. Then, there is the dual cloud foam that helps reduce strain on the pressure points of the body so you can sleep comfortably.
Like other bed-in-a-box options, getting into this mattress can be a bit awkward.
If you’re looking for a 100% Canadian-made mattress, then the Puffy Lux is a fantastic option that offers superb support and unmatched comfort. And it can even be used by people with allergies thanks to its highly effective hypoallergenic cloud cover.
Coming from one of the most reputable brands, the Emma Original mattress is a memory foam mattress that utilizes Airgocell technology for better breathability throughout the night. This allows more effective cooling, which is further enhanced by the breathable and washable cover. In addition, there is the Halo memory foam which promotes better spinal alignment to provide effective pressure relief to the back, shoulders, and hips.
This mattress also comes with several features that set it apart from other memory foam mattresses, such as its high-resilience foam layer, which prevents sag and delivers uniform stability. Similarly, edge support is also outstanding, and the chances of slippage are minimal whether you are sitting or lying on the bed. Motion transfer isolation is excellent as well, making this mattress perfect for pet lovers and couples.
Those who prefer firmer mattresses may find this mattress to be a bit too soft.
The Emma Original mattress is suitable not only for side sleepers but also for back and stomach sleepers. And the reason for that is its features, which include high-quality foam construction, superb edge support, and minimal motion transfer.
Side sleepers looking for a hybrid option should find the Apollo Premium hybrid mattress an excellent choice. Constructed using five layers of high-quality materials that maximize comfort, this mattress comes with a cooling cover and pocketed micro coils for better breathability and enhanced support. And the gel memory foam layer contains copper that has antimicrobial properties, which is another reason why this mattress is such a great pick.
Additionally, the micro coils present in the middle of the mattress help reduce body heat retention, allowing you to sleep comfortably. The mattress also has exceptional edge support, thanks to the sidewalls that prevent sliding or falling from the bed. And it comes with a removable and washable cover that is antimicrobial and makes maintenance easy.
The Apollo Premium mattress does not have a lot of bounce.
Featuring high-quality construction that makes use of multiple types of memory foam along with pocketed micro coils, the Apollo Premium hybrid mattress is a fantastic choice for side sleepers. And its copper-infused construction makes it suitable for hot sleepers as well.
The Logan and Cove mattress is a luxury hybrid option that offers the benefits of both premium-quality memory foam and pocketed coils. This mattress contains a layer of heat-dissipating gel memory foam along with Tencel fibres which can help in effective cooling while also making it a sustainable option. And it is available in two firmness options, so you can select the one you like.
As for the other things making the Logan and Cove mattress such a great option for side sleepers, its multiple foam layer construction is the most important. These layers can easily conform and adapt to your body for better lumbar support and can even absorb motion effectively. On top of that, this mattress comes with a 15-year warranty and a 120-night sleep trial.
There may be some off-gassing issues during the first days of unpacking the mattress.
Coming from a brand known for its quality offerings, the Logan And Cove mattress is a remarkable hybrid option that offers the benefits of memory foam and pocketed coils. It is available in two firmness options and comes with a 15-year warranty ensuring a great experience.
Mattress firmness levels are measured on a one to ten scale, with one being the softest and ten being the firmest.
For side sleepers, a mattress with a medium to medium-firm level of firmness is usually the most suitable option. But since firmness can be highly subjective, the level of comfort that such sleepers can expect from a soft or firm mattress depends upon multiple factors.
Additionally, for people who sleep on their sides, firmness determines how much cushioning is provided to the various pressure points of the body. This, in turn, affects whether body parts like the hip and shoulders will sink into the mattress as well as the level of sinkage.
A comfortable mattress should allow only a little sinkage, so it becomes easier to get into and out of bed. But it should be able to provide relief from pains and aches in various areas. Some of the factors related to firmness levels that should be considered when buying a mattress include the mattress type, body weight, and personal preferences.
Keep in mind that people with more weight will exert greater pressure on the mattress, which is why the same mattress can offer varying levels of comfort to different people. And the comfort layer directly affects how a mattress feels, depending on its construction.
Moreover, since each type of mattress has different advantages and disadvantages, selecting an option ultimately comes down to personal preference. For instance, a mattress with a comfort layer made of memory foam can conform more effectively to the shape of the body, but a latex one will provide more bounce. Then there are innerspring coils, which offer a higher level of firmness and greater stability to the mattress.
Side sleepers generally prefer either memory foam mattresses or hybrid ones. Memory foam mattresses are a better option for side sleepers who require a body-hugging material or greater contouring for pressure relief in the hips and shoulders.
On the other hand, those who require more support might find hybrid mattresses a better choice since they contain coils or springs that prevent the mattress from sagging. A few side sleepers may find other types of mattresses, such as innerspring mattresses, comfortable as well.
But it is important to learn in detail about the various options to know which is the best mattress for side sleepers in Canada. Though the offerings from different brands can vary in their construction, design, and materials, similar types of mattresses generally deliver a similar experience.
Hybrid mattresses aim to deliver the best features of both traditional innerspring mattresses and modern foam or latex ones. They usually have a thick comfort layer made of latex or memory foam with a support layer made of innersprings. This means that side sleepers can enjoy greater comfort and better support while having to deal with fewer drawbacks.
In some cases, hybrid mattresses may have a transition layer containing micro coils or polyfoam below the comfort layers. But almost all hybrid mattresses have a base made of innerspring coils that provide support and help improve airflow.
Additionally, such mattresses generally have multiple comfort layers to deliver better contouring while helping in more effective spinal alignment and relieving the pressure points. And one significant advantage of these mattresses over memory foam ones is that they do not restrict the airflow and trap heat because of the innerspring coils. Thus, side sleepers do not need to worry about overheating and can enjoy greater contouring comfort.
An innerspring mattress usually has a thin comfort layer of foam or fibre, under which lies a base containing steel springs or coils. Innerspring mattresses are traditional options that do not offer as much contouring as foam or hybrid mattresses but are much more affordable.
Many innerspring mattresses have a reinforced base containing steel coils for enhanced edge support. This means you get a larger supportive area, which can be great for side sleepers who tend to sleep close to the mattress edge. Additionally, the coils prevent the mattress from sagging over time, which is a problem with most other mattress types.
Latex mattresses can use latex for both the comfort and support layers, and there are two types of latex which can be used for this purpose. High-quality latex mattresses from reputable brands are generally constructed using natural latex obtained from rubber tree sap. But you can also find options made from synthetic latex, which are of inferior quality but less costly.
Natural latex needs to be processed using the Talalay or Dunlop methods, each providing different properties to the material. Dunlop latex is denser and more durable, while Talalay latex tends to be softer and lighter.
Latex also possesses conforming abilities and can adapt to your body shape to alleviate various pressure points without letting you sink into the mattress. This is advantageous for side sleepers since it can help reduce back and shoulder pain and ensure better temperature regulation through improved airflow.
Airbed mattresses are modern options that contain rubber chambers which can be inflated. In such mattresses, the firmness levels can be adjusted by controlling the amount of air which is filled into the chambers. Usually, airbeds can be controlled using a smartphone app or a remote, which can adjust the built-in pump in the mattress.
The comfort layers in an airbed may be constructed using latex, wool, foam, or other materials. Since airbed mattresses can easily be customized by altering the amount of air, they are perfect for side sleepers who frequently need to adjust firmness levels. They are also suitable for people unsure of their mattress firmness requirements.
Furthermore, some airbed mattresses contain two chambers, which allow for adjusting the firmness levels of the different sides as required. Some models even allow adjusting different mattress parts, so adjustments can be made for the hips and shoulders. This means that such mattresses can easily be shared by different people with varying firmness requirements.
Both the comfort and support layers of foam mattresses are constructed using foam, with the uppermost layer using polyfoam or memory foam and may even contain gel-infused memory foam. Memory foam mattresses may be most suitable for people who require additional cushioning for hips and shoulders, while polyfoam ones are more responsive and offer better support.
Foam mattresses are good options for side sleepers since they can contour to the body and respond to pressure for better cushioning. This helps align the spine more effectively while reducing pain and discomfort. The base layer in such mattresses is generally made of high-density polyfoam that can provide stability and support.
Side sleepers experience greater pressure on hips and shoulders, so selecting a mattress requires considering certain features. Here are some of those features that should be considered when looking for the best mattress for side sleepers in Canada.
Different types of mattresses have varying advantages and disadvantages, but side sleepers should look for options that offer support for the whole body and adequate contouring. The mattress type will determine things like motion isolation, temperature regulation, and pressure point relief.
Side sleepers who sleep hot should opt for breathable options like hybrid mattresses, while those sharing mattresses should look for mattresses with good motion isolation. Knowing your preferences and requirements can help you select the right type of mattress.
The contouring ability of a mattress depends upon its responsiveness to pressure and adaptability to your body. A mattress that can contour easily can provide better spinal alignment while cushioning the various pressure points of the body may be a good option for side sleepers.
The performance and durability of a mattress directly depend upon the quality of the materials used in its construction. Better quality materials can be costly and tend to result in higher-priced mattresses, but they can significantly increase the lifespan of the mattress and ensure a better experience.
On the other hand, mattresses made from cheaper materials may be affordable in the short run, but they are likely to wear down faster and provide less support. This means that you will need to replace it sooner, which can mean spending more in the long run.
As mentioned before, firmness is subjective, with people finding the same mattress softer or firmer. But in general, side sleepers should look for a mattress that offers a combination of soft cushioning for hips and shoulders with firmer support for proper spinal alignment.
When considering the firmness of a mattress, also take into account your weight and personal preferences, as these will determine how comfortable the mattress feels.
Certain areas of the body, such as the hips and shoulders, experience greater pressure when you sleep on your side. So, it is important to look for mattresses that use materials which can cushion these areas effectively and help provide relief. Mattresses made from contouring materials like latex and memory foam are excellent for that purpose.
The main reason for side sleepers suffering from back pain is improper spine alignment. To solve this problem, it is vital to look for a mattress with features like ergonomic zoning that can help position the spine properly.
Hybrid mattresses are often the best for that purpose since they contain pocketed coils that can be individually adjusted to deliver targeted support to the shoulders and the pelvis. These coils can also compress to allow better alignment, which is not possible with innerspring mattresses. And they can provide greater structured support than mattresses that have a core made of polyfoam.
Softer mattresses usually have their comfort layers made from materials like latex or memory foam which are highly contouring. These can provide better cushioning to areas like the hips and shoulders on which maximum pressure is exerted when you sleep on your side. This means that they are more effective in alleviating this pressure.
But there is another thing to consider. Side sleepers also require adequate support to prevent spinal misalignment, which can be caused when their midsection sinks too deeply, as in the case of soft mattresses. That is why the mattress should be able to deliver proper support in addition to softness.
Generally, lightweight side sleepers will find softer mattresses a better option since they are not likely to sink into them, unlike people with more weight.
The best mattresses for side sleepers usually come with multiple features, such as edge support, motion isolation, temperature regulation, and more. And hopefully, with the help of this guide, you will now find it easier to select the right option that offers such features and delivers the best user experience.
But in case you’re still confused, we recommend the Ghostbed Classic mattress, which comes with open-cell technology and CertiPUR-US certification. It is a medium-firm mattress with high-quality construction and a 20-year warranty.
Another excellent option would be the Puffy Lux mattress, which is perfect for heavy sleepers and comes with a six-layer system and hypoallergenic construction for comfortable sleep.
With that, it’s time to wrap things up. Until next time!