The right mattress for side sleepers: free shoulder, straight spine

Side sleeping concentrates much of the body's weight on shoulder and hip. The mattress must yield in those places while continuing to support waist and pelvis. If it is too hard, the shoulder stays high and the spine bends sideways. If it is too soft, the pelvis drops too far. The best mattress for a side sleeper therefore combines pressure relief with precise stability.

The shoulder needs room

Broad shoulders generally require more settling depth than narrow ones. That does not mean the whole mattress must be soft, but that surface and springs should respond locally. Pocket springs are particularly suitable because each spring works largely independently. Comfort layers of wool, cotton, cashmere or horsehair distribute pressure without trapping the body in a thick foam layer.

Hip and waist must work together

The hip may settle, but should not pull the entire middle of the body down with it. At the same time the waist should not float above the mattress. The more pronounced the shoulder, waist and hip, the more important an adaptive spring system becomes. In side sleeping the spine should run as straight as reasonably possible from neck to pelvis.

Firmness is not one fixed number

A generic soft, medium or firm label only goes so far because categories are not standardised. Body weight, height, weight distribution and personal preference all alter the right setting. Direct comparison between several tensions is more useful than a chart. In a double bed, the two sides can be configured differently.

The pillow changes the result

The pillow fills the distance between shoulder and head. If it is too low the head tips down; if too high it tips up. Mattress and pillow therefore need to be considered together. When the shoulder settles farther into a new mattress, a previously suitable pillow may suddenly be too high.

Test in the right order

Begin with the mattress closest to your familiar feel. Then deliberately compare one softer and one firmer setting. Spend at least ten minutes on each in your normal side position. Notice pressure at shoulder and hip, tension in the lower back and how easily you can turn.

Different mattresses and box spring beds by Vispring and Mattsons are ready to try at Talstrasse 66 in Zurich. We assess the setting in your actual sleeping position and can configure each side separately. Delivery and assembly are available throughout Switzerland.