How to Choose an Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers

Side sleeping is one of the best positions for your health since it can curb symptoms of acid reflux and sleep apnea and help prevent back pain. So it makes sense that more than half of all adults prefer to snooze this way.

But sleeping on the wrong mattress as a side sleeper can lead to sore joints and spinal-related discomforts.

If you sleep on your side and like the feel of a classic innerspring mattress, there are few things to keep in mind to ensure you will be adequately supported while you sleep and remain comfortable all night long. In fact, the mattress that's right for side sleepers will be different from the mattress that's ideal for back sleepers or stomach sleepers. Here's what to look for in an innerspring mattress if you're a side sleeper.

How to find the best innerspring mattress for side sleepers

In general, the best mattress for side sleepers will conform to your body's natural curves and take the pressure off your hips and shoulders. When your spine is properly aligned, your muscles can relax for the most restorative night's sleep. Keep in mind that no one mattress is best for any particular sleep style. Innerspring mattresses are a perennial favorite since they're bouncy, responsive, and sleep cool.

If you're a side sleeper shopping for an innerspring mattress, look for the following features:

• Individually wrapped coils: A standard feature of high-quality innerspring mattresses, these are coils that are individually encased in fabric so that they can move independently. That gives them the ability to contour to your body better than open coils, which aren't encased. Since pocketed coils aren't attached to each other, they also offer great motion isolation—so if you're a side sleeper who happens to also toss and turn, your partner won't be disturbed during the night.
• Slightly softer comfort level: As a side sleeper, you need an innerspring mattress that is soft (or "plush") enough to cradle your hips and shoulders while supporting your spine in a neutral position. A too-firm innerspring mattress will cut off circulation to your hips, shoulders, and neck, leaving you with aches and pains. (Learn how to protect your back while you sleep.)
• Memory foam top layer: A hybrid mattress that combines a steel support coil system with a top layer of memory foam is a great pick for side sleepers. That's because memory foam hugs your curves and offers pressure relief for your shoulders, back, and neck. (Here's what you need to know about hybrid mattresses.)

How to find the best pillow for side sleepers

Matching your pillow to your sleep position is important too. If you're a side sleeper, choose a thicker pillow to fill in the gap between your shoulder and head and maintain your neck in a neutral position. You can also try cradling a body pillow in front of you for additional shoulder support, as well as putting a pillow between your knees to keep your hips level. (Learn how the right pillow can make your bed feel more comfortable.)

For more advice on finding the right innerspring bed for you, here's how to choose the best innerspring mattress for your sleep position.