We all sleep a little differently, but among the main sleeping types, what is the best mattress and pillow combo for me? This article takes you through the best practices for finding you perfect sleep solution.
What Type of Mattress is Best for Me?
We all sleep a little differently, but among the main sleeping types, what is the best mattress and pillow combo for me? This article takes you through the best practices for finding you perfect sleep solution.
Finding the Perfect Combination
Whether you're a side, back, stomach or multi-position sleeper, whether you're big or small, finding the right combination of mattress and pillows can greatly improve your sleep quality. This guide is designed to help you understand the principles behind find the perfect combination for your nightly slumber.
The Back Sleeper
Sleepers prone to sleeping on their backs tend to be most comfortable on mattresses that range from firm to medium. Spinal and neck alignment are important factors, so ensuring that mattresses provide enough support to the lower back, while conforming to the shoulders and butt is important. Look for mattresses that feature a layer of soft memory foam on top with firm layers or a mix of innersprings a few layers down.
Soft and medium pillows are recommended for back sleepers, as they allow the sleeper's head to since into the pillow and align properly with the spine. There is some variation based upon the sleeper's size, so use our pillow finder if you're in doubt.
The Side Sleeper
When viewed from the side, our bodies have many curves and angles. With that in mind, if you're a side sleeper, it's important to select a mattress that is cushiony and conforming. Responsive memory foams are important for these sleepers as it conforms to hips and shoulders, while rising and providing gentle support to the side. This gentle support helps promote proper spinal alignment and reduces tossing and turning throughout the night.
Firmer, plumper pillows are important for side sleepers. While softer pillows may initially feel more comfortable, many fail to compensate for the gap between the shoulder and the head. To ensure proper alignment, a pillow that fills this gap, and keeps the neck lined-up with the spine is essential. We recommend using the REM-Fit pillow finder to get the right fit.
The Stomach Sleeper
Many stomach sleepers sleep on mattresses that are too soft. This leads to consistently poor spinal alignment and a general, nagging sore back in the morning. For these sleepers, it's important to sleep on a firm to medium mattress that provides the consistent support and limited sagging they need. Mattresses tested to provide consistent support over years are recommended here.
When looking for a pillow, we recommend that stomach sleepers keep their focus on the softer side of the pillow spectrum. Just as side sleepers need a firm pillow to help keep their neck and spine aligned throughout the night, stomach sleepers need a pillow with enough give and flexibility that it will not impair spinal alignment. To find your pillow recommendation, use our pillow finder.
Your Body is Not Flat
While the right mattress and pillow combination is generally attainable, one very important point to remember this that your body is not flat. While a quality mattress and pillow will provide the conforming support you need, you are still working with rectangular, flat surfaces.
That is why an adjustable base is an essential if you're looking for the best sleep possible. An adjustable base provides in-the-moment adjustments that can help increase circulation, reduce snoring and provide exactly the right support for your body. To learn about all the benefits of an adjustable base, visit our adjustable base bed guide.
Conclusion
While finding the right mattress and pillow combination can seem like a daunting task, keeping a few key points in mind can make the process quick, while helping you avoid a pain in the neck and back for years to come. Use tools like our pillow finder and check out our selection of mattresses to find your perfect fit. And don't forget, an adjustable bed base can make a world of difference in how you sleep.
If you have any questions at all, give us a call at 1-866-860-9626
Finding the Perfect Combination
Whether you're a side, back, stomach or multi-position sleeper, whether you're big or small, finding the right combination of mattress and pillows can greatly improve your sleep quality. This guide is designed to help you understand the principles behind find the perfect combination for your nightly slumber.
The Back Sleeper
Sleepers prone to sleeping on their backs tend to be most comfortable on mattresses that range from firm to medium. Spinal and neck alignment are important factors, so ensuring that mattresses provide enough support to the lower back, while conforming to the shoulders and butt is important. Look for mattresses that feature a layer of soft memory foam on top with firm layers or a mix of innersprings a few layers down.
Soft and medium pillows are recommended for back sleepers, as they allow the sleeper's head to since into the pillow and align properly with the spine. There is some variation based upon the sleeper's size, so use our pillow finder if you're in doubt.
The Side Sleeper
When viewed from the side, our bodies have many curves and angles. With that in mind, if you're a side sleeper, it's important to select a mattress that is cushiony and conforming. Responsive memory foams are important for these sleepers as it conforms to hips and shoulders, while rising and providing gentle support to the side. This gentle support helps promote proper spinal alignment and reduces tossing and turning throughout the night.
Firmer, plumper pillows are important for side sleepers. While softer pillows may initially feel more comfortable, many fail to compensate for the gap between the shoulder and the head. To ensure proper alignment, a pillow that fills this gap, and keeps the neck lined-up with the spine is essential. We recommend using the REM-Fit pillow finder to get the right fit.
The Stomach Sleeper
Many stomach sleepers sleep on mattresses that are too soft. This leads to consistently poor spinal alignment and a general, nagging sore back in the morning. For these sleepers, it's important to sleep on a firm to medium mattress that provides the consistent support and limited sagging they need. Mattresses tested to provide consistent support over years are recommended here.
When looking for a pillow, we recommend that stomach sleepers keep their focus on the softer side of the pillow spectrum. Just as side sleepers need a firm pillow to help keep their neck and spine aligned throughout the night, stomach sleepers need a pillow with enough give and flexibility that it will not impair spinal alignment. To find your pillow recommendation, use our pillow finder.
Your Body is Not Flat
While the right mattress and pillow combination is generally attainable, one very important point to remember this that your body is not flat. While a quality mattress and pillow will provide the conforming support you need, you are still working with rectangular, flat surfaces.
That is why an adjustable base is an essential if you're looking for the best sleep possible. An adjustable base provides in-the-moment adjustments that can help increase circulation, reduce snoring and provide exactly the right support for your body. To learn about all the benefits of an adjustable base, visit our adjustable base bed guide.
Conclusion
While finding the right mattress and pillow combination can seem like a daunting task, keeping a few key points in mind can make the process quick, while helping you avoid a pain in the neck and back for years to come. Use tools like our pillow finder and check out our selection of mattresses to find your perfect fit. And don't forget, an adjustable bed base can make a world of difference in how you sleep.
If you have any questions at all, give us a call at 1-866-860-9626
