Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers: Do You Really Need It? This Will Help You Decide

If you are considering buying a memory foam mattress, there are a plethora of different factors to think about. Not all memory foam mattresses are the same, and manufacturers have different types of memory foam mattresses to appeal to different kinds of people. A spring mattress is sort of a “one size fits all” mattress, since it does not conform to the body for added comfort.

Memory foam mattresses have varying factors that set them apart from one another. These include size, memory foam type, thickness, density, and other factors. Here is a breakdown of each factor when it comes to choosing the best memory foam mattress for you.

Foam Type

Many people assume that memory foam is a specific type of foam. In actuality, there are many types of memory foams on the market. Traditional memory foam is meant to create a soft cradle in order to support the body. Pressure points are also minimized with memory foam, which provides better circulation throughout your body.

Another type of memory foam is made out of gel. Gel memory foam contains the same contents that are found in shoe inserts which are made to relieve discomfort and reduce pressure on a person’s heel and sole when walking and standing. Gel memory foam is a great choice for sleepers who suffer from stress, aching muscles and chronic pain.

Yet another kind of memory foam that exists is called “air cool memory foam”. This type of memory foam is best suited for sleepers who heat up and sweat at night. The technology in this foam filters the heat out of a sleeper’s body, allowing him or her to stay comfortable throughout the night.

Lastly, latex foam is a memory foam mattress that is purely hypoallergenic, ideal for sleepers with allergies.

If you already have a bed frame, you do not have to throw it out. While memory foam mattresses are considered specialty mattresses, they come in the same sizes as regular box spring mattresses. Whether you sleep in a bed that is a singular bed or a luxury king sized bed, it will not be difficult to find a memory foam mattress that will fit perfectly with your bed frame.

If you do not have a bed frame, and are looking to buy a complete bed, you can buy bed frames in many different styles and materials, so you can pick the one that looks the bed in your bedroom. Pivot foundations that are adjustable can go with memory foam mattresses in order to adjust your bed for the specific comfort that you need. For instance, people who suffer from acid reflux disease can slightly adjust the upper area of their bed without feeling pain in their digestive system.

Density

Memory foam mattresses come in three different density options: low density, medium density, and high density. Low density foam is easy to break in, meaning that it is less stiff when you first use it for the first couple of weeks. You body will adapt quick to low density mattresses than other densities. High density mattresses are considered the most durable, so they will last longer than low density mattresses. Medium density mattresses are recommended for their middle ground between durability and stiffness.

When examining the density of a memory foam mattress, it is a good idea to consider the weight of it. For instance, foam that is of medium density will typically be four to five pounds per cubic foot. High density foams are expected to weight up to ten pounds of the same measurement.

Memory foam mattresses have thicknesses that range in between six to fourteen inches thick. Thicker mattresses are usually softer than thinner mattresses. With this in mind, choosing a thinner mattress won’t negate the comforting effects of memory foam.

However, how much you weigh yourself is also an important factor when choosing a mattress. Six and eight inch memory foam is most ideal for children, while ten inches will support people of up to 250 pounds. If you are a heavier person, you can consider mattresses that are as thick as 14 inches.

Memory foam is usually consisting of multiple layers. There is one layer that serves as the primary support structure, and additional layers are meant to make the mattress softer. You can add even more thickness by buying a topper for your memory foam mattress.

As mentioned before, toppers can be added to memory foam mattresses. While these mattresses on their own can provide sleepers with an adequate level of comfort, a topper will give the mattress more cushioning that makes the sleeper feel even better while in bed. Like memory foam mattresses, these toppers also come in regular, gel, latex, and many more materials like bamboo and feather. For a more firm experience, mattress toppers that are made of latex are most recommended. They are also available in levels.

Side Sleeping

There are memory foam mattresses that perform better for side sleepers than back sleepers. This relies upon the way that the mattress’s foam conform to the body, as well as its thickness and material. The most ideal thickness for side sleepers is a mattress in between eight and fourteen inches thick. This allows better support and cushioning for your joints, such as your shoulders, knees, and hips as you lie on your side. You can add even more comfort to make best memory foam mattress for side sleepers by buying a memory foam body pillow.

All memory foam mattresses are antimicrobial. However, some mattresses are better than other in terms of keeping away allergens such as dust mites.

Ordinary memory foam mattresses with high levels of density will attract fewer allergens to your bed. Gel memory foam will be the most resistant to dust mites. But as mentioned previously, latex foam is the a memory foam that is completely hypoallergenic. If you’re not a sleeper that is highly allergic, you do not need to worry about sleeping without a latex foam mattress, if your primary goal is to sleep in comfort.

If you happen to suffer from allergies, however, you can also consider buying a topper and/or pillow case that is hypoallergenic, so that you can relieve allergies without giving up your memory foam mattress of preference.