Finding the Best Saatva Mattress for Side Sleepers
When it comes to finding the Best
- Saatva Classic Mattress – Best for outstanding pressure relief
- Saatva Contour5 Mattress – Best for body-hugging contouring
Side sleeping promotes various health benefits like reduced snoring, better digestion, and relief from acid reflux due to open airways. However, sleeping on the wrong mattress can cause sore joints and body aches. That’s why choosing the right mattress, one that offers support, pressure relief, and spinal alignment, is crucial.
I’m Ben Trapskin, the creator of Yawnder and a dedicated sleep enthusiast. I’ve spent over 15 years helping people find the best sleep products and have experienced the challenges of searching for the perfect mattress myself. By combining research and personal experience, I aim to guide you in finding the Best
Benefits of Side Sleeping
Side sleeping is not only comfortable but also has numerous health benefits. Here’s why sleeping on your side can be great for you:
Health Benefits
Reduced Snoring: Side sleeping helps keep your airways open, which can reduce snoring and alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea. According to the National Sleep Foundation, this position is ideal for people who snore or have sleep apnea because it prevents the tongue from falling back and blocking the throat.
Improved Digestion: Sleeping on your side, especially the left side, can aid digestion. The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology (2005) suggests that left-side sleeping allows gravity to help with the digestive process, potentially easing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn.
Reduced Acid Reflux: Left-side sleeping can also help reduce acid reflux. The positioning of your internal organs when you sleep on your left side keeps the stomach below the esophagus, which can prevent stomach acid from rising.
Open Airways: For those with respiratory issues, side sleeping can be beneficial. A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2005) found that side sleeping can alleviate symptoms in people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea by keeping the airways open.
Additional Perks
Brain Health: Research from Stony Brook University indicates that side sleeping might help the brain clear out waste products more efficiently, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The Journal of Neuroscience (2015) supports this, showing that side sleeping improves the glymphatic system’s effectiveness in removing brain waste.
Better Circulation: Pregnant women often find side sleeping more comfortable, as it prevents the fetus from pressing against the liver and improves circulation. This position ensures optimal blood flow to the heart and the fetus, which is why it is frequently recommended by healthcare professionals.
Evolutionary Preference: Anthropologists suggest that side sleeping could have been favored in the evolution of our species. It allowed our ancestors to balance the need for quality sleep with the need for vigilance against potential threats.
Practical Tips
To avoid shoulder and neck pain, make sure your mattress provides adequate support. A too-soft mattress can cause misalignment, while a too-firm one can lead to pressure points. Aim for a medium-soft to medium mattress to find your “Goldilocks zone.”
In summary, side sleeping offers a range of health benefits from reducing snoring and acid reflux to potentially improving brain health. The key is to find a mattress that provides the right balance of support and comfort.
Next, we’ll dive into what side sleepers should look for in a mattress to maximize these benefits.
What Side Sleepers Should Look for in a Mattress
Finding the right mattress is crucial for side sleepers. The key factors to consider are pressure relief, spinal alignment, mattress firmness, and mattress types.
Pressure Relief
When you sleep on your side, your hips and shoulders bear most of your body weight. This can create pressure points that lead to discomfort and even pain. To avoid this, look for a mattress that offers plenty of cushioning.
Memory foam and latex mattresses are excellent at conforming to your body’s curves, providing targeted relief to those pressure points. According to Joe Auer from Mattress Clarity, “A good mattress for side sleeping should conform to your body, taking the pressure off your hips and shoulders.”
Spinal Alignment
Proper spinal alignment is a must to avoid back and neck pain. When lying on your side, your spine should maintain a straight line from your head to your tailbone. A mattress that is too soft can let your body sink too much, causing misalignment. Conversely, a mattress that is too firm won’t contour enough to your body, leading to gaps and unsupported areas.
A neutral position keeps your spine aligned and muscles relaxed. Look for a mattress that offers a balance of softness and support to maintain this alignment. The
Mattress Firmness
Firmness is subjective and depends on personal preference and body weight. However, side sleepers generally benefit from a mattress that falls in the medium-soft to medium-firm range (about 5-7 on the firmness scale).
- Lighter sleepers (<150 lbs): May prefer the softer end of the spectrum for better cushioning of pressure points.
- Heavier sleepers (>230 lbs): Might need a firmer mattress to prevent excessive sinking and maintain spinal alignment.
Mattress Types
Different materials offer various benefits for side sleepers. Here are some popular options:
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam is known for its excellent contouring capabilities. It “hugs” your body, alleviating pressure points and providing great lumbar support. The
Latex Mattresses
Latex offers a more buoyant feel compared to memory foam. It provides good pressure relief and is naturally more breathable and durable. The
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrids combine the best of both worlds: the contouring comfort of foam and the support of innerspring coils. They often have a plush top layer for cushioning and a supportive core for spinal alignment. The
Innerspring Mattresses
Traditional innerspring mattresses can be suitable if they include a plush top layer for added cushioning. However, they may not offer the same level of contouring as memory foam or latex options.
Conclusion
When choosing the best mattress for side sleeping, consider these key factors: pressure relief, spinal alignment, firmness, and material type. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in ensuring you get a restful and pain-free night’s sleep.
Next, we’ll explore the Best
Best Saatva Mattress for Side Sleepers
Choosing the right mattress is crucial for side sleepers. Let’s look at the best
Saatva Classic Mattress
The Saatva Classic Mattress is a top choice for side sleepers needing pressure relief and support.
- Pressure Relief: The Classic features a 3-inch Euro pillow top that cradles your shoulders and hips, reducing pressure points.
- Lumbar Support: It has a lumbar zone support system to keep your spine aligned.
- Firmness Options: Comes in Plush Soft (3/10), Luxury Firm (7/10), and Firm (8/10). Side sleepers might prefer the Plush Soft for a softer feel.
“I have found my forever mattress in the Soft Plush
Saatva Classic,” says Brett, a verified reviewer.
Price: Starts from $1,195 (discounted from $1,395). Source.
Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
For those who love memory foam, the Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress is a fantastic option.
- Memory Foam: High-density memory foam contours to your body, offering excellent pressure relief.
- Firmness Options: Available in Relaxed Firm (5-7/10) and Firm (8/10). The Relaxed Firm is ideal for side sleepers.
- Cooling: Gel-infused foam helps keep you cool.
“I now wake up without lower back, neck, shoulder and hip pain,” shares a satisfied customer.
Price: More expensive than the Classic. Source.
Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress
The Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress is perfect for eco-conscious side sleepers.
- Natural Latex: Made from all-natural Talalay latex, offering a buoyant feel.
- Dual-Sided Firmness: Plush Soft on one side and Gentle Firm on the other. Side sleepers should opt for the Plush Soft side.
- Eco-Friendly: Organic materials make it a sustainable choice.
“The Zenhaven is a good fit for side sleepers,” notes a reviewer.
Price: Higher due to premium materials. Source.
Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
The Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress combines the benefits of latex and innerspring coils.
- Pressure Point Relief: Natural latex and pocketed coils provide excellent support and pressure relief.
- Spinal Alignment: Keeps your spine in a neutral position.
- Eco-Friendly: Uses organic materials.
“This mattress offers the support that my partner needs, as well as breathability and comfort,” says a happy customer.
Price: Competitive for a hybrid. Source.
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
Finally, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress offers a blend of memory foam and coils.
- Memory Foam: Provides contouring and pressure relief.
- Hybrid Design: Coils add support and bounce, making it easier to move.
- Budget-Friendly: A more affordable option for those seeking a hybrid.
“A great pick for pressure relief,” according to Forbes Vetted contributor Lindsey Vickers.
Price: More budget-friendly compared to other models. Source.
These
Saatva Classic Mattress
The Saatva Classic Mattress is a top choice for side sleepers. It combines pressure relief, lumbar support, and a plush pillow-top to offer a dreamy sleep experience.
Pressure Relief
Side sleepers need a mattress that can relieve pressure on the hips and shoulders. The
Lumbar Support
The
Pillow-Top Comfort
A standout feature of the
Firmness Options
The
Spinal Alignment
Maintaining proper spinal alignment is crucial for side sleepers to avoid waking up with back pain. The
“I now wake up without lower back, neck, shoulder, and hip pain,” says a satisfied
Saatva customer. Source
Summary
The
Next, let’s explore the
Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
The Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress is a standout choice for side sleepers who crave the plush comfort of memory foam combined with excellent support. It’s a mattress designed to hug your body and relieve pressure points, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
Memory Foam Comfort
The Loom & Leaf mattress is crafted from ultra-premium 5-lb memory foam. This high-density foam contours to your body, providing a deep, cradling sensation that many side sleepers find incredibly soothing. It’s like sleeping on a cloud, offering just the right amount of sinkage to cushion your hips and shoulders.
Key Features:
- CertiPUR-US® certified memory foams: Safe and non-toxic materials.
- Gel-infused memory foam layer: Helps to keep you cooler than traditional memory foam mattresses.
Relaxed Firm Option
For side sleepers, the relaxed firm option is particularly appealing. It’s designed to provide a balance of support and comfort, making it ideal for those who switch between their side and back during the night. The relaxed firm model is a true medium firmness, perfect for cradling your body while maintaining spinal alignment.
“The relaxed firm model would be a good compromise for both of us,” shared a
Saatva customer. Source
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is a critical factor for side sleepers, and the Loom & Leaf excels in this area. The mattress features multiple layers of foam that work together to alleviate pressure on the shoulders and hips. This ensures that you wake up without the aches and pains often associated with side sleeping.
Pressure Relief Highlights:
- Cooling gel-infused memory foam layer: Promotes spinal alignment and reduces pressure.
- Two comfort layers: Provide additional cushioning and support.
Lumbar Support
The Loom & Leaf mattress includes a specialized lumbar zone quilting and gel-infused memory foam lumbar crown to offer improved lower back support. This feature is particularly beneficial for side sleepers who need extra support in the midsection to maintain a neutral spine position.
Spinal Alignment
Proper spinal alignment is crucial for preventing back pain. The Loom & Leaf mattress ensures that your spine remains in a neutral position, thanks to its carefully layered foam construction. This helps to keep your body well-supported and aligned throughout the night.
“I now wake up without lower back, neck, shoulder, and hip pain,” says a satisfied
Saatva customer. Source
Summary
The
Next, let’s explore the
Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress
The Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress is a standout choice for side sleepers, offering a unique blend of natural materials and dual-sided firmness.
Natural Latex
The Zenhaven is made from natural latex, which is derived from the sap of rubber trees. This makes it an eco-friendly option for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Natural latex is not only sustainable but also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and mold, making it a healthy choice for your bedroom.
Dual-Sided Firmness
One of the key features of the Zenhaven is its dual-sided firmness. You can flip the mattress to choose between two different firmness levels: Luxury Plush (4-5/10) and Gentle Firm (7-8/10). This flexibility allows you to find the perfect comfort level for your sleep needs.
Most side sleepers will prefer the Luxury Plush side, which provides just the right amount of softness to cradle the shoulders and hips while maintaining excellent support.
Buoyant Support
Unlike memory foam, which can sometimes feel like you’re sinking in, natural latex offers a buoyant support. This means the Zenhaven gently contours to your body without that “stuck” feeling. The buoyancy of latex also makes it easier to move around, which is great for side sleepers who tend to shift positions during the night.
Eco-Friendly
The Zenhaven is not just good for you; it’s good for the planet. The mattress is made using eco-friendly materials and processes. For instance, the organic wool used in the mattress acts as a natural flame retardant and helps regulate temperature. Plus, the organic cotton cover is naturally breathable and soft to the touch.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is crucial for side sleepers, and the Zenhaven excels in this area. The natural latex layers provide excellent pressure point relief, reducing stress on the shoulders and hips. This helps in maintaining proper spinal alignment and reduces the chances of waking up with aches and pains.
“The Zenhaven gently contours to your shape without making you feel stuck,” says a Sleepopolis reviewer. Source
Summary
The
Next, let’s explore the
Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress
The Saatva Latex Hybrid Mattress is a standout option for side sleepers, combining the best of latex and pocketed coils. This mattress is designed to offer pressure point relief, proper spinal alignment, and eco-friendly materials.
Latex and Pocketed Coils
The
Pressure Point Relief
Side sleepers often struggle with pressure points at the shoulders and hips. The combination of latex and pocketed coils in this mattress excels at alleviating these pressure points. The latex gently contours to your body, while the coils provide support where you need it most.
“I now wake up without lower back, neck, shoulder, and hip pain and am experiencing true rest for the first time in years,” says a satisfied
Saatva customer. Source
Spinal Alignment
Proper spinal alignment is crucial for side sleepers. The
Eco-Friendly
The
“The natural Talalay latex layer and the coil system work together to promote airflow, helping to keep you cool during the night,” notes a review from Yawnder. Source
Summary
The
Next, we’ll dive into the
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress is a standout choice for side sleepers looking for a blend of support and comfort without breaking the bank. This mattress combines memory foam with a coil system to provide a balanced sleeping experience.
Memory Foam and Hybrid Design
The mattress features a memory foam layer that contours to your body, offering targeted pressure relief for your hips and shoulders. This is crucial for side sleepers who need cushioning to avoid waking up with sore spots.
Beneath the memory foam, the hybrid design incorporates individually wrapped coils. These coils provide a responsive feel and help maintain spinal alignment by preventing excessive sinkage.
Back Pain Relief
For side sleepers with back pain, the
Spinal Alignment
Spinal alignment is essential for side sleepers, and this mattress excels in that area. The memory foam layer adapts to your body’s curves, while the coils provide the necessary support to keep your spine straight. This helps prevent discomfort and promotes a healthier sleep posture.
Budget-Friendly
Despite its premium features, the
Real-World Feedback
Customers have praised the mattress for its comfort and support. One review states, “The mattress provides ample cushioning to relieve pressure points, particularly around the hips and shoulders.” Another user mentioned, “It’s the perfect balance of support and comfort, and the price point is unbeatable.”
Key Features
- Memory Foam: Offers targeted pressure relief
- Hybrid Design: Combines memory foam with coils for support
- Spinal Alignment: Keeps your spine straight and healthy
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable without sacrificing quality
In summary, the
Next, we’ll explore the
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Saatva Mattress for Side Sleepers
What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?
For side sleepers, a soft to medium-firm mattress is generally the best choice. This range provides the right balance of pressure relief and spinal alignment. When you sleep on your side, your shoulders and hips press into the mattress. A softer surface helps cushion these points, preventing discomfort.
The Saatva Classic in Plush Soft is a great option for lighter side sleepers, while the Luxury Firm offers a bit more support for those who need it. However, individual preferences and body types can vary, so test the mattress during the trial period.
Why is Saatva so expensive?
Saatva mattresses may seem expensive, but there are good reasons for this. Firstly, they use natural materials like organic cotton and eco-friendly foams. These materials are not only better for the environment but also more durable and healthier for you.
Additionally,
How many years do Saatva mattresses last?
Saatva mattresses are designed to last between 10 to 15 years. This longevity is due to their high-quality construction and durable materials. For instance, the Saatva HD and Saatva Classic have robust coil systems and high-density foams that resist sagging and wear over time.
Regular care, like rotating the mattress and keeping it clean, can help extend its lifespan.
Next, we’ll explore the
Conclusion
At Yawnder, we are dedicated to helping you find the perfect mattress for your needs. We understand that side sleepers require a mattress that offers both pressure relief and spinal alignment. That’s why we’ve reviewed the best
Our expert reviews have highlighted the Saatva Classic, Saatva Loom & Leaf, Saatva Zenhaven, Saatva Latex Hybrid, and Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid as top choices. Each of these mattresses offers unique benefits, from luxurious pillow-tops to eco-friendly materials, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every side sleeper.
Yawnder makes it easy to find your ideal mattress with our straightforward, expert reviews. Plus, we offer direct-to-door shipping, so you can start enjoying a better night’s sleep without any hassle.
Find more about our natural mattresses and find the perfect