If you're someone who naturally curls up on your side when you get into bed, you're certainly not alone.
Side sleeping is one of the most common sleeping positions, and for many people, it's the most comfortable way to settle down for the night.
But have you ever woken up with an aching shoulder, a tender hip or the feeling that you've spent half the night trying to find a comfortable position?
It could be down to the way your body interacts with your mattress.
Side sleeping places particular demands on a mattress, especially around the shoulders and hips. Understanding why can make a real difference when choosing the right sleeping surface.
Why Does Side Sleeping Create Pressure Points?
When you sleep on your side, your body weight isn't distributed across the mattress in quite the same way as when you lie on your back.
Instead, a significant proportion of your weight is concentrated around a smaller number of contact points.
Two of the most noticeable are your shoulders and hips.
These areas naturally protrude further than other parts of the body, which means they tend to press more firmly into the mattress.
If the sleeping surface doesn't provide enough cushioning, that pressure can become uncomfortable over time.
The result?
You may find yourself constantly changing sides, adjusting your pillow or waking up with aches that weren't there when you went to bed.
The Importance of Shoulder Comfort for Side Sleepers
Your shoulder is one of the first areas to experience pressure when lying on your side.
Ideally, your mattress should allow your shoulder to sink in sufficiently to accommodate its shape without leaving the rest of your body unsupported.
If your mattress is excessively firm for your build and sleeping style, your shoulder may remain raised, potentially affecting the alignment of your neck and upper spine.
This can contribute to discomfort, particularly if you remain in the same position for long periods.
On the other hand, a mattress that's too soft may allow your upper body to sink further than feels comfortable.
The aim is to find a sleeping surface that offers cushioning where it's needed while maintaining suitable support.
Why Your Hips Need Pressure Relief Too
Your hips carry a substantial proportion of your body weight when you sleep on your side.
As a result, the hip that's in contact with the mattress can experience considerable pressure.
If the mattress doesn't contour sufficiently around this area, you may experience tenderness or discomfort.
However, pressure relief isn't simply about choosing the softest mattress available.
A mattress must also support your pelvis and lower back.
If your hips sink too deeply, your spine may move out of a comfortable, neutral alignment.
This is why pressure relief and support need to work together.
Can Mattress Firmness Make a Difference?
Yes, although the ideal firmness varies from person to person.
Side sleepers often appreciate a mattress with enough cushioning to accommodate their shoulders and hips.
However, body weight, build, personal preference and mattress construction all influence how firm or soft a mattress feels
A lighter side sleeper may experience a firm mattress very differently from someone with a heavier build.
Similarly, two mattresses described as medium-firm may provide noticeably different levels of pressure relief.
Rather than relying entirely on a firmness label, it's worth considering how the mattress actually feels when you lie in your usual sleeping position.
For a more detailed explanation, read our guide to How Sleeping Positions Affect Mattress Firmness.
Which Mattress Types Are Worth Considering for Side Sleepers?
There are several mattress constructions that can provide good comfort for side sleepers.
The important thing is finding one that suits your individual needs.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam is often popular with side sleepers because of its ability to contour around the body.
By responding to pressure, it can help distribute weight more evenly around the shoulders and hips.
This may reduce the feeling of pressure in those areas.
However, memory foam mattresses vary considerably in density, construction and overall firmness, so not every model will suit every side sleeper.
Pocket Sprung Mattresses
Pocket sprung mattresses use individual springs that respond to pressure independently.
Depending on the spring system and comfort layers, they can provide a combination of targeted support and cushioning.
For side sleepers, a pocket sprung mattress with suitable comfort fillings may offer an appealing balance.
Latex Mattresses
Latex is another material worth considering.
It offers a responsive sleeping surface that can contour to the body while maintaining a buoyant feel.
Some sleepers prefer this because they can move more easily without feeling deeply enveloped by the mattress.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine springs with additional comfort layers, often including memory foam, latex or other cushioning materials.
For side sleepers who want both pressure relief and a responsive feel, a well-matched hybrid mattress may be a good option.
Does Your Pillow Affect Shoulder Pressure?
It certainly can.
When sleeping on your side, there's naturally a gap between your head and the mattress created by the width of your shoulder.
Your pillow needs to fill that gap comfortably so that your head and neck remain reasonably aligned with the rest of your spine.
A pillow that's too low may allow your head to tilt downwards.
One that's too high may push your head upwards.
Either situation can contribute to neck discomfort.
The ideal pillow height depends on your shoulder width, mattress softness and individual body shape.
This is one reason why choosing a pillow and mattress together can be helpful.
Could a Pillow Between Your Knees Help?
For some side sleepers, placing a pillow between the knees can improve comfort.
When lying on your side, your upper leg may naturally fall forwards or downwards, potentially rotating the pelvis.
A pillow between the knees can help keep the legs in a more neutral position and may reduce strain around the hips and lower back.
It doesn't work for everyone, but it's a simple adjustment worth trying if you regularly experience discomfort.
What About Sleeping with Your Arm Under Your Pillow?
Many side sleepers tuck an arm beneath their pillow or head.
Although this may initially feel comfortable, keeping your arm in this position for an extended period can sometimes place pressure on the shoulder, arm or nerves.
You might notice pins and needles, numbness or an uncomfortable sensation when you wake.
Trying a different arm position or adjusting your pillow height may help.
Persistent numbness, weakness or pain should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Five Ways to Make Side Sleeping More Comfortable
If you're a committed side sleeper, a few small changes may improve your comfort.
1. Check your mattress pressure relief. Your shoulders and hips should feel cushioned without excessive sinking.
2. Choose a suitable pillow. Aim to keep your head and neck comfortably aligned.
3. Try a pillow between your knees. This may help support a more comfortable hip and pelvic position.
4. Avoid putting excessive pressure on your lower arm. Experiment with positions that don't trap your arm beneath your body.
5. Pay attention to morning discomfort. Regularly waking with aches may indicate that your mattress, pillow or sleeping posture needs attention.
How Do You Know If Your Mattress Is Suitable for Side Sleeping?
One of the simplest ways to assess a mattress is to lie on it in your usual sleeping position.
Don't just sit on the edge or press the surface with your hand.
Lie on your side for several minutes and pay attention to how your body feels.
Ask yourself whether your shoulder feels compressed, whether your hips are comfortably supported and whether your spine feels naturally aligned.
If you feel uncomfortable pressure almost immediately, the mattress may not be the right match.
And remember, the most expensive mattress isn't automatically the most suitable one.
Comfort is personal.
Final Thoughts: Comfort Is About More Than Softness
Side sleeping can be a comfortable and natural position, but it places particular demands on your shoulders and hips.
The right mattress should provide sufficient cushioning to reduce uncomfortable pressure while still supporting your body.
It's a balance that can make a noticeable difference to how comfortable you feel in bed.
At Paul Antony Beds & Bedrooms, we believe choosing a mattress should be about understanding your individual sleeping needs rather than simply selecting a firmness rating.
Whether you prefer memory foam, pocket sprung, latex or a hybrid design, the aim is to find a mattress that feels right for you.
For more information, take a look at our other guides:-
[How Sleeping Positions Affect Mattress Firmness Choice]
