Best Sleeping Positions and the Right Mattress for You
When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep,
your sleeping position matters more than you think. Whether you’re a back sleeper, side sleeper, or stomach sleeper, the way you sleep affects your spine alignment, comfort, and overall sleep quality. Even more important? Choosing the
right mattress and pillow to support the way you sleep.
Let’s explore the most common sleeping positions, their benefits and drawbacks, and how to choose the
best mattress for your sleep style.
Back Sleepers: Best for Spinal Alignment
If you’re someone who sleeps flat on your back, you’re in luck — this is one of the healthiest sleep positions for proper spine and neck alignment.
Benefits of sleeping on your back:
- Keeps spine in a neutral position
- Reduces pressure on joints
- Helps prevent facial wrinkles
- May relieve acid reflux (especially with an elevated pillow)
Challenges:
Back sleeping can lead to increased snoring and may worsen sleep apnea in some individuals.
Best mattress for back sleepers:
Look for a
medium-firm to firm mattress that supports your back without allowing your hips to sink too deep. A
memory foam pillow works best for neck support.
Side Sleepers: Most Popular & Pressure-Relieving
Side sleeping is the most common position worldwide and especially beneficial for digestion and heart health — particularly when sleeping on the left side.
Benefits of sleeping on your side:
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Reduces snoring
- Ideal for pregnant individuals
- Helps with sleep apnea in some cases
Challenges:
Can cause shoulder or hip discomfort without proper support. May also lead to facial compression and wrinkles over time.
Best mattress for side sleepers:
Choose a
plush or medium mattress that provides pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. A
thicker, supportive pillow is ideal to keep your head and neck aligned.
Stomach Sleepers: Comfort With Caution
Stomach sleepers often prefer this position for comfort, but it can be tough on the spine and neck, especially without the right mattress.
Benefits of sleeping on your stomach:
- May reduce snoring
- Can feel comforting and secure for some
Challenges:
Places strain on the neck and spine, leading to pain or stiffness. May cause muscle fatigue due to unnatural positioning.
Best mattress for stomach sleepers:
Go for a
firm mattress that prevents the midsection from sinking. Pair with a
low-profile or flat pillow to reduce neck strain.
Combination Sleepers: The Restless Rotators
If you move around during the night and sleep in multiple positions, you’re a combination sleeper.
Tips for combination sleepers:
- Choose a responsive mattress that supports movement (latex or hybrid is ideal)
- Look for a medium-firm mattress to accommodate all positions
- Use a pillow with adaptive support that adjusts as you shift
Why Your Sleeping Position Matters
Your sleeping position not only affects comfort — it can impact posture, joint health, breathing, and circulation. And while you may not consciously control how you sleep, using the
right sleep surface can help your body rest in a more natural, healthy way.
Find the Right Mattress for Your Sleep Style
At The Sealy Mattress Gallery, we specialize in helping you find the
perfect mattress and pillow for how you sleep. Whether you need the
best mattress for side sleepers, something firm for stomach sleeping, or a plush bed that cradles your back — we’ve got the expertise and range to help you sleep better, every night.
Final Tip:
If you’re unsure which sleep position suits you best or you’re waking up with aches and pains, visit us in-store or online for a personalized sleep consultation.
Better sleep starts with the right position — and the perfect mattress.
