While we may often lay on our backs to get to sleep, only about 8-14 percent of sleepers say that sleeping on their back is their preferred sleep position. Although it’s not the most popular sleep position, sleeping on your back is one of the best positions for head, back and neck alignment. Because there is no extra pressure added to those areas, your spine can rest in a neutral position.

However, for those who suffer with acid reflux and snoring, sleeping face up can worsen those issues. According to Dr. Kansagra, Mattress Firm’s sleep health expert: “…the airway becomes so narrow that it becomes intermittently blocked, which makes breathing difficult. This problem of a recurrent blocked airway is known as obstructive sleep apnea.”

• Memory foam or hybrid mattresses

These materials are best for conforming to the spine, neck and head.

With nearly 75 percent of sleepers preferring to snooze on their side, it’s by far the most popular sleep position. However, despite being popular among sleep positions, side sleeping can lead to shoulder, hip and back pain if your spine, neck and hips aren’t properly aligned.


For those who experience some pain from their side sleeping preference, the key to a better night’s sleep lies in finding the best mattress for sleeping on side and the best side sleep pillow. When you sleep on your side, you will need to ensure your body remains aligned so that pressure is taken off your shoulders and hips, and any mattresses for side sleepers should also provide ample comfort, meaning ultra-plush and plush mattresses are often the best option.

• Start your search on the softer side.

Plush or medium comfort level mattresses are best for side sleepers as they have enough padding to reduce pressure points like shoulders and hips.

• Test out your options.

Whenever you’re ready to replace your mattress, make sure to test out a potential new bed before making a decision. By laying down in the position you prefer to sleep in, you will be able to tell whether or not this could be the bed of your dreams.

If you’re a stomach sleeper, you’ve probably heard the general consensus that it’s not the most beneficial position for sleeping due to the extra strain it can put on your neck and spine. Despite that, roughly 16 percent of the population still prefers to sleep face down. The best mattress type for stomach sleepers is one that gives you optimal  support and comfort.

• Stomach sleepers typically should avoid plush mattresses.

While you may like your bed to be extra comfy, a firm mattress is best for stomach sleepers. By providing your muscles with resistance, the best firm mattress for back pain will help prevent your spine from being misaligned during sleep.

Many times, couples have differing sleep needs and sleeping positions, so one of you may end up sacrificing individual sleeping preferences in order to make your partner happy. But it shouldn’t have to be that way, so find a mattress that meets both of your needs!

• Stick together.

It’s essential that you shop for a new mattress as a couple versus shopping separately and comparing finds. If one of you is a side sleeper and the other is a back sleeper or stomach sleeper, we encourage you to  test out all the mattresses you’re interested in  a store as a couple.

• Explore new options.

Finding a mattress for couples can seem like a challenge, but it’s important to keep an open mind and experiment with different size mattresses. Test out a variety of sizes — like queen mattresses and king mattresses — to make sure both partners have plenty of room to sleep peacefully.