A collage of a woman lying in bed in numerous different sleep positions.

How to Choose the Best Mattress for Your Sleeping Position

Emma Carlton

July 16, 2026

Your sleeping position plays a bigger role in your sleep quality than you might think. Whether you're a side sleeper, back sleeper, stomach sleeper or someone who changes position throughout the night, choosing the right mattress can make a huge difference to your comfort, support and all-round sleep quality.

The best mattress for you should help keep your spine aligned, relieve pressure where your body needs it most and suit the way you naturally sleep. Get it right, and you could enjoy more comfortable nights and wake feeling better rested.

In this guide, we'll explain how different sleeping positions affect the type of mattress you should choose. From the best memory foam mattress for side sleepers to supportive mattresses for back sleepers, combination sleepers and couples with different comfort preferences, we'll help you find the right fit for your sleep style.

Choosing the Right Mattress: What to Consider

While your preferred sleeping position is one of the most important factors when buying a mattress, it's not the only one. Before making your decision, think about the following:

Your sleeping position: Different sleep positions place pressure on different parts of the body, so choosing a mattress that supports your natural posture is a must.
Your body weight: Lighter sleepers may find softer mattresses comfortable, while heavier individuals often benefit from a medium to firm mattress that provides greater support and durability. For more info on choosing a mattress based on body weight, check out our dedicated blog.
Aches and pains: If you regularly wake with back, neck, shoulder or hip discomfort, choosing a mattress with enhanced pressure relief and supportive comfort can help improve your sleep.
Allergies: Hypoallergenic mattress materials can help reduce common allergens, making them a great option for allergy sufferers.
Temperature regulation: If you tend to sleep hot or experience night sweats, look for mattresses with breathable or cooling technologies, such as the temperature-regulating materials found in the iGel collection.
Sharing your bed: If you sleep with a partner, consider a mattress that balances both of your comfort preferences while reducing motion transfer for less sleep disturbance.

Finding the right mattress is about balancing these factors with your individual comfort preferences, giving you the support you need for a better night's sleep.

What Is the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers?

Quick answer: Side sleepers generally benefit from a medium to medium-soft mattress that cushions the shoulders and hips while supporting the spine. Memory foam, pocket sprung and hybrid mattresses are all popular choices because they combine pressure relief with responsive support.

A woman asleep on her side in bed, hugging a pillow

As the UK's most common sleeping position, side sleeping is naturally suited to a wide range of mattresses. However, because most of your body weight is concentrated on your shoulders and hips, it's important to choose a mattress that gently contours to these pressure points without allowing your body to sink too deeply.

Memory foam mattresses mould to your body shape for personalised pressure relief, while pocket sprung mattresses provide responsive support that adapts to your movements. Hybrid mattresses combine the benefits of both, offering supportive springs with cushioning comfort layers for a balanced sleep experience.

The Pros and Cons of Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is widely regarded as one of the healthiest sleeping positions. Research suggests it may help improve digestion and reduce symptoms of acid reflux, particularly when sleeping on your left-hand side (4). It's also associated with reduced snoring compared with sleeping on your back (5), making it a popular choice for couples. During pregnancy, healthcare professionals often recommend sleeping on your side, especially throughout the third trimester (6).

Like any sleeping position, however, side sleeping isn't without its challenges. Without the right mattress, increased pressure can build around the shoulders, hips and knees, sometimes leading to discomfort or interrupted sleep. Choosing a mattress with effective pressure relief and supportive comfort layers can help reduce these pressure points while promoting healthy spinal alignment throughout the night.

How to Sleep Comfortably on Your Side

Sleeping on your side with good posture can help you get the most from your mattress. Aim to keep your head, neck and spine in a straight, neutral line, avoiding twisting your neck or tilting your chin too far up or down.

Many side sleepers find it comfortable to slightly bend their knees into a relaxed foetal position. Placing a pillow between your knees can also help keep your hips aligned and may reduce pressure on your lower back and knees.

Pairing good sleeping posture with a mattress that offers excellent pressure relief can help minimise pressure around the shoulders and hips while supporting healthy spinal alignment.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Choose Pressure-Relieving Comfort

Because side sleepers place more pressure on their shoulders and hips, a mattress that cushions these areas while maintaining support is often the best choice.

Hybrid mattresses are particularly well suited to side sleeping because they combine pressure-relieving comfort layers with responsive pocket springs. This balance of comfort and support helps relieve pressure points while making it easier to move during the night.

The eve Hybrid Duo Plus Mattress is an excellent option for side sleepers, combining breathable pressure-relieving foam with individually responsive pocket springs and reinforced edge support for consistent comfort across the entire sleep surface.

Best for: Side sleepers looking for a balance of cushioning comfort and responsive support.

Best Mattress for Heavier Side Sleepers

Heavier side sleepers often benefit from a mattress with a medium comfort rating and a supportive pocket spring system. This combination helps prevent excessive sink while still providing enough cushioning around pressure points.

The Slumberland Air Memory 2.0 Mattress combines 1,250 premium nested pocket springs with breathable memory foam to deliver responsive support and pressure relief. It also helps minimise partner disturbance by reducing motion transfer, making it a great choice for couples.

Best for: Heavier side sleepers or anyone looking for enhanced support with pressure-relieving comfort.

What Is the Best Mattress for Back Sleepers?

Quick answer: Back sleepers generally benefit from a medium to firm mattress that supports the natural curve of the spine while evenly distributing body weight. Pocket sprung, hybrid and orthopaedic mattresses are all popular choices, depending on your comfort preferences.

A man asleep on his back, star-fishing with legs and arms spread wide.

Sleeping on your back is the second most common sleeping position and can provide excellent spinal support when paired with the right mattress. The key is choosing a mattress that prevents your hips from sinking too deeply while comfortably supporting your lower back.

The Pros and Cons of Back Sleeping

Back sleeping naturally encourages your spine to rest in a neutral position, which is why many people with back discomfort find it a comfortable way to sleep. It may also reduce pressure on the face during the night, helping to minimise sleep creases and wrinkles over time (4).

However, sleeping on your back isn't ideal for everyone. This position is commonly associated with snoring because gravity can cause the tongue and soft tissues in the throat to relax backwards during sleep. Some people may also find that back sleeping worsens acid reflux symptoms. During pregnancy, healthcare professionals generally recommend sleeping on your side rather than on your back.

How to Sleep Comfortably on Your Back

If you're a back sleeper, a supportive mattress is only part of the equation. Placing a pillow beneath your knees can help maintain the natural curve of your lower back and reduce pressure on your spine. Some sleepers also find that slightly elevating their head can help reduce snoring or reflux, provided the neck remains comfortably supported.

The aim is to keep your spine in a neutral position from your neck through to your hips, allowing your muscles to fully relax while you sleep.

Best Pocket Sprung Mattress for Back Sleepers

Pocket sprung mattresses are an excellent choice for back sleepers because each spring responds independently to your body's weight and movements. This personalised support helps maintain spinal alignment while reducing movement across the mattress.

The *Slumberland Naturals Premium Wool Mattress combines individually responsive pocket springs with seasonal comfort materials. Wool is naturally temperature regulating, helping to keep you warmer in winter, and cooler in summer. Its also available in medium and firm feels, both of which could provide balanced support for back sleepers throughout the year.

Best for: Back sleepers who want responsive support with year-round comfort.

Best Orthopaedic Mattress for Back Support

If you're looking for a firmer feel with enhanced support, an orthopaedic mattress could be worth considering. While they're not medical devices, orthopaedic mattresses are typically designed to provide a firmer sleeping surface that promotes good spinal alignment and even weight distribution.

The Slumberland Orthopaedic Support Luxe Mattress is designed with both firm and extra-firm comfort options, making it a strong choice for back sleepers who prefer a more supportive feel. It features a 1400 Apex Max Pro™ pocket spring system with full height springs that respond individually to movement, alongside reinforced edge support and a firm foam layer designed to help with spinal alignment.

Best for: Back sleepers looking for firm, supportive comfort with advanced pocket spring technology.

What Is the Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers?

Quick answer: Stomach sleepers usually benefit from a firm or extra-firm mattress that prevents the body from sinking too deeply while helping maintain a more neutral sleeping position. Pocket sprung and latex mattresses are often good choices because they provide strong, responsive support.

A man asleep on his front, face planting the pillow with one arm raised above his head, his head and neck twisted to one side.

Sleeping on your front is one of the least common sleep positions, but if it is your preferred way to sleep, choosing the right mattress can make a big difference to your comfort.

Because front sleepers place much of their weight across their chest, hips and stomach, a mattress that is too soft may allow the body to sink unevenly. This can place extra strain on the neck and lower back. A supportive mattress with a firmer feel can help keep your body better aligned throughout the night.

The Pros and Cons of Front Sleeping

Front sleeping can be a comfortable position for some people, but it does present a few challenges. Because your head is usually turned to one side while sleeping on your stomach, this position can place additional pressure on the neck, shoulders and upper back.

For this reason, sleep experts often recommend trying side or back sleeping where possible, particularly during pregnancy, when side sleeping is generally advised (3). I

One potential benefit of front sleeping is that it may reduce snoring compared with sleeping on your back, as your airway is less likely to be affected by gravity (2).

How to Sleep More Comfortably on Your Stomach

If you are a committed front sleeper, there are a few ways to make your sleeping position more comfortable.

Choosing a thin pillow is one of the most important adjustments you can make. A high pillow can lift your head too far upwards, increasing strain on your neck. Some front sleepers may also find that placing a thin pillow beneath their pelvis helps support a more natural spinal position.

Gentle stretching in the morning can also help your body recover after spending several hours in one position.

Best Mattress for Front Sleepers: Choose Firm Support

A firm mattress is often the best choice for stomach sleepers because it helps prevent excessive sinking around the hips and torso.

While lighter sleepers may find a medium mattress comfortable, many front sleepers prefer the added stability of a firm or extra-firm mattress.

The Staples & Co Artisan Splendour Mattress provides responsive individual spring support and reinforced edge support, creating a stable sleep surface that helps keep front sleepers comfortably supported from edge to edge.

Best for: Front sleepers looking for a premium firm mattress with responsive support.

Latex Mattresses: A Supportive Alternative for Front Sleepers

Latex mattresses are another excellent option for stomach sleepers who want a supportive feel without the slower response of some memory foam mattresses.

The Staples & Co Restore Eco Latex Ortho 2000 Mattress combines the responsive comfort of latex with the support of 2000 individual pocket springs. With an extra-firm comfort level, reinforced edge support and a Posture Perimeter Plus System, it creates a stable sleep surface designed to support front sleepers who prefer a firmer feel.

The breathable latex layer also helps create a comfortable sleeping environment, while the Tencel™ fabric cover provides moisture management and anti-allergy benefits.

Best for: Front sleepers looking for an extra-firm mattress with responsive latex comfort and strong support.

Best Mattress for Couples and Combination Sleepers

Choosing a mattress can become more complicated when two people share a bed or when you change sleeping positions throughout the night.

Perhaps one person is a side sleeper while the other sleeps on their back. Maybe one of you prefers a softer feel while the other needs firmer support. Or perhaps you move between different sleeping positions as you sleep.

The good news is that there are mattress options designed to suit different needs.

Finding the Best Mattress for Couples

Sharing a bed can bring many benefits, including improved feelings of closeness and connection, but finding a mattress that works for both people is essential.

If you and your partner have different sleeping styles, look for features such as:

Motion isolation: Helps reduce disturbance when one person moves during the night.
Responsive support: Allows each sleeper to move comfortably without feeling trapped.
Edge support: Creates a stable sleeping surface across the whole mattress.
Different comfort options: Helps accommodate different firmness preferences.

Zip and Link Mattresses: A Flexible Choice for Couples

A zip and link mattress can be an excellent solution for couples who need different levels of support.

By combining two separate mattresses within one bed frame, zip and link designs allow each person to choose their preferred comfort level while still enjoying the benefits of sharing a bed.

They can be particularly useful for couples with different sleeping positions, such as side and stomach sleepers or back and side sleepers.

Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers

If you regularly move between sleeping positions, you’ll need a mattress that adapts quickly to your changing posture.

Combination sleepers often benefit from a responsive mattress that provides support in multiple positions without feeling restrictive.

The Slumberland Response Latex Premium Mattress is a great choice for combination sleepers thanks to its responsive latex comfort layer and supportive pocket spring system. Designed to adapt as you move throughout the night, it provides a balanced feel that helps keep you comfortable whether you sleep on your side, back or front. The combination of pressure relief and responsive support makes it easier to change position without feeling restricted.

Best for: Combination sleepers who need adaptable support throughout the night.

Why Motion Isolation Matters for Couples

If you or your partner move frequently during the night, motion isolation is an important feature to consider.

A mattress with good motion isolation absorbs movement rather than transferring it across the bed, helping reduce disturbances when one person changes position.

The Staples & Co Opulence Mattress is designed with features that help minimise movement transfer, making it a strong choice for couples who want a more peaceful night's sleep.

Best for: Couples who want to minimise disruption from movement during the night.

Find Your Perfect Mattress at Bensons for Beds

Whether you sleep curled up on your side, stretched out on your back or comfortably on your front, finding the right mattress starts with understanding your individual sleep style.

At Bensons for Beds, our sleep experts combine years of knowledge with technology such as our sleeppro® system to help you uncover the mattress comfort level that best suits your body, sleeping position and preferences.

With our 40-night comfort guarantee, you can feel confident that your new mattress is helping you get the comfortable, restorative sleep you deserve.

To find your ideal mattress, visit your local Bensons for Beds store or speak to one of our sleep experts.

Sources:

Emma Carlton - Mattress & Softs Buyer

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