Why Back Sleepers Shouldn’t Shop Like Side Sleepers (and Vice Versa)

Everyone has things they’re proud of and things they’re self-conscious about—how they look, how fit they are, how confident they seem. But sleep? That’s rarely something we compare.

You might admire someone’s wardrobe or envy their productivity, but it’s unlikely you’ve ever thought, “She’s a way better sleeper than I am.” Some people really are better at sleeping. They fall asleep quickly, stay asleep through the night, and wake up refreshed. Others struggle.

It’s just not a skill we talk about or rank the way we do with other personal traits, mostly because we don’t see how other people sleep, aside from our partners or close family.

Some aspects of sleep health are immutable, or things you’re pretty much stuck with. Others you can potentially improve with concerted effort and strategies. For many people, the focus should be less about trying to change how you sleep and more about changing bedtime routines and sleep environments, or finding a mattress and bedding that allows you to enjoy the best sleep quality possible. 

Your default sleeping position has a huge impact on the type of mattress that will give you the best support and comfort. Yet many shoppers buy mattresses based on popular trends or online reviews written by people with completely different sleep habits.

The truth is, back sleepers shouldn’t shop like side sleepers and vice versa, because your body needs something different depending on how you sleep. At Twilight Bedding, we take the time to help customers know these differences so they don’t waste money on a mattress that doesn’t actually suit their body.

Side Sleepers: Pressure Relief Is Everything

Most people sleep on their sides, but it’s not as simple as just lying down and snoozing. When you sleep on your side, your hips and shoulders carry most of your body weight. These areas need gentle contouring and cushioning so they don’t get sore or strained.

What side sleepers need:

• Sink-in softness in the right areas: A side sleeper’s mattress should allow the shoulders and hips to dip slightly into the surface while still supporting the midsection to maintain spinal alignment.
  
  
• Pressure point relief: Look for a comfort layer that’s plush enough to cradle the body and reduce tension on the joints.
  
  
• Support underneath the softness: You still need a support core that keeps the spine from sagging too low, which is why a well-made innerspring mattress with the right comfort layers can be a great choice.

At Twilight Bedding, we often recommend medium to medium-soft mattresses for side sleepers. Many customers come in with hip or shoulder pain because they bought something too firm online. A brief rest on our showroom floor often helps them immediately feel the difference the right cushioning can make.

Back Sleepers: Spinal Support Comes First

Back sleepers are in a more “neutral” position compared to side sleepers, but that doesn’t mean they can sleep on just anything. The key here is maintaining the natural curve of the spine while avoiding excess sinking at the hips.

What back sleepers need:

• Balanced support and pushback: A mattress that is too soft may cause the hips to sink too deeply, throwing off alignment. One that’s too firm may lift the hips too high and create lower back discomfort.
  
  
• Even weight distribution: A responsive support core, like coils or firm latex, helps distribute weight across the body and prevents pressure buildup in the lumbar region.
  
  
• Surface comfort: Back sleepers still need some softness at the surface to reduce tension at the shoulders and tailbone, just not as much as side sleepers.

We typically guide back sleepers toward medium to medium-firm mattresses with zoned support or firmer latex layers. At Twilight Bedding, we let you test multiple firmness levels side by side so you can actually feel the alignment in your back as you lie down.

What Happens When You Pick the Wrong One?

Mattress shopping online may be convenient, but it often leads to returns, backaches, and guesswork. A side sleeper who buys a mattress that’s “firm and supportive” because it has great reviews from back sleepers may wind up waking up with sore hips and numb arms. On the other hand, a back sleeper who goes for something ultra-plush for comfort may end up with a sagging mattress that creates persistent lower back pain.

At Twilight Bedding, we help you try before you buy and walk you through how your posture interacts with each mattress type. That means no surprises after delivery and no relying on return policies to fix a problem that could’ve been avoided with expert guidance.

What If You’re a Combo Sleeper?

Many people switch positions throughout the night. If you’re a combo sleeper, you need a mattress that’s versatile, something with enough cushioning for side sleeping and enough support for back or even stomach sleeping. Latex and innerspring models with responsive bounce are great for these sleepers, since they allow for easy movement without feeling “stuck.”

We ask the right questions at Twilight Bedding to help you find the mattress that will best accommodate your sleep style and body. That way, you’re not compromising on comfort or support.

Visit One of Our Spokane-Area Mattress Showrooms and Get Matched With the Right Mattress

Online mattress stores treat everyone the same. They make a single mattress and sell it as “perfect for all sleepers.” But at Twilight Bedding, we know that a true fit depends on how you sleep, not how someone else does.

Visit one of our two Spokane showrooms to find the right mattress for the way you sleep. Contact us here on our website or call our North Spokane showroom at (509) 413-2431 or our Spokane Valley showroom at (509) 926-2333 for more information.