Proper Spinal Alignment While Sleeping

Vincent DeFazio • July 18, 2024
0 minute read
correct sleeping position

During sleep, our muscles relax, reducing their ability to support the spine and making it more susceptible to misalignment. Factors such as improper mattress support, pressure points on shoulders, hips and knees as well as poor sleeping positions contribute to this vulnerability. A mattress that fails to provide adequate support and pressure relief can cause the spine to curve unnaturally, leading to discomfort and long-term posture issues.

 

How to achieve optimal spinal alignment can be a personalized question. What may be beneficial for one sleeper could be problematic for another sleeper’s spine. While there are several factors to consider before arriving at the perfect mattress for optimal spinal alignment – including material, firmness, body type, etc. – the right answer will fundamentally depend on what type of sleeper you are.

 

Different Types of Sleepers

 

Back Sleepers


Back sleepers require a mattress that can support the natural curve of their spine. A firmer mattress can provide the necessary support to keep their lower back aligned, although it should also be soft enough to be comfortable. Our InnerSpring mattresses can provide the necessary firmness to keep the spine properly aligned while offering a comfortable sleep surface.

 

InnerSpring mattresses offer traditional support with varying coil counts, gauges and shapes. The ideal number and disposition of coils will be different depending on sleeper preferences, but the ultimate goal is finding an InnerSpring mattress with optimal firmness and weight distribution to promote healthy spinal alignment and sleep comfort.

 

Side Sleepers


Side sleepers, in contrast, should prioritize cushioning their shoulders and hips to prevent pressure points as well as maintaining support for their waist and neck. When testing a mattress, it’s critical to ensure your neck and waist are level, as excessive dipping or elevation could cause spinal misalignment.

 

Side sleepers need to look for a healthy balance between a soft and supportive structure. Our pillow-top and latex mattresses are designed to offer both cushioning and a dense supportive structure, making either a great option for side sleepers.

 

Stomach Sleepers


Stomach sleepers need to prevent their lower back from sinking too deeply and their spine from curving unnaturally, making firmness a key attribute to look for in a mattress. Latex mattresses are known for their resilience and ability to provide consistent support across the entire mattress surface while contouring to the shape of your body, keeping your hips upright and ensuring proper spinal alignment throughout the night. However, for added firmness, sleepers may want to opt for an InnerSpring mattress, or a mattress that combines latex foam and coils, like our Doctor’s Special or hybrid Superior Rest mattresses.

 

What if you sleep in a combination of styles, like someone who falls asleep on their side but spends most of the night on their back? For combination sleepers, you should try to shop for the style you tend to sleep in the most. Opting for a medium-firm InnerSpring or latex mattress can ensure you enjoy a balanced sleep experience that doesn’t leave you feeling sore in the morning.

 

Is There a Wrong Material for Spinal Alignment? Yes – Memory Foam

 

Memory foam mattresses tend to not be the best choice for spinal alignment. The material can lose its elasticity, dent and develop permanent impressions over time. Memory foam, which is notorious for its heat retention, becomes softer as it heats up through the night. While a contouring sleep surface may be comfortable for some sleepers, the excessive sinking can cause the spine to curve unnaturally, leading to sore mornings.

 

Sleep quality and spinal alignment aren’t the only issues to be concerned about. Some mattresses pose other health risks, including reduced indoor air quality. Memory foam, unlike latex, can’t be found in nature. It’s a highly manufactured, chemical-packed material composed of isocyanates, polyols and blowing agents. These chemicals gradually release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your bedroom in a process known as off-gassing. 

 

Opting for latex or InnerSpring mattresses can provide more consistent support without sacrificing a soft and malleable sleeping surface.

 

We’ve Been Producing Hand-Made InnerSpring and Latex Mattresses Custom-Tailored for Great Sleep for Over 30 Years

 

As a factory-direct, family-owned company, the team at Twilight Bedding ensures every mattress in our inventory has been optimized to provide Seattle mattress shoppers with great sleep on a consistent basis – all at wholesale prices that competitors can’t beat.

 

Get a good night’s rest and mornings without back pain. Call our Spokane Valley showroom at (509) 926-2333 or our North Spokane showroom at (509) 413-2431, or visit us in person today to explore our unparalleled InnerSpring and Latex mattress collections.

By Vincent DeFazio May 21, 2025
Sleep is a vital part of childhood growth, development, mood and academic performance. While it may seem convenient or cost-effective to pass down a used mattress from an older sibling or relative, the truth is that hand-me-down mattresses may do more harm than good for your child’s health and sleep quality. At Twilight Bedding, we know families are always looking for smart ways to save money, but cutting corners on your child’s sleep setup can lead to long-term consequences. Mattresses Break Down Over Time  Even high-quality mattresses are not built to last forever. Over years of use, materials like foam, coils and padding begin to break down, losing their ability to provide proper support and alignment. An old mattress that has already conformed to someone else’s body is unlikely to offer the spinal support growing kids and teens need. Children and teenagers are constantly developing. Their spines, muscles and joints need a mattress that promotes healthy alignment and adapts to their growing bodies. A sagging or worn-out mattress can contribute to poor posture, disrupted sleep and even back pain in younger sleepers. Hygiene and Allergens Are a Real Concern Another key reason to skip the hand-me-down mattress? Hygiene. Older mattresses can harbor years of built-up dust, allergens, dead skin cells, sweat, bacteria and even mold, especially if they’ve been stored improperly. Young sleepers are more vulnerable to allergens and respiratory issues, which can be made worse by sleeping on a used mattress. If your child suffers from allergies or asthma, a secondhand bed could quietly be making things worse night after night. And while it may not be pleasant to think about, bed bugs or dust mites are also a risk with used mattresses, especially if they’ve changed hands or locations multiple times. Buying new helps you avoid all these potential health hazards. Lack of Support Affects More Than Just Sleep Sleep quality is just as important as the number of hours spent in bed. If a mattress doesn’t support your child properly, it can lead to tossing and turning, body aches and even a lack of deep, restorative sleep. This has a direct impact on: Mood and emotional regulation School performance and focus Physical development and immune function Behavior and energy levels Teens, in particular, are going through rapid physical and hormonal changes that require consistent, quality rest. Giving them a mattress that’s past its prime can hinder both their physical and emotional well-being. One Size Does Not Fit All Just because a mattress worked for one person doesn’t mean it will work for someone else. Factors like weight, sleep position and sensitivity vary significantly between individuals. Your growing child or teen may need something firmer, softer or cooler than the person who used the mattress before them. When you buy new, you can choose the right size (Twin XL, Full, etc.), firmness and materials that best support your child’s current stage of development and continues to serve them well for years to come. A New Mattress is an Investment in Their Future Think of a mattress like you would a pair of shoes. You wouldn’t hand down worn-out shoes and expect them to support someone through miles of running or walking. A mattress is no different. I's a foundation for healthy rest, which affects every part of your child’s life. At Twilight Bedding, we carry a full range of affordable, high-quality mattresses perfect for kids, teens and college-bound young adults. Whether you’re shopping for a first “big kid” bed, upgrading for a growth spurt or preparing for a dorm room, we’re here to help. We Make It Easy for Families to Shop Smart We understand that raising kids comes with lots of expenses, which is why we offer: A variety of mattresses at different price points Long-lasting, child- and teen-friendly options that won’t wear out quickly In-store guidance from sleep specialists who understand what growing bodies need Financing options to make it even easier to invest in better sleep Stop by One of Our Spokane Showrooms and Find the Right Mattress for Your Child Your child deserves more than someone else’s leftovers when it comes to sleep. Let us help you find a mattress that promotes better health, better sleep and a better future. You can learn more by calling our North Spokane location at (509) 413-2431 for or our Spokane Valley showroom at (509) 926-2333.
By Vincent DeFazio May 21, 2025
Discover the benefits of buying a mattress locally at Twilight Bedding in Spokane. Test comfort firsthand, get expert advice, and enjoy immediate delivery options.
By Vincent DeFazio May 14, 2025
Avoid the common mattress shopping mistakes people regret after it’s too late. Twilight Bedding in Spokane, WA shares expert tips to help you choose right the first time.
Show More