Is a Plush Mattress Good For Side Sleepers? (Here Is Why)

Choosing a mattress can take a lot of thought in regard to size, firmness, and affordability. It can be hard to determine what the best mattress is, not only for your wallet, but for your weight and preferred sleeping position.

Different mattresses are more comfortable for different sleeping positions.

Is a Plush mattress good for side sleepers? Yes, according to experts you might want to look at a plush mattress if you are a side sleeper. Plush mattress softness helps minimize discomfort while still offering proper spinal alignment.

For more information on plush mattress benefits, read on.

Table of Contents

Is A Plush Mattress Good For Side Sleepers?

Experts in the Sleep Foundation say that there are benefits to plush mattresses for sleeping on your side. A plush mattress with a supportive layer underneath could be the perfect combination.

Plush mattresses allow sleepers to sink, which gives support for the full length of the body. This reduces pressure on hotspots like the shoulders, hips, and spine, which reduces pain.

Sleepers who are lighter can get more benefits out of a softer mattress, whereas heavier sleepers may want a plush mattress that’s firmer.

What’s The Definition of a Plush Mattress?

A plush mattress describes a certain level of softness. According to mattress manufacturers, a plush mattress runs about a 3 to 4 out of 10 on the firmness scale.

A plush mattress has a cushion-like comfort layer, meant to cradle the body and allow you to sink into it. It’s often described as ‘cloud-like’.

A plush mattress can be created with a pillow top or a layer of memory foam.

What Are Critical Elements For Comfort For Side Sleepers?

When you’re looking for the right mattress, knowing what you need as a side sleeper is an important part of the process. Things to consider as a side sleeper:

Contouring ability is important to cradle the body and spread the pressure from the main pressure points near the shoulders and hips.
Some support is necessary to keep the spine aligned.
Foam layers and quilted layers add a good mix of softness and support.
A higher pillow for keeping the neck aligned is also important.

Note:

Heavier individuals need more support in order to avoid back strain. For individuals over about 230 lbs., a firmer mattress is recommended.

Heavier side sleepers benefit from a mix between softer mattresses and firmer ones and may want to choose a mattress between plush-to-medium and medium levels of firmness.

What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of A Plush Mattress?

Every type of mattress has its good points and its bad points. Every type of sleeper has certain mattress types that are optimal for them.

In terms of side sleepers, plus mattresses are like any others in having their positive and negative aspects.

Positive Aspects:

– Allows sleepers to sink in and be cradled

– Permits more points of contact and reduces pressure on shoulders, hips, and spine.

– Contouring offers more comfortable sleep

– Offers some support, while still being soft

– Good for petite sleepers

– Good for sleepers who often have trouble with pain in the common pressure points.

– Can be made firmer with a mattress topper, if you want the plush feeling with a little extra support.

Negative Aspects:

– Might not provide enough support for heavier individuals

– Cradling can cause individuals to ‘sleep hot’

– Too soft can cause sinking that affects spinal alignment

What Is The Overall Opinion Regarding Plush Mattresses For Side Sleepers?

Sleep experts all agree on the following points regarding plush mattresses and side sleepers:

– Plush mattresses offer a cradling effect that is beneficial to side sleepers because it is less likely to cause pain on the major pressure points.

– Plush mattresses are often the most comfortable as far as side sleepers are concerned.

– Plush mattresses work best for side sleepers who are petite to average in weight, preferably under 250 lbs.

– Plush mattresses may not be firm enough for heavier individuals, without the aid of a mattress topper for additional support.

– Plush mattresses are not always ideal for side sleepers who ‘sleep hot’ because the greater surface area of contact results in too much heat.

– Plush-medium mattresses offer somewhat more support, while still offering that cloud-soft feel.

Final Opinion:

Plush mattresses are generally a good choice for side sleepers.

What Are Some Of The Top Recommended Mattresses For Side Sleepers?

With dozens of options out there, what are some top recommended mattresses for side sleepers, and are they considered plush mattresses?

Sleep Foundation Recommendations:

1. Helix Midnight (Best Overall):

Hybrid mattress
Medium Firmness (6)
Good for side sleepers under 130 lbs
Excellent contouring

2. Nectar (Best Value):

Foam mattress
Medium Firmness (6)
Relieves back and pressure point pain
Good for side sleepers heavier than 130 lbs

3. Dreamcloud (Most Comfortable):

Hybrid mattress
Medium Firmness (6)
Quilted cover
Good contouring and support
Best for side sleepers between 130 and 230 lbs

4. Winkbed (Best For Couples):

Innerspring mattress
Firmness between 4 and 8 depending on the request
Versatility is good for side sleepers with a range of needs
Good for people who sleep hot

5. Saatva Classic (Best Luxury):

Innerspring
Firmness between 3 and 8 depending on the request
Versatile for side sleepers with a range of requirements
Good for people who sleep hot.

6. Nolah Evolution 15 (Best For Spinal Alignment):

Hybrid
Firmness between 5 and 8
Good for side sleepers who need a little more support
Good for individuals who need more pressure relief
Highly recommended for side sleepers

7. Layla Hybrid (Best Cooling):

Hybrid
Firmness between 4 and 7 (very plush)
Good for hot sleepers
Good for preventing pain in necks, shoulders, and backs

8. Brooklyn Bedding Signature – Hybrid (Best For Shoulder Pain):

Hybrid mattress
Firmness is a 4 (soft/plush)
Good for hot sleepers
Good for alleviating shoulder pressure and pain
Strong pressure relief

9. Leesa Original (Best For Back Pain):

Foam mattress
Firmness of 5 (soft/plush)
Good for sleepers up to 230 lbs who like to sleep on their sides.
Excellent pressure relief

10. Bear Elite Hybrid (Best For Hip Pain):

Hybrid mattress
Firmness of 5 to 8
Good for alleviating pressure along the spine
Excellent for sleeping on your side

11. Birch Mattress (Best For Pressure Relief):

Hybrid mattress
Medium Firmness (6)
Excellent for providing support for those who like sleeping on their side
Good for individuals who like a responsive mattress

Good Housekeeping:

Good Housekeeping agrees with the Sleep Foundation on the benefits of the following mattresses:

Saatva Classic
Nolah Evolution 15

However, Good Housekeeping chose the following mattresses for various categories:

Allswell Luxe Hybrid: Best Value Mattress
Tuft And Needle Original: Best Side Sleeper Mattress on Amazon
Casper Nova Mattress: best Plush Mattress for Side Sleepers
AmeriSleep AS4 Mattress: Best Plush Mattress For Lightweight Side Sleepers
The Purple Mattress: Best For Heavier Side Sleepers
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Luxe Breeze: Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
Avocado Green: best Organic Mattress for Side Sleepers
Sleep Number 360 m7 Smart Bed: Best Adjustable Mattress for Side Sleepers

If you’re looking for a comfortable side sleeper bed, these options are a good place to start.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to sleeping on your side, plush mattresses have a good reputation for offering plenty of support and comfort.

While it might not be the best choice for heavier individuals, a mattress topper can give it adaptability that can support almost any side sleeper.

References

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-mattress/best-mattress-for-side-sleepers

https://casper.com/blog/what-is-a-plush-mattress/