What Sleep Position is Best? Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Denver

What Sleep Position is Best? Complete Guide to Sleep Health | Sleep Basil

After 25+ years of combined experience we created Denver's best mattress store, and we're frequently asked: "What sleep position is best?" The answer isn't as simple as you might think, but medical research provides clear guidance on which positions support optimal health—and which ones can cause long-term problems.

At Sleep Basil, we understand that choosing the right sleep position is just as important as finding the perfect pressure relieving mattress. Your sleep position affects everything from spinal alignment to breathing patterns, making it crucial for both immediate comfort and long-term health. As Denver's performance mattress store, we've helped thousands of customers optimize their sleep through proper positioning and the right supportive mattress.

"Phil helped me a lot find the perfect mattress for my body and sleeping style. Definitely recommend checking them out!" - Seba Ricke, satisfied Sleep Basil customer.

Let's explore what medical experts say about sleep positions, the health implications of each, and how to find the best mattress for side sleepers, best mattress for back sleepers, and best mattress for stomach sleepers to support your preferred position.

The Medical Evidence: What Research Says About Sleep Positions

Medical professionals and sleep researchers have extensively studied how different sleep positions affect our health. The consensus is clear: some positions are significantly better than others for maintaining spinal health and preventing pain.

Side Sleeping: The Gold Standard

Side sleeping is widely considered the healthiest sleep position by medical experts. Dr. Rachel Salas from Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that side sleeping offers numerous health benefits, including:

  • Optimal spinal alignment when properly supported
  • Reduced snoring and sleep apnea symptoms by keeping airways open
  • Better pregnancy health with improved blood flow (especially left side sleeping)
  • Reduced acid reflux symptoms
  • Lower risk of wrinkles compared to stomach sleeping

Research finding: Sleep specialists recommend side sleeping as "the most neutral of positions" for maintaining proper airway function, making it particularly beneficial for those with breathing difficulties.

Back Sleeping: The Runner-Up

Back sleeping offers significant benefits for spinal health and is the second-best option for most people. According to spine health experts, "lying flat is the nearest approximation to standing in a relaxed posture with your head, neck, and spine aligned".

Benefits of back sleeping:

  • Excellent spinal alignment with proper pillow support
  • Even weight distribution across the body
  • Reduced pressure points
  • No facial wrinkles from pillow contact

Potential drawbacks:

  • Increased snoring risk in some individuals
  • Sleep apnea complications due to tongue positioning
  • Not recommended during pregnancy (especially second and third trimesters)

Stomach Sleeping: The Position to Avoid

The medical consensus is clear: stomach sleeping is the worst position for your health. Multiple studies and medical experts strongly advise against this position due to its negative effects on the spine and neck.

Dr. Raymond J. Hah, a spine surgeon with USC Spine Center, states: "Sleeping on your stomach is the worst position for your spine... This position puts the most pressure on your spine's muscles and joints because it flattens the natural curve of your spine".

The Science Behind Stomach Sleeping Problems

Spinal stress: When you sleep on your stomach, "your torso naturally sinks deeper into the mattress because of its weight. As a result, your back might arch, stretching your spine out of neutral alignment".

Neck strain: Stomach sleeping "extends your neck backward, compressing your spine" and forces you to turn your head to one side for hours, which "can lead to a tingling sensation as your arm 'falls asleep' from constricted blood flow and compressed nerves".

Documented health risks: Research published in the Spine Health Journal shows that "stomach sleeping is responsible for 31% of neck pain cases linked to sleep positions," with studies revealing "78% of stomach sleepers experience chronic neck stiffness".

Long-term consequences: Studies demonstrate "a 58% increase in cervical degeneration after more than a decade" of stomach sleeping, with MRI scans showing "38% more disc displacement compared to those who sleep in other positions".

Sleep Position and Pain: The Critical Connection

Harvard Health research shows that "sleep disturbances disrupt the muscle relaxation and healing that normally occur during sleep," contributing to a cycle where "pain can disrupt sleep, and sleep problems contributing to pain".

For those dealing with a mattress for back pain or seeking a mattress for tossing and turning, understanding this connection is crucial. Poor sleep positioning can exacerbate existing pain conditions and create new problems over time.

The Spine-Sleep Position Relationship

According to the National Spine Health Foundation, "sleeping on your stomach is the sleep position that puts the most pressure on your spine because it counters the natural curves of your spine and forces you to turn your neck".

The foundation emphasizes that proper spinal alignment during sleep is essential because lying down gives "the spine's chance to finally take a rest after holding you up all day against the heavy weight of gravity."

How to Retrain Your Sleep Position

Sleeping positions are hard to retrain, especially after years of sleeping in a particular position. Medical experts acknowledge that "sleep patterns are often learned as children. When we repeat these patterns over many years, they become habits".

However, position retraining is possible with patience and the right techniques. Sleep specialists confirm that "it's definitely possible to change how you sleep. It will, however, take some effort".

Evidence-Based Retraining Strategies

For Transitioning to Side Sleeping

Physical barriers: Sleep medicine specialists recommend "purchasing the pillow to support the type of sleeper you want to be" and using "specific tricks" like placing "pillows around your body to make a barrier".

Tennis ball technique: Dr. Georges Ghacibeh from Hackensack University Medical Center explains that "side sleep training was traditionally done by taping a tennis ball to the back of the pajama top... Over time, this becomes a trained reflex".

Progressive comfort enhancement: Sleep experts recommend making "it extra comfy to sleep on the side" by using knee pillows and arranging supportive pillows around your body.

For Transitioning to Back Sleeping

Knee support: Research shows that placing "a supportive pillow under your knees before bed" helps maintain proper spinal alignment for back sleepers.

Gradual adjustment: Sleep specialists recommend starting by "practice[ing] this restful yoga routine" and relaxing your hips to make the transition more comfortable.

Environmental modifications: Experts suggest creating "a barrier of pillows on either side of you to stop yourself from turning to your side or your stomach".

Realistic Expectations for Position Changes

Sleep experts caution that "it can take time to change a habit and you must be prepared that it is very difficult to control your movements during sleep. We all change sleeping positions – some say up to 40 times each night".

The key is persistence and measuring success by how you feel upon waking rather than maintaining perfect position all night.

If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em: Supporting Your Current Position

If you can't help but sleep on your stomach, let us find the mattress that will properly support you and won't contribute to excess strain on your back. While we strongly encourage position retraining based on medical evidence, we understand that some people simply cannot change their lifelong habits.

At Sleep Basil, Denver's best mattress store, we believe in meeting customers where they are while helping them optimize their current situation. Our goal is to minimize harm while working toward healthier sleep patterns.

Stomach Sleeper Support Strategies

For those who must continue stomach sleeping, medical experts recommend:

Ultra-thin or no pillow: "When you sleep on your stomach, try sleeping with a very thin pillow beneath your head, or no pillow at all. The thicker your pillow, the more strain your neck experiences".

Pelvic support: Medical professionals suggest putting "a pillow under your pelvis. This will help keep your back in a more neutral position and take pressure off your spine".

Morning stretches: Healthcare providers recommend gentle morning stretching to "help relieve tension" and "realign your spine".

Mattress Recommendations by Sleep Position

As Denver's best mattress store, we've carefully selected our top recommendations for each sleep position based on 25+ years combined experience and medical research on spinal alignment and pressure relief.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need pressure relieving mattresses that contour to the body's curves while maintaining spinal alignment. Our top recommendations:

1. Generations Heritage Luxury Plush

This 14.5" luxury mattress features quilted Tencel fabric for temperature regulation and natural latex for responsive contouring. The micro-wrapped coils provide targeted support while individually wrapped coils reduce motion transfer—perfect for couples. GREENGUARD Gold certified for healthy indoor air quality.

Why it's perfect for side sleepers: The natural latex layer provides excellent pressure relief for hips and shoulders while maintaining spinal alignment. The plush comfort level accommodates the body's curves without compromising support.

2. Gel Grid Gravity Hybrid Plush

Features next-generation gel grid technology that provides 3D pressure relief and exceptional cooling. The patented zoned foam encased coil system offers personalized support with minimal motion transfer.

Side sleeper benefits: The gel grid conforms to pressure points while maintaining breathability. The plush firmness level provides optimal comfort for side sleepers while the coil system maintains proper spinal support.

3. Black Diamond Breckenridge Plush

Premium comfort technology with server-grade cooling systems designed for maximum pressure relief and temperature regulation.

Perfect for side sleepers: The plush surface provides excellent pressure point relief while advanced cooling technology prevents overheating—common among side sleepers who may have more body contact with the mattress.

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Back sleepers require medium to medium-firm support that maintains the natural curve of the spine while providing even weight distribution.

1. Technogel 3.0 Favola

Our top choice for motion isolation, featuring triple-zoned Technogel cooling layers, natural latex support, and high-density orthopedic support core. The 12" all-foam construction eliminates pressure points while maintaining proper alignment.

Back sleeper advantages: The medium firmness provides optimal spinal support while the Technogel layers prevent overheating. The all-foam construction eliminates pressure points common with spring systems.

2. Gel Grid Gravity Hybrid Medium

Advanced gel grid technology with individually wrapped coils provides the perfect balance of support and comfort for back sleepers. The medium firmness maintains spinal alignment while the gel grid offers pressure relief.

Why back sleepers love it: The medium firmness supports the natural spinal curve while the gel grid technology provides pressure relief without compromising support structure.

3. Sage Medium

Brooklyn Bedding's premium construction with Deep Freeze™ cooling cover, graphite titanium memory foam, and natural Talalay latex. The 840-coil support system with Quantum Edge™ provides consistent support edge-to-edge.

Back sleeper benefits: The balanced medium firmness supports proper spinal alignment while the Talalay latex layer provides responsive comfort. The cooling technology prevents overheating during back sleeping.

Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

While we recommend transitioning away from stomach sleeping, those who must continue need firm support to prevent excessive spinal curvature.

1. Ethos Avani 2.0 Firm

100% natural Talalay latex construction with premium Tencel™ and organic cotton cover blend. GREENGUARD Gold certified with firm support to prevent spinal misalignment.

Stomach sleeper support: The firm construction prevents the pelvis from sinking too deeply while the Talalay latex provides just enough contouring comfort. The breathable materials help with temperature regulation.

2. Mint Firm

Brooklyn Bedding's all-foam construction with graphite titanium memory foam and high-density support layers. The firm feel prevents excessive spinal curvature while providing pressure relief.

Why it works for stomach sleepers: The firm support prevents the midsection from sinking while the titanium-infused foam provides cooling and minimal contouring—ideal for maintaining spinal alignment.

3. Basil Firm

Entry-level option with titanium-infused memory foam and firm support core. Designed to provide essential support for stomach sleepers without premium pricing.

Perfect starter option: Provides the firm support stomach sleepers need to minimize spinal stress while offering cooling technology and pressure relief at an accessible price point.

Adjustable Bases: Enhancing Sleep Position Benefits

For back sleepers and side sleepers, adjustable beds can significantly enhance the benefits of proper sleep positioning. Our Symphony Elevation kit allows you to fine-tune your sleep position for optimal comfort and health benefits.

Research shows that adjustable bases can "boost deep sleep" by allowing precise positioning that reduces pressure points and improves circulation. For detailed information about how adjustable positioning can transform your sleep quality, read our comprehensive guide: Adjustable Bases: Fine-Tuning Position to Boost Deep Sleep.

Benefits for back sleepers:

  • Elevated head position can reduce snoring and sleep apnea symptoms
  • Knee elevation relieves lower back pressure
  • Zero gravity positioning distributes weight evenly

Benefits for side sleepers:

  • Slight elevation can improve circulation
  • Customizable angles accommodate different body types
  • Reduced pressure points through precise positioning

Professional Sleep Position Assessment

As Denver's performance mattress store, we provide personalized sleep position consultations that consider your current habits, health concerns, and comfort preferences. Our 25+ years combined experience helps us match you with the right pressure relieving mattress for your specific needs.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Current Position Analysis: We assess how your current sleep position affects your comfort and identify any pain patterns or sleep disruptions.

Health Consideration Review: We discuss any existing back pain, neck issues, or breathing concerns that might benefit from position changes.

Mattress Matching: Based on your preferred or target sleep position, we recommend mattresses that provide optimal support and pressure relief.

Position Transition Support: For those wanting to change positions, we provide practical guidance and supportive products to ease the transition.

The Sleep Basil Advantage: Expert Guidance for Better Sleep

What Sleep Position is Best? The answer depends on your individual health, comfort preferences, and willingness to make changes. At Sleep Basil, we don't just sell mattresses—we provide comprehensive sleep solutions that address position, support, and long-term health outcomes.

Why choose Denver's best mattress store:

  • Medical knowledge-based recommendations aligned with current research
  • 25+ years combined expertise in sleep positioning and mattress selection
  • Personalized fitting that considers your unique needs and health concerns
  • Denver-specific expertise understanding altitude and climate effects on sleep
  • Ongoing support for position transitions and mattress optimization

Special Positioning Programs

Position Transition Support: For customers wanting to change sleep positions, we provide detailed guidance, supportive products, and follow-up consultations to ensure success.

Couples Sleep Solutions: When partners have different position preferences, we help find compromise solutions that work for both sleepers.

Medical Referral Partnerships: For severe sleep position-related issues, we can connect you with sleep specialists and physical therapists in the Denver area.

Take Action for Better Sleep Health

Don't let poor sleep positioning compromise your health and daily performance. Whether you're seeking the best mattress for side sleepers, best mattress for back sleepers, or support for stomach sleeping while transitioning to healthier positions, our expert team can help.

Visit Our South Denver Showroom:
6485 E Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80222
Phone: (720) 219-7942
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-6pm, Sunday 11-5pm

Special Offer: Mention this blog post and receive a complimentary sleep position consultation plus 10% off any pressure relieving mattress designed for your optimal sleep position!

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