Have you ever thought about your sleeping position at night? We’re going to guess that’s probably not something you spend a lot of time thinking about, right? But did you know that a good night’s sleep has a lot to do with what type of position you sleep in and whether you have the right type of pillow or pillows for that position? 

In this blog, we look at the five most common types of sleeping positions and focus on side sleepers, in particular. We’ll give you tips on how to choose a comfortable pillow if you are a side sleeper and what the best pillows for side sleepers are.

There are five, most common, types of sleeping positions for people. Even though many people change positions during the night, your sleeping type is considered the one that you prefer to fall asleep in. Which one are you?

• Side sleepers – this can be right or left sided.
• Stomach sleepers.
• Back sleepers.
• Leg-up sleepers – either on your back with your leg up to the side or on your tummy with your leg up to the side.

Each type of sleeping position has pros, and cons, and requires a specific shape and size of pillow in order to get the most restful and ergonomic night’s sleep possible. Let’s take a deeper look into side sleeping now and what great pillows for side sleepers are.

Studies show that side sleeping, or sleeping in the fetal position, is one of the most popular sleeping positions that people choose. It is thought that side sleeping is good for your spine, as it allows your spine to rest in its natural curved position. Sleeping on your side can also help to prevent or alleviate acid reflux in your stomach, so is a good position to choose if you struggle with heartburn. When it comes to good pillows for side sleepers, here’s what the experts recommend:

• Side sleepers should have a relatively firm, thick pillow to keep their neck in perfect alignment during the night.
• A standard shaped pillow is good enough, although you may want to consider a U-shaped pillow to allow more room for your shoulder to relax under.
• It is encouraged to include a second pillow between your knees to create symmetry of your hips while you sleep on your side and take pressure off the lower back.
• Some side sleepers like body contour pillow, also called a pregnancy pillow, as it hugs the shape of your body whilst lying on the side.
• Pregnancy pillows are ideal for side sleepers who are pregnant because it supports the weight of the belly and helps alleviate pressure off the spine.

Ideally, a side sleeper should make use of two to three pillows at night. It might seem excessive but here’s why more than one is essential. To create the most neutral spine when side sleeping, you should have:

• One firm pillow for side sleepers under your head.
• Another firm pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned.
• Another pillow placed on the opposite side, for when you turn over and then you have access to a free pillow to place between your knees again.

Whether you’re a side sleeper or not, you should always invest in the best possible pillow. When you sleep on your side, it can restrict blood flow to the heart and lungs, so having a good, firm pillow is essential for keeping your neck aligned and not restricting airflow down your breathing tract. Other reasons why you need a good pillow when you sleep are:

• Old pillows can promote allergies.
• Soft pillows can promote problems with your neck and spine.
• A bad pillow can cause you to wake up often, inhibiting your ability to get good quality sleep.

At Dial-a-Bed, we not only stock leading brands of beds and mattresses but we also stock a range of quality pillows for all types of sleepers. Shop for pillows from leading bed brands like Sealy, Simmons, Forty Winks and Dunlopillo at Dial-a-Bed. For a range of the most comfortable mattresses, each designed with the latest in sleep technology, and engineered to suit your unique sleep-style, shop at any 76 stores nationwide or online 24/7 at www.dialabed.co.za.

1. What type of pillow firmness is best for side sleepers?

Experts suggest that the best type of pillow for side sleepers is a firm pillow. We recommend anything between a medium firmness to a firm pillow for side sleepers but do not recommend a soft pillow.

2. What pillow types are best for side sleepers?

A standard-sized, firm pillow is best for side sleepers. You can also consider different shaped pillows like a U-shaped pillow or a pregnancy pillow too.

3. What pillow type is best for side sleepers with neck pain?

Neck pain when sleeping can be caused by a pillow that is incorrect or too soft for your sleeping position. A firm, supportive pillow is best for side sleepers with neck pain. Also, consider placing another pillow in between your knees to keep your entire spine well aligned.