If you tend to curl up on your side every night, you're in good company. Over half of all adults sleep this way, and honestly?  It's one of the comfiest and healthiest positions out there. But if you've ever woken up with a sore shoulder or an achy hip, chances are your mattress is not giving you the right comfort support, and if it is older than 10 years old, it is time for an upgrade. 

Let's talk about why side sleeping is so great, what can go wrong with the wrong mattress, and exactly what to look for so you can finally wake up feeling like you actually rested.

Turns out, curling up on your side does more than just feel comfortable. 

Turns out, curling up on your side does more than just feel comfortable. This position can help ease acid reflux, support healthy digestion, and keep your neck and back happier overall. It's also a favourite for snorers and folks with sleep apnea, since it naturally helps keep airways open through the night. Some sleep experts even believe it may support brain health and help ward off certain neurological issues over time.

Pretty great, right? The catch is that all those benefits can get undone by a mattress that isn't built for side sleeping. Instead of waking up refreshed, you might end up with stiff, achy joints.

Poor sleep positioning or the wrong mattress and pillow is one of the most common causes of neck and lumbar pain, explains Dan Halliday, physiotherapist and MD of UniSports Physio, who worked alongside Comfi's team to help develop their mattresses. Even small adjustments to your sleep set-up can make a big difference.

What side sleepers should look for in a mattress

Shopping for a new mattress can feel overwhelming, so let's break it down into the two things that matter most.

1. Pressure relief

Because you're sleeping on your side, your hips and shoulders are carrying most of your body weight throughout the night all night long. A mattress that's too firm can create pressure points, could possibly cut off circulation and may leave you with that annoying numb or tingly feeling. Look for something supportive, so you feel like you are lying on the mattress, not dipping into it, while the top layer gently cushions those areas so your body can rest comfortably.

2. Proper support

Here's the balancing act: while you want softness where it counts, you also need enough support to keep your body in a neutral position, a nice straight line from your head and neck all the way down your spine. A mattress that's too soft won't hold you up properly, which can lead to nagging back and neck pain over time.

The sweet spot is a mattress that combines gentle, cushiony comfort with reliable support underneath. Think “soft on top, sturdy below.”

A few bonus comfort tips

Once you've found the right mattress, a couple of small tweaks can make a big difference:

• Upgrade your pillow. Choose a firmer, supportive pillow that fills the space between your ear and shoulder, helping keep your neck aligned with your spine.

• Try a knee pillow. If you deal with back pain, tucking a small pillow between your knees can help keep your hips and spine in better alignment through the night.

The bottom line

Side sleeping is one of the healthiest ways to catch your Zzz's, but it only works its magic when your mattress is doing its part. Look for that cosy combination of pressure relief and solid support, pair it with the right pillow setup, and you'll be well on your way to waking up refreshed instead of achy.

Five years of learning, testing and refining the support and natural comfort layers- view Comfi's new range of mattresses.


Article reference:

Meet Dan Halliday, physio to some of Aotearoa’s top sports stars and Comfi Sleep expert Dan Halliday, physiotherapist and MD of UniSports Physio