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Mattress Choices

August 2020

Front Sleeping Mattress Advice and Guidance

Sleeping on your front is the least common sleeping position amongst adults. That's not to say there's anything wrong with it. You're in a rare group of sleepers if you sleep on your front! Whether you like to bury your face in a pillow or have your head to one side as you starfish front sleeping has a number of benefits for the sleeper. This guide will help explain exactly how to choose the best mattress if you're a front sleeper.

The fact front sleepers are the rarest of all sleeping positions in Britain needs further investigation! Do front sleepers know something the rest of us side and back sleepers don’t? We discuss further the considerations you need to be aware of if you’re a front sleeper.

Front sleeper mattress advice

Front Sleeper Mattress Guide

Benefits of sleeping on your front

Sleeping on your front although uncommon does have some benefits over other sleeping positions.

Front sleepers benefit from:

  • Diminishes the effects of sleep aponea
  • Reduces snoring
  • Less night time movement/fidgiting

When you sleep on your front with proper body alignment, and the right mattress, sleeping in this position can help reduce night-time disturbances such as snoring. This is because front sleepers have less of a tendency to move or roll about during the night like side sleepers do.

Front sleeping can really help if you suffer from obstructive breathing during the night. If you want to learn more about sleep apnoea then check out our detailed guide here.

Drawbacks from sleeping on your front

Front sleepers may complain about neck pain and headaches. This is because sleeping on your front does put your body in quite an awkward position, especially if you’re mattress doesn’t have the correct spring tension or comfort layers needed for a front sleeper.

Front sleeping drawbacks:

  • Sore shoulders
  • Neck pain
  • Headaches
  • Chest pains

 

Front sleeping is the least common sleeping position here in the UK.

Front sleepers can see a reaction in snoring but increased neck pain if the wrong mattress is chosen.

 

Does sleeping on your front cause neck and shoulder pain?

Sleeping on your front can easily cause you to suffer from neck and shoulder pains during the night.  However, this is usually due to poor mattress support and can be easily corrected. The right mattress should be tailored to your exact weight and height then layered with various upholstery to create the right comfort for your individual preferences when sleeping on your front. In the case of front sleepers, you will need a firmer more supportive mix of mattress upholstery layers when compared to side sleepers.

Most comfortable front sleepers need a firmer feel in the mattress comfort layer to help give more support to the neck and shoulders during the night. If you’re struggling with shoulder or neck pain when sleeping you should always seek a doctors advice and well as undertake a health check of your current mattress.

A deco bed frame by john ryan

The biggest issue front sleepers have with their mattress is excess pressure being put on the shoulders or neck from a lack of mattress support. This is especially true if the mattress is too soft. Which means the mattress is sinking far too quickly causing your neck and spine to come out of natural alignment.  Mattress spring tensions are based on weight ranges. if you’ve mistakenly been sold a softer spring gauge then it may mean that the mattress is providing too little support for your sleeping position and bodyweight. This is why choosing the correct pocket spring tension when you first buy a new mattress is vital.

BodyweightSpring tension
Upto 16 Stone / 50-101kgMedium (1.4mm)
16 Stone / 101kg UpwardsFirm (1.6mm)
Available in Bespoke Products (Please Call)Soft (1.2mm)

Best type of mattress for a front sleeper

The best type of mattress for a side sleeper is one that has a deep top comfort layer and the right mattress support for your body weight. If you choose a mattress that’s too firm then it can cause unnecessary pressure on your shoulders and hips forcing them out of alignment during the night. You need this deeper comfort compared to a back or front sleeper as your hips and shoulders will need to sink further than your sides and torso. If not this is where potential pain during the night can come from.

Natural fibre mattresses are ideal for front sleepers as they offer far better progressive comfort compared to memory foam or synthetic fibres. Natural fibre mattresses are also far cooler to sleep on and regulate night time-temperature much more effectively.

Origins Pocket Latex 1500

Our Origins Pocket latex mattress offers a firmer feel for front sleepers. Using 2 separate layers of Talalay Latex this offers vital support for necks and shoulders. The 1500 medium gauge pocket springs will offer the correct support for sleepers up to 17 stone allowing for a comfortable nights sleep.

Origins Pocket Latex 1500 on Origins base in charcoal chenille with Laura headboard
Our Origins Latex mattress offers essential support for front sleepers. Reducing sore necks and shoulders significantly

Artisan 1500

Our Artisan 1500 natural fibre pocket sprung mattress offers the perfect mix of support and comfort. Featuring 53% natural fibres this mattress offers a breathable and responsive sleep surface. Featuring 4300GSM of fibre fillings this two sided mattress is hand made with 1500 pocket springs available in 3 different spring tensions depending on your bodyweight.

A luxury Artisan 1500 mattress in a room
The Artisan 1500 offers a firmer feel with natural upholstery layers. Perfect for the front sleeper.

Artisan Tailored Pocket 2000

For the front sleeper wanting a bit more movement from their spring unit, the Artisan Tailored Pocket 2000 mattress features a dual spring system. This enables the sleeper to move easier during the night offering a lively support system. Topped with 85% natural fibre fillings for a cool nights sleep. The 2000 springs are available in 3 sproing tensions and it contains a huge 3950GSM of fillings.

A thick mattress on a divan base
The Artisan tailored Pocket 2000 features a responsive dual spring system and firmer upholstery. Ideal for the front sleeper.

Best mattress upholstery for a front sleeper

If you’re a front sleeper then understanding which mattress fibres and upholstery layers are best to support you is essential. As a guide below is a table that shows the more support fibres which will allow a back sleeper to sleep soundly at night.

Upholstery LayerFibre TypeHow it will feel?Price Point
Recycled Fibre / Eco FibreSyntheticMediumCheap
Memory FoamSyntheticMedium/FirmMid Price
Igel / Hybrid FoamSyntheticMedium/FirmMid Price
LinenSynthetic/Natural BlendMediumMid Price
HorsehairNaturalMediumHigh-End
MohairNaturalMedium/FirmHigh-End
HempNaturalMediumHigh-End
Latex (100% Natural)NaturalMedium/FirmHigh-End
CoirNaturalFirmHigh-End
FlaxNaturalFirmHigh-End
Coarse CashmereNaturalFirmHigh-End
Horsetail NaturalFirmExpensive / Exclusive

Other Sleeping Positions Explained

You may also be interested in reading about the other two popular sleeping positions and mattress choices:

Summary

As a front sleeper, you’re going to need more support and firmer upholstery to accommodate your shoulders and neck when compared to a side sleeper. However, by understanding the mattress choices you can ensure you get the very best nights sleep. Choosing the correct mattress spring tension is essential and then its a case of picking the fibres that will suit your sleeping position the best.

If you’re still a bit unsure why not get in touch with our small expert mattress team to assist? We can help compare any mattress models you may be looking at and provide additional reassurance and guidance.

Sleep well!

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