Quick Answer: For side sleepers, the Snowdown Newmalden is the better choice over the Sentora. Its Euro top with 3+ inches of comfort foam provides pressure relief at the shoulder and hip, while 1,000+ pocket coils maintain spinal alignment. The Sentora's ultra-firm surface creates too much pressure at side-sleeping contact points for most people.
In This Guide
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Side sleeping is the most common sleep position in Canada. Research suggests that roughly 60% of adults spend the majority of their sleep time on their side. It is also the position that demands the most from a mattress, because body weight concentrates on two relatively small contact areas: the shoulder and the hip.
If you are considering a Snowdown mattress and you sleep on your side, this guide gives you a clear recommendation. We sell both Snowdown models in our Brantford showroom and have fitted hundreds of side sleepers on them since adding the brand to our floor. Here is what works, what does not, and what to consider.
Why Side Sleepers Need a Different Mattress
When you sleep on your back, body weight distributes across a wide surface area. Your shoulders, back, buttocks, and calves all share the load. When you sleep on your side, that same weight concentrates primarily on your shoulder and hip, with secondary contact at the knee and ankle.
This concentration creates two problems that back and stomach sleepers rarely experience:
Problem 1: Pressure Points
The shoulder and hip bear significantly more pressure per square inch when side sleeping. On a mattress that is too firm, this pressure restricts blood flow and compresses nerves, causing numbness, tingling, and the need to reposition frequently. You wake up not because your sleep cycle is complete, but because your body is uncomfortable.
Problem 2: Spinal Alignment
For your spine to stay neutral while side sleeping, your shoulder needs to sink into the mattress slightly so your head does not tilt upward, and your hip needs to sink slightly so your lumbar spine does not bow. If the mattress is too firm, the shoulder and hip cannot sink, forcing the spine into an S-curve. If the mattress is too soft, the hip sinks too far, creating a different type of misalignment.
Research on Mattress Firmness and Side Sleeping
A systematic review published in Sleep Health analysed controlled trials on mattress design and sleep quality. The review found that medium-firm mattresses consistently reduced pain and improved spinal alignment across multiple studies. For side sleepers specifically, the research suggests that a mattress rated 5-6 on a 10-point firmness scale provides the optimal balance between pressure relief and support, allowing the shoulder and hip to contour while maintaining neutral spinal alignment through the lumbar and thoracic regions.
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Newmalden for Side Sleepers: Detailed Analysis
The Snowdown Newmalden is the clear recommendation for side sleepers between the two Snowdown models. Here is why, broken down by the specific features that matter for side sleeping.
Euro Top Comfort System
The Newmalden's Euro top provides 3+ inches of comfort material between your body and the pocket coils. For side sleepers, this cushioning is essential. The layered system works like this:
- The quilted surface (3/4-inch foam plus 20oz polyester fibre) provides initial softness when your shoulder contacts the mattress
- The 1-inch transition foam prevents you from feeling individual coils
- The 2-inch natural soya base foam provides the primary contouring that allows your shoulder and hip to sink to the correct depth
- The heavy-duty fibre pad with lumbar support adds a final layer of body-contour cushioning
Combined, these layers allow the shoulder to sink 1-2 inches into the mattress surface, which is typically enough to keep the cervical spine (neck) aligned with the thoracic spine (upper back) while side sleeping.
7-Zone Pocket Coils and Side Sleeping
The Newmalden's 7-zone system places softer coil zones at the shoulder and firmer zones at the hip and lumbar areas. For a side sleeper, this zoning does exactly what is needed: it allows the shoulder to compress into the mattress while the hip receives firmer support that prevents excessive sinking.
With 1,000+ pocket coils in the Queen, each coil responds independently. The coils under your shoulder compress more while the coils under your ribcage (where less weight concentrates) maintain their shape. This differential response is what creates the contouring that side sleepers need.
Dorothy, Sleep Specialist: "I can usually tell within two minutes if someone is a side sleeper. They lie down on their side and immediately start adjusting their shoulder. If the mattress is right, they stop adjusting and settle in. On the Newmalden, most side sleepers find that settling point within the first minute because the Euro top gives their shoulder somewhere to go."
Medium-Firm Feel (6/10)
At a 6 on the firmness scale, the Newmalden sits in the range that research suggests is optimal for side sleepers between 130 and 230 lbs. It is soft enough to contour at the shoulder and hip but firm enough to support the spine at the waist.
Newmalden Side Sleeper Scorecard
- Shoulder pressure relief: Very Good. The Euro top and softer shoulder zone allow adequate sink
- Hip pressure relief: Good. The hip zone is firmer than the shoulder zone, providing support with moderate contouring
- Spinal alignment: Very Good. The 7-zone system maintains neutral spine for most side sleepers 130-230 lbs
- Motion isolation: Very Good. 1,000+ independent pocket coils minimize partner disturbance
- Temperature: Good. Soya foam is less heat-retentive than memory foam, and coils provide airflow
Can the Sentora Work for Side Sleepers?
The short answer is: for most people, no. Here is why.
The Sentora is rated 8-9 on the firmness scale with only 2 inches of comfort foam over 13-gauge pocket coils. For side sleepers, this combination creates two problems:
Insufficient Shoulder Contour
Two inches of soya foam is not enough for most side sleepers' shoulders to sink to the correct depth. The shoulder sits on top of the mattress rather than sinking into it, which pushes the head and neck upward relative to the spine. Over several hours, this misalignment causes neck stiffness, upper back pain, and sometimes numbness in the arm.
Excessive Hip Pressure
The 13-gauge coils in the Sentora resist compression more than standard pocket coils. While this firmness is ideal for stomach sleepers who need to prevent hip sinking, it creates excessive pressure at the side sleeper's hip bone. Customers who try the Sentora on their side in our showroom often report a "bruised hip" feeling within 5-7 minutes.
Pressure Distribution and Mattress Firmness
Research published in Applied Nursing Research by Defloor (2000) measured interface pressure (the force between the body and the mattress surface) across different positions and mattress types. The study found that side-lying positions generate significantly higher peak pressures than supine positions, particularly at the greater trochanter (hip bone). Firmer mattresses amplified these pressure peaks. The findings support the recommendation that side sleepers need adequate cushioning to distribute hip and shoulder pressure over a wider area.
The Exception: Heavier Side Sleepers
There is one scenario where the Sentora might work for a side sleeper: if you weigh over 250 lbs. At higher body weights, you compress further into any mattress. A 270 lb side sleeper on the Sentora may achieve the shoulder and hip contour that a 170 lb sleeper cannot, because their greater weight compresses the 13-gauge coils and 2-inch foam layer more deeply.
However, even for heavier side sleepers, we generally recommend trying the Newmalden first. The Euro top's additional comfort material provides a wider comfort window across different body positions throughout the night.
Understanding Side Sleeper Pressure Points
Your body creates specific pressure concentrations when side sleeping. Understanding these helps you evaluate any mattress, not just Snowdown models.
| Body Area | Pressure Level | What the Mattress Needs to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder | High | Allow 1-2 inches of sink to keep neck aligned |
| Upper arm | Moderate | Provide enough give that the arm is not compressed against the body |
| Ribcage | Low | Maintain contact without deep compression |
| Waist/Lumbar | Gap area | Fill the natural curve between ribcage and hip so the spine does not sag |
| Hip | High | Allow moderate sink while maintaining alignment with shoulders |
| Knee | Moderate | Prevent bone-on-bone contact (a pillow between knees helps) |
The waist gap is the area most people overlook. When side sleeping, there is a natural space between your ribcage and your hip where the mattress does not make full contact with your body. A good mattress fills this gap with enough upward pressure to support the lumbar spine. Too little support here and the spine sags. The Newmalden's zoned coils address this by providing slightly firmer support in the lumbar zone.
Pillow Pairing for Snowdown Side Sleepers
The best mattress in the world will not solve side sleeping problems if the pillow is wrong. Your pillow needs to fill the gap between your shoulder (resting on the mattress) and your head so that your neck stays aligned with your spine.
Pillow Height for Side Sleepers
Pillow Loft Guide by Shoulder Width
- Narrow shoulders (under 16 inches across): Medium loft pillow (4-5 inches). The shoulder sinks further into the Newmalden, reducing the gap the pillow needs to fill
- Average shoulders (16-18 inches): Medium-high loft pillow (5-6 inches). Most side sleepers need this range
- Broad shoulders (over 18 inches): High loft pillow (6-7 inches) or a firm pillow that maintains height under the weight of your head
Pillow Material Recommendations
For side sleepers on the Newmalden, we recommend pillows that maintain their loft throughout the night. Memory foam pillows contour well but can trap heat. Shredded latex pillows are adjustable and sleep cooler. Down alternative pillows are affordable but compress over time, potentially losing the support your neck needs at 3 a.m.
The Knee Pillow Trick
Place a pillow between your knees when side sleeping. This prevents the top knee from pulling the pelvis forward, which rotates the lower spine and can cause morning back pain. A standard pillow works, but a contoured knee pillow stays in place better. This simple addition costs under $30 and makes a noticeable difference on any mattress, including the Newmalden.
Side Sleeper Weight and Firmness Guide
Your body weight determines how deeply you compress into the Newmalden's comfort layers, which affects both pressure relief and spinal alignment.
| Body Weight | Newmalden Feel | Shoulder Sink | Hip Sink | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 130 lbs | Feels firmer | Minimal | Minimal | Works, but may benefit from a softer mattress or topper |
| 130-170 lbs | Medium-firm as designed | Good | Moderate | Excellent fit for most side sleepers |
| 170-230 lbs | Medium feel | Very good | Good | Optimal weight range for the Newmalden's construction |
| 230-280 lbs | Softer feel | Deep | Deep | May compress through comfort layers. Consider Restonic ComfortCare instead |
| Over 280 lbs | Too soft | Excessive | Excessive | Look at higher-coil-count hybrids with firmer comfort layers |
Brad, Owner, 40+ years of experience: "Weight matters more for side sleepers than for any other position because the pressure concentrates on smaller areas. A 160 lb side sleeper and a 220 lb side sleeper need different levels of support from the same mattress. That is why I always ask about weight before recommending a firmness. It is not personal, it is physics."
When a Snowdown Might Not Be Enough
We carry Snowdown mattresses because they offer exceptional value, but they are not the answer for every side sleeper. Here is when to look at other options in our showroom.
If You Need More Pressure Relief
Side sleepers with chronic shoulder bursitis, hip arthritis, or fibromyalgia may need more contouring than the Newmalden's soya foam provides. Memory foam or latex comfort layers conform more closely to body contours and distribute pressure across a wider area. Our Restonic Luxury Silk and Wool Queen ($1,395) offers 884 zoned coils with natural fibre comfort layers that provide enhanced pressure distribution.
If You Weigh Over 230 lbs
Heavier side sleepers may compress through the Newmalden's comfort layers and feel the pocket coils beneath. Our Restonic ComfortCare with 1,222 pocket coils in the Queen and thicker comfort layers handles higher body weights while maintaining the pressure relief side sleepers need.
If You Want Adjustable Firmness
If you are not sure whether medium-firm is right for your side sleeping, an adjustable bed base paired with the right mattress allows you to elevate the head and feet, which changes the pressure distribution. Side sleeping on a slightly inclined surface can reduce shoulder pressure by shifting weight toward the back.
Side Sleeper Fitting at Our Showroom
We offer dedicated side sleeper fittings at our Brantford showroom at 441 1/2 West Street. Dorothy or Talia will have you lie on your side on several mattresses while checking your spinal alignment visually. This takes about 20 minutes and gives you a clear picture of which firmness and construction suit your body. Call (519) 770-0001 to schedule a visit. We serve Brantford, Paris, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, and the GTA.
Side Sleeping Tips That Work With Any Mattress
Beyond choosing the right mattress, these habits improve side sleeping quality regardless of what you sleep on.
- Alternate sides: Sleeping exclusively on one side creates asymmetric wear on the mattress and can cause muscle imbalances. Try switching sides every few nights
- Keep your arm forward: Tucking your arm under your body or pillow compresses the shoulder joint. Keep the lower arm in front of your body with a slight bend at the elbow
- Pillow between knees: Prevents pelvic rotation and keeps the hip joints aligned
- Avoid the fetal position: Curling tightly compresses the diaphragm and can cause shallow breathing. Keep legs slightly extended with a gentle knee bend
- Support the waist gap: If you feel a gap between your waist and the mattress, a small rolled towel placed there provides additional lumbar support
Side Sleeping and Spinal Health
Research published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that sleep posture significantly affects spinal curvature and morning pain. Side sleeping is generally recommended by physiotherapists for individuals with spinal stenosis and certain disc conditions because the lateral position naturally opens the spinal canal. However, the researchers emphasized that proper mattress support is critical for maintaining this benefit, as an unsupportive mattress can negate the positional advantage by allowing spinal misalignment.
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Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Which Snowdown mattress is best for side sleepers?
The Snowdown Newmalden is the better choice for side sleepers. Its Euro top with 3+ inches of comfort material and medium-firm feel (6/10) provides the pressure relief that side sleepers need at the shoulder and hip. The Sentora Ultra Firm (8-9/10) is too firm for most side sleepers and will create pressure points at the shoulder and hip bone.
Can I use the Snowdown Sentora if I sometimes sleep on my side?
If you primarily sleep on your back or stomach and only occasionally roll to your side during the night, the Sentora may still work for you. However, if side sleeping is your dominant position (more than 50% of the night), the Sentora's ultra-firm surface will likely cause shoulder numbness and hip pain over time. The Newmalden is the safer choice for combination sleepers who include side sleeping in their rotation.
What pillow should side sleepers use with a Snowdown mattress?
Side sleepers on the Newmalden should use a medium-high to high loft pillow (5-7 inches depending on shoulder width) to keep the neck aligned with the spine. The pillow needs to fill the gap between your shoulder on the mattress and your head. Shredded latex or memory foam pillows that maintain loft throughout the night are better than flat or down pillows that compress and lose support.
Is the Newmalden firm enough for a heavy side sleeper?
The Newmalden works well for side sleepers between 130 and 230 lbs. Side sleepers over 230 lbs may compress through the comfort layers and feel the pocket coils beneath. If you weigh over 230 lbs and sleep on your side, consider the Restonic ComfortCare with 1,222 pocket coils and thicker comfort layers, available at our Brantford showroom.
Can I test the Snowdown mattresses as a side sleeper in Brantford?
Yes. Visit Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford to test both the Newmalden and the Sentora in your natural side sleeping position. We recommend spending at least 10 minutes on each mattress lying on your side. Dorothy or Talia can assess your spinal alignment during the test. Call Brad at (519) 770-0001 to confirm stock before visiting.
Sources
- Radwan, A., et al. (2015). Effect of different mattress designs on promoting sleep quality, pain reduction, and spinal alignment. Sleep Health, 1(4), 257-267. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29073401
- Defloor, T. (2000). The effect of position and mattress on interface pressure. Applied Nursing Research, 13(1), 2-11. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10701276
- Kovacs, F.M., et al. (2003). Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain. The Lancet, 362(9396), 1599-1604. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14630439
- Esquirol Caussa, J., et al. (2017). Sleeping mattress determinants and evaluation: a biomechanical review and critique. PeerJ, 6, e6364. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6348954
- Gordon, S.J., et al. (2009). Pillow use: the behaviour of cervical pain, sleep quality, and pillow comfort in side sleepers. Manual Therapy, 14(6), 671-678. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19427249
- Jacobson, B.H., et al. (2009). Changes in back pain, sleep quality, and perceived stress after introduction of new bedding systems. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 8(1), 1-8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2697581
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Side sleeper? Come test the Newmalden and Sentora back-to-back in your natural sleep position. Our team can assess your shoulder and hip alignment and recommend the right firmness for your body. We have been fitting Brantford families since 1997.
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
We are located at 441½ West Street in downtown Brantford. Free parking available. Our team does not work on commission, so you get honest advice based on your needs.
Mattress Miracle , 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON · (519) 770-0001
Hours: Monday–Wednesday 10am–6pm, Thursday–Friday 10am–7pm, Saturday 10am–5pm, Sunday 12pm–4pm.