I'm a bigger guy (about 6'2", 270 lbs) and I've been on a 10-inch memory foam mattress for a year. Sleeping on my back is actually okay, but the second I roll onto my side, it's like my hip and shoulder sink straight through and bottom out on the base layer. I wake up with a sore shoulder and sometimes a numb arm. Is this just a 'me' problem, or do I need a different mattress? I can't afford to keep guessing.
Sleep Comfort
My mattress feels fine until I roll onto my side
Side sleeping is the real test for heavy folks. 10 inches of foam is often not enough support for side sleeping at your weight—you need a thicker support core or a hybrid with coils. Memory foam alone tends to let you sink too deep where your pressure points are.
Same stats as you basically. I went hybric and never looked back. The coils give me that push-back, especially when I'm on my side.
Have you checked if the mattress is sAgging? Even a little dip can make side sleeping miserable.
Bottoming out—exactly what's happening. You're basically using up all the foam and hitting the hard layer. If you're on a budget, try a matt ress topper first? Like a 3-inch soft latex topper. It might buy you some time.
A topper can help,but if the support layer is inadequate, a topper might just mask the problem and still let your hip plow through. Better to look for a mattress with a zoned support or at least 6 inches of good support foam underneath the comfort layers.
Try flipping the mattress? If it's not one-sided, that might give you a fresh surface. Worked for me for a few months.
No flipping, it's one-sided. And I don't see any obvious sagging, but maybe I'm not looking right. I'll grab a straight edge and check. Thanks for the topper idea—might do that temporarily.
I'm 250 and side sleeper. Went with a latex mattress—firm but contouring. No more numb arms. Cost a bit more but worth it. Memory foam is the devil for side sleeping if you're heavy.
Latex is great but heavy. If you go that route, check the return policy. That stuff is a beast to move.
Have you tried putting a pillow between your knees? That can take some pressure off your hip when side sleeping. Might help while you decide on a new mattress.
Also, what's your foundation? A weak box spring can make even a good mattress feel soft.
Or just sleep on your back. Problem solved. 😉
Ignoring the sarcasm, buut yeah, if you can't change mattresses right now, side sleeping with a body pillow to prop your arm and leg can reduce the pressure. But realistically, you need a mattress with better support. Look for something with a coil unit or at least a high-density polyfoam core, and don't go too soft on the top layer.