Sleeping on your side: how to avoid shoulder compression and a numb arm upon waking

More than 65% of French people sleep on their side (lateral or fetal position). Physiologically, this is one of the best postures for nocturnal breathing and spinal decompression.

However, it is also the one that generates the most daily discomfort: numb arm upon waking (the famous "dead arm" effect), compressed shoulder, and neck bent at an awkward angle.

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The "scapular gap" trap: why a flat pillow causes pain

When you lie on your side, the width of your shoulder creates an anatomical offset of 10 to 13 centimeters between your head and the mattress. This is the scapular gap.

• Cervical collapse: On a traditional pillow, the head sinks too low. The spine forms an acute angle that stretches tendons and pinches the intervertebral discs.
• The under-the-pillow arm reflex: To compensate for the head dropping, you instinctively slide your hand or forearm under the pillow. This habit compresses the subclavian artery and the brachial plexus, causing tingling and night waking.

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The anatomical solution: the dual-wave profile

To eliminate all tension, a side sleeper's pillow must offer two precise heights to support body movements without creating sharp angles:

• A high wave (11-12 cm) to cradle the shoulder and keep the neck perfectly horizontal.
• A moderate wave (9-10 cm) if you roll onto your back during the night.

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The ideal choice for side and combination sleepers: the Bedford 2.0 Pillow

It is precisely this dual geometry that the Bedford 2.0 Ergonomic Pillow offers.

• Dual morphological height: Two anatomical waves to choose from depending on your build (high side or medium side).
• Active memory foam: Firm support for the cervical spine without a feeling of entrapment.
• Shoulder release: Reduces pressure on the shoulder joint by 74%.
• Breathable thermo-active cover: Designed to prevent heat buildup and is machine washable.