What about side sleepers?

**Lostman** · 01-27-2014, 04:47

First I apologies if this has been asked and answered and I have missed it. I am not as dull as I have been but I am getting older so I am not always so bright anymore either. SO back to the question. What about side sleepers. Any advice? Any recommendations on hammocks or techniques, add-on's or what ever else is needed. The last time I was in a hammock it was one built for one but with two of us and it did not last long. We both came down with a thud, a laugh and a giggle. But seriously I am a side sleeper and new to hammocks camping. I would like to be able to comfortable sleep on my side. Is that possible? Thank you in advance.
~The Lostman

**SimonMc** · 01-27-2014, 05:03

I swap between being on my back to my side quite often and have done so comfortably in a range of gathered end hammocks.

**TDHanger** · 01-27-2014, 05:46

Originally Posted by SimonMc

I swap between being on my back to my side quite often and have done so comfortably in a range of gathered end hammocks.

Same here I sleep both ways without any issue. just being in a hammock is comfy.

**SwinginIt** · 01-27-2014, 05:47

Some have no trouble side sleeping, others can't do it. Some can do it in a gathered end, some can only do it in a bridge. I can do it in a gathered end but strangely, since I've started sleeping in hammocks I slowly progressed to sleeping on my back. Normally I side sleep and toss and turn. Now whenever I'm in my hammock I sleep on my back with little to no movement. Still sleep on my side at home though.

Pretty much everything related to hammocks is a personal thing. What works for one won't work for another. Your best bet is to just hop in a hammock and see what happens.

**J.Andersons** · 01-27-2014, 06:07

If smaller gathered end hammock still not works for side sleeping, try a bigger good ole Brazilian hammock, but eventually You'll soon adapt sleeping on the back in hammock. Had been side sleeper on the beds but hammock did wonders for me and I often not moving at all till have to get and go.

**MAD777** · 01-27-2014, 06:25

I only side sleep and find that it's no problem at all in a typical gathered end hammock. The only one that gave me problems was a Warbonnet Blackbird (not a typical gathered end) where I could sleep great on one side but couldn't turn to the other side.

I haven't tried a bridge hammock, but they tell me most folks can side sleep as long as they don't bring their knees up into a fetal position.

**fiveonomo** · 01-27-2014, 06:43

I am still searching for the answer to this. I started with a bridge hammock, WBRR, awesome hammock but I could not make the side thing work. I know, I know, you can't make the bridge hammock work? Yeah, the way I lay with my arm tucked under it just can't work.

I ordered the WBBB XLC on Jan. 3 and I can't wait til it gets here. I hope this will solve my side sleeping problems but I am skeptical. I really want the hammock thing to work for me. My BA system that I was using on the ground was very comfy, I just want to hang.

If and when I go back to the ground I am going to stay here because this site is awesome and I love the people. Good luck with your question. If I have the results I am hoping for I will post on the site.

**Brancher** · 01-27-2014, 07:11

I sleep both on my back and on my side (both sides, but more on my left side). I find my SLD Streamliner, with the cat cut sides and the curved ends, allows me a great side sleep or back sleep.

Note: I have a DL (don't carry a UQ) and put a cheap blue CCF between the layers. Don't know i that affects my lay or not, but the result is very nice. Also, my Streamliner is 11'.

Hope this helps.

p.s. I will agree with Five that a BA system is awesome - I'm also a convert from BA stuff (and that ain't easy). Not sure what the point of that statement was, but thought I'd plug BA anyway...

**dkurfiss** · 01-27-2014, 08:35

I have a HH Explorer Deluxe and a HH Expedition both of which I side sleep in with no issues at all. I also have an 11' I made and can side sleep in it.

My ENO double is another bear all together and I can not seem to get comfortable on my side in it no matter how hard I try.

Just like hammocks not every hammock works for every user and not every person can side sleep in every hammock. I have found that using a hammock has been a journey of trial and error for me.

**sodakgrrl** · 01-27-2014, 08:43

Like a couple of the others above, I am a side-sleeper in a bed. In my bridge hammock, though, I sleep the night through on my back. Not saying that you need a bridge, just that hammocks are so comfy it might not be an issue for you!