New Guy seeking the holy grail of side-sleep.

[Kohta]

Hi, great forum here.

I signed up to hopefully contribute something in the future.

Due to a wound and surgical complications in my thoracic cavity, I'm intent on finding the perfect combination of hammock/pads/miscellany to properly support my spine in a right-side lateral decubitus position.

There's no doubt hundreds of dollars will be spent on this experiment, since tent camping has become a no-go for me. Looking forward to continuing my education on hanging, and adding what works for me. Starting with an ENO Doublenest and homebrewed quilts, and waiting for a WBBB.

Thanks for having me.

[Les Rust]

Welcome. The good folks here will help you find the right kit for your back. Having had the 'disk of the month' according to my neurosurgeon a few years ago prior to surgery, I can vouch that hanging is the best way to go. Enjoy.

[BillyBob58]

How much fetal needed- how far up towards your chest do your knees need to be?

If legs straight or knees just need to be slightly- maybe moderately - up towards the chest, then the JRB BMBH is probably the holy grail. It has the least side "torque", so to speak, of any hammock I have tried. Using a wide pad in the pad pocket allows the knees to be brought up even a bit further.

Close contenders among non-bridge designs are HH Safari, Wilderness Logics, and Claytor No Net. Once I get the correct tension dialed in on my WL, it may be the closest match, and plus of course allows full fetal. But I am still experimenting with that.

[Kohta]

How much fetal needed- how far up towards your chest do your knees need to be?

A simple bend in the knees is enough, only picky about my spine being as parallel to the deck as possible. I'm guessing there will be a well-placed clothing item or two and some inflatable pad manipulation required to achieve this.

The suggestions are much appreciated, checking them out now. Thanks BillyBob58.

[Knotty]

Back problems can be so varied and specific that it will probably be hard for others to make suggestions.

For, with no serious problems, I find side sleeping in my Brazilian and camping hammocks to be more comfortable than in a bed. The only accommodation I make is to put a pillow between my knees/thighs. Ultimately I found that "flat" wasn't nearly as important as well supported. And that's what a hammock can do...support the whole of your back.

Best wishes on your search for a comfortable sleep. Just don't let a lifetime of sleeping in a bed prejudice your thinking on what your back needs.

[AT4ever]

Hey Welcome to the forums from MD!

[dragon360]

Hello and Welcome to HF!

[raiffnuke]

Welcome to HF from Mass.

[daveocelott]

Welcome from ct

[MAD777]

Welcome from Florida.
I'm a side sleeper and have found the Switchback hammocks to be the most comfortable for that position. I do raise my knees up high, which eliminates a bridge hammock for me.

Attend group hangs and you can tryout a bunch of different hammocks!