Escaping from Sidemount/ Side Control

As someone much smaller than my opponents, I find it very difficult to escape from side mount or side control. I feel completely powerless when I'm trapped in side mount, and my bridging or "upa's" don't make any difference. Even shrimping and turning seems impossible to do, especially when the guy makes his side mount really heavy. I know what the escapes are - pulling guard or getting on my knees, I even know how to use the "paw grip" to avoid getting cross-faced. Does anyone have any other tips or suggestions.. I need to stop getting TRAPPED!