Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Written by Marten Carlson, Lead Mattress and Sleep Product Reviewer

Methodology

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed 600+ mattresses and accessories for over seven years using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more.

Learn more.

In This Roundup

We’ll be discussing our top picks for the best mattresses for side sleepers with special consideration for softness, pressure relief, and spinal alignment.

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We at Mattress Clarity have tested over 600 mattresses over the course of five years in our Austin, TX mattress lab, so we can spot from a mile away a mattress that isn’t ideal for side sleeping. While sleeping on your side can feel fantastic, not every bed is made for side sleepers, as they usually need a softer mattress that provides exceptional pressure relief. That’s why our team of experts have taken a look at the many online mattresses out there and compiled a list of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

There’s something here for everyone, from those who prefer super-soft memory foam to folks who love something a little firmer.

Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers?

Our expert reviewers chose the Helix Midnight as the best mattress for side sleepers due to its thick memory foam comfort layer. It relieves pressure on the shoulders and hips, while the coils keep the spine in neutral alignment. 

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Our Top Picks

• Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Nectar – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers
• WinkBed – Best for Side-Sleeping Couples
• Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Nectar Premier Hybrid – Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers and Muscle Recovery
• Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Titan Plus Luxe – Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers
• Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers

Best Mattress for Side Sleeper 2024: Video Roundup

Compare the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

	Helix Midnight Mattress	Saatva Mattress	Nectar Mattress	WinkBed Mattress	Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress	Nectar Premier Hybrid	Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress	Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress	Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe	Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Rating	4.1	4.3	4.3	4.6	4.5	4.5	4.5	4.0	4.3	4.3
Firmness	Medium-firm: 7/10	Multiple firmness options	Medium-firm: 7/10	Multiple firmness options	Multiple firmness options		Multiple firmness options	Multiple firmness options	Medium-firm: 6.5/10	Multiple firmness options
Material	Hybrid	Innerspring	Foam	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid	Hybrid
Cooling	—		—		—	—			—	—
Best For	Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain	Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain	Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain	Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples	Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers	Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Side Sleepers	Side Sleepers	Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

How We Tested Our Top Picks for Side Sleepers

When we talk about side sleepers, pressure relief often comes to mind, as they tend to need a lot of it at the shoulders and hips. But it’s also important that they get adequate support to keep them from sinking too far into the mattress. That’s why, for this roundup, we only included beds that scored at least a 3.5/5 on support.

To put together this list of best mattresses for side sleepers, our Certified Sleep Science Coaches spent time actually lying down on each mattress, performing hands-on testing, and evaluating the factors above to determine which would be the best fit for each ranking. For example, we test the motion isolation of each mattress by placing a glass of water on it and pressing on the layers around it.

We also test the edge support to see how much the bed collapses and look at a pressure map of the mattress to understand where there is built up pressure while laying on it. Rather than simply saying “this mattress is great” or “this mattress is terrible,” we recognize that this is a fairly subjective process. As a result, we simply try to point people in the right direction by categorizing each mattress and differentiating its qualities from others.

How We Chose Our Top Picks for Side Sleepers

Beds are tested across a myriad of factors, however, the beds we selected for this roundup had to excel in these particular categories in order to meet the needs of side sleepers:

Firmness

Side sleepers naturally put a lot of pressure on the shoulders, hips, and back. A big factor in weighing a bed’s suitability for side sleepers  is testing that a bed is soft enough to relieve pressure points, while not being too firm causing major aches and pains. We excluded any bed that exceeded a 7.5/10 firmness on our scale. 

Support

As a side sleeper, it is important to sleep on a supportive foundation to help keep proper alignment throughout the night. To ensure proper alignment, we recommend a medium-firm mattress, which is about a 6/10 on our firmness scale. However, if we do recommend a softer mattress, then the bed typically has the additional support of pocketed coils.

Contouring

While side sleeping, contouring in the top comfort layers is a crucial element as it ensures that there is enough cradling to avoid any excess pressure around points of contact, including hips and shoulders. This is especially important if you suffer from recurring hip or shoulder pain. Our top mattresses all have contouring and pressure relief to a better degree than typical mattresses, and we also specify which body types may fit best with which mattresses. 

Helix Midnight – Best Overall

Pros of Helix Midnight

A great orthopedic mattress

Great for both side and back sleepers

Breathable cover and coils to promote airflow

Balanced foam feel

Cons of Helix Midnight

Not ideal for stomach sleepers or heavier sleepers

Lacks the typical slow-moving foam feel

Mattress Performance Ratings

Poor

Average

Excellent

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4.5

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4.5

4.5

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Our Expert’s Take

The Helix Midnight is the company’s most popular mattress model, and it’s easy to see why. In our testing, we found that the high-quality hybrid has a classic medium-firm feel, so it offers the comfort and support side sleepers need. If you tend to switch sleeping positions during the night, the Helix Midnight should help you stay comfy.

We also loved the Helix Midnight because it has excellent edge support and motion isolation — great news for those who share a bed. Our heavier tester when resting on the edge of the bed measured a 2.25″ drop off, making for a solid perimeter that netted a 4/5 edge support score on Helix Midnight’s scorecard. Motion transfer and the bed’s responsiveness also notched scores of 4/5, so while the coils add some nice bounce, movement doesn’t reverberate across the surface too much, testers said. Finally, the bed is also made with high-quality materials, so it will last at least 10 years.

What the testers say: “I’m a side and back sleeper, and the Helix Midnight mattress was a good match for me. The top layer of Memory Plus Foam conformed well and let me sink in a bit for comfort on my side. If you prefer an even softer mattress, the Helix Sunset might be better for you, but overall this was a good blend of softness and support for me.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About Helix Midnight Mattress

• Combination sleepers who often end up on their backs, stomachs, and sides require a balance of support and comfort and will love the Helix Midnight. This medium-firm mattress has sturdy coils to keep you propped up and plush foams to contour around the lower back.
• Hot sleepers who want to sleep cool should do well on the Helix Midnight, which we gave a cooling score of 4.5/5. The layer of coils helps promote airflow, and gel-infused foam helps the bed’s surface temperature. According to our thermal gun test, the bed only rose 3.4 degrees F after a quick test nap. For extra cooling, shoppers can pay for a GlacioTex™ Cooling Pillow Top, which uses a thermal fabric cover to further draw away body heat.
• Those who need one of the best orthopedic mattresses should consider the Helix Midnight. The soft memory foam in this mattress is great for alleviating joint pain.

What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight Mattress

• Stomach sleepers who need specific midsection support will want to look at another option, like the firmer Helix Dawn. This model was designed with stomach sleepers in mind.
• Heavier side sleepers will need a firmer and more supportive mattress. We recommend the Helix PLUS, which was made specifically for heavy people.

Other User Reviews

On Helix’s site, buyers rated the Helix Midnight 4.5/5 stars with over 6,100 reviews. They generally praised the comfort factor, quality of the materials, and pain relief factors, but some reviewers found it either too firm or too soft depending on their needs.

Helix Midnight Specs

Material	Hybrid Mattress
Warranty	10- year
Firmness	Medium-Firm
Trial Period	100 Nights
Shipping	Free Shipping
Weight (King)	120 lbs
Dimensions (King)	76”W x 80”L x 11.5”H
Price (King- Before Discounts)	$1,748.80

For more information, read our full Helix Midnight mattress review.

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Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers

Pros of the Saatva

Multiple firmness options

Provides great support

Stays cool as you sleep

Cons of the Saatva

Doesn’t isolate motion well

On the expensive side

Mattress Performance Ratings

Poor

Average

Excellent

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5

4.3

4.5

4.5

4

3

4.5

4

5

5

Our Expert’s Take

If you’ve perused some of our other best-of articles, you may have noticed that the Saatva makes many appearances. That’s because it’s truly one of our favorite mattresses we’ve ever tested. The innerspring hybrid construction gives it that luxurious hotel feel that so many people seek out in a mattress. Plus, it comes in three different firmness options—Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm.

Our full review of the Saatva concerns the Luxury Firm model. While we don’t recommend this firmness for side sleepers, the Plush Soft version of the Saatva should provide plenty of pressure relief for your hips and shoulders. This firmness will also work well for most lightweight sleepers. 

What the testers say: “The Saatva has a classic innerspring feel. It’s bouncy and responsive, but the tufted pillow top offers some plush cushioning. When I rested on the mattress, I didn’t sink too far into the layers. I felt like I was sleeping “on top of” the mattress rather than “inside” it.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Saatva

• Regardless of which firmness you select, the Saatva contains high-quality materials that provide solid durability and support. This makes it a great option for those who want to invest in a mattress that will maintain its structural integrity for many years. 
• This construction also lends itself to good temperature regulation. The layer of high-grade coils allows warm air to evacuate the mattress, as opposed to an all-foam mattress which would typically trap your body heat in the dense layers. 
• The Saatva has good responsiveness. It has a springy feel that makes it very easy to move around on. This is great news for combination sleepers, who toss, turn, and switch sleeping positions throughout the night. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva

• The Saatva doesn’t isolate motion very well. If you sleep with a partner, you might feel their movements as they shift around or get in and out of bed. This is important to keep in mind if you or your partner are light sleepers. If you’re sleeping with a partner check out our best mattresses for motion isolation for more recommendations.
• While the Saatva is on the affordable side for a luxurious mattress, it still might be out of your price range. If you’re interested in a cheaper mattress that still works well for side sleepers, check out the Nectar. 

Other User Reviews

The Saatva mattress has an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 3,225 reviews from the company website. Many people comment on how the Saatva has made side sleeping much more comfortable. However, 35 people really disliked the mattress, leaving it a 1-star rating. Complaints touch on poor delivery, as well as the mattress not lasting as long as expected. 

Saatva Original Specs

Material	Innerspring Mattress
Warranty	Lifetime Warranty
Firmness	Multiple Firmness Options Available
Trial Period	365 Nights
Shipping	Free White Glove Delivery
Weight (King)	145 lbs
Dimensions (King)	76”W x 80”L x 14.5”H
Price (King- Before Discounts)	$2,595.00

For more information, read our full Saatva mattress review. Or for more back-and-side options, see our roundup of the best innerspring mattresses.

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Nectar – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers

Pros of the Nectar

Supportive for a variety of sleepers

Breathable cover and gel-infused memory foam

Balanced foam feel

Cons of the Nectar

Stomach sleepers may not want something this soft

Motion isolating, but not bouncy

Mattress Performance Ratings

Poor

Average

Excellent

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5

4.3

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3.5

4.5

4.5

3.5

4

5

5

Our Expert’s Take

When people are seeking a mattress with an appropriate firmness for side sleeping, they also want to make sure they’re getting the best bang for their buck. Nectar is all about value and, while their mattress isn’t the cheapest option on the market, it is one of the best deals, which is why we chose it as our best medium-firm mattress for side sleepers. Just looking at its construction and materials, we would expect it to be much more expensive.

The Nectar features two layers of memory foam in its construction: one is softer gel-infused memory foam, and the other is firmer Hi Core memory foam. Both layers of foam offer excellent pressure relief for side sleepers, who should slowly sink into the bed. Our side sleeping mattress testers found that the level of pressure relief was ideal for the sleeping position.

What the testers say: “When I was side sleeping, I only felt a bit of pressure on my shoulders and hips. I can see how this mattress could be good for those living with chronic pain or arthritis.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Nectar Mattress

• It’s a great option for sleepers with any type of joint pain. The Nectar’s memory foam contours around the body, which helps relieve pressure and soothe aches.
• For a memory foam mattress, it’s pretty cooling, hence the near-perfect cooling score (4.5/5). Memory foam tends to trap heat, but the Nectar has unique features, like its breathable cover and gel-infused memory foam, that help keep it cool. When we measured the surface of the Nectar with a thermal gun before and after a tester had rested on top, the temperature only rose 1.9 degrees F.
• The bed’s edge support is excellent, especially considering the price. Under the weight of our tester Marten, who is 6’7″ and 260 lbs, the edge only sank 3.5″, earning the bed a 4/5 edge support score.
• Its balanced foam feel will appeal to the majority of sleepers. We think it’s particularly comfortable for back sleeping and side sleeping.

What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar Mattress

• Stomach sleepers may not want something this soft. These sleepers will likely want to look for a firmer mattress—stomach sleepers need a bed that ranks at least a 7.5/10 on the firmness scale.
• This bed has little to no bounce, which can make it a bit more difficult to move around and switch positions. For that reason, the bed only earned a 3/5 responsiveness score from testers. If you tend to move around and switch positions while you sleep, check out our list of the best mattresses for combination sleepers.

Other User Reviews

On Nectar’s site, customers gave this mattress 4.7/5 stars, with 55,524 reviews at the time of writing. Many lauded this bed for its ability to alleviate back pain, but some commented that the Nectar was too hard for their taste.

Nectar Original Specs

Material	Memory Mattress
Warranty	Lifetime Warranty
Firmness	Medium-Firm (6.5/10)
Trial Period	365 Nights
Shipping	Free Shipping
Weight (King)	99 lbs
Dimensions (King)	76”W x 80”L x 12”H
Price (King- Before Discounts)	$1,820.00

For more information, read our full Nectar mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best medium-firm mattresses.

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WinkBed – Best Mattress for Side Sleeping Couples

Pros of the WinkBed

Excellent support, especially for back pain

Four firmness options

Tall coils that leave plenty of room for airflow

Cons of the WinkBed

Not the best motion isolation

Higher-quality materials means a higher price

Mattress Performance Ratings

Poor

Average

Excellent

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3.5

4.5

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Our Expert’s Take

The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress that features two sets of supportive coils and a plush pillow-top. Overall, it has a traditional innerspring feel because of its coil-on-coil construction. You have a selection of four firmnesses and, if you’re a side sleeper, we recommend the Softer model.

Not only will it give you the contouring you need, but we’ve also chosen it as one of our best mattresses for hip pain.

What the testers say: “During my tests, the WinkBed exhibited great edge support. This is good news for couples. Both partners will be able to use the full surface area of the mattress.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the WinkBed Mattress

• This bed has zoned support, which means it is firmer at the center and softer at the shoulders. This design supports a neutral spinal alignment, which makes it particularly great mattress for back pain.
• It has four different firmness options, so all sleeper types should be able to find a model that works for their needs.
• It’s made with high quality materials, like a soft Tencel cover and extra coils for edge support.

What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed Mattress

• It is one of the more expensive mattresses on our list. Because this mattress is made with many high-quality materials the WinkBed has a higher price point.
• It doesn’t have the best motion isolation, so you may feel your partner’s movements on your side of the bed.

Other User Reviews

On WinkBeds website, customers gave this mattress 4.8/5 stars. People said they were very happy with how comfortable and supportive this bed felt. However, some customers complained that the mattress was too firm.

WinkBed Mattress Specs

Material	Hybrid Mattress
Warranty	Lifetime Warranty
Firmness	Multiple Firmness Options
Trial Period	120 Nights
Shipping	Free Shipping
Weight (King)	145 bs
Dimensions (King)	76”W x 80”L x 13.5”H
Price (King- Before Discounts)	$1,999.00

For more information, read our full WinkBed mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best mattresses for couples. 

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Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers

Pros of the Nolah Evolution

Great cooling features

Multiple firmness options to support all body types

Built with reinforced edges for good edge support

Cons of the Nolah Evolution

Likely not firm enough for heavyweight side sleepers who also stomach sleep

Mattress Performance Ratings

Poor

Average

Excellent

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5

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5

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Our Expert’s Take

The Nolah Evolution is a luxury mattress that balances comfort and support and comes with a number of cooling features, including the ArcticTex cover with a quilted Euro topper, which helps draw heat away from the body. The bed’s proprietary AirFoamICE is made to prevent heat from getting trapped in the bed, and is swaddled in a heat escape gusset that helps promote airflow.

The Nolah Evolution is also an excellent bed for heavier side sleepers, since the robust construction of thick foams and individually wrapped coils won’t let you sink in too far. For even more support, check out the Nolah Evolution Comfort+, a bed designed for sleepers who weigh 300 lbs or more.

What the testers say: “As someone who sleeps hot, I’m prone to waking up because I’m overheating. Because of this, the Nolah Evolution was perfect for my situation and nailed the nap test. Its thick coils and high-density foams were supportive enough to handle my weight, and its cooling cover and foams helped me nap without overheating in our Austin, TX mattress lab.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Nolah Evolution

• For sleepers who are looking for a good balance of comfort and support, the Nolah Evolution should be a good fit. It’s built to be pressure-relieving thanks to its foams, and the individually wrapped coils add some sturdiness.
• Like we mentioned above, the Nolah Evolution has some great cooling features such as a cooling cover, temperature-neutral foam, a heat escape gusset, and a layer of coils that help promote airflow.
• The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress, and while many mattresses with coil layers cause significant motion transfer, this bed has a slower-moving feel thanks to multiple comfort layers that help absorb movement, earning the bed 4/5 from testers on the motion transfer test.

What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution

• While the bed excels at isolating motion, the Nolah Evolution doesn’t have as great edge support as some hybrids, which may affect sleepers who tend to drift to the edge of their mattress.
• This mattress is often sought by sleepers seeking a luxury bedroom upgrade. Consequently, it’s one of the pricier beds we’ve included in our roundup, at around $2,000 for a queen. If you’re on a tighter budget, you may want to consider the more brand’s more humble Nolah Original.

Other User Reviews

Customers on the Nolah site rated the Evolution mattress 4.9/5 stars. Since Nolah doesn’t allow users to filter through ratings on their site, we mostly noticed 5-star reviews on the mattress that highlighted how luxurious and cooling the mattress felt. 

Nolah Evolution Specs

Material	Hybrid Mattress
Warranty	Lifetime Warranty
Firmness	Multiple Firmness Options
Trial Period	120 Nights
Shipping	Free Shipping
Weight (King)	135 lbs
Dimensions (King)	76”W x 80”L x 15”H
Price (King- Before Discounts)	$2,699.00

For more information, read our full review of the Nolah Evolution. Or for more options, check out our roundup of the best cooling mattresses.

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Nectar Premier Hybrid – Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers

Mattress Performance Ratings

Poor

Average

Excellent

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5

4.3

4.5

3.5

3.5

4

3.5

4.5

5

5

Our Expert’s Take

While the Nectar Original mattress is known for its excellent value, side sleepers looking for luxury on a budget can still snag a pretty sweet deal with the Nectar Premier Hybrid, on sale for $1,099 (for a queen) at publication time.

The Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress starts with a thin, breathable (and antimicrobial) quilted cover that prevented heat from building up under them, mattress testers said. Next are three comfort layers: 1″ of soft memory foam for a cushy feel, a supportive Active Lift HD foam layer to keep your spine aligned, and a Dynamic Response layer that transitions to the core support layer. The core consists of an 8″ high row of individually wrapped coils, providing bounce and ease of movement, grounded by a high-density foam base layer for added stability.

What the testers say: “Nectar is a brand we love here because of its value. So if you’re wanting to get that luxury mattress experience without breaking the budget, the Premier Hybrid is a fantastic choice. The hybrid construction provides the right amount of lift where I felt great on my side and back.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress

• Luxury and cooling are kind of inseparable concepts when it comes to mattresses, and the Nectar Premier Hybrid fortunately nails both, testers said. The bed’s cooling construction of coils and a breathable cover helped it earn a 4.5/5 score from testers in the mattress lab.
• Nectar Hybrid Premier has what we call a “balanced foam feel,” which means the bed’s surface is fairly slow-moving, but the coils add a bounciness that makes it more seamless to move around. This balance of support, comfort and responsiveness should appeal to any sleeper looking for a luxury mattress experience.

What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress

• Dual side and stomach sleepers may not get enough support on the Nectar Hybrid Premier, especially heavier sleepers. If you mostly sleep on your side but sometimes lay prone, we’d recommend checking out the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ as a luxe upgrade option.
• Unlike the memory foam Nectar, this bed has a lot bounce, and while that makes it easier to position-switch, the Premier Hybrid doesn’t isolate motion as well as the Nectar, scoring a middling 3.5/5 in the category from mattress testers.

Other User Reviews

On Nectar’s site, customers gave the Premier Hybrid a rating of 4.4/5, collected from 1,703 reviews at publication time. Verified buyer Erica E., a self-described side sleeper, said a customer service rep guided her to the Premier Hybrid based on her needs, and it’s a match made in heaven: “It is soft and luxurious, but there is still enough support. The materials used for the mattress that I can touch and see are high quality and feel very nice as well.” Among concerns about the bed, some customers experienced back pain or felt that the mattress was too soft.

Nectar Premier Hybrid Specs

Material	Hybrid Mattress
Warranty	Lifetime Warranty
Firmness	Soft
Trial Period	365 Nights
Shipping	Free Shipping
Weight (King)	107 lbs
Dimensions (King)	60”W x 80”L x 13”H
Price (King- Before Discounts)	$1,799.00

For more information, read our full Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best luxury mattresses.

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Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers and Muscle Recovery

Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid

Celliant material may help with blood flow

Great mattress for hot sleepers

Good fit for side and back sleepers

Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid

Not supportive enough for heavier stomach sleepers

Pricier than other mattress options on the market

Mattress Performance Ratings

Poor

Average

Excellent

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4.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

3.5

4

4.5

5

5

Our Expert’s Take

If you’re a side sleeper who’s incredibly active and loves a good workout, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress should be a fantastic fit. Bear uses a material called Celliant, which reportedly helps with muscle recovery. From testing, we know Celliant is definitely a cooling material, so it should help cool you down after an evening workout.

We recommend the Soft or Medium models of this bed for the most pressure relief; they have cushioning memory foam that should relieve most pressure on your shoulders and hips, but there are also coils at the bottom to keep your spine aligned.

What the testers say: “The Bear Elite mattress has a balanced foam feel. When you rest on it, you’ll feel the thick comfort layers cushion your body. The strong support coils create a responsive feel, so it’s easy to move around on top of this bed. You shouldn’t “stuck inside” this mattress.” – Elisa, Reviewer

What We Love About the Bear Elite Hybrid

• It’s a great bed for hot sleepers. It coils promote lots of airflow, and it has a cooling cover, which is quilted with phase change material, a thermal fabric that helps dissipate body heat.
• Some studies show Celliant, which is woven into this mattress, may help improve blood flow and promote muscle recovery.
• The Bear Elite Hybrid has zoned support, which means it’s firmer at the hips and softer at the shoulders. This construction helps promote a healthy, neutral spinal alignment.

What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Elite Hybrid

• Stomach sleepers will want to look for a firmer mattress. These sleepers would sink too far into this bed, which would throw their spine out of alignment.
• The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s luxury offering, and as such, it comes with a luxury price tag.

Other User Reviews

Bear customers gave the Elite Hybrid 4.4/5 stars, from 265 reviews at the time of writing. Many raved about this mattress’s ideal level of support and comfort. However, some users wrote that the bed sagged in the middle after some use.

Bear Elite Hybrid Specs

Material	Hybrid Mattress
Warranty	Lifetime Warranty
Firmness	Multiple Firmness Options
Trial Period	120 Nights
Shipping	Free Shipping
Weight (King)	140 lbs
Dimensions (King)	76”W x 80”L x 14”H
Price (King- Before Discounts)	$2,796.00

For more information, read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. Not sure Bear is right for you, check out our best mattresses for athletes for other options. 

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Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Very durable, especially for the value

Great cooling

Four comfort layers offer excellent contouring

A classic medium-firm feel most sleepers will enjoy

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

The bounciness may not appeal to stomach sleepers

Not a typical, slow-moving memory foam mattress

Mattress Performance Ratings

Poor

Average

Excellent

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Our Expert’s Take

In Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet adaptation of the fairy tale, a princess named Aurora sleeps for 100 years. You, too, may never want to be roused from your side sleeping slumber once you’ve nestled into the Aurora Luxe. Simply put, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe has everything side sleepers need. When resting on top of the hybrid mattress, our testers experienced plenty of lower back support and luxurious pressure relief.

The four comfort layers have built-in cooling features, and thanks to the balanced hybrid feel, it should be easy to move around on this high-end mattress—there’s just the right amount of bounce and responsiveness. Best of all, Brooklyn Bedding creates all of its mattresses at its owned-and-operated factory in Phoenix, Arizona. That way, the brand can cut costs and pass the savings onto customers.

What the testers say: “As I was lying on my side on the Aurora Luxe, I felt good body contouring happening around my hips and shoulders. This should help alleviate pain along those pressure points. But, the coils still supported me enough so that I didn’t feel like I was sinking into it too much.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

• This mattress is very affordable for a luxury mattress. Brooklyn Bedding owns its own factory, so it’s able to keep costs low.
• The Aurora Luxe has a medium-firm feel that will appeal to most sleepers. We would readily recommend the bed to almost all average weight back and side sleepers.
• It sleeps very cool thanks to an advanced cooling panel inside the cover, and a high-quality coil system that helps air flow easily through the mattress.

What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

• If you’re after a slow-moving, memory foam bed that will contour around your whole body, you may want to look elsewhere. This bed has a more responsive feel.
• This bed is not firm enough for heavier-weight stomach sleepers. They need a bed that will keep their hips propped up in line with their shoulders.

Other User Reviews

Brooklyn Bedding customers gave the Aurora Luxe 4.7/5 stars, from 3,500+ reviews at the time of writing. Many remarked that the bed provided a nice, memory foam-like feel without too much sinkage. Some users remarked that the bed felt too firm, but others found it too soft.

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Specs

Material	Hybrid Mattress
Warranty	10-year Warranty
Firmness	Multiple Firmness Options
Trial Period	120 Nights
Shipping	Free Shipping
Weight Capacity	950 lbs
Dimensions (Queen)	60”W x 80”L x 13.75”H
Price (Queen- Before Discounts)	$2,265.00

For more information, read our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best soft mattresses. 

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Titan Plus Luxe – Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers

Pros of the Titan Plus Luxe

Specifically made for heavier weight sleepers

Cooling features

Excellent for heavy back sleepers

Good bounce and responsiveness

Cons of the Titan Plus Luxe

Doesn’t offer a slow-moving feel

Might be too soft for heavier stomach sleepers

Poor

Average

Excellent

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5

4.25

4.5

4

4.5

4

4

4

5

4

Our Expert’s Take

Heavy side sleepers are in a tricky spot when it comes to purchasing a new mattress. They’ll need a comfort layer that gives them enough pressure relief on their shoulders and hips but is also supportive enough to keep them from sinking too far into the layers. In fact, Brooklyn Bedding designed this mattress specifically for heavy people over 230 lb.

What’s more, the Titan Plus Luxe also has some great cooling features. The foam layers of the mattress are infused with gel which helps dissipate heat, and the coil layer helps promote airflow. If you’re an especially hot sleeper, you can also add a cooling panel to the cover of the mattress for an additional cost.

What the testers say: “I’m a bigger guy, and the Titan Plus Luxe is made for larger and taller people like me. In my testing, the Titan Plus Luxe offered great pressure relief and response. It was easy to move around, and I didn’t feel too much pressure on my shoulders and hips. – Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Titan Plus Luxe

• The Titan Plus Luxe is the upgraded version of the Titan Plus. It has added features like plusher foams for more comfort and taller coils for added support.
• It was made specifically for heavy people. This bed won’t sag in the middle or envelop larger sleepers. It’s designed to support a total of 1,000 lb. I’d recommend the Titan Plus Luxe as one of the best mattresses for heavy people.
• The Titan Plus Luxe does a great job at sleeping cool. It has airflow-promoting coils and gel-infused memory foam quilted into its cover. You can also opt, for an additional fee, for a cover cooling panel made with phase change material, a special thermal fabric that dissipates body heat.

What to Keep in Mind About the Titan Plus Luxe

• If you like to really sink into your mattress, and feel it contour around you, you will likely want to look elsewhere. This bed has a more “on top” of the bed feel.
• This bed isn’t going to be a great option for lightweight sleepers. Since it was designed with heavy people in mind, it has an ultra supportive, firmer feel that most light sleepers will likely not enjoy.

Other User Reviews

On Titan’s website, 1,490 reviewers gave the Titan Plus Luxe 4.6/5 stars. Many customers remarked on how supportive the mattress was, and that it was great for heavy people. However, some customers complained that the mattress was too soft.

Titan Plus Luxe Specs

Material	Hybrid Mattress
Warranty	10- year
Firmness	Medium-Firm
Trial Period	120 Nights
Shipping	Free Shipping
Weight Capacity	1,000 pounds
Dimensions (Queen)	60”W x 80”L x 13”H
Price (Queen- Before Discounts)	$1,599

For more information, read our full Titan Plus Luxe mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people. 

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Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers

Pros of the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid

Hot-sleeper friendly

Durable design

Eco-friendly

Cons of the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid

May be too soft for combination sleepers who alternate stomach sleeping

Shorter sleep trial than competitors

Mattress Performance Ratings

Poor

Average

Excellent

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4.5

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Our Expert’s Take

For side sleepers who want a slightly firmer mattress that still offers the pressure relief and comfort they need, the Sapira Chill by Leesa should be on their radar. According to our testers, the Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress uniquely suitable for lightweight, average-weight, and heavier side sleepers to all find their comfort zone while having a 6.5/10 firmness level. The same goes for back sleepers of all sizes. While most side sleepers tend to appreciate an all-foam mattress, the Sapira Chill allows side sleepers to get the pressure relief and support they need while still getting the superior edge support and temperature regulation that hybrid beds typically offer more of than all-foam mattresses. 

The Sapira Chill has an elaborate seven-layer construction. Its surface has a cozy, soft, and breathable cover top infused with cooling fibers, which kept our testers feeling cool when resting on it, helping the bed earn its 4/5 cooling score. Underneath the cover is a gel-infused quilted foam layer on top of a responsive foam layer, with each layer designed to optimize comfort while stimulating airflow. Underneath these comfort layers is a responsive foam layer for bounce and cushioning on top of a transitional foam layer that maintains support and pressure relief while you rest on the upper comfort layers. At the bed’s base is a coiled zoned support layer made up of at least 1,032 individually wrapped coils that help with posture and lumbar support, generating airflow, and ensuring consistent support across the entirety of the bed. Finally, underneath and acting as a stabilizing foundation is a layer of high-density foam that helps with the bed’s durability. 

While most of us love the feel of memory foam, our bones and muscles sometimes need the firmer support that comes with a layer of coils in a bed to ensure we sleep with our spines intact. For side sleepers who need the pressure relief of foam but want some of the benefits of an innerspring mattress, the Sapira Chill could be a great solution. 

What our testers say: “The surface of the Leesa Hybrid mattress has a balanced foam feel. Thanks to the layers of coils and high-density polyfoam, this is a bouncy and responsive mattress. It’s easy to move around on top of this bed, as you have a really propped up ‘floaty’ feeling from the innerspring coils.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid Mattress

• Hot sleepers can enjoy the Sapira Chill’s foam layers without feeling clammy due to the cooling technology built into them and the airy coiled layer that helps to dissipate body heat.
• Heavier side and back sleepers should be able to find the support they need on the Sapira Chill. Its coiled layer and hybrid design should help prevent heavier sleepers from sinking into the foam layers while still enjoying them.
• Our testers were impressed with the Sapira Chill’s durable construction. They claim it will take a lot to make this mattress sag and estimate that it should reliably last seven to 10 years. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid Mattress

• Lightweight stomach sleepers may still get some support on the Sapira Chill, but most will likely find the Sapira Chill too soft.  
• The Sapira Chill may be a bit pricey for budget-minded consumers.

Other User Reviews

On Leesa’s website, the Sapira Chill Hybrid has nearly 2,500 reviews, averaging a score of 4.4/5. After purchasing the hybrid mattress, one verified customer boasted on their site, “Loving my new Sapira mattress. Slept great since the very first night. The perfect combo of soft and solid, sleeps nice and cool, too. Love!”

Leesa Sapira Chill Specs

Material	Hybrid
Warranty	10 Years
Firmness	Multiple Firmness Options
Trial Period	100 Nights
Shipping	Free
Weight (Queen)	130 lbs.
Dimensions (Queen)	60″W x 80″L x 14″H
Price (Queen- Before Discounts)	$2159.00

For more information, read our full Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best hybrid mattresses.

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Other Mattresses for Side Sleepers We Like

While these mattresses didn’t make our top 8 recommendations, these mattresses are still a great option for people who are looking for a mattress for side sleepers. Check out our recommendations below.

Pros

It works well for side sleepers because it offers plenty of pressure relief for shoulders and hips.

It has a luxurious, high-end feel.

Cons

It’s not supportive enough for stomach sleepers.

Because it’s a luxurious mattress, it has a higher price point.

Pros

reasonably priced for a Tempurpedic Mattress, making it an affordable mattress

The medium-firm feel is great for supporting side and back sleepers

Absorbs movement very well, making it a great mattress for couples

Cons

The multiple layers of foam traps heat, making this not a great mattress for hot sleepers

While medium-firm, it’s not firm enough to support stomach sleepers

The slow moving feel of this mattress, might not make it great for those with mobility issues

Pros

Sealy Chill cover helps to keep hot sleepers cool

Isolates motion well, making it a good mattress for couples

The soft feel helps to alleviate pressure on the shoulders and hips making it a suitable mattress for side sleepers

Cons

Has a balanced hybrid feel, if you’re looking for a memory foam feel this mattress might not be for you

Lightweight side sleepers might not get the compression they need from this mattress

What to Look for in a Mattress for Side Sleepers

Although the medical community doesn’t offer a clear-cut consensus on a “best” sleep position per se, physicians from trusted institutions like Johns Hopkins assert both benefits and drawbacks to side sleeping. For instance: you can alleviate sleep apnea with side sleeping, but also agitate heartburn if you’re a right-side sleeper. And unfortunately your body is susceptible to even dicier conditions when you lay on your side after a long night of drinking, like a compression of the radial nerve colloquially known as “Saturday Night Palsy.”  Like the hangover that accompanies the palsy, while there are some remedies available, you’re far better off preventing aches, pains, and numbness with a pressure-relieving mattress.

Sleeping on a high-quality mattress that offers both support and comfort on your side will benefit not just your sleep quality, but how your body feels when it’s time to greet the day. For these reasons, we’ve made a comprehensive guide on what to look for when shopping for the best mattress for side sleeping, starting with a factor we’ve mentioned several times already: pressure relief.

Great Pressure Relief

If you sleep on your side, you’re going to be naturally putting a lot of pressure on your hips, shoulders, and neck, which can cause tension throughout the spine.

To sleep comfortably, you’ll want a mattress that is soft enough to relieve those pressure points; foam mattresses tend to be great at relieving pressure points and can be ideal for side sleepers.

If a mattress is too firm, it will cut off a lot of the blood circulation in the body and potentially cause major aches and pains because it doesn’t contour to the widest points in the hips and shoulders. It could also cause side sleepers to wake up in the middle of the night and change positions.

Support to Avoid Neck Pain

If you have neck pain and sleep on your side, it’s quite possible that this is due to your pillow, not your bed frame or mattress. If your pillow isn’t supportive enough, then your neck will be angled downward in an uncomfortable position. Similarly, if your pillow is particularly thick, then your neck might be pushed upwards, causing even more annoying pain issues.

So, instead of recommending a bed or mattress to alleviate neck pain, we encourage you to check out our article on the best pillows for side sleepers. Any of the recommendations in our informative roundup should help alleviate any sort of neck pain issues that you may get from your bed.

Support to Avoid Back Pain

First off, if you struggle with lower back pain, you should consult with a doctor for a professional opinion. This information does not constitute medical advice, and we can only give a general opinion on the relationship between back pain and mattresses.

Contouring to Avoid Hip Pain

If you struggle with hip pain, it might be because of your mattress. However, you should first consult a doctor before anything else. Again, the information in this article does not constitute medical advice.

Spinal Alignment

The best mattress for back pain is something that’s medium firm and supportive. This is easy enough for back and stomach sleepers, but gets a little tricky when it comes to sleeping on your side. Side sleepers are usually going to want to find a mattress that’s on the softer side with a thicker comfort layer to keep the right spine alignment throughout the night.

Essentially, those with back pain are going to want a measured balance of pressure and relief and support. They don’t want the comfort layer to be too soft or too thin.

Matching Your Budget

From our personal experience, budget mattresses aren’t always the best for side sleeping. Usually, they’re really firm and don’t have much of a comfort layer, thus creating pressure points. This can make it difficult for side sleepers to find a good mattress in a box for under $700.

That said, the Nectar mattress is a good value pick for side sleepers. It has two layers of memory foam that offer excellent pressure relief and prevent sleepers from overheating at night.

What Is The Best Mattress Firmness for Side Sleepers?

A bed’s firmness level will significantly impact how comfortable it is. Of course, firmness is highly subjective, and it greatly depends on body type. But overall, we recommend that side sleepers look for a mattress that’s slightly softer than average—about 6/10 on our firmness scale. For reference, 6.5/10 represents the industry standard of medium-firm.

Check out our chart below for the full breakdown of body type and firmness level:

Weight Range	Firmness Level
Lightweight: under 130 lb	6/10, medium-soft
Average Weight: 130 – 230 lb	6/10, medium-soft
Heavyweight: Over 230 lb	6.5 – 7/10, medium-firm

Plush mattresses typically have thick comfort layers, which help alleviate pressure along the shoulders and hips. If a bed is too firm, you may sink straight through the comfort layers into the support section. This could strain pressure points and cause pain over time.

You’ll want to avoid particularly soft mattresses, too. It’s important to sleep on a supportive foundation so the body stays in the proper alignment.

What is the Best Type of Mattress for Side Sleepers?

With so many mattresses on the market, it can be difficult to find the right one for you. Here are the best type of mattresses for side sleepers.

Memory Foam Mattresses

It’s no coincidence that there are multiple memory foam mattresses on this list. They do a fantastic job of relieving pressure when compared with other types of materials, and they’re also great at isolating motion.

A lot of memory foam owners complain about “sleeping hot.” That’s because memory foam can trap heat more than other mattress materials. But many brands combat this problem by infusing their beds with cooling technology such as gel or copper-infused foam. A breathable mattress cover is also important.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses are unique in that they combine some or all of the materials we’ve already mentioned. The most common construction you’ll find is a support layer of steel coils topped with layers of foam—usually memory foam, latex foam, or a proprietary material specific to the mattress brand.

Because of the breadth of materials involved, hybrid mattresses can be wide-ranging in their feel and firmness. But in general, they’re going to be more supportive than all-foam beds, in addition to being bouncier and more responsive. They tend to be a good pick for side sleepers who want a blend of comfort and support without the sleep surface being too soft.

Our top pick, the Helix Midnight, is an example of a hybrid mattress. It contains coil layers that add more support to the softer foams above. This provides a nice balance of contour and pushback that side sleepers need.

What Mattress Types Are Not As Good for Side Sleepers?

Innerspring Mattresses

A truly innerspring mattress—not to be confused with the aforementioned hybrid mattress, as sometimes the terms are used interchangeably—will lack the foam comfort layers of a hybrid. Instead, an intertwined coil system, or rows of pocketed coils, will comprise the bulk of the bed’s build. Although the coils will provide lift and support, the lack of a contouring and pressure-relieving memory foam layer will probably make for an uncomfortable night’s sleep for a side sleeper, especially those who like to cozy in a bit to the bed’s surface. If you already have an innerspring mattress and are on a tight budget, consider adding a memory foam mattress topper. Just note that if the springs in your mattress are uneven or sagging after years of wear, a mattress topper won’t be enough of a remedy to keep your hips supported and spine aligned.

Latex Mattresses

It’s not an iron-clad rule, but our testers tend to shy away from recommending latex mattresses to side sleepers. Latex foam, even the typical “Talalay latex,” manufactured to feel softer, tends to feel firmer and less pressure-relieving than memory foam comfort layers. However, naturally derived latex does tend to be more breathable and sleep less hot than memory foam, so if you like a mattress with more bouncy responsiveness and don’t mind a firmer surface, latex could be a good option. 

Tips for Side Sleeping

In addition to choosing the right mattress and pillow, here are some other tips side sleepers can take to get a good night’s rest.

• Keep a neutral posture: When you turn on your side to fall asleep, make sure your body is relaxed and not twisted into an uneven position.
• Put a pillow between your legs: Some side sleepers cause themselves discomfort when their knees rub up against each other. Sleeping with a pillow between your legs can minimize this friction and treat your lower body to some added plushness.
• Add more pillows: Side sleepers usually need a higher pillow loft to keep their neck, shoulders, and spine in a neutral alignment. If you feel like you need a taller loft, create one yourself by stacking up your pillows.

Benefits of Side Sleeping

Side sleeping is one of the healthiest sleep positions, especially for back pain. Learn how to become a side sleeper in our comprehensive guide, and be sure to check out our article on which side you should sleep on to get the best night’s sleep.

Summary of the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

Mattress	Superlative
Helix Midnight	Best Overall
Saatva	Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nectar	Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers
WinkBed	Best for Side-Sleeping Couples
Nolah Evolution	Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nectar Premier Hybrid	Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
Bear Elite Hybrid	Best Mattress for Side Sleepers and Muscle Recovery
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe	Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers
Titan Plus Luxe	Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers
Leesa Sapira Chill	Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers FAQs

What kind of mattress is best for side sleepers?

Side sleepers should look for a mattress that is softer than average, about 5-6.5/10 on our firmness scale. A mattress within this firmness range should relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips. Anything higher than a 7 on the firmness scale is too firm for most side sleepers.

What mattress is best for side sleepers who have back pain?

There’s no true best mattress for side sleepers with back pain because everyone differs in body type. However, we recommend searching for a high-quality hybrid mattress that offers both comfort and support. This should help side sleepers maintain the proper spinal alignment and it should also prevent back pain.

What type of mattress should a side sleeper use?

Memory foam mattresses are great for side sleepers. These beds have a slow-moving feel, which allows sleepers to sink into the layers and feel the pressure relief they need.

You could also opt for an innerspring mattress that has a soft pillow top, such as the Saatva Classic. This bed offers both comfort and support.

What types of mattresses should side sleepers avoid?

Generally, latex mattresses don’t work well for side sleepers. Latex foam usually feels quite firm, so it doesn’t offer the pressure relief side sleepers need.

Sources

• Cary D, et al. (2019). Identifying relationships between sleep posture and non-specific spinal symptoms in adults: A scoping review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6609073/

• Cunningham C, et al. (n.d.). Good Sleeping Posture Helps Your Back.https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4460