Most people choose side sleeping when they tuck themselves in at night—myself included. Although it consistently wins the sleep position popularity contest, side sleeping comes with unique challenges due to the pressure you can put on your shoulders and hips.
Fortunately, my fellow sleep testers and I have tested more than 600 mattresses to determine which work best for every type of sleeper, side sleepers included. Below I’ve rounded up the ones that provide exceptional pressure relief, so that you can curl up comfortably—and wake up every morning feeling positive and pain-free.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers?
Based on our expert mattress tester’s findings, the Helix Midnight is the best mattress for side sleepers due to its thick memory foam comfort layer. It cushions the shoulders and hips to relieve pressure 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 Premier – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers
- WinkBed – Best for Side-Sleeping Couples
- Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Nectar Luxe – 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 Premier Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Nectar Luxe Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe | Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Best For |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Hot Sleepers,
Back Pain, Side Sleepers |
Side Sleepers
|
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
How We Tested Our Top Picks for Side Sleepers
All mattresses we test undergo a rigorous process that combines scientific data gathering with hands-on evaluations. Since pressure relief is often a big concern for side sleepers, we focused on this feature by conducting a pressure map test, which uses thermal imaging to show where stress can build up in the body when lying on a mattress. We also performed our own “rest tests” and noted how we felt on the beds to make sure the pressure map information aligned with our feedback.
Side sleepers also need adequate support to keep them from sinking too far into the mattress. After spending considerable time on each mattress, we noted how well it kept our hips elevated and our spines aligned and assigned each mattress a score from 1 to 5. For a bed to be considered for this roundup, it needed to score a 3.5 or higher on support. We also tested features such as motion isolation by placing a glass of water on the mattress and pressing the layers around it, and edge support—or how well a mattress supports you along its sides—by sitting at the perimeter of the bed and measuring the sinkage with a tape measure.
How We Chose Our Top Picks for Side Sleepers
We test mattresses across a myriad of factors; however, the beds we selected for this roundup had to excel in these particular categories to meet the needs of side sleepers:
Firmness
Side sleepers naturally put a lot of pressure on the shoulders, hips, and spine. A big factor in weighing a bed’s suitability for side sleepers is whether it’s soft enough to relieve pressure points and not cause major aches and pains. We excluded all beds that exceeded a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale.
Support
As a side sleeper, I know that sleeping on a supportive foundation is vital for maintaining proper alignment throughout the night. To ensure this, I recommend a medium-firm mattress, which is about a 6.5/10 on our firmness scale. There are a few slightly softer beds on our list, but these beds typically have the additional support of pocketed innerspring coils to keep sleepers elevated.
Pressure Relief and Contouring
Side sleepers put a lot of their weight on their shoulders and hips, which makes contouring and pressure relief essential for a good night’s sleep. I recommend a mattress that has a top layer that cradles body parts prone to pressure buildup, such as the hips and shoulders. This is especially important if you suffer from recurring hip or shoulder pain. My top mattress picks all have better contouring and pressure relief than the typical mattress. I’ll also further specify which body types will be best suited to each type of mattress.
Helix Midnight – Best Overall
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness and works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover. Be sure to watch our video review to learn more about the Helix Midnight.
Our Expert’s Take
The Helix Midnight is the company’s most popular mattress model. This high-quality hybrid’s classic medium-firm build offers a contouring, hug-like feel and excellent lumbar support, which side sleepers need. Its bouncy responsiveness makes it easy to move around for sleepers who tend to switch positions throughout the night.
When I tested this mattress, I sunk into the top layer a little. However, at 6’7” and 270 pounds, I’m not your average sleeper. The lightweight and average-weight folks on our test team found that the Midnight balanced solid support and a cradling feel, making it a versatile fit for many side sleepers. The mattress also worked well for back sleepers and received excellent edge support and motion transfer scores. This bodes well for side sleepers who sleep with a partner—not only can you comfortably spread out to the far reaches of this bed, but you’re also unlikely to be awakened by a restless partner.
Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Saatva is a luxurious hybrid innerspring mattress that should be a great long-term investment. It is available in multiple firmness options, so it should work for the majority of sleeping positions, and its Luxury Firm model is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers. However, lightweight side sleepers and fans of memory foam should look elsewhere. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
The Saatva appears in many of our best-of articles because its quality materials and innerspring hybrid construction give it such a luxurious “hotel mattress” feel. It’s also offered in three different firmness options—Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm—which allows side sleepers to pick a firmness that appeals to their personal preferences and best supports their body types.
I reviewed the Saatva Luxury Firm model, and while I don’t recommend this firmness for lightweight side sleepers, I think that average-weight and heavyweight folks will love how the plush upper layers contour around them, while the sturdy innerspring layer supports their hips and keeps their spines aligned. As for lightweight sleepers, I’d recommend the Plush Soft version, which should provide plenty of pressure relief for your hips and shoulders.
Nectar Premier – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Nectar Premier mattress is a luxurious bed that offers lots of pressure relief. It’s softer than average, which makes it a nice option for many side sleepers. This mattress has cooling gel foam and a cover made with Phase Change Material, so it works well for hot sleepers. However, it may not be supportive enough for many back and stomach sleepers. And because it’s a high-end model, it could be out of some people’s budgets. To learn more, watch our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
The Nectar Premier’s all-foam construction and medium-firm firmness make it an excellent side sleeper mattress. It features two comfort layers: 2” of soft memory foam that provides gentle cradling, and 3″ of more supportive foam that keeps sleepers elevated and aligned. These layers work together to ease pain and tension around a side sleeper’s shoulders and hips, providing much-needed pressure relief.
Our average-weight tester said this bed cradled her pressure points and made her want to melt into the mattress. However, those with a larger stature, like me, might need a slightly firmer mattress. I appreciated the initial pressure relief, but I slowly began to sink too far into the mattress, which caused some discomfort to build through my hips. I’d recommend the Nectar Classic for heavier side sleepers.
WinkBed – Best Mattress for Side-Sleeping Couples
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bed’s excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed that’s easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Sleeping with another person is a different experience than snoozing solo. Couples need a bed that provides plenty of room to spread out—and allows for easy repositioning during sex. Of course, you’ll also need one that offers contouring and pressure relief when sleeping on your side.
I recommend the WinkBed to most side-sleeping couples because it ticks all of these boxes—and is even so effective at contouring that we’ve chosen it as one of our best mattresses for hip pain. The mattress has a plush pillow-top that cradles the hips and shoulders. However, it won’t cause you to sink so far into foam that it throws your spinal alignment out of whack; it keeps you elevated and aligned with two sets of supportive innerspring coils. Since the WinkBed is offered in multiple firmnesses, couples can pinpoint the one that works best for both of them (we tend to recommend the “Luxury Firm” model to most side sleepers).
Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels. The Luxury Firm model works well for many back and side sleepers. This mattress has many cooling features, and it isolates motion well. It’s not a great option for most people who weigh over 300 lb, though. If you fall in this category, you may need more lumbar support. Watch our Nolah Evolution mattress review video to learn more.
Our Expert’s Take
The Nolah Evolution is a luxury mattress that balances comfort and support and comes with a number of cooling features to help hot sleepers. This includes an ArcticTex cover with a quilted Euro topper, which helps draw warmth away from the body. The bed’s proprietary AirFoamICE, a graphite-infused foam, is designed to prevent heat from getting trapped in the bed; its “heat escape” gusset helps promote airflow.
The Nolah Evolution is an excellent choice 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.
Nectar Luxe – Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Nectar Luxe is the brand’s most luxurious mattress. This bed has many cooling features that help dissipate body heat. Thanks to its soft feel, this mattress works well for many side sleepers. That said, this mattress isn’t supportive enough for many heavyweight people and stomach sleepers.
Our Expert’s Take
Although you don’t have to break the bank to find a quality, durable mattress, if your budget allows for a luxury mattress, why not treat yourself? It’s a bonus if you can snag a luxurious bed for a reasonable price, and that’s exactly what you’ll find with the Nectar Luxe—my pick for the best luxury mattress for side sleepers.
The Luxe’s plush upper foams cradle a side sleeper’s shoulders and hips, providing rave-worthy pressure relief. But despite its softer feel, this all-foam bed also offers ample support. Of course, since this is a luxury mattress, it will cost a bit more, but it comes with a 365-night sleep trial that gives you plenty of time to make sure it’s the right bed. It also has a lifetime warranty, indicating that the manufacturer believes in this bed’s materials, construction, and durability.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers and Muscle Recovery
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s most high-end mattress. It offers luxury features, like zoned support and extra height, while still offering the temperature regulation Bear mattresses are known for. Based on our testing results, we’d recommend this mattress to average-weight side and back sleepers, as well as hot sleepers. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, check out the Bear Star Hybrid. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re a weekend warrior or dedicated athlete, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress should be a fantastic fit due to its supportive hybrid construction and cooling. Bear also uses a material called Celliant in its optional cooling cover, which it claims can help with muscle recovery. This bed is offered in three firmness options, so it suits all types of sleepers depending on which firmness you choose.
I recommend the Soft or Medium beds for most side sleepers, as those models will likely provide the most pressure relief. The Bear Elite has cushioning memory foam that should relieve most of the tension on your shoulders and hips, but there are also coils at the bottom to keep your spine aligned. From testing this bed, I know Celliant is a cooling material, so in addition to easing your sore muscles, it should also help cool you down after an evening workout.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe offers a responsive surface great for combination sleepers. It’s also a good choice for hot sleepers looking for a bed that can keep them cool but that’s available in a wide array of sizes. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
The Aurora Luxe’s combination of lower back support and luxurious pressure relief is a huge win for side sleepers—particularly those in search of a mattress on the softer side. Hot sleepers will also get good relief from this bed, thanks to three major cooling features: a cooling cover that helps dissipate heat and wick moisture, a memory foam layer interwoven with dedicated cooling fibers, and an innerspring layer with well-spaced coils designed to promote airflow and breathability.
The Aurora Luxe comes in three firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm, which makes it an appealing choice for many consumers. The Medium model I tested is excellent for average-weight side sleepers. However, lightweight sleepers and those who enjoy a plush bed will want to choose “Soft” when adding this bed to their cart.
Titan Plus Luxe – Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers
The Titan Plus Luxe is an extra-supportive mattress that offers some nice comfort as well, making it a great option for heavier back and side sleepers. And, while most mattresses for heavy people are quite expensive, the Titan Plus Luxe is a great value. However, heavier stomach sleepers may need a firmer mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Our Expert’s Take
As a heavy side sleeper, I know how tricky it is to find a suitable mattress. Heavyweight side sleepers need a bed that has a pressure-relieving comfort layer to contour the shoulders and hips while also providing enough firm support to offset excess sinkage. Enter the Titan Plus Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding.
This bed was explicitly designed for people who weigh more than 230 lbs so it’s built with abundant support from a robust coil system. But it also has some welcoming comfort features, like a soft, quilted foam top layer. Hot sleepers will also find a lot to appreciate here: The foam layers of the mattress are infused with gel, which helps dissipate heat, and the coil layer promotes better airflow.
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a cool, comfortable bed that pairs a plush pillow top with supportive zoned coils. It’s available in three firmness options, so many sleepers should be able to choose a model that works for their sleeping position. This isn’t the cheapest option for a cooling mattress, though. Instead, check out the Cocoon Chill.
Our Expert’s Take
According to our testers, the Leesa Sapira Chill is a crowd-pleaser suited to all body types, thanks to its ideal balance of cushion and support. Side sleepers will love that it has the deep contouring and next-level pressure relief of an all-foam mattress, while also providing the superior edge support and temperature regulation we associate with hybrid beds.
The Sapira Chill has three firmness options; I reviewed the medium-firm model and found its plush pillow top to feel slightly softer than the standard mattress surface, which helped to cushion my body’s pressure points. I didn’t sink too far into it, however—a zoned support system, which was designed to feel firmer through the lumbar region, did a great job of keeping my hips elevated and spine aligned.
Other Mattresses for Side Sleepers We Like
While these mattresses didn’t make our top 10 recommendations, they’re still a great option for people who are looking for a top-notch bed for side sleepers. Check out our recommendations below.
DreamCloud Premier Rest
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Premier Rest
The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a luxury mattress option that sleeps cool and is a particularly good option for side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Premier Rest
The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a luxury mattress option that sleeps cool and is a particularly good option for side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
90 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress
The Tempur-Cloud promises to provide the soft comfort consumers have come to expect from Tempur-Pedic mattresses, but for a more affordable price.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
90 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress
The Tempur-Cloud promises to provide the soft comfort consumers have come to expect from Tempur-Pedic mattresses, but for a more affordable price.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
90 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sealy Posturepedic
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sealy Posturepedic
The Sealy Posturepedic hybrid mattress has a balanced foam feel, and it works well for many different types of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Sealy Posturepedic
The Sealy Posturepedic hybrid mattress has a balanced foam feel, and it works well for many different types of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
What to Look for in a Mattress for Side Sleepers
Sleeping on a high-quality mattress that offers both support and cushioning comfort will benefit both your sleep quality and general quality of life. For these reasons, we’ve made a comprehensive guide on what to look for when shopping for the best mattress for side sleeping.
The Right Firmness
A bed’s firmness level will significantly impact how comfortable it is for side sleepers. Beds too soft for your weight or sleep position won’t keep you elevated enough, which could put your spine at an uncomfortable angle. However, a bed that is too firm likely won’t offer enough contouring, and could cause pressure to build up at your hips and shoulders over time. That said, there’s no one right firmness level that works for all side sleepers—much of it will depend on your body size and personal preferences.
Check out our chart for the full breakdown of body type and optimal firmness levels:
| 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 |
Lots of Pressure Relief and Contouring
Sleeping on your side puts a lot of pressure on your hips and shoulders, which can cause tension throughout the spine. To sleep comfortably, you’ll want a mattress that is soft enough to contour your body and provide pressure relief. Beds that do a solid job of relieving pressure are built with materials (such as slow-moving memory foams) that absorb the pressure put on relatively small parts of the body. This allows sleepers to feel comforted rather than strained.
Support
Side sleepers often like softer mattresses because the plushness feels comforting around their shoulders and hips. However, solid-feeling support is also essential because it keeps your body elevated and aligned. A mattress that lacks good support can leave you sleeping at awkward angles and increase pressure buildup. If you consistently sleep unsupported it will likely lead to aches and pains.
Other Comfort Preferences
Although pressure relief, support, and firmness are the most important factors to note, there are other mattress features that can bring side sleepers comfort, as well.
Cooling – If you’ve ever woken up in a hot sweat, you know how uncomfortable a stuffy-feeling bed can be. Memory foam beds typically work well for side sleepers, but some people might shy away from them because they have a reputation for trapping heat. Fortunately many newer models use cooling gels and other technology to help keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Motion Isolation – Back and stomach sleepers distribute their weight more evenly across the bed, which makes them less likely to be jostled awake by a restless partner’s tossing and turning than a side sleeper might be. If your bedmate’s movements keep you up at night, look for a mattress that absorbs motion and prevents it from transferring across the bed.
Edge Support – Side sleepers are more likely to slip off the edge of a bed because they’re sleeping on a mere sliver of the body. Beds with strong edge support can provide a sense of security and keep you from being jolted awake by the feeling that you might tumble off onto the floor.
What’s the Best Type of Mattress for Side Sleepers?
With so many mattresses on the market, finding the right one for your sleep needs can be difficult. It’s crucial to look at the construction of the mattress before making a final decision. Here is a breakdown of the best types of mattresses for side sleepers based on design and materials used.
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 mentioned here. The most common construction is a support layer of steel innerspring 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. 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 feeling 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.
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 “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 does, so if you like a mattress with more bouncy responsiveness and don’t mind a firmer surface, latex could be a good option.
Innerspring Mattresses
A proper 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 could make for an uncomfortable night’s sleep for most side sleepers, especially those who like to cozy into their 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 to keep your hips supported and spine aligned.
Is Side Sleeping Good for You?
Although the medical community doesn’t offer a clear-cut consensus on the “best” sleep position, physicians from trusted institutions like Johns Hopkins assert both benefits and drawbacks to side sleeping. On the pro side, research shows you can alleviate sleep apnea with side sleeping, and it’s one of the healthiest sleep positions for combatting back pain.
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.
However, there are some proposed downsides, as well. Side sleeping can agitate heartburn—and possibly even dicier conditions when you lie on your side after a long night of drinking, such as the compression of the radial nerve colloquially known as “Saturday Night Palsy.”
Luckily the aches, pains, and numbness that associate this condition can be offset by sleeping on a pressure-relieving mattress like one of our picks.
Tips for Sleeping on Your Side
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 necks, shoulders, and spines in a neutral alignment. If you feel like you need a taller loft, create one yourself by stacking up your pillows. Find the best pillows for side sleepers here.
Summary of the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
| Mattress | Superlative |
| Helix Midnight | Best Overall |
| Saatva | Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Nectar Premier | Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| WinkBed | Best for Side-Sleeping Couples |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Nectar Luxe | 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 mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?
Although firmness is subjective, side sleepers tend to gravitate towards plusher beds, making soft to medium-firm mattresses the best fit for them. However, you don’t want to go too soft—side sleepers should also have a mattress that offers enough support to keep their spines in a healthy alignment.
Is a memory foam or hybrid mattress better for side sleepers?
Memory foam mattresses are great for side sleepers. These beds have a slow-moving, contouring feel, which allows sleepers to sink into the layers and feel the pressure relief they need.
You could also opt for a hybrid mattress that has a soft pillow top, such as the Saatva Classic. This primarily innerspring bed offers both comfort and support.
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.
Should side sleepers use a mattress topper?
If a side sleeper has a mattress that is so firm that it’s causing pressure buildup, a mattress topper can be an easy and economical option to soften the overall feel of the sleep surface. Look for a thick, foam topper to add more plush contouring to your bed.
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
