Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor
According to the National Library of Medicine, over 54 percent of adults sleep on their side, making it the most common sleeping position. Unfortunately, many mattresses aren’t built to meet side sleepers’ specific needs. They might be too firm, which can create tension at the shoulders and hips — the areas where side sleepers already put the most pressure. Or they might be too soft, which can result in a lack of spinal support. The best mattress for side sleepers is going to be somewhere in the middle, offering plenty of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, while also remaining supportive enough to prevent you from sinking too far into the bed and throwing the spine out of alignment.
With that in mind, we recommend that side sleepers opt for either a medium-firm mattress or a soft to medium-soft mattress. Below, we’ll highlight some of our favorites that fall into this firmness range and dive into all the factors that contribute to a sound side-sleeping experience. To pick these mattresses, our team of mattress review experts ran each one through a series of tests to see how well it performed in areas such as cooling, pain relief, motion isolation, and more. We paid special attention to pain relief, especially at the shoulders and hips.
Our Top Mattress Pick for Side Sleepers
The Helix Midnight landed at the top of our list for the best mattress for side sleepers due to its medium-firm feel and good balance of comfort and support. Side sleepers should appreciate the zoned support, which cushions the shoulders and hips while supporting the lower back.
Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
- Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Saatva – Best Mattress for Combination Side Sleepers
- Nectar Premier – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
- WinkBed – Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Nolah Evolution – Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Saatva Rx – Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain
- Titan Plus Luxe – Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers
- Leesa Sapira Chill – Best Affordable Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
Key Highlights
Plus: Fast Facts about Side Sleepers
- The best mattress for side sleepers is soft or medium-firm with plenty of body contouring and cushioning at the shoulders and hips for optimal pressure relief.
- The mattresses we’ve included in this roundup range between $899-$2,499 for a queen-size bed.
- According to Nat Sci Sleep, over 50% of people sleep on their side, making it the most popular sleeping position. Research studies affirm side sleeping as the best position for people with breathing problems, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- On side sleeping, Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta says “Pressure relief through contouring materials like memory foam, along with proper spinal alignment, is crucial. A supportive core prevents excessive sinking, body contouring, breathability and durability enhance comfort.”
Our Video Review of the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Short on time? Take a quick look inside our favorite mattresses for side sleepers as our lead reviewer, Nichole Mondshein, examines their construction, company policies, and performance.
What We Look For In The Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers
Pressure Relief
With the wrong mattress, the body can build up tension in key areas, making it more likely to experience back and joint pain. For side sleepers, pain is most common in the hips and shoulders. The mattresses on this roundup scored impressively on our pressure relief tests, showing low to zero pressure buildup in these areas. We also tested for motion isolation, or how much movement you will feel on the mattress when you’re in it, by dropping a ball and reading the motion transfer on a seismograph. These mattresses also performed well on this test, meaning you won’t be disturbed and caused to move around during the night, further helping with pressure relief.
Edge Support
When our experts refer to edge support, we’re simply talking to the strength of the mattress around the perimeter. When our testers determine that a bed has excellent edge support, it won’t compress too much when lying or sitting down on it. This lets us fully spread out and use the entire surface of the mattress. And since many side sleepers rest close to a mattress’s edge, we made it a point to include beds with strong edge support, so you feel secure across the entire surface.
Firmness
We score mattress firmness between 1 and 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Our testers determined that side sleepers should use a softer mattress, somewhere between a 3 out of 10 and 6 out of 10, to alleviate pressure at the hip and shoulder.
Compare the Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers
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| Helix Midnight Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Nectar Premier Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe | Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | -- | ✓ | -- | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- |
| Sleep Position | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Combination | Combination | Back & Side | Combination | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back & Side | Combination |
Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
At Sleepopolis, we’ve found that side sleepers require a unique balance of cushioning for their shoulders and hips, plus support for the lower back. Helix provides both in its Midnight model, a bed designed for side sleepers. It has a comfort layer of memory foam (the cushioning) and another layer below of pocketed coils (the support). When we lie down on it, we get a slight lift that tells us this is a supportive mattress. To measure its cushioning, we roll out a specialized mat across the mattress and lie down on it in different sleeping positions. The mat is able to sense pressure and translate the results into an easy-to-read graphic using thermal imaging. When sleeping on our side, the mat sensed very little pressure buildup at the shoulders and hips. This tells us that you shouldn’t experience pain on this mattress when sleeping on your side. In fact, we think sleepers with preexisting hip or shoulder pain could find some relief on this bed.
During testing, we found solid edge support on the Helix Midnight mattress. When our tester laid down near the edges, she felt supported and without risk of falling off the bed. If you like to spread out and use the entire surface of the mattress, the reinforced edge support system in the Helix Midnight could be what you’re looking for. We also found great cooling results during our thermal gun test. After laying on the bed for 5 minutes, the Helix Midnight only heated up by 5 degrees, which tells us hot sleepers shouldn’t overheat. Purchasing the optional GlacioTex pillow top could add even more cooling features to this mattress.
Finally, we take a look at the company policies and what they offer customers. This mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial, a 10-year warranty, and free shipping. The trial period and warranty are pretty solid and offer plenty of time to test out and then enjoy the bed, so we gave these categories 3.5 out of 5 stars. However, some other companies offer 365-night trial periods and lifetime warranties, so there’s room for improvement.
Saatva – Best Mattress for Combination Side Sleepers
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you switch between sleeping on your side and sleeping on your back or stomach, you’ll want a responsive mattress that makes it easy to change positions. We think you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Saatva, a luxury innerspring mattress with not one, but two layers of coils. These springs create a lot of bounce and responsiveness, and when we laid down on the bed and rolled around, we were able to shift sleeping positions without a problem. The bed is available in three different levels of firmness: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. Since side sleepers (even combination side sleepers) tend to need more softness at their shoulders and hips, we recommend they opt for the Plush Soft. Regardless of which model you choose, the mattress is capped with a Euro top that gives you a little bit of contouring — another plus for side sleepers.
Nectar Premier – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Nectar Premier is a luxurious all-foam mattress equipped with quality materials. A moisture-wicking cover and gel-infused comfort layer create a cooling, thermoregulating mattress for hot sleepers. Perhaps its strongest attribute is its next-level pressure relief. Six inches of foam work to contour sensitive areas, but the high-density foam at the bottom of the bed provides plenty of support. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“My favorite thing about the Nectar Premier is its great pressure relief. This medium-soft mattress is a great fit for side sleepers looking for plush comfort. It might also be a nice fit for sleepers who deal with shoulder pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
We often recommend memory foam mattresses to side sleepers, as the material can provide a lot of softness and contouring at the shoulders and hips, where these folks put the most pressure. They should be extremely comfortable on the Nectar Premier, which starts off with a thick top layer of therapeutic memory foam to contour the body’s pressure points. When took a look at our pressure map results, the graphic showed little pressure at the shoulders and hips, telling us that the Nectar Premier really is doing its job.
WinkBed Original – Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you’re a hot sleeper looking for a mattress to help cool you down, we’d like to steer you toward the WinkBed. It has a pocketed coil support layer that gives the mattress a traditional innerspring feel, but also plenty of room for airflow. To make things even cooler, there’s a cooling gel-infused Euro top. On the top layer of the mattress is a Tencel cover we found to be literally cool to the touch. The WinkBed should be great for a variety of sleepers, as it comes in several different models: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer (we tested the Luxury Firm). However, we believe the Softer model to be best for most side sleepers, as it should provide the best pressure relief for the shoulder and hip. Side sleepers who weigh a bit more may do better on the more supportive Luxury Firm.
Nolah Evolution – Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
Sleepers wanting a supportive and breathable mattress should try out the hybrid Nolah Evolution. It has several layers of cushiony foam to cradle pressure points at the shoulders, hips, and knees. These are areas of the body where side sleepers need the most pressure relief. Below that, a layer of patented HDMax Eco Support Coils creates additional relief and leaves room for air to flow through the construction. This helps the bed sleep cool throughout the evening.
Saatva Rx – Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
Designed specifically for sleepers with back pain and joint pain, the Saatva Rx features several layers that combine both foam and coils. This creates a blend of comfort and support throughout the entire mattress that’s cushioning enough for any aches and pains while still being sturdy enough for a neutral spinal alignment. Learn more in our Saatva Rx video review.
What our tester says:
“I found that this bed has a supportive feel that easily works for people of all weights, but still feels plush and comfortable.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you’re looking for a luxury mattress made with high-quality materials, you may be interested in the Saatva Rx. The luxury feel of this mattress can be credited to its unique construction, which sandwiches foam modules between two layers of innerspring coils (one of microcoils and another of taller, individually pocketed coils at the bottom). At the top of the bed is a cushioning layer of gel-infused memory foam and an organic cotton cover.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
The Bear Elite Hybrid was designed with athletes in mind, so it’s no surprise that it provides great support and pressure relief — both of which can help prevent back pain. In fact, when we rolled our pressure map across the mattress’s surface to see how much tension there was on our back, the map showed little to no pressure at all. This tells us that the Bear Elite Hybrid’s mixture of copper-infused memory foam, zoned comfort foam, and individually wrapped coils should work together to keep the spine in a neutral alignment. Whether you’re an athlete or not, this isn’t a bed that’s going to worsen your aches and pains while side sleeping.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain
The Brookyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress is one of Brooklyn Bedding’s more high-end mattresses. It’s got a ton of cooling features in it that can help hot sleepers sleep cool all night. It’s also available in three different firmnesses, so it can accommodate all of the sleeping positions. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“First and foremost, I’d recommend this mattress to hot sleepers. This bed sleeps nice and cool thanks to special phase change technology and gel infusions. The Aurora Luxe is also a nice pick for back sleepers. This mattress in the Medium model is medium-soft, so it should contour the hips while also lifting them into alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Because side sleepers put most of their weight on their hips and shoulders when they lie down, we’ve found that they may end up with hip pain if they don’t have a mattress that properly contours these areas. Brooklyn Bedding’s hybrid Aurora Luxe model tackles this issue head-on by offering three different firmness levels — Soft, Medium, and Firm, with the Soft catering to folks who sleep on their side. For visual proof, we rolled out our pressure map, which uses thermal imaging to display how much pressure a mattress is putting on the body. When we laid on our side on the Medium model, we saw some slight pressure buildup at the hips, but side sleepers should get all the pressure relief they need on the Soft model.
Titan Plus Luxe – Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers
The Titan Plus Luxe provides a sturdy and supportive, but still comfortable and luxurious sleep experience for heavy sleepers. The medium-firm feel can work for heavy back and side sleepers, but can also work for some light and average weight folks too. This means mixed-weight couples particularly might enjoy this mattress, especially since it has excellent motion isolation and strong edge support. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you’re a heavy sleeper looking for a bed made of high-quality materials, the Titan Plus Luxe is a great option for you. It’s built to last and should do a great job supporting heavier sleepers, especially back, side, and combination sleepers.” – Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
Brooklyn Bedding’s Titan Plus Luxe (the luxury upgrade of the standard Titan Plus) is designed for plus-size folks, including dedicated side sleepers. When first receiving the Titan Plus Luxe, we believed that these sleepers might enjoy the combination of support and pressure relief provided by such a sturdy bed. And to test this out, we brought in a heavier colleague, Paulie, to give the bed a try. He found the Titan Plus Luxe to be about 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, giving him a balanced feel that hit the sweet spot between comfort and support. He felt lifted by the mattress’s extra-tall coils while also getting some cushioning from its quilted cover and multiple layers of foam. Average weight sleepers tend to experience a mattress as slightly firmer than heavy sleepers, so they may find the Titan Plus Luxe to be closer to a 7.5 on our mattress firmness scale.
Leesa Sapira Chill – Best Affordable Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress, available in three firmness levels. We tested the Medium-Firm model and felt it was just softer than average, but could still work for all three sleeping positions — a rare find among mattresses. It also has some effective cooling technology built into it, which helps to keep sleepers cool throughout the night. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I really think the medium-firm model is a great fit for all sleeping positions. Yep, the Leesa Sapira Chill is one of those unicorn mattresses that provides a great balance of comfort and support for a wide range of sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
Expert Opinion
The Leesa Sapira Chill mattress combines plush, luxurious foams with a layer of springs — a construction that should give side sleepers a blend of cloud-like comfort and sturdy support. The comfort layer consists of thick foam bolstered by an adaptable memory foam layer for extra cushioning. This softness provides contouring at the shoulders and hips, where side sleepers put the most pressure. Meanwhile, the coils in the bottom layer of the mattress help maintain strong edges around the bed, which is important for anyone who might find themselves sleeping close to the edge of the mattress. Other elegant touches include a cool-to-the-touch cover and an infusion of gel in the foams for additional cooling.
Hear From the Doctor: Which Features Should Side Sleepers Look for in a Mattress?
“For side sleepers, a mattress with slightly softer to medium firmness is important for cushioning the shoulders and hips. Pressure relief through contouring materials like memory foam, along with proper spinal alignment, is crucial. A supportive core prevents excessive sinking, body contouring, breathability and durability enhance comfort.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
What to Look for In a Mattress for Side Sleepers
After reading through our picks, you might be wondering: How did Sleepopolis really land on these mattresses as the best of the best for side sleepers? It’s a great question and one we’re happy to answer.
First, we’ll start with a few features side sleepers should look for in a mattress. Next, we’ll share which firmness is best, what mattress types are ideal for side sleepers, and some mattress accessories that side sleepers might want to add to their beds.
Side Sleeper Spinal Alignment
While support is important for all sleepers to consider, it’s perhaps especially so for side sleepers, who tend to get into nighttime contortions that aren’t necessarily conducive to healthy spine alignment (think fetal position). A mattress with fantastic support will adapt to the body no matter the shape, bringing the “musculoskeletal chain,” as Dr. Poorbaugh describes it, into a comfortable synergy.
For side sleepers, we pay special attention to support in the spine, neck and head, shoulders, and hips. Maintaining proper spinal alignment throughout the night is essential for alleviating pain and pressure. Support through the shoulders and neck will also help relieve pain and help these sleepers get a restful night’s sleep.
Memory foam and latex are excellent materials for side sleepers as they provide contouring support and relieve pressure points, which helps maintain proper spinal alignment. These materials adapt to the body’s shape, ensuring that the spine stays aligned and reducing discomfort for side sleepers.
Contouring
Similar to support, contouring is especially important for side sleepers. When you sleep on your side, you’re creating uneven space between your hips and shoulders. Rather than leaving this space unsupported, you’ll want a mattress that’s going to fill it in. That’s where contouring comes in. A mattress with good contouring will give you a little boost of support where you need it and will help you feel as if the mattress is cradling you rather than pushing up against your hips and shoulders.
Memory foam mattresses are particularly good at contouring – memory foam has a slow response to pressure and is known for adapting to your body’s unique shape.
Pressure Relief and Pain Relief for Side Sleepers
When you sleep on your side, you’re putting more pressure on your hips and shoulders than you would by resting on your back or stomach. This added pressure is fine, as long as you have the right mattress. You’ll want a mattress that’s going to both support you and relieve pressure at your hips and shoulders, which should help prevent pain from developing or worsening if you already have it.
The best mattresses for pressure relief are soft mattresses. These mattresses are especially good for side sleepers because they have the give necessary to allow hips and shoulders to really sink in.
Pain Relief
Shoulder Pain
The best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain is going to be one that’s decidedly soft — a 5.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale or lower. If you’re like most side sleepers, you probably put more weight on your shoulders, and if you have pain in that area, you’re going to want a mattress that cushions it as much as possible.
Hip Pain
Similar to shoulder pain, if you experience hip pain, you’re likely also going to want a plush mattress that will cradle your sensitive joints. Again, a mattress that’s a 5.5 out of 10 or lower on the firmness scale is going to be best here.
Back Pain
If you’re a side sleeper who suffers from back pain, your main focus should be finding a bed that helps you achieve a neutral spine alignment. Keeping your spine in a straight line is key to preventing and alleviating pain, since straight is the spine’s natural position. The right mattress for you is going to be one that allows your hips and shoulders to sink at a level that helps you achieve that ideal neutral spinal alignment. We’d recommend seeing if a mattress has zoned support, which means that the mattress has different firmness levels (or zones, if you will) built into it to support all the different areas of your body.
Neck Pain
If you suffer from neck pain as a side sleeper, look for a mattress with medium to medium-firmness (6-7 on our firmness scale) to ensure proper spinal alignment and alleviate pressure points. Materials like memory foam or latex are ideal for pressure relief, as they conform to the body and provide cushioning in your neck and hips especially. Good edge support is also important for ease of movement and stability when getting in and out of bed.
What is the Best Mattress Firmness for Side Sleepers?
In terms of firmness, side sleepers will want to look for something soft to moderate on the firmness scale. While many folks assume firmer mattresses are the most supportive, a special exception needs to be made for those who spend most of their slumber time on their sides. A mattress that is more plus will help with pressure relief across your hips and shoulders, which are important areas for side sleepers to relieve pressure. We recommend a mattress that is around a 4.5 to a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale.
Firmness
Side sleepers are usually most comfortable on a soft to medium-firm mattress. Although they need some density and support, it’s important that there’s enough plushness in the bed’s construction to contour their shoulders and hips.
We recommend that they don’t go firmer than a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. For context, the mattresses on this list range from 5.5 to 6.5, or come in several different firmness options, including a soft model.
Body Type
How a mattress feels and performs is largely dependent on the sleeper’s body weight and shape. When we look for the best mattress for side sleepers, we consider all body types to ensure each individual can find the best bed for them. When we test these mattresses, our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches consider various weights, heights, and shapes and then make specific recommendations.
For example, a mattress may feel softer to a heavier sleeper (weighing over 250 pounds) than an average weight sleeper simply because they’ll sink further into the mattress’s layers. Likewise, lightweight sleepers (those weighing less than 130 pounds) typically experience mattresses as slightly firmer because they won’t find as much sinkage.
| Lightweight Sleepers | Average Weight Sleepers | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| Less than 130 pounds | 130 – 250 pounds | More than 250 pounds |
What Kind of Mattress is Best for a 250 lbs Side Sleeper?
Typically, side sleepers need softer mattresses that provide plenty of body contouring and pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. However, heavier side sleepers may sink too far into the soft layers and not find enough support to promote proper spinal alignment. These sleepers may prefer a medium-firm hybrid or pillow-top mattress – they’ll still find contouring at sensitive pressure points but will feel more supported.
For our favorite matresses designed with these folk in mind, head over to our best mattress for heavy sleepers roundup.
Materials
When it comes to the best mattress materials for side sleepers, it depends on preference. They’ll definitely want a layer of foam that can offer contouring at the shoulders and hips, but the level of pressure relief varies depending on the foam’s source. For instance, memory foam is soft and has a very slow response to pressure, resulting in a hug-like feel. Latex foam can also be pressure relieving, but is bouncier and has a faster response to pressure, resulting in more of an “on top of” feel.
Regardless of what kind of foam is in their mattress, side sleepers will also want some kind of support core. This can come from a denser poly foam at the bottom of the mattress, or a layer of coils if it’s a hybrid mattress. Read more on the different types of mattresses below.
Hear From the Doctor: How Can Different Mattress Types Affect our Anatomy?
“Memory foam contours for personalized support but may retain heat. Latex offers resilience and allergen resistance. Innerspring mattresses provide firmer support and motion transfer. Hybrid mattresses blend foam and coils for balanced comfort and cooling. Gel-infused mattresses regulate temperature. Pillow-top mattresses offer extra cushioning but may lose effectiveness over time. The impact varies mostly on factors like body weight and sleeping positions.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Price/Budget
A high-quality mattress for side sleepers is usually going to be between around $1,000 to $2,500 for a queen size (this is before any promotions or discounts). For context, the mattresses on this list range from $1,043 to $2,849 at the time of this writing (the higher end comes from a couple luxury mattresses). However, there are several budget options out there that could be a good fit. See the below lists for some of the most affordable mattresses.
Warranties, Shipping & Sleep Trials
When searching for a mattress for side sleepers its important to look into mattress companies and brands that prioritize their shoppers by offering great warranties, shipping, and sleep trials. When testing mattresses, we want to make sure you are not shocked by any added costs when buying your new mattress. To help you out, we looked into the warranty, sleep trial, and shipping and handling of all of these mattresses.
Mattress Warranties
A mattress warranty is how long a company guarantees your mattress will last. This can be a great indicator of a mattress’s durability and how long the company predicts it will last. Every company offers a different length of warranty however we recommend a 10-year to lifetime warranty. Typically affordable mattresses tend to have a shorter warranties however this doesn’t necessarily mean these mattresses aren’t worth the purchase, it’s just important to keep the warranty in mind when looking at side sleeper mattresses.
Shipping & Handling
The biggest benefit about buying a mattress online is being to have your new mattress shipped right to your door. To cut the added expense, we have made sure that each mattress on this list offers free shipping. For an added cost, some companies offer white glove delivery which involves hand delivery to your door. They also bring your mattress straight to your room, unbox everything and remove your old mattress.
Shipping can also be very expensive if you are purchasing internationally, so we also looked into some of the best Canadian mattresses to help you navigate international mattress shopping.
Sleep Trials
Sleep Trials are crucial especially for side sleepers because it allows you to test your new mattress for 30, 60 or 90 days (depending on the brand), for you to determine if the mattress suits your sleep preferences. The purpose of sleep trials for side sleepers is for you to determine if the mattress is relieving the right pressure, and is comfortable for you and/or your partner.
How We Test the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Here at Sleepopolis, we test each and every mattress in all three sleeping positions: back, side, and stomach. This first part of our process isn’t exactly rocket science; if you feel comfortable while lying on your side, chances are that the mattress is a good fit for side sleepers. But we also go beyond that initial step, running each bed through a battery of tests for a more scientific conclusion of who the mattress might be the best match for. In the case of side sleepers, we pay special attention to something called a pressure map.
Pressure Relief
A pressure map is a pad that we roll across the surface of a mattress. We lie down on it in different positions, and then it uses heat-mapping technology to visually display how much pressure is building up on various parts of our body. Blue indicates low pressure, green indicates moderate pressure, and yellow, orange, and red indicate high pressure.
See on the right, the results from the Helix Midnight for an example (this image also includes back sleeping).
Because side sleepers put the most weight on their shoulders and hips while lying down, we want to see little to no pressure in these areas. So if the pressure map displays blue or green at the shoulders and hips while our tester is side sleeping — like it does on the Helix Midnight above — the bed is going to be a good fit for this position.
One caveat: the tiny spot of yellow suggests a small amount of pressure, which might be felt by anyone who struggles with hip pain. That’s the beauty of the pressure map; it allows us to make hyper-specific recommendations. In this case, we recommend the Helix Midnight for side sleepers in general, but not if they tend to experience hip pain.
Cooling
Staying cool throughout the entire evening is a key component of staying comfortable and getting good, quality sleep. However, some mattresses are more breathable and cool than others, and it can be challenging to know exactly how cool your mattress will be. This is why we test the cooling capabilities of every mattress we review, so we can help you find exactly what you are looking for.
To test the cooling abilities of the mattresses on this list, we first look out for cooling materials and construction. Things like coils, gel-infused foams, and breathable layers are generally indicative of a cooling mattress. After we examine these features, we use a temperature gun to measure the temperature of each mattress in its standing state and after someone has laid on it. The difference between the temperatures tells us how good the mattress is a cooling and temperature regulation. A difference under 8-degrees signals good cooling, and under 6-degrees shows excellent cooling.
Motion Isolation
Motion transfer refers to the amount of movement that can be felt throughout the bed when you, your partner, kids or pets move around.
The last thing you want is to be woken up from a deep sleep, especially for side sleepers who might rotate and switch to the other shoulder. To test for motion isolation, we use a red wine test and a ball drop test.
Our ball drop test involved dropping a steel ball from various heights and measuring how much movement ripples through the bed using a seismograph machine. If the seismograph shows large waves, like the graph to the left, then it has poor motion isolation. Our red wine test involves putting a glass of red wine on a mattress and moving around to see if the glass tips over. How much movement causes the glass to tip is how we measure motion isolation in this test.
Hear From the Doctor: What Does Motion Transfer have to do with the Quality of a Mattress?
“Motion transfer refers to how movement on one side of a mattress affects the other side. The quality of a mattress is linked to its ability to minimize motion transfer. A mattress with good motion isolation offers undisturbed sleep, comfort for couples, personalized support, pressure relief, versatility, a quiet sleep environment, longevity and minimized partner disturbance. It indicates material quality, construction and overall comfort. Considering motion isolation is crucial, especially for shared beds or sensitivity to movement.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Edge Support
Edge support refers to the strength of the edges of your mattress. If you push down on the sides of your mattress and the edges easily sink in, then the bed likely has poor edge support. This can often be the case in all foam or latex mattresses, which do not have as much support or reinforcement from coils as hybrid or innerspring mattresses. Edge support is important for side sleepers because it affects the amount of space you can use on the mattress, as well as the durability. If you sleep on your side, you may often find yourself sleeping closer to the edge of the mattress. If this is the case, weak edges will make your mattress sag when you sleep closer to the edge. This can also cause premature sagging across the mattresses, and earlier deterioration. It may also be important for couples who want to use the entirety of the bed, and elderly people who need extra support getting in and out of bed.
We test for edge support by pushing on and sitting on the edges of the mattress. The easier we find it is to push the edges down, the worse edge support the mattress has. Additionally, we use a yard stick to measure exactly how much the edges sag when we sit or push down on them. The farther down the edges of the mattress sink, the worse edge support it has.
What is the Best Type of Mattress for Side Sleepers?
We could make the argument for any type of mattress to be the best type for side sleepers, it really all depends on the sleeper’s body type, body weight, special concerns / preferences and what they really need out of a mattress.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses can be a good option for side sleepers because it cradles the areas that can sometimes feel “jammed” into a mattress. Memory foam is the best material for contouring to the body (think filling in where your body naturally lifts and sinking where your body applies more pressure), which can be great for people who have certain pain concerns and are looking for some relief.
That being said, the material can get tricky for side sleepers if the bottom layer of foam is too soft that there’s nothing to stop the body from sinking all the way into the bed frame. This is usually a more common problem for heavier side sleepers.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are one of the most universal options for most sleeping positions, and side-sleeping is no different. A hybrid mattress is a combination of a coil base with either a foam or latex layer(s) on top. This construction results in a mattress that can be very supportive, but also has that cushioning, cradling feeling that a lot of side sleepers look for. Memory foam hybrid mattresses are also a great option for couples because the coils make them easy to move around on. while the foam absorbs a lot of the movement. The coils also allow for additional airflow, making these mattresses more breathable than solid memory foam beds.
Latex Mattresses
Most latex mattresses on the market are technically “latex hybrids,” meaning they have a coil base with a layer of latex on top. Latex beds are known for their bouncy surface and their tendency to be more naturally sourced. If you’re a strict side sleeper, you’ll want to make sure the supportive latex has enough give for your hips and shoulders. Latex mattresses are also a good option for combination sleepers who move between being back sleepers, side sleepers, and stomach sleepers all in one night.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are the most traditional type of mattress. The majority of their materials are made of innerspring coils, which are typically constructed from steel. These coils give the mattress a bouncy feel and provide plenty of responsiveness (think the opposite of memory foam). However, side sleepers beware — these mattresses tend to be on the firmer side. If you’re a fan of that classic innerspring feel and sleep on your side, I’d check to make sure the mattress is going to be soft enough to prevent jamming at your shoulders and undue pressure at your hips.
Mattress Accessories for Side Sleepers
Pillows
Good pillows are just as important as a good mattress. You may have an exceptionally well-made and comfortable mattress, but without a good pillow, you may still find that your sleeping experience is less than ideal.
A high-quality pillow is critically important for side sleepers due to their increased — and somewhat more complex — support needs. (3) Pillows made from latex, shredded foam, memory foam, or other poly foams can help provide consistent and stable support by responding to the varying pressures of your head and neck. Additionally, you’ll want to look for a pillow that is tall enough to cradle your head and neck but not so tall that you introduce a new form of pressure. “Improved [spinal] alignment… can be easily achieved inside lying with proper pillow positioning,” explains Dr. Poorbaugh.
Using a Pillow for Spinal Alignment
Keith Poorbaugh, a licensed physical therapist, suggests using pillow placement to help with spinal alignment during the night. He recommends placing your pillow under both your head and neck to avoid kinking your neck or putting too much pressure on the neck during the evening. He also explains that sleeping with a pillow between your knees may help keep the spine and hips in a neutral alignment when sleeping on your side. This can help alleviate pain in the back, hips, and neck when side sleeping.
For more, check out our breakdown of the absolute best pillows for side sleepers.
Mattress Toppers
Mattress toppers can be a great way for side sleepers to add some plushness to their mattress. If your mattress is slightly firmer than you’d like, a quality mattress topper can create a softer overall feel, helping you achieve that perfect side sleeper firmness.
We’d recommend going for a taller-profile mattress topper if you’re a side sleeper. A mattress topper of at least three inches will allow lots of room for you to sink into the material, providing cushioning around the shoulder and hip for needed pressure relief.
One of our best plush mattress toppers is a good place to start — or take a look at our best mattress toppers for side sleepers.
We also particularly like memory foam mattress toppers for side sleepers. This is because memory foam toppers are typically made to provide more pressure relief, and tend to have a soft, squishy feel. Memory foam is a great material for those who doze on their sides because it offers plenty of contouring, which helps cradle side sleepers’ shoulders and hips and fill in the space between.
Check out our best mattress topper roundup for even more options.
Health Concerns for Side Sleepers
Shoulder Pain
Side sleepers may experience shoulder pain due to pressure on the shoulder joint and improper alignment; choosing a mattress with ample pressure relief and cushioning, such as memory foam or latex, can help alleviate this issue.
Hip Pain
Pressure on the hip can lead to discomfort if the mattress is too firm and not cushioning around your pressure points; opting for a mattress that offers good contouring and support, such as a hybrid or memory foam mattress, can reduce hip pain.
Spinal Misalignment
Improper support can cause spinal misalignment and back pain; selecting a mattress with proper firmness and support, ideally one that maintains a neutral spine position, can help resolve this concern.
A Look Into the Sleepopolis Testing Lab
In order to ensure that we’re recommending the best mattresses to sleepers everywhere, we test each one individually in our mattress lab in Raleigh, North Carolina. Here, our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 beds, putting each one through a rigorous testing process that includes measuring a mattress’s motion transfer with a seismometer, tracking its cooling capabilities with a thermal gun, and visualizing its ability to relieve pain with a pressure map.
From there, we give every bed an overall score based on its materials, comfort, support, cooling, edge support, and more. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
We know that sleep is an integral part of your health, which is why we’ve developed such a detailed methodology when testing mattresses and writing our reviews. We also know that every sleeper is different when it comes to body type, sleeping position, and mattress preference. With so many factors at play, we want to give you an informed opinion so you can make an informed purchase.
How We Chose These Mattresses
When handpicking the best mattresses for side sleepers this roundup, we first and foremost considered the pressure relief results and materials scores in our Sleepopolis mattress lab. Because side sleepers put the most pressure on their shoulders and hips, we wanted to make sure the mattress’ pressure map results showed adequate pressure relief. None of the products included here are likely to put added pressure on these areas.
Additionally, we wanted to ensure that these mattresses have quality foams and materials to provide not just quality pressure relief, but long-lasting pressure relief. When testing each bed, we found that all 10 of these mattresses scored at least a 4 in materials.
FAQs
What kind of mattress should a side sleeper have?
Side sleepers usually fare well on a softer foam mattress that can contour their shoulders and hips.
What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?
We recommend that side sleepers seek out a soft to medium-firm mattress in order to get the optimal blend of pressure relief and support.
What is the best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain?
From this roundup, we think that the Nolah Evolution is a good choice for side sleepers with shoulder pain. We also suggest taking a look at Saatva’s mattress designed just for joint pain, the Saatva Rx.
What is the best mattress for side sleepers with back pain?
We think the Bear Elite Hybrid is the best mattress for side sleepers with back pain. Scroll up to our mini review to learn more.
Are hybrid mattresses better for side sleepers?
Hybrid mattresses are not necessarily better for side sleepers than other mattresses, but there are a number of people who would benefit from the qualities of a hybrid. Heavier side sleepers, or side sleepers wanting added support, durability, and sometimes firmness, can find what they’re looking for in many hybrid beds on the market. It genuinely comes down to the feel you’re looking to achieve. For example, side sleepers wanting lots and lots of sinkage and contouring might fare better on a memory foam mattress with a plush comfort layer and a dense foam support layer.
Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Coupon | Review |
| Helix Midnight | Overall | $1,374 | Helix Coupon | Read Review |
| Saatva | Combination Side Sleepers | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Review |
| Nectar Premier | Memory Foam | $2,233 | Nectar Coupon | Read Review |
| WinkBeds | Cooling | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Hybrid | $2,299 | Nolah Coupon | Read Review |
| Saatva Rx | Luxury Mattress | $3,295 | Saatva Coupon | Read Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Back Pain | $2,305 | Bear Coupon | Read Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Hip Pain | $1,874 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Review |
| Titan Plus Luxe | Heavy People | $1,599 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Review |
| Leesa Sapira Chill | Affordable Luxury | $2,159 | Check Coupons | Read Review |
Bridget Chapman
Former Senior Product Editor
About Author
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.
Combination Sleeper
Sources
- Leilnahari, Karim, et al. “Spine Alignment in Men during Lateral Sleep Position: Experimental Study and Modeling.” BioMedical Engineering OnLine, vol. 10, no. 1, 30 Nov. 2011, p. 103., doi:10.1186/1475-925x-10-103.
- Herrington, Lee. “Assessment of the Degree of Pelvic Tilt within a Normal Asymptomatic Population.” Manual Therapy, vol. 16, no. 6, 11 June 2011, pp. 646–648., doi:10.1016/j.math.2011.04.006.
- Gordon, Susan, et al. “A Randomized, Comparative Trial: Does Pillow Type Alter Cervico-Thoracic Spinal Posture When Side Lying?” Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 17 Aug. 2011, p. 321., doi:10.2147/jmdh.s23028.
- Poorbaugh, Dr. Kenneth. Personal interview.
- Clinical trials: CELLIANT. https://celliant.com/clinical-trials/