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 I’ve 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 ready to try something different.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Our Top 10 Picks
The best mattresses for side sleepers are:
- Nectar – Best Overall
- DreamCloud Premier – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Saatva Solaire – Best Mattress for Back and Side Sleepers
- Helix Midnight – Best for Side-Sleeping Couples
- WinkBed – Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite – Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers
- ViscoSoft Edge Hybrid – Best for Heavy Sleepers
- Nolah – Best Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Bear Original – Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Leesa – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
How We Chose Our Products
Our team of sleep specialists have reviewed more than 150 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty. You can read more about our testing methods at the bottom of this roundup.
When we talk about side sleepers, the first thing that often comes to mind is pressure relief, 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 out of 5 on support.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers 2022: Video Roundup
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
When people are seeking a mattress for side-sleeping, they also want to make sure they’re getting the best bang for their buck. Nectar is all about value and, while their mattress isn’t the cheapest option on the market, it is one of the best deals, which is why we chose it as our best overall mattress for side sleepers. Just looking at its construction and materials, we would expect it to be much more expensive.
The Nectar features two layers of memory foam in its construction: one is softer gel-infused memory foam, and the other is firmer Hi Core memory foam. Both layers of foam offer excellent pressure relief for side sleepers, who should slowly sink into the bed.
Nectar Highlights
- There’s enough support in the Nectar to make it comfortable for back sleepers.
- A breathable cover and gel-infused memory foam should keep you from overheating at night.
- For even more comfort, read our Nectar Premier mattress review and Nectar Premier Copper mattress review.
Keep In Mind
Heavy people over 230 lb will most likely need a more responsive mattress than the Nectar.
For more information, read our full Nectar mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best mattresses of 2022.
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
DreamCloud Premier is a high-quality, luxury mattress that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
DreamCloud Premier is a high-quality, luxury mattress that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
DreamCloud Premier is a high-quality, luxury mattress that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you’re a side sleeper, a medium-firm mattress can provide the pressure relief you need for your shoulders and hips while still keeping you supported. With that in mind, we would definitely recommend the DreamCloud Premier, a hybrid mattress that features supportive coils and multiple layers of plush foam. When you add in the quilted cover and tufted top, it’s an incredibly soft bed that provides great pressure relief.
DreamCloud Premier Highlights
- High-density foam and a cashmere cover give the mattress more of a luxury mattress look and feel.
- This is a hybrid mattress with a good balance of comfort and support.
- The DreamCloud Premier is a luxury mattress sold for a value price.
Keep In Mind
As high-quality as they are, DreamCloud products tend to be heavier than other bed-in-a-box mattresses because of all the layers. With that in mind, you might need a friend or family member to help you unbox the bed and set it up.
For more information, read our full DreamCloud Premier mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best medium-firm mattresses.
Saatva Solaire Mattress
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
Material
Other
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Solaire Mattress
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
Material
Other
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Solaire Mattress
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
Material
Other
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Saatva Solaire is an adjustable mattress that allows you to select your preferred firmness. With the help of a remote control, you can make the Saatva Solaire firmer or softer. This makes it a great fit for back and side sleepers. When you’re on your side, you can make the mattress softer and relieve pressure on your shoulders and hips. When you’re back sleeping, you can make the mattress a bit firmer to offer you the necessary support. With the Saatva Solaire, comfort is in the palm of your hand.
Saatva Solaire Highlights
- The Saatva Solaire pairs well with an adjustable base so you can control the firmness and elevation of your mattress.
- The larger models allow you to adjust both sides of the mattress, making this ideal for couples with different sleeping positions.
- The Saatva Solaire is a luxurious mattress that will work for multiple sleeping positions.
Keep In Mind
The Saatva Solaire is an adjustable mattress that features air chambers in its support layer. These might not be supportive enough for much larger sleepers. Heavier people should consider the Saatva HD.
For more information, read our full Saatva Solaire mattress review. Or for more back-and-side options, see our roundup of the best mattresses for combination sleepers.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
For those side-sleeping couples who just don’t know what to get, Helix is to the rescue. The company is all about customization and flexibility, and will actually help people find a mattress to meet their specific needs. If you’re a side sleeper who sleeps with another side sleeper, you may be directed to the Helix Midnight, one of the company’s mattresses made specifically for this position.
Its combination of coils and foams has enough support for two bodies while also giving them some pressure relief, plus the mattress has excellent edge support, which means you and your partner will be able to spread out without feeling like you’re going to fall off the bed. Finally, the Helix Midnight isolates motion quite well, so neither you or your partner should feel each other’s movements at night.
Helix Midnight Highlights
- The Midnight’s support should help keep sleepers’ spines in a proper alignment.
- Shoppers looking for a more luxurious mattress can upgrade their Helix Midnight mattress to a “Luxe” model that contains more premium comfort and cooling components.
- The Midnight features a breathable cover and coils that help promote airflow through the mattress. It shouldn’t be trapping too much heat.
Keep In Mind
Some customers have said that Helix has had slower-than-usual delivery times during the COVID-19 pandemic. But they also say that their issues have been quickly resolved. Just something to keep in mind if you’re on a strict schedule for getting your Helix Midnight mattress.
For more information, read our full Helix Midnight mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best mattresses for couples.
WinkBed Mattress
Winkbeds has a mattress that is an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
Winkbeds has a mattress that is an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
Winkbeds has a mattress that is an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress that features two sets of supportive coils and a plush pillow-top. Overall, it has a traditional innerspring feel because of its coil-on-coil construction. You have a selection of four firmnesses and, if you’re a side sleeper, we recommend the Softer model. Not only will it give you the contouring you need, but we’ve also chosen it as one of our best mattresses for hip pain.
WinkBed Highlights
- The mattress features a zoned construction that’s softer under the shoulder.
- The WinkBed should also be supportive enough for most back sleepers and some stomach sleepers.
- With its tall coils that leave plenty of room for airflow, the bed is very breathable and should be a good fit for hot sleepers.
Keep In Mind
With its innerspring feel, the WinkBed doesn’t have the best motion isolation. If you share the bed with someone and either of you are easily disturbed at night, you might want to consider another option — maybe one with an all-foam construction.
For more information, read our full WinkBed mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best soft mattresses.
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite is an affordable luxury mattress that is great for hot sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite is an affordable luxury mattress that is great for hot sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite is an affordable luxury mattress that is great for hot sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Simply put, the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite has everything side sleepers need. When they rest on top of it, they should experience plenty of lower back support and luxurious pressure relief. The four comfort layers have built-in cooling features, and thanks to the balanced hybrid feel, it should be easy to move around on this high-end mattress — there’s just the right amount of bounce and responsiveness. Best of all, Brooklyn Bedding creates all of their mattresses at their factory in Phoenix, Arizona. That way, they can cut costs and pass the savings onto the customers!
Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite Highlights
- The four comfort layers have excellent contouring for side sleepers.
- It has a classic medium-firm feel.
- The Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite is a durable mattress that’s sold at a great value.
Keep In Mind
There have been some recent complaints about Brooklyn Bedding’s shipping, but as with Helix, these complaints were quickly resolved.
For more information, read our full Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best hybrid mattresses.
Viscosoft Edge Hybrid Mattress
The Viscosoft Edge Hybrid mattress has many advanced cooling features, and it works well for combination sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Viscosoft Edge Hybrid Mattress
The Viscosoft Edge Hybrid mattress has many advanced cooling features, and it works well for combination sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Viscosoft Edge Hybrid Mattress
The Viscosoft Edge Hybrid mattress has many advanced cooling features, and it works well for combination sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
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. With its blend of soft memory foam and 6″ coils, we believe that the ViscoSoft Edge Hybrid finds this middle ground. Heavy sleepers should get a slight lift from the coils while also experiencing some contouring from the foam. It is worth noting that the ViscoSoft Edge Hybrid will likely feel softer to heavy people than average-weight sleepers. For instance, an average-weight sleeper would experience it as a medium-firm mattress, while to a heavyweight sleeper, it will probably feel like a medium-soft mattress.
ViscoSoft Edge Hybrid Highlights
- We think it’s also a good match for heavy back sleepers.
- The cover of the mattress has a Phase Change Material that should regulate the body temperature of heavy sleepers and help them stay cool.
- ViscoSoft has been making pressure-relieving mattress toppers for years, so the brand has a lot of experience in creating pressure-relieving foams.
Keep In Mind
For heavy sleepers, the only sleeping position that may not be comfortable is stomach-sleeping. Stomach sleepers tend to need beds with a lot of extra support to keep their hips from bowing.
For more information, read our full ViscoSoft Edge Hybrid mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
The Nolah Original 10" mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it's sold at a value price.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
The Nolah Original 10" mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it's sold at a value price.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
The Nolah Original 10" mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it's sold at a value price.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
As comfortable as memory foam can be, it also has its drawbacks, such as trapping heat and not being supportive enough for certain sleepers. That’s why Nolah created a proprietary memory foam alternative called AirFoam. More responsive and cooling than memory foam, it makes up the comfort layer of Nolah’s flagship mattress.
Nolah Highlights
- When coupled with a base layer of high-density foam, the AirFoam creates a medium-firm feel that creates some excellent pressure relief for the hips and shoulders.
- If you share your bed with a back sleeper, they should be comfortable on the Nolah, too.
- The AirFoam helps the Nolah sleep very cool.
Keep In Mind
Stomach sleepers and heavy sleepers over 230 lb are both probably going to need a mattress that offers more support than the Nolah.
For more information, read our full Nolah mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best memory foam mattresses.
Bear Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you’re a side sleeper that also sleeps hot, the Bear Original mattress could be just right. First off, it is a softer memory foam mattress that should relieve most pressure on your shoulders and hips. However, while it is a memory foam mattress, it should sleep quite cool! The Bear Original features a cooling cover and gel infusions to help the mattress dissipate your body heat. If you need pressure relief and you don’t want to wake up hot and sweaty, check out the Bear Original.
Bear Highlights
- The Bear Original should be a great mattress for athletes.
- It is a good value mattress.
- The Bear is a good fit for back sleepers as well.
Keep In Mind
If you prefer a mattress with a bouncier, more responsive feel, then the Bear probably isn’t for you.
For more information, read our full Bear Original mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best cooling mattresses.
Leesa Original Mattress
Made with responsive foam, the Leesa Original mattress works well for side sleepers and hot sleepers.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Leesa Original Mattress
Made with responsive foam, the Leesa Original mattress works well for side sleepers and hot sleepers.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Leesa Original Mattress
Made with responsive foam, the Leesa Original mattress works well for side sleepers and hot sleepers.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight 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.
Back pain can really put a damper on your life, and sometimes, a new mattress is just the fix you need. If you frequently suffer from aches and pains, check out the Leesa. It’s great for pressure relief and contouring, and it boasts some impressive features.
This medium-firm, all-foam mattress creates a great balance of comfort and support, and that’s thanks to its high-density polyfoam and thick comfort layer. If you’re a back or side sleeper, this mattress should help you maintain the correct spinal alignment — which can ease your back pain!
Leesa Highlights
- With its breathable comfort layer and twill cover that helps dissipate heat, the Leesa is great for cooling (especially for an all-foam mattress).
- Memory foam lovers should appreciate the slow-moving foam in the comfort layer, which offers lots of contouring.
- The Leesa is 10″ tall, has a thick foundation layer, and contains dense foam, all of which contribute to its durability.
Keep In Mind
Because of its all-foam construction, the Leesa is another mattress that likely won’t be supportive enough for stomach sleepers or heavy people over 230 lb.
For more information, read our full Leesa mattress review. Or for more options, see our roundup of the best mattresses for back pain.
Why Side Sleepers Need a Good Mattress
It’s important that a mattress for side sleepers offers good contouring around the shoulders and hips to keep the spine aligned. At the same time, it shouldn’t be so soft that you feel your whole body sinking in and getting stuck in the mattress.
If your mattress causes an unnatural alignment when you sleep, you may wake up with pain and have trouble sleeping comfortably throughout the night. To find the right fit, you should consider the type of mattress you’re shopping for and look out for a few key performance factors.
Best Mattress Types for Side Sleepers
| Mattress Type | Why It Works |
| Memory Foam | Contouring and pressure relief |
| Innerspring | Responsiveness |
| Hybrid | Comfort and support |
Memory Foam Mattresses
It’s no coincidence that there are multiple memory foam mattresses on this list. It does a fantastic job of relieving pressure when compared with other types of materials, and it’s 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.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses are very popular and are what most sleepers are used to. The pocketed coils can make these beds good choices for back and stomach sleepers, but the materials — namely the comfort foam — on top make them good for side sleepers, too. They also tend to be responsive beds and are easy to move around on.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are unique in 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.
Other Mattress Types
Let’s take a moment to go over some other mattress types that may not be the best fit for side sleepers.
Latex Mattresses
Latex beds are becoming more and more popular, and natural latex mattresses are really the only way for you to get a truly organic mattress. Many companies will say on their website that they have “green” products, but in reality, those claims are dubious at best. Natural latex mattresses, however, are actually quite “green.”
Latex mattresses have a good amount of bounce to them, are durable, and conform well to the curves of the body. In addition, the foam is open-celled, meaning that latex beds are more breathable than many other types of mattresses.
At the same time, latex mattresses don’t relieve pressure as well as memory foam does. There’s a reason why there are no latex mattresses on our main list in this article.
Airbeds
Not to be confused with air mattresses, airbeds are actually luxurious mattresses with adjustable firmnesses and lots of added features. Although the customization can be a good fit for side sleepers, airbeds tend to be very expensive, and therefore not always practical for the average customer. However, if you’d like to know more about them, the Saatva Solaire is a good place to start.
Which Is Best for Side Sleepers – Firm or Plush?
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.
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 especially soft mattresses, too. It’s important to sleep on a supportive foundation so the body stays in the proper alignment.
How To Choose a Mattress for a Side Sleeper
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 bedframe 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 my general opinion on the relationship between back pain and mattresses.
The best mattress for back pain is something that’s medium firm and more 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.
Contouring to Avoid Hip Pain
If you struggle with hip pain, it might be because of your mattress. However, I would still first consult a doctor before anything else. Again, the information in this article does not constitute medical advice.
If you have hip pain because of your mattress, it’s either because it is too firm or you’re “bottoming out.” Bottoming out occurs when someone presses through the top comfort layer(s) and hits the firmer support layer(s) beneath. If you are bottoming out, you should look for a mattress with a thicker comfort layer.
Side note: Believe it or not, pain and other health factors for side sleepers can also depend on whether they sleep on their right or left side.
Spinal Alignment
It’s critical for your health that you find a mattress that contours well to your body and supports the natural alignment of your spine. If you sleep on your side and the mattress is too firm, your neck won’t be properly supported and your spine will be thrown off its natural alignment. This could lead to back and neck pain fairly easily, which may compound over time. That’s why it’s so important for side sleepers to pay attention to the difference between a firm vs soft mattress.
If the mattress is too soft, you could sink in too much and your spine will be too curved, which could similarly lead to pain and misalignment across the body. This can lead to lower back pain and sciatica, which can be extremely uncomfortable.
Cooling Capabilities
Side sleepers who sleep hot might find it particularly difficult to find a mattress that’s a good fit. Memory foam can be a fantastic option, but it’s known for trapping heat. While side sleepers might get the pressure relief they’re looking for, they might find themselves waking up hot and sweaty!
When it comes to all-foam beds, I believe that the Layla mattress is a great fit for these types of sleepers, as it incorporates copper-infused gel for extra cooling. And we of course recommend the Bear Original, too.
But to get the coolest night’s sleep, you might want to sleep on a hybrid mattress. The base layer of coils allows for better airflow than a standard memory foam mattress.
Matching Your Budget 
From my 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.
Having said that, the Nectar mattress is a good value pick for side sleepers. It has two layers of memory foam: one that’s gel-infused and another made out of Hi Core memory foam. The comfort layers should provide excellent pressure relief and prevent you from overheating at night.
Best Mattress Accessories for Side Sleepers
Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
If you don’t want to purchase a brand new mattress yet, don’t worry! You can easily extend the life of your current bed with a mattress topper. Some toppers make mattresses feel firmer, while others make them softer. Most side sleepers, though, will want something that provides soft cushioning and pressure relief.
The Saatva mattress topper has 3″ of graphite-infused memory foam. This material not only keeps sleepers cool at night, it also alleviates pain on pressure points! This topper will make a bed feel 2.5 points softer, so it’s great for side sleepers who need relief along their shoulders and hips.
The Amerisleep Comfort mattress topper is another great choice for side sleepers. This 3″ topper features HIVE technology, which means it feels firmer in some areas and softer in others. Its slow-moving memory foam feel is especially great for those who want some additional body contouring from their mattress.
Pillows for Side Sleepers
Choosing the right pillow is especially important for side sleepers. If your pillow is too thin or too thick, it could get your neck out of alignment and cause pain over time.
The Eli & Elm Cotton Side Sleeper Pillow provides a great balance of comfort and support. It’s made out of latex foam and polyester fiber, and it gently curves along the shoulder area.
We also recommend the Casper foam pillow. It has a unique core made with three layers of ventilated foam. If you’re looking for a supportive and firm pillow that won’t flatten over time, the Casper is an excellent pick.
If you aren’t sure on the Casper Foam Pillow or the Eli & Elm Cotton Side Sleeping, we’ve curated a list of the best pillows for side sleepers where you’re sure to find the right pillow for you.
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 from their knees rubbing 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.
Why Should You Trust Our Reviews?
To put together this list of best mattresses for side sleepers, we 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. If the water moves a lot, we know that the mattress does not have great motion isolation.
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.
Summary
| Mattress | Superlative |
| Nectar | Best Overall |
| DreamCloud Premier | Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Saatva Solaire | Best Mattress for Back and Side Sleepers |
| Helix Midnight | Best Mattress for Side-Sleeping Couples |
| WinkBed | Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite | Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| ViscoSoft Edge Hybrid | Best for Heavy Sleepers |
| Nolah | Best Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Bear Original | Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Leesa | Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain |
If you’re still looking for your next perfect mattress, take our mattress quiz. By answering a few short questions, you can receive tailored mattress recommendations to help you along your mattress buying journey.
FAQs
How do you pick a mattress for a side sleeper?
The best way is to find a softer mattress. Soft mattresses will help relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips when you are side sleeping. At the same time, you don’t want something extremely soft as this will not give you the proper amount of support.
What mattress is best for side sleepers who have back pain?
We think the Leesa Original is the best mattress for side sleepers with back pain. This all-foam mattress is constructed with breathable memory foam and high-density polyfoam, giving it a nice balance of pressure-relieving comfort and support. Additionally, this mattress can help back and side sleepers maintain their spinal alignment throughout the night, which can reduce back pain!
How firm should a mattress be if you sleep on your side?
Side sleepers should be looking for a mattress that is softer-than-average; on a scale of 1-10, a good side sleeping mattress should be between a 5 and 6.5.
A mattress with this firmness should relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips so that one can sleep through the night without any pain in those areas. A medium firmness may even be too much.
What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?
When it comes to side sleeping, memory foam is one of the best materials out there. It lets sleepers sink in while relieving pressure on the shoulders and hips.
An innerspring mattress with pocketed coils and a soft pillow top can also be a good option as long as the comfort layer is thick enough to prevent bottoming out.
Most side sleepers are going to want to stay away from latex mattresses as they are usually firmer and don’t offer the pressure relief that other types of mattresses do.
Are innerspring mattresses good for side sleepers?
Innerspring mattresses with pocketed coils may be a decent fit for side sleeping if they are soft enough. We recommend looking for an innerspring mattress that has a thicker comfort layer on top or even consider a hybrid mattress that incorporates some type of soft foam in the comfort layer.
