And the Award for Best Hybrid Mattresses for Side Sleepers Goes to…
WinkBed
Our favorite hybrid mattress for side sleepers is the WinkBed, which is offered in four firmness options. With dependable pocketed coils and pressure-relieving polyfoam, it achieves a high level of overall performance that gives side sleepers the support they need.
If you’re a side sleeper, you probably know that your hips and shoulders are potential trouble spots when resting on a mattress. With too little cushioning, you may experience excess impact in these areas. But without enough pushback, you’ll sink too far into the bed and draw your spine out of alignment.
Using a combination of materials, a hybrid mattress can serve as a comfortable middle ground when lying on your side. With all-around performance that balances pressure relief, stability, support, and bounce, hybrids are a popular choice for side sleepers looking for a new mattress.
If you want to take a broader look at hybrids, especially if you are a combination sleeper who changes positions during the night, check out our guide to the best hybrid mattresses. If you’re not sure if you want a hybrid, you can consider other types of mattresses in our selection of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following seven options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattresses for side pain.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
WinkBed
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The WinkBed stands out with its all-around performance that can meet the needs of virtually any side sleeper. Each of the four firmness options provides solid edge support and stability, with enough pressure relief to promote proper spinal alignment and pain-free sleep.
Buy From WinkBedPros
- Balanced performance delivers both support and pressure relief
- Choice of four firmness options
- Elegant Euro-top with gel-infused polyfoam provides even contouring
Cons
- Firmer models may feel too hard for side sleepers under 130 pounds
- Sinkage on the softest model may restrict movement for some sleepers
The WinkBed is built with a sturdy and reliable pocketed coil support core and a Euro-top that is quilted with high-quality polyfoam. With four distinct firmness options, virtually any side sleeper can find a WinkBed model that meets their performance needs.
Why We Like it
The WinkBed gives you firmness choices with the peace of mind that each model includes quality materials that are high-performing and durable. Its quilted Euro-top construction provides visual appeal along with capable pressure relief.
The WinkBed showed strong results across all our testing categories, which gives it broad appeal among side sleepers. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a 120-night sleep trial to try out the mattress at home.
How Does it Feel?
Side sleepers on our testing team appreciated how the WinkBed cushioned pressure points near their hips, shoulders, and neck. At the same time, they liked the considerable stability and edge support, both of which give the mattress a feeling of robustness and dependability.
WinkBeds calls its firmness options — from softest to firmest — Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus. Our side sleepers under 130 pounds preferred the plush feel of the Softer model, while those between 130 and 230 pounds liked the more balanced feel of the Luxury Firm option. Testers over 230 pounds enjoyed the Firmer version, though some expressed a slight preference for the Plus, a model designed for heavier individuals that includes a layer of zoned latex.
Best Value Mattress
Silk & Snow Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Silk & Snow Hybrid scored well in virtually all aspects of our testing. With polyfoam and memory foam layers and a coil support core, it provides side sleepers with cushioning and pressure relief while avoiding excess sinkage. Our testers between 130 and 230 pounds especially loved this mattress for side sleeping.
Buy From Silk & SnowPros
- Gel-infused memory foam layer comfortably cradles side sleepers
- Zoned coils are engineered to support spinal alignment
- Reinforced perimeter delivers notable edge support
Cons
- May feel too firm for some side sleepers under 130 pounds
- Might not be supportive enough for combination sleepers over 230 pounds
The Silk & Snow Hybrid is a reasonably priced 12-inch mattress with a combination of polyfoam, memory foam, and pocketed coils that showed solid overall performance during our in-house testing.
Why We Like it
The Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress shows how the mix of materials in a hybrid can elevate mattress performance. A 1-inch layer of polyfoam and a 2-inch layer of memory foam make up the comfort layers, and both foams are infused with gel to resist heat buildup. Zoned coils with a polyfoam lumbar pad give a touch of extra support to common pain points, including the lower back, hips, and shoulders.
How Does it Feel?
During our sleep lab tests, the Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress won praise for its medium firm (6) feel, pressure relief, and spinal support. Side sleepers on our team who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds reported excellent results, and the mattress also performed well for those over 230 pounds. Although side sleepers under 130 pounds liked the Silk & Snow Hybrid, some found it to be a bit too firm to properly cushion their shoulders and hips.
Best Mattress for Couples
Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Emma’s Hybrid Cooling Elite checks a lot of boxes for co-sleepers, namely above-average motion isolation, consistent cooling, and a sturdy perimeter that allows two people to utilize their entire sleep surface. Affordable pricing and a lengthy trial period sweeten the deal for budget shoppers.
Buy From EmmaPros
- Thick foam layers ensure excellent cushioning and pressure relief
- Multi-zone coils provide targeted support for the torso and hips
- All orders include a generous yearlong sleep trial
Cons
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may not receive adequate support
- Initial off-gassing odor can be strong and unpleasant
If you normally sleep with a partner, you should consider a mattress that isolates movement, sleeps cool, and feels secure along the edges. The Emma Hybrid Cooling Elite checks all of these boxes, and is relatively affordable to boot. Thoughtfully constructed with a medium firm (6) feel and zoned coil support, this mattress was a big hit among much of our testing team.
Why We Like it
During hands-on tests, the Hybrid Cooling Elite earned its highest ratings from side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds, back sleepers up to 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds. While the mattress received high marks from most of our team, some stomach sleepers over 230 pounds sank a bit too much.
We were impressed with the hybrid’s performance when we tested it for motion isolation and pressure relief. These are two areas where coil mattresses tend to fall short, but thick foam layers allow this model to absorb movement and reduce pressure buildup along the spine. Other strengths we observed included strong temperature control and robust edge support.
How Does it Feel?
The Hybrid Cooling Elite’s comfort system consists of four foam layers, so you’ll notice some plushness when you get into bed. Each layer is progressively denser from top to bottom, resulting in some pushback as your body settles — this helps you remain on an even plane. Pocketed coils divided into seven zones also ensure targeted support for your midsection.
Best Luxury Mattress
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The TEMPUR-Cloud gives side sleepers the contouring comfort of memory foam with the option of either a polyfoam or pocketed coil support core. Tempur-Pedic’s memory foam is well known for its pressure relief, durability, and motion isolation, making it a great choice for shoppers who want a luxury mattress.
Buy From Tempur-PedicPros
- TEMPUR comfort foam cradles the hips and shoulders to prevent pressure points
- Strong motion isolation limits disruptions from a bed partner’s movement
- Option for a hybrid or an all-foam design
Cons
- Only offered in medium (5) firmness level
- May allow too much sink for some side sleepers over 230 pounds
Tempur-Pedic is a well-established mattress brand known for its TEMPUR memory foams, and the TEMPUR-Cloud Hybrid is an example of this high-performance material in action. With its ability to conform to the body, it can deliver a luxurious feel for side sleepers.
Why We Like it
Tempur-Pedic was the first company to make mattresses with memory foam, and we like the track record of the durable and high-performance TEMPUR material. While it doesn’t appeal to everyone, it can be a perfect match for side sleepers who want significant contouring around their body.
For the TEMPUR-Cloud, our team appreciated the ability to choose between a hybrid with a coil support core or a classic all-foam model. Sleepers who want a touch more bounce and temperature regulation should opt for the hybrid design.
How Does it Feel?
When testing the hybrid version of the TEMPUR-Cloud, our team experienced deep contouring that hugged primary pressure points. For the side sleepers on our team, that meant extra cushioning and contouring around the shoulders and hips. With a medium (5) firmness level, this mattress worked best for testers under 230 pounds, who experienced sufficient pressure relief without sinking too far into the bed.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Layla Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Layla Hybrid has a reversible design that gives side sleepers the choice of two firmness levels in one mattress. With pressure-relieving memory foam on either side, it’s easy for side sleepers to keep their spine aligned and avoid uncomfortable compression around their hips and shoulders.
Buy From LaylaPros
- Flippable design provides choice of two firmness levels
- Memory foam layers cushion side sleepers’ hips and shoulders
- Firm side sleeps fairly cool for a mattress containing memory foam
Cons
- Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds may not be an ideal match for either firmness level
- Mattress weight can make it unwieldy to flip
The Layla Hybrid has a reversible design, with a combination of memory foam and polyfoam on either side of a support core of pocketed coils. This unique construction lets side sleepers adjust the feel of their mattress just by turning it over.
Why We Like it
In addition to its innovative design, the Layla Hybrid impressed our testing team with its distinctive materials. The memory foam on each side of the mattress is infused with copper, which is designed to limit heat buildup. The polyfoam has air channels to promote ventilation, and the pocketed coils are zoned and have a reinforced perimeter to strengthen edge support.
How Does it Feel?
Both sides of the Layla Hybrid Mattress have moderate hug and cushioning for the hips and shoulders of side sleepers. However, there is much more sink on the medium soft (4) side, which was preferred by our side sleepers under 130 pounds. In contrast, side sleepers over 230 pounds liked the firm (7) side.
As both a side sleeper and a hot sleeper, a hybrid mattress is the no-brainer choice for me. You can’t beat the cooling effect of the airflow through that coil support core and the bounciness is an added perk.
What is a Hybrid Mattress?
A hybrid mattress is built with a support core of coils and a comfort system of one or more layers made of materials like foam, microcoils, or latex.
Modern hybrid mattresses use pocketed coils, which are individually wrapped in fabric to deliver a stable and bouncy feel, targeted support, and reduced motion transfer. With their coil support cores, hybrid mattresses are distinct from all-foam or all-latex mattresses. Hybrids also have thicker comfort layers than traditional innerspring mattresses.
Most hybrid mattresses are designed to take advantage of the benefits of multiple materials, which can provide a balance of support and pressure relief for side sleepers.
Why Should Side Sleepers Consider a Hybrid Mattress?
Side sleepers should consider a hybrid mattress because this bed type can deliver excellent all-around performance, including notable pressure relief and solid spinal support.
With pocketed coils, a hybrid can prevent the excess sinkage that can occur on all-foam beds. At the same time, the comfort layers provide more cushioning for impact zones like the shoulders, neck, and hips, which often plague side sleepers. This combination can make hybrids a good match for most side sleepers, including people with arthritis or other sources of chronic pain.
Unless they contain thick memory foam layers, hybrid mattresses also rarely have problems with heat retention, so they work well for side sleepers who tend to overheat. The coils also typically have enough responsiveness to keep side sleepers from feeling stuck in one position during the night.
Pros
- High-performance blend of bounce, support, and pressure relief
- Sturdy, stable construction with good edge support
- Limited heat retention
Cons
- Performance can vary based on the specifics of each hybrid’s construction
- May lack deep contouring for side sleepers who like a conforming feel
- Coils may transfer motion on some hybrid models
Hybrid Mattress Firmness Levels
At Sleep Doctor, we assign every mattress we test a firmness rating based on our 10-point scale. In general, we’ve found that side sleepers typically want to avoid very firm mattresses because they can create pressure near the hips and shoulders where your body presses more deeply into the bed. However, an excessively soft mattress may not hold up well enough to keep your shoulders and hips in line with the rest of your spine.
The optimal firmness depends not only on your personal preferences but also your body weight. If you sleep on your side and weigh under 130 pounds, a soft (3) or medium soft (4) mattress may be a good fit to cushion sensitive areas like the hips and shoulders.
If you weigh over 230 pounds, a firmer mattress between 6 and 8 on our 10-point scale may be a better choice to prevent your hips and shoulders from sinking too far into the bed. If you’re a side sleeper weighing between 130 and 230 pounds, a medium soft (4) to medium firm (6) hybrid mattress is likely the best match.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
Still not sold on a hybrid mattress? Our team has also compiled a general overview of the best beds of the year, as well as guides to other mattress types, including all-foam, all-latex, and adjustable airbeds.
How We Test
We put mattresses through extensive testing in our in-house testing lab, where we use specialized equipment and take a scientific approach to evaluate how well mattresses perform.
Our testing team has many years of combined experience and includes sleepers with a range of comfort preferences, sleep positions, and body weights. This diversity gives us a well-rounded view of the way each hybrid mattress feels.
Frequently Asked Questions
For side sleepers, most hybrid mattresses have a good mix of contouring, bounce, and supportiveness. The comfort layers typically provide enough cushioning to reduce pressure around the hips and shoulders, but the sturdiness of the coils prevents excess sinkage. At the same time, the coils add bounce and let side sleepers easily adjust their body positioning during the night.
A hybrid is better than a memory foam mattress for some side sleepers, but the best mattress choice depends on multiple factors.
Hybrids usually have more bounce and a sturdier feel, especially around the perimeter of the bed, which often makes them better for side sleepers who weigh over 130 pounds. Hybrids also typically have good temperature regulation, making them a solid option for people who sleep hot.
Memory foam mattresses generally have more contouring and sink, which some side sleepers prefer. They also tend to isolate motion extremely well, so they can be well suited for couples.
That said, the performance of a hybrid will vary based on its comfort layers. In fact, some hybrids use memory foam comfort layers, which may provide a mix of the benefits of both coils and memory foam.
The best mattress for side sleepers with hip or shoulder pain is one that provides enough contouring to cushion those key pressure points while promoting proper spinal alignment.
A hybrid mattress that has memory foam comfort layers often provides excellent pressure relief. Polyfoam and latex layers can also cushion the hips and shoulders. In most cases, a medium (5) or medium firm (6) hybrid mattress will give the best blend of comfort and support.
A hybrid mattress is different from an innerspring mattress because it has a thicker comfort system made of at least one layer of memory foam, polyfoam, microcoils, or latex.
While both types of mattresses have coils in their support core, an innerspring mattress has just a thin cushioning layer above the coils. Because of the thicker comfort system, hybrid mattresses usually have a more balanced and supportive performance. Additionally, the coils in a hybrid mattress are typically pocketed, meaning they’re individually wrapped in fabric to prevent vibrations in one section of the mattress from transferring to the other coils.
The average lifespan of a hybrid mattress is around six to eight years. Because of their robust construction, hybrid beds tend to hold up well over many years of use. As with any mattress, though, a hybrid’s durability depends on the quality of its materials and whether it is protected from spills, pet claws, and other potential causes of damage.
Regardless of whether you upgrade your mattress, there are several ways you can get more comfortable on your bed as a side sleeper, including:
– Finding a comfortable pillow for side sleeping with enough loft to keep your neck aligned with the rest of your spine
– Using a mattress topper to create extra cushioning or a different firmness level
– Adding a touch of softness with a mattress pad
– Placing a small pillow between your knees if you experience lower back pain
– Using a body pillow to maintain a more comfortable sleeping position
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Wolf
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