Many adult sleepers spend more than half the night sleeping on their side. While this popular sleep position may feel natural or comfortable, side sleeping can also contribute to back and joint pain.
If you sleep primarily on your side, choosing a mattress designed for this position is an important step toward healthy, comfortable sleep. When you lie on your side, your shoulders and hips can sink deeper into the mattress than other parts of your body, which can cause spinal misalignment. The solution for side sleepers is to select a mattress that supports these pressure points and ensures that the spine remains relatively straight during sleep.
We’ll discuss our picks for the best mattress for side sleepers and explain what qualities to look for in a bed so that you can get a good night’s sleep.
Side sleepers put more pressure on their hips and shoulders, which can cause real issues over time if their mattress is too firm – or so old it is no longer supportive. Look for a mattress on the soft to medium-firm side that offers contouring while also providing support.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall
Helix Midnight
Sleep Doctor
4.8
Details
Trial Length 100 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty 10 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
100 nights (30-night requirement) / 10 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Price $749 – $1,399
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Helix Midnight’s cushioning foam layers and supportive coil system create a balanced medium feel ideal for side sleeping. Our tests show the mattress is particularly well suited to side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds.
Highlights
- Contouring memory foam provides ample pressure relief
- Foam layers absorb most noise
- Pocketed coils and reinforced perimeter offer sturdy edge support
Drawbacks
- May not provide enough support for some back and stomach sleepers
- Minimal motion isolation for couples
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress designed to relieve pressure point pain for side sleepers. With a medium firm (6) feel, the Helix Midnight was soft enough to cushion our testers who sleep on their sides but firm enough to prevent excessive sinkage.
How Does It Feel?
A comfort system with memory foam and polyfoam layers sits atop a pocketed coil support core. The top layer of memory foam conformed to our testers’ bodies, relieving pressure around their joints. Since the pocketed coils move individually, our side sleepers noted good spinal support. Reinforced pocketed coils along the sides of the mattress allowed our testers to lie right up to the edge of the bed.
Why We Like It
Our testing found the mattress’ mid-range firmness level and balanced feel also performed exceptionally well for our stomach and back sleepers under 130 pounds. Hybrid beds tend to be more responsive than all-foam models because the pocketed coils provide bounce. Our testing team found the Helix Midnight moderately responsive, making it relatively easy to change positions as needed. The foam layers also helped isolate motion so that our testers didn’t feel when their partners moved.
The Helix Midnight ships free throughout the U.S. and comes with a 100-night sleep trial. The trial requires a 30-day break-in period before the mattress is eligible for a full refund. The mattress is also covered by a 10-year limited warranty.
Best Value
Nectar Mattress
Sleep Doctor
4.6
Amazon
4.3
Details
Trial Length 365 nights
Warranty Lifetime, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
365 nights / Lifetime, Limited
Type Foam
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Price $359 – $1,138
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Nectar Mattress is firmer and more supportive than the average all-foam model, meaning it cushions and contours to your body without too much sink. Its sticker price is relatively affordable and every customer receives a 365-night trial with their purchase.
Highlights
- Memory foam comfort layer reduces pressure buildup
- Mixed-foam layers absorb movement transfer
- Comes with a 365-night sleep trial
Drawbacks
- Surface may develop indentations after a few years of use
- Foam layers can absorb and trap heat
The all-foam Nectar Mattress offers layers of contouring memory foam and polyfoam at a competitive price-point. Our side sleepers across all weight groups enjoyed its medium firm (6) feel and even conforming. Our back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds also thought that the Nectar has a good balance of cushioning and support.
How Does It Feel?
The comfort system includes a layer of gel-infused memory foam. Our testers felt the mattress contour closely to their bodies, relieving pressure points. A polyfoam transitional layer prevents your body from sinking too deeply into the mattress. At the same time, the polyfoam layer deepened the pressure relief and supported their spines. The polyfoam core helps support the entire mattress, including the perimeter. A breathable poly-nylon blend cover encases the mattress.
Why We Like It
An all-foam design and medium firm (6) feel made the mattress most appealing to our side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. These sleepers enjoyed the balance of cushioning for sore spots and pushback from the supportive foam layers.
Our evaluations showed that virtually no vibrations traveled across the surface of the Nectar, which means sleep partners shouldn’t disturb each other when they change positions. However, the testing team reported some difficulty moving across the surface due to the close hug and lack of bounce. The Nectar has above-average edge support for a memory foam bed. Most of our testers felt secure lying or sitting at the edge of the bed.
The Nectar Mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial, which is one of the longest trial periods in the industry. After a 30-day break-in period, customers can return their mattress and receive a refund. The mattress also has a limited lifetime warranty covering craftsmanship and material defects.
Best for Spinal Alignment
Eco Terra
Sleep Doctor
4.5
Amazon
3.6
Details
Trial Length 90 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty 15 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
90 nights (30-night requirement) / 15 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium (5), Medium Firm (6)
Price $849 – $1349
Sleep Doctor’s Take
Available in two firmness levels to accommodate side sleepers in different weight groups, the Eco Terra uses responsive organic latex and zoned coils to maintain an even sleep surface. This design ensures optimal alignment and fewer pressure points along the spine.
Highlights
- Breathable wool, latex, cotton, and coils help regulate temperature
- Talalay latex cradles the body to relieve pressure
- Two firmness levels
Drawbacks
- Bouncy surface limits motion isolation
- Latex lacks the close contouring of foam
Side sleepers can have trouble maintaining spinal alignment on a mattress that sinks too much beneath the weight of their midsections and shoulders. The Eco Terra combats this issue with zoned coils and responsive cushioning to help keep the body on an even plane.
How Does It Feel?
The Eco Terra’s comfort system begins with a layer of GOTS-certified organic wool that offers a bit of surface cushioning while acting as a natural fire barrier. Underneath is a layer of Talalay latex that cradles, rather than adapts, to your body to alleviate pressure buildup. Since latex is naturally responsive, it also traps less heat than materials like memory foam.
Pocketed coils make up the support core. Thicker gauge coils are zoned in the center of the mattress to prevent uncomfortable sagging and along the mattress perimeter for enhanced edge support. A breathable cover made from GOTS-certified organic cotton encases the mattress.
Why We Like It
You can choose between two firmness levels: medium (5) and medium firm (6). Our testing found the mattress best suited to side and back sleepers, but testers preferred different models depending on their body type. Side and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds enjoyed the softer model. Meanwhile, the firmer model suited side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers may also enjoy the medium firm model, but those weighing more than 230 pounds may need a firmer mattress.
Both models excelled in several tests, including temperature control and ease of movement. Thanks to the use of breathable cotton, wool, latex, and coils, the mattress felt extremely comfortable for our hot sleepers. Our heat guns detected minimal heat buildup on the surface. Couples who prioritize responsiveness for sex should also enjoy the mattress. We could move across the surface without restriction or slipping off at the edges.
Eco Terra ships free to customers in the contiguous U.S. and offers a 90-night sleep trial to test the mattress. Should you decide to keep it, the mattress is backed by a 15-year warranty.
Best Luxury
Sonu Mattress
Sleep Doctor
4.6
Details
Trial Length 100 nights (60-night requirement)
Warranty 5 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
100 nights (60-night requirement) / 5 Year, Limited
Type Foam
Firmness Medium Soft (4)
Price $2,499 – $4,398
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Sonu Mattress has a channeled design specifically intended to help side sleepers rest comfortably without experiencing pressure buildup in their shoulders. The softer feel and all-foam design are particularly well suited to side sleepers under 130 pounds.
Highlights
- Comfort Channel allows the arm and shoulder to rest inside the mattress and prevent pressure buildup
- All-foam composition significantly reduces pressure and movement transfer
- Cooling gel-infused top layer helps combat heat retention
Drawbacks
- Too soft for most back and stomach sleepers
- Foam layers may absorb an excessive amount of body heat
The Sonu Mattress uses an innovative design specifically made to combat pressure buildup in a side sleeper’s shoulders. A unique Comfort Channel at the head of the bed allows you to place your arms inside the mattress to avoid crunching them under a pillow or cranking the neck.
How Does It Feel?
The mattress includes four support pillows featuring four layers of polyfoam each. These pillows sit in the Comfort Channel to support the head while allowing enough room for your arms to rest inside comfortably. The mattress body’s comfort system begins with a layer of gel-infused polyfoam that alleviates pressure points. This layer’s gel infusion is meant to keep the surface cool to the touch. Underneath is a second layer of polyfoam that enhances pressure relief while preventing your body from sinking too deeply into the mattress. This layer rests over high-density polyfoam, which reinforces the sleep surface. A soft stretch knit cover encases the mattress.
Why We Like It
Thanks to its innovative design, medium soft (4) feel, and all-foam construction, our side-sleeping testers awarded the Sonu its highest ratings. Our testers noticed very little pressure buildup in their shoulders thanks to the Comfort Channel, while the body of the mattress prevented sore spots in their hips. The foam layers also absorb most movement transfer and noise, making the mattress a great choice if you share the bed with a restless sleep partner. You should notice fewer disturbances from your partner’s nightly movement.
Sonu ships free to customers living in the contiguous U.S. A 100-night sleep trial allows you to test the mattress and return it anytime after the 60-night break-in period. The mattress is backed by a 5-year warranty against structural defects.
Best Luxury
WinkBeds GravityLux
Sleep Doctor
4.3
Details
Trial Length 120 nights (30 night requirement)
Warranty Lifetime, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
120 nights (30 night requirement) / Lifetime, Limited
Type Foam
Firmness Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Firm (7)
Price $1,199 – $1,999
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The all-foam WinkBeds GravityLux features adaptive memory foam and dense support layers to contour evenly, resulting in a sleep surface that promotes even alignment and effectively reduces pressure for side sleepers. The mattress is available in three firmness levels.
Highlights
- Made with patented pressure-relieving memory foam
- All-foam construction isolates motion
- Available in three firmness levels
Drawbacks
- Foams may retain heat and sleep uncomfortably warm
- Above-average pricing for an all-foam model
The GravityLux by WinkBeds incorporates proprietary foam technology designed to contour to the body and relieve pressure. If you tend to sleep hot but prefer the conforming feel of memory foam, the GravityLux’s proprietary foam and premium cooling features may be an ideal solution.
How Does It Feel?
Two layers make up the comfort system. The top layer is 2 inches of gel-infused polyfoam quilted in a Tencel cover designed for cooling. The second layer uses AirCell memory foam engineered to conform to the body while dissipating heat. Our testers noticed that the GravityLux relieved their pressure points without retaining as much warmth as many all-foam models.
A zoned polyfoam transition layer promotes good posture by adding support under areas of the body that tend to sag excessively. During tests we noted that the high-density polyfoam core also helps limit sinkage.
Why We Like It
Shoppers can choose from three firmness levels: medium soft (4), medium (5), and firm (7). Almost all of our testers found the firm version comfortable — with the exception of side sleepers under 130 pounds — so it may be a good fit for partners with different body types and position preferences.
The medium option received rave reviews from team members weighing less than 130 pounds regardless of preferred sleep position. However, some of our lightweight side sleepers favored the plushness of the soft version.
GravityLux buyers have a 120-night sleep trial to test out the mattress. This trial comes with a required 30-night break-in period. A limited lifetime warranty covers manufacturing and material defects. Shipping is free for customers in the contiguous U.S.
Best Pressure Relief
Nolah Signature 12
Sleep Doctor
4.4
Details
Trial Length 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty Lifetime, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
120 nights (30-night requirement) / Lifetime, Limited
Type Foam
Firmness Medium (5)
Price $870 – $1,875
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Nolah Signature 12’s all-foam design and balanced medium feel help ensure ample cushioning, optimal alignment, and minimal pressure for side sleepers. The mattress’ proprietary open-cell foams are also designed to resist heat buildup and sleep relatively cool.
Highlights
- Three-layer comfort system relieves pressure
- Foam layers prevent movement transfer
- Proprietary polyfoam designed for temperature neutrality
Drawbacks
- May be too soft for back and stomach sleepers
- Adaptive top layer can hinder movement across the surface
The Nolah Signature 12 is an all-foam mattress with a medium (5) firmness level and a three-layer comfort system that molds to the body to relieve pressure. Our in-house testers found it most suitable for side sleeping, though back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also rested comfortably.
How Does It Feel?
The top comfort layer uses 2.5 inches of Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam designed for responsive contouring and breathability. A 1.5-inch layer of polyfoam adds support and bounce, and a firmer 1-inch layer of AirFoam deepens the cradling. These comfort layers absorbed most vibrations throughout our testing process, meaning those who share the bed are unlikely to disturb each other as they move during the night. A polyfoam core helps reduce sagging, and a breathable cotton cover encases the mattress.
Why We Like It
The Signature 12’s softer feel and foam construction earned high marks from side sleepers on our team. These testers thoroughly enjoyed the mattress’ deep cushioning for their shoulders and hips, where pressure tends to build. Back and stomach sleepers in lighter weight categories should feel decently comfortable, but those weighing at least 130 pounds may need more support.
While the Nolah Signature 12 hugged our testers closely enough to ease pressure, they didn’t struggle to change positions because of the responsiveness of its polyfoam layers. The AirFoam is also designed to retain less heat than traditional memory foam, and we found the surface of the mattress stayed cooler than many all-foam models.
The Nolah Signature 12 ships free within the contiguous U.S. and comes with a 120-night trial. After a 30-night required break-in period, mattresses are eligible for a full refund less a $99 transportation fee. Buyers are also entitled to a limited lifetime warranty.
Best Cooling
Joybed LXP
Sleep Doctor
4.2
Details
Trial Length 120 nights (30-night requirement, $139 processing fee)
Warranty 10 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
120 nights (30-night requirement, $139 processing fee) / 10 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6)
Price $990 – $1,990
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Joybed LXP’s coil-on-coil design is ideal for side sleepers who don’t need too much cushioning to sleep comfortably and need a mattress that regulates temperature well. You can choose between medium soft (4) and medium firm (6) designs based on your body type.
Highlights
- Eco-friendly hybrid design pairs plush cotton batting with sturdy pocketed coils
- Available in medium soft and medium firm designs
- Breathable materials and steady airflow ensure excellent temperature regulation
Drawbacks
- Lack of contouring may cause pressure buildup for side sleepers
- Responsive surface limits motion isolation
Mattresses that sleep cool and feel comfortable for side sleepers are somewhat rare, since the deep cushioning layers needed for side sleeping are often associated with heat retention. The Joybed LXP offers an unconventional hybrid design that promotes airflow while promoting even alignment and reducing pressure in the shoulders and hips – essential qualities for those who primarily use the side position.
How Does It Feel?
Rather than using foam or latex, the LXP is constructed with a top layer of plush fibers derived from potato plants. This is followed by a wool layer sandwiched between two layers of cotton batting. All of these materials are highly breathable, resulting in excellent surface airflow. Next is a layer of nano coils and a support core of pocketed coils. Both circulate air throughout the interior to help the mattress maintain a comfortable core temperature.
Why We Like It
The LXP is available in two firmness levels. After testing both, we found that the medium soft (4) option is best suited to side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. While the comfort layers don’t adapt to the body like foam or latex, we noticed deep cushioning and even weight distribution. The side sleepers on our team weighing more than 230 pounds preferred the extra support of the medium firm (6) feel. Our back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds also felt comfortable on the medium firm design.
The cotton used in the LXP’s cover and batting layer has received certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard, ensuring the material has been sustainably grown and processed. The plant-based fibers – which serve as a natural fiber barrier – do not contain any added chemicals. As a bonus for eco-conscious individuals, the coils are joined using a plant-based adhesive.
The LXP is reasonably priced, and customers in the contiguous U.S. enjoy free ground shipping. Mattress returns are accepted within 120 days of delivery, and those who keep their LXP also receive a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Why You Should Trust Us
When it comes to choosing the right bed for a good night’s sleep, you can trust our sleep experts’ years of industry experience. Our team of product analysts personally tests each mattress we review, paying attention to issues of specific concern to different kinds of sleepers, such as firmness, durability, and pressure relief.
Since our team includes individuals with different weights and preferred sleep positions, we gather both scientific and firsthand insight into how each model performs.
How to Buy a Mattress for Side Sleepers Video
Watch our video below for some in-depth tips on how to find the best mattress for side sleepers.
What Do Side Sleepers Need for a Good Night's Sleep?
Side sleepers generally need a mattress that promotes spinal alignment and relieves pressure points. We’ll review some of the key mattress features for side sleepers to keep in mind.
Find the Type of Mattress That Works for You
Shoppers can choose from a variety of mattress types, including foam, innerspring, latex, hybrid, and airbed models. Each construction offers potential benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the style that meets your specific needs.
Pick the Right Mattress Firmness
We rate mattress firmness on a 10-point scale. We’ve found that side sleepers tend to prefer medium soft (4) to medium firm (6) mattresses, though preferences can vary based on body type. Our tests have shown that side sleepers under 130 pounds usually prefer a softer model, while those over 230 pounds typically benefit from the extra support of a firmer mattress.
Keep Your Spine Aligned
Mattresses that are too soft or too firm can cause the spine to become misaligned. To achieve good sleep posture, side sleepers usually need their hips and shoulders to sink into the mattress without sagging.
Best Mattress Types for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers generally look for a mattress that combines pressure relief and spinal support. Several mattress types offer this contouring and support in different ways.
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses typically contain several layers of foam, such as memory foam and polyfoam. Most foam models we test have notable cradling. While soft to medium firm options are most common, firmer models are also available.
Either memory foam or polyfoam can offer significant pressure relief. However, some side sleepers prefer mattresses with memory foam comfort layers because of the material’s especially close conforming. Exceptional contouring can redistribute a side sleeper’s weight and ease pressure around their hips and shoulders.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses usually contain either foam or latex comfort layers combined with a coil support core. This design tends to fair well with side sleepers in our evaluations. While the comfort system contours to relieve pressure, the coils add bounce, responsiveness, and breathability.
What About Innerspring Beds?
In the past, innerspring mattresses had few or no comfort layers covering the coil core. However, some manufacturers now use the terms innerspring and hybrid interchangeably. If you’re considering a hybrid or innerspring bed, we recommend choosing a model with enough contouring to support the spine and prevent pressure buildup.
Latex Mattresses
While some latex mattresses use synthetic latex made from petrochemicals, most models use natural latex processed from the sap of rubber trees. The material has a slightly conforming feel that has more bounce than memory foam.
Latex models tend to cradle a side sleeper’s body without hugging it. Since the material also springs back quickly when the sleeper moves, our testers often give latex mattresses exceptional marks in ease of movement. Additionally, latex’s open-cell structure increases airflow to promote cooler sleep.
What's the Best Mattress Firmness for Side Sleepers?
While side sleepers tend to prefer softer mattresses than back or stomach sleepers, mattress firmness is subjective, and the ideal firmness for a side sleeper also depends on their body type.
Our Firmness Scale and the Ideal Range for Side Sleepers
We rate all the beds we test on a 10-point firmness scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 the firmest. Based on our scale, the ideal firmness for side sleepers is generally between 3 and 7, with most side sleepers preferring a medium soft (4) to medium firm (6) mattress.
The side sleepers on our testing team who weigh under 130 pounds usually favor models on the softer end of this range. Firmer models often do not mold to their hips and shoulders enough to relieve pressure or promote good posture.
Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds tend to get the best balance of cradling and support from models close to the center of the range, while most of our team members who weigh over 230 pounds prefer firmer options to prevent their hips and shoulders from sagging.
Are Firm Mattresses Bad for Side Sleepers?
Firm mattresses are not ideal for most side sleepers. They generally don’t compress enough under the hips and shoulders to relieve pressure and promote a neutral spine position, which can lead to discomfort. However, a firmer mattress may be appropriate for individuals over 230 pounds who need extra support.
Side Sleeping and Keeping Your Spine Aligned
It’s important to keep your spine properly aligned as you sleep. This means the spine should be fairly straight. Typically, mattresses with a medium soft to medium firm feel provide appropriate spinal support to side sleepers.
Mattresses that are too soft can allow the hips and shoulders to sag, putting pressure on the lower back. On the other hand, mattresses that are too firm push back against these wider body parts, creating pressure points and preventing the spine from staying straight. Improper spinal alignment can disturb your sleep and may also contribute to back pain.
As you shop, you may see models with zoned layers. These layers are designed to provide extra support for the heavier midsection of the body, which helps keep the back in a straighter line.
What Kind of Mattress Can Help With Back Pain?
Our in-house testers who sleep on their side often report experiencing less back pain when lying on memory foam models. This type of foam conforms closely to the body, easing pressure points and distributing weight across the bed. However, the best mattress for back pain also depends on your body size. The right mattress should contour to your body without sagging excessively under your weight.
Tips to Help Keep Your Spine Aligned
In addition to a mattress that balances support and cradling, we recommend that side sleepers select pillows that support their spinal alignment.
Head Pillow: A pillow for your head should have enough loft to fill the space between your head, your shoulder, and the mattress. This can help keep your head, neck, and spine in alignment. Most side sleepers prefer a medium- to high-loft pillow with a midrange firmness
Leg or Knee Pillow: Some side sleepers also place a pillow between their knees to help prevent hip rotation, relieve pressure on the hips and lower back, and improve spinal alignment.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- Position: Side sleeper
- Temperature: Hot Sleeper
- Chronotype: Lion
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