The Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

“I was taken by how well the Helix Midnight Luxe performed across-the-board in our testing. It got great marks for comfort and cushioning, and it also slept cool and felt stable and sturdy around the edge. All these add up to a dependable, high-quality mattress.” –Garen Glazier, Product Testing Team Member

Helix specializes in mattresses geared toward specific body types and sleep positions. Although the Helix Midnight Luxe was originally intended for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, our hands-on tests show this versatile, medium firm (6) foam hybrid can accommodate a wide range of sleeper types. Couples, people with frequent pain or pressure points, and those who enjoy sleeping along the edges of their mattress should also enjoy the Midnight Luxe.

Why We Like It

After testing the Midnight Luxe, our team found that the mattress is well suited to side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and back and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds. If you fall outside these ranges, Helix’s Luxe hybrid line includes five other models that may better meet your needs. Take the company’s online mattress quiz to find your ideal match.

The Midnight Luxe earned solid ratings for temperature control, pressure relief, motion isolation, and edge support. Although some of our testers sank when moving on the mattress, most found the surface adequately responsive and didn’t feel stuck. Off-gassing odor is somewhat strong after the mattress is unboxed, but these smells should dissipate within 48 hours.

How Does It Feel?

The Midnight Luxe contains two memory foam comfort layers, a polyfoam transitional layer, and pocketed coils with a reinforced perimeter and thicker coils beneath your midsection for targeted support. A light contour from the foam layers helps ensure comfortable cushioning without too much sink, and the coils provide strong overall support and a gentle bounce to help you move across the surface with ease. Standard covers are composed of moisture-wicking Tencel, but you can upgrade to a cooling GlacioTex fabric for an additional fee.

“I got great support and cushioning for my hips and shoulders when lying on my side on the Nolah Evolution. I felt that my joints were being softly embraced, eliminating the hard impact that happens on some lower-quality mattresses.” –David Rubin, Director of Product Testing

“Comfort” is a subjective quality, but some mattresses come closer to achieving a universally comfortable design than others. The Nolah Evolution 15 is a prime example. This luxury hybrid is built with four foam layers over a sturdy coil system with zoned support for your torso and hips. Three firmness levels are available, so most side sleepers will be satisfied with the mattress regardless of their body type.

Why We Like It

Side sleepers on our team weighing under 130 pounds preferred the plush cushioning and close contour of the medium (5) Evolution 15. Many of those between 130 and 230 pounds also found this design comfortable, but some preferred the more balanced feel of the medium firm (6) model or the ultra-supportive build of the firm (8) design. We recommend taking full advantage of Nolah’s 120-night sleep trial to ensure the Evolution 15 you choose meets your needs.

Temperature control was one performance area where the mattress excelled. All four foam layers have an open-cell composition and are engineered to minimize heat buildup. The coils promote steady airflow and the cover is made of organic cotton with moisture-wicking ArcticTex fibers. Other testing highlights include strong edge support and above-average motion isolation.

How Does It Feel?

The Evolution 15’s four foam layers are progressively denser from top to bottom, making the mattress feel invitingly plush when you get into bed but resistant to deep sinkage as your body settles. Pocketed coils and dense base foam make up the support core. The coils are zoned to feel sturdier beneath your midsection, and reinforced along the perimeter to keep the edges even when you get on and off the mattress. At 15 inches thick, the mattress is considered a high-profile model and requires a fitted sheet with deep pockets.

“The materials in the WinkBed are arranged to give support where you need it most, and that definitely made the mattress more comfortable for me. Another plus was that the cover and top layers were really breathable, so I never woke up feeling hot or clammy.” –David Rubin, Director of Product Testing

The WinkBed combines dense, adaptive comfort layers with zoned pocketed coils, and the result is a mattress that cushions and supports your body in equal measure. You can choose from four firmness levels, including a “Plus” design specifically geared toward people who weigh more than 230 pounds.

Why We Like It

The WinkBed is a testing team favorite because each design feels distinct and caters to different types of sleepers. Our side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds preferred the medium soft model because the foam layers contour closely. Those weighing 130 to 230 pounds found the medium firm design more comfortable — this one contours to a moderate extent and resists sinkage well. If you’re a side sleeper who weighs more than 230 pounds, the firm and “Plus” models should both meet your needs.

The zoned coil system is a defining feature of the WinkBed. No matter how much you weigh, chances are your chest, stomach, and hips need more support than the rest of your body. By placing thicker coils under these areas, the WinkBed can keep your entire body on an even plane without feeling too rigid beneath your head and legs. We also awarded the mattress favorable ratings for temperature control across all four firmness levels.

How Does It Feel?

Standard WinkBed models are available in medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7) designs. These mattresses begin with a layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the Euro-top cover, followed by a second foam layer for additional cushioning. The WinkBed Plus (8) swaps out the second foam layer for 2.5 inches of zoned latex, so this model feels bouncier and doesn’t conform as closely as the other three. The coils are divided into three zones with thicker springs resting beneath your torso and hips. This ensures extra reinforcement where most people carry the bulk of their weight and gentler cradling elsewhere. A breathable Tencel cover wicks away moisture on the surface.

“The Bear Elite Hybrid has more robust cushioning under the midsection, which felt great for supporting my hips. Since that’s one of the sharpest pressure points when side sleeping, it made for a pain-free night’s sleep.” –Garen Glazier, Product Testing Team Member

Despite being the most popular sleep position, side sleeping can often cause pressure to build in the shoulders and hips. The Bear Elite Hybrid is a safe bet for pressure-prone side sleepers thanks to its thoughtful foam-over-coil design. Plush memory foam cushions and cradles your body, but zoned construction in the transitional foam and coil layers prevent you from sinking too deeply into the mattress. You can choose from three firmness levels to further fine-tune the comfort level of your sleep surface.

Why We Like It

The Luxury Plush Elite Hybrid rates as medium, or a 5 on our 10-point firmness scale. This model earned its highest ratings from side sleepers under 230 pounds — these sleepers tend to benefit the most from deep contouring. If you need extra support from your sleep surface, we recommend the Firm (8) design. Side sleepers over 230 pounds found this model quite comfortable. Those seeking a balance of cushioning and bounce should opt for the Luxury Firm (6), which earned solid marks from side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds.

Each firmness option offers unique strengths. The Luxury Plush excelled at motion isolation and pressure relief, two areas where hybrids often underperform. We found the Luxury Firm also isolates motion well and alleviates pressure, but this model feels more stable along the perimeter than its softer counterpart. The Firm model is the bounciest, so you should have an easy time moving across the surface. All three scored stellar ratings for temperature control.

How Does It Feel?

Depending on which firmness level you choose, the Elite Hybrid may feel cushy and adaptive, contour lightly, or maintain a flat surface when bearing weight. We recommend choosing a design that best corresponds to your body type. Bear allows you to exchange your initial selection free of charge for a softer or firmer model during the trial period, so there isn’t too much pressure to make the right selection the first time.

The Elite Hybrid begins with a layer of memory foam infused with cooling gel intended to keep the surface cool. A polyfoam transitional layer provides additional cushioning, but this material is divided into five firmness zones to ensure strong pushback beneath your midsection — this is key to alleviating shoulder and hip pain. The coils are also zoned in the same manner. A breathable, heat-dissipating cover encases the mattress.

“This mattress felt soft enough to gently cradle my shoulders and hips, but I never felt like I was sleeping on quicksand. For me, that’s important because sometimes I want to be able to roll over or adjust my positioning to get as comfortable as possible.” –Garen Glazier, Product Testing Team Member

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.

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.

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.

“Like most people, I was grateful for the ability to choose from four firmness options. For side sleeping, I found the medium firm model to have the best mix of comfort and stability. It softened impact around my joints but didn’t sink or sag.” –David Rubin, Director of Product Testing

If you’re looking for a mattress with a wide firmness selection, the DLX Premier Hybrid is available in four distinct designs. You can choose from standard models with medium soft (4), medium firm (6), or firm (8) feels. If you and your partner have different firmness preferences, you can also opt for a split model that feels medium soft on one half of the bed and medium firm on the other.

Why We Like It

The DLX Premier Hybrid impressed the side sleepers on our testing team, though they were divided as to which firmness best met their needs. Side sleepers under 130 pounds preferred the medium soft feel, those weighing 130 to 230 pounds awarded the highest marks to the medium firm model, and those over 230 pounds felt adequately supported on the firm model. Our team found that each version of the DLX Premier Hybrid performed well in certain testing areas. If motion isolation and pressure relief are your top priorities, we recommend the medium soft model. The medium firm and firm designs performed better in categories like ease of movement, edge support, and temperature control.

How Does It Feel?

How the Premier Hybrid feels depends on which firmness you choose. The medium soft design contours closely to cradle your body, but may sink too much if you weigh more than 230 pounds. Side sleepers in this weight group should consider either the medium firm model, which conforms to a moderate extent, or the firm model, which feels exceptionally supportive and contours very little.

The dual-firmness design is an intriguing alternative for co-sleepers who need different cushioning levels. This option shares the same price-point as the other three, so you won’t pay more for the split style. Robust coils ensure a relatively stable base for the mattress no matter which firmness you choose. A reinforced perimeter cuts down on sinkage when you sit or lie along the edges. Another notable feature is the layer of viscose fiber batting sewn to the cover, which creates bursts of cooling directly beneath the surface.

“In addition to its comfortable cushioning, I valued the Leesa Sapira Hybrid for its ability to stay cool and keep me from waking up in a sweat. Its materials are breathable, so I never felt stuffy when sleeping on this mattress.” –David Rubin, Director of Product Testing

With the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, the key word is “balance.” Three foam layers over pocketed coils and dense base foam deliver an appealing mix of cushioning for your sore spots, support to keep your body from sinking, and a light bounce to help you move across the surface without too much motion transfer. Other notable qualities include consistent cooling and sturdy edge support. While we’re confident most side sleepers will feel comfortable on the mattress, our tests show it really hits the sweet spot for those between 130 and 230 pounds.

Why We Like It

During hands-on tests, side sleepers across all three weight groups awarded positive ratings to the Sapira Hybrid. Testers in the range of 130 and 230 pounds were particularly impressed with the gentle contouring and solid support. Back sleepers up to 230 pounds and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also gave the mattress high marks, so if you’re a combination sleeper who switches between the side and other positions, the Sapira Hybrid should also meet your needs.

Open-cell foams are used in the comfort system, so excessive heat retention shouldn’t be a problem. The coils also contribute to thermoregulation by promoting airflow throughout the interior. Most of our testers found the perimeter stable when we tested the Sapira Hybrid for edge support, and those weighing up to 230 pounds encountered little to no resistance when moving on the mattress.

How Does It Feel

The Sapira Hybrid’s top layers consist of adaptive polyfoam and memory foam, respectively. These materials provide a close yet even contour to cradle your body without buckling beneath your weight. A third comfort layer of transitional polyfoam forms a nice buffer between your body and the support core, which contains pocketed coils over high-density base foam. The knit polyester cover is styled with Leesa’s signature stripe pattern.

“It took a minute to get used to, but the Sonu Sleep System had a really unique way of reducing strain on my shoulders. The Comfort Channel gave me a place to rest my arms without them feeling cramped or crunched up under me.” –David Rubin, Director of Product Testing

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.

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.

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.

“I was relieved by the fact that the Signature Hybrid was able to cushion my body without making me feel like I was being wrapped up in a giant hug. It felt nice to be comfortably supported but not trapped in place.” –Garen Glazier, Product Testing Team Member

If back pain frequently interferes with your sleep, a mattress that alleviates soreness and pressure can be a great investment. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid features a foam-over-coil design that delivers ample cushioning on the surface without sacrificing support or stability. For added comfort, three firmness levels are available to cover side sleepers across different weight groups.

Why We Like It

Our team tested all three of the Signature Hybrid’s firmness options. The medium (5) model was most popular among our side sleepers under 130 pounds, but the medium firm (6) design also earned high marks from these testers. Side sleepers weighing 130 to 230 pounds enjoyed the medium firm as well. Those over 230 pounds preferred the extra support of the firm (8) design.

Each model has different pros and cons. The softest design excels at motion isolation and earned the most favorable ratings for pressure relief, while the medium firm and firm mattresses performed better in testing areas like edge support and ease of movement. All three received good ratings for temperature control. That said, the foam layers trap some heat and the cooling pillow-top add-on may be worth the extra money if you’re a hot sleeper.

How Does It Feel?

The Signature Hybrid’s top layer consists of TitanFlex, a dense polyfoam that contours evenly without the “hugging” effect of traditional memory foam. Latex-like VariFlex polyfoam creates a responsive transitional layer, creating a comfortable buffer between your body and the support core. Pocketed coils and high-density base foam provide a stable base for the mattress. For an extra fee, you can upgrade your Signature Hybrid to include an extra layer of foam on the surface. This “cooling pillow-top” is encased in phase change fabric engineered to dissipate body heat on contact.