The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers, Tested and Reviewed (2024)

Looking for the best mattresses for side sleepers? You’re not alone: More than 60% of adults sleep on their sides. And although choosing a mattress has a lot to do with personal preferences, your sleeping position plays a big role in what you’ll find comfortable enough to curl up on night after night and feel truly supported.

With that in mind, we put the industry’s best mattresses to the test and called on our reliable side-sleeping experts to see how much support and pressure relief these beds provide. If you want more intel about how our team tested these mattresses and what a side sleeper should consider when shopping, click here for all of the tips.

The Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Our Pick

We won’t bury the lead here: We chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the best mattress for side sleepers due to its balance of comfort, support, and pressure relief at the hips and shoulders. It performed exceptionally well in our tests for edge support, ease of movement, and motion isolation, meaning it’s not just great for single side sleepers but also a good mattress for couples. More on that to come!

Top Picks: The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

• Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe ($1,373–$2,873)
• Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nectar Premier ($549–$1,099)
• Best Mattress for Combination Side Sleepers: Saatva Classic ($1,395–$2,595)
• Best Couples Mattress for Side Sleepers: DreamCloud Premier Rest ($949–$1,499)
• Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain: Saatva Rx ($1,995–$3,795)
• Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe ($1,199–$2,665)
• Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nectar Premier Copper ($999–$1,499)
• Best Mattress for Active Side Sleepers: Bear Star Hybrid ($1,498–$2,298)
• Best Mattress for Side Sleepers over 230 pounds: Titan Plus Luxe ($899–$1,799)

Ahead, our editors and writers give in-depth accounts of their experiences sleeping on the following mattresses. If you’re interested in one particular mattress, click below to jump straight to that mattress review:

Helix Midnight Luxe | Nectar Premier | Saatva Classic | DreamCloud Premier Rest | Saatva Rx | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Nectar Premier Copper | Bear Star Hybrid | Titan Plus Luxe

Let’s get into it.

Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe

The Basics

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Medium-firm: 6/10
• Trial period: 100 nights
• Warranty: 15 years

Key Product Features

• Three foam layers, including two memory foam layers
• Pillow top
• Additional lower back support in the coil base layer
• Cooling cover

Why should side sleepers choose this mattress? The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress with a medium firmness and luxurious pillow top. The multiple foam layers generously cushion pressure points like the hips and shoulders, which is what most side sleepers need to get a comfortable night’s rest.

What does this mattress feel like? Our testers unanimously called out the softness of the pillow top and memory foam layers, with one saying it gave the mattress a luxurious feel. They also noted generous cushioning along their joints, which could help ease any pain that can come with side sleeping on a too-firm bed. While our testers sank deep into the foam top layers, they noticed support from the steel coils deep in the mattress’s foundation. The level of support helped keep their spines aligned, but a few said the soft top layers made moving around on the mattress more difficult, which could be an issue for seniors or those with mobility challenges.

What do we love about this mattress? The Helix Midnight Luxe provides a balance of comfort and support that works incredibly well for side sleeping. Our testers said the foam layers conformed to their shoulders and filled in under their curves, which kept their spines aligned.

If we could change anything about this mattress: We’d want it to isolate motion better. The slight bounce of the mattress meant we could feel one another repositioning on the other side. The motion transfer from one side of the bed to the other wasn’t so noticeable that it was hard to sleep, but if you’re a super light sleeper who shares a bed with a pet or partner, you might want to consider an all-foam mattress instead (we recommend checking out the Nectar listed below).

Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5

• Support level: 4.5
• Durability: 4.5
• Motion control: 4
• Cooling: 4.5
• Edge support: 4.5
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 4.5
• Overall value: 4.5

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nectar Premier

The Basics

• Material: Foam
• Firmness: Medium-firm: 6/10
• Trial period: 365 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

Key Product Features

• Gel memory foam top layer
• 12" supportive foam design
• Three foam layers
• Cooling cover

Why should side sleepers choose this mattress? Even though the Nectar memory foam mattress is one of the most affordable beds on our list, it doesn’t compromise on quality or comfort for side sleepers. The Nectar has a doughy, pressure-relieving surface that’s great for side and back sleepers—it’s also one of the reasons why we named it a 2024 Sleep Awards Winner. The top layer of slow-moving comfort foam is ultra-cozy, and the lower layers of firmer base foams help support proper spine alignment when lying on your side.

What does this mattress feel like? Our sleep testers noted the Nectar’s foam slowly and gently conformed to their bodies, giving the feeling of sleeping “in” rather than “on” the surface. Testers also noted that the memory foam felt like a hug and did an outstanding job of removing pressure and pain along the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleeping.

What do we love about this mattress? The Nectar has a soft surface that contours to the body, which eliminates most motion transfer, and for that reason we also recommend it to couples. When we tested the Nectar for motion isolation by asking our fellow mattress testers to move around on the other side of the bed, we didn’t feel anything.

If we could change anything about this mattress: We’d add some extra cooling features. Memory foam is well-known for trapping heat, and the Nectar is no exception. While it didn’t feel uncomfortably warm, someone who runs hot might prefer the more breathable Nectar Hybrid.

Overall Rating: 4.3 out of 5

• Support level: 4
• Durability: 4
• Motion control: 4.5
• Cooling: 4
• Edge support: 4
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 5
• Overall value: 4.5

Best Mattress for Combination Side Sleepers: Saatva Classic

The Basics

• Mattress Type: Innerspring
• Firmness: Multiple firmness options
• Trial period: 365 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

Key Product Features

• Three firmness level options
• Reinforced back support
• Two coil layers
• Euro pillow top with organic cotton cover
• Free delivery and in-home setup

Why should side sleepers choose this mattress? The Saatva is a luxury innerspring mattress that we always rank pretty high on our best mattress lists—with good reason. In fact, the only factor that puts this mattress at the number two spot in this story is that we recommend it for both combination side and back sleepers rather than strictly side sleepers. Its bouncy surface is ideal for side sleepers who toss and turn during the night since you can easily change positions on it. Its reinforced lumbar support and soft pillow top may help alleviate pressure in the joints so you can snooze comfortably in just about every position.

What does this mattress feel like? Saatva advertises that their mattresses have “chiropractic-approved back support,” and our sleep testers confirmed that they felt spine support in every sleeping position on the Luxury Firm model—the medium-firm option. When side sleeping, the head and foot of the top layer are soft and cradle the shoulders and hips. The center third of the mattress is noticeably firmer, which provides lower back support. This zoned support system may not appeal to everyone—one tester compared it to arch support in shoes but for the lower back. However, for those who need deep pressure relief while side sleeping and above-average back support in other sleeping positions, Saatva fits the bill. There’s also a softer option that’s a better fit for those with shoulder pain and a firmer option that’s not contouring enough for most side sleepers, but a supportive match for stomach and back sleepers.

What do we love about this mattress? We know it can be challenging for some sleepers to find a good mattress if they don’t commit to one sleeping position. Combination sleepers need a bed that’s comfy no matter which way they roll over, and they’ll need something easy to roll around on. The Saatva Classic is just that. With two layers of bouncy coils, our testers had no problem getting cozy on the Saatva, even as they changed positions. Pair it with a Saatva bed frame, and we think you’ll have the ideal side sleeper bedroom setup.

If we could change anything about this mattress: We wouldn’t change much, though we should reiterate that the Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress. Although it has a pillow top layer, even the softest model won’t give the classic, plush feeling that memory foam and hybrid beds offer. And if you or your sleeping partner are sensitive to movements across the mattress, a foam mattress will do a better job of isolating motion.

Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5

• Support level: 5
• Durability: 4.5
• Motion control: 3
• Cooling: 4.5
• Edge support: 4.5
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 5
• Overall value: 4.5

Best Couples Mattress for Side Sleepers: DreamCloud Premier Rest

The Basics

• Material: Hybrid or memory foam
• Firmness: Medium-firm: 6.5/10
• Trial period: 365 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

Key Product Features

• Quilted Euro pillow top with a cashmere blend cover
• 7 to 8 layers of thick supportive comfort
• Individually encased coils with edge support
• 14" luxury hybrid or memory foam mattress

Why should side sleepers choose this mattress? The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a medium-firm mattress that comes in memory foam or hybrid form. The soft pillow top and springy coils in the hybrid version make moving around easier—we’re looking at you, tossers and turners—and isolate motion well, which is important for those who share a bed. It has seven (memory foam) or eight (hybrid) layers that create a supportive, medium-firm sleep surface. A medium-firm feel is ideal for couples with different preferred sleeping positions, especially side and back sleepers.

What does this mattress feel like? Our sleep testers were impressed with the high-end feel of the DreamCloud Premier Rest mattress. It has a plush surface that’s soft to the touch and great for side sleeping, but its thick foam layers support back sleeping and occasional stomach sleeping as well. If you move around a lot, the springy coil layer gently counteracts the sinking contour of the memory foam top layer, so we doubt you’ll feel stuck or sunken in this mattress. Testers also noted pressure-point cushioning, so despite the bounciness you and your partner should get undisturbed sleep on this mattress.

What do we love about this mattress? We didn’t get as hot (temperature wise) on the Premier Rest as we did on many other luxury hybrid mattresses, so if you plan to share your bed you should be able to do so without getting too sweaty. Also, when we asked someone to lay down and reposition on the other side of the bed, we barely felt any jiggle at all. That means if your partner can’t seem to stay still during the night, you shouldn’t be bothered by their movement—particularly if you’re a light sleeper.

If we could change anything about this mattress: We’d opt for better edge support. If you sleep near the edge of your mattress, you’ll want some extra support around the perimeter. While the DreamCloud Premier Rest didn’t have the worst edge support we’ve ever felt, it definitely wasn’t the best.

Overall Rating: 4.3 out of 5

• Support level: 4
• Durability: 4
• Motion control: 4.5
• Cooling: 4
• Edge support: 3.5
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 5
• Overall value: 5

Best for Side Sleepers with Back Pain: Saatva Rx

The Basics

• Material: Hybrid
• Firmness: Medium-firm: 6.5/10
• Trial period: 120 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

Key Product Features

• Designed for people with back or joint pain
• Targeted pressure relief
• Breathable and hypoallergenic top layer

Why should side sleepers choose this mattress? Saatva Rx is a high-end mattress designed for people with back or joint pain, including pain from arthritis, sciatica, and scoliosis. Its supportive medium-firm build can work for all sleeping positions, but it’s especially helpful for side sleeping, particularly for those with an achy back or hips. Why? It incorporates targeted, body-contouring pressure relief layers to support the spine’s natural curve, which may help people with back pain get a better night’s rest.

What does this mattress feel like? When we tested the Saatva Rx, our sleep testers felt supported on their stomachs, backs, and especially their sides. The mattress not only provided a gentle contour that relieved tension at the hips and shoulders, but it also offered enough firmness to effectively support the back. That’s why we recommend it for people struggling with back pain, no matter your sleeping position.

What do we love about this mattress? Saatva Rx may only come in a medium-firm option, but we found that this firmness works well for most people. Because gravity pushes the top layers of a mattress down, it can feel softer under more weight and firmer with less. Our testers under 230 pounds enjoyed the comfortable yet supportive feel of the medium-firm model, while our testers over 230 pounds also noted good support for back and side sleeping.

If we could change anything about this mattress: Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may not get enough support from the Saatva Rx. People in this category might find that the layers compress too much while stomach sleeping, leading to some sinkage around the hips and center mass.

Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5

• Support level: 4.5
• Durability: 4.5
• Motion control: 4
• Cooling: 4.5
• Edge support: 4.5
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 5
• Overall value: 4

Best for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

The Basics

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Multiple firmness options
• Trial period: 120 nights
• Warranty: 10 years

Key Product Features

• Three comfort foam layers
• Optional pillow top for extra cushion
• Cooling cover
• Zoned support coils
• Firm base foam

Why should side sleepers choose this mattress? The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid mattress available in three firmness options (soft, medium, and firm). According to our testers, the Soft and Medium firmnesses are the best for side sleepers, and the optional pillow top (an additional $400 cost) adds an extra element of comfort for side sleepers with hip pain. Our testers also noticed a big difference in the pressure relief between the regular Aurora and the Aurora Luxe—the Luxe is more pressure relieving, and therefore the better fit for side sleepers.

What does this mattress feel like? Our testers said this mattress eliminates excess pressure at the hips and shoulders while keeping the spine neutral, which is why we recommend it to side sleepers with hip or lower back pain. There was enough sinkage at the hips to create a low-pressure, cradling feel, yet it wasn’t so soft that we felt ourselves sink down uncomfortably far. The stronger coils along the middle of the bed kept our spines aligned, which is essential if you don’t want to exacerbate any existing pain.

What do we love about this mattress? The Aurora Luxe comes in three firmness levels so you can choose the best option based on your weight and comfort preferences. The Medium model worked well for all of our sleep testers who weigh less than 230 pounds, though you might want to consider the soft option if you weigh less than 130 pounds or prefer a softer-than-average bed.

If we could change anything about this mattress: We’d add one more firmness option to support more weight. Though there is a firm model available, we don’t think the mattress is supportive enough for side sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds. If this is you, consider the Titan Plus Luxe listed below instead.

Overall Rating: 4.1 out of 5

• Support level: 4
• Durability: 4
• Motion control: 4
• Cooling: 4
• Edge support: 4.5
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 4
• Overall value: 4

Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nectar Premier Copper

The Basics

• Mattress Type: Memory foam or hybrid
• Firmness: Soft: 5/10
• Trial period: 365 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

Key Product Features

• 4" pressure-relieving gel memory foam layer
• Heat-wicking cover with copper fibers
• High-density base foam for structure and support

Why should side sleepers choose this mattress? The Nectar Premier Copper is made with five or seven layers of thick, supportive foam and/or coils, depending on whether you opt for the memory foam or hybrid build model. When stacked on top of one another, these layers offer targeted pressure relief around the shoulders and hips. The mattress is also infused with copper, which is included to help disperse your body heat while you sleep (so it doesn’t pool directly under you). Hot sleepers may want to opt for the hybrid mattress, since the coil base layer is more breathable than a foam foundation—though, in testing, the memory foam and hybrid versions stayed about the same temperature during our heat retention tests.

What does this mattress feel like? Our testers said they didn’t feel overly warm while laying on the Nectar Premier Copper for 10 minutes. It maintained a neutral temperature rather than actively cooling the testers. This was true for both the memory foam and hybrid versions of the mattress. The overall feel is soft and contouring, while maintaining good bounce and responsiveness thanks to its firmer foam layers. Our pressure map tests showed low pressure under the shoulders and hips, which is great for side sleeping. We also saw low pressure under the hips when testers tried back sleeping. The mattress was too soft for stomach sleepers, since our testers’ torsos sunk too deep into the foam to keep their necks aligned.

What do we love about this mattress? Out of the three Nectar mattresses (Nectar, Nectar Premier, and Nectar Premier Copper), the Premier Copper offers the most cooling properties, including copper fibers and breathable coils. The Nectar Premier Copper also offers strong edge support, so we felt confident about bed-sharing and side-sleeping at the edge of the mattress.

If we could change anything about this mattress: Stomach sleepers may find the Nectar Premier Copper too soft, so if you prefer a mattress with a firmer feel, this probably isn’t your best bet. It also has some initial off-gassing (or smell that comes from the foam layers), so if you’re sensitive to strong smells, you may want to air out your Nectar Premier Copper in another room before using it.

Overall Rating: 4.2 out of 5

• Support level: 4
• Durability: 4
• Motion control: 4
• Cooling: 4.5
• Edge support: 4
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 5
• Overall value: 4.5

Best Mattress for Active Side Sleepers: Bear Star Hybrid

The Basics

• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Medium-firm: 6.5/10
• Trial period: 120 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

Key Product Features

• Buoyant feel that keeps sleepers lifted on the mattress
• Extra strong edge coils
• 13" height with four layers

Why should side sleepers choose this mattress? If you’re an active side sleeper and spend most nights moving around in your sleep, the Bear Star Hybrid is designed to support plenty of movement. It’s made with extra strong edge-to-edge coils to help prevent rolling off the bed, as well as a responsive comfort foam layer that conforms to your body (even if you toss and turn).

What does this mattress feel like? The Bear Star Hybrid has a medium-firm feel, soft pillow top cover, and structured bottom coil layer. Our testers felt supported and hugged by this mattress at the same time. Thanks to its extra edge support, they also experienced lots of stability along the perimeter of the mattress.

What do we love about this mattress? The Bear Star Hybrid’s quilted cooling cover helps wick away moisture, which can allow active side sleepers who break a sweat in their sleep to rest more soundly. Its thick foam layers and edge-to-edge support also give the mattress a secure feel along the edges, so you shouldn’t have to worry about accidentally rolling off and ending up on the floor —never a fun way to wake up!

If we could change anything about this mattress: Even with its foam layers, the Bear Star Hybrid doesn’t offer much in the way of motion isolation. This may not make much of a difference for active side sleepers who sleep solo, but couples who bed-share may feel their partner tossing or turning.

Overall Rating: 4.2 out of 5

• Support level: 4.5
• Durability: 4
• Motion control: 3
• Cooling: 4
• Edge support: 4.5
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 5
• Overall value: 4.5

Best for Side Sleepers over 230 Pounds: Titan Plus Luxe

The Basics

• Material: Hybrid
• Firmness: Medium-firm: 6.5/10
• Trial period: 120 nights
• Warranty: 10 years

Key Product Details

• Optional cooling cover
• Quilted cover with gel foam
• Three foam layers
• 8" individually encased coils
• Durable base foam

Why should side sleepers choose this mattress? The Titan Plus Luxe is a bed crafted specifically for sleepers over 230 pounds. It relieves pressure well without sacrificing support—an excellent balance for side and back sleepers. It’s also the “luxe” version of the Titan Plus mattress, meaning it boasts some impressive features like cooling layers and extra pressure-relieving layers.

What does this mattress feel like? One of our mattress testers, who is six seven and weighs about 270 pounds, found the Titan Plus Luxe impressively comfy with a bouncy and responsive feel. He felt supported in all positions, but especially enjoyed the balance between support and pressure relief when side and back sleeping. He noted that it was easy for him to move around and get comfortable—unlike with many beds, where he sinks in too far.

What do we love about this mattress? We love how stable and durable the Titan Plus Luxe feels. We could lie or sit along the edges without feeling unsteady. There was minimal movement when we asked our testing partners to shift around on the opposite side of the bed. These results make the Plus Luxe an excellent bed for people over 230 pounds or couples who like to spread out and sleep through one another’s movements.

If we could change anything about this mattress: We wouldn’t. The Titan Plus Luxe is a durable, comfortable mattress made to support sleepers over 230 pounds and balanced enough to keep side sleepers supported and cozy.

Overall Rating: 4.2 out of 5

• Support level: 4.5
• Durability: 4
• Motion control: 4
• Cooling: 4.5
• Edge support: 4
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 4
• Overall value: 4.5

Even More Clever-Approved Mattresses for Side Sleepers

• Leesa Sapira Hybrid: If you live with joint pain, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid may help to prevent or relieve that pain with its high-quality construction and excellent pressure relief.
• Helix Dawn: The firmest of the Helix models provides excellent support for combination sleepers and side sleepers over 230 pounds who need a bit more firmness.
• WinkBeds GravityLux: The GravityLux (especially in the Soft version) is a boon for side sleepers who enjoy a classic, slow-moving memory foam feel.
• Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: The Signature Hybrid offers a nice bounciness that’s helpful to side sleepers who tend to shift around.
• Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt: Tempur-Pedic is renowned for its memory foam mattresses. The Tempur-Adapt is its more affordable model (with the exception of the bed-in-a-box Tempur-Cloud), and the soft, medium, or medium hybrid versions offer lots of pressure point contouring for side sleepers.

Our Testing Methodology: How We Chose Our Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

To determine the best mattresses to include on this list, our team of sleep experts tested models from almost all of the major brands (and some niche brands too) to identify which models feel the most supportive and comfortable in a side-sleeping position.

Our testers are certified sleep science coaches who not only personally sleep on each mattress to determine its overall feel, but also perform a series of tests on the mattress to rank it in a list of categories like pressure relief, spine alignment, edge support, motion transfer, responsiveness (how easy it is to move around), and more.

Pressure relief was a major consideration in our criteria for this list, given that side sleepers often experience hip and shoulder pain. We examined pressure subjectively, by lying on our sides on each mattress and taking notes on how it felt, and also objectively, by using a pressure map to identify any areas of pressure buildup. Every mattress that made our list demonstrated above-average pressure-relieving properties.

For more information on how we test mattresses, check out our sleep testing methodology.

What Side Sleepers Should Look for in a Mattress

Side sleepers have specific mattress needs. If you spend most of the night curled up on one side, here’s what you should consider when shopping for a new bed.

Firmness

The first thing to think about when choosing the best mattress for side sleepers is your overall size. Size will dictate the level of firmness you need in a mattress, explains Michael J. Breus, PhD, a sleep expert who serves on the American Board of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

“Most side sleepers will do best on a medium-firm mattress, as a general guideline, but that will vary based on their height and weight,” Dr. Breus explains. “If you’re a 250- to 300-pound person, you’re going to look for a different mattress than a 120- to 130-pound person would. As a side sleeper, you have to balance between the idea of sinking in versus support.” As an example, he continues “If you’re a 125-pound person, getting a medium-soft mattress might make sense, but a 300-pound person would get no support from that same mattress. The larger person would need a medium-firm mattress.” Nicely, many of the mattresses we cover offer firmness scales (or different firmness options) on their sites, so you can customize your new bed to your liking.

Pressure Relief

Side sleepers need a mattress that gives easily at the hips and shoulders. Without a soft, pressure-relieving surface, you might feel discomfort at these pressure points, which will only build up and cause pain over time.

Look for a mattress with a pillow top or cradling foam top layer. You don’t necessarily need every mattress layer to be soft, but it’s important that the surface is nice and cushiony, so your body sinks in at the shoulders and hips. Zoned support, where the mattress is firmer in areas where the body tends to need more firmness, like the lower back, can help preserve support while cushioning in other areas.

Materials

In addition to thinking about firmness, side sleepers should consider the material of any new mattress. Dr. Breus recommends avoiding mattresses with memory foam at the top layers. “Side sleepers should avoid memory foam close to the surface unless the foam has a lot of buoyancy. It’s all based on height and weight, so someone who is bigger, you would want innerspring coils,” he recommends.

What about if you have two sleepers of varying sizes? In cases where one partner is larger, Dr. Breus recommends choosing a mattress that is suited to the heavier person, and then adding a mattress topper to accommodate the lighter person, if they prefer more cushioning.

Temperature

Because side-sleeper mattresses typically have soft, contouring top layers that are made from foam, these beds tend to trap heat. As you sink in, your body heat can increase, making cooling features particularly important for side sleepers.

There are various features that mattress companies use to keep sleepers cool, but here are some of our favorites to look for:

• Coils: Beds with a coil layer—including hybrid and innerspring mattresses—promote airflow. As a result, these mattress types tend to sleep cooler than mattresses made with other materials.
• Cooling covers: Many mattresses have breathable covers or incorporate phase change materials (PCM) to help shift heat away from the body.
• Breathable or gel-infused foams: Not all foams have the same heat-trapping tendencies. Some brands incorporate gel throughout foam layers to move heat away from the surface. Others utilize various methods to make foams more breathable (like air pockets or indentations).

If you want to get the best out of your cooling mattress, we also recommend using cooling sheets to encourage airflow.

Generous Trial and Return Periods

While not unique to side sleepers, a good return policy can be a comfort when you buy a new mattress. You may not know if your mattress is breathable enough until summer, or you might grow more or less comfortable as you break the mattress in.

Some brands offer yearlong trial periods, but if you can’t get that, we recommend opting for a brand with a minimum 100-night sleep trial. In our vetting, we only recommend brands that offer generous trials to make sure you have the option to trade it in if it’s not right for you. This takes out a lot of the risk when you’re not able to test a mattress in a store or overnight.

If you aren’t a fan of your mattress after sleeping on it for a while, most online mattress brands offer free or affordable returns. Check out the return details if you want extra testing time or a 100% risk-free purchase.

How Side Sleeping Affects Your Health

Sleeping on your side is often recommended by doctors due to its benefits in preventing acid reflux and having a positive influence on breathing for those living with obstructive sleep apnea. It can also help prevent pain for those living with back and neck pain, if they have a mattress that promotes a neutral spine alignment.

But side sleeping can also have drawbacks, such as increased acne and facial pressure that could cause wrinkling. Washing your pillow case regularly and opting for a silk pillowcase can help prevent excess oils and damage to your skin and hair. Increased pressure on the hips and shoulders can also be a drawback of side-sleeping. A mattress soft enough to let you sink in a little should prevent any excess pressure and allow you to curl up comfortably.

You can also optimize your side sleeping by using pillows to strategically elevate your head and neck and create support where you need it. Aim for enough pillow loft under your head to support your neck without any bending, a pillow between your knees to keep your spine aligned, and a pillow up against your chest to keep your top half from bending down toward the mattress and causing a curved body posture.

Types of Mattresses for Side Sleepers

There are four main kinds of mattresses: innerspring, all-foam, latex, and hybrid. Each type can work for side sleeping, but some are better than others. Here’s a breakdown of each mattress type and how it works for side sleepers.

1. Hybrid mattresses are usually the best of all worlds, as they combine innerspring coils with memory foam, polyfoam, or latex. As such, these beds are usually cooler and easier to move around on than all-foam beds, yet they offer more plush pressure relief than innerspring models.
2. Memory foam mattresses are made entirely from foam layers. Foam beds tend to offer nice pressure relief, with the feel varying based on the foam types and densities. Foam beds do an outstanding job of limiting motion transfer, which helps couples and pet owners sleep through movement on the bed. However, they tend to sleep warmer than other mattress types. Lastly, some of the most affordable mattresses are all-foam.
3. Latex mattresses are made with rubber-derived foam that is a bit bouncier and cooler than traditional polyurethane memory foams, but not quite as soft. As such, latex beds are usually great for back and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers who like a bit more firmness might also enjoy latex beds, though. They also often have hypoallergenic materials, if this is a preference for you.
4. Innerspring mattresses have a layer of bouncy steel coils at their core. They aren’t typically as pressure-relieving as all-foam and hybrid beds, but can be soft enough for side sleepers when there’s a plush top layer. These beds sleep exceptionally cool and are easy to move around on, which is great for hot sleepers and folks who toss and turn.

FAQs

What type of mattress is best for a side sleeper?

A side sleeper typically does well on a mattress with a plush surface that cushions the shoulders and hips. Side sleepers need a mattress with sufficient support to keep the spine aligned, so you should look for a bed that’s soft enough along the surface without sacrificing support. Generally, hybrid beds and all-foam mattresses that fall somewhere in the middle of the firmness range work well for side sleeping.

Is a memory foam or hybrid mattress better for side sleepers?

Both memory foam and hybrid mattresses work well for side sleepers thanks to pressure-relieving foam layers. Hybrid beds are better for side sleepers who struggle to stay cool, as well as those who toss and turn a lot. Memory foam mattresses better suit light sleepers who might be disturbed by a pet, child, or partner who moves around a lot.

What kind of mattresses should a side sleeper avoid?

Side sleepers should avoid firm mattresses that don’t offer pressure relief at the hips and shoulders, especially those with very little cushion. Side sleepers should also avoid overly plush beds that don’t offer enough support to the body’s core. While soft beds feel nice initially, poor support can lead to improper spine alignment.

How firm should a mattress be for side sleepers?

Side sleepers should look for a mattress on the softer side, unless they’re over 230 pounds. Typically, the more you weigh, the firmer your mattress should be due to extra sinking. People under 130 pounds don’t place as much pressure along the mattress’s surface, which makes beds feel firmer to them and softer to those weighing over 230 pounds.