It doesn’t matter whether you’re a night owl or a morning lark; you need to get quality sleep at some point during the day. Doctors have been hammering home the eight-hour figure for years, despite millennials and Gen Z’s best attempts to rewrite their sleep cycles. Nevertheless, since we all sleep several hours daily, it’s worth doing it in comfort. Whichever position you choose to sleep in, you must find a suitable mattress to ensure you won’t inflict any long-term damage to your health.
Your Guide to the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
| Brand | Best For | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Editor’s Choice |
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Overall | Shop Now |
| 2 |
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For the Money | Shop Now |
| 3 |
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Luxury | Shop Now |
| 4 |
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Hip Pain | Shop Now |
| 5 |
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Hot Sleepers | Shop Now |
| 6 |
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Organic | Shop Now |
| 7 |
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Plus Size | Shop Now |
| 8 |
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Soft | Shop Now |
| 9 |
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Firm | Shop Now |
| 10 |
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Budget | Shop Now |
| 1 |
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Editor’s Choice
Best For:
Overall
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| 2 |
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Best For:
For the Money
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| 3 |
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Best For:
Luxury
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| 4 |
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Best For:
Hip Pain
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| 5 |
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Best For:
Hot Sleepers
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| 6 |
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Best For:
Organic
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| 7 |
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Best For:
Plus Size
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| 8 |
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Best For:
Soft
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| 9 |
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Best For:
Firm
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| 10 |
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Best For:
Budget
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Finding the Right Mattress for Side Sleepers
How you sleep is a significant factor in deciding the type of mattress you need. People who sleep on their backs stress their spine and lumbar region differently than those who sleep on their sides. Of the three main sleeping modes — on the sides, back, or stomach — side sleepers are the most common. The Sleep Foundation’s research into sleep hygiene found that 54.1% of U.S. adults sleep on their sides, as opposed to 37.5% who sleep on their back, and only 7.3% sleep on their stomachs.
The data shows that more than one out of every two U.S. adults prefers sleeping on either their left or right side in bed. Still, despite the popularity of this sleeping style, many people use sub-optimal mattresses and end up with health issues. Some commonly associated side effects of side sleeping are neck and shoulder pains. Bad posture and poor sleep hygiene can increase over time, leading to hypertension, heartburn, arrhythmia, and musculoskeletal problems. The right mattress can protect side sleepers from these complications and improve the quality of their nightly rest.
Things to Consider When Buying a Mattress for Side Sleepers
Besides the right mattress, side sleepers should also switch their flat pillows to lofted ones for maximum support. With that said, here are some other considerations to keep in mind:
Pressure Relief
Side sleepers place their weight on their hips and shoulders through the night. Your mattress should be designed to accommodate these pressure points and provide relief and cushioning in those zones.
Soft to Medium Firmness
The ideal mattress for side sleepers will range from soft to medium firmness, depending on factors like body weight. These mattresses contour to your body’s curves and provide ample support.
Material Selection
Memory foam or latex mattresses better match side sleepers than spring coil and air mattresses. Since these materials provide contouring support, your shoulders and hips are supported while lying on your side.
Zoned Support
Mattresses that have zones with reinforced support systems in targeted areas are perfect for side sleepers. Since the hips and shoulders bear the body’s weight, choose a mattress that offers zoned support in those regions.
Spinal Alignment
Your mattress shouldn’t leave you with a stiff back in the morning. Spinal alignment is crucial. Side sleepers need a mattress that allows their spine to remain in a straight and neutral position for the entirety of the night.
Thickness and Comfort Layers
A thick mattress with a padded top layer gives side sleepers a comfortable resting platform and cushions the hips and shoulders.
Motion Isolation
When you share the bed with your partner, their tossing and turning should not keep you up. Mattresses tested for motion isolation ensure a good night’s rest by minimizing the disturbances caused by movements on the other side.
Edge Support
If you don’t want to be rolling off the edge of the bed in your sleep or find yourself unable to find a stable, comfortable position to lie down, choose a mattress with robust edge support.
Cooling Features
Temperature control is a key ingredient of undisturbed sleep. Select a mattress with cooling features like breathable covers or gel-infused foam filling. Say goodbye to sweating through your sheets and waking up dehydrated!
Trial Period
You’ll spend much quality time with your new mattress over the coming years. Just like a car, you need to know if it’s the right long-term fit. Before buying a mattress, ask for a trial period to see how it works for you.
User Reviews
No one understands a side sleeper’s needs like a fellow side sleeper. That’s why you should look for mattresses with plenty of verified reviews you can scan. You’ll gain valuable insights from people who share the same sleeping style.
Brand Reputation
Choose your mattress from a reputable brand with an established history of catering to different kinds of sleepers.
Certifications
Labels like CertiPUR-U.S. are essential to confirm that your mattress is made with quality materials.
Budget Consideration
If you are working with a budget, you can still check mattresses in your range for all the above qualifications to find the one best suited for side sleepers.
10 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe
- Price Range: $1,374 to $2,874 (25% discount available)
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium firmness (5-6/10)
- Trial Length: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10-15 years
What I Loved
Comfort, ergonomic support, and professionally recommended by the American Chiropractic Association, Helix Midnight Luxe ticks all the boxes for a mattress for side sleepers. It has three layers of memory foam that contour to the shape of your body and provide pressure point relief. You also have the option to choose between an ultra-breathable TENCEL™ Cover or GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover to stay cool while sleeping.
What I Didn’t Love
- It could be too soft for heavier side sleepers
- It’s not a budget-friendly option
Best Value for Money Mattress for Side Sleepers: Brooklyn Signature Hybrid
- Price Range: $665 to $1,599 (30% discount available)
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Soft (3/10), Medium (5/10), Firm (7/10)
- Trial Length: 120 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
What I Loved
The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid is sure to match any side sleeper’s needs with its three varying firmness options. The Soft variant, rated 3/10 on the firmness scale, makes it feel like the mattress is hugging your body every time you lie down. The zoned support from the inner coils ensures your hips and shoulders aren’t put under pressure when you sleep on your side.
What I Didn’t Love
- Sub-optimal temperature control
- Inconsistent edge support
Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nolah Evolution 15
- Price Range: $1,499 to $3,198 (32% discount available)
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Plush (4-5/10), Luxury Firm (6-7/10), Firm (7-8/10)
- Trial Length: 120 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty
What I Loved
When it comes to spinal health, a little luxury can go a long way. The Nolan Evolution 15 has won awards for being the ‘Best Mattress for Back Pain’ and the ‘Best Mattress for Side Sleepers’ in 2024. Apart from spinal support, this Nolah mattress also offers top-of-the-line cooling and pressure relief thanks to its innovative design.
What I Didn’t Love
- It comes with a $99 return fee
- Inconsistent edge support
Best Mattress for Hip Pain: Leesa Legend
- Price Range: $1,599 to $2,299 (30% discount available)
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium-plush (2-4/10)
- Trial Length: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
What I Loved
Comfort and lower firmness ratings are an iconic pair. There’s nothing more relaxing than sinking into the soft Leesa Legend hybrid mattress when you’re suffering from joint pains, especially in your hips. It was named the ‘Best Mattress for Side Sleepers’ by Mattress Nerd in 2022, and it elegantly combines organic, natural materials with luxury, comfort, and pain relief.
What I Didn’t Love
- Too soft for those who prefer a firm mattress
- Not budget-friendly
Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers: Bear Elite Hybrid
- Price Range: $1,721 to $3,565 (35% discount available)
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Soft (5/10), Medium (6/10), Firm (7/10)
- Trial Length: 120 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime
What I Loved
If you live in a location where summers can get sweaty, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is the one for you. More than any other mattress for side sleepers, this one is designed to keep you cool while you sleep. Its quilted cushion cover uses PCM Fabric and Celliant fiber to remain cool all night, and the copper-infused memory foam of the top layers serves to wick away heat from your body.
What I Didn’t Love
- Slow recovery for top layers of foam
- Average edge support
Best Organic Mattress for Side Sleepers: Birch Luxe
- Price Range: $1,998 to $3,748 (25% discount available)
- Mattress Type: Organic materials (Cashmere, wool, cotton, and natural latex)
- Firmness: With mattress topper (4-5/10), without mattress topper (6-7/10)
- Trial Length: 100 nights
- Warranty: 25 years
What I Loved
Sleeping in comfort and sustainability can go hand-in-hand, especially when you opt for the Birch Luxe mattress, the most planet-friendly option for side sleepers. This model was named ‘Best Organic Mattress’ in 2022 and ‘Best Sustainable Mattress’ in 2024, proving its eco-friendly bonafides. The Birch Luxe mattress is proudly made in the USA using natural materials.
What I Didn’t Love
- Single firmness option when bought without the additional mattress topper
- Sub-optimal motion isolation
Best Plus Size Mattress for Side Sleepers: Titan Plus Luxe
- Price Range: $899 to $1,799 (30% discount available)
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium (5-7/10)
- Trial Length: 120 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
What I Loved
Side sleepers who weigh over 250 pounds might find mattresses with a lower firmness rating too soft. The medium firmness of the Titan Plus Luxe’s foam layers, combined with the eight-inch TitanCore coils, provides ample support even for larger individuals. This mattress doesn’t sink deeply after repeated use, and its 10-year warranty proves its durability.
What I Didn’t Love
- Too firm for side sleepers who weigh less
- Cooling top sold separately
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers With Back Pain: Helix Twilight Luxe
- Price Range: $1,374 to $2,874 (25% discount available)
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Firm (8-9/10)
- Trial Length: 100 nights
- Warranty: 15 years
What I Loved
The Twilight Luxe is Helix’s premium firm mattress model. With a high firmness rating of 8-9/10 and its zoned lumbar support, it is designed to help with spinal alignment and pressure point relief. Despite the firmness, this mattress also comes with a quilted pillow top and three comfort layers of foam, which makes it a relaxing platform to lie down.
What I Didn’t Love
- It could be too firm for some
- Not budget-friendly
Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers: Plank Firm Luxe
- Price Range: $1,024 to $1,932 (30% discount available)
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Firm side (8/10), Extra Firm (10/10)
- Trial Length: 120 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
What I Loved
When you need a durable mattress with adjustable firmness levels, choose the Plank Firm Luxe. This mattress is flippable, with one side firm and the other extra firm, depending on your wants. The American Chiropractic Association has found that sleeping on the Plank Firm Luxe helps reduce spinal stress, offers lumbar support, and relieves back pain.
What I Didn’t Love
- Poor motion isolation
- Sub-optimal pressure relief
Best Budget Mattress for Side Sleepers: Dreamfoam Essential 14” Model
- Price Range: $599 to $1,149 (30% discount available)
- Mattress Type: Foam
- Firmness: Soft Medium (3-5/10)
- Trial Length: 120 nights
- Warranty: 10 years
What I Loved
There’s no reason you can’t enjoy premium mattress design on a budget. The Dreamfoam Essential 14” mattress is tailor-made for side sleepers. Features like high-density cooling foam, triple layers, and airflow technology make you sleep comfortably without breaking the bank for an ideal mattress.
What I Didn’t Love
- Poor edge support
- Cooling technology may not be effective for extra-hot sleepers
Sleep Well on Your Side
After reading this guide, you should know what to look for when selecting a mattress to support your side sleeping position. While you’re here, give our guide to the Best Mattresses of 2024 a look and make a decision your spine will thank you for. Look out for the features highlighted earlier, ensure your hips and shoulders receive proper support, and don’t forget the comfort factor. Good night, sleep tight!