Best Mattress for Side Sleepers of 2024

It’s never been a better time to be a side sleeper! Side sleepers have tons of amazing new mattress options to cradle their curves, support their spines, and make sure they get the best sleep ever. There are so many great choices out there it’s easy to get lost in them all.

However, side sleeping can cause stiffness and pain to build up if you don’t have the right amount of support and cushion. You don’t need to switch positions to curb your morning aches and pains. Instead, you simply need to find the right mattress.

The best mattress for side sleepers will offer a soft to medium firmness, allowing you to sink into the mattress. It will contour to the natural curve of your spine and provide relief along your pressure points, like your neck, shoulders, back, and hips.

From there, all other features are a matter of personal preference—the mattress material, how bouncy it is, or if it offers cooling features.

Since sleep comfort is so individualized and subjective, there’s no right mattress for everyone. But, if you’re looking for the best mattress for side sleeping and aren’t sure where to start, our picks can help you find a mattress to alleviate sleeping pain at any price point.

Below, we’ll help take some confusion out of the process. We’ve picked out the best mattresses for side sleepers in 2024, and we’ll talk about what they are and why they’re just as great as they claim to be.

If you’re looking for an all-around great mattress for side sleeping, look no further. The AS5 by Amerisleep sports a soft feel that will offer tons of cushioning to your joints without skimping on the durable base layer, meaning average-sized and even heavier sleepers can enjoy the AS5’s gentle support.

How Lying Down Feels

The AS5 is soft and has a luxurious feel but is also responsive to movement and bounces back into place quickly. However, in our tests we found it may not be supportive enough for other sleep styles, particularly stomach sleepers.

What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying

• Kylie K. suffers from sciatica and nerve pain, but after swapping her mattress for the AS5, her pain has subsided and her sleep quality has improved.
• After doing a lot of research online, Donna opted for the Amerisleep AS5. She loves how soft and plush the mattress is, and she’s sleeping better than she has in a long time.

Mattress Construction

The plant-based Bio-Pur® foam is the perfect blend of cradling and responsiveness. Combined with the HIVE® transition layer, the foam comfort layer will compress under your pressure points to offer plenty of relief and bounce back into place as soon as you move.

Not only is Amerisleep’s Bio-Pur® foam naturally responsive, but it’s also naturally cooling. The breathable plant-based memory foam is much better at wicking away body heat than traditional memory foam. That, along with the AS5’s unbeatable durability and 20-year warranty, means you’ve got a winner with this mattress.

The AS5 next has a transition layer of Active Flex material to minimize sinkage and eliminate pressure from the coil support layer without sacrificing softness. This is a different material from the transition layer, which is Affinity foam with HIVE® technology. HIVE® relies on cutouts to create five zones of support, including shoulders and hips, offering comfort where you need it most.

The base is Bio-Core® foam, a material engineered to create a mattress that won’t sag. This creates a durable structure that ensures support underneath the mattress’s soft feel.

The AS5’s cooling cover is breathable and helps draw heat away from your body as you sleep. Known as Refresh fabric, this cover goes beyond mere airiness with thermoreactive minerals that take body heat and transform it into healing infrared energy.

All Amerisleep mattresses come in seven mattress sizes, from twin to split king.

Introducing the Zoma Boost, the upscale hybrid mattress designed especially for side sleepers seeking the ultimate in comfort. Get ready to experience the luxurious sleep you’ve always dreamed of.

Like other Zoma mattresses, it comes with free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty. Don’t settle for anything less than the best – choose the Zoma Boost and transform your sleep into an extraordinary experience.

How Lying Down Feels

Constructed with top-of-the-line materials, such as graphite-infused memory foam and dynamic support, the Zoma Boost goes above and beyond to cradle your body’s curves. Its thick foam top provides incredible relief for those pesky pressure points, while ensuring that your spine rests in its natural position.

What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying

• Dalton C. praised the feel of the Zoma Boost, noting “I have had the best night’s sleep. It is extremely comfortable and keeps me cool.”
• Yianni P. also enjoyed sleeping on the Zoma Boost, calling it “absolutely the best mattress on the market.” Then adding that “If you have any doubt, rest assured that you will not be disappointed.”

Mattress Construction

No more tossing and turning due to overheating – the cooling cover fabric keeps you comfortably cool all night long. Say goodbye to restless nights and wake up feeling refreshed, without any aches or pains. The quilted foam surface and graphite memory foam also whisks away tension in the shoulders and hips before it can build up into any pain.

Then, a layer of responsive transition foam, appropriately named Reactiv™. This material works with the pocketed coil core to ensure the soft feel is still buoyant, while the coils along the sides also provide edge support for an easier time sliding out of bed. And carrying handles along the sides makes the chore of lifting the mattress to change the sheets and such much, much easier.

But the Zoma Boost is not just about comfort and support; it’s a masterpiece of design as well. With its sleek, modern look and vibrant colors, it adds a touch of luxury to any bedroom. And rest assured, this mattress is built to last. Its superior construction guarantees excellent durability, making it a worthy investment in your long-term comfort and well-being.

For side sleepers seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the Zoma Boost is the clear choice. Every night, indulge in the perfect combination of comfort and support that only the Zoma Boost luxury mattress can offer.

For side sleepers shopping on a budget, the Vaya Mattress is a great value mattress that doesn’t sacrifice quality to lower the price. In this case, the Vaya Mattress creates a simple, two-layer sleep system made of durable yet comfortable CertiPUR-US® certified memory foam called Vaya Comfort Foam.

Don’t let the Vaya’s inexpensive nature fool you. This is still a durable mattress that’s built to last. That’s why it still boasts a 100-day trial period and a 10-year warranty alongside its low price tag.

How Lying Down Feels

The Vaya Mattress is a medium-feel mattress that’s a touch on the softer side, making it perfect for side sleepers who need pressure-relieving cushion and support. Its simple mattress design also enables plenty of airflow, ensuring that heat won’t accumulate and cause you discomfort as you sleep.

What Consumer Reviewers Say

• Mary B. noted that the gentle feel of the Vaya still kept her from sinking too far into the mattress. “Soft top, firm under that.”
• Eric G. was drawn to the Vaya Mattress after sleeping on it at an Airbnb, and replaced an older Tempur-Pedic mattress with it.

Mattress Construction

The Vaya Mattress’s top layer is made of cooling, plush comfort foam that will cradle your pressure points as it simultaneously wicks away your body heat. The bottom layer is made of durable high-density foam to promote proper spinal alignment to help you wake up pain-free.

Wrapped around the Vaya Mattress’s two layers is a soft, breathable mattress cover.

If you are a side sleeper suffering from hip pain, the award-winning Nolah Evolution 15 may be the solution. The luxury firm option offers tons of lift to keep your lower back aligned, taking pressure off your pelvis, while the plush is great at easing tension and pressure points. And the quilted Euro top will provide tons of cushioning to sensitive hip joints.

We also recommend the Nolah Evolution 15 mattress If you’re searching for a bed that feels like it belongs in a fancy hotel but that fits within your budget, the Nolah Evolution 15 is bound to impress. With a plush, cloud-like feel, and the right amount of support for most sleepers, this mattress offers the durability of memory foam with the support of innerspring coils.

How It Feels

Of the three firmnesses the Nolah Evolution 15 is available in, we recommend either the luxury firm or plush. The luxury firm is equivalent to the average medium mattres, offering balanced support and comfort. Meanwhile, the plush option is excellent for side sleepers who enjoy letting their shoulders and hips sink into the mattress surface.

The Nolah Evolution is also great for hot sleepers looking for some relief. The AirBreath™️ Heat Escape Gusset helps dissipate body heat, while the Euro top sports breathable quilting to help increase air circulation.

What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying

• Christopher W. was frequently waking up with back and hip pain. After switching to the Evolution 15, his pain disappeared. He likes that it’s plush but still supportive enough to provide pressure relief.
• Karly loves how soft and plush this mattress is without sacrificing support. She also notes this mattress helped relieve her husband’s back pain.

Mattress Construction

The mattress cover is made from breathable, moisture-wicking organic cotton with ArcticTex™ fibers to promote heat dispersal and help you sleep a little cooler. Designed to distribute heat, the quilted Euro top foam focuses on offering a cooling sleep experience.

Underneath the top is 2 inches of AirFoamICE™, surrounded by an AirBreath gusset to help keep heat flowing and prevent it from collecting in the mattress. The AirFoamICE™ provides good contouring and pressure point relief while promoting cooling.

Then, 2 inches of high-resilience foam helps support your body, offering additional contouring. Completing the foam top is a 1-inch thick high-density transition foam. This transition layer is highly responsive, preventing you from feeling stuck in bed, and helps transition to the coil layer below.

The HDMax™ Eco Support Coils offer a full 25 percent more lift than traditional coil systems, which is great news for heavier sleepers who feel like they sink too far into their mattresses. These coils are also wrapped in Nolah’s proprietary Edge-Tech™️ technology to provide superior edge support.

The final layer of recycled plant fibers helps support the coils above while maintaining the overall integrity of the mattress.

Innerspring mattresses can be tricky to find if you’re a side sleeper, as many of them don’t provide the cushion you need. However, the Saatva Classic mattress is one of the most popular innerspring mattress choices and comes in a variety of firmnesses and heights. It’s likely to appeal to a wide variety of sleepers and provides great support for anyone recovering from surgery or with chronic back or neck pain.

You won’t sink into the mattress like you would on a memory foam bed, so it’s best for those who like the feeling of lying on and not in a mattress.

How the Mattress Feels

There are three different firmness to choose from. Plush Soft offers cushioning without any sinking. Luxury Firm is best for most sleepers and offers good balance between softness and support. Firm is best for stomach sleepers, with very little give and excellent support.

What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying

• Byron K. and his wife are both very active and find this mattress relieve their aches and pains well. It’s eliminated their back pain and offers a very comfortable night’s sleep.
• Michelle was tired of tossing and turning all night, and the Saatva helped her sleep on her back and sides more comfortably without causing pain.

What’s Inside the Mattress

The Saatva Classic has four layers underneath a cover of organic cotton. The breathable organic cotton fibers are hypoallergenic and the cover is treated with an antimicrobial compound to make cleaning a breeze.

The 3-inch thick Euro pillow top provides plush cushioning with lumbar zone quilting designed to offer support in pressure point areas. Underneath is a layer of high-density memory foam that provides pressure point relief and has spinal wire built in to help provide additional support.

The next layer is comprised of 884 pocketed coils that contour to your body’s natural shape to provide pressure point relief and offer a fast response to movement. The last layer is the primary steel coil base designed to prevent sagging, support the rest of the mattress, and allow for airflow to keep you sleeping cool. It’s all wrapped in high-density foam to prevent sagging edges.

Sleeping hot can be an issue for side sleepers, as their bodies embrace the mattress surface, allowing heat to flow into bed through sustained contact. Mattresses like the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Hybrid address the issue with multiple cooling features that are designed to keep the mattress comfy and cozy as you sleep.

How It Feels

If you’re a heavier or hot side sleeper, the Aurora Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding could be the perfect mattress for you. Its medium feel and supportive coil base will give you enough lift to keep you from sinking, while the plush layers of memory foam still offer enough pressure relief.

Another great feature of this mattress is its firmness options. If you think the medium-feel mattress is too soft or too firm, the Aurora Hybrid offers soft and firm options to suit your preferences.

What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying

• Deb A. is a side who always shares a mattress with a partner and appreciates how it helps two hot sleepers stay cool at night. “Super comfortable.”
• Xavier C. is a side sleeper who stays cool at night even with a down comforter.

Mattress Construction

If you sleep hot, things get even better. Copper-infused CopperFlex™ and TitanCool™ sleep technologies in the top layer work together to draw excess heat away from your body. Combine that with the TitanCool™ luxury weave cover and the airflow-promoting coil support core, and you’ve got one cool mattress.

Beneath the layers of cooling comfort in the Aurora mattress, you’ll find a special layer called TitanFlex™ foam. The firmness level you choose for your mattress will determine how firm this layer feels. Depending on your preference, you can select from three options: soft, medium, or firm.

The choice of firmness also determines the type of transition foam you’ll get. If you opt for the soft or medium firmness, your mattress will come with a layer of gel swirl foam. On the other hand, if you choose the firm version, it will feature a layer of VariFlex™ transition foam. This transition foam adds a supportive layer between the comfort layers and the support core.

At the base of the mattress, you’ll find a sturdy support core consisting of up to 1,032 Ascension™ coils. These coils provide the bounce and breathability typically associated with traditional spring mattresses. However, they offer even greater adaptability compared to open coil systems. The support core ensures proper support for your body while promoting airflow for a cooler and more comfortable sleep experience.

If you want a hybrid mattress that will ease your joint pain when sleeping on your side, consider the Helix Midnight Luxe. This mid-range hybrid mattress is great for side sleepers and also provides a cooling sleep experience for hot sleepers. Couples will also appreciate its motion isolation features.

How the Mattress Feels

This medium-feel mattress is softer than most, but still offers great support and durability. It lets side sleepers sink into it more so than many other hybrid mattresses while still contouring the spine. Its cooling cover fabric also deters uncomfortable hot sleeping.

What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying

• Jon H. likes that his shoulder pain has disappeared after switching to this mattress. The off-gassing is a bit unpleasant but fades after a few days.
• Kristine P. likes the support the Helix Midnight Luxe offers and says she’s never gotten a better night’s sleep on another mattress.

Mattress Construction

The Helix Midnight Luxe has six layers and a cover fabric of either Tencel™ or GlacioTex™. Either choice of breathable cooling cover surrounds all of these layers, offering a soft touch and heat distribution for an ultra cool pillow top.

The Helix Responsive foam forms the comfort layer that cradles and contours to the body. It provides the main cushioning feel, allowing you to lightly sink into the mattress.

The second layer is copper-infused memory foam for additional cooling and compression. Then, a layer of Memory Foam Plus. This next layer hugs your body as you sink into the layers above, reacting to your body weight and providing great pressure point relief.

The next layer is the pocket coils. The hundreds of coils have been carefully arranged, offering a firmer experience by your legs and hips and a softer feel where your shoulders and head rest.

Lastly is a thin layer of DuraDense foam. The final base layer of this mattress helps support the steel coils and provides stability for the mattress.

If you’re an athlete, heavy sleeper, or someone looking to really upgrade your sleep experience, the Bear Elite Hybrid is worth a look. It comes in three firmness levels, offers excellent pressure point relief, and provides cooling and temperature regulation throughout all layers, so you sleep cooler and more comfortably.

How It Feels

The Luxury Plush firmness is soft and recommended for side sleepers. Side sleepers and combination sleepers who prefer something firmer may enjoy the Luxury Firm level, which offers a medium-firm experience. Most side sleepers will not enjoy the Extra Firm option, a feel tailored more to stomach and back sleepers.

What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying

• Sara N. was tired of sleeping hot. After switching to the Bear Elite Hybrid, she is finally sleeping with blankets on her bed again.
• Brian T. enjoys that he doesn’t wake up tossing and turning anymore. This mattress has improved his sleep quality and decreased the aches and pains he used to wake up with.

What’s Inside the Mattress

The Bear Elite Hybrid is made of four layers and a specialty cover fabric.

First is a layer of copper-infused memory foam. This top layer promotes heat distribution, provides cushioning for your body, and offers relief for your pressure points.

The next layer of polyfoam is all about supporting the contours of your body, allowing you to sink in, especially when sleeping on your side, and offering even more pressure point relief.

Then, individually-wrapped coils provide a slight bounce. This layer offers more responsive movement and good support for sleepers of any weight.

Last is a layer of high-density polyfoam. This bottom layer is designed to cushion the innersprings above and offer support and structure to the overall mattress.

The Celliant® cover that wraps up all four layers is made of breathable polyester and phase change materials to promote cooling and add softness.

If you’re unsure of your firmness needs, the Layla Hybrid might be a good option for you. The mattress has reverse soft and firm sides, with a responsive coil core supporting each. On the soft side, you’ll find a firmness level of around 4 of 10—perfect for petite side sleepers or those with joint pain.

On the firm side, the Layla ramps the firmness all the way up to a 7, which is better for heavier side sleepers because it will offer a sufficient lift to prevent sinkage. Stomach sleepers who experience lower back pain from this position or back sleepers who enjoy support may also find relief on the firm side.

How It Feels

We found that regardless of which side you lie on, the Layla Hybrid is designed to provide coolness and responsiveness. You won’t feel heat build-up or struggle to move across the surface—no getting stuck before you reach the mattress’s edge. Plus, the zoned support in each transition layer keeps the heavier parts of a side sleeper comfortable and pressure-free.

What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying

• Nou C. said after sleeping on the Layla Hybrid for four months that it’s the best mattress of three they tried. “I like it because it’s soft and very comfortable to sleep on. I have tried two different mattresses before, and it wasn’t soft enough.”
• After doing a lot of mattress research, Sarah M. went with the Layla Hybrid as the best fit. “I am sleeping better and waking up with less pain.”

Mattress Construction

The Layla Hybrid has a similar construction on each side, with the firm side having thinner comfort layer for less cushion. Each side has memory foam that relieves pressure points.

Copper infusions are another great feature of this mattress. Not only does copper have naturally cooling properties thatpull body heat away, but it’s also antimicrobial. That means your mattress will fight against bacteria and mold buildup. This copper infusion is present in both comfort layers of memory foam.

Then, sandwiching the core of pocketed coils are two layers of Max Airflow Support Foam. This material provides transition with zoned support for each side of the mattress. The channels that establish the support zones also serve to enhance cooling.

Wrapped around the mattress is a cover fabric with a dual light gray/dark gray design, with a mattress tag that labels which side is which.

The Puffy Lux Hybrid is a luxury mattress for side sleepers who need lots of pressure point relief. The contouring Dual Cloud foam combines with the Puffy Lux Contour-Adapt coil technology to create one of the most contouring beds on the market—perfect for those who need extra compression under their hips and shoulders.

How It Feels

One of the standout features of the Puffy Lux Hybrid is its ability to keep you cool throughout the night. Say goodbye to restless nights caused by overheating, as the Puffy Lux Hybrid creates an environment that promotes a comfortably cool sleep.

Plus, the Puffy Lux is a top-notch mattress for motion isolation. No more waking up from disruptions; with the Puffy Lux Hybrid, you can enjoy uninterrupted blissful sleep.

What Consumer Reviewers Are Saying

• S.G. gave the Puffy Lux five stars, saying, “Every morning I wake up and think about how amazing my bed feels and how comfy I am in my new bed, sheets, and pillows. I honestly have never slept on a more comfortable mattress. Would recommend to anyone looking to get a new mattress.”
• E.G. said of the four mattresses they tried, the Puffy Lux Hybrid was the hands-down favorite. “Motion transfer is also much less than with our other hybrid mattress.”

Mattress Construction

With its innovative design and premium materials, the Puffy Lux Hybrid offers a blend of cooling comfort and optimal support. Its six luxurious layers of premium memory foam, combined with a base of contour-adapt coils, provide that coveted “sleeping-on-a-cloud” sensation that side sleepers crave.

The gel-infused Cooling Cloud™ Foam works tirelessly to disperse heat away from your body, ensuring improved airflow from the top to the bottom of the mattress.

Side sleepers will also appreciate the 1.5-inch layer of Plush Dual Cloud Foam, an exclusive feature of the Puffy Lux Hybrid. This foam provides optimal pressure relief by contouring to the natural curves of your body, ensuring that your hips and shoulders receive the support they need. This thoughtful design element helps alleviate any discomfort or pressure points.

The Puffy Lux Hybrid also excels in motion isolation, thanks to its strong base of Firm Core Support Foam and Contour-Adapt Coils. This combination minimizes the impact of movement, ensuring that your sleep remains undisturbed even if your partner tosses and turns throughout the night.

Let’s not forget the practical features of the Puffy Lux Hybrid. The stain-resistant Cloud Cover boasts a hypoallergenic and easily washable design, keeping your mattress clean and fresh effortlessly. Ironically enough, if you want to avoid getting puffy (from allergies, that is), the Puffy Lux hybrid is one of the best beds out there, fighting tons of common allergy triggers like dust, dust mites, and pollen.

The Grip Base Cover ensures that your mattress stays securely in place on any flat surface, eliminating any potential sliding or shifting.

Best Mattress Firmness for Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need two main things out of their mattress: support and pressure point relief. While every person needs a mattress that promotes neutral spinal alignment and evenly distributes body weight, side sleepers need additional support underneath their waists and legs to keep their spine in a straight line.

Side sleepers also need tons of cushioning for their hips and shoulders. These joints tend to experience a lot of pressure when you sleep on your side. That means you need a bed that compresses under your pressure points to cradle them and prevent pain.

To get the support and cushioning they need, most side sleepers need a medium to soft mattress. Some side sleepers may need to go up or down a firmness level for a couple of different reasons, like their weight or style of side sleeping. But generally speaking, soft to medium mattresses are the standard of comfort for side sleepers.

Best Type of Mattress for Side Sleepers

As a side sleeper, some types of mattresses are better and worse for your sleep style. Let’s take a look at how they each stack up.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is one of the best material options for side sleepers. Why? Because memory foam mattresses conform to the shape of your body to fill in the gap where your waist curves inward while also compressing under your shoulders and hips. This makes a memory foam mattress the perfect combination of cushioning and support.

“For memory foam mattresses, I highly recommend the Amerisleep AS5 mattress for side sleepers,” says Dr. Jordan Burns. “Its thoughtful design and innovative materials provide exceptional pressure relief and support, promoting proper spinal alignment and alleviating potential discomfort.”

“The Amerisleep mattress is tailored to cradle the hips and shoulders, which are common pressure points for side sleepers, ensuring a comfortable and restorative sleep experience. If you’re a side sleeper seeking optimal comfort and spinal alignment, the Amerisleep mattress is an excellent choice.”

Latex Foam

If you prefer a springier foam or you want an all-natural foam, latex is also an excellent option for side sleepers. While it doesn’t contour quite as well, natural latex is cooler and more responsive than memory foam. This makes it great for hot sleepers or sleepers who like to toss and turn at night.

Innerspring

As a rule, innerspring mattresses are not the greatest bed for side sleepers. They don’t offer a lot of contouring, and the pressure from the coil network can cause pain in your joints. If you must have an innerspring mattress, at least get one with a pillow top. This extra layer of padding can mean the difference between pain-free and painful mornings.

Hybrid

If you’re dying for springs, hybrid mattresses are a much better bed for side sleepers. Hybrids have at least two inches of foam over their pocketed coil support cores. This makes hybrid mattresses a superior option for side sleepers because the foam and adaptable coils work together to create a bed that supports and cushions you the way they should.

Best Mattress for Your Unique Needs

Not all side sleepers are created equal, and that means there’s no one-size-fits-all mattress for every side sleeper.

Side Sleep Style

There are different ways you can sleep on your side, and these can impact your firmness and material needs.

Active Side Sleepers

Side sleepers who like to switch from side to side all night might do well to consider a material that will both isolate motion and bounce back to its original shape fast. A latex mattress or hybrid fits that bill, with the added benefit of keeping you cool as you move around.

“For more active individuals, I recommend the Zoma Boost mattress for side sleepers,” says Dr. Jordan Burns. “Its specialized design caters to the unique needs of side sleepers by providing ample pressure relief.”

“The Zoma mattress features a combination of responsive foam and supportive base layer, which work together to cushion the hips and shoulders, allowing for proper spinal alignment and reducing the risk of pressure points. With its exceptional ability to promote comfort and healthy sleep posture, the Zoma Boost mattress is a top choice for side sleepers seeking optimal support and restorative rest.”

Fetal Position Sleepers

Fetal position sleepers sleep with both their legs and arms curled up, meaning they need lots of support to keep the spine aligned and prevent back pain. At the same time, side sleepers still need lots of cushioning. To achieve this combination, consider a hybrid. The coils will offer adaptable support, while the plush comfort layer will prevent pressure in your joints.

Yearner Sleepers

Yearners sleep on their sides with their legs straight and their arms out in front of them. This position is easier on the spine, so yearner sleepers may be able to get away with a softer and more conforming mattress, such as a memory foam mattress or hybrid.

Log Sleepers

Log sleepers sleep with their arms and legs straight out. To protect the arm underneath the body, you’ll need a soft mattress that can conform to the body, such as a plush memory foam mattress.

Body Type

Though your sleep style is the thing that impacts your mattress needs the most, your body weight does affect your firmness needs.

Petite Side Sleepers

Petite sleepers weigh under 130 pounds, and they generally need to go down a firmness level to get enough compression out of their mattress. Since side sleepers generally need a medium-feel mattress, that means you’ll likely want a medium-soft.

Average Size Side Sleepers

Sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds should have firmness needs that line up pretty well with their sleep position, meaning you’ll probably be able to stick with a medium mattress.

Plus Size Side Sleepers

Sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds will likely need to go up a firmness level to a medium-firm to get the lift they need out of their mattress. Otherwise, heavier sleepers could experience too much sinkage and feel “stuck” in their mattress.

How to Sleep on Your Side Comfortably

The right mattress can help you sleep on your side while providing soft comfort and contour support for pressure points. Though firmness is certainly a preference, we recommend soft to medium mattresses for side sleepers. A firm mattress is least likely to offer comfort and will often cause you to wake up with pain in the morning.

To stay comfortable on your side at night, you might consider placing a pillow between your knees. This can help align your spine and offer hip relief. In addition, using a pillow that keeps your neck level at night will further boost your comfort.

If you sleep on your side with your knees curled up towards your body, you’re actually curving your spine. While a good mattress can still support your pressure points, try to sleep in a slightly more elongated position to keep your spine straighter—especially if you wake up in pain.

Make sure to also get a mattress that’s large enough for you, especially if you share it with a partner. The best queen size mattresses are perfect for any home so you can enjoy quality sleep for decades.

“I prioritize quality standards when recommending mattresses, especially for side sleepers. A mattress that meets high-quality standards ensures proper spinal alignment, pressure relief, and overall sleep comfort,” says Dr. Jordan Burns.

“When advising side sleepers, I consider their unique needs, emphasizing a mattress with adequate cushioning and support to contour to the body’s curves, particularly the hips and shoulders. It is crucial to choose a mattress that promotes healthy sleep posture and minimized pressure points, allowing side sleepers to enjoy a restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.”

Sleep Trials and Mattress Warranties

When shopping for a new mattress, it’s important to consider the sleep trial and warranty policies offered by the manufacturer. Sleep trials give you a chance to try out the mattress in your own home for a certain period of time, typically ranging from 90 to 120 nights. During this trial period, you can decide whether the mattress is right for you and return it for a full refund if you’re not satisfied.

Warranties, on the other hand, protect your investment in the mattress in case of defects or other issues. Most manufacturers offer warranties that cover the mattress for a certain number of years, typically ranging from 5 to 20 years. The warranty may cover issues such as sagging, defects in materials or workmanship, or other problems.

When considering sleep trials and warranties, it’s important to read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions. These policies can vary widely between mattress brands, with some offering better coverage and hassle-free returns.

Some warranties may only cover certain types of issues or have specific requirements for filing a claim. Or some sleep trials may have conditions for returning the mattress, such as requiring you to keep it for a certain number of nights before initiating a return.

Sleep Accessories for Side Sleepers

While finding the right mattress is crucial for side sleepers, it’s also important to consider sleep accessories like pillows and mattress toppers. Here are some key things to keep in mind when selecting accessories for side sleeping:

Pillows for Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need a pillow that supports their head and neck while keeping their spine aligned. A pillow that’s too high or too low can cause discomfort and even lead to headaches or neck pain.

One popular option for side sleepers is a contoured memory foam pillow. These pillows are designed to cradle the head and neck while keeping the spine in a neutral position. Some contoured pillows also have cutouts for the shoulders, which can further alleviate pressure points.

Another option for side sleepers is a down or down alternative pillow that can be fluffed and molded to the desired height and shape. Look for a pillow with a high fill power (the measure of the down’s loft and insulation) for the best support.

Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers

A mattress topper can provide extra cushioning and support for side sleepers who need more pressure relief. Look for a topper that’s at least 2 inches thick for adequate cushioning.

Memory foam toppers are a popular choice for side sleepers because they conform to the body and relieve pressure points. Some toppers also have cooling features to prevent overheating.

Latex toppers are another option for side sleepers who prefer a bouncier, more responsive feel. Latex is naturally cool and breathable, making it a good choice for hot sleepers.

When selecting a mattress topper, be sure to check if it’s compatible with your mattress and if it comes with a warranty. A good warranty can provide peace of mind and protection against defects or premature wear and tear.

Saving on Mattresses for Side Sleepers

Side sleepers typically need the most expensive of mattresses, as their comfort relies on thick, plush layers. And when it comes to buying a new mattress, it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding the perfect bed for your sleep needs.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that mattresses can be a significant investment. If you’re a side sleeper on a budget, there are a few tips and tricks to help you save money on your mattress purchase without sacrificing comfort and quality.

One of the easiest ways to save money on a mattress for side sleepers is to consider buying online. Online mattress companies often have lower overhead costs than brick-and-mortar stores, which means they can pass those savings on to the customer. Additionally, many online mattress companies offer free shipping and generous return policies, so you can try out your new bed risk-free.

Finally, one of the most effective ways to save money on a mattress for side sleepers is to shop around and compare prices. Don’t be afraid to visit multiple retailers or check out different online mattress companies to find the best deal.

Bottom Line

Side sleepers do have a plethora of great mattresses to choose from—from hybrids to memory foam to natural latex. Just make sure you have a good idea of your body type and style of side sleeping. That way, you can ensure you’re getting the firmness level and material right for your unique needs.