For many folks, there’s no cozier sleeping position than one in which they’re curled up on their side with a cuddly blanket or pillow. An ideal mattress would greet their bodies with a mixture of pressure relief and support, ensuring a comfortable drift to dreamland free of any tension or pain.
Unfortunately, many mattresses aren’t actually built to meet the side sleeper’s specific needs. They’re either too firm (thereby inducing pressure at the shoulders and hips) or too soft (resulting in an overall lack of support). So what are these Goldilock snoozers supposed to do?
Thankfully, it’s not all bad news for those who doze primarily on their sides as there are a TON of fantastic mattresses out there designed specifically for their slumber preferences. Below, we’ll highlight some of our favorites and dive into all the factors that contribute to a sound side sleeping experience.
What Is the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers?
The best mattress for a side sleeper is one that aligns the spine and relieves pressure points at the hips and shoulders. Here are some recommendations to help get you started.
Eight Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Best Luxury | ||
Casper Wave Mattress  | Casper Wave Mattress Casper's most luxurious mattress, the Wave mattress has zoned support. This means that the mattress has different firmnesses at different points in the mattress (softer near the head and shoulders) so that it will conform to your curves better than any mattress on the market. | |
Best for Hot Sleepers | ||
Helix Mattress  | Helix Mattress The Helix Midnight comes in both a standard "10 inch model and a LUXE model at "14 for added comfort and support. Hundreds of individually wrapped coils offer premium support while the top layer of memory foam contours the body relieve to pressure points | |
Best Memory Foam Alternative | ||
Nolah Mattress  | Nolah Mattress The Nolah mattress is specifically designed for side sleepers, and delivers one heck of a sleeping experience for the price. The pressure relief per dollar on this mattress is off the charts. | |
Best Hybrid | ||
Bear Hybrid Mattress  | Bear Hybrid Mattress Specifically designed for athletes, the coils in the Bear Hybrid allow sleepers to change position easily, without any stuck feeling. Enjoy $225 off your purchase with code SLEEPOPOLIS225. | |
Best for Shoulder or Hip Pain | ||
Layla Mattress  | Layla Mattress The Layla mattress is made with high quality memory foam, perfect for relieving pressure on the shoulder and hip when side sleeping. The Layla mattress also has two firmness options (it's flippable), so you can try out both sides at home to see which one works best with your personal sleep preferences. | |
Best for Lower Back Pain | ||
Saatva Mattress  | Saatva Mattress The Saatva mattress combines a luxurious pillow-top with two sections of coils for a classic innerspring feel. This high quality mattress is great for aligning the spine no matter your sleeping position - which can be a game changer to address aches and pains in your body. | |
Best for Back and Side Sleepers | ||
WinkBeds Mattress  | WinkBeds Mattress Some people may sleep in other positions in addition to sleeping on their side - and Winkbeds does great in addressing those issues. While being great for side sleepers, the Winkbed offers great support and comfort for back sleepers as well. | |
Best for Pressure Relief | ||
Purple Mattress  | Purple Mattress Designed with contouring hyper-elastic polymer, the Purple mattress is great for those in need of pressure relief. This material is unlike anything else on the market, definitely worth a look for side sleepers! |
What Makes These the Top Mattress Picks For Side Sleepers?
While each choice is based on my personal preferences and biases, I’ve endeavored to select mattresses that support different kinds of side sleepers, from those who sleep hot to those who need a little extra pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. As I discuss each of my picks, I’ll make sure to explain why I selected them for this list and will share my expert tips for getting amazing sleep on your side. At the end of this article, we’ll also dive deeper into the methodology behind this list.
But enough chat! Let’s get into these mattresses.
Best Luxury Feel Mattress
Casper Wave
For something a bit more luxurious, consider the Wave mattress from Casper. Built with premium foams and a special layer of Zoned Support, this bed is ideal for side sleepers looking for a more plush sleeping experience that targets each part of the body in a unique way.
Specifically, the section of Zoned Support is actually constructed with three different types of foam, which together bring gentle pressure relief to the shoulders, firm support to the lumbar region, and a pleasant lift to the hips. Curious to learn more about this innovative design? Take a peek at my full Casper Wave review.
Casper's most luxurious mattress, the Wave is built with pressure relief in mind. Customers in the US can use code SLEEPOPOLIS to save $200!
Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers
Helix
Helix offers a number of different mattresses designed to meet a diverse range of sleeper needs. The softest beds in the collection are particularly well-suited for side sleepers, who will likely benefit from their thick layers of pressure-relieving foam.
Additionally, all Helix mattresses sleep extremely cool, thanks to the UltraCool cover (available for an extra $60 fee), gel-infused memory foams, and pocketed coils utilized in each bed. This combination of materials helps to regulate temperatures throughout the night, making sure that even the sweatiest sleepers can snuggle down into a breezy dreamland. Is your interest piqued? Then take a peek at my full review of the Helix line.
Best Memory Foam Alternative
Nolah Mattress
The Nolah mattress uses their proprietary AirFoam for a super soft feel designed with side sleepers in mind. I can’t stress how important a soft feel is for the side sleepers out there and the Nolah really delivers with this memory foam alternative. I say alternative because AirFoam has the plush feel of sinking in and contouring around your body, but has an open celled structure that is more breathable than memory foam, allowing it to sleep cooler.
Another plush for Nolah’s AirFoam is that it has a quicker response to pressure than classic memory foam, so you’ll avoid some of the stuck feeling you might be expecting when you change positions. Overall I would say the Nolah gives you the soft pressure relieving benefits you’re looking for out of memory foam, without the drawbacks of overheating and feeling stuck in bed.
The Nolah ranges in price from $619 – $1,119 but you can use the code SP135 or click the link in the coupon below to save $135 on your purchase!
Helpful Links: Read more about the Nolah mattress at my full review.
A soft, supportive construction makes the Nolah mattress especially good for side sleepers. Enjoy $135 off your purchase now!
Best Hybrid Mattress
Bear Hybrid
The Bear Hybrid uses a combination of foam and coil layers provide nice pressure relief without sacrificing the support that’s so important for proper spinal alignment. It uses a great layer of gel foam to allow side sleepers to sink in to avoid a jammed up feeling at the shoulders. The gel helps draw heat away from the sleeper, to allow them to comfortably throughout the night.
The pocketed coils below give the Bear some great bounce, so you can adjust your position without fighting the layers and feeling stuck in the mattress. Another benefit is that the springs kept my hips from sinking too far into the mattress, which is great for side sleeping alignment.
Click here to read my full Bear Hybrid review.
Specifically designed for athletes, the Bear Hybrid is a great supportive option for active sleepers. Enjoy $225 off your purchase with code SLEEPOPOLIS225.
Best Mattress for Shoulder/Hip Pain
Layla
The Layla mattress is an all-foam, flippable bed designed to give customers more options for how they sleep. I’ve included it on this list because the double-sided construction (labelled “Soft” or “Firm” depending on how you orient it) allows the sleeper to really hone in on the firmness level that’s going to be right for their needs.
Two options might seem a bit daunting from the onset, but getting to oscillate between these totally different feels can be a boon for side sleepers unsure of how supportive or plush they’d like their mattress (though I should note that both sides do feature memory foam). For reference, I gave the “Soft” side a 5.5/10 rating on the firmness scale while the “Firm” side received a score of 7.5/10. To see if this mattress is right for you, check out my full review of the Layla.
A flippable design makes the Layla mattress a truly customizable bedroom accessory. Get $110 off your purchase using code SLEEPOPOLIS.
Best Mattress for Lower Back Pain
Saatva
The Saatva mattress evokes the feel of a classic innerspring with its coil-on-coil construction, meaning it’s super bouncy and highly supportive. While a bed this firm (about a 7.5/10) wouldn’t normally work for side sleepers, a plush pillow top makes for a cushiony surface upon which to land.
I especially like this bed for side sleepers because it does a great job of aligning the spine, thereby alleviating tension at the lower back. I’d also note that the buoyant lift of the mattress ensures you won’t feel too stuck in the bed, which could be a big plus for those who want to be positioned squarely on top of the mattress. For more, read my full Saatva review.
The Saatva mattress combines a luxurious pillow-top layer with two sections of coils for that classic innerspring feel. Earn a $75 Visa gift card with you purchase of a Saatva mattress!
Best Mattress for Back/Side Combo Sleepers
WinkBed
Like the Saatva, WinkBeds is an innerspring mattress that puts an emphasis on buoyant, firm support. Here, a tufted cover gives way to a thin layer of microcoils that help bolster the sleeper from the minute they jump on the bed.
The coil-on-coil construction also makes this an incredibly mobile structure, so changing positions in the night should be a breeze. This could be especially important for side sleepers who like to shift from their side to their back while the slumber. To get the full low-down on the WinkBeds mattress, hop on over to my full review.
Built with a plush pillow top and a buoyant coil-on-coil structure, the WinkBeds is a great option for a wide range of sleepers! Enjoy $200 off your order with the code SLEEPOPOLIS200!
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Purple
With its unique hyper-elastic polymer comfort grid, the Purple mattress has some of the best pressure relief I’ve seen, especially for those who like to doze on their sides. Though you may have thought the brand’s “raw egg test” was just a marketing ploy, it actually does a great job of demonstrating the body-contouring comfort you’re likely to experience from the bed.
Plus, the mattress is also supportive and excellent at regulating temperatures, so should satisfy a wide range of sleepers (even if the gel-like grid takes some getting used to). Learn more about its unique construction in my full Purple mattress review.
Get $100 off coupon all Purple Mattresses (excluding Twin and Twin XL Mattresses which are $50 off + Free Sheets with Purchase). Limited Memorial Day offer!
The Ins & Outs of Side-Sleeping
After reading through our picks, you might be wondering: How in the world did Sleepopolis land on these mattresses as the best of the best for side sleepers? It’s a great question and one I’m happy to answer!
When thinking about what sorts of beds are going to be best for those who doze in good ol’ fashioned lateral recumbence (fancy talk for side sleeping), there are a few things to keep in mind, namely 1.) Firmness, 2). Support, and 3). Pelvic Rotation.
In case you’re unfamiliar with any of the above, I’m going to go point by point and break down exactly what I mean.
Best Mattress Firmness for Side Sleepers
In terms of firmness, side sleepers will want to look for something soft to moderate on the firmness scale. While many folks assume firmer mattresses are the most supportive (including physical therapist Dr. Keith Poorbaugh, a member of our Sleepopolis Expert Network), a special exception needs to be made for those who spend most of their slumber time on their sides. Per Poorbaugh:
“A firm mattress gives better support for pushing yourself up to a seated position. However, if you need pressure relief [as most side sleepers do], a plush mattress will have more cushion for those sensitive areas.”
So what exactly constitutes a plush mattress? In my opinion, a plush mattress:
- Comes in at a 4.5-6 out of 10 on the firmness scale (with 6.5 being medium firm).
- Provides ample pressure relief and support to the neck, hips, and shoulders.
- Allows for deep sinkage to buffer against the formation of pressure points along the spine.
Firmness is perhaps the most important attribute for side sleepers due to the very nature of the position. (1) In order to provide proper support, the mattress must be able to contour to the curves of the body so the sleeper’s not “digging” into the structure.
Support
While support is an important factor for all sleepers to consider, it’s perhaps especially so for side sleepers, who tend toward nighttime contortions that aren’t necessarily conducive to healthy spine alignment (think fetal position). A mattress with fantastic support will adapt to the body no matter the shape, bringing the “musculoskeletal chain,” as Dr. Poorbaugh describes it, into a comfortable synergy.
It’s important to note that support is not the same thing as firmness: A softer mattress can still provide great support. When looking for a new mattress that will meet your side sleeper needs, you’ll want to:
- Look for one that contours to your body’s unique shape.
- Supports your hips and shoulders as you move and change positions.
- Alleviate tension across all parts of the body without leaving you feeling “swallowed” by the structure.
Foam mattresses offer many advantages for side sleepers, but well-built and well-designed innerspring mattresses can be effective also, as you can see in my picks above.
Pelvic Rotation
And finally, let’s chat a bit about pelvic rotation, which results from the misalignment of the back muscles and lumbar spine. It is caused when sleepers twist or curl their legs up in opposition to the position of the upper body. (2) Take, for example, an individual who sleeps with one leg fairly straight and the other bent, which tends to rotate their upper body into a stomach-sleeping position while the lower body remains on the side. This type of rotation can lead to or worsen any lower back and neck pain, so it’s important to take preventative measures before it starts hurting.
There aren’t any perfect solutions to preventing pelvic rotation, but there are a few things you can do to help:
- Try to train yourself to sleep in positions that keep your spine in alignment.
- Use a pillow between your legs to maintain spinal alignment (see below).
- Buy a good mattress with proper support and softness. That will help to prevent pressure points that might be currently causing you to sleep in positions that cause more pelvic rotation.
Side Sleeper Pillow Needs
Good pillows are just as important as a good mattress. You may have an exceptionally well-made and comfortable mattress, but without a good pillow, you may still find that your sleeping experience is less than ideal.
A quality pillow is critically important for side sleepers due to the increased — and somewhat more complex — support needs. (3) Pillows made from latex, shredded foam, memory foam, or other poly foams can help provide consistent and stable support by responding to the varying pressures of your head and neck. Additionally, you’ll want to look for a pillow that is tall enough to cradle your head and neck but not so tall that you introduce a new form of pressure.
“Improved [spinal] alignment… can be easily achieved in side lying with proper pillow positioning,” explains Dr. Poorbaugh. “Pillow placement at the head and neck can reduce an irritating kink in the neck, while a pillow between the knees should help keep lumbar spine in neutral alignment.”
For more, check out our breakdown of the absolute best pillows for side sleepers.
References
- Leilnahari, Karim, et al. “Spine Alignment in Men during Lateral Sleep Position: Experimental Study and Modeling.” BioMedical Engineering OnLine, vol. 10, no. 1, 30 Nov. 2011, p. 103., doi:10.1186/1475-925x-10-103.
- Herrington, Lee. “Assessment of the Degree of Pelvic Tilt within a Normal Asymptomatic Population.” Manual Therapy, vol. 16, no. 6, 11 June 2011, pp. 646–648., doi:10.1016/j.math.2011.04.006.
- Gordon, Susan, et al. “A Randomized, Comparative Trial: Does Pillow Type Alter Cervico-Thoracic Spinal Posture When Side Lying?” Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 17 Aug. 2011, p. 321., doi:10.2147/jmdh.s23028.
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Hello, thank you for your reviews. I am a side sleeper. I prefer a thicker mattress 14 -16 in. I am worried about these types of mattresses developing ruts. Do you know if this happens with these bed in a box matresses? Also do you have any knowledge of the Lucid brand? Thoughts?
Body imprints do happen with all types of mattresses, to combat this you can rotate your mattress every few months so the one position does not always take the brunt of it. I would recommend looking into a latex hybrid like the Brooklyn Bloom Hybrid for a softer mattress that has some depth. Latex is also a very resilient material so won’t form those imprints as easily.
Hello Logan,
I really appreciate your comprehensive reviews. We purchased a Tuft & Needle Mint, kingsize a couple of months ago and I can no longer sleep on it. I wake up with hip, shoulder and now lower back pain, in that order (hips hurt the most). Tuft & Needle was great to deal with. They sent me a foam topper free and I tried that for several nights, but still no pain relief. We are now returning the mattress, but after looking at all your reviews am still wondering what will work for me. I’m a fit , 64 year old female, 5’8″, 143 lbs and mostly a side sleeper. My husband is 64, 5’9″, 180 lbs and is a combo back and side sleeper. He had no problem with the Tuft & Needle. I’m considering the Nolah 12″ because of the reviews. I’m interested in your recommendation for our next mattress attempt. Thank you.
I’m thinking that you might need a little more support based on what you’ve said here. The Nolah Signature is going to be even softer than the Mint and since you said you liked the Tuft & Needle I think you may want something just a little firmer. Can I ask why you switched away from the original Tuft & Needle?
I need advice on a mattress. I am a side sleeper with lower back arthritis. I also have fibromyalgia which creates all over general aches. I was leaning toward a Saavta soft mattress, but after reading some reviews I am now confused. I also am concerned at the height of it and trying to get in and out. I do not have any specific reason for choosing a hybrid except that all foam kind of scares me (maybe I am just a little old school) I am not opposed to bed in a bag, just worried it is more of a “fad”. I have a husband who is also a side/back sleeper. I like to sink into a mattress but also need to roll over and get out easily. Please help.
What about the reviews scared you off? I really like the Saatva mattresses, really well built and good support. If you are looking for more of a bed in a box, I would say check out the Purple. The comfort grid is great for side sleepers.
I am considering a Wink Mattress or a Saatva Mattress but am confused. I read the Wink is a bed in a box. How can a mattress with coils inside be compressed to fit in a box? I bought a memory form topper once that was sent compressed into a box and it never decompressed to be the side it was suppose to be. So I am real concerned how the Wink could be a good one to buy. I need a medium firm because I weigh 240 and have lower back pain. Also I am a side sleeper. I would appreciate your thoughts on the mattress in a box idea. Thank you
Many hybrid mattresses (combo foam and coil) compress into boxes now. WinkBed does it a little different and rolls sideways and maintains a really solid durable structure. I think both of these beds provide pretty solid support and I found them in the medium range. Since you are a bit heavier than me you may want to go with the Firm version of whichever you buy for a little extra support. It really comes down to preference here but since you’re a side sleeper I’d lean towards WinkBed because it has a little more of a pillow top for pressure relief.
I bought a Stearn’s and Foster Hope Bay from Costco for $900. it’s a Luxury Cushion Firm Euro Pillow top. I am side sleeper. My sides are killing me. I can still return the mattress to Costco. or do you think i could buy My Pillow mattress Topper, to correct my pain. I am miserable with pain on my sides. i sleep on the couch and it helps. as soon as i lay on the new mattress, it comes back. please advise me. my weight is 300lbs.
I’d return it if you still can. No reason to adjust a mattress you don’t like if you just got it. I’d recommend checking out the Big Fig as it was specifically design with sleepers in your weight range in mind.
I am 71 years old and a side sleeper. I recently purchased the Layla queen size mattress but had to return it after about 90 days. I turn from one side to the other a number of times each night and would typically wake up in the night with shoulder pain and when getting out of bed would experience some noticeable lower back pain.
I have read your reviews on the Casper and Puffy, but am a little shy about my next purchase. Any advice would be appreciated.
I would be interested in seeing a review on a Spine Align mattress brand. They have a factory located in Holland Michigan. They offer three types all of which they claim properly align the spine. Would you be willing to review their mattresses, or, have you already. I did not see a review on your site so I assume you have not.
Thank you!
I got a Layla mattress after spending weeks of reviews for side sleepers. As a small guy around 5’5 140 pounds, the I found the Layla a tad too firm, even on the soft side. They sent me a mattress foam topper for free and so far that is making the difference and added the extra softness I needed.
I really love this mattress but I never will be able to buy because it is to expensive and with my budget it is hard to do I am a side sleeper but I will be soo happy if I will win
I am going to get a pillow because I am a side sleeper, now I found that I might need a mattress as well, I am a little low in budget so I don’t want to spend a lot of money, do you think its worth to replace mattress for the best experience?
Zenhaven is my FAVORITE!
Love your defining mattresses so explicitly and eloquently – and mostly so honestly. Sleepopolis -great job. I know understand what my PT meant when he said my elderly bones needed a Medium Firm mattress – and coils would be important for a side sleeper with back pain!!!There’s nothing like education- – and then winning what one needs!!!
Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Thank you
I feel so lucky having the opportunity to try to win a free mattress!! Sounds like a dream come true! I’m a housekeeper of 40 year’s! I’d be great advertisement! Anything in their home they ask me! When I win your great purple mattress! I well tell everyone of them! It would be a dream come true! I can only imagine how great your mattress will feel!!! It looks like the best mattress in the world! So many options! I’m a side sleeper I would feel so blessed to win a Layla I believe that is the right one! Thank you! I look soooo forward to a great night sleep on a purple mattress!! I look forward to hearing from you! Big smile
Hi! I have spent hours watching and reading all your reviews. Thank you so much for what you do! I am looking for an all natural, organic mattress. I was looking at the Avocado but now and thinking it might be too firm. I am a side-sleeper and quite a bit overweight. I purchased a gel, memory foam topper (4 in.) for my bed awhile back. It had amazing reviews on Amazon but when I used it, I had significant back pain. Do you have a mattress you would recommend? At this point, I was looking at Avocado, Botanical Bliss and Zenhaven. Again, thank you so much!
This would be great to win. I need a new mattress but cannot afford one since my stroke 5 years ago. Hope I win .
The Luxury Casper Wave the best mattress for side sleepers like myself is the best review I’ve read.
Because I am a side sleeper and I have chronic pain I think the Purple mattress would fit my needs best.
Hi i will really love to this mattress I like sleeping on my side and my mattress is old please let me win . and thank u so much for ur time.