Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, over 60 percent of adults sleep on their side. So what kind of mattress should you get?
We think that the best mattress for side sleepers is going to offer plenty of pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, which is where these folks put the most pressure. At the same time, it needs to be supportive enough to prevent them from sinking too far into the bed and throwing their spine out of alignment.
Unfortunately, many mattresses aren’t 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). With that in mind, we recommend that side sleepers opt for either a medium-firm mattress or a soft to medium-soft mattress. Below, we’ll highlight some of our favorites that fall into this firmness range and dive into all the factors that contribute to a sound side-sleeping experience.
To pick these mattresses, our team of mattress review experts ran each one through a series of tests to see how well it performed in areas such as cooling, pain relief, motion isolation, and more. We paid special attention to pain relief, especially at the shoulders and hips. A good mattress for you isn’t going to put any added pressure on these areas.
Our Top Mattress Pick for Side Sleepers
The Helix Midnight landed at the top of our list for the best mattress for side sleepers due to its medium-firm feel and good balance of comfort and support. Side sleepers should appreciate the zoned support, which cushions the shoulders and hips while supporting the lower back.
Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
- Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Saatva – Best Mattress for Combination Side Sleepers
- Nectar Premier – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
- WinkBed – Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Nolah Evolution – Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Saatva Rx – Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain
- Titan Plus Luxe – Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers
- Leesa Sapira Chill – Best Affordable Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
Key Highlights
- The best mattress for side sleepers is soft or medium-firm with plenty of body contouring and cushioning at the shoulders and hips for optimal pressure relief.
- The mattresses we’ve included in this roundup range between $899-$2,499 for a queen-size bed.
- According to Nat Sci Sleep, over 50% of people sleep on their side, making it the most popular sleeping position. Research studies affirm side sleeping as the best position for people with breathing problems, sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- On side sleeping, Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta says “Pressure relief through contouring materials like memory foam, along with proper spinal alignment, is crucial. A supportive core prevents excessive sinking, body contouring, breathability and durability enhance comfort.”
Our Video Review of the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
What We Look For In The Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers
Pressure Relief
With the wrong mattress, the body can build up tension in key areas, making it more likely to experience back and joint pain. For side sleepers, pain is most common in the hips and shoulders. The mattresses on this roundup scored impressively on our pressure relief tests, showing low to zero pressure buildup in these areas. We also tested for motion isolation, or how much movement you will feel on the mattress when you’re in it, by dropping a ball and reading the motion transfer on a seismograph. These mattresses also performed well on this test, meaning you won’t be disturbed and caused to move around during the night, further helping with pressure relief.
Edge Support
When our experts refer to edge support, we’re simply talking to the strength of the mattress around the perimeter. When our testers determine that a bed has excellent edge support, it won’t compress too much when lying or sitting down on it. This lets us fully spread out and use the entire surface of the mattress. And since many side sleepers rest close to a mattress’s edge, we made it a point to include beds with strong edge support, so you feel secure across the entire surface.
Firmness
We score mattress firmness between 1 and 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Our testers determined that side sleepers should use a softer mattress, somewhere between a 3 out of 10 and 6 out of 10, to alleviate pressure at the hip and shoulder.
Compare the Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Helix Midnight Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Nectar Premier Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe | Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | -- | ✓ | -- | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- |
| Sleep Position | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Combination | Back & Side | Combination | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back & Side | Combination |
Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
At Sleepopolis, we’ve found that side sleepers require a unique balance of cushioning for their shoulders and hips, plus support for the lower back. Helix provides both in its Midnight model, a bed designed for side sleepers. It has a comfort layer of memory foam (the cushioning) and another layer below of pocketed coils (the support). When we lie down on it, we get a slight lift that tells us this is a supportive mattress. And to measure its cushioning, we use a test called a pressure map. The way it works is simple: we roll out a specialized mat across the mattress, then lie down on in it in different positions. The mat then uses thermal imaging to create a “map” that displays how much pressure is being put on our bodies. When we laid on our sides, it showed very little pressure buildup at the shoulders and hips. As a side sleeper, this is what you want to see.
What our tester says: “I think the Helix Midnight is a nice choice for side sleepers that won’t put too much pressure on.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
What Customers Say
Online, customers have consistently recommended the Helix Midnight for its medium level of comfort and ease of ordering. The brand even has a sleep quiz on their website, which you can take for a tailored mattress recommendation. So if you’re still unsure whether or not the Midnight is the right bed for you, you can get some other suggestions. You can also test out the mattress in person at showrooms across the country operated by Helix’s brand partners. But the simplest and most convenient way to buy a Helix mattress is online.
“Super snuggly when I get into bed. Feels like sleeping on clouds. Love it. No pressure points on my hips and wake up rested.” – Gary J.
Verified Buyer 8/16/24
Highlights of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- For an extra charge, you can upgrade to the Helix Midnight Luxe, which comes with a soft pillow top and coils that offer zoned support. That means they’re firmer in certain spots of the mattress and softer in others which will help side sleepers feel more contoured.
- For hot sleepers, the Helix Midnight has several features to help regulate temperature, starting with a breathable cover of Tencel (a naturally cooling material sourced from eucalyptus) and ending with the coils, which have plenty of space for airflow.
- Couples should be comfortable on the Helix Midnight because of its cooling capabilities and strong edge support, which allows two bodies to spread out and use the whole surface of the bed but still feel supported if you both sleep on your side.
What to Keep in Mind about the Helix Midnight Mattress
- We don’t recommend the Helix Midnight to most heavy sleepers. These folks need more support than lightweight or average weight sleepers, and they’re not likely to get it here. They’d be better off on the Helix Plus — the brand’s bed specifically designed for larger body types over 250 pounds.
Company Information
Customer Service Information
- Phone: Available 11am – 6pm ET, Monday to Friday at 831-777-5976
- Email: help@helixsleep.com or use their contact form
- Live chat: Available 10am – 10pm ET, Monday to Sunday
- Visit in person: View partner showrooms
Payment Options
Helix offers several forms of payment on their website through Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express as well as Google Pay, PayPal, Shop Pay, and Amazon Pay. You can also finance their mattresses through the Affirm financing program.
Helix also offers a 30% off site wide + 2 free pillows discount to military members, first responders, students and teachers.
Click here to get our best deal on the Helix Midnight or view our full Helix Midnight mattress review. Or if you’re interested in some other options, you can check out our best mattresses page.
Saatva – Best Mattress for Combination Side Sleepers
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you switch between sleeping on your side and sleeping on your back or stomach, you’ll want a responsive mattress that makes it easy to change positions. We think you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Saatva, a luxury innerspring mattress with not one, but two layers of coils. These springs create a lot of bounce and responsiveness, and when we laid down on the bed and rolled around, we were able to shift sleeping positions without a problem. The bed is available in three different levels of firmness: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. Since side sleepers (even combination side sleepers) tend to need more softness at their shoulders and hips, we recommend they opt for the Plush Soft. Regardless of which model you choose, the mattress is capped with a Euro top that gives you a little bit of contouring — another plus for side sleepers.
Other folks who might enjoy the Saatva’s responsiveness are couples, as long as they’re not light sleepers (more on that in our Cons section below). The bed’s bounce makes it a good option for sex, as it allows partners to move around and switch positions. They should also appreciate the support of the springs, which should have no problem lifting up two bodies.
What our tester says: “Like light side sleepers, average-weight side sleepers will want to try the Plush Soft model instead of the Luxury Firm in order to get more contouring around their shoulders and hips. However, I think the Luxury Firm could work for some combination side sleepers who don’t spend the whole night in this sleeping position.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
What Customers Say
When seeing what customers had to say about the Saatva, we noticed many folks praising the support of the coils and the brand’s customer service. Saatva also offers free white glove delivery, meaning that they’ll send someone to not only deliver your new mattress, but set it up in your bedroom. And because the company’s mattresses are uncompressed and don’t come in a box, there’s no off-gassing period, and you can use it right away. But if you insist on wanting to first try out a Saatva in person, you can do so at their viewing rooms in New York, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, and other major cities.
“We love our Saatva mattress and are questioning why we waited so long. Ww suffer from back, shoulder, and joint pain and are waking up rested and pain free. I can’t recommend it enough. The customer service and support during our purchase was excellent.” – Jessica
Verified Buyer 11/04/23
Highlights of the Saatva Mattress
- The Saatva mattress comes in various levels of firmness, which is great for combination side sleepers as you can pick which level of firmness best suits your comfort needs when moving throughout the evening.
- The Saatva’s double layer of coils gives the bed strong edge support. This means you can sleep right against the edge of the mattress without feeling like you’re going to fall off.
- The Saatva sleeps cool, thanks to the high number of coils in its construction. Coils leave lots of space in the mattress, allowing air to flow freely throughout the bed.
What to Keep in Mind about the Saatva Mattress
- While the Saatva’s responsiveness makes it easy to switch positions, it also gives the bed high motion transfer. That means it’s easy for motion to ripple across the bed. If you share your mattress with a partner and either one of you are light sleepers, you may be woken up by each other’s tossing and turning. A memory foam mattress that muffles motion — such as the Nectar Premier — might be a better fit.
Company Information
Customer Service Information
- Phone: 877-672-2882
- Email: info@saatvamattress.com
- Chat: Available on their website 24/7
- Visit in person: Viewing Rooms
Payment Options
Saatva accepts various payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal and Google Pay. You can also pay in installments through Affirm’s financing program.
Saatva also offers a $225 off of $1000 discount for different groups of people like military members, 65 and above, healthcare professionals, students, teachers, first responders and government employees.
Sold on the Saatva Classic? Get our best deal here or read our full Saatva mattress review. Check out our other top picks for the best mattress for combination sleepers if you’re still searching.
Nectar Premier – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Nectar Premier is a luxurious all-foam mattress equipped with quality materials. A moisture-wicking cover and gel-infused comfort layer create a cooling, thermoregulating mattress for hot sleepers. Perhaps its strongest attribute is its next-level pressure relief. Six inches of foam work to contour sensitive areas, but the high-density foam at the bottom of the bed provides plenty of support. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“My favorite thing about the Nectar Premier is its great pressure relief. This medium-soft mattress is a great fit for side sleepers looking for plush comfort. It might also be a nice fit for sleepers who deal with shoulder pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
We often recommend memory foam mattresses to side sleepers, as the material can provide a lot of softness and contouring at the shoulders and hips, where these folks put the most pressure. They should be extremely comfortable on the Nectar Premier, which starts off with a thick top layer of therapeutic memory foam to contour the body’s pressure points. When took a look at our pressure map results, the graphic showed little pressure at the shoulders and hips, telling us that the Nectar Premier really is doing its job.
What our tester says: “I found the Nectar Premier to be a medium-soft mattress, and gave it a 6 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. For reference, the industry standard for medium-firmness is 6.5 out of 10. The Premier offered plenty of pressure-relieving sinkage, and felt great when I was on my side and back.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
What Customers Say
On Amazon, several customers have commented positively on the Nectar brand’s value prices (more on that below), as well as the foam’s ability to relieve pain in the joints. Some folks also found it to be more supportive than the typical memory foam mattress. If you want to test out a Nectar Premier in person, they stock their mattresses in the showrooms of over 4,000 brand partners throughout the United States, including Mattress Firm and Bed Pros.
“I researched many mattresses for side sleepers that specifically had chronic shoulder pain like me. All of my pains are now gone, especially the shoulder pain.” – John B.
Verified Buyer 8/25/24
Highlights of the Nectar Premier Mattress
- Shoppers can often find a queen-size Nectar Premier for around or a little under $1,000 after discounts. This makes the bed one of the more affordable luxury mattresses.
- The Nectar Premier’s memory foam is CertiPUR-US Certified, meaning it has lower Volatile Organic Compound emissions and is safer for sleepers.
- Below the memory foam is a firmer layer of high-density poly foam. This helps keep the spine in a neutral alignment and offer enough support across the body for side sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind about the Nectar Premier Mattress
- It can also be hard to change positions on memory foam mattresses. If you’re a combination side sleeper who needs to move around at night, you may find it hard to do so on the Nectar Premier. That said, the brand does offer the Nectar Premier Hybrid, which is a lot bouncier and more responsive.
Company Information
Customer Service Information
- Phone: (888) 863-2827 Available 7 days a week
- Email: support@nectarsleep.com
- Live chat: Chat available 8am to 4pm PST, 7 days a week
- View showrooms: Store Locations
Payment Options
Nectar offers fast and secure payments through Visa, Discover, Master Card, American Express, PayPal, AmazonPay with financing options through Affirm financing program and Split It program.
Nectar also offers an extra 5% off of their best onsite offer for military members, healthcare professionals and first responders.
Will Nectar Premier give you the most bang for your buck? Get our best deal here or learn more in our full Nectar Premier mattress review. Not sold on the Nectar Premier? Check out other best memory foam mattresses.
WinkBed Original – Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you’re a hot sleeper looking for a mattress to help cool you down, we’d like to steer you toward the WinkBed. It has a pocketed coil support layer that gives the mattress a traditional innerspring feel, but also plenty of room for airflow. To make things even cooler, there’s a cooling gel-infused Euro top. On the top layer of the mattress is a Tencel cover we found to be literally cool to the touch. The WinkBed should be great for a variety of sleepers, as it comes in several different models: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer (we tested the Luxury Firm). However, we believe the Softer model to be best for most side sleepers, as it should provide the best pressure relief for the shoulder and hip. Side sleepers who weigh a bit more may do better on the more supportive Luxury Firm.
To test the firmness and supportiveness of this mattress, we used our pressure map, which uses thermal technology to see where pressure is the most relieved when laying on a mattress. We found that the WinkBed, while possibly too firm in Luxury Firm, was a great choice for relieving back, shoulder, and hip pain in side sleepers. We also used a temperature reading gun to test the cooling so you can be sure this mattress will help keep you cool.
What our tester says: “After five minutes of lying on the WinkBed, it only increased by 7 degrees, which is a pretty good result. This indicates that the WinkBed offers good temperature regulation. That said, the moisture-wicking Tencel cover feels very breathable and airy when you rest on it.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
What Customers Say
On WinkBed’s website, many reviewers have lauded the mattress’s firmness and support. Several of these folks have pointed out that it’s especially good for sleepers who suffer from sciatica and back pain. If you want to test out the mattress yourself, WinkBed doesn’t have any of its own brick and mortar stores, but they do stock their mattress in 14 different brand partner showrooms across the United States.
“Fantastic mattress. It’s soft, but supportive. I have no issues sleeping in any position (usually side or back). If a bed is too hard my hips often hurt, but not with this bed. My kids have slept in the bed with me and my son says it’s the most comfortable bed. My boyfriend says he gets such fulfilling sleep with this mattress and is obsessed with it. Everyone who sleeps on this mattress loves it and sleeps great.” – Jennifer S.
Verified Buyer 7/7/24
Highlights of the WinkBed Mattress
- The WinkBed helps to keep sleepers cool while still supporting their back and hips, which are particularly important areas of support for side sleepers.
- The Tencel cover and pocketed spring construction help to keep the mattress cool and breathable for most of the night, which means you will not just feel supported but also temperature-regulated throughout the evening.
- You can also pay extra for the highly durable WinkBeds Plus, which was designed with heavy sleepers over 250 pounds in mind.
What to Keep in Mind about the WinkBed Mattress
- The WinkBed is priced higher than the average mattress, and might be too expensive for budget shoppers. A cheaper cooling option for side sleepers is the Cocoon Chill, which is available as both a memory foam model and a hybrid.
Company Information
Customer Service Information
- Phone: 855-946-5233 Available 8am – 7pm EST
- Email: info@winkbeds.com
- Live chat: Chat available on their website
- View showrooms: Store Locations
Payment Options
WinkBeds allows payments through different methods like Visa, Discover, American Express, Master Card, GooglePay, and ShopPay. They also offer financing options through Bread Pay and Katapult.
If you’re a military member or first responder, WinkBeds also offers an additional $50 discount on mattresses.
Think the WinkBed could be the right match for you? Get our best deal here or read our full WinkBed mattress review. Or you can look at some other options on our best cooling mattresses page.
Nolah Evolution – Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
Sleepers wanting a supportive and breathable mattress should try out the hybrid Nolah Evolution. It has several layers of cushiony foam to cradle pressure points at the shoulders, hips, and knees. These are areas of the body where side sleepers need the most pressure relief. Below that, a layer of patented HDMax Eco Support Coils creates additional relief and leaves room for air to flow through the construction. This helps the bed sleep cool throughout the evening.
As with all of our mattresses, we wanted to see how the Evolution performed under our trusty pressure map. When we laid on our side, the thermal imaging showed very little pressure at the shoulders and hips, confirming that it’s a fantastic fit for side sleepers.
What our tester says: “The Nolah Evolution reminded me of a mattress you’d find in a 5-star hotel. I found the Luxury Firm model to be comfy and pressure-relieving while side sleeping, but some strict side sleepers may want to opt for the Plush model for even deeper contouring.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
In their online reviews, several people have singled out the Nolah Evolution’s pressure-relieving abilities. One customer even described how their husband struggles with chronic hip and shoulder pain, but felt very comfortable on the Evolution after about three weeks. Customers wanting to try out the mattress themselves can do so at a handful of showrooms from Nolah’s brand partners, including the Online Mattress Showroom in Minneapolis.
“This mattress was perfect. It’s just the right amount of plush. I’m plus size and a side sleeper and don’t feel like I sink into that mattress at all. The shipping was simple and the setup was easy a well. Would buy from again next time I need a mattress.” – Jolene
Verified Buyer 9/25/24
Highlights of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- The Nolah Evolution has a soft pillow top that feels like sinking into a luxurious, plush cloud without compromising support. So it may help alleviate hip or shoulder pain, which is important for side sleepers.
- The layer of coils helps give the bed strong edge support, meaning sleepers should feel comfortable sleeping near the sides of the mattress, which is somewhere you might often find yourself if you sleep on your side.
- The Nolah Evolution’s foams keep it contouring and comfortable, and are adept at absorbing motion.
What to Keep in Mind about the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- The Nolah Evolution comes with a luxury price tag and may not be within everyone’s budget. If you’re looking for a cheaper hybrid for side sleepers, check out the Dreamfoam Hybrid.
Company Information
Customer Service Information
- Phone: 866-403-6615, 9am – 4pm CST, Monday to Friday
- Email: support@nolahmattress.com, 8-5 CST Monday-Friday
- Live chat: Available 8am – 5pm CST, Monday to Friday
- View showrooms: Store Locator
Payment Options
Nolah accepts payments from Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, Google Pay, Amazon Pay, PayPal, and Shop Pay. They also offer financing through Affirm’s financing program.
Nolah does not offer any additional discounts for groups of people.
Does the Nolah sound like the mattress of your dreams? Get our best deal here or read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. Need to do some more searching? Check out our roundup of the best hybrid mattresses.
Saatva Rx – Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
Designed specifically for sleepers with back pain and joint pain, the Saatva Rx features several layers that combine both foam and coils. This creates a blend of comfort and support throughout the entire mattress that’s cushioning enough for any aches and pains while still being sturdy enough for a neutral spinal alignment. Learn more in our Saatva Rx video review.
What our tester says:
“I found that this bed has a supportive feel that easily works for people of all weights, but still feels plush and comfortable.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you’re looking for a luxury mattress made with high-quality materials, you may be interested in the Saatva Rx. The luxury feel of this mattress can be credited to its unique construction, which sandwiches foam modules between two layers of innerspring coils (one of microcoils and another of taller, individually pocketed coils at the bottom). At the top of the bed is a cushioning layer of gel-infused memory foam and an organic cotton cover.
In addition to giving the Saatva Rx an elegant feel and medium firmness, these materials create a mattress that’s supportive and cushioning in all of the right spots. For side sleepers, they should get the contouring they need at the shoulders and hips without feeling like they’re sinking too far into the bed. When we tested out the Saatva Rx in this position, we felt extremely comfortable. This was supported by our pressure map test, which showed mostly blue and just a touch of green while we were side sleeping.
What our tester says: “I think the Saatva Rx is a good match for average weight side sleepers. I felt my shoulder and hip were both well-cushioned while resting on my side on the Saatva Rx.” –Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
What Customers Say
Since the Saatva Rx is still fairly new mattress, there aren’t a ton of reviews for it just yet on the brand’s website (90 as of this writing). But the ones that are there come out to an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Four of these testimonials specifically call out the bed for being comfortable for those who suffer from hip pain.
“For years, I would get up an hour or two too early because of hip pain. Two weeks ago, I replaced my foam mattress with a Saatva Rx. The very first night I got up after about 3 hours for a trip to the toilet. My hips did not hurt and have been fine ever since.” – Tony
Verified Buyer 8/19/24
Highlights of the Saatva Rx Mattress
- The cushioning yet supportive construction of this mattress also makes it comfortable for back sleepers and stomach sleepers.
- The springs in the bed give it a good amount of bounce, which should make it easy for combination sleepers to switch positions.
- The springs also make plenty of room for airflow, making the Saatva Rx an effectively cooling mattress.
What to Keep in Mind about the Saatva Rx Mattress
- As a luxury mattress, the Saatva Rx is fairly expensive. If you want something slightly less pricey, we recommend the Saatva Classic (side sleepers should choose the Plush Soft model). You can also check out our page of the best affordable mattresses.
Company Information
Customer Service Information
- Phone: 877-672-2882
- Email: info@saatvamattress.com
- Chat: Available on their website 24/7
- Visit in person: Viewing Rooms
Payment Options
Saatva accepts various payment methods like Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal and Google Pay. You can also pay in installments through Affirm’s financing program.
Saatva also offers a $225 off of $1000 discount for different groups of people like military members, 65 and above, healthcare professionals, students, teachers, first responders and government employees.
Interested in the Saatva Rx? Get our best deal here or read our full Saatva Rx mattress review. Or you can look at some other options on our best luxury mattress page.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
The Bear Elite Hybrid was designed with athletes in mind, so it’s no surprise that it provides great support and pressure relief — both of which can help prevent back pain. In fact, when we rolled our pressure map across the mattress’s surface to see how much tension there was on our back, the map showed little to no pressure at all. This tells us that the Bear Elite Hybrid’s mixture of copper-infused memory foam, zoned comfort foam, and individually wrapped coils should work together to keep the spine in a neutral alignment. Whether you’re an athlete or not, this isn’t a bed that’s going to worsen your aches and pains while side sleeping.
Note: we tested the Medium model of this mattress, which came in on the firmer end. There’s also a Soft model, which could be a better option for side sleepers. But it depends on personal preference, as a slightly firmer mattress could be better for back pain.
What our tester says: “On my back, there is very little pressure buildup and only slight pressure around my hips and lower lumbar region, indicating that the Bear Elite Hybrid may work well to relieve pressure.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
What Customers Say
There are nearly 3,800 customer reviews of the Elite Hybrid on the Bear website. Although the overall star rating isn’t currently displayed, many of the reviews praise the bed for being comfortable for side sleepers. “The Bear Hybrid works well for both of us, providing a firm mattress, good side support, and workout recovery,” wrote one reviewer. As for trying out a Bear mattress in person, you can do so at select stores of their brand partners, including Brooklyn Bedding. But we think it’s easiest to purchase a new mattress online.
“Loving [the Bear Elite Hybrid] so far. Not sinking in like the old one and I can easily roll side to side and getting up. I’ve slept well – no back or shoulder aches. So I am well pleased.” – Cheryl R.
Verified Buyer 3/24/23
Highlights of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
- We scored the Medium model of the Bear Elite Hybrid a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, meaning it’s slightly firmer than the industry standard for medium firm. There’s also a Soft model and a Firm model, so side sleepers can choose the firmness model that feels most comfortable for them and helps them most with their back pain.
- Like many of Bear’s mattresses, the Elite Hybrid has an optional cover made of Celliant, a material that some studies show can assist with blood flow and muscle recovery. This is part of why Bear is so popular amongst athletes. However, we should note that we haven’t formally tested Celliant’s recovery properties ourselves, and that the technology can be added for a fee.
- The Bear Elite Hybrid’s mixture of copper-infused memory foam, zoned comfort foam, and individually wrapped coils are especially good at providing the necessary support and pressure relief for side sleepers with back pain.
What to Keep in Mind about the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
- Even with the layer of pocketed coils, the Bear Elite Hybrid may not be supportive enough for heavier stomach sleepers over 250 pounds. They should check out a bed designed specifically for heavy sleepers, such as the Big Fig.
- The Celliant cover that may help in blood flow and helps with cooling must be purchased separately for around $130.
Company Information
Customer Service Information
All forms of contact are available Monday through Friday, 10am to 6pm EST
- Phone: (844) 311-0035
- Email: support@bearmattress.com
- Live chat: Available on their website or through text
- View showrooms: Store Locator
Payment Options
Bear offers payment through most major credit card companies like Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover. They also offer payments through PayPal, Google Pay, Venmo and Shop Pay. If you’re interested in paying in installments, they also offer financing options through Affirm and Shop Pay financing programs.
If you are a military member, first responder, healthcare professional or teacher, you can get 40% off on all Bear products.
Ready to hibernate on the Bear? Get our best deal here or read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. You can also see our page of the best mattresses for back pain for more options.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain
The Brookyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress is one of Brooklyn Bedding’s more high-end mattresses. It’s got a ton of cooling features in it that can help hot sleepers sleep cool all night. It’s also available in three different firmnesses, so it can accommodate all of the sleeping positions. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“First and foremost, I’d recommend this mattress to hot sleepers. This bed sleeps nice and cool thanks to special phase change technology and gel infusions. The Aurora Luxe is also a nice pick for back sleepers. This mattress in the Medium model is medium-soft, so it should contour the hips while also lifting them into alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Because side sleepers put most of their weight on their hips and shoulders when they lie down, we’ve found that they may end up with hip pain if they don’t have a mattress that properly contours these areas. Brooklyn Bedding’s hybrid Aurora Luxe model tackles this issue head-on by offering three different firmness levels — Soft, Medium, and Firm, with the Soft catering to folks who sleep on their side. For visual proof, we rolled out our pressure map, which uses thermal imaging to display how much pressure a mattress is putting on the body. When we laid on our side on the Medium model, we saw some slight pressure buildup at the hips, but side sleepers should get all the pressure relief they need on the Soft model.
Note: we tested the Medium model of this mattress, which came in on the firmer end. There’s also a Soft model, which could be a better option for side sleepers. But it depends on personal preference, as a slightly firmer mattress could be better for back pain.
What our tester says: “I really loved the Aurora Luxe’s gentle, luxurious feel. The soft pillow top contours your hip and shoulder, providing great relief around those pressure spots. I felt really comfortable on the Medium mattress model on my side, but I think the Soft model could be even more soothing for sleepers with hip pain. – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
With over 3,000 reviews on their website, Brooklyn Bedding clearly has a lot of vocal customers. And when it comes to the Aurora Luxe, they had plenty of good things to say, especially around the mattress’s cooling ability and easy delivery. Several folks said that this bed-in-a-box is tightly rolled when it’s brought to your door, making it easy to transport and unpack. That being said, you can also try it out yourself in one of Brooklyn Bedding’s physical store locations. These showrooms are scattered across the U.S. in many states, including California, Florida, and Arizona, where the company is headquartered.
“Most comfortable bed I’ve tried. As a side-sleeper who’s experienced shoulder pain and been awoken many nights due to sleeping in uncomfortable mattresses. This has been a game changer” – Glenn W.
Verified Buyer 7/16/24
Highlights of the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe Mattress
- Hot sleepers, take note: the cover is made of a special Phase Change Material that helps folks sleep cool. The coils promote airflow, so the support layer helps you keep a low temperature.
- Side sleepers should also be comfortable on the Aurora Luxe, with the coils helping keep their spine neutrally aligned.
- Because the Aurora Luxe is responsive, cooling, and good at isolating motion, it should be an excellent choice for couples. However, we should point out that it doesn’t have the strongest edge support. If you sleep with a partner, you may want to opt for a king size so you have plenty of room to spread out.
What to Keep in Mind about the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe Mattress
- This mattress might not be supportive enough for heavier folks weighing over 250 pounds. Instead, check out the Titan Plus mattress, Brooklyn Bedding’s model made for heavy people.
Company Information
Customer Service Information
All forms of contact are available Monday through Friday, 9am to 9pm EST
- Phone: (623) 624-1222
- Email: support@brooklynbedding.com
- Live chat: Available on their website or through text
- View showrooms: Store Locator
Payment Options
Bear offers payment through most major credit card companies like Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover. They also offer payments through PayPal and Amazon Pay. If you’re interested in paying in installments, they also offer financing options through Affirm.
If you are a military member, teacher, or student you can get 30% off and free shipping on all Brooklyn Bedding products.
Sold on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora mattress? Get our best deal here or read our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review. Not sure it’s right for you? See more of the best mattresses for hip pain to find your perfect fit.
Titan Plus Luxe – Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers
The Titan Plus Luxe provides a sturdy and supportive, but still comfortable and luxurious sleep experience for heavy sleepers. The medium-firm feel can work for heavy back and side sleepers, but can also work for some light and average weight folks too. This means mixed-weight couples particularly might enjoy this mattress, especially since it has excellent motion isolation and strong edge support. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you’re a heavy sleeper looking for a bed made of high-quality materials, the Titan Plus Luxe is a great option for you. It’s built to last and should do a great job supporting heavier sleepers, especially back, side, and combination sleepers.” – Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester