If you sleep on your side, choosing the right mattress can be crucial for comfort and spinal alignment. Side sleepers need a healthy balance of cushion and responsive support. Too much of either can eventually lead to back or shoulder pain. Look for a mattress that relieves pressure in the hips and shoulders without allowing you to sink too deep into the bed.
Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight’s medium firm (6) hybrid construction is a solid fit for side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds. Plush on the surface with a supportive base, the mattress delivers plenty of cushioning for the shoulders and hips without excessive sinkage beneath your midsection.
For a deeper dive into what to look for when choosing a bed, check out our guide to the best mattresses. And if you’re already experiencing back pain while sleeping on your side, we also have mattress recommendations just for you.
The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Dr. Breus on Buying Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Read on to see why the following seven options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattresses for side sleepers.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
Helix Midnight
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Created with side sleepers in mind, the Helix Midnight checks all of the important boxes for people who primarily use this position. Plush foams cushion the shoulders and hips, while sturdy pocketed coils prevent your body from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
Buy from Helix
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Plush and Responsive Surface
Great Value
Pros
- Adaptive foams create a cushy, pressure-relieving surface
- Reinforced perimeter coils reduce sinkage along the edges
- Below-average pricing and free shipping to all 50 states
Cons
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may not receive enough support
- Foam layers emit strong off-gassing smells for the first few nights
Helix specializes in mattresses geared toward specific body types and sleep positions. Although the Helix Midnight was originally intended for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, our hands-on tests show this versatile, medium firm (6) foam hybrid can accommodate a wide range of sleeper types. Couples, people with frequent pain or pressure points, and those who enjoy sleeping along the edges of their mattress should also enjoy the Midnight.
Why We Like It
After testing the Midnight, our team found that the mattress is well suited to side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and back and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds. If you fall outside these ranges, Helix’s standard hybrid line includes five other models that may better meet your needs. Take the company’s online mattress quiz to find your ideal match.
The Midnight earned solid ratings for temperature control, pressure relief, motion isolation, and edge support. Although some of our testers sank when moving on the mattress, most found the surface adequately responsive and didn’t feel stuck. Off-gassing odor is somewhat strong after the mattress is unboxed, but these smells should dissipate within 48 hours.
How Does It Feel?
The Midnight contains a memory foam comfort layer, polyfoam transitional layer, and pocketed coils with reinforced edge support. A light contour from the foam layers helps ensure comfortable cushioning without too much sink, and the coils provide strong overall support and a gentle bounce to help you move across the surface with ease. Standard covers are composed of knit polyester, but you can upgrade to a cooling GlacioTex fabric for an additional fee.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Nolah Evolution 15
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Nolah Evolution 15 combines a thick comfort system with robust, multi-zone coils. The result is a hybrid that nicely balances cushioning, support, and bounce, and you can choose between three firmness levels to further optimize your sleep surface.
Buy from Nolah
Side Sleepers
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Plush Surface
Good Value
Pros
- Deep foam layers offer next-level cushioning and weight distribution
- Three firmness levels to accommodate side sleepers in different weight groups
- Coils are zoned to deliver extra support beneath your midsection
Cons
- High potential for strong initial off-gassing
- All returns incur a $99 fee
“Comfort” is a subjective quality, but some mattresses come closer to achieving a universally comfortable design than others. The Nolah Evolution 15 is a prime example. This luxury hybrid is built with four foam layers over a sturdy coil system with zoned support for your torso and hips. Three firmness levels are available, so most side sleepers will be satisfied with the mattress regardless of their body type.
Why We Like It
Side sleepers on our team weighing under 130 pounds preferred the plush cushioning and close contour of the medium (5) Evolution 15. Many of those between 130 and 230 pounds also found this design comfortable, but some preferred the more balanced feel of the medium firm (6) model or the ultra-supportive build of the firm (8) design. We recommend taking full advantage of Nolah’s 120-night sleep trial to ensure the Evolution 15 you choose meets your needs.
Temperature control was one performance area where the mattress excelled. All four foam layers have an open-cell composition and are engineered to minimize heat buildup. The coils promote steady airflow and the cover is made of organic cotton with moisture-wicking ArcticTex fibers. Other testing highlights include strong edge support and above-average motion isolation.
How Does It Feel?
The Evolution 15’s four foam layers are progressively denser from top to bottom, making the mattress feel invitingly plush when you get into bed but resistant to deep sinkage as your body settles. Pocketed coils and dense base foam make up the support core. The coils are zoned to feel sturdier beneath your midsection, and reinforced along the perimeter to keep the edges even when you get on and off the mattress. At 15 inches thick, the mattress is considered a high-profile model and requires a fitted sheet with deep pockets.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
WinkBed
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Side sleepers are susceptible to pressure buildup in their shoulders and hips, so a mattress that alleviates these sore spots is a top priority for many. The WinkBed is a safe bet because you can choose from four firmness levels — and if you don’t like your first choice, you can exchange it for a softer or firmer model at no extra charge.
Buy from WinkBeds
Couples
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Plush Surface (Medium Soft)
Good Value
Pros
- Zoned coils and foam comfort layers excel at pressure relief for side sleepers
- Cover made with breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel fabric
- Available in four firmness levels
Cons
- Limited options for those who prefer exceptionally soft mattresses
- The soft firmness option can be a bit difficult to move around on
The WinkBed combines dense, adaptive comfort layers with zoned pocketed coils, and the result is a mattress that cushions and supports your body in equal measure. You can choose from four firmness levels, including a “Plus” design specifically geared toward people who weigh more than 230 pounds.
Why We Like It
The WinkBed is a testing team favorite because each design feels distinct and caters to different types of sleepers. Our side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds preferred the medium soft model because the foam layers contour closely. Those weighing 130 to 230 pounds found the medium firm design more comfortable — this one contours to a moderate extent and resists sinkage well. If you’re a side sleeper who weighs more than 230 pounds, the firm and “Plus” models should both meet your needs.
The zoned coil system is a defining feature of the WinkBed. No matter how much you weigh, chances are your chest, stomach, and hips need more support than the rest of your body. By placing thicker coils under these areas, the WinkBed can keep your entire body on an even plane without feeling too rigid beneath your head and legs. We also awarded the mattress favorable ratings for temperature control across all four firmness levels.
How Does It Feel?
Standard WinkBed models are available in medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7) designs. These mattresses begin with a layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the Euro-top cover, followed by a second foam layer for additional cushioning. The WinkBed Plus (8) swaps out the second foam layer for 2.5 inches of zoned latex, so this model feels bouncier and doesn’t conform as closely as the other three. The coils are divided into three zones with thicker springs resting beneath your torso and hips. This ensures extra reinforcement where most people carry the bulk of their weight and gentler cradling elsewhere. A breathable Tencel cover wicks away moisture on the surface.
Best Mattress for Hip Pain
Bear Elite Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
With a contouring memory foam surface, zoned support layers, and three firmness options, the Bear Elite Hybrid seems tailor-made for side sleeping. The extra reinforcement beneath the torso and hips can be a game-changer if you experience pain or pressure points with this sleep position.
Buy from Bear
Hot Sleepers
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Close-Conforming Foam
Good Value
Pros
- Memory foam creates a cushy, adaptive surface that cushions sore spots
- Multi-zone transitional and coil layers deliver extra support where it’s needed
- Available in three firmness levels
Cons
- Initial off-gassing odor can be overpowering
- Those seeking an exceptionally soft mattress may not be satisfied with any of the firmness options
Despite being the most popular sleep position, side sleeping can often cause pressure to build in the shoulders and hips. The Bear Elite Hybrid is a safe bet for pressure-prone side sleepers thanks to its thoughtful foam-over-coil design. Plush memory foam cushions and cradles your body, but zoned construction in the transitional foam and coil layers prevent you from sinking too deeply into the mattress. You can choose from three firmness levels to further fine-tune the comfort level of your sleep surface.
Why We Like It
The Luxury Plush Elite Hybrid rates as medium, or a 5 on our 10-point firmness scale. This model earned its highest ratings from side sleepers under 230 pounds — these sleepers tend to benefit the most from deep contouring. If you need extra support from your sleep surface, we recommend the Firm (8) design. Side sleepers over 230 pounds found this model quite comfortable. Those seeking a balance of cushioning and bounce should opt for the Luxury Firm (6), which earned solid marks from side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds.
Each firmness option offers unique strengths. The Luxury Plush excelled at motion isolation and pressure relief, two areas where hybrids often underperform. We found the Luxury Firm also isolates motion well and alleviates pressure, but this model feels more stable along the perimeter than its softer counterpart. The Firm model is the bounciest, so you should have an easy time moving across the surface. All three scored stellar ratings for temperature control.
How Does It Feel?
Depending on which firmness level you choose, the Elite Hybrid may feel cushy and adaptive, contour lightly, or maintain a flat surface when bearing weight. We recommend choosing a design that best corresponds to your body type. Bear allows you to exchange your initial selection free of charge for a softer or firmer model during the trial period, so there isn’t too much pressure to make the right selection the first time.
The Elite Hybrid begins with a layer of memory foam infused with cooling gel intended to keep the surface cool. A polyfoam transitional layer provides additional cushioning, but this material is divided into five firmness zones to ensure strong pushback beneath your midsection — this is key to alleviating shoulder and hip pain. The coils are also zoned in the same manner. A breathable, heat-dissipating cover encases the mattress.
Best Value Mattress
Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Available in two firmness levels to accommodate side sleepers in different weight groups, the Eco Terra uses responsive organic latex and zoned coils to maintain an even sleep surface. This design ensures optimal alignment and fewer pressure points along the spine.
Buy from Eco Terra
Combination Sleepers
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6)
Responsive Latex
Good Value
Pros
- Zoned coils and Talalay latex distribute weight evenly
- Breathable wool, latex, cotton, and coils help regulate temperature
- Available in two firmness levels
Cons
- Latex lacks the close contouring of foam
- Bouncy surface transfers some motion
- Provides less pressure relief than some hybrids
Side sleepers can have trouble maintaining spinal alignment on a mattress that sinks too much beneath the weight of their midsections and shoulders. The Eco Terra combats this issue with zoned coils and responsive cushioning to help keep the body on an even plane.
Why We Like It
You can choose between two firmness levels: medium (5) and medium firm (6). Our testing found the mattress best suited to side and back sleepers, but testers preferred different models depending on their body type. Side and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds enjoyed the softer model. Meanwhile, the firmer model suited side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers may also enjoy the medium firm model, but those weighing more than 230 pounds may need a firmer mattress.
Both models excelled in several tests, including temperature control and ease of movement. Thanks to the use of breathable cotton, wool, latex, and coils, the mattress felt extremely comfortable for our hot sleepers. Our heat guns detected minimal heat buildup on the surface. Couples who prioritize responsiveness for sex should also enjoy the mattress. We could move across the surface without restriction or slipping off at the edges.
How Does It Feel?
The Eco Terra’s comfort system begins with a layer of GOTS-certified organic wool that offers a bit of surface cushioning while acting as a natural fire barrier. Underneath is a layer of Talalay latex that cradles, rather than adapts, to your body to alleviate pressure buildup. Since latex is naturally responsive, it also traps less heat than materials like memory foam. Pocketed coils make up the support core. Thicker gauge coils are zoned in the center of the mattress to prevent uncomfortable sagging and along the mattress perimeter for enhanced edge support. A breathable cover made from GOTS-certified organic cotton encases the mattress.
Best Mattress Firmness Options
DLX Premier Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Nailing down your ideal firmness is key to getting a good night’s sleep, and some mattresses don’t give you many options. The DLX Premier Hybrid lets you choose from three firmness levels ranging from medium soft to firm, as well as a split design with a different feel on each half of the bed.
Buy from DLX
Couples
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Close-Conforming Foam (medium soft)
Fair Value
Pros
- Adaptive foam excels at pressure relief for side sleepers
- Available in four firmness levels, including a dual-firmness option
- Strong edge support due to reinforced perimeter coils
Cons
- Soft option lacks strong edge support
- Firm feel not available in dual-firmness option
If you’re looking for a mattress with a wide firmness selection, the DLX Premier Hybrid is available in four distinct designs. You can choose from standard models with medium soft (4), medium firm (6), or firm (8) feels. If you and your partner have different firmness preferences, you can also opt for a split model that feels medium soft on one half of the bed and medium firm on the other.
Why We Like It
The DLX Premier Hybrid impressed the side sleepers on our testing team, though they were divided as to which firmness best met their needs. Side sleepers under 130 pounds preferred the medium soft feel, those weighing 130 to 230 pounds awarded the highest marks to the medium firm model, and those over 230 pounds felt adequately supported on the firm model. Our team found that each version of the DLX Premier Hybrid performed well in certain testing areas. If motion isolation and pressure relief are your top priorities, we recommend the medium soft model. The medium firm and firm designs performed better in categories like ease of movement, edge support, and temperature control.
How Does It Feel?
How the Premier Hybrid feels depends on which firmness you choose. The medium soft design contours closely to cradle your body, but may sink too much if you weigh more than 230 pounds. Side sleepers in this weight group should consider either the medium firm model, which conforms to a moderate extent, or the firm model, which feels exceptionally supportive and contours very little.
The dual-firmness design is an intriguing alternative for co-sleepers who need different cushioning levels. This option shares the same price-point as the other three, so you won’t pay more for the split style. Robust coils ensure a relatively stable base for the mattress no matter which firmness you choose. A reinforced perimeter cuts down on sinkage when you sit or lie along the edges. Another notable feature is the layer of viscose fiber batting sewn to the cover, which creates bursts of cooling directly beneath the surface.
Best Luxury Mattress
Sonu Sleep System
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Sonu Mattress has a channeled design specifically intended to help side sleepers rest comfortably without experiencing pressure buildup in their shoulders. The softer feel and all-foam design are particularly well suited to side sleepers under 130 pounds.
Buy From Sonu
Side Sleepers
Medium Soft (4)
Close-Conforming Foam
Fair Value
Pros
- Built-in space for the shoulders and arms specially designed for side sleepers
- All-foam construction excels at pressure relief and motion isolation
- Available in three firmness levels
Cons
- Edges may be prone to sagging on plush model
- Prone to heat buildup
The Sonu Mattress uses an innovative design specifically made to combat pressure buildup in a side sleeper’s shoulders. A unique Comfort Channel at the head of the bed allows you to place your arms inside the mattress to avoid crunching them under a pillow or cranking the neck.
Why We Like It
Thanks to its innovative design, medium soft (4) feel, and all-foam construction, our side-sleeping testers awarded the Sonu its highest ratings. Our testers noticed very little pressure buildup in their shoulders thanks to the Comfort Channel, while the body of the mattress prevented sore spots in their hips. The foam layers also absorb most movement transfer and noise, making the mattress a great choice if you share the bed with a restless sleep partner. You should notice fewer disturbances from your partner’s nightly movement.
How Does It Feel?
The mattress includes four support pillows featuring four layers of polyfoam each. These pillows sit in the Comfort Channel to support the head while allowing enough room for your arms to rest inside comfortably. The mattress body’s comfort system begins with a layer of gel-infused polyfoam that alleviates pressure points. This layer’s gel infusion is meant to keep the surface cool to the touch. Underneath is a second layer of polyfoam that enhances pressure relief while preventing your body from sinking too deeply into the mattress. This layer rests over high-density polyfoam, which reinforces the sleep surface. A soft stretch knit cover encases the mattress.
What Kind of Support Do Side Sleepers Need From Their Bed?
Support refers to how well a mattress promotes spinal alignment. To this end, the mattress should offer the right combination of firmness and contouring. For side sleepers, the mattress should offer cushion and pressure relief at the hips and shoulders, but also enough support to keep these areas from sinking too much. The mattress that offers the best support will vary depending on your weight and body type.
Side sleepers put more pressure on their hips and shoulders, which can cause real issues over time if their mattress is too firm – or so old it is no longer supportive. Look for a mattress on the soft to medium-firm side that offers contouring while also providing support.
What Should Side Sleepers Consider in a Mattress?
When shopping for a mattress, side sleepers should consider a number of factors in relation to their personal needs, preferences, and body type.
Mattress Type
The most common mattress designs are foam, innerspring, hybrid, latex, and airbeds. Each uses different materials which affect performance for side sleepers.
In all-foam mattresses, one or more comfort layers of memory foam or polyfoam rest above a core of high-density polyfoam. Foam mattresses normally excel at contouring, motion isolation, and pressure relief.
Hybrid mattresses combine comfort layers of foam or other materials with a support core of pocketed coils. The design aims to balance cushioning comfort layers with a more responsive support core. While the comfort system contours to relieve pressure, the coils add bounce, responsiveness, and breathability.
Traditional innerspring mattresses, which consist solely of a spring core and a cover, are less common these days. This design lacks the pressure relief that side sleepers need for proper spinal alignment. However, some manufacturers now use the terms innerspring and hybrid interchangeably. If you’re considering a hybrid or innerspring bed, we recommend choosing a model with enough contouring to support the spine and prevent pressure buildup.
Latex mattresses are constructed from either Dunlop or Talalay latex, both of which provide a surprisingly responsive surface. While latex doesn’t conform to the body like foam, it still offers a moderate amount of cushion. Since the material also springs back quickly when the sleeper moves, our testers often give latex mattresses exceptional marks in ease of movement. Additionally, latex’s open-cell structure increases airflow to promote cooler sleep.
Mattress Firmness
We rate mattresses on a 10-point firmness scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 the firmest.
In general, side sleepers tend to prefer mattresses that fall somewhere in the middle, between 4 (medium soft) and 7 (medium firm). They need a mattress that is responsive enough to prevent sinking, but which gives them extra cushion at the hips and shoulders.
Your ideal mattress firmness will vary according to your weight. In general, heavier sleepers will need a firmer mattress for proper spinal alignment.
Pressure Relief
Mattresses that provide pressure relief help lessen tension and impact at key points of the body. By doing so, they help keep the spine straight to prevent aches and pains. Side sleepers should choose a mattress that delivers pressure relief at their hips and shoulders.
Contouring
Contouring refers to how closely the mattress conforms to, or hugs, the sleeper’s body. For side sleepers, a mattress that cradles the body can help relieve pressure and further promote spinal alignment. Mattresses with contouring properties are especially helpful for side sleepers who experience aches and pains.
Breathability
Breathability relates to how well a mattress regulates temperature. Mattresses made from breathable materials such as cotton, latex, and coiled springs allow more air to circulate, which prevents heat retention.
On the other hand, foam traps heat. Many manufacturers infuse their foam layers with cooling gel or use covers that wick heat and moisture to counter this tendency.
Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Spine Aligned as a Side Sleeper
Besides choosing the right mattress, there are other simple steps that side sleepers can take to promote spinal alignment.
Use a Pillow With the Right Loft
A pillow’s loft refers to its height and thickness. Because it determines how much your head is elevated in relation to the rest of your body, loft can affect spinal alignment.
Side sleepers need a thicker pillow than most to maintain a straight spine. The best pillows for side sleepers generally have a medium to high loft that sufficiently cushions the head and neck without excess sinking.
Practice Healthy Sleep Posture
Maintaining proper posture while sleeping can go a long way in preventing spine alignment problems. For side sleepers, the pillow should rest between their ear and the bed. The top leg should be close to even with the bottom leg. Bending the knees slightly upward can reduce strain on the back.
Tuck a Pillow Between Your Knees
Side sleepers will benefit from tucking a pillow between their knees while they sleep. Elevating the top leg this way helps align it with the hips, pelvis, and spine. While any pillow works for this method, specialty knee pillows are also available.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
If you’re looking for a particular type of bed, like one with memory foam or latex, check out our more specific guides below.
How We Test
Our seasoned testing team assessed dozens of leading mattresses to identify the best options for side sleepers. We evaluated key factors like pressure relief, spinal alignment, and responsiveness across various mattress types and price ranges. Our testers span a range of body types and weights to ensure that our data is relevant for all types of sleepers. We continuously update our top mattress picks so side sleepers have current recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should replace your mattress when it begins to negatively impact your sleep, generally every six to eight years. Mattress durability varies according to quality and type of materials used, as well as maintenance and care. For example, foam varies widely in quality and durability, while latex can often last well beyond eight years.
Mattresses that range between medium soft and medium firm are generally best for side sleepers, who need a mattress that’s soft enough to cushion their pressure points, but firm enough to prevent excess sinking. That said, the ideal mattress firmness varies based on your body weight.
Side sleepers with hip and shoulder pain should choose a mattress that offers pressure relief and cushion in the painful areas without excess sinking. A mattress with contouring that cradles the body can further alleviate body aches. Memory foam is a great material to look for in a mattress if pressure relief is your top concern.
The best mattress for side sleepers with back pain should promote spinal alignment by providing a balance of firmness and cushion. The ideal balance of these properties varies according to your body weight, with heavier sleepers usually requiring a firmer mattress.
The healthiest sleeping position varies according to your body type and specific needs, but it should promote healthy posture and prevent pain. While all sleep positions have benefits and drawbacks, most adults prefer to sleep on their side. Back sleeping may help avoid skin irritation from your pillow and sometimes helps with lower back pain. Stomach sleeping causes more strain on the body, and requires sleepers to expend more energy breathing.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
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