When sleeping on your side, you will experience major benefits, including reduced back pain, improved digestion, and better breathing. For these reasons, sleeping on your side is beneficial for your overall health and wellbeing.
The best mattress for side sleepers are made from different types of materials and have unique features that provide back, neck, and shoulder pain relief. Foam offers contouring and pressure point relief for side sleepers and is a popular material. Memory foam is often used in mattress toppers to provide a customized shape. Latex mattresses have natural elements that conform to the contours of the body for advanced comfort. Mattresses with layers of memory foam, fibers, and support foam are ideal for accommodating side sleeper weight and size needs. Some mattresses feature cooling gel or carbon pads that regulate temperature at night, providing consistent support throughout the night.
If you’ve been looking to replace your old mattress or just want to upgrade, we’ve listed some of the best mattresses for side sleepers that will provide better support than a traditional mattress while still being plush and cozy.
- Best Value For Side Sleepers – Layla Mattress
- Most Comfortable Mattress For Side Sleepers – Nectar
- Best Overall – Helix Midnight
- Best for Back Pain – WinkBed
- Best Cooling Mattress For Side Sleepers – Idle Sleep Hybrid
- Best Pressure Relief Mattress For Side Sleepers – Nolah Original
- Best Memory Foam Mattress For Side Sleepers – Cocoon Chil
- Best Natural – Birch
- Best Mattress For Athletes – Bear Hybrid
Best Value For Side Sleepers
Layla Mattress
The Layla Mattress is an affordable option for sleepers looking to try an all-foam mattress that doesn’t require a box spring. Foam mattresses tend to be less expensive than most other mattress types, and the Layla’s value ranges from good to exceptional for its retail price.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| People who usually sleep hot on memory foam beds | Copper-infused memory foam for better temperature neutrality | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| Sleepers who are intrigued by flippable mattresses | Strong motion isolation and pressure relief | Queen, King |
| Couples | Unique flippable design | California King |
What Makes Layla Stand Outs?
The Layla Mattress is an all-foam model that will work for sleepers of different sizes. Side sleepers of up to 230 pounds will find firm comfort on one side of the mattress, while larger individuals can take advantage of a medium feel when choosing the other side. The top layer on both sides is 2 inches of copper-infused memory foam with great contouring properties.
We will always keep it simple because we still want you to sleep on a good bed this year. With Layla we know that you can actually have the good bed of your dreams.
Consumers have a wide range of options when it comes to selecting a mattress for back support. The Layla Mattress, designed for both side and back sleepers, provides enhanced support that can help reduce strain on muscles.
Its price-point is very fair considering the advanced structure of this mattress. Free shipping in the continental United States is also provided by Layla. For checking out the mattress, as well as a lifetime guarantee, you can get a 120-night sleep sample.
Most Comfortable Mattress For Side Sleepers
Nectar
The Nectar mattress was created for the average consumer. If you are looking for a mattress at an affordable price point, the Nectar is definitely worth considering. This mattress will not compete with high-end memory foam mattresses, but it does a great job for its intended use.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Side sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds | Relieves back pain and pressure points | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| Those who want a contouring mattress with a medium firm feel | 365-night sleep trial and forever warranty | Queen, King |
| People who want a high-quality mattress, but are shopping on a budget | Competitive price point | California King |
What Makes Nectar Stand Outs?
It is a mattress that gives you back the sleep that was lost with your old spring or foam mattress and helps you wake up feeling refreshed. The Nectar is an excellent option for back pain relief because it has a greater amount of memory foam, which has been shown to reduce joint pain and improve sleep quality. If you sleep on your side, the 5-inch cool gel memory foam will cradle you without overheating. The foams in this Nectar mattress also lead to good air circulation throughout the bed, so you won’t feel too hot or too cold in any temperature.
Nectar’s construction is inexpensive yet luxurious. With two high-quality foams and a coil system, this mattress delivers incredible value for its price. The combination of memory foam and gel foam results in body conformity while keeping sleepers cool at night.
A generous 365-night sleep trial is offered by Nectar, allowing you a whole year to test out the mattress. A lifetime warranty also protects the mattress. Nectar will repair a broken mattress at no cost for the first 10 years. They would patch or upgrade the mattress after the first 10 years with a $50 delivery fee either way. When the mattress has a flaw, this charge is waived.
Is the Nectar mattress right for you? We want to help you answer this question by giving you a detailed analysis. Read Nectar mattress review here.
Best Overall
Helix Midnight
Sleeping on your side is considered to be the most common sleeping position. There are major benefits to side sleeping, including reduced back pain, improved breathing, and better digestion. This makes sleeping on your side beneficial for your overall health and well-being.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| People who want a mattress with more bounce | Better temperature regulation | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| Those who tend to sleep hot | Memory foam contours and relieves pressure points | Queen, King |
| Side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds | Pocket coils add bounce and edge support | California King |
What Makes Helix Stand Outs?
The Helix Mattress was designed specifically with side sleepers in mind. I was about ready to give up on my mattress search when I came across the Helix Midnight. I had always had back pain when sleeping, and I wanted a mattress that would allow me to wake up the next morning without it. After I read all of the specs and reviews for this mattress, I decided I should at least give it a try.
It is not your average spring mattress. It is actually designed for side sleepers and has specially placed foam layers (and memory foam) to give you the comfort you need while still having great support at an affordable price! The outer layer is designed to alleviate one of the top three sleep issues: pressure on your shoulders and hips!
The first thing you’ll notice about the Helix Midnight mattress is its unique size. The standard mattress is 12” thick while the queen and king sizes are 14” thick. This makes the mattress more comfortable without sacrificing support or firmness. The bed comes with a variety of same day delivery options. This gives consumers who want a hassle-free experience the option to have their new bed dropped off, set up, and ready for use in as little as two hours.
Helix offers you 100 nights, with a 30-day break-in date, to check out the Midnight mattress. A 10-year warranty protects the mattress, but the buyer is liable for delivery expenses. Helix can refund up to $100 in delivery costs in the case of a flaw.
Is the Helix mattress right for you? We want to help you answer this question by giving you a detailed analysis. Read Helix mattress review here.
Best for Back Pain
WinkBed
The WinkBed is the ideal pick for sleepers of most sizes and preferences. It excels in edge support and comfort, while its availability in multiple firmness options ensures that every sleeper can find the perfect match. As far as quality hybrid mattresses are concerned, you won’t find a better selection than the WinkBed.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Those who tend to sleep hot | Strong airflow throughout mattress | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| Sleepers of any size and sleeping position | Pocketed coils provide motion isolation and excellent edge support | Queen, King |
| Couples | Coil-on-coil design accommodates common pressure points | California King |
What Makes WinkBed Stand Outs?
The WinkBed’s high-quality, customizable construction ensures that everyone who buys a WinkBed can find their ideal comfort level with minimal risk of buyer’s remorse. Sleepers should be able to order their bed confident in the knowledge that they’re making the best choice for their specific needs.
The WinkBed’s Plus model is the best choice for sleepers who are looking for targeted support and pressure relief. Sleepers have the option of different firmness on either side of the bed, making it a true hybrid.
Since the WinkBed is a hybrid mattress, it will sleep cooler than a traditional innerspring. The gel-infused foam and microcoils pull excess heat through the cover to prevent it from sticking around and affecting the sleeper. This is particularly beneficial to those seeking relief from hot flashes.
It also offers strong edge support, which is particularly important in those who like to sleep near the edges or who share their bed with a partner.
The WinkBed openly ships to the contiguous U.S. A 120-night sleep experiment benefits the mattress, which has a 30-night transition duration before a return can be started. A lifetime warranty also protects it.
Is the WinkBed mattress right for you? We want to help you answer this question by giving you a detailed analysis. Read WinkedBed mattress review here.
Best Cooling Mattress For Side Sleepers
Idle Hybrid
Idle Sleep’s Idle Hybrid mattress combines two sleep surfaces, a medium firm (6) side and a firm (7-8) side, with a shared support core for better spinal alignment. The medium firm (6) side on this mattress has 1.5″ of polyfoam to provide comfort and cushioning for the shoulders and hips.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Sleepers who enjoy the balanced feel of a hybrid | Hybrid construction delivers a comfortable balance of body-contouring and support | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| People who prefer a medium firm to firm feel for their mattress | 18-month sleep trial and lifetime warranty | Queen, King |
| Hot sleepers | Choose one firmness level for the mattress or a reversible design with a different feel on each side | California King |
What Makes Idle Hybrid Stand Outs?
It is a dual sided mattress with medium firm comfort on one side and firmer comfort on the other. Idle Hybrid’s two sleep surfaces are both layered with polyfoam comfort and transitional layers that conform to your body for a cool, comfortable nights’ sleep. Idle Hybrid also features 6″ of memory foam for pressure relief, a shared support core of 6″ pocketed coils that removes pressure points, adjustable bases compatibility, washable Knit cover, tempered steel rails and a 10 year warranty. Two Sides. One Bed.
The firmer side has 2″ of polyfoam and transitional layers to conform to your body shape and distribute your weight evenly across the sleep surface. A shared support core made of 6″ pocket coils helps reduce sinkage when you get in or out of bed.
Idle Sleep believes in finding a balance between comfort, support, and pressure relief. The Idle Hybrid is a flippable split-mattress that has one firm side for supported cool sleep and one medium firm side for maximum comfort in all sleeping positions.
Compared to other hybrid models, the Idle Hybrid has a rather fair price-point. In addition, Idle Sleep offers an 18-month sleep trial, one of the industry’s longest trial cycles, and has a lifetime warranty for the mattress. Land shipment within the contiguous U.S. is secure. For an extra fee, you can even select the full-service White Glove delivery.
Best Pressure Relief Mattress For Side Sleepers
Nolah Original
The Nolah Original mattress is a foam mattress made without memory foam. Since it is made without traditional memory foam, there is better air circulation around the body and less of a feeling of sinking into the mattress too deeply. This mattress was designed with side sleepers in mind, and offers pressure point relief for the hips and shoulders.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| People who like to sit or sleep on the edge of the bed | Wicks away heat and moisture | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| Those who want to support a charitable cause | High-resilience foam prevents sagging | Queen, King |
| Couples | High-end performance at a bargain price | California King |
What Makes Nolah Stand Outs?
The Nolah Original mattress is made without the use of traditional memory foam, improving air circulation while reducing excess heat buildup. The AirFoam™ top layer contours to the shape of the body while relieving pressure points, supporting the hips and shoulders. Compared with traditional memory foam, AirFoam offers air bubbles throughout—reducing heat buildup and breathing air into the mattress. A transition layer of high resilience foam adds support and bounce to the mattress. The high-density polyfoam base reinforces the Nolah mattress and helps prevent sagging over time.
As an additional bonus, for each mattress buy, Nolah donates to wildlife preservation organizations. The business provides a 120-night sleep trial with a 30-night break-in duration that is mandatory. The mattress is also covered by a 15-year guarantee.
Best Memory Foam Mattress For Side Sleepers
Cocoon Chill
The Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress is ideal for sleepers who need a gentle but firm surface that relieves pressure point pain. This mattress has multiple layers of foam, including a personalized comfort layer, which is either medium soft or firm depending on which firmness option you choose. Essential support layers are made with heavier foam. This adds resilience and durability to the Chill mattress.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| Side sleepers under 230 pounds who want to choose their firmness level | Two firmness options | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| People who tend to sleep hot | Provides pressure point relief | Queen, King |
| Those who value motion isolation | Phase change material cover dissipates heat | California King |
What Makes Birch Stand Outs?
Sleepers experience the refreshing feel of the Cocoon by Sealy Chill mattress. This all foam mattress has multiple layers of foam that cushion your pressure points, promote better sleep posture, and keep the spine aligned. The Chill is available in two firmness options: medium soft or extra firm, depending on your body type and preferred sleeping position. The Chill’s cover is made with a phase change material that absorbs and dissipates heat, keeping you cool throughout the night.
The all-foam construction of the Chill mattress offers impressive motion isolation, and the mattress is silent when bearing weight. This reduces the likelihood of sleep disturbances throughout the night, especially if you share the bed or are prone to changing positions.
The Sealy Chill Cocoon Mattress combines personalization and relaxation. It offers two firmness options, a comfort layer of Perfect Fit memory foam, and a phase change material cover to support your individual needs.
In the mattress industry, Sealy has a longstanding reputation. A 100-night sleep trial, with a 10-year extended warranty, includes the Cocoon Chill pad.
Best Mattress For Athletes
Bear Hybrid
The Bear Hybrid mattress combines elements of foam and innerspring mattresses to provide a medium firm feel that is ideal for side sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds.
| Ideal For | Highlights | Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| People of all body types and weights | Enhanced edge support | Twin, Twin XL, Full |
| People who sleep near the edge of the bed | Celliant cover aids in muscle recovery | Queen, King |
| Side sleepers who sleep hot | Coils add airflow and dissipate heat | California King |
What Makes Bear Hybrid Stand Outs?
This mattress is ideal for people who sleep on their sides. With all of the benefits of foam mattresses and the feel of an innerspring mattress, the Bear Hybrid provides back and side sleepers with a comfortable night’s sleep. The cover of this bed is outfitted with Celliant fibers to regulate heat and promote muscle recovery and healthy oxygen levels.
The responsive layers support the body while relieving pressure points, and the cover of the mattress is quilted with Celliant fibers which regulate temperature and promote muscle recovery and healthy oxygen levels. The hypersoft cooling gel foam draws heat away from the body, keeping side sleepers who tend to sleep hot comfortable.
Designed to target the needs of sleepers who prefer a medium firm, all-foam mattress with pressure relief and support, the Bear Hybrid is ideal for side-sleepers weighing more than 130 pounds. It provides pressure relief through responsive foam comfort layers that contour to the body yet provide enough support to relieve pressure points and keep the spine aligned.
For a premium hybrid mattress, the Bear Hybrid mattress is priced competitively. Bear provides a sleep trial for 100 nights for a 30-day break-in date. A 20-year extended warranty also includes the mattress.
Is the Bear mattress right for you? We want to help you answer this question by giving you a detailed analysis. Read bear mattress review here.
Does Sleeping On Side Affects?
Sleeping on your side is known to help you breathe easier while keeping your circulation flowing, but it may improve more than just your breathing.
While sleeping on your side is touted by the medical community as the best position for your body, for some it’s not easy to get into. Sleeping on your side can be tough at first for stomach sleepers, who tend to find themselves rolling onto their backs when they first try to go to sleep on their sides. This guide will provide tips and suggestions which may make it easier for you.
Sleeping on your side overnight is something many of us do every day, but it’s important to choose the right pillow to maximize comfort. While several sleeping positions may be best suited to using a specific type of pillow, a few general suggestions can help you choose a solid option for any kind of sleeper.
Mattress Firmness For Side Sleepers
Choosing the perfect mattress for side sleepers involves personal preferences and body type. But no matter your tastes in bedding, it’s important to know how a mattress will feel before you commit to one. Doing so will help ensure that you get a good night’s rest with no back pain. Not all mattresses are created equal .
People who sleep on their stomach usually prefer soft mattresses because they allow the spine to remain arched. This position typically promotes a leg crossed over the body, with lower back support provided by the mattress. Most soft mattresses use low- or medium-density foams as a comfort layer and an inner coil system built with soft steel for support. People who sleep on their backs and stomach tend to enjoy mattresses with a firmer feel. Bodies already sink in more than stomach sleepers’ and backs sleepers don’t want a mattress that is too soft and will cause vertebrae to misalign. A firmer mattress provides more support for the head, shoulders, hips, and feet while lessening pressure on the tailbone.
Different Types Of Mattress For Side Sleepers
Side sleepers need a mattress with contouring support and pressure relief. Back sleepers tend to prefer a firmer mattress while stomach sleepers rarely like to be anywhere near a traditional mattress. The best mattress for side sleepers will offer consistent support and contouring comfort.
There are four general mattress types: innerspring, memory foam, air, and hybrid. Within each type there are more specific mattress models available that will support your unique sleep position and pressure points for a better night’s sleep. In this article we’ll discuss the four general mattress categories and explain how these mattresses differ from one another and why they may or may not be a good fit for you based on your sleeping position.
Recommended Accessories For Sleeping on Your Side
Side sleeping can be uncomfortable for people who suffer from physical ailments or health issues. Side sleepers have to contend with their head, neck and shoulder muscles but a properly built mattress offers full-body support and contouring, as well as proper posture alignment. Further customizing the mattress with sleep accessories, including pillows and mattress toppers, can make side sleeping more comfortable.
Pillows
Pillows come in various sizes. It is important to choose the right size for you. Your pillow should be the correct height and depth to support your head and neck alignment when sleeping on your side. People with chronic neck and back pain can benefit from using a cervical pillow. Cervical pillows are designed to align your neck with your spine while sleeping on your side. This reduces contorting of the neck which takes stress off of your neck muscles, joints, ligaments, and discs. Based on sleep location, the following table details the perfect pillow loft.
| Sleeping Position | Recommended Pillow |
|---|---|
| Back | Medium |
| Side | Medium & High |
| Stomach | Low |
Mattress Toppers
Buying a mattress topper is common if you are unhappy with the level of comfort your mattress provides. These products can increase the level of contouring and pressure point relief your mattress already provides. This helps to alleviate back and joint pain by distributing body weight more evenly across the mattress. A variety of comfort layer materials enable mattress toppers to provide firmness options for everyone’s different preferences.
What To Look Before Buying Mattress For Side Sleepers?
The three most important factors to consider in a mattress for side sleepers are comfort, alignment and pressure relief. Most of the time, side sleepers will sacrifice back support for good hip, shoulder or head alignment. This is why you should pay closer attention when purchasing a mattress that is suitable for your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)