The 10 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers – 2023 Reviews & Ratings

Side sleepers have specific needs when it comes to their comfort and the components of their mattress. If you tend to sleep on your side, here are the most important factors to consider when shopping for a bed. 

“Contouring” refers to the material of the mattress conforming to the shape of your body when you lie down. A mattress with high contouring capabilities will mold to your silhouette, almost embracing you as you relax into it. This feature is especially important for side sleepers, as it helps relieve pressure around the shoulders and hips.

Of course, different mattresses will have different levels of contouring prowess. Some will compress deeply and contour impressively, whereas others might prioritize responsiveness over contouring.

A firm mattress is likely to have less contouring abilities than a very soft one. Memory foam beds are often considered the contouring champions, as this material molds handily around anyone (or anything) exerting force on top of it. Innerspring beds, on the other hand, do not contour nearly as well. 

As much as people enjoy sleeping on their sides, there's no denying that it causes a buildup of pressure around two key areas: the shoulders and hips. The downward force that side sleeping exerts on these relatively small zones can lead to discomfort and pain.

Therefore, a bed that suits side sleepers needs to be excellent at pressure relief. Its comfort layers should be able to absorb the pressure from these “sharp” parts of the body, resulting in a feeling of relaxation rather than strain on your joints or too much resistance from the bed. 

Mattresses made with foams and plush pillow tops lead the way in the pressure-relief department. Look for a bed that emphasizes its softness and its ability to cradle the pressure points that are most relevant to side sleepers.

Support is essential for healthy spine alignment as you sleep. So, even though softer beds feel the best for dedicated side sleepers, they shouldn't pursue plushness at support's expense. 

A mattress's main support system can come in many forms, from coil units to high-density foams. What's most important is that you feel reliably bolstered by the bed's foundation. When you're lying down, you shouldn't be at risk of “bottoming out” or sinking too deeply into the bed. 

To ensure that a mattress has the necessary amount of support for a side sleeper, you should test it out over several nights. Sometimes, a bed that feels extremely soft and cozy at first will reveal that it lacks proper support after repeated use.

Consider mattresses that pair soft comfort layers with durable support bases, and take advantage of multi-week sleep trials that come with most modern mattress orders.

Side sleepers also need to be mindful of mattress firmness, which is distinct from mattress support.

A bed that’s not firm enough will allow your body to press too deeply into it, throwing off your spinal alignment and placing more pressure on your joints. On the other hand, a bed that's too firm will feel uncomfortable and unyielding around the shoulders and hips.

Side sleepers usually go for mattresses on the softer side of our firmness scale, as these beds cushion the body's pressure points. But your bodyweight will also play a crucial role in determining the best feel for you.

Side sleepers will find that their experience of a bed differs greatly depending on their body weight.

Heavier folks may prefer a firmer mattress because it will resist an unpleasant sinking feeling. They’ll also need a bed with a weight capacity that will comfortably accommodate them, especially if they sleep with a partner.

That being said, they may still want an initially plush surface to the bed that cushions their shoulders and hips. The key is finding the right balance of softness and support. Thankfully, many brands have developed mattresses for heavy people that boast sturdy foundations, a firmer baseline feel, and meticulously developed support elements.

More petite side sleepers, on the other hand, will want to look at soft beds that make pressure relief their top priority. Lightweight people are very sensitive to unyielding surfaces, and will often feel like a medium-firm bed is a bit too hard for them.

We’ve discussed how important it is for side sleepers to find adequate pressure relief. But often, the foams that provide deep cushioning also retain a lot of heat.

When shopping for a mattress as a side sleeper, be sure to look at each model’s cooling features. For example, memory foam mattresses might be infused with gel or other cooling materials such as graphite or copper. Latex foam is usually quite breathable, and the coil units in innerspring and hybrid mattresses promote air flow.

Mattress covers can also help with cooling, whether they incorporate high-tech temperature-regulating materials or fabrics that breathe.

As more and more online mattress brands make their marks on the industry, shoppers must decide whether they’ll peruse beds at a brick-and-mortar store or online.

You may feel more comfortable shopping in-store because you’d prefer to speak face-to-face with a person about which bed will work best for you. Or, you may prefer not to speak with salespeople, many of whom work on commission and are motivated to sell higher-priced items when upgrades may not be necessary.

Additionally, as a side sleeper, you likely have specific pressure relief needs and will want to test a mattress before committing to it. Online companies offer generous trials that let you try the mattress at home—and you’ll probably have a more informed opinion of a bed after a few nights than after 15 minutes in a store.

When shopping for a new mattress as a side sleeper, look for models that have the pressure-relieving qualities you need at a price you can afford.

Don’t skimp when it comes to ensuring the repute of the materials. The comfort and support layers should be durable and, if possible, certified by distinguished outside organizations like CertiPUR-US®.

There are also considerations outside of craftsmanship and materials that might drive up the cost of a mattress. A direct-to-consumer online sales model can save you thousands on a mail-order bed, as their supply chain is much shorter. Oftentimes, a bed travels directly from a factory right to your door. Beds that compress and roll into boxes also save the companies on storage and shipping.

The takeaway? Evaluate your sleep priorities, and shop for a product that delivers in these categories. You might find you spend a lot less money than you originally budgeted.

Side sleepers can derive a lot of extra comfort from accessories that complement their choice of mattress.

• Pillows: The best pillows for side sleepers have a high “loft” and a medium firmness. They should be tall enough to keep your head and neck in line with the rest of your spine as you snooze. Side sleepers might also want to place an additional pillow between their knees to further promote healthy spine alignment.
• Mattress Toppers: A mattress topper meant for side sleepers can up the plushness of your mattress by a notable order of magnitude. Be sure to browse toppers that advertise their softness and pressure-relieving qualities, whether they incorporate foam, down, or a mix of the two.
• Bedding: Breathable, velvety sheets will always feel good no matter what sleeping position you prefer. Acquaint yourself with some of the different fabrics and weaves as you shop to maximize your appreciation for your bedroom setup.

The most common mattress types on the market include memory foam, innerspring, hybrid, and latex beds. Each variation has its advantages and disadvantages, and you will need to not only see how the construction works for your sleep position but also how it applies to other needs.

Memory foam is often the most popular choice when it comes to side sleepers. The best memory foam mattress offers specific benefits that are especially advantageous to this sleep style.

As mentioned earlier, contouring and pressure relief are important features side sleepers need to get from their bed.  Memory foam is touted as a top material for body conforming and pressure relief, which is why it’s often recommended for side sleepers. That being said, you’ll need to make sure the memory foam mattress you select is up to snuff. The softness should be adequate, but the support should not be compromised. Additionally, make sure that the foam is of high quality and that you do not get that trapped sensation typically indicative of lower-quality solutions. Lastly, those wanting the best mattress hot sleepers should make sure the memory foam comes with cooling additives like gel or copper.

The good news is that most manufacturers offer a trial period that gives you a plentiful amount of time to test out the mattress and see whether it is the right fit for you.

Innerspring constructions bring a significant amount of value to your mattress because of the convenience that they provide. First of all, the overall breathability and airflow of these mattresses are incomparable to anything else on the market. Additionally, the best innerspring mattresses are known for being quite supportive and reliable in this particular regard.

Of course, they do have their drawbacks. For instance, if the coils are not individually wrapped, you may not get the same level of individualized tailoring or pressure relief.

So, is this a good side sleeper option? Overall, some traditional innerspring mattresses may not be the best choice. The reason for this is simple – they bring in significant support, but there is a definitive lack of conformity in some models. This could put more pressure on specific points, and that’s not something that you ought to consider. 

Hybrids are a great solution for shoppers who have their eye on a bed with a built-in coil unit.

A hybrid mattress combines the reliable support brought by the steel coil system with more layers of foam for pressure-relief and added comfort. The type of foams in this beds varies, but side sleepers will likely prefer hybrids with high-quality memory foam layers on top.

Hybrids are also beneficial because they’re more breathable than all foam models. While many include cooling features in the cover and foam layers, the spring unit also provides added airflow to keep hot sleepers comfortable. So if you’re a side sleeper that needs more help to stay cool throughout the night, a hybrid could be a good fit. 

Lying on your side tends to produce the most pressure points because this narrow surface area is bearing your full body weight. To relieve pressure, foam tends to reign supreme, but some foams, especially traditional memory foam, might make you feel trapped or too hot. Latex is in many  new products because of its ability to address pressure points without holding your body in place or overheating.

The best latex mattresses are typically buoyant and allows lots of air to flow through it – qualities that help it remain temperature neutral and easy to move around on. Since the material is quick responding, it should immediately spring right back into its original shape. If you are a combo sleeper or an otherwise active sleeper, these constructions make repositioning easier. This is also helpful for those with mobility issues, who may have more difficulty getting in and out of bed. Furthermore, the bounciness of latex mattresses can be advantageous for sexually active couples who prefer this feature in their bed.

Not all latex is created equal and, depending on how it is processed, it can produce a remarkably different feel to suit different preferences and budgets. You can choose naturally-sourced latex produced from rubber tree sap or synthetic blends that tend to be more affordable. The Talalay process produces foam considered to be more luxurious because of its consistency and lightness, while the heavier Dunlop latex is processed more naturally and may contain fewer chemicals.

If you’re uncertain whether a mattress will suit your needs as a side sleeper, you should do your best to thoroughly test it out before committing to the purchase. Follow these steps to gauge the feel and quality of a bed.

1. Lie down on the mattress for at least 10 minutes (but ideally longer). If you can take advantage of a multi-day sleep trial, absolutely do so. There’s no substitute for spending many nights on a mattress as a test of its appeal.
2. Pay attention to how pressure is distributed. Does the mattress support your body weight evenly? Do your hips feel lower than your shoulders, or vice versa?
3. Judge the feel of the bed around your shoulders and hips, specifically. Is there enough cushioning around these “sharp” body parts? Will they start to feel sore over time if you stay on one side?
4. Assess your spinal alignment. You want your spine to be in a relatively straight, neutral position. One way to gauge your alignment is to take a picture of yourself lying on your side. Look at the photo and ask yourself: Are your shoulders and hips sinking too much? Does your neck seem unnaturally bent?
5. See how easy it is to switch sides. If you’re someone who changes the side that they sleep on during the night, you may want to test the bed’s responsiveness by shifting from one side to the other. Do you feel too “stuck” in the mattress? Or, on the other hand, is it too distractingly springy?
6. Experiment with pillows. See if a pillow with a higher or lower loft makes you feel more at ease in the bed. You can also try hugging a pillow to your chest or placing one between your legs to encourage better spinal alignment.
7. Make your decision. Does this mattress pass the above tests, or is it lacking in one or more areas? Again, the best way to judge a given bed is to sleep on it for several days or even months, so we recommend ordering from brands that make sleep trials and returns easy.

Because side sleepers place such pronounced downward pressure on their mattresses, sagging and wear are real concerns. But if you make the effort to take care of your mattress, you can extend its longevity so that you don’t have to buy another one for years.

Keeping your mattress clean will increase its lifespan (and, obviously, its aesthetic appeal). You can spot clean and vacuum your mattress periodically to make sure it’s not accumulating debris.

Closely monitor any pets you allow into your bed, and take care of any accidents or spills immediately.

Using a mattress protector is also highly recommended, as it can keep out allergens, bed bugs, and other irritants.

The support underneath your mattress plays a big role in the durability of your sleep setup. You’ll need either a reliable platform bed—onto which you can place your mattress directly—or a sturdy bed frame paired with a box spring or separate foundation.

• Rotate your mattress sporadically (or flip it, if the model allows for this)
• Expose your mattress to the sun so it gets aired out and loses any unwanted moisture
• Investigate wear and tear as soon as it appears, in case it might be repairable or covered by your warranty
• If your bed is noticeably sagging or causing discomfort night after night, it may be time to replace your mattress

Side sleeping can cause pain and other bothersome symptoms if you don't maintain healthy spinal alignment or consider other unique needs and conditions your body might have. Buying the right kind of mattress can assist with aches you have as a side sleeper—but remember, your first stop for diagnosing and treating pain should be your doctor.

Hip pain is especially common and bothersome in pregnant women who side sleep for the safety of their growing babies. The constant pressure on their growing bodies tends to concentrate pain in the hips.

Though it may not manifest immediately, pain often begins to radiate from the hips down the leg and into the knees and lower back. Pain may fade throughout the day as the joints loosen up, and it usually returns the next morning.

If you've ever felt yourself following this pattern of discomfort, it's a safe bet your mattress is either too firm or not supportive enough to keep your spine aligned as you sleep on your side.

Many lightweight side sleepers also experience constant pressure on the shoulders, which can result in stiffness and pain in the morning. The proper mattress for a lighter side sleeper will be soft enough to cradle that pressure point and allow the joint to move throughout the night.

When side sleeping with improper spinal alignment, the pressure can build on your neck, causing unpleasant stiffness and achiness in the morning. If it goes on for long enough, you may have difficulty moving your head and participating in daily activities. 

Especially if you're broad-shouldered, the combination of a pressure-relieving mattress and a lofty pillow could go a long way in correcting spinal alignment and reducing neck pain.

If the mattress is too firm, it could effect blood flow, cutting off vital circulation for the restorative effects of sleep. This could also cause you to wake with numbness and tingling in your arms or other extremities.

If you have severe spinal misalignment as a result of your mattress, it may be necessary to see a chiropractor or other doctor to address the situation before a new mattress can help.

For additional options, see our roundup for the most comfortable mattresses.

Back pain could also be the result of an inappropriate mattress combined with the awkwardness of the side sleeping position. If the mattress is too plush, this can cause your lower back to sink in deeper, as that’s where more weight is being concentrated. On the other hand, if it’s too firm, this could cause serious discomfort, especially if you’re lightweight.

With all this in mind, you need to consider is the density of the foam and the softness of the mattress. Ideally, the best mattress for back pain hugs you without making you feel trapped in it.

At the same time, you’re looking for a combination of softness and support to keep your spine neutral while relieving pressure.

Back pain could quickly escalate and cause a myriad of associated issues. This type of pain is most commonly caused by inappropriate postures and a lack of support while you sleep. If your mattress is softer than it should be, this can disrupt your alignment and cause a sensation of stiffness that will quickly translate to aching and severe pain. Make sure to take this into account when you pick out a new bed.

Side sleeping is the most common position. However, it can sometimes result in pressure build-up. Here’s what side sleepers can do to rest more comfortably.

• Put a pillow between your legs – A firm pillow can prevent the collapse of the knee and hip joints, promoting better spine alignment and making side sleeping more comfortable. 
• Avoid keeping your head down – Your ears and shoulders should be in line. Tucking your chin can result in neck pain. 
• Use one pillow – Many people like sleeping on one large and one small pillow. While this may feel comfortable at first, it’s likely to result in neck pain.
• Get the right mattress firmness – Most side sleepers benefit from a mid-range firmness. This means a mattress that’s not too soft or firm should be the best for this sleeping position.

Read our article to Learn How to Sleep on Your Side.

Side sleeping is considered one of the healthiest positions, and sleeping on your left side is believed to be more beneficial than sleeping on the right. This is especially true during pregnancy as it improves blood flow between the uterus, heart, fetus, and kidneys. However, either side can offer benefits like chronic back pain relief, pressure relief, reduced snoring, and better spine alignment.

Choosing the right mattress is the first step to sleeping better on your side. The next step is finding the best pillow for side sleepers to further support your spine in this position, particularly in the neck and shoulders.

When deciding on the right product, you have to consider factors such as the loft (height), what it’s made with, how supportive it is, and any other features such as cooling or use for certain health conditions.

Pillows can come in a variety of materials, including memory foam, latex, buckwheat, down, bamboo, and cotton – each of which has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.

According to Harvard Health, individuals who regularly rest on their side should use a pillow that is higher under the neck than the head. While support is good, they add that you should avoid pillows that are too firm or high as these could cause stiffness and pain.

If your bed is too soft or firm for you, you can add a mattress topper to adjust the bed’s feel. Look for a mattress topper with a medium firmness, providing pressure relief and contouring that your mattress lacks. You’ll also need to consider the thickness and density of the topper. A thicker topper can provide more cushioning, and a denser material will deliver more support and longevity.

Most side sleepers like soft and medium-firm mattresses because of their pressure relief, contouring, and support. Soft mattresses provide the most pressure relief, but these may only give enough support for lighweight sleepers. Furthermore, soft beds may not be the best if you share the bed with someone who doesn't sleep on their side. Medium and medium-firm beds are also good for side sleepers and often better for those who sleep with a partner as they’re more versatile. 

Edge support refers to how supportive the mattress is along the perimeter of the bed. Good edge support allows you to take advantage of the full surface space of the mattress and makes getting in and out of bed easier.

As a side sleeper, you may frequently use the edge of your mattress, and if this is the case, make sure that whichever bed you choose scores well for this feature. Some manufacturers use denser foam along the perimeter, while others may use reinforced coils for strong edges.

There are many great mattresses that work for exclusive side sleepers and those who rotate between this and other positions. The best mattresses for combination sleepers have adaptable medium firmness, and promote easy repositioning through coil or latex layers. That being said, you should consider how much time you spend in each position. If the majority of the time is spent on your side, these beds should be a good fit for most. However, if most of your time is spent on your stomach and only occasionally on your side, you may opt for something firmer, which is usually preferred by stomach sleepers.