Everyone sleeps differently, which means that not all mattresses are suitable for everybody. If you’re a side sleeper, which many people are (at least partly) you need a mattress that is made specifically for your needs, so that you can rest perfectly and avoid any sort of back or neck pain. The best mattress for side sleepers is not very easy to find, mostly because you need to consider multiple factors when shopping for one, including the level of softness, material, and the existence of edge support. As a rule of thumb, if you’re a side sleeper, you need a softer mattress that can offer you a good level of support while also cradling your shoulders and hips.
We put together a comparison table with the best mattresses for side sleepers with the LUCID Latex Hybrid Mattress as our Editor’s Choice and spent days testing and reviewing these mattresses, looking at features such as size, thickness, level of comfort, and more. All of these features and many more others are essential to consider when shopping for a new mattress, and for this reason, we also read thousands of reviews from people who tested these mattresses as well as from professionals who reviewed the mattresses.
Extra features: 10-year warranty; CertiPUR-US certified
A suitable choice for budget shoppers who are looking for a coil mattress with an excellent level of support, the LUCID Latex Hybrid Mattress is not only perfect for side sleepers, but back, stomach, and combo sleepers as well. This mattress is also very good value for money while still providing you with one of the best hybrid mattresses on the market right now.
Users who tested this mattress were impressed with the construction that includes foam-encased pocketed coils, transition foam, aloe-infused memory foam and a final layer of bamboo charcoal memory foam. Even though all the layers of the mattress seem to be made of foam, in reality the coils are there but there is a foam boarder around them for extra support. The pocketed coils of the mattress localize support and reduce motion transfer for uninterrupted, deep sleep. The aloe-vera infused layer of the mattress is there to make it smell better, but many users mentioned that they didn’t notice much difference in that respect. A bamboo charcoal memory foam layer sits on top of the other layers to draw heat away from the surface and regulate the overall temperature for an enhanced quality of sleep.
The LUCID Latex Hybrid Mattress as a soft cover made of a blend of polyester, spandex, and viscose, which feels better than you would expect from a budget-tier mattress. Finally, even though the mattress cover is removable, many users mentioned that it is very difficult to put it back on once the mattress was removed, so you may want to spot clean your mattress on an as-needed basis.
Extra features: 10-year warranty; infused with green tea and charcoal
A mattress with a plush design that is available in multiple sizes and thicknesses, the Zinus Memory Foam Cloud-like Mattress has a unique structure of foam layers that will provide you with a cloud-like feeling throughout the night. Because of its innovative foam layering system, this mattress has the ability to adapt itself to suit the unique shapes and curves of your body for a customizable sleep surface.
The mattress comprises of a base layer made from high-density foam, a 3-inch layer of comfort foam, a 2 inch layer of memory foam, a 1 inch layer of quick response foam and the top 1 inch microfiber quilted cover. The base layer has a variable thickness depending on the type of mattress you choose.
The quick response foam layer of the mattress enhances the density capacity and resilience for full body support. Many users like that the mattress is infused with charcoal, natural plant oil, and green tea to eliminate unpleasant odors. The mattress is also CertiPUR-US certified, which means that it is safe to use and eco-friendly at the same time.
The 10-year limited warranty of the Zinus Memory Foam Cloud-like Mattress offers you extra peace of mind. One of the few complaints some of the reviewers had with this mattress is that it may feel a bit too firm for some side sleepers.
Extra features: 20-year warranty; CertiPUR-US certified; triple-layered construction
Boasting an incredible 20-year warranty, the Revel Hybrid Cool Mattress is a triple-layered gel memory foam and latex hybrid mattress that is made in the USA and CertiPUR US certified. The mattress offers responsive support and pressure-relieving comfort at the same time, being an ideal choice for side sleepers.
The built-in all-climate cooling gel memory foam layer offers superior support as well as temperature regulation. Moreover, the 2-inch LiftTex alternative latex foam layer creates a zero-gravity-like sleep experience so you can relax completely as you sleep. The bottom layer of the mattress is a 7-inch long-lasting DuraBase foam, and the mattress is available in multiple sizes ranging from twin to California King.
One of the things that most users liked about the Revel Hybrid Cool Mattress is the existence of the Beaded Gel Technology, which offers a consistent feel and superior cooling in all climates. Unlike many other mattresses that come in a box, you only need to let this mattress expand 24 hours before using it, with some users mentioning that it reaches its full height after just 12 hours. Overall, the mattress is easy to unpack and install, and most of the users who tested it mentioned that it doesn’t emit any kind of odor when you take it out of the box.
Extra features: CertiPUR-US certified, triple-layered foam composition
A medium feel memory foam mattress with a 10-inch thickness, the Perfect Cloud UltraPlush Gel-Max Memory Foam Mattress consists of a 1.5-inch layer of CertiPUR-US certified Air Infused Memory Foam, a 2-inch layer of gel-max memory foam and a base support foam of 6.5 inches. Because it only has a thickness of 10 inches, the mattress works well with the vast majority of fitted sheets.
One of the things many reviewers raved about when it came to the qualities of this mattress is the excellent sleeping experience you get thanks to the temperature regulation that is made possible by the blend of air infused memory form and high-density gel-max memory foam. Moreover, users noticed the superior workmanship of the mattress that makes it a durable choice. The Perfect Cloud UltraPlush Gel-Max Memory Foam Mattress has an impressive 25-year warranty.
If you are interested in getting a quality mattress that free from PBDE flame retardants, formaldehyde, and phthalates, the Perfect Cloud mattress is all this and more. The mattress is also free of harmful chemicals such as lead and mercury. The manufacturer suggests that the mattress works well for just about any body type, being suitable for persons weighing between 40 and 400 pounds, so a great choice of a mattress for heavy side sleepers.
Extra features: CertiPUR-US certified, Nanobionic technology
Our budget choice is the Signature Sleep Hybrid Coil Mattress, a memory foam and hybrid mattress with variable thicknesses that received much appreciation from users for the level of comfort it provides at a fraction of the price of other similar mattresses. This hybrid coil mattress features independently encased coils that relive pressure points and provide equal weight distribution by following the curves of the body.
The Signature Sleep Hybrid Coil Mattress is low VOC CertiPUR-US certified and it is also free from any type of flame retardants, mercury, formaldehyde and heavy metals. Available in multiple size options including the most popular full, queen and king mattresses, the Signature Sleep mattress is a good choice for all ages and bed types. It is also very easy to unpack and install as it comes in an easy-to-transport box and all you have to do is unpack it and leave it on a flat surface for up to 48 hours before using it.
Many users who tested this mattress mentioned that sleeping on it helped them with their back pain, including severe muscle strain and back pain from herniated discs. Moreover, users raved about the fact that the mattress is easier to move around than a memory foam mattress and that it is just the right thickness to use it without a foundation.
Extra features: 20-year warranty; cooling gel memory foam; made with phase-change fabrics for temperature regulation
A cool and comfortable mattress designed specifically with side sleepers in mind, the Breksta Calypso 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress is a versatile choice that works well on multiple platforms including a slatted platform bed, a box frame or foundation, or even the floor. Users who tested it mentioned that the mattress works perfectly fine on an adjustable base as well, and because the mattress comes conveniently packaged in a box, you can fit it through just about any door.
Reviewers raved about the responsive sleeping surface of this mattress that provides you enough support in your lower lumbar area, adhering to the curves of your body while balancing the pressure points on your hips and shoulders to provide pressure relief. Moreover, you won’t feel like you’re sleeping in a sauna all night, thanks to the integrated open cell gel cooling foams that help with heat dissipation and improve the airflow.
According to many of the users who tested the Breksta Calypso 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, sleeping on it feels a bit like being on a fluffy cloud, and many compare the sleeping experience with the comfort you get in a zero-gravity chair. Because it is so comfortable for side sleepers, it means that sleeping on this matter allows you not to toss and turn during the night so you can experience an uninterrupted and deep slumber. The four layers of foam integrated in this mattress provide not only proper sleeping posture, but also spinal alignment and pressure relief. The medium firm feel of the mattress is an excellent choice for side sleepers, but it also suitable for back and stomach sleepers as well, and especially those with lower back pain.
Extra features: coil base; Nanobionic material for temperature regulation
The Signature Sleep Reset Nanobionic Pillow Top Hybrid Mattress is our choice as the best hybrid mattress you can find on the market. Featuring a patented technology that actually converts your body heat into infrared light, this mattress enhances the quality of your sleep while eliminating the risk of back pain. The mattress also minimizes motion transfer because of the four distinctive layers it is built from.
The convoluted foam in the mattress offer side sleepers optimal pressure point relief, while the copper infused foam layer supports national recovery of the body while you sleep. The natural latex layer of this mattress helps you sleep cooler by distributing the heat away from the body. Finally, the gel infused memory foam layer of the Signature Sleep Reset Nanobionic mattress regulates body temperature and eliminate odors at the same time.
Many of the users who tested this mattress were impressed by how easy it is to handle this mattress, which arrives rolled and compressed in a single box. The mattress is available in multiple sizes and all you have to do once you receive it is to unroll it and allow it to expand for 48 hours. Unlike in the case of other mattresses that come rolled in a box, users were happy to note is that there was no discernible odor at the end of the 48 hours.
Extra features: 2-inch soft foam pillowtop; reinforced support under the heaviest part of the body; 10-year warranty
The Sealy Response Premium 16-Inch Plush Euro Pillow Top Mattress, made it to the list because it is the most comfortable choice of all the mattresses we tested, while also being one of the best in terms of quality. This mattress comes in multiple size options to suit all bedrooms and comes with integrated cooling gel and an encased coil system, even though it is not technically marketed as a hybrid mattress.
Some of the stand-out features of this Sealy mattress include the allergy resistant cover, which protects you against allergies year-round and the cooling gel that is the answer to the problems of those who can’t sleep well at night because the bed becomes too warm. Users who tested the mattress raved about the way this mattress is capable to maintain good posture during your resting hours. Because it features the Duraflex Edge System, this mattress remains firm in all the right places, which means that you won’t find yourself falling over or falling out of bed altogether. This mattress features side handles that make it easier to move and flip over. One of the slightly negative points some of the users mentioned about this mattress is the fact that it is very tall and as such you need a solid bed frame to help you feel more secure.
According to many sleep experts, side sleeping is the most popular sleep position and the good news is that is also one of the healthiest for spinal alignment. Side sleeping is a great way to align the shoulders, spine, and pelvis, which contributes to the minimization of pressure points in the lower back, neck, and other areas of the body. Moreover, those who sleep on their side have better airway circulation and possibly even a healthier heart. However, if you want to enjoy all these health benefits of sleeping on your side, it is important to invest in a mattress that will provide you with all the support you need to remain comfortable throughout the night. Our buying guide will help you learn more about the most important considerations for side sleepers so that you can pick the best mattress for side sleepers to suit your sleeping style and budget.
The recommended mattress firmness for those who like to sleep in the fetal position is a medium-soft to medium-firm, mattress because it offers you plenty of give to contour the natural curve of your body and maintain the spine aligned to provide you with a maximum level of comfort. Because side sleepers need to protect their vulnerable pressure points, they need a mattress that is softer and provides you with more cushioning so you can slightly sink into it.
Some of the most important features to consider when shopping for a mattress for side sleepers include the firmness, thickness, comfort level, size, and the existence of extra features such as edge support and temperature control. Let’s dive into these features in more detail.
When you start browsing through various mattresses, you quickly notice is that there are several types available, including memory foam, latex, pocket sprung, open coil, continuous coil, and more.
Even though there are many types of mattresses to choose from, you need to take into account that firmness and thickness are more important for side sleepers then the actual material a mattress is made of.
Memory foam mattresses are often marketed as the best option for size sleepers and they are usually topped with a layer of temperature-sensitive material. Pocket sprung mattresses feature springs sewn into individual fabric pockets and they don’t mold your shape memory foam mattresses do. This doesn’t mean, however, that they don’t provide you with a good level of support. Coil mattresses are cheaper than other models and because they move as one unit, they may disturb your partner if you tend to move a lot throughout the night. Finally, latex mattresses feature a core comprised of multiple layers of springy latex, and even though they are generally more expensive than other types of mattresses, they also can retain their shape better while being more resilient.
The thickness of the mattress is an important feature to consider because it can affect the way the mattress feels. This is especially true in the case of memory foam mattresses. As a rule of thumb, individuals under 150 pounds can sleep well on a 10-inch memory foam mattress, but if you are over that weight or want a mattress that is deeper than a regular one, you can go for a 12-inch one. Generally, you should expect to pay more for a thicker memory foam mattress. A mattress in the 10-12-inch range offers more than enough padding for a truly comfortable night’s sleep.
The comfort level of a mattress is essential for providing the correct spinal alignment for different types of sleepers. The main comfort levels you can find in mattresses today are sot, medium and firm, with many models having a combination of the two, such as medium-firm. Side sleepers would generally benefit from a medium or medium-firm comfort level, because this allows them to sink comfortably into the mattress and provides them with proper spinal alignment.
When shopping for a mattress for side sleepers, make sure the model you want comes in the size of your bed frame. Many of the best mattresses for side sleepers we reviewed are available in multiple sizes, ranging from single to king size. Some mattresses such as the Perfect Cloud UltraPlush Gel-Max Memory Foam Mattress come in extra-large sizes such as California King.
The term “edge support” refers to the encasement around the frame that supports the springs in the case of spring mattresses. You won’t find this feature on latex or memory foam mattresses. Edge support is important because it prevents the mattress from sagging around the perimeter. Moreover, edge support can provide more stability and support when you sit on the mattress, particularly on the edge.
A common feature seen in the mattress world today, CertiPUR-US certification is a third-party certification that means a certain mattress meets certain criteria.
These include the absence of flame retardants, mercury, lead or other heavy metals. It also ensures as that the mattress is made without formaldehyde and has low VOC emissions for indoor air quality.
Many of the mattresses we reviewed come with a 10-year limited warranty, but there are also models that offer a whopping 20-year warranty, such as the Revel Hybrid Cooling Mattress for example. The warranty is limited as it only covers faults that result from the actual construction of the mattress, and not wear and tear or misuse.
According to sleep specialists, the best side to sleep on is indeed on the side, and it is estimated that more than 70 percent of Americans prefer to sleep in this position. Side sleeping is not only beneficial for the spine but can also help to alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring. It is also the best position for pregnant women. On the not so bright side, it is also believed that those who sleep on the side may get more facial wrinkles.
However, just like with any other sleep position, it is important to “know” how to sleep on the side if you are indeed to get the best night’s rest from sleeping on the side. For best results, you need a mattress that supports your waist and neck, because a supportive mattress can keep your spine aligned and have a big impact on the quality of your sleep. You should try to find a mattress that is gentle with your pressure points, and don’t forget about getting a pillow that is suitable for your preferred sleeping position as well.
The quality of your mattress is a determining factor in the quality of your sleep, so it’s essential to find a mattress that allows you to sleep on your side comfortably while also meeting all your requirements when it comes to materials, temperature regulation, and anti-allergy features. Our editor’s choice, the LUCID Latex Hybrid Mattress is a comfy latex, memory foam, and coil hybrid, available in 2 thickness options. The Best Mattress for Side and Stomach Sleepers is the Zinus Memory Foam Cloud-like Mattress which is infused with green tea and charcoal, a choice that both side and stomach sleepers will appreciate. And finally, the Revel Hybrid Cool Mattress is a hybrid 12-inch mattress with a triple-layered construction that provides a medium-firm feel.
We hope we’ve helped you decide on the best mattress for side sleepers – sweet dreams!
