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Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers 2024: Expert Tested and Reviewed

May 10, 2024

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Are you a side sleeper struggling to find a mattress that cradles your curves and keeps your spine aligned? You’re not alone. 

Side sleeping is the most common sleeping position, but it can put a lot of stress on your shoulders, hips, and lower back. A hybrid mattress can be the perfect solution for individuals sleeping on their sides, offering the pressure relief of a memory foam mattress with the support of a coil innerspring system

But with so many hybrid mattresses on the market, how do you choose the right one?  We reviewed and compared some of the top hybrid mattresses available on the market with their unique features and benefits for.

This article will explore the best hybrid mattresses for side sleepers, considering factors like firmness, pressure relief, cooling, and edge support.

We’ll also provide tips on how to find the best mattress for your individual needs and budget. So, say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to a comfortable, supportive sleep!

Best Hybrid mattress for side sleepers: Our Top Picks

Here we’ve curated a list of the best hybrid mattresses to cradle your curves, relieve pressure points, and deliver dreamy sleep.

Helix Midnight

Bear Elite Hybrid

Layla Hybrid

Brooklyn Bedding Signature

Nolah Evolution 15

DreamCloud

Best Hybrid mattress for side sleepers: Detailed Overview

Now we’ll explore key features, ideal firmness levels, and pressure-relief factors to help you find your perfect match for pain-free, restful sleep.

Best Overall

Helix Midnight

Credit: Usnews

Price Range

$702-$1311

Material Type

Hybrid

Comfort Level

Medium Firm

Sizes

Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King, Short Queen & RV King

Thickness

11.5"

Trial Period

100 Nights

Warranty

20 Years

Shipping

Free

The Helix Midnight Hybrid Mattress is a top-tier choice for side sleepers. At Sleep Advisory, we’ve found that side sleepers need the perfect blend of comfort and support for their hips and shoulders.

Helix Midnight, with its hybrid construction, features memory foam and inner coils. Its medium-firm rating of 5 to 6 out of 10 caters to a wide range of side sleepers.

At the same time,  stomach sleepers might find it too soft. If you prefer a firmer feel or occasionally sleep on your back or stomach, a mattress with a 7 or 8/10 firmness rating is better suited.

Additionally, sleepers over 250 pounds might require a more supportive option.

The Midnight mattress has a memory foam comfort layer, a polyfoam transitional layer, and pocketed coils with solid edge support. The foam layers offer a subtle contour for comfortable cushioning without excessive sinking.

The coils provide sturdy support with a slight bounce for easy movement on the surface. It cushions pressure points like the shoulders and hips while ensuring proper spinal alignment.

Our testers reported a comfortably excellent sleep experience thanks to the mattress’s temperature-regulating materials.

The soft-touch cover adds to this coolness, even during warmer nights. For side sleepers seeking the best soft hybrid mattress, this breathability is a major benefit. For very hot sleepers, an optional GlacioTex Cooling Cover can be added for an extra boost.

Pros and Cons of Halix Midnight Mattress

Here are pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the perfect fit for your sleep.

  • Affordable price for a high-quality hybrid mattress.
  • Excellent support for the lower back.
  • Blended memory foam layer provides contouring and pressure relief.
  • Not recommended for individuals over 250lb who may require more support.
  • May not be firm enough

Best For Pressure Relief

Bear Elite Hybrid

Credit: BearMattress

Price Range

$1,231-$2,548

Material Type

Hybrid

Comfort Level

Soft, Medium, Firm

Sizes

Twin, Twin XL, Queen, King, California King & Split King

Thickness

14"

Trial Period

120 Nights

Warranty

Lifetime

Shipping

Free Shipping & Return

The Bear Elite Hybrid is a top contender for side sleepers seeking a pressure-relieving haven. The Bear Elite Hybrid is ideal for side sleepers of all body weights, thanks to its three firmness options: medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8).

It caters to those seeking pressure relief at the hips and shoulders while providing optimal support for the midsection.

It excels at pressure relief, ensuring a comfortable sleep experience for side sleepers. It promotes proper spinal alignment and reduces pressure on sensitive areas. The hybrid design also aids in motion isolation, allowing for undisturbed sleep.

This mattress combines layers of memory foam and pocketed coils to create a supportive and contouring sleep surface. The memory foam conforms to the body, relieving pressure points, while the pocketed coils offer responsive support and enhanced airflow.

Through our thorough testing, our testers found that the Bear Elite Hybrid is best suited for lightweight, average-weight, and heavy-weight back sleepers, as well as lightweight and average-weight stomach sleepers.

However, during our testing, it didn’t provide adequate support for heavyweight stomach sleepers over 250 pounds.

Our experts highly recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for side sleepers seeking a mattress that combines comfort, support, and cooling features.

The Bear Elite Hybrid is the best hybrid mattress for side sleepers with its balanced foam feel, pressure-relieving capabilities, and luxurious design.

Pros and Cons of Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

The Bear Elite is the best hybrid mattress for side sleepers. But before you decide, let’s dive into the pros and cons to ensure it’s a perfect match.

  • The breathable cover and temperature-regulating materials help prevent overheating during the night.
  • The availability of medium, medium-firm, and firm options caters to the preferences of a wide range of side sleepers.
  • The coil system and zoned foam provide targeted support to maintain proper spinal alignment.
  • Compared to the Helix Midnight Hybrid, the Bear Elite Hybrid falls on the pricier side.
  • Initial off-gassing odor may be present, although it typically dissipates within a short period.

Best For Side Sleepers With Back Pain

WinkBed

Credit: WinkBed

Price Range

$849-$1,749

Material Type

Hybrid

Comfort Level

Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm

Sizes

Twin, Twin XL, Queen, King, California King

Thickness

13.5"

Trial Period

120 Nights

Warranty

Lifetime

Shipping

Free

The WinkBed is an excellent choice for side sleepers who experience back pain.  It is designed to alleviate discomfort and promote proper spinal alignment. It offers three firmness levels (soft, luxury, and firm).

The luxury firm option is often ideal for side sleepers with back pain, providing ample support while maintaining some plushness for pressure relief.

Its conforming top layer cradles your curves, particularly your shoulders and hips. Then, the gel-infused lumbar support layer helps regulate temperature and prevent overheating. Its individually wrapped coil system provides support and durability. 

The WinkBed Hybrid is suitable for many sleepers, from lightweight to heavyweight individuals. Its reinforced edge support and zoned coil system make it an excellent choice for those who need extra support, including heavier side sleepers over 230 pounds. 

Our experts highly recommend the WinkBed Hybrid for side sleepers with back pain.

Pros and Cons of WinkBed Mattress

Let’s explore its strengths and weaknesses to ensure that it is the best hybrid mattress for side sleepers with back pain.

  • Suitable for a variety of body types, from lightweight to heavyweight individuals.
  • Targeted support, pressure relief, and adjustable firmness work together to combat back pain.
  • Excellent motion isolation and edge support for undisturbed sleep.

The premium quality of the WinkBed Hybrid comes at a higher cost

Best Flippable Mattress

Layla Hybrid

Credit: Layla Sleep

Price Range

$1,099-$1,699

Material Type

Hybrid

Comfort Level

Medium soft, Firm

Sizes

Twin, Twin XL, Queen, King, California King

Thickness

13"

Trial Period

120 Nights

Warranty

10 Years

Shipping

Free

Side sleepers who battle the heat, listen up! Finding a mattress that cradles you comfortably without trapping heat can be difficult. The Layla Hybrid solves this dilemma with a flippable design and breathable materials.

The Layla Hybrid is an excellent option for side sleepers as it balances contouring and cooling, thanks to its breathable foam layers and excellent air circulation through the coil system.

Plus, its flippable design with medium-soft (4) and firm (7) surfaces makes it suitable for most side sleepers, regardless of weight.

Performance-wise, we conducted hands-on tests and evaluated both sides of the Layla Hybrid. Side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds found the softer side to be more comfortable.

It provides close contouring and cushioning around the shoulders and hips. On the other hand, side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds received adequate support on the firm side.

For those between 130 and 230 pounds, both sides felt equally comfortable. Back and stomach sleepers generally preferred the firm side for its support.

We observed that each side of the mattress excelled in areas where the opposite side fell short. The medium-soft side performed well in pressure relief and motion isolation.

The firm side stood out for its edge support and ease of movement. Both sides of the mattress were impressive regarding temperature control, with minimal heat buildup detected.

In terms of construction, the Layla Hybrid’s softer side consists of 2.5 inches of memory foam, followed by a 2-inch transitional polyfoam layer. This combination provides deep contouring and pressure relief along the spine, with the transitional layer preventing uncomfortable sinkage around the midsection.

The firmer side also includes the same materials but with thinner layers to create a more supportive feel and conform. Copper infusion memory foam layers help with heat absorption, promoting a more relaxed sleep experience.

Pocketed coils between the foam layers contribute to the mattress’s overall support and stability. Extra reinforcement along the edges prevents excessive sinking and makes getting in and out of bed easier.

The Layla Hybrid weighs approximately 104 pounds in a queen size, so it may require assistance when flipping to change the firmness.

Conveniently carrying handles on each side facilitates this process. The mattress is encased in a polyester, viscose, rayon, and poly-lycra cover. The cover is removable and machine washable, ensuring a hygienic sleeping surface.

Pros and Cons of Layla Hybrid Mattress

To check that the Lyla Hybrid is the best hybrid mattress for individuals who prefer sleeping on their sides?  Let’s weigh its pros and cons for your dream sleep.

  • Pocketed coil system provides support, responsiveness, and airflow.
  • Good motion isolation, making it suitable for couples.
  • Reinforced edges prevent sagging when getting in and out of bed.
  • Quite heavy (104 lbs for queen size), requiring help to flip.
  • Some initial off-gassing odour is reported, but it dissipates over time.

Best Contouring mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Signature

Price Range

$499-$1,199

Material Type

Hybrid

Comfort Level

Soft, Medium, Firm

Sizes

Twin, Twin XL, Queen, King, California King & Split King

Thickness

11"

Trial Period

120 Nights

Warranty

10 Years

Shipping

Free

If you’re searching for a mattress that combines pressure relief, body contouring, and support, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a great choice.

It comes in three firmness options, and the soft version is particularly effective at alleviating pressure points in areas like the shoulders and hips.

In terms of performance, the Signature Hybrid’s plushness benefits side sleepers and individuals weighing less than 130 pounds.

It contours closely to the body, providing pressure relief while supporting the midsection with its coil base. The mattress excels at absorbing motion and minimizing noise, making it an excellent option for those easily disturbed by a partner’s movements during sleep.

Our testers found it well in temperature control. Thanks to the steady airflow generated by the coils and the gel infusion in the TitanFlex foam layer, which absorbs and releases body heat.

The construction of the Signature Hybrid starts with a fabric cover quilted with polyfoam for added cushioning. It features a layer of responsive TitanFlex foam, followed by a transition layer of VariFlex foam.

It ensures even weight distribution. The support core consists of pocketed coils over a high-density polyfoam base layer, with reinforced coils along the perimeter to provide support and minimize sinkage when getting in and out of bed.

Pros and Cons of Brooklyn Bedding Signature

Before you add it to your cart, let’s explore its strengths and weaknesses.

  • Soft TitanFlex foam cradles your body, minimizing pressure on shoulders and hips.
  • Coils promote airflow, and gel-infused foam regulates sleep temperature.
  • Best affordable hybrid mattress for side sleepers. 
  • Might be too soft for stomach sleepers or heavier individuals who prefer a firmer feel.
  • The coil system may produce some minor noise

Best for Sleepers with Hip Pain

Nolah Evolution

Credit: Nolah

Price Range

$974-$2,079

Material Type

Hybrid

Comfort Level

Plush, Luxury Firm, Firm

Sizes

Twin, Twin XL, Queen, King, California King & Split King

Thickness

15"

Trial Period

120 Nights

Warranty

Lifetime

Shipping

Free

The Nolah Evolution 15 is designed for side sleepers struggling with hip pain. The Nolah Evolution 15 has three firmness options, making it suitable for various body types and sleep preferences. 

Side sleepers under 230 lbs often favour the medium option, while heavier side sleepers (over 230 kg) might prefer the medium firm option for optimal pressure relief and support.

Our sleep experts were impressed by the Nolah Evolution 15’s ability to provide pressure relief and support. We found that lying close to the edge or sitting along the edge to tie our shoes didn’t result in excessive sinking.

The zoned configuration of the mattress also ensured that our hips and shoulders didn’t sink too deeply, maintaining proper alignment.

Like other hybrid mattresses with cooling comfort layers, the Evolution 15 excels at temperature control, helping you stay calm throughout the night.

In terms of construction, the Evolution 15’s comfort system consists of four polyfoam layers, each serving a specific purpose. The top layer is a quilted polyfoam Euro-top infused with Nola’s cooling ArcticTex material.

This layer helps regulate the temperature and keeps you cool. The next layer is AirFoamICE, a proprietary foam infused with graphite, designed to further enhance temperature regulation.

The bottommost layer transitions between the core and other comfort layers, providing resilience and comfort.

The support core features pocketed coils over a polyfoam base, with a zoned configuration that offers additional reinforcement in pressure-prone areas like the hips.

Pros and Cons of Nolah Evolution 15”

Let’s read its pros and cons to see if it melts your sleep worries away!

  • Reinforced perimeter allows you to sleep or sit comfortably near the edge without rolling off.
  • Excellent temperature regulation for a cooler sleep experience.
  • The targeted reinforcement in key areas provides optimal comfort and spinal alignment.
  • Heavier individuals may find the medium firmness option less supportive.

Best Luxury Mattress

DreamCloud

Credit: DreamCloud

Price Range

$499 – $999

Material Type

Hybrid

Comfort Level

Medium firm

Sizes

Twin, Twin XL, Queen, King, California King

Thickness

14"

Trial Period

365 Nights

Warranty

Lifetime

Shipping

Free

The DreamCloud mattress is tailored for side sleepers seeking a luxurious sleeping experience.  Our findings indicate that the mattress strikes a delicate balance between contouring and support, making it a comfortable choice for many sleepers.

During our evaluation, we assigned the DreamCloud mattress a medium firmness level (6). This rating was based on its ability to provide sufficient cushioning to areas prone to pressure buildup, such as the shoulders and hips.

The combination of polyfoam and coils offered the necessary support for sleepers who prefer some firmness. While our testers, who tend to sleep hot, noted that the memory foam may retain heat, coils facilitate air circulation, preventing excessive overheating.

Additionally, the mattress received above-average scores in motion isolation for a hybrid, making it an ideal option for couples sharing a bed.

The mattress features a breathable cover crafted from a cashmere blend, quilted with soft polyfoam. This combination results in a plush surface that contours closely to the body.

Underneath the cover is a layer of memory foam infused with cooling gel intended to minimize heat retention. A transition layer composed of polyfoam provides moderate contouring while maintaining firmness to prevent excessive sinking.

The pocketed coil system delivers excellent support, with reinforced edges that enhance support along the perimeter of the mattress.

Our evaluation indicates that the DreamCloud Mattress is a high-performing option that combines comfort, support, and durability.

Pros and Cons of DreamCloud Mattress

Considering the DreamCloud mattress? Here’s a quick breakdown of its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the perfect fit for your sleep needs.

  • The gel-infused memory foam and coils help regulate temperature, making it suitable for hot sleepers.
  • The coil base offers good overall support, potentially beneficial for heavier individuals.
  • Most affordable hybrid mattress
  •  DreamCloud might have a slight initial odor which usually dissipates within a few days.

How Do We Test the Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers?

To identify the best hybrid mattresses for side sleep partners, we implemented a multi-step testing process that considered key factors influencing side sleep comfort and support. Here’s a glimpse into our methodology:

Pressure Point Analysis: We examined how well each mattress distributes body weight, mainly focusing on pressure relief in areas like the shoulders and hips, common trouble spots for lateral aleeping positions. 

Mattresses that minimized pressure points and promoted proper spinal alignment were ranked higher.

Support and Comfort Evaluation:  Our sleep testers, representing various body types and sleep styles, evaluated each mattress for comfort and support. 

They assessed factors like sinkage, body cradling, and overall feel (plushness vs. firmness) to determine how well each mattress suited side sleeping needs.

Motion Isolation Testing:  Since side sleepers can be sensitive to partner movement, we analyzed how well each mattress isolated motion.

It involved testers simulating movement on one side of the mattress and measuring the transfer of motion to the other side.  Mattresses with superior motion isolation were ranked higher for all side sleepers sharing a bed.

Cooling Performance Assessment:  Temperature regulation is crucial for a good night’s sleep.  We tested each mattress’s breathability and cooling features to determine how well they prevented heat buildup.  It included materials testing and monitoring sleeper comfort during the evaluation process.

Durability Evaluation:  Durability is essential, especially for a long-term investment like a mattress.  We inspected the materials and construction of each mattress to assess potential wear and tear over time.

By combining these testing methods, we identified hybrid mattresses that excelled in pressure relief, support, comfort, motion isolation, cooling, and durability—all crucial aspects for a quality sleep experience for all side sleepers.

Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Choosing a mattress can feel overwhelming, but for individuals who sleep on their sides, there are specific factors to prioritize for a comfortable and pain-free night’s sleep. Here’s a breakdown of key elements to consider:

Mattress Type

Foam: Memory foam mattresses excel at contouring your body minimizing pressure points on your shoulders and hips. However, some memory foam can trap heat.

Hybrid: Combining foam and coils, hybrids offer pressure relief from the foam with added support from the coils.

Innerspring: While not all innerspring mattresses are ideal for side lying, some offer good pressure relief with a plush top layer.

Firmness

Medium: This is a sweet spot for light weight side-sleepers, offering enough support to prevent sagging while maintaining some softness for pressure relief.

Medium-Soft: If you prefer a plusher feel, consider a medium-soft mattress, but be mindful of potential back pain if you have a heavier body type.

Support

Spinal Alignment: Look for a mattress that keeps your spine neutral, preventing aches and discomfort. A good mattress will cradle your curves without letting your hips sink in excessively.

Edge Support: This ensures comfort and stability when getting in and out of bed, even if you sleep near the edge.

Contouring

Pressure Relief: Side sleepers need a mattress that conforms to their body shape, particularly around the shoulders and hips. That minimizes pressure buildup and promotes blood circulation.

Breathability and Cooling

Temperature Regulation: Look for breathable materials and cooling features to prevent overheating. Gel-infused foam or ventilated coils can help regulate sleep temperature.

By prioritizing these factors, side sleepers can find a mattress that offers the perfect balance of comfort, support, and cooling for a restful night’s sleep.

Tips for All Side Sleepers

Based on our testing, Here are some helpful tips for individuals who sleep on their sides.

Choose a Medium-Firm Mattress: A medium-firm mattress is generally the best option for the side sleeper, as it provides the right balance of contouring and support.

Too soft mattresses can allow the hips and shoulders to sink in too much, while overly firm mattresses may not cushion pressure points adequately.

Use the Right Pillow: Side sleepers should look for a pillow that keeps their neck aligned with the rest of their spine. The pillow should fill the space between the neck and the mattress. Memory foam or latex pillows are often good choices.

Place a Pillow Between the Knees: Putting a pillow between the knees can help keep the hips, pelvis, and spine aligned, reducing pressure on the lower back.

Consider a Body Pillow: A full-length body pillow can provide additional support and comfort for a side sleeper, cradling the entire body.

Alternate Sleeping Sides: Switching between sleeping on the left and right sides can help prevent issues like shoulder pain or unevenly distributed pressure.

Stretch Before Bed: Light stretching before bed can help prepare the body for side sleeping and reduce the risk of aches and pains.

Ensure Proper Spinal Alignment: When side sleeping, make sure your chin, neck, and shoulders are aligned, and your hips and knees are stacked on top of each other.

Consider a Firmer Mattress if Overweight: Heavier individuals may require a slightly firmer mattress to prevent excessive sinking and maintain proper spinal alignment.

These tips can help side sleepers achieve a more comfortable and supportive sleep experience.

Best Lates Mattress
Vector Best Hybrid Mattress For Side Sleepers

FAQs

The best mattress for a side sleeper with hip pain is generally a softer mattress and medium to medium-firm mattresses that offer ample cushioning and pressure relief. Memory foam mattresses with a softer profile and zoned support are often recommended to accommodate hip pain effectively.

Also, hybrid mattresses with a plush feel and supportive springs are beneficial for side sleepers experiencing hip discomfort.

Yes, hybrid mattresses are well-suited and recommended for side sleepers, as they can effectively balance comfort and support to alleviate common pressure points and maintain proper spinal alignment.

The best mattress firmness for all side sleepers is typically in the range of medium to medium-soft, around 4 to 6 on a scale of 1 to 10.

This firmness provides enough cushioning to alleviate pressure on the shoulders, hips, and knees while maintaining proper spinal alignment for a comfortable and supportive sleep experience.

The Nolah Evolution Hybrid, with its pressure-relieving memory foam and medium-soft feel, is highlighted as one of the best mattress options for side sleepers specifically dealing with shoulder pain.

The ideal firmness level for a hybrid mattress for side sleepers is typically in the range of medium to medium-firm, around 5 to 6 on a scale of 1 to 10.

This firmness provides a good balance of cushioning and support, ensuring proper spinal alignment and pressure relief for side sleepers.

Vector Best Hybrid Mattress For Side Sleepers

Conclusion

Finding the right mattress as a side sleeper can be a game-changer in achieving a restful and pain-free night’s sleep. Regarding hybrid mattresses, the key is to strike the perfect balance between contouring comfort and supportive firmness.

A medium to medium-firm feel, around 5 to 6 on the firmness scale, is generally the sweet spot for individuals who sleep on their sides, providing the necessary cushioning for pressure relief while maintaining proper spinal alignment.

Mattresses like the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid and the Nolah Evolution 15 have been highlighted as excellent choices for side sleep individuals, offering customizable firmness options, exceptional pressure relief, and advanced cooling technologies.

By considering construction, weight suitability, and performance metrics, side sleepers can find the perfect hybrid mattress to alleviate pain and promote a cool sleep experience.

Thank you for reading our article. If you found this information helpful, please leave a comment in the section below. We appreciate your feedback and strive to provide our readers with the most valuable and informative content.

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