Best Mattress for Side Sleepers 2024- No Longer Restless Sleep!

Ava Grace

March 17, 2024

Side sleepers!
We have got you.
If you sleep on one side, you are not alone; nearly 74% of Americans sleep on one side, making them the most common sleeper type. Each sleeping position has its advantages and disadvantages; side sleeping is especially noteworthy because it puts a lot of pressure on many important joints of our body. You must know that human anatomy greatly influences which sleeping position is healthiest.
For this, you need to opt for the right mattress that is just made for your sleeping position.
But how would you know…
What mattress is for you if you are a side sleeper?
What is the type of mattress?
Does its price range vary?
Does it come up with some cons as well?
Would they provide pain relief from different points?
So, let’s take you on a journey with us where we will unfold the top 5 best mattresses for side sleepers that will help you out in narrowing down your research.
We will unwarp key pointers, valuable insights, pros, and cons and much more. Keep your seat belts fastened, and let’s start this rollercoaster.

Tempur-Pedic

Saavta

Allswell Luxe Hybrid

Nectar Mattress

WinkBed Original

Top 5 Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers

We have reviewed 5 best mattresses for side sleepers, in which we will unfold some of the significant pointers related to their descriptions, advantages, disadvantages, price range, trial period, sizes, shipping, and much more.

So, hold on, and let’s give them a read one by one.

Best Overall Mattress For Side Sleepers

Tempur-Pedic

Price Range

Up to $1,399

Material Type

Hybrid

Comfort Level

Super Comfortable

Sizes

Twin, Twin Long, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King

Thickness

10"

Trial Period

90 Nights

Warranty

Lifetime

Shipping

Free

Tempur-Pedic- A Detailed Description

A Tempur-Pedic mattress is really special that is why we have reviewed it as a overall the best mattress for side sleepers. People say it is super comfy because of its foam that relieves pressure. Even though it’s pricey, this new one is more affordable and still uses the same foam. It’s good for your spine, especially if you sleep on your side and have hip pain. So, you can easily get your hands on, if you are looking for best mattresses for side sleepers with hip pain.

If we talk about the construction, and making of the mattress, then it has three foam layers:

Soft on top
Firm in the middle
Supportive at the bottom

There’s also a hybrid version with coils and foam.

Testers of Sleep Advisory loved how luxurious it felt. One said it’s like sleeping on a cloud. They also gave it high scores for comfort, support, and how well they slept. They liked that it doesn’t move much, so they couldn’t feel their partners moving around. Even though it might feel firm at first, it shapes to your body quickly for better support.

Pros and Cons of Tempur-Pedic

We know for a fact that a mattress should not be only reviewed based upon the advantages. So, let us highlight the pros as well as cons of Tempur-Pedic Mattress, and see how does it become one of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Adapts to Your Body Shape.
Excellent Motion Isolation.

10-inch height may feel too low for some users.

Best Mattress For Combination Side Sleepers

Saavta

The New York Times

Price Range

$845 - $2,098

Material Type

Innerspring

Comfort Level

Medium

Sizes

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

Thickness

12"

Trial Period

365 nights

Warranty

Lifetime

Shipping

Free white glove delivery

Saavta- A Detailed Description

If you switch between sleeping on your side and sleeping on your back or stomach, you will want a mattress that’s easy to move around on. The Saatva mattress could be a good fit for you.

What makes it one of the best mattresses for side sleepers is coil. It has two layers of coils that give it bounce and make it easy to change positions. We tried it out and found that shifting positions was smooth.

The Saatva comes in three levels of firmness:

Plush Soft
Luxury Firm
Firm

If you’re a side sleeper, especially if you switch positions, the Plush Soft might be best because it’s softer on your shoulders and hips.

Couples who aren’t light sleepers might like the Saatva too. Its bounce makes it good for sex and the springs provide support for two people.

Pros and Cons of Saavta Mattress

We know for a fact that a mattress should not be only reviewed based upon the advantages. So, let us highlight the pros as well as cons of Saavta and see how does it become one of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

The Saatva mattress has two layers of coils, which makes it strong around the edges. You can sleep on the edge without feeling like you’ll fall off.
Since the Saatva comes in three firmness levels, there’s a model for every sleeping position. Back sleepers might like the Luxury Firm, and stomach sleepers might prefer the Firm.
The Saatva stays cool because it has lots of coils. This leaves space for air to flow through the mattress freely, keeping it cool.

The Saatva mattress is easy to move around on, but it also transfers motion easily. This means movements can spread across the bed.
If you or your partner are light sleepers and share the mattress, you might wake up from each other’s movements.

Best Value Mattress for Side Sleepers

Allswell Luxe Hybrid

Sleepopolis

Price Range

Up to $9,99

Material Type

Hybrid

Comfort Level

Medium

Sizes

Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King

Thickness

12"

Trial Period

90 Nights

Warranty

Lifetime

Shipping

Free

Allswell Luxe Hybrid- A Detailed Description

If you are looking for one of the best mattresses for side sleepers under 1000, then let this one for you.

This affordable mattress beats more expensive ones, even those costing twice as much. It’s medium-firm overall, but the foam layers on top make it feel soft, especially when you lie on your side. There are other models from the same brand, but this one gives you the best value for your money and the comfiest feel.

It has a quilted surface, 2 inches of memory foam for pressure relief, and 1 inch of high-density foam for support. Underneath, there are coils to prevent too much sinking.

The mattress comes in a box and is easy to order and set up. Users love how it supports them and relieves pressure. Some say it feels like it molds to their body. One person even compared it to a fancy hotel bed. The only downside is that the edges might sink more than expected.

Pros and Cons of Allswell Luxe Hybrid

We know for a fact that a mattress should not be only reviewed based upon the advantages. So, let us highlight the pros as well as cons of Allswell Luxe Hybrid, and see how does it become one of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

It is very comfortable as well as affordable, making it a good choice for the people looking for the best mattresses for side sleepers in budget-friendly option.
Soft and relieves pressure.
Coils provide support.

People often notice the less edge support in this mattress.

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers

Nectar Mattress

Mattress Clarity

Price Range

Up to $9,99

Material Type

Memory Foam

Comfort Level

Medium-soft

Sizes

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

Thickness

12"

Trial Period

365 Nights

Warranty

Lifetime

Shipping

Free

Nectar Mattress- A Detailed Description

We suggest memory foam mattresses to side sleepers because they can offer a lot of softness and support at the shoulders and hips, where side sleepers typically need it most.

The Nectar mattress is a great option for them because it has a thick layer of memory foam at the top to mold to these pressure points. When we tested it, we found very little pressure on the shoulders and hips, showing that the Nectar is effective.

If you enjoy sinking into your mattress and feeling it contour to your body, the Nectar is perfect for you. This is especially good for back and side sleepers, as it cushions their pressure points and supports their spines. Plus, the Nectar mattress isolates motion well, so you won’t feel your partner or pet moving around during the night.

Pros and Cons of Nectar Mattress

We know for a fact that a mattress should not be only reviewed based upon the advantages. So, let us highlight the pros as well as cons of Nectar Mattress and see how does it become one of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

You can often buy a queen size Nectar mattress for around $1,000 or even less, especially with the discounts and sales on the company’s website. This makes it a good quality budget mattress.
The memory foam in the Nectar mattress is CertiPUR-US Certified, which means it has lower emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and is safer for sleepers.
Underneath the memory foam, there’s a firmer layer of high-density base foam. This keeps your spine aligned and makes the Nectar mattress comfortable for back sleepers.

Memory foam mattresses like the Nectar can get hot, which might not be comfortable if you’re someone who sleeps hot.
Also, it can be tough to switch positions on memory foam mattresses. If you move a lot during the night, you might find it difficult to do so on the Nectar.

Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers

WinkBed Original

Sleep Foundation

Price Range

$845 - $1,499

Material Type

Hybrid

Comfort Level

Medium

Sizes

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

Thickness

12"

Trial Period

120 Nights

Warranty

Lifetime

Shipping

Free

WinkBed Original- A Detailed Description

If you tend to get hot while sleeping and want a mattress to help keep you cool, we recommend trying the WinkBed. It has a support layer made of pocketed coils, which gives it a classic innerspring feel and allows for good airflow. Plus, it has a cooling gel-infused Euro top to make things even cooler. The top layer of the mattress has a Tencel cover that feels cool to the touch.

The WinkBed comes in different models:

Softer
Luxury Firm
Firmer

For most side sleepers, we think the Softer model is best because it provides good pressure relief for the shoulders and hips. However, if you’re a heavier side sleeper, you might prefer the more supportive Luxury Firm model.

Pros and Cons of WinkBed Original

We know for a fact that a mattress should not be only reviewed based upon the advantages. So, let us highlight the pros as well as cons of WinkBed Original and see how does it become one of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

The WinkBed is frequently featured in our list of the top mattresses for back pain.
Its responsiveness makes it easy to get in and out of bed, which is great for seniors and people with mobility problems.
For those who weigh over 250 pounds, there’s an option to upgrade to the WinkBeds Plus, which is extra durable and designed specifically with heavier sleepers in mind.

The WinkBed is priced higher than the average mattress, and might be too expensive for budget shoppers.
Like many innerspring mattresses, the WinkBed has high motion transfer, so it might not be the best mattress for light-sleeping couples.

What is the Ideal Spinal Alignment For Side Sleepers?

Side sleepers and all sleepers, regardless of position, should seek a mattress that aligns the spine and provides adequate support.

To check if a mattress maintains your body in a neutral position, have someone take a photo of you from behind while lying on your side.

You should be able to draw a fairly straight line connecting the midpoint of your ears, shoulders, and hips.

If the mattress sags excessively at your hips and shoulders, it’s likely too soft and may need to be firmer.

This is why you need to opt for a mattress that provides enough support to your spine, as it is the main part of your body that needs good support while sleeping. You will feel a sudden rush of pressure on your spine when you lie down; that is why you need a mattress that is good enough to support your spine. The best mattresses for side sleepers support the spine and help you maintain a good spine alignment for a peaceful sleep.

What are the Pressure Points of Side Sleepers?

Following are the pressure points of side sleepers, so opt for the best mattress for side sleepers that provides adequate support to these pressure points.

Ankles
Kees
Hips
Shoulders
Ears

Since many people tend to move around during the night, while spinal alignment is important from a medical standpoint, pressure relief also matters for comfort, especially for side sleepers. Initially, side-sleepers put most of their body weight on one shoulder and hip, pressing those areas against the mattress.
Determining the right level of cushioning or firmness is subjective and depends on factors like weight, body shape, and personal preferences. However, we recommend mattresses for side sleepers that range from medium-soft to medium-firm.
For those who prefer a firmer feel, consider a medium-firm to firm mattress with a mattress topper. Alternatively, adjusting your pillow height to better cushion your shoulder while maintaining spine alignment may help. Remember, mattresses can soften over time, so keep that in mind when selecting one.

What Type of Support Does A Side Sleeper Need?

If you are curious about how Sleep Advisory chose these best mattresses for side sleepers, then let’s break it down. We know you must be wondering about our testing criteria and the choosing parameters that helped us to get our hands on these. We will discuss essential features to look for, the ideal firmness, mattress types suitable for side sleepers, and recommended accessories to enhance your sleeping experience.

Support to Side Sleeper

Support is important for all sleepers, but it is particularly important for side sleepers. Side sleepers often adopt positions that may not promote proper spine alignment, such as the fetal position.

Firmness

For side sleepers, a soft to medium-firm mattress is typically the most comfortable. While they require support, the mattress should also provide enough cushioning to contour their shoulders and hips. We suggest avoiding mattresses firmer than a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale.
On this list, mattresses range from 5.5 to 6.5 on the firmness scale, with some offering various firmness options, including a soft mode.

Contouring

Contouring is pivotal for side sleepers, just like support. When you sleep on your side, there is uneven space between your hips and shoulders. A mattress with good contouring fills in this space, providing support where needed.
Memory foam mattresses excel at contouring because they adapt to your body’s shape, giving you a feeling of being cradled rather than pressed against.

What are the Key Pointers of a Good Mattress for Side Sleepers?

In this section, we will highlight some of the key insights related to a mattress that is just right for a side sleeper. So, if you sleep on your side instead of your back or stomach, then this section is going for you. We hope that you will find valuable characteristics of a mattress that is best for side sleepers.
Let’s look over these characteristics.

Motion isolation:

Side-sleepers may be more sensitive to movement, especially if they share the bed with a partner or pet. A mattress with good motion isolation can minimise disturbances caused by tossing and turning during the night.

Breathability and temperature regulation:

Side-sleepers may experience heat buildup around pressure points, particularly in memory foam mattresses. Look for materials and designs that promote airflow and regulate heat to ensure a cooler and more comfortable sleep environment.

Durability and longevity:

Investing in a durable mattress is essential to ensure long-term comfort and support, especially for side-sleepers who may exert more pressure on specific areas of the mattress. Consider factors such as mattress construction, materials, and warranty coverage when evaluating durability.

Edge support:

Strong edge support can prevent sagging and provide stability when sitting or sleeping near the mattress’s perimeter. This feature is particularly important for side-sleepers who may use the edges of the bed for sitting or getting in and out of bed.

Personal preferences and individual needs:

While general guidelines can help in selecting a mattress for side sleepers, it’s essential to consider personal preferences and individual needs. Factors such as body weight, preferred sleeping position variations, and specific health concerns can influence mattress selection.

Are There Any Health Concerns for Side Sleepers?

Side sleeping can be beneficial for those with acid reflux, sleep apnea, back pain, (give a read to our best mattress for back pain). However, sleeping also comes with some disadvantages. Sleeping in a tight and deadly position, especially for those with arthritis, may cause soreness in the morning. Failure to change positions regularly can lead to shoulder and hip discomfort over time.
There are some links between long-term side sleeping and conditions like rotator-cuff tendinitis (inflammation of the shoulder, causing pain and stiffness) and hip bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around the hip joint, leading to pain and discomfort)
According to Jonathan Braman, MD, most people move around more during sleep than they realize. Therefore, a mattress that feels comfortable and supportive for you is likely suitable overall, regardless of sleep position.

Best Lates Mattress

FAQs

What type of mattress should a side sleeper use?

If you sleep on your side, you need a soft mattress to ease pressure on your shoulders and hips. But it shouldn’t be too soft because that can strain your spine due to gravity. Most side-sleepers should pick a medium-soft to medium mattress.

Is memory foam better for side sleepers?

Memory foam is great for side sleepers. It moulds to your body, reducing pressure and keeping your spine aligned when you lie on your side. Side sleepers should also think about a soft mattress for relieving pressure on their shoulders and hips.

Is a hybrid mattress good for side sleepers?

Hybrid mattresses blend a thick comfort layer with a strong coil core, making them popular among side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds. The foam eases pressure on areas like the shoulders and hips, while the coils support the lower back for a healthy spine alignment.

What firmness is best for side sleepers with back pain?

For side sleepers, the best mattress firmness ranges from soft (3) to firm (7), with many preferring a medium soft (4) to medium firm (6) feel. Body weight also matters in finding the right firmness.

Is a hard or soft mattress better for side sleepers?

Generally, side sleepers do best with softer mattresses compared to those who sleep on their back or stomach. A good mattress for side sleepers should be soft enough to relieve pressure on hips, knees, and shoulders but also supportive to keep the body aligned properly.

Bottom Line:

The best mattresses for side sleepers often have motion isolation, edge support, temperature regulation, and breathability. People who sleep on one side need softness and comfortability in their mattresses so that they no longer wake up feeling tired or restless.
We hope that the mattresses that we have mentioned above will help you out in your research for the best mattress for side sleepers and ensure you that you will have a relaxed sleeping experience every night.
Let us know in the comment section about how your sleep has turned into a peaceful one after buying these reviewed and tested mattresses.

Ava Grace

As Sleep Advisory's premier Sleep Bedding Innovations Analyst, she leads in pioneering bedding solutions, blending extensive research with practical insights. Her work, underpinned by collaboration with field experts, sets industry standards, offering transformative sleep experiences through innovative bedding technologies. For inquiries or personalized sleep consultation services, reach out to Ava at avagrace@sleepadvisory.com