If you also sleep on your back, you may want to compare these options with our guide to the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers – Quick Overview
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Short on time? These are the best mattresses for side sleepers right now.
Ideal firmness: Medium to medium-firm
Best for pressure relief: Shoulders and hips
Recommended materials: Memory foam, hybrid
Key focus areas: Comfort, spinal alignment, durability
Not ideal for: Strict stomach sleepers or very firm preferences
Why Side Sleepers Need a Different Mattress
Why Side Sleepers Need a Different Mattress
Side sleeping is one of the most common sleep positions, but it places unique demands on a mattress. When you sleep on your side, your shoulders and hips bear most of your body weight, creating pressure points that can lead to discomfort, numbness, or pain if the mattress is too firm.
At the same time, side sleepers still need proper spinal alignment. A mattress that is too soft can allow the body to sink too deeply, causing the spine to curve unnaturally. The ideal mattress for side sleepers balances pressure relief with enough support to keep the spine neutral throughout the night.
This is why mattresses designed for side sleepers typically focus on contouring materials, responsive support layers, and carefully calibrated firmness levels.
Top Mattresses for Side Sleepers (Compared)
Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress offers excellent pressure relief for side sleepers, cushioning shoulders and hips while maintaining comfortable spinal alignment at a very accessible price point.
A top choice for side sleepers looking for balanced comfort and pressure relief at a great price – supportive yet soft enough for shoulders and hips.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Signature Design by Ashley Chime Memory Foam Mattress, Execellent pressure relief for side sleepers with a responsive memory foam layer that cushions shoulders and hips while supporting proper spinal alignment.
Best Mattress for Back & Side Sleepers
Sweetnight Hybrid Mattress, A great hybrid choice for sleepers who switch between back and side positions, offering balanced comfort and responsive support.
Best Budget Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Nectar Mattress, A budget-friendly mattress doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or support. For side sleepers, the key is finding an affordable option that still relieves pressure at the shoulders and hips while maintaining proper spinal alignment.
The Nectar Mattress offers a solid balance of comfort and support at a lower price than many premium models. It’s especially appealing for side sleepers who want dependable pressure relief without paying for advanced features they may not need.
Affordable Memory Foam Option for Side Sleepers
The Lucid 8 Inch Memory Foam Mattress is a solid option for side sleepers who want good pressure relief for the shoulders and hips without paying a premium price.
How We Evaluate Mattresses for Side Sleeping
Our evaluations focus on the specific needs of side sleepers rather than generic mattress ratings. We analyze how each mattress performs in areas that directly affect comfort, alignment, and long-term usability for this sleep position.
Key factors include pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, overall firmness balance, and how well the mattress supports proper spinal alignment throughout the night. We also consider material responsiveness, motion isolation, and temperature regulation, as these elements can significantly impact sleep quality for side sleepers.
In addition to hands-on testing and technical analysis, we review long-term durability, warranty terms, and real-world user feedback. This allows us to identify mattresses that offer consistent comfort and value over time — not just good first impressions.
Firmness, Pressure Relief & Support Explained
For side sleepers, mattress firmness plays a critical role in both comfort and spinal alignment. Most side sleepers benefit from a medium to medium-firm mattress that allows the shoulders and hips to sink in slightly while still supporting the waist and lower back.
Pressure relief is especially important at the shoulder and hip areas, where body weight is most concentrated in a side-sleeping position. Materials that contour to the body can help reduce pressure buildup and improve circulation, which may prevent numbness or frequent position changes during the night.
Support works together with pressure relief. A supportive mattress maintains a neutral spine by preventing excessive sinkage, especially in heavier areas of the body. When firmness, pressure relief, and support are properly balanced, side sleepers experience more consistent comfort and fewer aches over time.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use These Mattresses
Who These Mattresses Are Best For
These mattresses are best suited for side sleepers who need effective pressure relief at the shoulders and hips while maintaining proper spinal alignment. They work well for people who experience discomfort, numbness, or frequent position changes during the night, and for those who prefer a medium to medium-firm feel.
Who Should Consider Other Options
These mattresses may not be ideal for strict stomach sleepers or individuals who prefer an extremely firm sleeping surface. Very lightweight sleepers who prefer minimal contouring, or those with specific medical needs, may benefit from exploring more specialized mattress options.
FAQs About Mattresses for Side Sleepers
What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?
Most side sleepers are most comfortable on a medium to medium-firm mattress. This firmness range allows the shoulders and hips to sink in slightly for pressure relief while still supporting proper spinal alignment.
Is memory foam good for side sleepers?
Yes, memory foam can be an excellent option for side sleepers because it contours closely to the body and helps relieve pressure at the shoulders and hips. Many side sleepers prefer memory foam or hybrid mattresses that combine foam with supportive cores.
Can a mattress be too soft for side sleeping?
A mattress can be too soft if it allows the body to sink excessively, which may cause the spine to fall out of alignment. Side sleepers still need enough underlying support to keep the spine neutral throughout the night.
Do side sleepers need a thicker mattress?
Thickness is less important than overall construction, but many side sleepers find mattresses between 10 and 14 inches more comfortable. Thicker mattresses often provide additional comfort layers that help with pressure relief.
How long should a mattress last for side sleepers?
A high-quality mattress typically lasts between 7 and 10 years. Side sleepers should pay attention to signs of sagging or reduced pressure relief, as these can lead to discomfort over time.
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