Dr. Barry Jarvis
Side sleeping is one of the most common and healthiest sleep positions. But it also places a lot of concentrated pressure on sensitive joints in the shoulders and hips.
The wrong mattress can create painful pressure points and misalign the spine. However, the right mattress provides cushioning relief at the shoulders and hips while keeping the spine properly aligned.
This tailored support is crucial for side sleepers. In this guide, we reveal the top 15 mattress brands and models that provide both luxurious pressure relief and optimized spinal support for side sleeping.
Read on to discover the ideal mattresses for side sleepers across different preferences and needs to wake up without aches and pains.
Mattress Features Side Sleepers Should Look For
Side sleeping requires very specific mattress traits to maximize comfort and support in this position:
Pressure Relief
The mattress should deeply contour to cushion protruding joints like the shoulders and hips that support body weight while side sleeping.
Spinal Alignment
Despite contouring, the mattress must keep the spine in proper horizontal alignment without sagging inward at the waist.
Responsiveness
While conforming for joint relief, the mattress shouldn’t allow you to sink in so deeply that moving and changing positions feels difficult.
Edge Support
Since side sleepers occupy a small surface area, quality edge support maximizes the usable mattress space without feeling like you’ll roll off.
Durability
The mattress must retain its cushioning properties and avoid developing dips or impressions over time which can strain the spine.
Optimizing these factors through advanced mattress designs and premium materials provides side sleepers the dreamy night’s sleep they desire. Next let’s look at the top mattress types for side sleepers and compare their strengths.
Best Mattress Types for Side Sleepers
Latex Mattresses
Latex naturally contours to cushion the hips and shoulders while providing responsive bounce and spinal support. Many side sleepers report significant pain relief on latex mattresses. The buoyant lift prevents feeling stuck.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam softens and deeply conforms around protruding pressure points providing superior cradling. Side sleepers feel like they’re floating as foam envelops the shoulders and hips. Advanced cooling gels in modern memory foam prevent heat retention some users report.
Hybrid Mattresses
Combining the pressure relief of memory foam top layers with the spinal support and durability of pocketed coils, hybrids provide a balanced “best of both worlds” option for side sleepers. The individually wrapped coils limit motion transfer and reinforce edges well for utilizing the full mattress surface.
Now that you know the leading mattress types, let’s overview 15 top mattress models tailored specifically for side sleepers. We’ll summarize construction, highlights and ratings.
The 15 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
1. Helix Midnight Luxe
Materials: Memory foam, wrapped coils, and polyfoam
Firmness: Medium
Height: 14″
Standout Features:
- Cushy memory foam comfort layer provides pressure relief where you need it
- Zoned lumbar support coils reinforce the spine
- Strong edges prevent roll-off so you can use the entire surface
- TENCELTM cooling cover and gel foam prevent heat retention
What Customers Say:
With almost 3,000 reviews, this model scores 4.8/5 stars. People mention excellent spinal support and joint pain relief from the zoned construction. Most say they wake without stiffness or soreness. Many side sleepers report the soft memory foam relieves shoulder and hip pressure.
Who It’s Best For:
Side sleepers needing both cushioning and optimized support from ergonomic spinal alignment features.
2. Helix Dusk Luxe
Materials: Memory foam, micro coils, and polyfoam
Firmness: Medium
Height: 14″
Standout Features:
- Cradling memory foam cushioning for side sleeping
- Zone support with firmer lumbar and softer shoulders
- Pocketed microcoils provide ergonomic alignment
- Breathable TENCELTM cover regulates temperature
What Customers Say:
Almost 600 reviews earning a 4.8/5 star average rating. People mention excellent pressure relief in the shoulder and hip areas from the memory foam. Many side sleepers also note effective spinal alignment from the zoned construction.
Who It’s Best For:
Strict side sleepers wanting a mattress specifically engineered for side sleeping with customized zones.
3. Nolah Evolution
Materials: AirFoamTM foam and transition foams
Firmness: Medium soft, medium, medium firm
Height: 15”
Standout Features:
- Proprietary AirFoamTM is 4x more durable than memory foam
- Zoned spine support with reinforcements in the waist
- Cooling cover keeps surface 8x cooler than average
- Blended foams provide 7x more pressure relief
What Customers Say:
With almost 1,500 reviews, this newer model averages 4.5/5 stars. Many mention the mattress provides significant back and hip pain relief. People like the luxurious eurotop combined with supportive base foams.
Who It’s Best For:
Those seeking robust cooling and targeted zone support for the spine and hips from high-performance proprietary foams. Multiple firmness options accommodate different body types.
4. Layla Memory Foam
Materials: Copper-infused memory foam
Firmness: Dual firmness (4-7.5)
Height: 10″
Standout Features:
- Flippable with both soft and firm sides to customize feel
- Copper-infused foam keeps cool and minimizes inflammation
- Zoned support with firmer lumbar and softer shoulders
- Deep compression support layer enhances edge support
What Customers Say:
Over 5,000 reviews earning a 4.5/5 star rating. People mention excellent spinal alignment from the flippable firmness allowing finding the ideal comfort and support level. Many note reduced shoulder pain since getting the mattress.
Who It’s Best For:
Those wanting dual firmness customization. Side, back and combo sleepers seeking targeted pressure relief, cooling and alignment.
5. Puffy Lux
Materials: Cooling gel foam, plush foam, contour foam
Firmness: Medium
Height: 12″
Standout Features:
- Proprietary foam layers provide advanced cooling, cloud-like feel and support
- Strategically placed cutouts under shoulders maximize pressure relief
- Zoned firmness for spinal alignment and cushioned shoulders
- High elasticity foam retains shape and avoids impressions
What Customers Say:
With over 5,000 reviews, this newer model earns a 4.8/5 star average rating. People mention feeling like they are sleeping on a cloud without painful pressure points. Many side sleepers especially note effective shoulder and hip cushioning from the foam contours.
Who It’s Best For:
Those wanting an ultra-plush, cloud-like feel optimized for side sleeping. Combination sleepers needing balanced cushioning with support.
6. Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid
Materials: Bio-Pur® memory foam, Active Flex foam and pocketed coils
Firmness: Soft
Height: 14”
Standout Features:
- Uses a 4” thick, extremely soft memory foam comfort layer
- Zoned Active Flex layer reinforces the sensitive lumbar area
- Pocketed coils add airflow, response and edge support
- Designed specifically for side sleeping
What Customers Say:
Nearly 1,500 reviews earning a 4.7/5 star average rating. People mention the plush memory foam provides incredible pressure point relief, especially in the shoulders and hips. Most say it’s like sleeping on a cloud. Many report significantly reduced back and joint pain.
Who It’s Best For:
Soft mattress lovers. Strict side sleepers needing deep contouring and cushioning around the shoulders and hips.
7. DreamCloud Premier Rest
Materials: Memory foam, coils, foam
Firmness: Medium/Luxury Firm
Height: 16″
Standout Features:
- Features a close-conforming memory foam comfort layer
- Individually wrapped coils reinforce the mattress perimeter
- Zoned support provides spinal alignment with pressure relief at shoulders
- Strong edges allow you to use the entire mattress surface
What Customers Say:
Almost 1,000 reviews earning a 4.8/5 star average rating. People mention excellent pressure relief and comfort on the shoulders and hips from the memory foam layer. Many report waking free of numbness or tingling in arms and hands thanks to cushioning.
Who It’s Best For:
Luxury mattress seekers wanting the contouring benefits of memory foam paired with responsive coil support.
8. Bear Hybrid
Materials: Gel memory foam, responsive foam, pocketed coils
Firmness: Medium
Height: 14”
Standout Features:
- Gel memory foam comfort layer adapts to the body’s curves
- Zoned foam provides pressure relief under shoulders and hips
- Responsive latex-like foam keeps you lifted up
- Individually wrapped coils reinforce the bed’s perimeter
What Customers Say:
Almost 1,200 reviews earning a 4.6/5 star average rating. People mention excellent pressure relief that allowed reduced shoulder pain and numbness during the night. Many side sleepers report proper spinal alignment with cushioned joints.
Who It’s Best For:
Side and combo sleepers needing balanced contouring comfort with zoned pressure relief. Hot sleepers who want cooling from the gel memory foam.
9. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt
Materials: Tempur memory foam
Firmness: Available in soft, medium, medium hybrid
Height: 11”
Standout Features:
- Originally developed by NASA to relieve G-force pressure
- Tempur material reduces peak pressure points by up to 20%
- Zoned support accommodates shoulders and hips
- Removable, washable cooling cover
What Customers Say:
Over 1,700 reviews with a 4.4/5 star average rating. People mention exceptional pressure relief especially for side sleepers. Most users say back and joint pain is greatly reduced and don’t feel partner movement.
Who It’s Best For:
Side and back sleepers needing top-tier pressure relief from highly-contouring memory foam. People who share the bed and want motion isolation.
10. Plank Hybrid
Materials: Gel memory foam, transition foams, pocketed coils
Firmness: Available in soft, medium and firm
Height: 11″
Standout Features:
- Cooling gel memory foam comfort layer
- Zoned firmness areas fit shoulders and hips
- Foam encasement around perimeter coils enhances edge support
- Coils add bounce, airflow and stability
What Customers Say:
Over 500 reviews earning a 4.8/5 star average rating. People mention excellent pressure relief in the shoulder and hip zones. Many side sleepers report proper spinal alignment thanks to the targeted cushier zones supporting joints. They describe waking without numbness or tingling.
Who It’s Best For:
Side and combination sleepers who want targeted pressure relief at the shoulders and hips paired with the support of pocketed coils. Hot sleepers from the gel memory foam.
11. Nectar Premier Copper
Materials: Copper-infused gel memory foam
Firmness: Medium
Height: 13″
Standout Features:
- Copper-infused memory foam keeps cooler than traditional
- Gel memory foam cushions pressure points
- Zoned support relieves shoulders and hips
- Stabilizing foam base reinforces perimiter
What Customers Say:
Over 1,200 reviews earning a 4.8/5 star average rating. People mention excellent pressure relief allowing them to sleep comfortably on their side all night. Many report hip and shoulder pain alleviated thanks to the cushioning memory foam layer.
Who It’s Best For:
Side sleepers seeking pressure point relief. Hot sleepers wanting copper-infused cooling foam.
12. Brooklyn Bedding Bloom Hybrid
Material: Gel latex foam, pocketed coils
Firmness: Soft, Medium, Firm
Height: 13”
Standout Features:
- Uses 4” thick ultra-soft latex foam comfort layer
- Zoned lumbar support for enhanced spine alignment
- Reinforced perimeter coils for solid edge support
- High airflow through latex and coils sleeps cool
What Customers Say:
Almost 150 reviews earning 4.8/5 stars. People mention excellent pressure relief allowing comfortable side sleeping all night. Many report significant relief in shoulder and hip pain from the thick latex cushioning layer. People also like the responsive bounce.
Who It’s Best For:
Soft mattress lovers who want latex’s gentle contouring without feeling stuck. Combination sleepers and couples wanting responsiveness. Hot sleepers.
13. Zenhaven Latex
Materials: 100% natural Talalay latex
Firmness: Dual-sided firmness
Height: 10”
Standout Features:
- Made from 100% natural, sustainably sourced latex
- Natural wool and cotton quilted cover
- Flippable firmness with plush and medium-firm sides
- Five-zone support layer provides ergonomic alignment
What Customers Say:
Almost 600 reviews earning 4.8/5 stars. People mention excellent pressure point relief allowing pain-free side sleeping. Many note shoulder and hip pain relief from the responsive latex cushioning. People like the ability to customize firmness by flipping.
Who It’s Best For:
Eco-conscious shoppers wanting an all-natural, customizable latex mattress. Side and combo sleepers needing pressure relief.
14. Allswell Supreme
Materials: Gel and standard memory foam
Firmness: Medium-firm
Height: 14”
Standout Features:
- Memory foam adapts closely to the contours of the body
- Zoned top layer specially cushions the shoulders and hips
- Reinforced edges maximize mattress sleeping surface
- Hybrid design combines foam comfort and coil support
What Customers Say:
Almost 150 reviews with a 4.6/5 star average rating. People mention the soft memory foam comforting the shoulders and hips very well. Many side sleepers report waking up free of numbness or tingling. People like the supportive hybrid construction.
Who It’s Best For:
Value hybrid shoppers wanting the contouring benefits of memory foam. Side and combination sleepers seeking shoulder and hip pressure relief.
15. Avocado Green Latex
Materials: Natural Dunlop latex, organic wool and cotton
Firmness: Available in medium and firm
Height: 10”
Standout Features:
- Made from natural and organic materials
- Zoned ergonomic support layer targets the lumbar and shoulder areas
- Natural latex is antimicrobial and dust mite resistant
- Super breathable with temperature regulation
What Customers Say:
Over 2,000 reviews earning 4.6/5 stars. People mention feeling the ergonomic zones supporting their shoulders and hips leading to reduced morning stiffness. Many side sleepers especially note reduced pressure point pain overnight from the latex.
Who It’s Best For:
Eco-conscious shoppers wanting an all-natural, organic latex mattress. Side, back and combo sleepers needing zoned pressure relief. Hot sleepers.
How to Choose the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Choosing a mattress tailored to side sleeping requires focusing on key criteria:
Step 1: Determine Your Body Type
Your height, shape and weight distribution impacts supportive needs at the shoulders and hips. Understand your physical attributes.
Step 2: Identify Pressure Points
Note specific areas of discomfort at night in the shoulders, hips, arms, legs when side sleeping. This clarifies required cushioning zones.
Step 3: Research Mattress Materials
Compare materials like latex, memory foam and micro coils that provide both softened pressure relief and spinal reinforcement for side sleepers.
Step 4: Validate Mattress Comfort
Take advantage of risk-free trial periods to validate comfort and alignment sleeping on your side all night on the mattress.
Step 5: Fine Tune Support
Some mattresses allow further customization like adjusting firmness layers to perfect comfort and support on your side if needed during the trial.
Step 6: Consider Special Requirements
Factor needs like sleeping cool, eco-friendly materials, motion isolation for couples and other needs into choosing the ideal mattress model.
The right mattress perfectly balances plush pressure relief at shoulders and hips with reinforced support at the waist and legs. Follow these tips in your mattress selection process so you wake up each morning rested and pain-free.
FAQs About Mattresses for Side Sleepers
What mattress firmness level is best for side sleepers?
Medium to medium-soft mattress firmness ratings between 3-6 on the 1-10 scale are ideal for side sleepers. This balances conforming comfort with support. Too firm creates pressure while too soft lacks support.
Do side sleepers need a thicker mattress?
Side sleepers need at least 10-14 inches of quality foam layers for enough cushioning depth to cradle shoulders, hips and prevent bottoming out. More petite side sleepers may find thicker mattresses uncomfortably excessive.
What type of mattress is worst for side sleeping?
Ultra firm mattresses don’t contour shoulders and hips leading to uncomfortable pressure points and misalignment for side sleepers. Choose something with at least 2-3 inches of pressure-relieving comfort foam.
Can you make a mattress more suitable for side sleeping?
Adding a thick topper like a 3-4 inch memory foam, latex or featherbed topper can help create more plushness on a too firm mattress to accommodate side sleeping. But optimal comfort still requires a mattress designed specifically for side support.
Do side sleepers need special pillows?
The right pillow plays a role in keeping the head and neck aligned with the rest of the spine while side sleeping. Look for a low loft pillow about 3-4 inches thick to prevent neck craning. Side sleeper pillows with contours and cutouts also help.
How much does mattress firmness affect side sleeping?
Having the right balance of cushioning yet support significantly impacts comfort and spinal alignment for side sleepers. Too soft and joints compress painfully. Too firm leads to pressure points. The ideal is a medium firmness accommodating the shoulders and hips but without sagging.
Should you put plywood under a mattress for side sleeping?
Reinforcing the mattress with plywood underneath can help minimize sagging and improve support. But too rigid of a surface also creates pressure points. Using a bunkie board or pair the mattress with an adjustable base for more ideal support.
How do mattress materials affect side sleeping?
Memory foam, latex and micro coils provide the best pressure relief, responsiveness and support for side sleepers. Innerspring and polyfoam alone lack the contouring needed to cradle joints. Hybrids can offer a nice balance when made with quality foams.
Optimizing your mattress for side sleeping leads to reduced morning aches and pains so you can be active and productive. Use this guide to identify the right blend of cushioned pressure relief, responsiveness and support specifically for side sleepers.
Originally posted on September 18, 2023 @ 5:36 pm
Author
Dr. Barry Jarvis
Dr. Barry Jarvis is a renowned sleep specialist, dedicating their illustrious career to the intricate world of sleep medicine. Holding a medical degree from a prestigious institution, Dr. Jarvis has cultivated a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that govern sleep and its pivotal role in overall health and well-being. With a compassionate approach and a meticulous eye for detail, Dr. Jarvis has helped countless individuals reclaim restful nights and vibrant days. Beyond their clinical expertise, they have contributed to groundbreaking research in sleep medicine, unraveling the mysteries of sleep disorders and pioneering innovative treatments that stand at the forefront of the field.
