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According to our survey of 600 recent mattress shoppers, almost 50% of respondents preferred sleeping on their side throughout the night. If you’re among them, you need a mattress for comfortable side sleeping. Medium to medium-firm mattresses provide enough support to prevent midsection sagging while cushioning your joints to avoid pressure buildup and pain.
After testing various mattress brands, consulting health experts, and interviewing recent shoppers, we developed a list of the best mattresses for side sleepers. Our picks focus on support and pressure relief, with options for higher-weight individuals, couples, and combination sleepers.
We looked for the following features when choosing the best mattresses for side sleepers:
A good mattress for side sleepers offers pressure relief along the hip and shoulder areas to minimize discomfort.
Soft and medium-firm mattresses are more likely to contour to the curves of a side sleeper for proper support and pressure relief.
Although a side sleeper’s hip and shoulder must sink into the material, the torso and abdomen need support for healthy spinal alignment.
Because side sleepers may roll from one side to the other throughout the night, we looked for mattresses that are easy to move around on, represented by a high functional support score.
In this video, Nicole Hernandez, a physical therapist and mattress reviewer at NCOA, explains what factors make for a great mattress for side sleepers. She discusses the support needs of side sleepers, along with why pressure relief is so important for their comfort. She also discusses how body type can play a role in determining which mattress firmness level is best for each person.
Our testers found that the Saatva Classic offers great support, which was particularly noticeable at the midsection when side sleeping. The zoned lower back support consists of reinforced coils and an extra foam layer along the mattress’s center. The mattress also has a spinal wire, which further reinforces the center of the mattress to maintain spinal alignment and prevent uncomfortable sagging over time.
During our testing, we noted how easy it was to change positions and get out of bed. Combination sleepers transitioning in and out of side sleeping may appreciate the mattress’s excellent functional support.ⓘ NCOA Adviser’s rating of suitability for older adults who may have limited mobility. Calculated using firmness level (30%), overall support score (30%), edge support score (30%), and bounce score (10%). . If you get too close to the edge, the Saatva Classic offers protection from rolling off. A wall of dense memory foam along the mattress’s perimeter gently pushed our testers back to the center when we approached the edge.
The Saatva Classic comes in plush soft, luxury firm, and firm comfort levels. Our team tested the luxury firm option, which we found is slightly firmer at seven out of 10 on the firmness scale than a true medium (6.5 out of 10) and comfortable in most positions. That said, our pressure mapⓘ A mat with sensors that detects pressure buildup when someone lies across it. testing revealed slight pressure build-up at the shoulder during side sleeping. Although the pressure build-up was minor, our testers recommend that regular side sleepers opt for the plush soft version, especially if you have a history of shoulder discomfort.
Saatva offers free white-glove delivery, which means delivery personnel will bring the mattress into your home and lift it onto your bed frame. They’ll also haul away your old mattress. Everyone benefits from this convenient service because it eliminates the need to wrestle with a heavy, cumbersome bed in a box. You also get a limited lifetime warranty and a one-year trial period to see if the mattress is right for you.
“The lower back support is noticeable, and I think the Saatva Classic also supports my torso well when I’m on my side.”
We find many of our readers are looking for a new mattress as a means of finding relief for aches and pains, including chronic back pain. Because of this, it is important the mattresses we recommend are tested by sleepers who also experience back pain, so they can give us an accurate and honest review of how each model supports their spine and provides pressure relief. Tim, who is 62 years old and an average-weight sleeper, usually sleeps on his back and has a history of chronic back pain. He tested the Saatva Classic mattress in all sleep positions and gave us his honest review.
”My hips and shoulders do sink into the mattress. This feels good. I would say better than average. It’s oddly similar to my mattress—it feels about the same. For side sleeping, my back feels aligned… a near-perfect score.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Saatva Classic has a 4.8-star rating out of five with more than 3,400 reviews on the brand’s website. Most people reported being happy with the mattress and praised Saatva customer service and delivery, but a small number of reviewers said the mattress began to sag after a short period of time.
“I bought this mattress based on the recommendation for a mid-weight side sleeper. I usually prefer the soft feel of floating on a cloud, so I was concerned about this being a ‘firm’ mattress. It was delivered and installed right on time. That night I slept great compared to my old mattress, where I was waking up to roll over a few times a night. It’s been a week and I’m still sleeping great on this mattress. It’s firm yet has the ‘luxury’ of softness. My lighter-weight side-sleeping wife is also sleeping well on this. I’ll be keeping this mattress and my initial concerns about it are gone. Very pleased and happy I took the chance!”
— George, verified buyer on 3/26/24
“I purchased the Saatva Classic Hybrid Plush Soft mattress. […] This is the third hybrid mattress I’ve owned and the best by far. The first one was going on 10 years and needed replacing. The second has a memory foam top layer that feels too constrictive for me as a side sleeper. The Saatva Classic hits all the right notes, and as another reviewer noted, the plush soft version is perfect for me as a side sleeper, 165 pounds, 5’11”.”
— Martin B., verified buyer on 1/29/2024
“I’ve bought three Saatva Classic mattresses as they are tried and tested — maximum comfort and perfect firmness. As a stomach and side sleeper, the Luxury Firm comfort level is my go-to. Highly recommend these mattresses!”
— Mark C., verified buyer on 11/23/23
For more information, see our Saatva mattress review.
The Helix Midnight Luxe combines three layers of conforming memory foam with a layer of steel coils. This hybrid design means you’ll sacrifice some firmness and functional support in exchange for higher pressure relief. The resulting blend of support and comfort makes the Helix Midnight Luxe a good match for side sleepers.
Our team found that the Helix Midnight Luxe felt like a softer medium at 5.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. And although it scored well in functional support, you lose some of the responsiveness you’d get from a coil-dominant design. For many side sleepers, a more forgiving surface is a welcome tradeoff for additional comfort.
When you purchase this mattress, you get 100 nights to try it out at home, which is the industry standard for a trial period. It also has a 15-year warranty. Helix doesn’t offer an option for white-glove delivery, so you’ll need to hire a local mover or recruit people to help move this mattress-in-a-box into your bedroom and onto your bed frame.
“After rolling onto my side, I could feel my shoulders and hips sinking into the material. My spine felt neutral. In my opinion, that’s exactly what a mattress needs to do for side sleepers.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Helix Midnight Luxe has a 4.4-star rating out of five, with more than 6,100 reviews on the brand’s website. While many reviewers said it’s comfortable for side sleeping, some negative reviews mentioned poor customer service experiences or insufficient support.
“I am sleeping so good. Perfect mattress if you side sleep.”
— Siobhan., verified buyer on 6/13/2024
“If you are a side sleeper, this one is for you! As a back and side sleeper I like it, mostly. If I have been on my back a bit I do have a little discomfort from it not being as firm as it should be. But when I’m mostly on my side it’s heavenly.”
— Heather S., verified buyer on 6/7/2024
“I have to say I’ve been very impressed with this mattress thus far. […] I can completely tell that it truly is designed for side sleepers and it clearly provides excellent support. I’m someone that generally has lower back and sometimes hip pain. I’m being completely serious when I say I’ve had zero back or hip pain since sleeping on this mattress. Thank you Helix!”
— Ashley D., verified buyer on 5/12/2024
Read more in our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review.
If you love feeling hugged by a conforming memory foam mattress, the Nectar Premier is our top choice for you. The springless design allows your hips and shoulders to sink into the surface, which testers found relieved pressure well. Despite its soft feel, the mattress still offered a decent amount of support at the midsection to prevent uncomfortable sag throughout the night (a notorious characteristic of softer memory foam mattresses).
If your main priority is pressure relief from a conforming mattress, the Nectar Premier is a great option. But if you’re concerned about your ability to change positions or get out of bed easily, you may need to opt for the hybrid version (about $300 more). All-foam mattresses don’t have the bounciness you get with coils, so moving around on them isn’t as easy.
“This mattress took more effort to roll over [on] than hybrid models we’ve tested,” said one tester. “I didn’t feel stuck, but you have to lift yourself out of the material to move, which is a little harder compared to the more responsive coil surfaces.”
The lack of coils means this mattress transfers less motion across the surface, making it ideal for couples who sleep light.
The Nectar Premier has a generous one-year trial period, so if you’re concerned about the bed sagging over time, you get a full year to try it out at home before fully committing. You also get a limited lifetime warranty and the option to add white-glove delivery to your purchase for $199.
“This mattress is very comfortable for side sleeping. There’s no pressure on my hips or shoulders.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Nectar Premier has a 4.6-star rating out of five, with more than 5,900 reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers say the mattress has improved their sleep quality and is comfortable for side sleeping. Some negative reviews say it’s too soft, while others say it’s too firm.
“This mattress is so comfortable, I can’t believe that even on day one I had the best night’s sleep. It’s soft but firm, if that makes sense. It molds to your body and I am a side and back sleeper. My back pain is pretty much gone. I also can barely feel my husband when he moves. Overall a great purchase!”
— Dana S., verified buyer on 6/16/2024
“Have had the queen size premium mattress for over a month now and we both really like it. Seems to be better for us than our previous memory foam mattress. I am a mostly warm side-sleeper and my wife is a medium temperature side-sleeper. The real test will be if it’s still the same five years from now.”
— Mark F., verified buyer on 3/28/2024
“With so many options and competitors out there for choosing a mattress, I’m relieved I went with Nectar and chose the Premier. I am a side sleeper and I love how perfect this mattress is for me. Love the cooling memory gel and how I sink in it. Definitely a 10/10 on the comfort side!”
— Jesse A., verified buyer on 3/15/2024
For more information, see our Nectar mattress review.
If you and your partner are sensitive to each other’s movements throughout the night but enjoy the support offered by a hybrid mattress, The WinkBed (in luxury-firm) is a great option. Our testers appreciate how it offers side sleepers a great amount of targeted coil support under the midsection without sacrificing the pressure relief provided by the Euro pillow topⓘ A style of pillow top that provides an added layer of plush. The extra layer of padding is stitched beneath the mattress cover, so it’s flush with the edges of the mattress without adding extra height. . Most importantly, The WinkBed was the only hybrid mattress with great motion isolation ⓘ The ability of a mattress to keep movement on one side of the bed from affecting the other side during our testing, making it one of our favorites for couples.
Combination sleepers or those who like to switch sides throughout the night may prefer a responsive surface to help them move around easily, but a responsive mattress with great motion isolation is hard to find. Luckily, The WinkBed has layers of motion-dampening memory foam and individually encased coils to help prevent your partner’s movements from transferring across the surface. We tested this by placing a glass of water on the bed to see if it would rock or tip in response to our movement. Sitting and moving around on the opposite side of the mattress barely moved the water at all, which was a surprising result for such a bouncy surface.
The WinkBed comes in four firmness options: softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus (for higher-weight sleepers). After you’ve purchased The WinkBed, you get 120 nights to try it out at home. If you’re unhappy with your choice, WinkBeds offers a $49 exchange program, where the company will send you a mattress with another firmness level to try for up to 60 days. During this time, you can keep both mattresses as you decide which one to keep and which to return.
Like many bed-in-a-box companies, WinkBeds doesn’t offer white-glove delivery, so you will need to hire or recruit help when setting up your mattress.
“I don’t sink into the WinkBed [luxury firm] as much as I do on other mattresses. I’m more on top of the material, even when I’m on my side. My hips feel good, but there’s maybe a little pressure on my shoulders. My spine feels neutral.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The WinkBed has a 4.8-star rating out of five, with more than 8,600 reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers mentioned the mattress’s positive impact on their aches and pains. Reviewers also spoke highly of the brand’s customer service.
“Feels great. Firm, but not too firm, and comfortable. I was having back issues with our 11-year-old memory mattress. I did my research and your bed was recommended for older people with back issues. Definitely mixed feelings on purchasing a bed without trying it out first, but your warranty on guaranteed satisfaction or return it with no hassles convinced us.”
— Michale O., verified buyer on 5/22/2024
“I love this bed! It is just the right balance of firmness and soft comfort. The company has been fantastic about communicating and offering support. Can’t recommend highly enough.”
— Sarah S., verified buyer on 2/14/2024
“I’m sleeping much better than on my previous mattress. My only regret is that I didn’t switch sooner.”
— April C., verified buyer on 1/22/2024
For more information, see our WinkBed mattress review.
Finding a mattress to accommodate your back pain is a highly individual experience. No back pain is the same, and a mattress that benefits one person may not benefit another. But according to research, some sleepers with generalized lower back pain benefit from a medium-firm mattress with zoned support. We like the luxury firm Nolah Evolution 15″ because it’s a slightly firmer medium firm (seven out of 10 on the firmness scale) with double-zoned support from its unique coil and foam layers.
Consult your health care provider (like a physical or occupational therapist) before purchasing any mattress to address your back pain. It’s important to receive a full evaluation to discover the root cause of your discomfort. A new mattress may or may not be recommended, depending on your condition and the age of your bed. It’s best to discuss this decision with a medical professional.
Nolah mattresses are made with a patented type of foam called AirFoam, which is more dense in the center of the mattress and less dense along the shoulder and hip sections to support and relieve pressure at these common pressure-point ⓘ The parts of the sleeper’s body that are in direct contact with the mattress, such as the backside, shoulder, hips, and ribcage. areas. Plus, the center of the mattress has reinforced coils to add more support to your midsection and maintain a neutral spine ⓘ The spine’s natural curves at the neck, middle, and lower (lumbar) sections while side-lying.
Similar to the Saatva Classic, you get multiple layers of zoned support, but the Evolution 15″ is comparatively gentle. If you’re switching from an unsupportive mattress to this one, it’ll be less of an adjustment.
Our team also noted how easy it is to move on the Nolah Evolution 15″. “It didn’t take much effort to roll over, push up, or move,” said one tester. Those with back pain may appreciate that not much effort is required to adjust to a more comfortable in-bed position.
The Nolah Evolution 15″ comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a 120-night trial period, so you can try it at home before committing and return it after 30 days if it’s not the right fit for you. Nolah also offers a white-glove delivery option through a third party called LoadUp, which is highly recommended because this mattress is bulky. White-glove delivery through LoadUp will cost between $150–$300, depending on whether you need old mattress removal, mattress setup, or both. If you know you’ll enjoy your new bed, you can remove the trial period and save up to $150 off your purchase.
Side sleepers with back pain can try placing a pillow between their legs to promote a neutral spine, which may help them to sleep more comfortably throughout the night. Try using pillows, wedges, and mattress toppers as temporary accommodations to see if it helps before investing in a new mattress.
Find more options in our review of the best mattresses for back pain.
“When I’m on my side, I sink into the top layer of material only. It’s comfortable—there’s no buildup of pressure in my hips or shoulders, and my spine feels normal.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Nolah Evolution 15″ has a 4.9-star rating out of five, with more than 890 reviews on the brand’s website. Most reviewers say it’s comfortable and has helped decrease their pain at night.
“This mattress is very comfortable and of high quality. I’m sleeping much better since I bought it.”
— Andrew C., verified buyer on 2/19/2024
“Nolah Evolution 15 Luxury Firm is a great mattress, very comfortable to sleep on, especially on the side. We tested many different mattresses and decided to choose Nolah. The mattress has a great construction with luxurious materials. Nolah customer service is exceptional.”
— Anatoly M., verified buyer on 5/12/2024
“I am so glad we ordered Nolah! The most comfortable and restful sleep we have had in a long time. We were a little leary about ordering a mattress online. Previously we have always gone to a showroom and tried the mattress. We took the leap and we are so glad we did. The shopping experience was easy and customer service was great!”
— John B., verified buyer on 10/4/2023
Learn more in our full Nolah mattress review.
Finding a mattress to accommodate shoulder pain and hip pain is a personal experience, similar to finding a mattress to accommodate back pain. But if you experience pain from joints that are sensitive to pressure, you may benefit from a mattress with maximum pressure relief, like the Bear Elite Hybrid.
Before purchasing a mattress to accommodate painful joints, ask your doctor if physical therapy is appropriate for you. Purchasing a new mattress may be unnecessary unless your current one needs replacement due to its condition. Your physical therapist can help you find sleeping positions and activities to support your recovery. And if you need temporary relief to help you sleep better, a mattress topper could be a less expensive alternative.
During our pressure map testing, the Bear Elite Hybrid scored maximum marks in pressure relief for back and side sleeping.
“I’m cradled by this mattress,” said one of our testers. “I feel mostly on top of the surface, but I’m sinking just into the quilted top and memory foam, so not too deeply that it’s effortful to reposition. The material pops up immediately, so it’s pretty responsive.”
We also noticed the Bear Elite Hybrid’s above-average zoned support, which can provide better relief for sensitive joints than a mattress with strong support. For example, the Saatva Classic has strong zoned support along the center of the mattress, but people who shift positions throughout the night may accidentally end up with their shoulder or hip on the reinforced center of the mattress, leading to uncomfortable force buildup. This is less likely to happen with only a gentle amount of zoned support, which the Bear Elite Hybrid offers.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is available in soft, medium, and firm options, so you can choose the one that’s best for you. We recommend the medium or soft version if you’re looking for maximum pressure relief.
Your purchase comes with a 120-night trial period and a limited lifetime warranty. You also have the option to add white-glove delivery for $175, which we highly encourage if you’re experiencing hip or shoulder pain.
If you’d like to see other mattresses our Reviews Team has tested for people with joint pain, check our review of the best mattresses for arthritis.
“I don’t sink deeply into this mattress, just into the top quilted layer. My hips and spine feel normal, but there’s a tiny bit of pressure on my shoulder. ”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Bear Elite Hybrid has a 4.6-star rating out of five, with more than 3,700 reviews on the brand’s website. Most reviewers say it’s comfortable and has improved their quality of sleep, but some say it’s too soft.
“Sleeping better than ever! So glad we went with Bear for our new mattress.”
— Inez, verified buyer on 5/26/2024
“Best mattress ever used. I was having back and shoulder pain sleeping on my previous foam mattress. After changing to the Elite Hybrid mattress, I no longer have pain. I simply feel the best when I wake up now. It was totally worth the investment.”
— Kevin L., verified buyer on 5/18/2024
“Has only been a bit over a month, but currently loving the Elite Hybrid. Great night’s sleep. The back pain I was dealing with from my last mattress is gone. Will see how it holds up, but nothing but positive things to say for now!”
— David D., verified buyer on 5/10/2024
Learn more in our Bear mattress review.
Leaning toward the firmer side at 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, the medium version of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is our choice for the “Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers.” Typically, firm mattresses aren’t recommended for side sleepers because they tend to lack pressure relief at the hip and shoulder. But the Aurora Luxe is an exception.
Our testers were surprised to see maximum pressure relief at the hip and shoulder during our pressure map testing for side sleepers. We noticed almost no pressure buildup at the joints, likely due to its dense but forgiving memory foam layers. You also get a gentle amount of zoned support from the center of the mattress.
Like the Bear Elite Hybrid, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe may benefit people with joint pain—especially if you’re looking for something firmer with more functional support. This mattress is slightly better for people with generalized weakness, making it easier to roll, push up to sitting, and stand from the reinforced edge.
As a bonus, the Aurora Luxe is notably cool to the touch. Our team doesn’t often emphasize cooling since your experience will change based on your bed sheet material, but this mattress’s cold cover shocked our testers. It’s one of the coolest mattress surfaces we’ve come across, which could be due to its thick layer of coils allowing airflow or its cooling cover and gel-swirl foam, which is designed to disperse heat away from your body.
We tested the medium version of the Aurora Luxe, which felt firm to us. But you can choose to go softer or even firmer during checkout. Your purchase comes with a 120-night trial period and a 10-year warranty. Brooklyn Bedding doesn’t offer a white-glove delivery option, so you’re responsible for hiring or recruiting people to bring the mattress into your home and set it up for you.
“I feel no pressure at all. It’s very comfortable for side-sleeping.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe has a 4.7-star rating out of five, with more than 3,300 reviews on the brand’s website. While reviewers said it’s comfortable and has improved their sleep quality, people commonly complained that the mattress’s slick surface causes the bed sheets to slide around.
“We have only slept in this bed for a week, but it is very comfortable. I sleep on my stomach and back, while my wife sleeps on her side. The medium firmness has been good for all sleep positions.”
— Brett S., verified buyer on 6/14/2024
“This is a really comfortable mattress that keeps me cooler than our last bed.”
— Gail M., verified buyer on 6/13/2024
Learn more in our full Brooklyn Bedding mattress review or view our top picks for best firm mattress.
As previously mentioned, side sleepers who weigh more than 250 pounds are considered higher-weight and may struggle to find a supportive, durable mattress that doesn’t sag but is soft enough to relieve pressure. If you can relate, our Reviews Team recommends the Titan Plus Luxe.
This hybrid mattress offers supportive coils under three layers of conforming memory foam to balance support and pressure relief for higher-weight people. Typically, higher-weight people need firmer surfaces for durability, but our testers felt that the medium firmness of the Titan Plus Luxe (six out of 10 on the firmness scale) offers the ideal balance for higher-weight side sleepers. Although combination sleepers who switch between their stomach and side may find this mattress too soft.
Since the Titan Plus Luxe strikes a good balance of support and pressure relief, it’s also great for couples with different sleep preferences and body types. Average-weight people (between 130–250 pounds) should also feel comfortable in most sleeping positions, but lighter-weight sleepers (less than 130 pounds) may perceive this mattress as too firm (unless it’s what they prefer).
Couples may also enjoy this mattress’s above-average motion isolation. Our testers were impressed with the Titan’s motion isolation despite its bouncy springs. They noted only feeling significant movements, like when their testing partner jumped into bed.
You get a 120-night trial period and a 10-year warranty when you purchase the Titan Luxe Plus. Like many bed-in-a-box companies, Titan doesn’t offer white-glove delivery, so be sure to arrange a local moving service or recruit help to set it up when it arrives.
“I noticed my hips sinking nicely into the Titan Plus Luxe, but there was still some pressure around my shoulders. I think a lighter-weight sleeper might need more cushioning around the shoulders but higher-weight sleepers would be well-supported.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Titan Plus Luxe has a 4.6-star rating out of five, with more than 1,800 reviews on the brand’s website. Most reviewers say it feels comfortable and cool, but poor edge support is a common complaint.
“High quality mattress. The pillow top is soft and luxurious feeling. Very helpful as I am a side sleeper. It is firm, but I think I would prefer it to be slightly firmer. Overall, after a couple of weeks of getting used to it, I find this mattress to be comfortable.”
— John L., verified buyer on 5/14/2024
“It is perfect for a side sleeper and a back sleeper. The cooling top is a game changer as well.”
-— Nicholas G., verified buyer on 3/23/2024
“Excellent mattress. Incredibly comfortable. I’m a side sleeper and my wife is a belly sleeper, so it was a good compromise and the reason we bought this specific mattress. I wake up with no back pain or headaches.”
— Brad E., verified buyer on 3/18/2024
For more information, see our Titan Plus Luxe mattress review.
Our Reviews Team has dedicated over 1,000 hours to researching the mattress industry, consulting more than 10 health care professionals, and testing roughly 40 brands and 130 unique mattress models for quality and comfort. We’ve also interviewed 16 older adults who recently purchased a mattress and surveyed more than 3,200 recent mattress customers to understand their experiences shopping for a new bed.
Each mattress undergoes a rigorous 36-page testing procedure to score its different characteristics, including firmness, support, and other aspects most shoppers consider. We choose the best mattresses for side sleepers based on the scores of the relevant criteria. Learn about our four most important factors for finding the best mattresses for side sleepers below:
To learn more about our testing, review our sleep methodology.
Our research and tests are ongoing, so our reviews evolve over time. We test new mattresses monthly to give you the most up-to-date information possible. Check back regularly for updates.
If you primarily sleep on your side, here are the top factors to consider when choosing a mattress:
The right mattress for side sleepers should offer reinforcement at your midsection, preventing you from sinking too far into the surface. This supports a neutral spine. Poor midsection support can make you feel crunched to the side. Many of the mattresses in our roundup have zoned support, which selectively reinforces the middle of the mattress and encourages a more comfortable sleep for side sleepers—particularly if you have generalized back pain.
Side sleepers need a bed with enough contour to relieve pressure from the shoulder and hip. Our team tests this using a pressure-mapping system, which tells us where force builds up and where weight is distributed well. A mattress without adequate pressure relief will feel uncomfortable throughout the night and disturb your sleep.
It’s important to balance support and pressure relief for optimal comfort in your preferred position. Otherwise, you’re left tossing and turning throughout the night.
“To a large degree, your sleep posture dictates what type of mattress you should buy,” said Ben Carvosso, B.App.Sc., a chiropractor at Mornington Peninsula Chiropractic in Mornington, Australia.
“For side sleepers, a mattress that provides support and cushioning is ideal. I recommend a medium mattress with enough cushioning to relieve pressure on hips and shoulders,” said Carvosso. “Of course, factor in your size as well. Typically, larger builds need firmer surfaces, whereas smaller builds may need to go slightly softer. Remember, weight will affect support level.”
Mattresses with a soft-to-medium firmness level are ideal for side sleepers because they tend to offer the right balance of pressure relief and support, especially if the bed features zoned support. Don’t choose an excessively soft mattress because it won’t support your body well enough for long-term comfort. For this reason, most of the mattresses in our review err on the medium side.
“A mattress that’s too firm will lead to increased pressure on the shoulders and hips, often leading to discomfort and potential numbness,” said Carvosso. “But a mattress that’s too soft can lead to back pain and a ‘stuck’ feeling, particularly in older adults. It’s all about striking that balance between support and cushioning.”
Carvosso also highlighted the importance of pillows. “Many side sleepers benefit from a lofty pillow that holds its shape, but it’s up to you and what feels most comfortable,” he said.
See our review of the best pillows for options.
Soft mattresses that allow the body to sink deeply into the material can be difficult to push against when you need to roll to the other side or sit up. A supportive, bouncy mattress is more likely to give you a boost when you change positions.
Each body is unique. What one sleeper needs from a mattress for a comfortable night’s sleep may be completely different from what another person finds comfortable. Body weight can play a big role in determining what firmness level is right for you and what kind of support you need for healthy, uninterrupted sleep.
Mattress composition matters when you’re shopping for the best option as a side sleeper. Some materials work better at providing pressure relief and support where you’ll need it most.
Foam mattresses contour the body well, allowing you to sink into the surface for a cloud-like feel. This offers better pressure relief away from prominent joints, like the shoulder and hip. But not all foam mattresses provide support at the midsection to promote a neutral spine and prevent mattress sagging over time.
Consider the Nectar Premier listed in this review if you’re a side sleeper who loves all-foam mattresses. According to our testing results, it’s one of the best all-foam mattresses for side sleepers because it balances pressure relief with support.
Many innerspring mattresses are unaccommodating to side sleepers because they tend to be on the firmer side and don’t provide enough sinkage to give relief to pressure points. This can leave you tossing and turning for a more comfortable position.
The Saatva Classic is a good innerspring option for side sleepers because it offers a softer firmness level and a 3-inch Euro pillow top for added pressure relief. It also supports the midsection better than most, which is why it’s high on our list.
According to our testing, many of the best mattresses for side sleepers are hybrids. This is because hybrid mattresses offer the support of an innerspring with the pressure relief of foam. They also tend to accommodate other sleep positions well, making them a great choice for combination sleepers who frequently lie on their side or couples with different sleep preferences.
Latex mattresses are a natural alternative to foam. These beds are less common, but they can be a good option if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option. Latex has the pressure-relieving properties of foam with the responsiveness of springs, but to some, this may feel denser under the joints. Try out latex mattresses in the store before ordering online to ensure you like the feel as a side sleeper.
Too firm or soft mattresses are not ideal for side sleepers. A very firm mattress lacks the necessary cushioning to relieve pressure on the hips and shoulders, leading to discomfort and potential joint pain. A very soft mattress can cause the midsection to sink too deeply, misaligning the spine and increasing the risk of back pain.
Side sleepers need a balance of support and softness to maintain proper alignment and reduce pressure points at their joints.
We think the best mattress for side sleepers with hip and shoulder pain is the Bear Elite Hybrid. Constructed of memory foam and pocketed coils, the Bear Elite Hybrid earned perfect scores on our side- and back-sleeping pressure relief tests. It also features extra support through the middle of the mattress to promote healthy spinal alignment.
See our other recommendations in Best Mattress for Hip Pain and Best Mattresses for Shoulder Pain.
To learn more about finding the best mattresses for side sleepers, we conducted a focus group, allowing us to discover what’s necessary for a great night’s sleep.
Lora R., a 64-year-old side sleeper who previously struggled to get comfortable while sleeping with osteoporosis and hip pain, offered us valuable insight into finding the right mattress and its impact on her daily life.
If a friend with pain affecting their sleep asked you for advice, what would you say?
“I would tell them that they have to take control because nobody’s going to do it for them. The first question I would ask is how long have you had your mattress and maybe it’s time to think about buying a new mattress. I would share my experience with them and I would tell them that buying a new mattress improved my sleep and my pain by about 80% of what it used to be. I’d let them know how much better I feel every day when I wake up and how that new mattress has improved my life.
What do you like most about your new mattress or bed setup? How does it help your sleep quality and recovery?
“What I like most about my new mattress is that I actually get a decent night’s sleep which means I’m in a better mood every day. My family and friends will vouch for that.”
When did you realize you needed to make a change to help your pain and sleep quality?
“Being in so much pain when I was sleeping was making my days miserable, I spent my days always fatigued because my sleep quality was miserable. It was a terrible way to live my life and I was never happy.”
| Mattress type | Innerspring | Hybrid | Memory foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Plush-soft | Medium | Medium | Luxury-firm (medium) | Luxury-firm (medium) | Medium | Firm | Medium |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | 15 years | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime | 10 years | 10 years |
| White-glove delivery* | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
*Free shipping and setup of new mattress and removal of old mattress.
Our “Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Overall” is the Saatva Classic, which comes in multiple firmness levels to help you find the right balance between cushioning and support. We also like the Nectar Premier, a supportive all-foam option, and the Helix Midnight Luxe, a balanced hybrid.
Ultimately, the best mattress for you depends on your preferences. Try out a few mattresses in-store to find the feel you like, and take advantage of trial periods to test out your purchase.
Typically, side sleepers benefit from a mattress with enough support at the midsection to prevent uncomfortable sagging and adequate pressure relief at the hip and shoulder. Hybrid mattresses are often a good option because the coils provide decent support while the memory foam relieves pressure in the joints.
Most side sleepers need a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress to maintain a neutral spine. This allows them to sink into the mattress slightly, with the mattress contouring to their body and providing pressure relief for the shoulder, hip, and back areas.
Our tests suggest there’s no mattress thickness that’s best for side sleepers. Our recommendations measure 11.5–15 inches tall, and we see no correlation between thickness or height and whether you’ll sink into the material or feel pressure relief on your joints.
“Mattress height matters only if there’s difficulty with getting up from sitting or lying due to limitation, weakness, or coordination issues,” said Lindy Royer, a physical therapist and Balanced Body educator in Centennial, Colorado. “If mobility is restricted permanently, a higher bed makes sense to facilitate an easier transition to standing. On the other hand, if there’s an expectation that mobility and strength can be restored, a lower bed is like having a training partner to encourage deeper hip flexion and more strength when arising.”
There are pros and cons of both options. Shopping online offers convenience, as you can browse different options at home, and prices are often lower due to fewer overhead costs. Many online retailers provide a generous trial period and free returns, so you can test the mattress at home risk-free.
However, you can’t physically test the mattress before buying online and must rely on descriptions and reviews. Shipping times vary, and returning a mattress is sometimes a hassle, even with a long trial period.
Buying a mattress in-store allows you to try it out in person and immediately determine if you like it or not. Same-day delivery or pickup is often available, too. In-store prices are often higher due to showroom costs, though, and trial periods may also be shorter.
You may need a new mattress if you wake up with aches and pains, notice sagging or visible impressions, toss and turn more, have difficulty falling asleep, wake up frequently at night, or have had your current mattress for over seven years.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
