The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers (2021’s Edition)

You’ve probably read many articles explaining which sleeping position is the best and healthiest. As you know, a good night’s sleep can improve your immune system’s work, reduce stress, and help with your overall health.

Moreover, sleeping on your side can, among other things, reduce snoring and back pain. However, to get the most benefits, it’s vital to have the right mattress.

For this reason, we decided to test the best mattresses for side sleepers, basing our criteria on comfort, value, and quality. Without further ado, let’s find out which ones lead the pack.

Affiliate Disclosure

Puffy’s Lux Mattress is the best foam mattress for side sleepers thanks to its four special layers.

The first layer (Cooling Cloud) helps reduce pressure in the shoulders and hips while providing a cooling effect. The second layer (Plush Dual Cloud) plays two roles: contouring to the body and minimizing back pressure. The third layer (Climate Comfort) neutralizes temperature. Finally, the thickest layer (Firm Core Support) serves as a firm base that can fit any frame.

Overall, Puffy Lux provides a good mattress for side sleepers, and as mentioned before, you can test it for 101 nights and get a full refund if you don’t like the product. The shipping is free (for the US and Canada), and you get a lifetime warranty. On top of that, Puffy Lux prides itself on donating returned mattresses to children that need a bed.

Size options: Six standard mattress sizes, from twin to California king.

Who should use this mattress? Side sleepers who weigh under 230 lbs will benefit the most from this mattress.

Pros:

• Fits any frame
• Reduces pressure in the shoulders and hips
• Has a cooling effect
• Minimizes back pressure
• Special stain-resistant cover

Cons:

• Might be too soft for people who weigh over 230 lbs
• Not ideal for stomach sleepers

Nolah’s all-foam Original Mattress may just be the best type of mattress for side sleepers. Under the polyester and viscose cover, the mattress has three layers made of Nolah’s own AirFoam. What’s so special about it? This specific foam reduces heat and pressure on the hips and shoulders. It supports your spine and prevents you from sinking too deep. 

Of Nolah’s mattress selection, the Original 10″ Mattress is best for side sleepers. However, if you need more versatility, the Signature 12″ Mattress is the best mattress for side and back sleepers, as well as more massive people. Both consist of similar materials that are customized to fit the sleeper’s needs. 

However, the Original holds a place on our list both because it’s less expensive and it works particularly well for side sleepers.

There’s a 120-night trial period to see if this mattress will fit your needs. If you aren’t satisfied with the product, you’ll get a full refund. Furthermore, Nolah donates $10 (for every mattress it sells) to wildlife conservation institutions. 

Size options: Six standard mattress sizes, from twin to California king.

Who should use this mattress? It’s best for side sleepers and combination sleepers under 200 lbs.

Pros:

• Reduces pressure on the hips and shoulders
• Easy unboxing
• Made without harmful chemicals

Cons:

• Average edge support

Layla offers a hybrid mattress for side sleepers that’s flippable. In other words, there are two sides you can use, a soft one and a firm one. The first one is great for reducing pressure, while the second will give you excellent support. 

The soft side should be used by side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds, while the firm side should be used by stomach sleepers who weigh over 130 pounds and back sleepers that weigh over 230 pounds. 

Because it’s a hybrid, you’ll get more bounce out of the mattress, and it has better edge support. The top layer is a copper memory foam, which has excellent cooling properties.

Size options: Six standard mattress sizes, from twin to California king.

Who should use this mattress? Because this can be used as a firm or soft mattress for side sleepers, it’s ideal for those who are still trying to learn their preferences.

Pros:

• Flippable mattress (soft and firm sides)
• Great for side sleepers under 130 lbs
• Easy to unpack
• Affordable price

Cons:

• It isn’t easy to flip the mattress over

Amerisleep’s AS4 Mattress is a great memory foam mattress for side sleepers. It also offers the added benefit of keeping sleepers from overheating, thanks to its Bio-Pur foam. 

Its three layers provide firmness and pressure relief for the hips and shoulders. Plus, the foam is responsive, so you won’t ever feel stuck.

It provides great motion isolation and adequate edge support. With the 20-year warranty and solid trial period, you’ll be taken care of if you’re unsatisfied with it or if it’s faulty in some way.

Size options: Six standard mattress sizes, from twin to California king, plus split king.

Who should use this mattress? For side sleepers who like a medium-soft feel, the AS4 mattress will be an ideal choice. Moreover, the AS4 model is the best mattress for side sleepers with lower back pain.

Pros:

• Excellent motion isolation
• Made of eco-friendly materials
• Great cooling effect
• No strong smell after unboxing

Cons:

• Some customers complain about the shipping taking too long

Nectar has the best mattress for back and side sleepers in the mattress industry, not to mention the longest free trial (365 nights). The medium-firm foam helps reduce pressure in your hips and shoulders and keeps your spine aligned. 

Furthermore, the mattress is just the right firmness for heavy sleepers who prefer to sleep on their backs or stomachs. However, lightweight side sleepers might find it too firm.

There’s a lifetime warranty and the option of a full refund if you’re unsatisfied, and you can get two pillows, a set of sheets, and a mattress protector for free with your purchase.

Size options: Six standard mattress sizes, from twin to California king.

Who should use this mattress? Nectar has one of the best mattresses for side sleepers with hip pain. It’s also ideal for individuals over 130 pounds and those who like to sleep on a firm surface.

Pros:

• Ideal for side and back sleepers over 130 pounds
• Great cooling system 
• Good motion isolation
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Slower shipping time

The Cool Bliss represents the best latex mattress for side sleepers—the latex is incorporated into the memory foam, making this bed unique. There are four layers, from the gel memory foam (giving you a great cooling effect) to the ARPICO latex (which provides a slight bounce).

This luxurious PlushBeds mattress is considered the best firm mattress for side sleepers because of its excellent body contouring. It’s just soft enough, and at the same time, it gives great support to the sleeper. Moreover, the latex will make sure you don’t sink too far in. 

Another key point we need to mention is the mattress’s GreenGuard certification. This verifies that its production poses a reduced threat to air pollution.

Furthermore, you can get a full refund if you don’t like the product, but only after 30 days. PlushBeds wants you to take the time to acclimate to your new mattress. If you file for a refund before that, you will have to pay a fee of $99.

Size options: Six standard mattress sizes, from twin to California king, plus split king.

Who should use this mattress? Side sleepers who also sleep hot will benefit the most from The Cool Bliss.

Pros:

• Best mattress firmness for side sleepers
• Latex is integrated into the memory foam
• Excellent motion isolation and support
• One of the best cooling systems
• GreenGuard certification

Cons:

• You need to pay a fee for a refund ($99) if you return the mattress within 30 days

Whether you want a soft or firm mattress for side sleepers, Brooklyn Bedding lets you choose based on your preferences. There are three options to choose from: soft, medium, and firm. How do you make the best choice? Consider your weight, size, and sleep position. 

For example, medium firmness is ideal for people over 130 pounds who love to sleep on their side and back. You won’t have to worry about sinking too deep into the mattress, and you’ll have strong support. This firmness level is also great for people who experience shoulder pain since it reduces pressure. This will also be the best mattress for overweight side sleepers (230 lbs)—but not so much for stomach sleepers (they should pick the firmer option).

This hybrid mattress’s main features include pressure relief and an excellent cooling system. Your choice of firmness level won’t influence either. But be aware that softer mattresses will typically gather more heat.

Size options: Six standard mattress sizes, from twin to California king, plus split Cal king, short queen, and two RV sizes—all of which come in three different firmness options.

Who should use this mattress? It will be best for side and back sleepers who experience shoulder or hip pain.

Pros:

• Best innerspring mattress for side sleepers
• Excellent pressure relief 
• Admirable cooling features
• Three firmness levels to choose from

Cons:

• Average edge support

OkiOki offers four of the best mattresses for side and stomach sleepers: the all-foam OkiSoft, the hybrid OkiEasy, the OkiFlex, and the all-foam OkiFirm. That being said, we’ll focus on the OkiSoft mattress.

This model has four layers: a polyfoam base, pocketed coils, a polyfoam support layer, and a memory foam layer. The Ice Yarn cover is removable and provides a gentle cooling effect. 

The best mattress type for side sleepers should be medium-firm, and the OkiSoft isn’t too far from this mark. In fact, you’ll be able to sink into the bed without feeling stuck, thanks to the firm support. 

Furthermore, OkiOki offers a 365-night trial and a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with the product.

Size options: Six standard mattress sizes, from twin to California king.

Who should use this mattress? Even if OkiSoft might not be the absolute top choice of mattress for side and back sleepers, the cooling properties, firm support, and low price make it ideal for all types of sleepers.

Pros:

• High level of body contouring
• Removable Ice Yarn cover that provides a gentle cooling effect 
• CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified

Cons:

• A heavy mattress that’s hard to move

Helix has six mattress models, all with varying designs and features: the soft Sunset and Moonlight, the medium Midnight and Dusk, and the firm Twilight and Dawn. And if you’re looking for the best-rated mattress for side sleepers, you already know to focus on the models offering medium firmness. Furthermore, if you’re unsure which model to use, you can take the test on Helix’s website for a personalized recommendation. 

However, if you’re wondering which model is the most popular, the answer is Midnight. It’s medium-firm, and it’s the best mattress for side sleepers with neck pain. 

The cover is made of polyester, and it provides a good cooling effect. Although it can’t be removed, that’s nothing that a good mattress protector can’t fix. 

The memory foam is medium firm. In short, it’s soft enough to relieve the pressure in your hips and neck, yet it’s strong enough to prevent you from sinking.

Size options: Six standard mattress sizes, from twin to California king.

Who should use this mattress? Side and back sleepers between 130 and 230 lbs will benefit the most from it, as well as combination sleepers.

Pros:

• Great pressure relief
• Excellent cooling features
• For side and combination sleepers that move a lot
• The materials are eco-friendly

Cons:

• The cover can’t be removed

Winkbeds’ MemoryLux could very well be the most comfortable mattress for side sleepers. It comes in three models: soft, medium, and firm. But how do you make the right choice? In short, you should choose the soft model if you weigh 130 pounds or less, the medium model if you’re a back or side sleeper, or the firm model if you’re over 130 pounds and prefer to sleep on your stomach or back.

Our research determined that Winkbeds’ GravityLux is an excellent mattress for side and stomach sleepers who suffer from back pain. Thanks to its polyfoam and memory foam layers, you’ll feel comfort, coolness, and minimum pressure on your hips and shoulders.

The mattress is softer around your legs and head, while it becomes firmer around your center. This feature makes it ideal for combination sleepers who often move throughout the night. Moreover, couples will enjoy sleeping on it since it provides substantial motion isolation.

Who should use this mattress? This is a great medium firm mattress for side sleepers under 130 pounds. People over 230 pounds should use a firmer model.

Pros:

• Contours perfectly to the body
• Offers enough bounce
• Reduces pressure on the hips and shoulders
• Good cooling features
• Substantial motion isolation 

Cons:

• Not the best edge support

To create this list of mattresses for side sleepers, we pinpointed each mattress’s most important features, basing our criteria on the quality of materials, comfort and support, free trials, warranties, and customer reviews. 

Comfort and Support

When purchasing a mattress, you must pay attention to its firmness, bounciness, and supportive edge. Side sleepers often experience pressure on their shoulders and hips; that’s why we narrowed most of our search to mattresses that offer exceptional pressure relief. Moreover, these mattresses will keep your spine in a natural position, which prevents lower back pain. 

Quality of Materials

Whether you want the best firm, medium, or soft mattress for side sleepers, you always need to pay attention to the quality of the materials. Beyond your comfort, you need to think of your health. That’s why we picked mattresses that use high-quality, eco-friendly materials. 

Each mattress on our list is created from non-toxic materials (like organic wool, cotton, natural latex, etc.) that have been tested and proven safe. 

Free Trial, Shipping, and Warranty

You’ll notice that every company offers its clients a free trial to see if the product will be to their liking. Some offer a minimum of 30 days, while others offer a maximum of 365 days. 

Be that as it may, it’s important to realize that you should sleep on the mattress for at least 30 days for your body to get accustomed to it.

Some brands offer mattress recommendations for side sleepers in the form of tests. What does this mean? In short, after answering a few questions about your sleeping habits, you’ll get a personalized recommendation.

Most companies offer free shipping, a full refund, and a 10–20-year warranty. Some of them expand this option to a lifetime warranty, and they donate any returned beds to various charities.

Customer Reviews

Although every experience is individual, you’ll agree that customer reviews can accurately show whether a mattress’s value matches its price. Moreover, many tested online reviews talk about these mattresses’ extra features: the unboxing, the smell, the feeling (soft vs. firm), edge support, and the quality itself. We read dozens of reviews to make sure you’ll get the best information.

If you’re still unsure which mattress to pick, this buyer’s guide will provide you with the essential information you need to consider before buying. Let’s get to it. 

Pressure Relief

First of all, let’s discuss the body’s primary pressure points. Depending on your preferred sleeping position, you’ll feel more pressure in specific parts of your body. For side sleepers, those “hot spots” are usually the hips, knees, and shoulders. The top-rated mattresses for side sleepers are designed to relieve these pressure points so that you can have a good night’s sleep. 

On the other hand, if you’re a back sleeper, you could feel pain in your heels and shoulders. And stomach sleepers typically experience pain in their ribs or knees. For that reason, some mattresses have softer zones around the head and legs, with firmer zones in the middle.

Firmness Level

The best mattress for side sleepers would be medium-soft (a 3 or 4 out of 10) on the firmness scale. 

Moreover, your weight will also influence your mattress choice. If you weigh 130 pounds or less, choose softer mattresses. 

On the other hand, if you’re a touch heavier (230 pounds), you should pick a medium-firm or firm mattress, especially if you sleep on your back or stomach. Firmer mattresses provide more support, so this way, you won’t feel like you’re going to sink in too deep.

Good mattresses for side sleepers need to provide enough softness but still enough support. So if you’re not sure which mattress to choose, go with medium-soft or medium-firm. 

Luckily, most companies provide free trials, so if you think you’ve chosen the wrong mattress, you can always return it and get a full refund or replacement. However, if you find your mattress to be too firm, but you don’t want to change it, you can always buy a mattress topper to get the right fit.

Spine Alignment

The next thing you need to consider before buying a new mattress is how to prevent back pain. In short, your spine needs to be in its natural position if you want to avoid lower back pain. 

The best mattress for side sleepers with back pain should prevent your body from sinking in too deep in order to keep your spine in a neutral position. In addition to that, you’ll have to change your position (flip sides) during the night if you don’t want to wake up stiff. 

Type of Mattress

There are a lot of mattress types you can choose from, from innerspring to memory foam and hybrids. Let’s talk about the differences.

Innerspring 

Innerspring mattresses are the most common. They’re composed of at least one layer of coils, which creates a bouncing effect. On the negative side, innerspring mattresses are often too loud, and they don’t have long durability (5–6 years). 

Innerspring mattresses are best for stomach and back sleepers.

Memory Foam

The best mattresses for stomach and side sleepers often have one layer of memory foam because this material is great for contouring and pressure relief. Plus, memory foam comes in varying levels of firmness (from soft to medium to firm), and it works magic with motion isolation.

Mattresses made of memory foam will let your body sink, but some people might feel trapped and uncomfortable. 

Another negative aspect of using memory foam is heat. If the foam isn’t combined with a cooling gel, you might find it too hot. That’s why some of the best mattress toppers for side sleepers combine memory foam with special cooling gels. Even the best comforters have begun to incorporate cooling technology into their designs.

The average durability of memory foam is 7–10 years.

Memory foam mattresses are best for side and back sleepers.

Latex Foam

Latex foam has the most extended durability (8–12 years), and it comes in a natural and a synthetic form. Compared to memory foam, it has similar features: it’s soft, and it provides the right amount of pressure relief. However, it doesn’t let you sink too deep. It’s rather bouncy. 

To get that perfect combination of durability and comfort, the top-rated mattress for side sleepers might integrate latex into its memory foam (or into a layer between memory foam). 

What about motion isolation? Latex is a good motion neutralizer, and it comes with all levels of firmness. This feature makes it ideal for side sleepers, as well as combination sleepers, even though some people might find it too firm.

On the downside, latex is expensive compared to other materials, and it’s pretty heavy to move.

The best mattress for stomach and side sleepers should be made of latex or a combination of memory foam and latex. This is especially important for stomach sleepers who don’t like feeling stuck.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses present a mix of materials, the combination of which varies (but will always include an innerspring layer). In short, if you like memory foam’s softness and want the strong support of an innerspring mattress, a hybrid should be your number one choice. The durability of this type of mattress is 5–7 years.

The best mattress for side sleepers should provide the right amount of bounce, support, and cooling, and a hybrid mattress does precisely that. The downside of this mattress is its price, which is pretty high.

If you’re having specific medical problems that require bed adjustments, you should go for a hybrid mattress. It’s great for side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers alike.

Wrapping Up

Here’s what we learned in our final analysis of the best mattresses for side sleepers. Every individual has unique needs when it comes to mattress preferences. Some people like to sleep on a soft foundation, while others prefer firmer mattresses.

Side sleepers should choose medium-soft mattresses that provide comfort, pressure relief, and support that prevents them from sinking in too deep. When choosing the right type of mattress (be it latex, memory foam, innerspring, or hybrid), be sure to use your sleeping position, weight, and budget as the main criteria.