When it comes to sleep positions, everyone has their personal favorite for drifting off into sweet dreams. Studies have shown, however, that the majority of people spend most of the night hours sleeping on their sides. About 74 percent of people are side-sleepers, compared to only 16 percent who sleep on their stomachs, and 10 percent on their backs. This makes sense when you consider the fact that we spent the first nine months of our existence in a fetal position. According to Sleep.org, our sleeping posture can have a significant impact not only on our sleep, but also on our overall health. Poor support for our preferred sleep position can cause back and neck pain, sleep apnea, impaired circulation, headache, and perhaps the most dreaded... wrinkles!

If you're a side sleeper, the best way to ensure an optimal night's sleep is to seek out the best mattress for side sleepers. Choosing the right mattress will ensure that your body is properly supported and aligned, guaranteeing that you'll wake up well-rested and free of pain and discomfort. Read on for our picks for the best mattress for side sleepers.

The Renue 10 Inch Memory Foam Hybrid mattress comes with copper-infused response foam, which helps regulate body temperature and provides comfortable ergonomic support, advanced cooling and quick recovery. A gel layer in the memory foam also helps the sleeper feel cool and comfortable even in hot weather.

Copper cells within the mattress provide support for all sleeping positions, along with foam layer for pressure relief making it ideal for side sleeping. CertiPUR-US certified polyurethane foam is made without harmful chemicals or heavy metals.

You can choose between 10- and 12-inch hybrid mattress thicknesses for your personal needs. The company also offers all-foam mattresses in these sizes.

The mattress comes compressed, sealed and delivered in a box. It may take a little time (24 to 48 hours) to grow to its optimum size after coming out of the box. Sleeping on the mattress before the 48 hours will not adversely affect the mattress.

Key Features
  • Ergonomically supports the body and reduces partner disturbance with pocketed coils
  • Copper has natural ions, proven to keep mattress fresh, and inhibits the growth of odor-producing bacteria
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 80" x 60" x 10"
  • Weight: 74 lbs
  • Material: Premium stretch-knit cover
  • Brand: Renue
  • Sizes Available: King
Pros
  • CertiPUR-US foam with no harmful chemicals
  • Shipped vacuum sealed and compressed in a box for easy transport
  • Copper coils for cooling effect and natural ionization for freshness
Cons
  • Somewhat heavier than typical memory foam mattresses
Premium pick

2. The Purple Mattress

9.99 / 10
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One of the best mattresses for side sleepers is also the one now called the most popular mattress of all time. The Purple Mattress has a unique layered design with dual layers of comfort foam, Purple’s signature pressure-relieving grid layer, and a softflex cover. Together these layers combine to reinvent comfort for the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had!

The grid layer is engineered to flex with your pressure points while comfortably supporting the rest of your body. The soft-flex cover features a unique wave knit to deliver the ultimate stretch for maximum flexibility and response as you move in your sleep. The high-density foam bottom layer provides exceptional support and durability to prevent mattress sagging or collapsed edges. The result is a completely unique sleep experience that’s compared to floating into a deep and refreshing sleep.

The Purple mattress uses years of research from sleep scientists to deliver a mattress with special motion-isolation technology so one sleep partner can toss and turn while the other sleeps blissfully unaware. The unique free airflow technology uses breathable channels to neutralize temperature and prevent trapped heat, resulting in much cooler sleep than you’ll experience on typical memory foam or even gel-infused mattresses.

The Purple mattress features hyper-elastic polymer for supportive, body-hugging comfort that’s naturally antimicrobial with no chemical germicides.

The popular Purple mattress uses the results of years of sleep science to support your most comfortable night’s sleep ever. Experience for yourself the reason millions of users are calling the Purple mattress one of the best mattresses for side sleepers ever invented!

Key Features
  • Innovative Purple mattress with pressure equalization
  • Motion isolation technology
  • Millions of tiny air channels for breathability and cool sleeping
  • Antimicrobial hyper-elastic polymer materials
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 80 X 60 X 9.5 inches
  • Weight: 110 pounds
  • Material: Polyurethane Foam, knit fabric
  • Brand: Purple
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes Available: Twin, TwinXL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Pros
  • Heat-neutralizing design
  • Anti-microbial materials with no artificial germicides
  • Equalized pressure lets you sleep all night with no discomfort on pressure points
  • Patented technology for Purple’s signature floating-to-sleep feel
Cons
  • Mattress is heavy
  • Reinforced edges of the mattress have a different feel

The BedStory 12-Inch Hybrid Mattress is one of the best mattresses for side-sleepers for ensuring comfort and support, with pressure-point relief for a better night’s sleep. It offers the best of both mattress types, with a cozy, gel-infused memory foam layer and a pocket-spring coil base. An extra layer of egg-crate style foam provides relief from pressure in key-areas for side sleepers by supporting pressure-free body alignment. A 3-D textured knitted fabric cover makes the breathable surface extra-plush and comfortable, resisting moisture, mildew, and mites.

The Bedstory 12-Inch Hybrid Mattress doesn’t trap heat. The stay-cool gel-infused memory foam supports temperature regulation and releases trapped heat to prevent sweating and over-heating for all-night comfort. Millions of air channels throughout the layers let your skin breathe and prevents moisture buildup. The pocket-coil base provides the bounce you love from a coil mattress while moving independently to minimize motion transfer. One sleeper can toss and turn without disturbing a sleeping partner.

This comfortable hybrid mattress has a strong, reinforced edge design to prevent collapsing and sagging. The plushly padded, quilted cover is soft and beautiful with the ultimate luxurious feel. The mattress includes no flame retardants, heavy metals, phthalates, or formaldehyde.

The BedStory 12-Inch Hybrid Mattress is one of the best mattresses for side sleepers who love the snug, body-hugging comfort of memory foam but don’t want to give up the bounce of a coil mattress. You’ll love the hybrid combination of luxurious, springy comfort and stay-cool gel for a great night’s sleep.

Key Features
  • 12-inch thick hybrid mattress with gel-infused memory foam
  • Supporting pocket coil base for medium firmness and side support system
  • 2 layers of egg crate foam and comfortable plush foam top layer
  • 3-D knit fabric cover with breathable comfort
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 80 X 60 X 12 inches
  • Weight: 96.8 pounds
  • Material: Gel-infused memory foam and wrapped coil base
  • Brand: BedStory
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes Available: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
Pros
  • Cooling surface layer keeps the surface dry
  • Millions of air channels for breathability throughout all layers
  • Reinforced side-support system prevents collapsing and sagging
  • Independent-pocket springs to minimize motion transmission
Cons
  • Packaging causes a dip in the mattress center that takes weeks to dissipate
  • Mattress is heavy

The Sweetnight mattress features a two-inch thick gel memory foam layer. It consists of CertiPUR-US certified materials, and offers a unique multi-zone comfort system. Sweetnight has a two-sided design with one side being softer and the other offering more firmness. Gel fill allows more airflow and a cooler, better night’s sleep with plenty of support. In what is probably its most unique quality, this mattress is firmer in the middle, so there’s no sinking into pressure points.  This mattress does not transfer motion, allowing your partner to sleep undisturbed.

The knit pillow top cover is naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to allergens, mold, bacteria, and dust mites. 
This mattress fits all frames and comes vacuum packed and shipped in a box for easy set up after the recommended 72 hour expansion period.

Key Features
  • Consists of three distinct layers, all of which play their own part in providing you with the best sleep possible
  • The first layer holds two inches of gel infused memory foam: the gel ensures a cooler sleep, while the memory foam gives the mattress its soft feel
  • Sweetnight Mattress also features an additional five inches of comfort foam
  • CertiPUR-US Certified, guaranteeing that none of the ingredients in the mattresses are harmful
  • All Sweetnight mattresses come in an easy-to-handle cardboard box
  • Sweetnight Mattress airs out quickly and without holding a trace of chemicals
Specifications
  • Dimensions: Queen: 80" x 60" x 12"
  • Weight: 63.6 pounds
  • Material: Soft rayon cotton cover. Foam is CertiPUR-US Certified.
  • Brand: Sweetnight
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes Available: Full, Queen, King
Pros
  • Offers perfect spinal alignment for side, back, and stomach sleepers
  • Arrives compressed, rolled & shipped in a box for easy set up
  • Great price for gel memory foam
  • Mattress is flippable, with a plush and a firm side
  • Multi-zone comfort system
Cons
  • Very fluffy on both sides, not the mattress for you if you really want firm

The Bedstory lavender mattress is unique in that it is infused with lavender essential oil, which has known benefits for relaxation and sleep.  Customers report that the light scent is long-lasting and pleasant.

The mattress is constructed with a 2.5-inch pure memory foam layer, 7-inch air-circulation foam layer, and a 2-inch high-density support foam layer inside the mattress. This ergonomic structure enables the mattress to mold to the sleeper's natural shape and keeps you cool while you sleep. It strikes a pleasant balance between firmness and softness.
The Bedstory Lavender mattress has uniquely supportive edges, something difficult to find in traditional memory foam.

The washable knit cover is designed to wick away heat and foam is thermal regulated and convoluted in design to allow airflow for a cooler night's sleep.

You may need to open a window during the initial decompression period if you are sensitive to strong fragrances, as the lavender scent is reported to be strong during off-gassing, but quite pleasant later.

All in all, this mattress has very favorable reviews for a low-budget option.

Key Features
  • Unlike other memory foam mattress, the BedStory Lavender Memory Foam Mattress comes with sweet scent due to infused lavender essential oils
  • The mattress cover is made of knit fabric, which absorbs moisture, dries quickly, and helps the body breathe
  • Seven inches of convoluted foam keeps the air flowing, ensures sleeping in a thermal comfort zone
  • Mattress is compressed, rolled, and vacuum sealed in a single box
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 80" x 60" x 12"
  • Weight: 71.5 lbs
  • Material: Pure, high density memory foam
  • Brand: Bedstory
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes Available: Twin, Full, Queen, King, California King
Pros
  • Attractive color scheme of blue and white along with gold accent trim
  • Very pleasant light lavender scent to promote sleep
  • Cover unzips for easy washing
Cons
  • Mattress is reported to be floppy and difficult for a single person to maneuver once expanded
  • It takes 48 to 72-hours for the mattress to fully expand

The Lucid 14-Inch plush memory foam mattress is layered for unique comfort. At the bottom of the mattress there is a high density support layer, followed by two memory foam comfort layers. The first is a 2-inch memory foam support layer and the next is a 3-inch layer of comfort memory foam. It’s topped off with a 1-inch layer of quilted bamboo charcoal memory foam, for a naturally fresh, hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant sleep environment.

The Lucid is designed to be highly breathable with good air circulation. The foam is uniquely designed for fast recovery, meaning it will not leave a lasting body impression.

Some customers have complained about the relatively short trial period. (30 days rather than the typical 100 days).  The Lucid is comparatively heavy in weight compared to similar mattresses, but comes conveniently vacuum sealed and boxed.

Key Features
  • Bamboo and charcoal infused to eliminate odors and reduce moisture
  • Naturally hypoallergenic
  • Transition foam with calming aloe vera for a relaxing and fresh sleep experience
  • Dual memory foam layers on top of a supportive base create a medium-plush feel
  • Gel-infused memory foam hugs curves to relieve pressure, with ventilated design for better airflow and temperature
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 80" x 60" x 14"
  • Weight: 92 llbs
  • Material: TENCEL blend fabric (10 percent TENCEL lyocell, 90 percent polyester) Gel memory foam infused with bamboo and charcoal
  • Brand: Lucid
  • Warranty: 10-year limited
  • Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Pros
  • Compressed, rolled and shipped in an easy-to-manage box
  • Bamboo and charcoal infused core for freshness
  • CertiPUR-US Certified
  • Helps align the spine to diminish pressure points
  • Firm edge support
  • Naturally resistant to dust mites
Cons
  • Can have strong off-gassing which does not dissipate quickly
  • May be too firm for stomach sleepers
  • Only 30 day trial period vs. the more common 100 days

One of the best mattresses for side sleepers today is the Sweetnight 10-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress. This mattress not only provides full support for proper alignment during side-sleeping, but it also provides a cool, comfortable night’s sleep with an infused layer of cooling gel. The cool, comfortable gel tops 3 layers of foam including comfort-foam and high-density support foam—all with breathable, open-cell airflow to prevent overheating and sweating.

The Sweetnight 10-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress features a flippable design, with a medium-softness side and a firm side so you can choose your comfort level. This two-in-one design provides the option to sleep on either side. Choose firm support when you need it or go softer with medium support with a simple mattress flip. The 4-layers of support and comfort relieve back, neck, and shoulder pain, and ensure proper alignment for a full night’s sleep without causing discomfort at pressure points. Motion-transfer control lets one partner sleep in comfort even if the other is moving or tossing.

This flippable mattress features a breathable rayon/cotton blend cover with natural resistance to mold and mildew. The mattress fits all frames, including box springs, adjustable, and slatted bases. It is available in a complete size range from twin to king.

The Sweetnight 10-Inch Gel Memory Foam is the best mattresses for side sleepers who appreciate versatility, with a firm side and a medium side to meet any comfort requirement.

Key Features
  • Unique 4-layer mattress with memory foam and gel infusion
  • Breathable rayon/cotton blend cover
  • Triple-zoned supportive foam for proper alignment
  • One side is medium, the other is firm
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 60 X 80 X 10 Queen
  • Weight: 63 pounds
  • Material: Memory Foam/Gel
  • Brand: Sweetnight
  • Warranty: 10-year limited
  • Sizes Available: Twin, Full, Queen, King
Pros
  • Flippable design with medium side and firm side
  • Eliminates motion transfer so one partner can move without disturbing the other
  • Natural protection against mold and mildew
  • Ventilated comfort foam for with open-cell airflow and cooling gel
Cons
  • The mattress cover texture is coarse on the firm side
  • Strong odor requires several days of off-gassing

Classic Brands makes one of the best mattresses for side sleepers who tend to sleep hot. The pressure-relieving mattress cradles you in comfort with high-density foam featuring aerated cooling gel to pull heat away from the body so the mattress surface remains cool. The medium-plush gel-foam mattress delivers a deeper night’s sleep with less sweating and overheating.

Side sleepers will feel relief from uncomfortable pressure points with the body-conforming, high-quality memory foam mattress in an extra-plush 14-inch depth. The premium foam features a body-conforming response to cradle each part of your body as it helps keep the spine in proper alignment. Each time you move, the mattress re-conforms around with cloud-like comfort. Low motion transfer response allows one partner to sleep in comfort even if the other is tossing and turning.

The gel foam is naturally resistant to allergens, mold, and bacteria. The porous, open-cell design ensures proper ventilation and air circulation.

The Classic Brands Cool Gel Chill Memory Foam Mattress has a comfortable quilted cover in a soft stretch knit fabric with waterfall edging and supportive knit side panels to reinforce edge-strength. Best of all, the mattress comes with two bonus pillows with plush shredded memory foam fill in a beautifully-detailed, quilted cover.

This is one of the best mattresses for side sleepers, or anyone looking for an all-in-one purchase for both the mattress and pillows with cooling gel comfort.

Key Features
  • High-density foam with aerated cooling gel for support and all-night comfort
  • Medium-plush support with body-conforming comfort
  • Beautiful stretch-knit cover
  • Conforming memory foam minimizes motion transfer
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 60 X 80 X 14 in
  • Weight: 110 lbs
  • Material: Cool gel foam
  • Brand: Classic Brands
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes Available: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Pros
  • Includes two bonus pillows of comfortable shredded memory foam in high-quality quilted covers
  • Naturally hypoallergenic
  • Cooling gel foam draws heat away for a cooler sleep surface
  • Orthopedic support reduces pressure point discomfort
Cons
  • Mattress is heavy
  • Mattress might slide on top of the box spring

One of the best mattresses for side sleepers in a comfortable, supportive hybrid style, is the Olee Sleep 13-Inch Galaxy Hybrid Gel-Infused Memory Foam and Pocket Spring Mattress. Side sleepers need a mattress to provide contoured support of vertebrae during sleep for proper alignment. This medium-firm mattress delivers the unique support of a perfectly balanced blend of innerspring coil support with the body-conforming comfort of memory foam.

The Olee Sleep Galaxy Hybrid offers 5 layers of comfort, with an inner core of heavy-duty tempered steel coils protected by memory foam layers. A top layer of cooling, gel-infused memory foam relieves pressure point discomfort while you sleep by gently conforming to your body and adapting to every movement to cradle you in comfort.

Gel infusion in the memory-foam layer regulates body temperature while you sleep and prevents trapped heat from causing sweating and discomfort, while it eases pressure points. It also minimizes motion transfer so the movement of one sleeping partner won’t disturb the other.

The five layers of comfort coils and gel-infused memory foam are covered in a soft, extra-plush fiber-quilted cover. The cover is beautifully detailed in white and gray. It’s stain-resistant and designed to allow maximum air circulation.

This is definitely one of the best mattresses for side sleepers for both comfort and beauty. Best of all, it delivers a full night’s sleep in any position!

Key Features
  • Heavy-duty steel coil mattress with plush memory foam cushion layer
  • 5-layer construction
  • Plush top layer of gel-infused memory foam
  • Pocket spring coil core protected by memory foam layers
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 13 in
  • Weight: 95 lbs
  • Material: Polyester
  • Brand: Olee Sleep
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes Available: Full, Queen, King
Pros
  • Gel-infused memory foam top layer adapts to body shape and movement
  • Regulates body temperature to prevent trapped heat
  • Medium-firm comfort
  • Plush, fiber-quilted cover with beautiful detailing
Cons
  • Top layer may indent after years of use
  • Classified as medium, but it’s a firm-medium

The Novilla 12-Inch Vitality Gel Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress is one of the best mattresses for side sleepers available today. The hybrid mattress construction offers the best of both mattress types with independent innerspring coils and a plush layer of high-quality, gel-infused memory foam. Best of all, the breathable bamboo fiber cover enhances air circulation, while the cool gel foam prevents heat from becoming trapped on the surface of the mattress.

The Novilla hybrid mattress offers the support and pressure-point relieving comfort that side-sleepers need for proper alignment. Five layers provide the ultimate hybrid comfort with a high-density foam base, an individual pocket spring core, a layer of high-quality comfort foam, and a gel-infused foam layer.

The 5 layers of comfort-ensuring materials feature a breathable, eco-friendly bamboo rayon cover with plush, quilted comfort and durability. Reinforced edges provide excellent edge support to prevent collapsing, even if you often sit on the sides of the bed.

This mattress features a body-adapting design to provide support throughout the night as it adapts to shifts and movements while you sleep, keeping the spine properly aligned and supported while minimizing pressure point discomfort. The independent coils and memory foam layers also minimize motion transfer so one partner will sleep easily even if the other is moving or tossing.

The Novilla Hybrid mattress is not only one of the best mattresses for side sleepers, but it also works for all sleep styles with a more unified balance between plush comfort and exceptional pressure relief. The climate-adaptive, temperature-regulating gel foam ensures a comfortable night’s sleep in any environment.

Key Features
  • Innerspring coil mattress with Gel memory foam top layer
  • Reinforced edge support
  • High-density foam base and individual pocket spring core
  • Independent springs minimize motion transfer
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 60 x 80 x 12 in
  • Weight: 98.8 lbs
  • Material: polyester memory foam and bamboo-rayon fiber cover
  • Brand: Novilla
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes Available: Full, Queen, King
Pros
  • Eco-friendly materials
  • Gel-infused memory foam top layer for plush comfort and temperature regulation
  • Easy to carry or move with 4 integrated side handles
  • Blends the body-conforming comfort of memory foam with the bounce of a coiled mattress
Cons
  • May not expand to a full 12 inches

One of the best mattresses for side sleepers today is also one of the most unique choices in a green, organic mattress you can feel good about sleeping on. The Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress is made of 100 percent natural organic latex foam, 100 percent organic wool from New Zealand, and 100 percent organic cotton with no synthetics.

Natural latex foam delivers a night’s sleep like no other with unique pinpointed elastic support to conform to your unique body shape and weight, adjusting instantly to every move with minimal resistance. The latex foam provides exceptional comfort, bounce, and support for a great night’s sleep. The natural latex also stays cool throughout the night, preventing over-heating and sweating for a more restful night’s sleep. The latex foam contains millions of tiny air channels to ensure breathability. A 6-inch base layer provides durable strength and support so your mattress never sags out of shape. A top base of 2 inches of soft, plush latex foam envelopes you in comfort while you sleep. The mattress cover integrates an inch of natural, organic wool for extra cushiony comfort. The quilted cover also includes two layers of organic cotton with no synthetics, meeting all requirements for biodegradability.

The Pure Green Natural Latex Mattress is one of the best mattresses for side sleepers who prefer all-natural components and exceptional comfort with snug support. It’s available in soft, medium, and firm comfort levels, and a full range of sizes from twin to California king.

Key Features
  • Unique, all-natural mattress of 100-percent organic latex foam
  • Medium support with 6-inch firm latex foam base layer, 2-inch medium comfort layer, and organic wool padding
  • 1 inch of wool quilted into mattress cover for height and breathable comfort
  • All-natural, elastic support with tiny air chambers for breathability
Specifications
  • Weight: 142.7 pounds
  • Material: Natural latex foam
  • Brand: Sleep On Latex
  • Warranty: 10 years
  • Sizes Available: Twin, TwinXL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Pros
  • Medium firmness support is ideal for side sleepers
  • Made with green, organic latex and natural organic wool from New Zealand, and organic cotton
  • No synthetic foam, no polyurethane, and no polyester
  • Unique elastic feel with bounce, body-hugging comfort, and support
Cons
  • Heavy weight at over 142 pounds
  • Has a rubber odor

The Lasheen Mattress is a hybrid, bringing together the best qualities of a coil mattress—the support and bounce—together with the body-hugging, pressure-point relieving comfort of a gel memory foam mattress.

One thousand individually-wrapped pocket springs minimizes motion transfer for you and your partner, yet bring you good bounce quality.  Great pressure point relief makes this mattress perfect for side-sleepers.  
The soft fabric cover is designed to be breathable for better air flow, and coils are naturally better for air circulation that pure foam mattresses.
The Lasheen is a great choice for a heavier person and offers firm edge support.

This mattress comes rolled, vacuum sealed and shipped in a box for easy installment and works with all bed frames.

Key Features
  • Hybrid mattress combining the benefits of foam, coils, and other materials
  • Individually pocketed for motion isolation
  • Coils allow for more air flow than foam mattresses to help with temperature regulation for a cooler night’s sleep
  • Twelve-inch motion-free memory foam pocket coil spring with breathable fabric cover
  • Hybrid mattresses offer a good amount of bounce vs. foam alone
  • Compressed, rolled and shipped in a box to your door
Specifications
  • Dimensions: 60'' x 80'' x12''
  • Weight: 88 llbs
  • Material: Memory foam, pocketed coils
  • Brand: Lasheen-US
Pros
  • Great support for heavier people
  • Combines the spring and bounce of coils with the comfort of gel foam top
  • Superior edge support
  • Gel foam on top relieves back pain and pressure points

Side sleeping may be the most common sleeping position, but there are still things to consider to make sure you're getting a comfy night's rest.

Benefits and disadvantages of side-sleeping

Sleeping on your side has its benefits. It’s reported to help prevent acid reflux, and you are much less likely to snore in a side-sleeping position. However, besides promoting wrinkles on the side of your face from pillow creases, muscle and spine alignment can be adversely affected if you aren’t sleeping on a mattress made to support this position.

New advances for side-sleepers

Fortunately, mattresses for side sleepers have been around since the advent of memory foam mattresses, first in form-hugging polyurethane foam, and now in a variety of improved fillers, such as gel, and even gels infused with pleasant essential oils. Natural choices such as lavender, green tea, or ionizing copper are now available to enhance your night’s sleep.

The more recent choices in memory foam mattresses have been innovated with air circulation and cooling in mind, since the original foams, though very comfortable, tended to limit air-flow and cause overheating during sleep. The body-cradling ability of memory foams conform to your personal body weight, size, and sleep position to avoid uncomfortable pressure on vulnerable pressure points during the night, resulting in less tossing and turning and a deeper, more rejuvenating sleep. You can even get the benefits with a good mattress topper.

Unfortunately, soon after throwing out our old pillow-top coiled mattresses and replacing them with the luxurious comfort of memory foam, some of us noticed a lack of bounce in our new bedding. This lack of bounce, while enhancing our sleep, did not exactly enhance other night time activities. But was this worth losing sleep over? Well… yes, obviously for some of us it was, but others wanted to know why they couldn’t have both. Hence, the drawing boards came back out, resulting in a product that offered the best of both worlds for those who desired it. Hybrids.

Hybrids generally have a coil spring core covered by one or more layers of a variety of foam materials to offer the bounce of a traditional mattress and the pressure point relief of memory foam.

So whatever it takes to ensure a great night’s sleep for any individual’s needs, there is now an ideal mattress choice out there. But where to begin? This guide breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of ten of the best mattresses for side sleepers on the market today.

FAQ

Q: How firm should a mattress be for a side sleeper?

The best mattress for side sleepers should be soft to medium in its firmness. It should provide a flat, smooth surface without sags or dents. Avoid very soft mattresses which can lead to sleeping with a misaligned spine. If your mattress sags in the center, it’s time for a new mattress with a higher level of support. A moderately soft to medium mattress is the optimal level of firmness to ensure proper spinal alignment without causing undue stress on the hip and shoulder joints. An overly firm mattress can impact sleep quality by causing pressure against the hip, and can even lead to sore hip and shoulder joints. A very firm mattress may also cause numbness in the arms from the impact on pressure points. The best mattresses for side sleepers should be supportive but not overly firm.

Q: Is a memory foam mattress better for side sleepers?

Memory foam mattresses with a soft to medium firmness are the best mattresses for side sleepers. Memory foam is a responsive material that relieves pressure points by essentially conforming to the sleeper’s individual shape and weight while they sleep. It comfortably cradles the hip and shoulder while still offering support to promote spinal alignment during sleep to prevent backache.

Memory foam moves with you as you sleep, adjusting to each shift in position to provide the best pressure relief no matter which side you sleep on or how long you remain in each position.

Q: Can side sleepers still use an innerspring mattress?

While innerspring mattresses don’t provide quite the same pressure-point relief of a memory foam mattress, the best mattresses for side sleepers in an innerspring mattress are those with deep-pocketed coils and a soft pillowtop offering nearly the same effect as memory foam. The cushiony pillowtop relieves pressure on the hip and shoulder while the innerspring coils support good spinal alignment.

Q: Are firmness and support the same thing in a mattress?

Firmness and support are two different qualities. A supportive mattress will keep the spine aligned adequately while also providing relief for pressure points. A mattress can be supportive regardless of how soft or firm it feels. Firmness and softness qualities refer to the comfort level of the mattress surface and is a much more subjective measurement compared to that of a mattress’s support. The best mattresses for side sleepers are supportive but not overly firm.

Q: How should side sleepers be sleeping?

Side sleepers should choose a soft to medium firmness mattress paired with a pillow that helps to keep their neck and spine aligned. Studies show that sleeping on the left side is best for full functionality of important organs such as the liver. However, spending all night on one side may cause shoulder and hip pain. Instead, sleep experts recommend that side sleepers begin the night on the left side by switch periodically if they wake during the night.

If you almost always sleep on your side it can be helpful to place a pillow between your thighs to keep your back and hip aligned. This prevents or minimizes back pain.

The best mattress for side sleepers should support spinal alignment without causing pressure on the shoulder and hip joints.

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