Side sleeping is the most popular sleeping position for adults, with many people finding it comfortable and supportive. However, side sleeping can also present some unique challenges when it comes to mattress selection. If you’re a side sleeper, you need a mattress that supports your body’s unique alignment, alleviates pressure points, and provides comfort throughout the night.
The wrong mattress can lead to discomfort, stiffness, and even pain in the neck, shoulders, and hips. On the other hand, the right mattress can help you wake up feeling refreshed and rested without the aches and pains that come from poor spinal alignment.
We’ll explore the best mattresses for side sleepers, focusing on key factors such as support, comfort, pressure relief, and durability. We’ll review top picks, and answer some frequently asked questions so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next mattress.
Why Side Sleepers Need Special Considerations
When you sleep on your side, your body is shaped differently compared to sleeping on your back or stomach. Your shoulder and hip are pressing against the mattress, which can create pressure points if the mattress isn’t designed for this sleeping position.
For side sleepers, the goal is to find a mattress that:
- Relieves pressure on key areas like the shoulder and hip.
- Supports spinal alignment, keeping the neck and spine in a neutral position.
- Provides cushioning for the hips and shoulders, especially for those with wider body frames.
A mattress that is too firm may not contour to the body enough, leading to pressure points and discomfort. Conversely, a mattress that is too soft may cause the body to sink in too much, which can throw off spinal alignment and lead to back pain.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mattress for Side Sleepers
Before we dive into the best mattresses for side sleepers, it’s important to understand the key factors to consider when selecting one:
1. Firmness Level
For side sleepers, medium-soft to medium-firm mattresses are often the best choice. This firmness level allows for a balance of comfort and support, giving enough cushioning to relieve pressure points without sacrificing spinal alignment. The right firmness will allow your body to sink slightly into the mattress, but still provide support to prevent your spine from misaligning.
2. Pressure Relief
Side sleeping puts significant pressure on the hips, shoulders, and knees. A mattress with good pressure relief will ensure that these areas don’t experience excessive compression, which can lead to discomfort and pain. Look for mattresses with foam layers, gel-infused memory foam, or hybrid designs that promote pressure relief.
3. Contouring Ability
A mattress with good contouring ability will adapt to your body’s shape and curve, cradling the shoulders and hips while supporting the lower back. Look for a mattress with top layers that conform to the body, such as memory foam or latex, which can help distribute your body weight evenly.
4. Spinal Alignment
Proper spinal alignment is essential for avoiding back and neck pain. The mattress should support the natural curves of your spine while keeping your head, neck, and spine aligned. A mattress that’s too soft can cause the spine to sag, while a mattress that’s too firm may not allow for adequate contouring.
5. Motion Isolation
If you share a bed with a partner, motion isolation is essential. Side sleepers often move around during the night, so a mattress with good motion isolation ensures that your movements don’t disturb your partner’s sleep. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses tend to perform well in this area.
Top Picks for Side Sleepers: Best Mattresses for Comfort
Now that we’ve covered the key factors to consider, let’s take a look at some of the best mattresses for side sleepers. These options provide the perfect combination of comfort, support, and pressure relief to ensure a restful night’s sleep.
1. Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
Best for: Pressure relief and comfort
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is one of the top picks for side sleepers. It offers excellent pressure relief thanks to its multi-layer foam construction. The mattress includes a layer of gel-infused memory foam that helps regulate temperature while providing the cushioning needed for the hips and shoulders. The foam layers contour to your body, ensuring that pressure points are relieved throughout the night.
Key features:
- Medium-firm feel (ideal for side sleepers)
- Pressure-relieving memory foam
- Cooling technology to prevent overheating
- Good motion isolation for couples
- Lifetime warranty
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is a great option if you prefer the contouring feel of memory foam, which adapts to your body and relieves pressure points effectively.
2. Saatva Classic Mattress
Best for: Spinal alignment and luxury feel
The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress with a hybrid design that combines coils with memory foam. This mattress offers excellent support, especially for side sleepers who need both comfort and spinal alignment. It comes in three firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. The Plush Soft option is ideal for side sleepers who need additional pressure relief around the hips and shoulders.
Key features:
- Hybrid design with memory foam and innerspring coils
- Plush Soft option for side sleepers
- Excellent spinal support
- Eco-friendly materials
- Available in different firmness levels
- 120-night trial
The Saatva Classic provides a luxury sleeping experience with its high-quality materials and construction. The Plush Soft model ensures that side sleepers receive adequate pressure relief without compromising on support.
3. Helix Midnight Mattress
Best for: Personalization and support
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress designed specifically with side sleepers in mind. It combines memory foam with pocketed coils to provide a balance of pressure relief and spinal support. The mattress offers a medium firmness, which is perfect for side sleepers who need cushioning around their shoulders and hips. Additionally, the mattress is customizable, allowing you to choose the firmness level based on your personal preference.
Key features:
- Hybrid construction with foam and coils
- Medium firmness for pressure relief
- Customizable firmness options
- Motion isolation and edge support
- 100-night sleep trial
The Helix Midnight mattress is a great choice for those who want a personalized sleep experience. It provides targeted support for side sleepers, helping to keep the spine aligned while relieving pressure points.
4. Purple Hybrid Mattress
Best for: Cooling and pressure relief
The Purple Hybrid mattress is unique because it uses a hyper-elastic polymer grid for support, which is different from traditional memory foam or latex. This grid technology provides exceptional pressure relief while keeping the mattress breathable and cool. The combination of the grid and pocketed coils offers side sleepers the right balance of comfort and support.
Key features:
- Hyper-elastic polymer grid for pressure relief
- Cooling technology to prevent heat buildup
- Excellent spinal alignment and support
- Great motion isolation for couples
- 100-night sleep trial
If you sleep hot and need a mattress that helps regulate temperature, the Purple Hybrid mattress is an excellent option. Its breathable design ensures you stay cool throughout the night while enjoying the comfort of a supportive surface.
5. Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
Best for: Balanced support and comfort
The Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress is designed with side sleepers in mind, offering a plush yet supportive surface. It combines cooling memory foam and a hybrid coil system to provide superior comfort and spinal alignment. The medium firmness is ideal for side sleepers who need cushioning for the shoulders and hips but still want support to keep their spine in a neutral position.
Key features:
- Hybrid design with memory foam and coils
- Pressure-relieving foam layers
- Cooling technology for a cooler sleep experience
- Great motion isolation for couples
- 101-night sleep trial
The Puffy Lux Hybrid mattress offers the perfect combination of comfort, support, and cooling, making it a top pick for side sleepers who want a luxurious feel without overheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What firmness is best for side sleepers?
Side sleepers typically do best with a mattress that is medium-soft to medium-firm. This level of firmness allows the mattress to cushion the shoulders and hips while providing enough support to maintain spinal alignment. - Should side sleepers choose memory foam or innerspring?
Both memory foam and innerspring mattresses can work for side sleepers, but memory foam mattresses tend to offer better contouring and pressure relief. Hybrid mattresses that combine both memory foam and innerspring coils can also be a great option for those who want the best of both worlds. - How can I tell if my mattress is too firm for side sleeping?
If you wake up with shoulder or hip pain, or if your body feels like it’s not properly supported, your mattress may be too firm. Side sleepers need enough softness to relieve pressure but also enough support to keep the spine aligned. - Is a thicker mattress better for side sleepers?
Thickness is not necessarily the most important factor. What matters more is the mattress’s construction and how well it relieves pressure. A thinner mattress can still be great for side sleepers if it has the right materials and firmness level. - Can a soft mattress be bad for side sleepers?
A mattress that is too soft can lead to poor spinal alignment, especially if it doesn’t provide enough support for the lower back. Side sleepers need a mattress that is soft enough to relieve pressure but still provides adequate support for the spine. - How often should I replace my mattress if I’m a side sleeper?
Most mattresses last 7-10 years, but side sleepers may need to replace their mattress sooner if it loses its ability to provide pressure relief or spinal support. Regularly rotating and maintaining your mattress can help extend its lifespan. - Do side sleepers need a special pillow?
Yes, side sleepers often need a thicker pillow to fill the space between the head and the mattress to maintain proper neck alignment. Look for a pillow that offers support without being too firm. - How can I relieve hip pain while side sleeping?
Choosing a mattress with good pressure relief, such as memory foam or a hybrid model, can help reduce hip pain. Additionally, using a pillow between your knees can help align your hips and reduce strain. - Are hybrid mattresses good for side sleepers?
Yes, hybrid mattresses are a great option for side sleepers. They combine the pressure-relieving properties of memory foam with the support of innerspring coils, providing a balanced sleep surface that promotes comfort and spinal alignment.
Conclusion
Finding the best mattress for side sleepers is essential for ensuring a comfortable and restful night’s sleep. The right mattress should provide proper support, relieve pressure from your hips and shoulders, and maintain spinal alignment throughout the night.
The top mattresses for side sleepers, including the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress, Saatva Classic, Helix Midnight, Purple Hybrid, and Puffy Lux Hybrid, all offer a unique combination of comfort, support, and pressure relief. By considering your preferences and the factors that are important for side sleeping, you can choose a mattress that will help you wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.
