12 Best Mattresses for Back Pain in Side Sleepers for 2024

Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.

The table below compares key features of each of the mattresses in this article.

While a side sleeper with back pain should look for a supportive and comfortable mattress, they may also want to consider other important features to find the best mattress for them, such as:

• Mattress type: Memory foam mattresses may relieve extra pressure on pain points such as the hips and shoulders, while hybrid mattresses can offer more bounce and cooler sleep. People should also check they are not allergic to any of the materials in a mattress.
• Firmness: Medium-firm mattresses are usually suitable for all sleeping positions. However, the sensation of firmness is subjective. A person should choose a mattress that best supports their body in a side sleeping position.
• The height: If a person has back pain, getting in and out of a tall mattress may be difficult. Some mattresses provide more than five layers, which may make the mattress more appealing in terms of support and comfort, but may make it hard to get in and out of.
• Pressure distribution: A 2020 study into pressure injuries from foam mattresses found that a mattress that adequately distributes pressure can reduce the risk of pressure injuries, which are also known as bedsores. If a person has severe back pain and spends a lot of time in bed, this will be an important feature to consider.
• Edge support: Extra support around the edge of the mattress may also be important for side sleepers with back pain. Preventing side sleepers from rolling off the mattress and making getting in and out of bed easier are two benefits extra edge support can provide.

Other factors to consider include:

• Sleep trial: The majority of companies offer sleep trials to allow their customers to try their mattresses before making their final decision. This means people can be more certain their chosen mattress will benefit their back pain and suit their preferred sleeping position.
• Warranty: A person may wish to purchase a mattress from a company that offers a lengthy warranty.

Research shows that medium-firm mattresses are best for comfort, sleep quality, and spinal alignment. However, firmness is subjective; what might be medium-firm for one may be soft for another.

A person’s body weight may be a factor in how comfortable a mattress is. Generally, people with a lower body weight who sleep on their sides will sleep easier on a softer mattress, whereas people with a higher body weight may prefer a firm one.

The table below compares body weight and which mattress firmness may be most comfortable:

Side sleeping may not be comfortable for everyone. Some people may prefer sleeping on their stomachs or resting on their backs.

The following tips may help people adjust to sleeping on their side:

• Additional pillows to provide extra support: People may find that placing a pillow between the legs helps alleviate back pain, as it encourages spinal alignment and may prevent the knees and hips from collapsing into the mattress. Additionally, people may wish to purchase a contoured pillow for additional neck support or a body or pregnancy pillow to stop them from moving around at night. People may also place a pillow behind their back to help keep their spine straight and prevent them from turning onto their back.
• Arm positions: When side sleeping, people may find that keeping their arms and hands below the face and neck and parallel to the sides of their bodies provides some relief.
• Correct pillow height and design: Some people may prefer sleeping with a higher pillow to provide better support around the neck and head or prevent the head from dipping too low. Others may find that a double contour pillow provides more comfort and support when placed beneath the neck.

A mattress’s life span can depend on a range of factors, such as how old it is, the type of mattress, and whether people protect it from stains and spills with a mattress protector.

Some general signs that a mattress is past its best include:

• Waking up stiff, sore, or uncomfortable: Aging mattresses can start to soften or dip, which can leave a person’s shoulders, hips, and spine unsupported, leading to discomfort and pain.
• Rolling from either side of the bed into the center: Mattresses that need replacing can easily lose their shape, resulting in a large sag in the middle.
• Coughing, itching, or sneezing while in bed: Older mattresses can harbor dust mites and other allergens. If a person has allergy symptoms in bed, it may mean a new mattress is needed.
• Visible signs of wear and tear: Holes, tears, sagging, lumps, or protruding springs suggest that a mattress is no longer providing the required level of comfort and support for the spine.
• Partner’s movements wake people up at night: Older mattresses may lose their ability to distribute weight effectively, meaning a restless sleeper affects their partner’s sleep, too.
• Squeaking springs: Mattress coils can lose strength over time and become loose, rubbing against each other, making noise, and providing less support than when they were new.

Learn more about when to replace a mattress here.

People who sleep on their sides may prefer a mattress with softer areas around the shoulders and legs and a firmer middle area. This can help support spinal alignment.

However, everyone has different needs and preferences. Finding the best mattress for side sleepers with back pain may take trial and error. With this in mind, many companies now offer trial periods.

If back pain persists after a person takes steps to ease it at home, contacting a doctor is a good idea.