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Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for mental and physical health. People who sleep on their sides may need pressure point relief for their hips, lower back, and shoulders.
- Best flippable mattress: Layla Hybrid | Skip to review
- Best all-foam mattress: Tuft & Needle Nod | Skip to review
- Best versatile mattress: Nectar Memory Foam | Skip to review
- Best gel-infused mattress: WinkBed | Skip to review
- Best soft mattress: Casper Nova Hybrid | Skip to review
- Best overall mattress: Helix Midnight | Skip to review
- Best eco-friendly mattress: Saatva Classic | Skip to review
- Best for medium firmness mattress: Leesa Original | Skip to review
- Best for affordable hybrid mattress: Allswell Luxe Hybrid | Skip to review
- Best for cooling: Tempur-pedic Luxebreeze | Skip to review
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best flippable mattress: Layla Hybrid
- List price: from $1,200
Layla makes several mattresses that may suit side sleepers. The Layla Hybrid has copper-infused memory foam and an individually wrapped coil system.
The company says that its copper-infused memory foam reacts to a person’s body weight with technology called Variable Support. This provides more support in areas of deep compression than standard memory foam. The copper also transfers heat away from the body, helping a person stay cool.
With independently moving springs, the Layla Hybrid works with adjustable bed bases. This model also has a softer side and a firmer side, and handles on the sides of the mattress make flipping it easier.
The Layla Hybrid is one of the more expensive options on the market.
Learn more about Layla mattresses here.
Pros
- can flip the mattress to change its firmness
- copper-infused memory foam may promote more cool sleep
- reportedly has good edge support
Cons
- reports of shipping delays
- one of the more expensive options on the market
- may be too heavy for some persons to flip easily
Best all-foam mattress: Tuft & Needle Nod
- List price: from around $349
The Nod is only available on Amazon, and it is the least expensive Tuft & Needle mattress.
The Nod has an all-foam construction comprising two distinct layers. The top layer cradles pressure points and adapts to a person’s body, while the bottom layer focuses on spinal support. This construction may make it a good option for side sleepers.
Though the mattress is just 8 inches in height, the company says that it has a “comparable composition” to the original Tuft & Needle mattress. Some reviewers have expressed concern about its durability.
Pros
- inexpensive all-foam option
- certified free from harmful chemicals
- many reviewers describe it as comfortable
Cons
- may not be very durable, according to reviewers
- some reviewers found it too soft
- limited edge support
Best versatile mattress: Nectar Memory Foam
- List price: from $699
This has a five-layer construction, as well as a quilted memory foam mattress cover and a nonslip base.
The company says that this model suits any sleeping position and any body type due to its medium density, which offers a good balance of firmness and softness.
Nectar offers a 100% risk-free, 365-night home trial, with the option of a return for a full refund.
Learn more about Nectar mattresses here.
Pros
- good motion control
- may promote cooler sleep
- 365-night home trial
Cons
- may sink in too much, according to reviewers
- may sleep too hot for some
- may be too firm for smaller sleepers
Best gel-infused mattress: WinkBed
- List price: from $1,149
WinkBed’s bed-in-a-box hybrid mattress comes in soft, luxury firm, firmer, and plus models.
The mattress has a pillow top layer with gel-infused foam, which helps pull heat from the body, unlike traditional memory foam.
The individually wrapped coil support system pushes back on areas of greater pressure, which could make it a good choice for side sleepers.
Learn about WinkBed mattresses here.
Pros
- available in a wide range of firmness options
- gel-infused foam may promote a cooler sleep
- some reviews describe it as appropriate for all body types
Cons
- some reviewers described difficulty getting a refund
- does not provide the “hug” feeling some users seek in a mattress
- some users report significant off-gassing odors
Best soft mattress: Casper Nova Hybrid
- List price: from $1,995
The Nova Hybrid is the softest of Casper’s mattresses. It has foam-encased pocketed coils for a firm foundation, as well as a plush, stretchy top layer.
Different areas of the mattress offer different levels of support, with softer foam around the shoulder area to relieve pressure on the joints. In the center, firmer foam supports the hips and lower back. This design may suit side sleepers.
In addition, the memory foam has perforations to help with airflow and prevent overheating.
However, a person who prefers a firm mattress may find that the Nova Hybrid does not suit their needs.
Casper offers a 100-day no-risk trial for their mattresses, with free returns.
Learn more about Casper mattresses here.
Pros
- lifts the waist and hips for better alignment
- perforations may promote good airflow and cooler sleep
- may provide good pressure point relief
Cons
- may be too soft for some people
- may not be a good choice for larger sleepers
- has a relatively short warranty for the price
Best overall mattress: Helix Midnight
- List price: from $936.30
Helix has three mattresses that may suit side sleepers. These include:
- the Sunset, which is soft
- the Midnight, which is medium-firm
- the Twilight, which is firm
Each model provides pressure point relief, with layers of foam with different densities to support the joints. Hundreds of wrapped coils cushion the body while limiting motion transfer and helping with edge support.
Helix offers customers a 100-night sleep trial. Before making a purchase, a person can take the company’s sleep quiz to find the model that best matches their body type. Each Helix mattress is handmade in the United States.
Learn more about Helix mattresses here.
Pros
- offers customers a sleep quiz to choose the right mattress
- has good motion control
- different firmness options are available
Cons
- does not offer any targeted lumbar support
- may not be a good choice for stomach sleepers
- may not be a good choice for larger sleepers
Best eco-friendly mattress: Saatva Classic
- List price: from $1,095
Saatva’s Classic model is a hybrid mattress with an innerspring coil system and eco-friendly foam cushioning. It has a firmer section in the middle to support the lower back and help maintain spinal alignment.
According to the company, the Plush Soft version of this mattress may suit side sleepers, as it can provide extra contouring. There are three firmness levels, and a person can take the Saatva Mattress Quiz to help find the model that suits them best.
The company states that its materials are high quality and that the organic cotton cover of this mattress is breathable and antimicrobial. The company also offers memory foam, latex, and adjustable mattresses.
The company offers a year-round discount to active military personnel, as well as to veterans and nurses, along with a 120-night home trial.
Pros
- includes an organic and antimicrobial cotton cover
- extra contouring may support side sleepers
- offers a choice of 3 firmness levels
Cons
- has limited motion control
- may need replacing after 3 years, according to reviewers
- may not be a good choice for those who prefer the hug and softness of all memory foam mattresses
Best for medium firmness: Leesa Original
- Price: from $849
The Leesa Original mattress features three different layers of memory foam. Topped with a breathable knit cover, the top comfort layer is reportedly breathable for a cool sleep, the recovery layer relieves pressure points, and the high-density base promotes stability.
The product website states that the durable base foam layer makes the mattress comfortable and supportive for people of all sizes and all sleeping styles.
It is CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified, which means it is free from harmful materials and is low in chemical emissions.
The company offers a 100-night, risk-free trial, and free shipping with no-contact delivery, plus a 10-year full replacement limited warranty.
The company describes this mattress as a good choice for persons seeking pressure point relief and motion control, with a bit of responsiveness.
Pros
- reportedly provides extra cushioning for side sleepers
- offers good motion control
- Leesa is CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified and a certified B-corp
Cons
- does not offer good edge support
- may not be a good choice for heavier sleepers
Best for affordable hybrid mattress: Allswell Luxe Hybrid
- Price: from $299
The Allswell Luxe Hybrid mattress is made from three layers of memory foam, individually wrapped coils, and a built-in plush topper. The manufacturer states that these features combine to provide comfort, support, and a responsive mattress.
According to the manufacturer, the memory foam contours to a person’s body, several hundred individually-wrapped coils reinforce the mattress, and the cooling fabric cover promotes cool sleep. The mattress may help promote good spinal alignment and offer soft, but firm, support.
The mattress is described as medium in firmness and is 12” tall. It contains CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. The company offers free shipping and a limited 10-year warranty.
Pros
- very moderately priced for a hybrid mattress
- has good edge support
- some reviewers with back pain found it helpful
Cons
- some reviews described significant problems with delivery
- the mattress may take significant time to expand to its full size
- motion control is limited
Best for cooling: Tempur-pedic Luxebreeze
- Price: from $5,099
The TEMPUR-Breeze line of mattresses from TEMPUR-pedic features what the manufacturer describes as exclusive cooling materials.
The TEMPUR-pedic Luxebreeze mattress may offer a cooler sleep than comparable mattresses, thanks to a cooling cover, a layer of cooling memory foam, and ventilated pressure-relieving materials.
In addition to the manufacturer’s proprietary memory foam, this 13-in hybrid mattress contains 1,300 double-stacked innerspring coils. This design reportedly supports people of all body types and is a responsive mattress.
By conforming to a person’s body, the company’s memory foam reportedly relieves a person’s pressure points and stays breathable.
Persons can choose a soft, medium hybrid, or firm firmness level.
The company offers a 90-might risk-free sleep trial, free delivery, and a 10-year warranty.
Pros
- relieves pressure points
- provides motion control
- available in different levels of firmness
Cons
- expensive compared to similar
- memory foam limits responsiveness
- firmness options may be too soft or too hard for some people
People can look for certifications that show whether sustainable, ethical materials and labor went into a mattress. Some common certifications include:
- Global Organic Textile Standard, sometimes called “GOTS”
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100
- USDA Organic, as certified by the Department of Agriculture
- Fair Trade
Most mattresses last around 8–10 years. People should consider whether their mattress needs replacing before purchasing a new one.
Learn more about how long mattresses last here.
Some companies help dispose of old mattresses. A person can also search for local mattress recycling locations.
Medical News Today chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:
- Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
- Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
- Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
- Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
- Firmness: MNT selects mattresses that are available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles.
- Sleep trials: MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
- Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free.
- Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products that carry warranties and clear returns policies.
The following table compares the mattresses in this article.
| Mattress type | Sizes | Firmness | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layla | hybrid | twin–Cal king | soft and firm | from $1,200 |
| Tuft & Needle | all-foam | twin–Cal king | medium firm | from around $349 |
| Nectar | memory foam | twin–split king | medium firm | from $699 |
| WinkBed | gel-infused foam | twin–Cal king | • softer • luxury firm • firmer • plus | from $1,149 |
| Casper | hybrid | twin XL–Cal king | soft | from $1,995 |
| Helix | hybrid | twin–Cal king | medium firm | from $936.30 |
| Saatva | hybrid | twin–split Cal king | • plush soft • luxury firm • firm | from $1,095 |
| Leesa | memory foam | twin–Cal king | medium | from $849 |
| Allswell | hybrid | twin–Cal king | medium | from $299 |
| Tempur-pedic | hybrid | twin long–split Cal king | • soft • medium hybrid • firm | from $5,099 |
A person may benefit from using products designed for their sleeping position. Click the links below to learn more about accessories for side sleepers:
A person looking to buy a new mattress might wonder:
What type of mattress is best for a side sleeper?
This depends on a person’s specific sleep needs and preferences. However, hybrid, gel, and latex mattresses are likely to provide pressure point relief and support for side sleepers.
What firmness level is best for side sleepers?
No firmness level is definitely beneficial for side sleepers.
However, firm mattresses may not support healthy spinal alignment for people who sleep on their sides. A plush or medium-firm mattress may suit side sleepers better, relieving areas of pressure and supporting alignment.
Can it help with back pain?
Side sleepers with back pain may want to avoid firm mattresses, as these can prevent the spine from aligning comfortably during sleep and may contribute to shoulder pain.
A 2015 review found that a medium-firm, self-adjusted mattress may help improve sleep quality, comfort, and spinal alignment. Anyone with back pain may benefit from an adjustable mattress.
Learn about the best mattresses for side sleepers with back pain here.
Does sleeping on one side have health benefits or risks?
Sleeping on one side may help aid digestive health, ease respiratory conditions, and prevent cardiovascular issues.
However, it may not be good for spinal alignment and may possibly lead to shoulder and neck pain, as well as headaches.
Is a soft or firm mattress better for a side sleeper?
Side sleepers face challenges when selecting a mattress. They need a mattress that is soft enough to provide cushioning for key pressure points, such as their hips and shoulders. Additionally, they need a mattress that has enough support to keep their spines aligned. Thhis means that a medium-soft to medium firm mattress may be best for side sleepers.
Learn more about side sleeping here.
If you’re curious to learn more evidence-based information about the fascinating world of sleep, visit our dedicated hub.
Side sleepers may find that the right mattress reduces pressure on their shoulders and hips and helps with spinal alignment. A wide range of products may suit side sleepers.
Generally, hybrid, latex, and gel mattresses that are not firm are a good choice for people who sleep in this position.
It is a good idea to test multiple mattresses before committing, and some companies offer no-risk trials. Cost and durability are also important factors to consider.