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The best mattress for side sleepers cushions the shoulders and hips and keeps the spine in a neutral position. Our top pick is the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress, with two others to consider.
- Best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder and hip pain: Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Skip to review
Side sleeping is a common sleep position. However, buying a mattress suitable for side sleeping is important, as it should relieve pressure on the parts of the body bearing the most weight while a person sleeps on their side.
Our infographic shows the most common pressure points for side, back, and stomach sleepers. Below, we discuss our top mattress pick for side sleepers.
Here, we look into our top pick for side sleepers. Then, we discuss three alternatives to consider.
Below, we look into two other mattresses that are suitable for side sleepers.
We compare the mattresses in this article for price, firmness, and more.
| Mattress | Type | Firmness | Price (queen size) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DreamCloud Hybrid | hybrid | medium-firm | $665 |
| Nolah Evolution | hybrid | • plush • luxury-firm • firm | $2,499 |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | hybrid | medium-firm | $2,373.80 |
Considering the following factors can help buyers make an informed choice:
- Considering materials and certifications: People can look for certifications that show whether sustainable, ethical materials and labor went into a mattress. Some common certifications include:
- Thinking about support zones: Buyers can consider where they want the most support in the mattress and choose one that offers zoned support, either in the coil layers or the foam.
- Choosing an appropriate firmness: Firm mattresses may not be suitable for side sleeping as they can put a lot of pressure on the hips and shoulders. As such, people may want to consider a medium-firm or plush mattress.
Best mattress firmness for side sleepers
There is very little research to suggest which mattress firmness is best for side sleepers, but a
We chose mattresses that are suitable for side sleepers and meet the following standards:
- Certifications: We pick mattresses with CertiPUR-US or other certifications, which ensures the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Sleep trials: We choose mattresses from companies that offer generous sleep trials to allow people to get used to their mattress before committing to the purchase.
- Warranties and return policies: Weonly include products that carry warranties and clear returns policies.
- Budget: We feature mattresses to suit a wide range of budgets.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
A person may benefit from using other products designed for their sleeping position. We have several other guides on:
There is very little research on which type of mattress is best for side sleeping. However, people who usually sleep on their sides may want to consider a medium-firm or plush mattress to cushion their hips and joints while keeping their spine aligned.
Many brands sell hybrid mattresses suitable for side sleepers. This means the mattress has a layer of coils or springs at the bottom, topped with several layers of foam. However, very little recent research has examined which mattress type is best for side sleeping.
A softer mattress may be better for side sleepers as it will take more pressure off the hips and shoulders, which are common pressure points when side sleeping. Research from 2021 shows that a medium-firm mattress can be best for reducing the risk of back pain and sleep problems.
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. We chose the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress as our top pick because it balances price, comfort, and support.
People should consider the materials, environmental certifications, firmness, and price of a mattress before buying.