Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Mattress Nerd consulted Dr. Tom Ingegno to ensure that this article met our editorial standards.
Written by Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester
Did you know that about 74 percent of adults sleep on their sides for at least a portion of the night? For many, there’s no cozier position than side sleeping. Whether you like to extend your legs fully, keep one straight, or pulling them both up to your chest, curling up on one side is certainly a comforting way to rest.
In this guide, we’re presenting the best mattresses for side sleepers along with a detailed list of qualities to look for and the benefits of sleeping on your side. If you still need guidance on your mattress buying journey afterwards, check out our ultimate mattress buying guide.
Bottom Line: What’s the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers?
Our expert mattress testers chose the Helix Midnight Luxe as the Nerd’s Pick for the best mattress for side sleepers due to its plushy comfort layer and supportive coils which provide support and pressure relief when side sleeping.
Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
- Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress – Nerd’s Pick
- Nectar Premier Mattress – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain
- WinkBed Mattress – Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Saatva Classic – Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress – Best Mattress for Side Sleeping Couples
- Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress – Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress – Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Titan Plus Core – Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers
Current Top Deals
- Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress – 20% Off Sitewide with Code MARCH20
- Nectar Premier Mattress – Save Up to 50% on Mattresses & 66% on Bundles
- Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – 20% Off Select Mattresses; Up to 25% Off Adjustable Base and Mattress Bundle
- WinkBed Mattress – 30% Off All Mattresses
- Saatva Classic – $300 Off Orders of $1,000 or More
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Video Review
Compare The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
| Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | Nectar Premier Mattress | Leesa Sapira Chill | WinkBed Mattress | Saatva Classic | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Titan Plus Core | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 3.8 ★★★★☆ | 3.6 ★★★★☆ | 4.0 ★★★★☆ | 4.5 ★★★★★ | 4.3 ★★★★☆ | 4.3 ★★★★☆ | 4.3 ★★★★☆ | 4.0 ★★★★☆ | 4.4 ★★★★☆ |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm (6/10) | Medium-Soft (5.5/10) | Multiple Firmness Options | Multiple Firmness Options | Multiple Firmness Options | Multiple Firmness Options | Multiple Firmness Options | Multiple Firmness Options | Medium-Firm (7/10) |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — | — | — | ✔ |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty | Forever warranty | Limited lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 15-year warranty | Limited lifetime warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white-glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Back Pain | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Pressure Relief, Hip Pain | Side Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Back Pain | Hot Sleepers, Back Pain | Budget Shoppers, Back Sleepers, Couples | Side Sleepers, Back Pain | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Heavy People |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Chosen by Experts and Advocates
To put together this list of the best mattresses for side sleepers, our Certified Sleep Science Coaches performed hands-on testing to evaluate elements like motion isolation, edge support, and pressure relief.
Given the high percentage of adult side sleepers, you’d think that it would be the preferred sleeping position among our mattress testers. However, certified sleep science coach Daniel is the one dedicated side sleeper on our team, and so he acts as one of our representatives for readers needing great pressure relief, spine alignment, and soft to medium-firm firmness in a mattress.
The products on this list were tested by our team of expert product testers and received their esteemed side-sleeper stamp of approval. To learn more, check out our review process.
Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Nerd’s Pick – Helix Midnight Luxe
Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is our best overall option—also known as our Nerd’s Pick. It’s an all-around great mattress that is good for sleepers under 230 pounds in every sleeping position. It also tested well for couples, cooling, edge support, and just about anything else you could want in your ideal bed. Helix makes many versatile mattresses, but the Helix Midnight Luxe is perhaps their most well-rounded choice.
The Midnight Luxe performed extremely well in our testing when it came to side sleepers weighing more than 130 pounds. We gave the bed a 4 out of 5 for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, and a 4.5 out of 5 for those over 230 pounds.
Not only does it have the appealing medium-firm firmness level coveted for comfortable side sleeping, but the reinforced perimeter and strong coils help keep your body elevated in the areas that tend to sag. This promotes proper spinal alignment, while still being soft enough to provide good pressure relief for your shoulders and hips.
How We Select the Nerd’s Pick
We select our Nerd’s Pick not based on the mattress’s overall scoring, but on how well it suits the average side sleeper. In making this decision, we considered factors specific to side sleepers—such as pressure relief, contouring, and spinal alignment—as well as those that affect all kinds of mattress shoppers, such as price, durability, and company policies. We believe that the Helix Midnight Luxe is the best option for a wide range of side sleepers. However, we encourage you to read each of these mini-reviews to make sure there isn’t a better mattress for your specific needs.
What our testers say: “During my testing, the Midnight Luxe had a cushioning feel, but the foam comfort layer didn’t contour too much. I sank into the foam a little, but not too far. The coils kept me lifted and added a bouncy and responsive feel.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Helix Midnight Luxe
- Side sleepers: The Midnight Luxe combines its zoned support for good spinal alignment with solid pressure relief for your hips and shoulders, making this an excellent choice for routine side sleepers.
- People with back pain: Helix’s zoned support layer also helps back sleepers maintain proper spinal alignment, which is key in preventing back pain while you sleep.
- Hot sleepers: With a cooling Tencel cover, gel-infused memory foam, and breathable coils, the Helix Midnight Luxe allows body heat to escape the mattress, keeping hot sleepers cool throughout the night.
Who Might Not Like the Helix Midnight Luxe
- Budget shoppers: As the name implies, the Midnight Luxe is a luxury mattress, priced at over $2,300 before any sales or discounts.
- Heavyweight stomach sleepers: People weighing over 230 pounds will likely not get enough support for their hips while sleeping on their stomach. In that case, I’d recommend the more supportive Helix Plus.
- Light sleepers: The Helix Midnight Luxe can help reduce motion transfer, but it’s not the best at it in our experience. Couples who shift a lot during their sleep may want to find a model that better isolates motion.
Other User Reviews
On Helix’s website, the mattress scores 4.6 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews come mostly from side sleepers who found the mattress too firm or too soft, and therefore uncomfortable for their tastes. After all, this is a medium-firm bed with a more balanced feel. Positive reviews cite pain relief, easy setup, and overall comfort.
Read our full Helix Midnight Luxe Review to learn more or check out our list of the best mattresses for additional options.
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nectar Premier
Nectar Premier Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our award for the best memory foam mattress for side sleepers goes to the Nectar Premier mattress. The Nectar Premier is a memory foam mattress with a cooling cover that can bring some comfort to hot sleepers. Its gel memory foam layer offers a plush, contouring feel on top for side sleepers. The responsive transitional layer and supportive base make it appropriate for back sleepers, too, but it’s especially great for average-weight (130 to 230 lbs) and heavyweight (over 230 lbs) side sleepers.
The Nectar Premier’s memory foam allows for just the right amount of sinkage, meaning that average-weight and some heavier side sleepers should experience great contouring around their shoulders and hips. This keeps these sensitive pressure points ache-free while also maintaining spinal alignment.
Memory foam is notorious for trapping body heat, which may lead to a sweaty night’s sleep. The Nectar Premier actually performed well in our cooling tests, only raising the bed’s temperature by a few degrees after 5 minutes. Still, you may find better options for extremely hot sleepers on our best cooling mattresses page.
What our testers say: “I noticed that this bed offers a good amount of pressure relief and sinking around the hips, so it’s perfect for side sleepers with sensitive joints, especially the hips.” – Jordan, Product Tester
Who Might Like the Nectar Premier
- Couples: Those who share a bed will love the solid motion isolation that comes from a quality memory foam mattress like the Nectar Premier. Even tossing and turning had little effect in our in-house motion isolation tests.
- Side sleepers: Our testing showed that the Nectar Premier suited side sleepers well, particularly average-weight and heavyweight side sleepers who felt proper spinal alignment and great pressure relief.
- Warm sleepers: The Nectar Premier may not be ideal for very hot sleepers, but people will probably prefer the cooling cover if they’re looking for a temperature-neutral sleep.
Who Might Not Like the Nectar Premier
- Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers thrive on a firm mattress with plenty of support. Unfortunately, the Nectar Premier lacks the support that stomach sleepers need, though some lightweight sleepers may find it supportive enough.
- Lightweight side sleepers: Our in-house testing showed significant pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips of our lightweight side sleepers. If you’re under 130 pounds, this mattress may feel too firm.
Other User Reviews
With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.5 out of 5 stars. The majority of negative reviews found the bed too firm or too soft, or that it started to sink too quickly. But positive reviews praise its comfort and cushioning ability.
See our full Nectar Premier mattress review to learn more. Looking for other options besides the Nectar Mattress? Check out our list of the best memory foam mattresses for more great options.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain – Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
This upgraded version of the Leesa Sapira Hybrid mattress adds a luxury quilted top with dual features. Infused with fibers that help dispel heat, the plush cover also provides ample cushioning, making it a great option for side sleepers who experience hip pain. Our testers also say this bed strikes a good balance between pressure relief and support, making it a good mattress for a variety of sleep positions—particularly back and side sleepers.
In addition to its balanced feel and solid pressure relief, the Spaira Chill performed well in our other tests. The cover was cool to the touch, according to our in-house testers, and it earned high scores for responsiveness and edge support.
Because of this, we think this can be a solid mattress for couples, since it can suit different sleeping positions. However, its motion isolation is just average, meaning your partner may be able to feel you shift or get up in the middle of the night.
What our testers say: “The Sapira Chill’s pillow top really adds a lot in terms of plushness and comfort. There was some nice cushioning around my hips and shoulders, which I really appreciated as someone with sensitive hips.” – Mattress Nerd In-House Tester
Who Might Like the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
- Couples: The Sapira Chill has solid responsiveness and decent motion isolation, making it less likely to wake a partner up when changing positions throughout the night.
- Sleepers with joint pain: The solid balance between pressure relief and support provides back and side sleepers with plenty of cushion for joints, while maintaining good spinal alignment.
- Hot sleepers: With infused cooling fibers on the luxury quilted top, a perforated foam layer, and individually wrapped coils, the Sapira Chill Hybrid allows plenty of airflow to help keep sleepers cool.
Who Might Not Like the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
- Budget shoppers: The added cooling features and quilted top of the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid also add to the price, bringing it to around $2,500 before any sales or discounts.
- Those who prefer a quiet mattress: You can hear the coils when moving around, so you may want to opt for a different option if you prefer a whisper-quiet mattress.
Other User Reviews
On Leesa’s site, the Sapira Chill Hybrid has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 200 ratings. Reviews are largely positive, praising the bed for its balanced support and cushioning, as well as helpful customer service. Customer opinions are mixed on how well the mattress keeps cool, while other negative reviews state that the mattress is softer or firmer than they anticipated.
See our full Leesa Sapira Hybrid review to learn more, or check out our best mattresses for hip pain for more options.
Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers: WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Side sleepers should look for a mattress that’s on the softer side. Ideally, this bed should allow the hips and shoulders to sink into the bed, while also keeping the spine aligned. Memory foam beds are typically considered the best option for side sleepers’ required pressure relief, but what if you want a more supportive option, or one with a more “on top of” feel? Well, then hybrid mattresses, or beds combining foam and coils, should be the way to go.
The WinkBed is offered in three different firmness options, and should appeal to side sleepers of all body types. And even for sleepers on the heavier side who are afraid of sinking through the material, the WinkBed’s firmer options provide extra support to prevent your hips and shoulders from sinking too far into the bed. However, with a plush comfort layer, it will still give your sensitive pressure points all the cushioning that they need.
What our testers say: “The softer WinkBed definitely worked for the side sleepers during our testing. But even if you sleep next to someone with a different preferred sleep position, the luxury-firm WinkBed is a versatile enough that will likely work for most sleepers.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the WinkBed
- Hot sleepers – Innerspring coils and gel-infused foam make the WinkBed a great option for a cooling mattress.
- Side sleepers of all sizes – Everyone, not just heavyweight sleepers, should find this mattress supportive enough for their side-sleeping needs.
Who Might Not Like the WinkBed
- Couples – With sub-par motion isolation, it’s possible that you’ll feel your partner moving on the other side of the bed as you try to sleep.
- Memory foam purists – This bed isn’t your typical memory foam bed, with a lot of responsiveness thanks to its coils, so it won’t be “hugging” you the way that memory foam does.
Other User Reviews
On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed earns a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Most negative reviews focus on problems with delivery and removal. But overall, people seem satisfied and consider the bed supportive and sturdy.
Read our full WinkBed Mattress Review to learn more. Looking for other options besides the WinkBed Original Mattress? Check out our list of the best hybrid mattresses to find a mattress fit for you!
Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers: Saatva Classic
Saatva Classic
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Saatva is our pick for the best innerspring mattress for side sleepers. The Saatva contains two layers of coils: one of individually encased coils that provides contouring and pressure relief, and one of support coils that contributes to the Saatva being one of the most durable mattresses we’ve ever tested at Mattress Nerd.
While the Saatva earns a spot on our list as the best innerspring mattress for side sleepers, it has a lot more going for it than just two impressive coil layers. First off, it’s important to note that in addition to these highly durable springs, the Saatva also has a softer top layer of memory foam. The hybrid construction balances out the durability, support, and breathability with cradling and comfort; a recipe that results in perfect scores in the categories of edge support, ease of movement, temperature, and breathability.
What our testers say: “When I put the Saatva Classic in the Luxury Firm model to the Mattress Nerd lab test, there were some areas of pressure at my hips and shoulders while side sleeping. Because of that, I’d recommend the softer model to provide good pressure relief.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Saatva Classic
- Those with back pain – The Saatva Classic’s high quality construction allows for great support of the lower back, reducing the possibility of pain.
- Hot sleepers – With dual coil layers, this mattress has great airflow and therefore is one of the best cooling mattresses.
Who Might Not Like the Saatva Classic
- Restless couples – You may feel your partner tossing and turning on the other side of the bed.
- Budget shoppers – Saatva is a luxury mattress band, so you may want to look at our next mattress below for a more affordable option.
Other User Reviews
According to Saatva’s website, the Classic comes in at a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviews are generally positive praising the bed’s high-quality construction and comfort. Some customers complained about issues with delivery or felt the bed didn’t hold up as long as they would’ve liked.
Read our full Saatva Mattress Review to learn more! Still not sold on the Saatva Mattress? Check out other innerspring mattresses that may be a better fit for you!
Best Mattress for Side Sleeping Couples: Nolah Evolution Hybrid
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
This mattress is a great option for couples who are side sleepers. Our performance tests found that the Nolah provides above-average to excellent support for side sleepers of all sizes. Although it provides good pressure relief, it still has plenty of bounce, which is good for couples who toss and turn – or participate in other nighttime activities.
The same memory foam layers that allow side sleepers to sink into the Nolah just enough also contribute to this bed’s great motion isolation. This means that if you share your bed with a partner or pet their movements will likely disturb you less than bed with worse motion isolation.
What our testers say: “While heavyweight and plus-size sleepers are likely to find it too soft, lightweight and average-weight sleepers who spend the majority of the night on their sides and back should find it comfortable. – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Nolah
- Hot sleepers – Thanks to the cotton cover and breathable AirFoamICE construction, the Nolah is a great option for hot sleepers.
- Those with back pain – This bed provides plenty of support and cushion to keep most sleepers in a healthy spinal alignment. This could help avoid putting extra stress on your joints and worsening back pain.
Who Might Not Like the Nolah
- Heavyweight sleepers – Heavier sleepers may find that this mattress is too soft and end up sinking into it.
Other User Reviews
Earning a 4.9 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website, the Nolah Evolution seems to be a hit. Negative reviews tend to focus on personal preference or regrets about ordering the wrong firmness. Overall, customers are satisfied with the feel and comfort. Many reported their aches and pains disappearing after making the switch to Nolah Evolution.
Read our Nolah Evolution Mattress Review to learn more or visit our best mattresses for couples page for additional options!
Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers – Silk & Snow Hybrid
Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you’re looking for a solid mattress for side sleepers at a more affordable price point, we suggest the Silk & Snow Hybrid. Although the thicker medium-firm and plush versions cost a little extra, all options still come in under $1,000 after discounts. With a robust 365-night trial and a 15-year warranty, this bed offers a lot of value.
We tested the medium-firm version, which struck a well-rounded balance between support and pressure relief, making it a great option for most side and many combination sleepers. Additionally, it excelled in our performance tests for cooling, responsiveness, and motion isolation, making it an exceptional mattress for couples. The motion isolation and responsiveness make it easy to get in and out of bed without disturbing your significant other, and the exceptional temperature regulation helps combat the increased body heat.
We found the edge support, or how sturdy a bed’s perimeter is, to be lackluster. Our testers slid off the edge easily if they weren’t fully on the mattress, so this may not be the best mattress for seniors.
What our testers say: “This mattress really did feel good on my hips, and I felt a lot of support and contouring there. My spine felt in alignment, too, but my only criticism would be a little bit of pressure on my shoulders.” – Mattress Nerd In-House Tester
Who Might Like the Silk & Snow Hybrid
- Budget shoppers: The price will depend on the mattress size and firmness, but a queen at any firmness is less than $1,000 with free shipping, making it one of the more affordable options available.
- Hot sleepers: The airy innerspring coils and gel-infused foam of the Silk & Snow Hybrid dispersed heat well in our testing, making it a solid option for a cooling mattress.
- Couples: This bed isolated motion extremely well in our testing, meaning you’re less likely to be awakened by your partner’s shifting sleep positions.
Who Might Not Like the Silk & Snow Hybrid
- Those with shoulder pain: Our in-house tester felt more pressure than she would’ve liked while on her side. People with sensitive joints, particularly the shoulder, may want to opt for a different mattress.
- Seniors: The edge support is less than ideal on the Silk & Snow Hybrid, meaning it won’t offer a solid edge for getting in and out of bed.
Other User Reviews
The Silk & Snow Hybrid earns an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on the brand’s site, with an overwhelming number of positive reviews praising the mattress for its comfort and solid value. Most complaints come from the different firmness options not being as firm or as soft as implied, with a couple reviews citing that the mattress has started to sage prematurely.
For other budget options, check out our list of the best cheap mattresses.
Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Side sleepers may give the side eye to firm mattresses, but the Plank is different. It’s a flippable, all-foam mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, so you can pick just how firm you want your bed. We’d recommend the firm side for average-weight individuals, and the extra-firm side for heavier bodies.
Here’s where it gets good for side sleepers. During testing, the firm side of the bed relieved pressure very well and kept our average weight tester’s spine aligned. Those are two key factors in determining whether or not a bed will work well for side sleepers—check and check. Plus, the Plank Firm is one of the most quality mattresses that fall under $1,500 for a Queen. By using our link, you’ll get an even lower price!
What our testers say: “I didn’t expect to recommend the Plank Firm to side sleepers because firm mattresses typically cause pressure to build up around the hips and shoulders. Surprisingly, I saw very little pressure on both sides of the Plank Firm when using our pressure map during testing.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Plank Firm
- People who tend to find beds too soft – When the Plank Firm says it’s firm, they mean it! We’ve compared it to sleeping on the ground with only a thin mattress topper.
- Those with back pain – As its firm, it can provide you with the proper support for your lumbar region.
Who Might Not Like the Plank Firm
- Couples – Responsiveness often equals lackluster motion isolation, and that’s the case here. You’re probably going to feel your partner tossing and turning.
- Lightweight sleepers – For lighter sleepers, the mattress’ firmness doesn’t lend itself well to contouring, meaning the right parts might not be cushioned as you sleep on your side.
Other User Reviews
On Plank’s website, the Plank Firm gets 4.8 out of 5 stars. Negative reviews tend to say that the bed is either too firm or softer than they expected. But, overall, many people seem satisfied and are finding relief from chronic pain.
Read our full Plank Mattress Review to learn more! Still not sold on the Plank Mattress? Check out other firm mattress options that may be the right fit for you!
Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers: Titan Plus Core
Titan Plus Core
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Side sleepers should look for a mattress that’s on the softer side. Ideally, this bed should allow the hips and shoulders to sink into the bed, while also keeping the spine aligned. However, the heavier you are, the firmer your mattress should be. That’s because your body will sink more easily into the soft, cushiony layers of your mattress than a lighter sleeper’s would.
The Titan Plus Core, with “plus” in its name, was made with plus-sized sleepers in mind. But from average to heavyweight side sleepers, Titan Plus has great contouring to help prevent pressure buildup under the hips and shoulders. The three layers of foam, some soft and others dense, combine to comfort and support the heaviest areas of your body that make contact with the mattress surface. Its construction also works well for most back, stomach, and combination sleepers.
What our testers say: “We chose the Titan as our best cooling pick due to its breathable materials, including gel memory foam and a pocketed coil system that felt cool to the touch in our testing. As a hot sleeper, I loved the option of enhancing the cooling features with a cooling top panel to help moderate temperature even more.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Titan Plus
- Back sleepers – The 7 out of 10 firmness creates a slightly firm feel that allows comfort and support for back sleepers of most body types.
- Hot sleepers – With individually wrapped coils and gel-infused memory foam, this is yet another good example of a cooling mattress that still has a comforting foam feel.
Who Might Not Like the Titan Plus
- Lightweight sleepers – Since it’s constructed for heavyweight sleepers, lighter sleepers may find this mattress too firm to sleep on their side.
- Couples – The bounciness that makes it good for combination or restless sleepers means that it might not be the best for motion isolation, and you may feel each other moving on the bed.
Other User Reviews
Users on Titan by Brooklyn Bedding’s site have given the Titan Plus Core a 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers say that overall, the bed’s firmness holds up. A few complained about the lack of edge support and that their sheets sometimes slide off. Many negative reviews suggest not buying the bedframe that comes with, but the mattress itself works great for them.
For more information, check out our Titan Plus Mattress Review. Still not sold on the Titan Plus? Check out our other best mattresses for heavy people!
Mattress Buying Guide for Side Sleepers
If you’re one of the roughly 65% of Americans who sleep on their side, then you’ll be happy to know that when you sleep on your side, your shoulders, spine, and pelvis remain properly aligned, helping to reduce or prevent pain in these sensitive areas. Another bonus of sleeping on your side is the resulting breath circulation. Side sleepers tend to snore less than back sleepers because their air passages remain more open throughout the night. Want to learn more about what you’re doing right? Check out all of the benefits of side sleeping.
All that said, it’s still important to shop for a mattress that supports your particular method of side sleeping. First, you’ll want to decide on the type of mattress material that best fits your personal preferences. Once you’ve made a decision between memory foam, latex, innerspring, or hybrid, you’ll need to think about mattress firmness.
Best Mattress Materials for Side Sleepers
There’s no single mattress type that suits side sleepers across the board. From innerspring to hybrid, memory foam, and latex, each type has benefits, so long as quality materials are used in the bed’s construction. Whether or not a mattress is ideal for an individual is dependent upon the mattress’ construction and the sleeper’s preferences, size, and build.
Memory Foam Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Memory foam mattresses provide a hugging feel that can lead to greater pressure point relief in sensitive areas for side sleepers. Despite this softness, memory foam mattresses have a dense layer of base foam that provides the necessary durability to keep larger people from sinking too far into the surface. That’s why many of the best mattresses for heavy people often contain dense support foam.
If you’re one of the many people who get uncomfortably warm during the night, know that memory foam tends to trap more heat than an innerspring or hybrid mattress. Take a look at our article on the best memory foam mattresses for more information.
Latex Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Latex is a mattress material that is naturally hypoallergenic, temperature neutral, and very supportive. The durability that latex provides contributes to longer-than-average mattress lifespan, as well as solid structure for heavier side sleepers.
Latex mattresses are often pricier than the alternatives, and they have a bouncy feel that’s not for everyone. If you are concerned with the way in which sourcing materials affects the environment then latex can be a wonderful option. For more information, you can check out our article on the best latex mattresses.
Innerspring Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Most innerspring mattresses are made of a layer of steel coils topped with several layers of poly foam. These layers combine to make a mattress that provides comfort and support. Some side sleepers may find that innerspring beds don’t sufficiently contour to their body’s natural curves. However, many companies, such as Saatva, construct their innerspring mattresses in such a way to mimic the adaptive feel of memory foam. Still torn between the two? Check out our article comparing innerspring and memory foam mattresses.
If you’re a side sleeper who overheats, then innerspring might be the way to go, as they are more breathable than the average foam mattress. For more information on the wonders of innerspring, take a look at our best innerspring mattresses list.
Hybrid Mattresses for Side Sleepers
For those who want the best of both worlds, a hybrid mattress is the way to go. A memory foam layer provides the pressure relief that side sleepers appreciate, and a durable base of coils promotes breathability and edge support. If hybrid sounds like the right choice for you, head over to our best hybrid mattresses article for a more comprehensive look at what makes them great.
Best Firmness for Side Sleepers
Most shoppers think of firmness only in terms of preference, but the firmness of a mattress will impact how it sleeps. On our scale, mattresses are generally rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being extremely soft and 10 being extremely firm.
Side sleepers need a mattress that’s soft enough to contour to their body’s curves. A lack of contouring means a lack of support, resulting in pressure that can lead to back, neck, and shoulder aches and pains. That said, your body type can also affect which firmness level works best for you. A heavy side sleeper will likely prefer something different than a lighter side sleeper.
Soft Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Anything under a 5 on the firmness scale is considered soft. If you’re petite (less than 130 lbs), a softer mattress may feel supportive enough for you. People with average or larger body types, however, will likely find that their hips and shoulders sink too far into the surface of softer mattresses when they are on their sides. Take a look at our list of the best soft mattresses for further information.
Medium-firm Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Medium-firm beds fall anywhere between a 5 and a 7 on the firmness scale. The average side sleeper usually gravitates towards this Goldilocks firmness: not too firm, not too soft. We have found that a firmness around 5 makes for an ideal sleeping surface for a side sleeper of average weight (between 130 and 230 lbs).
Firm Mattresses for Side Sleepers
A mattress is considered firm when it falls above a 7 on the firmness scale. If you’re on the heavier side or have a large build (over 230 lbs), your shoulders and hips sink further into the mattress the softer it is. As such, you may find that firmer mattresses provide the support that you need. For more information, check out our article, best mattresses for plus-size sleepers.
More Considerations for Side Sleepers
Aside from firmness and mattress material, there are several other factors that side sleepers should take into consideration when shopping for a new mattress.
Pressure Relief
The shoulders and hips are the areas in most need of support for side sleepers, as they press further into the mattress than the rest of your body. There’s a delicate balance that needs to be achieved, where these areas sink into the surface of your bed but not too far in.
If you’re sleeping on your side and have the wrong mattress, one of the first red flags is pain or numbness in these areas upon waking. A mattress that’s healthy for side sleeping contours to the body and provides just enough give to allow these areas to relax throughout the night.
Contour
Contouring ability is one of the more important mattress features for side sleepers. The better a bed is at contouring, the more support your pressure points will receive when you are on your side.
We recommend memory foam mattresses for side sleepers because they’re known for their ease in conforming to the body and the slow return back to the original form once the pressure is released.
Hybrid versions of innerspring mattresses will offer a greater degree of contouring than traditional innerspring styles.
To some, latex mattresses surpass even memory foam in their ability to contour. Natural latex has a less pronounced contour than memory foam. This means that sleepers will feel supported even if they move throughout the night.
Spinal Alignment
When you’re lying on your side, the ideal alignment for the spine is straight. This often surprises people who imagine sinking deeply into a mattress to sleep. Though your spine will bend on occasion, it isn’t healthy for it to remain that way for too long.
It’s crucial to side sleepers’ long-term health to find a mattress that encourages proper spinal alignment. It shouldn’t be excessively firm but should prevent exaggerated bending of the spine.
Neck Pain Relief for Side Sleepers
If you find that you wake up with neck pain after a night of side sleeping, the culprit may not be your mattress. If your pillow is too thick or too thin, it will cause your head to lie at an angle that throws your neck out of alignment with your spine, hence the neck pain.
Since the perfect size pillow will depend on who’s looking, we put together a helpful best pillows for neck pain guide. But for the sake of convenience, we’ll say that an adjustable pillow is always the safest bet.
Back Pain Relief for Side Sleepers
If you do suffer from back pain you should see a doctor if possible, rather than trying to diagnose the problem yourself. There are many reasons why one might be experiencing this, and a professional consultation will help you better identify the root of the problem.
That said, if you or your doctor have come to the conclusion that a new mattress can help, then there are a few things you’ll want to consider, especially as a side sleeper. Back pain can be helped by a medium-firm mattress with a strong support system, but it’s important for side sleepers that the surface be soft enough to relieve pressure in their hips and shoulders; these two factors can easily cancel one another out. For more options and information you should take a look at our article on the best mattresses for back pain.
Temperature Regulation
When you learned that side sleepers may be better served by softer mattresses, you may have then jumped to the conclusion that a memory foam mattress would be your best bet, and for good reason. Memory foam often has an innate softness that lands it on the lower end of the medium-firm range. However, something you should consider before making your decision is that memory foam sometimes makes for a warmer night’s sleep, since heat can become trapped in the thick layers. If this is something you’re concerned about, consider a hybrid mattress, an innerspring mattress with a cooling mattress topper, or a foam mattress that directly addresses this issue with cooling gel layers or copper infusions. Take a look at our list of best cooling mattresses for more information. Or, you can consider more affordable options for staying cool with our lists of the best cooling sheets and best cooling weighted blankets.
Edge Support
Sometimes I’ll wake up to find myself on my side with my arm dangling off the edge of the bed. While I’m not sure why my sleeping self gravitates toward the far reaches of the mattress surface, anecdotally I hear it’s quite common. If you regularly find yourself on the edge of the bed, then you’ll want to make sure that it has great edge support. This quality will help ensure that the bed’s perimeter doesn’t sag under your weight, thereby making you feel more secure as you snooze.
Benefits of Sleeping on Your Side
Side sleeping offers many health benefits when done properly. It’s gentler on the neck than stomach sleeping, which is known to cause snoring, sleep apnea, and back problems and, for many, more comfortable than back sleeping. Check out our article on understanding sleep apnea for more information.
If you think sleeping on the left or right side is little more than the flip of a coin, think again. It’s been proven that sleeping on the left is more beneficial. Sleeping on the right side can aggravate acid reflux and heartburn, both of which left-side sleeping alleviates. Due to the location of the body’s organs, sleeping on the left also boosts digestion, improves circulation, assists brain waste filtering, and stimulates lymphatic drainage. For more information, check out our article on what is the best side to sleep on.
While there are many benefits to sleeping on your side, there are also some notable issues that side sleepers may face. One of the most common problems for side sleepers is shoulder pain. When you are sleeping on your side, your body weight can put a significant amount of pressure on your shoulders, which can result in shoulder pain over time. As a result, we recommend softer mattresses for side sleepers to help with pressure relief. If shoulder pain is something you’re concerned about, take a look at our best mattresses for shoulder pain guides.
Another common problem that side sleepers face is lower back pain and neck pain. This is caused by pelvic rotation, which results from the misalignment of the back muscles and lumbar spine. While this isn’t always remedied completely, there are some preventative measures you can take, such as choosing a mattress that offers proper support and softness or keeping a pillow in between your legs while you sleep. If these preventative measures provide you no relief, consider training yourself to sleep on your back.
How to Properly Sleep on Your Side
Sleeping improperly on your side can lead to aches and pains, particularly if you don’t have a supportive mattress. Here are some tips for getting the most out of sleeping on your side.
Put a Pillow Between Your Knees: This can help keep your hips and spine in proper alignment, thereby reducing the risk of lower back pain.
Pull Your Knees Up: While on your side, pull your knees up slightly towards your chest. This can help reduce the pressure that is put on your back.
Choose a Softer Mattress: A soft to medium-firm mattress will allow your hips and shoulders to sink in just enough to be both supported and cushioned.
To learn more, check out our article on how to properly sleep on your side.
Sleep Accessories for Side Sleepers
Best Mattress Toppers for Side Sleepers
If you aren’t quite ready to purchase a new mattress, a mattress topper can go a long way in improving the quality of your current one. While shopping for a topper, you should be mindful of the same things that you would be while shopping for a mattress.
Say, for example, your current mattress causes soreness in your shoulders and hips when you sleep on your side. Well, it’s probably too firm for a side sleeper. A soft memory foam mattress topper can be added to the bed in order to aid in pressure relief. So, you’ll get a better night’s sleep for a lot less than the price of a new mattress.
That is not to say that this is a permanent solution. A new mattress topper is a good stopgap, and a great way to test out mattress materials. But there’s no substitute for a new mattress that is built in a way to accommodate side sleepers. If you’re interested in more information, take a look at our best mattress toppers for side sleepers.
Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
When revamping your sleeping situation, you need to consider your accessories as well as your mattress. For side sleepers, one of the most important factors contributing to a good night’s sleep is the pillow. A pillow with too much loft or not enough loft will hold your head in an awkward position and can result in neck pain.
For this reason, we recommend customizable pillows for side sleepers, so you can make adjustments in order to find the perfect level of pillow-thickness for you. For more options check out our full list of best pillows for side sleepers.
Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers FAQs
What is the best mattress for side sleepers?
The best mattress for side sleepers has a soft to medium-firm firmness level, as it allows your hips and shoulders to sink into the surface just enough to keep your pressure points cradled and your spine aligned. Memory foam mattresses are a safe bet, as are hybrids with substantial foam comfort layers.
What is edge support and is it important for side sleepers?
Edge support is a measurement of how well the perimeter of a mattress holds up under the weight of a sleeper. The lower the score, the more a mattress is prone to sag around the edges. If you find yourself waking up on the outskirts of your mattress’ surface, as can happen to many side sleepers, then you should consider edge support when shopping for your new bed.
Are memory foam mattresses good for side sleepers?
Memory foam mattresses can a good fit for side sleepers because it contours to the shape of your body and supports the natural curvature of your spine. Memory foam mattresses are also excellent at equally distributing your body weight when you’re sleeping on your side. When choosing a memory foam mattress for side sleepers, you will want to choose one with a softer firmness level as this will help with pressure relief in your shoulders.
Are innerspring mattresses good for side sleepers?
Innerspring mattresses can be a good fit for side sleepers provided they are soft enough. Innerspring mattresses tend to be on the firmer side, so when looking for an innerspring mattress for side sleepers, look for one that has a thicker comfort layer or a pillow top to help with pressure relief. You might want to consider a hybrid mattress because they incorporate softer foam in the comfort layers while still having a layer of springs for support.
How long does it take to break in a new mattress?
Most companies recommend that you allow at least one month for your new mattress to settle in before making a decision on whether or not you’re like to keep it. It can take a few weeks before a mattress comes into its own, so don’t worry if it feels a little bit stiff immediately out of the box.
Do side sleepers need a firm or soft mattress?
Generally, a soft mattress will provide better cushion for the shoulders and hips of side sleepers than a firm mattress will. That said, if you are a heavier side sleeper (over 230 lbs) than you may need a mattress that’s closer to medium-firm on the firmness scale. Check out our article on soft vs. firm mattresses for more information.
Recap of the Top Rated Mattresses for Side Sleepers
| Mattress Model | Award |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | Nerd’s Pick |
| Nectar Premier | Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Hip Pain |
| The WinkBed | Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Saatva Classic | Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Mattress for Side Sleeping Couples |
| Silk & Snow Hybrid | Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Plank Firm | Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Titan Plus | Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers |
Dr. Tom Ingegno is part of our panel of medical expert contributors on the subject of sleep health. They provide important perspectives on the topics we discuss to help make our content as accurate and dependable as possible. They do not personally endorse any products, nor are they associated with any brands featured in our review content.
Loren Bullock
Lead Mattress Tester
About Author
Loren is the Lead Mattress Reviewer at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel and on TikTok.
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Sources
National Sleep Survey Pulls Back The Covers On How We Doze And Dream. (2012). https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-sleep-survey-pulls-back-the-covers-on-how-we-doze-and-dream-184798691.html