Best Mattress for Side Sleepers in 2024
Side sleepers should seek a softer mattress that provides pressure relief for the shoulders and hips. Here are our top expert-tested choices.
Our Experts
- American Board of Family Medicine, Family Medicine
- State of Illinois, Medical Examining Board License
- University of Northern Iowa, BA
- Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, DO
What to consider
Firmness
Sleeping position
Feel
Construction
Body type
Performance
Company policies
Our Picks
If you sleep primarily on your side, you need a mattress that's soft enough to relieve pressure on your shoulders, back and hips but firm enough to offer spine alignment. This balance reduces the strain on your body, and you can find this quality in mattresses with varying constructions, including memory foam, innerspring and hybrid beds.
CNET's sleep team has tested around 300 beds. Our years of testing and researching everything about sleep have allowed us to round up the best mattresses for side sleepers according to our experience and expertise.
The beds chosen below were top-rated among our editors during testing. We analyzed everything from firmness and feel to motion isolation, edge support and temperature. We also consider overall comfort, versatility and unique features. Read on for our top choices and find out which mattress is best for you.
What's the best overall mattress for side sleepers?
We tested hundreds of beds to find the best mattress for side sleepers.
My fellow mattress testers and I slept on countless beds to find the best mattresses for side sleepers. We found the best overall to be the Layla Hybrid mattress. It's a soft and airy memory foam mattress that just about anyone can sleep on because it has a flippable design. So, you have two chances to get the firmness right.
Video: Best mattress for side sleepers
Watch CNET senior video producer Owen Poole review the best mattress for side sleepers.
Best mattresses for side sleepers in 2024
Layla Hybrid
Best overall mattress for side sleepers
SCORE
- Dual-firmness appeals to all sleeping positions but especially side sleepers
- Hybrid construction offers extra support
- Not a true budget choice
Layla Hybrid's foam is infused with copper for enhanced temperature regulation and has extra-strong pocketed coils for maximum support. The soft mattress side has just enough give to alleviate pressure on shoulders and hips and still provides the support you need. On the days when you feel you may want a little more support, the firm mattress side of this Layla Mattress propped me right up.
Read more in our Layla Hybrid review.
Saatva HD
Best mattress for heavy side sleepers
SCORE
- Its innerspring system is stronger and more supportive than most average hybrid beds
- The zoned latex layer provides added support
- Isn't compatible with frames outside the Saatva brand
- Expensive
Side sleepers over 230 pounds will enjoy the medium firmness level. It's soft enough to contour around your hips and shoulders for pressure relief, but it's strong enough to keep your back and spine in a straight alignment with your neck. It's an impressive mattress that takes luxury to a new level. One downside is that Saatva recommends buying its foundation to support the bed as it says Saatva HD isn't compatible with other frames.
Read more in our Saatva mattress review.
Amerisleep AS5
Best memory foam mattress for side sleepers
SCORE
- Cellinat-infused cover is only found on a handful of beds
- Memory foam is made with eco-friendly materials
- It's the most expensive bed in the Amerisleep lineup
- Its all-foam construction may not be as supportive for heavy sleepers
Amerisleep mattresses are made with Bio-Pur, which has a large, open-cell structure to make the mattress more breathable than traditional foam. The AS5 has a firmness profile that makes it ultra-pressure-relieving without being so soft that you sag into the bed. I compare the feel to what you get from a Tempur-Pedic mattress, but it's a lot softer and for a fraction of the price. Like most beds on this list, final discounts and promotions will bring down the price by $200 or more.
Read more in our full Amerisleep mattress review.
Helix Sunset Luxe
Best soft mattress for side sleepers
SCORE
- Its hybrid construction makes it supportive for all body types
- Helix has a quiz that matches you with your perfect bed
- Nice bang for your buck for a hybrid bed
- Heavy side sleepers may want a firmer bed with a tad extra support
With our CNET-exclusive deal, you can take 27% off Helix sitewide and get two free pillows with any mattress purchase. This is the biggest discount available -- you won’t find it anywhere else. Use code CNET27 at checkout.
Helix uses memory foam and its own special Dynamic Foam to create a soft blend that is pressure-relieving but quicker to respond to pressure than the Amerisleep AS5. Because of its hybrid design, it's also accommodating for all body types.
A cool thing about Helix is its personalized mattress quiz that offers bed recommendations based on your answers. Read more about this bed in our Helix mattress review.
Purple mattress
Best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder and hip pain
SCORE
- Good choice for hot sleepers because of its breathable design
- Medium firmness level offers ample support for side sleepers
- Unique feel makes you feel like you're weightless
- May feel too unfamiliar for people who just want a simple, traditional bed
- Not quite as supportive for heavy sleepers over 230 pounds
Every Purple mattress features a GelFlex Grid made from hyper-elastic polymer. It can stretch more than 10 times its size, is incredibly durable and resembles a Dr. Scholl insole. You can feel traces of the little squares underneath your hips and shoulders, but it's easy to look past because it's such a unique, weightless and comfortable feel for those who live with shoulder and hip pain.
It's shaped in a grid, allowing for a lot of square air pockets. In conjunction with the fact that the gel material doesn't retain heat, this is also one of the best cooling mattresses for side sleepers. It's going to be best for people under 230 pounds because of its all-foam construction.
Read more about this bed in our Purple mattress review.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Best cooling mattress for side sleepers
SCORE
- Multiple layers of cooling tech make it a true cooling bed
- Its strong hybrid construction suits all body types
- Three firmness options to choose from
- As a luxury mattress, you'll be paying top-dollar
It's a thick, 13.5-inch mattress with CopperFlex foam to help regulate temperature and an actual cooling cover. The cover is smooth and gives off a cooling sensation, so when you touch it, you can physically feel the iciness. Aside from its cooling abilities, it's also incredibly comfortable. The foam is soft, pillowy and cradling without making you feel like you're going to sink. This bed comes in three different firmness levels, but I think side sleepers will enjoy the soft and medium models best.
Brooklyn Bedding is pretty generous with discounts. You can typically buy a queen-size Aurora mattress for around $300 to $400 off. It also comes in RV mattress sizes including an RV king and RV bunk.
Read more about this bed in our Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe review.
Nolah Original 10 mattress
Best foam mattress for side sleepers
SCORE
- Blended foam feel is more responsive than a full memory foam mattress, making it easier to switch positions
- Great value
- Foam construction may not be ideal for heavy sleepers
The main comfort foam in the Nolah 10 is called AirFoam. It's plush, airy (as the name implies) and pressure-relieving, but also quicker to respond to pressure than your typical memory foam. It isn't physically cool to the touch, but it does help regulate temperature so you don't sleep as hot.
The Nolah Original 10 is one of the more popular soft bed-in-a-box mattresses on the market, and I think it's a great pick if you want a simple, soft mattress without any extra bells and whistles. Just comfort.
Read more about this bed in our Nolah Original 10 mattress review.
Leesa Legend Chill
Best mattress for side sleepers with back pain
SCORE
- Dual coil layers make sure people with back pain have what they need
- Foam layers offer plenty of pressure relief
- Great motion isolation and edge support
- Expensive
- Too soft for combo sleepers who spend time on their back and stomach
The Leesa Legend Chill mattress offers the right balance between pressure relief that cradles your curves and keeping your spine in a neutral position to ease back pain. The hybrid construction has an additional layer of micro-coils for extra stabilization.
Although this mattress is more expensive, the quality and comfort of this bed are worth it if you can afford it.
Other mattresses for side sleepers
The beds on the list were among some of the best we came across for side sleepers, but several mattresses also stood out and deserve some of the spotlight.
WinkBed mattress: The luxurious and Pinterest-perfect WinkBed mattress comes in three firmness levels, and the soft model would be a perfect fit for side sleepers looking for a plush, supportive hybrid mattress. The WinkBed is made with several layers of comfy foam, strong pocketed coils and a fluffy pillow top that makes it look as good as it feels. I think side sleepers of all body types would enjoy the WinkBed.
- Original Layla mattress: We mentioned the Layla Hybrid on this list, but if you want to save some money and are willing to give up the pocketed coil base layer, then the Original foam Layla mattress is a great option. It's also flippable and features one very plush and soft side perfect for side sleepers. This Layla mattress is going to suit sleepers under 230 pounds better because it's not as supportive as the Hybrid model.
How we tested the best mattresses for side sleepers
Our CNET Sleep editors have tested more beds than the average sleeper -- around 300 different ones, in fact -- and have dedicated hundreds of hours to the craft. We take pride in our mattress testing methodology.
The Mattress Smasher 9000 testing the Helix Midnight Core mattress.
The main consideration we take into account when we look for the best mattress for side sleepers is firmness and the amount of pressure relief a mattress offers. When testing mattresses, we lay in each sleeping position (including side) and determine how well they accommodate our primary pressure points. When we're on our side, it's crucial our hips and joints feel properly cradled. If a bed's too firm, it can press into your pressure points and cause soreness or pain.
It's important to note that firmness is subjective and varies from person to person. So, CNET has created a tool to objectively test a mattress’s firmness. Our proprietary machine, properly named the Mattress Smasher 9000, presses into the middle of a bed, and our corresponding software measures firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. We would never recommend a mattress with a high firmness score to side sleepers.
Here are the objective firmness levels we gathered testing the best mattresses for side sleepers with our Mattress Smasher 9000, sorted from the softest to the firmest.
Other key factors we test are edge support, motion isolation and temperature. Edge support is how strong the bed’s perimeter is, which is important if you sleep with another person or hug the edge of the bed. Motion isolation is how well a mattress dampens movement across the surface. We test this by having two testers roll around and bounce on the bed.
CNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read more on how we test mattresses.
What to consider when picking the best mattress for side sleepers
The qualities that side sleepers want in a mattress are different from stomach or back sleepers. Here are the main features to keep an eye out for if you favor your side when you sleep.
Soft beds are typically best for side sleepers because they provide more contour underneath shoulder and hip pressure points.
- Pressure relief: As we've touched on in this best list already, the best mattresses for side sleepers cradle the hip and shoulders to provide optimal pressure relief. That's why soft mattresses tend to be the best. They give under your weight, allowing the foam to mold around your shoulders and hips.
- Firmness: Soft mattresses are typically more pressure-relieving than firm ones. If you had a firm mattress, it would press into your hips and shoulders, throwing off the alignment of your spine with your neck. This is a recipe for back pain.
- Weight: Keep in mind that the heavier you are, the softer a mattress is going to feel. Heavier sleepers over 230 pounds can afford to get a firmer mattress because it'll feel a notch softer than what's advertised. The same rule applies in reverse to petite sleepers under 150 pounds. Smaller side sleepers may want an extra-soft mattress so it doesn't feel too firm.
- Health concerns: If you suffer from back pain, hip pain or joint pain, it's important to consider that when choosing a mattress. People with back pain may want a side sleeper bed that offers a balance of pressure relief and support, like the Purple, which lands at a medium on the firmness scale. If you suffer from hip or shoulder pain, a softer mattress that will take the pressure off your joints will usually fare better than a firm bed.
- Material: What your bed is made out of will determine how it feels and how long it lasts. For instance, beds with a coil base tend to last a little longer. Determining what feel you want from your bed will help you decide if you want a neutral foam, memory foam or pillow top mattress.
- Budget: Determining your budget early in the process will help you narrow down which beds to choose from. Keep in mind that mattresses are almost always on sale. If you time it around holidays like Presidents Day, Memorial Day or Labor Day, you might be able to knock a few hundred dollars off the price tag of your next bed.
How does sleeping on your side affect your sleep?
Besides being comfortable, side sleeping has countless health benefits. It can help reduce the risk of sleep apnea, improve brain health and even improve gut health and function. The best mattress for side sleepers can improve your comfort while you get a good night's sleep.
It's also recommended to sleep on your side during pregnancy. It promotes better quality sleep by keeping pressure off your belly, and sleeping on the left side promotes ample blood flow from the inferior vena cava. This is a crucial vein that pumps blood through your heart and also your baby.
Sleeping on your side can have some adverse effects if you're not using the right mattress. It can put undue pressure on your shoulders and hips and lead to joint pain and discomfort.
Tips for sleeping on your side comfortably
Use the right pillow
A pillow can make or break your sleeping experience, especially for a side sleeper. Side sleepers need tall, lofty pillows that properly support the head and cervical spine. A flat pillow causes the head and neck to bend out of alignment with the spine, which can promote pain.
Add more cushion
If you need it, utilize pillows for some extra padding and support where you may need it most. Keep a soft and fluffy pillow between your knees to relieve pressure on your back and promote better alignment. You can also keep a pillow under the armpit if you live with shoulder pain for added pressure relief.
Consider a mattress topper
If your mattress is too firm but hasn't yet reached its expiration date, use a mattress topper to make it softer without having to buy a whole new bed. Mattress toppers can change the entire firmness profile of your bed, so side sleepers should look for a soft and plush topper.
Best mattress for side sleepers FAQs
What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?
Memory foam is one of the best types of mattresses for side sleepers. It contours to your body shape, relieving pressure points and keeping your spinal alignment when you're lying on your side. Side sleepers should also consider a soft mattress because it provides pressure relief to your shoulder and hip joints.
Are soft or firm mattresses better for side sleepers?
There's not a single right answer to this question, but in general, side sleepers tend to prefer a soft to medium mattress. Mattresses in this range have enough give to alleviate pressure in the shoulders, hips and knees when you're sleeping on your side but also hold their shape to keep your spinal alignment so you don't wake up in pain.
Is memory foam or hybrid better for side sleepers?
Memory foam is better for side sleepers. It is known for its pressure-relieving properties and nestles the curves of your body. When you sleep on your side, memory foam gently hugs your shoulder and hip joints.
Are firm mattresses bad for side sleepers?
Firm mattresses can be bad for side sleepers, especially ones under 150 pounds. If your mattress firmness is too hard, it might not have enough give and cushioning for your pressure points. Lack of pressure relief can disrupt your sleep and cause pain and even numbness and tingling in your extremities. Ultimately, a lot comes down to personal preference and how you feel when sleeping on the mattresses, but most side sleepers do best with medium or softer mattress options.