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Best Mattress For Side Sleepers In The United States

Sleep tight on your side with the best!
Best Mattress For Side Sleepers In The United States
Tom Greenspan
Updated 
February 7, 2024

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Side sleepers sleep well on mattresses that mold to their body shape and deliver cloud-like comfort without compromising on support. 

A medium-firm mattress is the best option for dedicated side sleepers because it is neither too soft nor too firm. Instead, it strikes a super-satisfying balance between comfort and support. 

However, picking the right mattress that caters to your needs from among the sea of options takes time and effort. And let’s be honest– mattresses aren’t easy on the pockets, so you must be extra careful when choosing one. 

To make sure you spend your hard-earned money on the right mattress, we’ve tried and tested a plethora of options before shortlisting the ones that live up to their claims. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 5 best mattresses that promise to facilitate a restful slumber while providing pressure relief in deep compression areas.

Some of the Best Mattress For Side Sleepers in The United States are:

1. Top Pick: Layla Hybrid Mattress

Crafted with memory foam and coil springs, the Layla Hybrid Mattress offers excellent support without being too firm. Featuring a soft and plush gel-infused memory foam, this mattress draws away heat from sleepers’ bodies to make sure they sleep in a cool environment. Adding to that is the antimicrobial copper that resists odor-causing bacteria from thriving on the sleep surface. And beneath it lies a support foam for targeted support to the hips and shoulders. 

Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, it features individually wrapped coils that dampen motion. So, no matter how much your partner or baby moves, you won’t feel a thing. Another layer of support foam and copper-infused gel memory foam is added to the mattress, while it features a soft-to-the-touch cover that is removable and super breathable. Not to forget, it comes with integrated handles that make it easy for sleepers to flip the mattress. 

Drawback

The Layla Hybrid Mattress is packed with high-quality foams, which is why it comes with a slightly expensive price tag. 

Verdict

Thanks to the reversible construction, the Layla Hybrid Mattress offers robust support and deep cushioning, making it perfect for side sleepers. Those hesitant to invest in this mattress will love that Layla offers an in-home trial period of 120 nights and backs it with a 10-year warranty. 

2. Best Mattress For Heavy Side Sleepers: GhostBed Flex

This hybrid mattress from GhostBed features 7 layers that work together to offer head-to-toe support for quality sleep. The 13” high luxurious mattress boasts a soft and plush quilted top that doesn’t retain heat and stays cool no matter the temperature. That, coupled with a contouring gel memory foam and a layer of cooling fiber, prevents the mattress from overheating. Moreover, its gel memory foam eliminates motion transfer and offers pressure relief simultaneously. 

It doesn’t fall short of providing support, thanks to the Ghost bounce foam that contours to the sleeper’s body. What’s more, it boasts a durable base with hundreds of pocketed coils that are more conforming compared to traditional innerspring mattresses. Its dual layers keep the spine aligned to reduce back aches but if you’re still unsure, know that it’s backed by a 101-night trial period for your satisfaction. 

 Drawback

Scoring 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, we won’t recommend this mattress to lightweight sleepers because they’ll find it too firm. 

Verdict

Sporting a cool-to-the-touch cover and built-in cooling properties, the GhostBed Flex keeps sleepers’ bodies cool throughout the night. On top of that, it isolates motion well and offers excellent edge support, so you can sleep like a baby. 

3. Best Mattress For Side Sleepers With Lower Back Pain: Puffy Mattress

Rated the ‘best memory foam mattress’ by People Magazine, the Puffy Mattress is undoubtedly a favorite among many sleepers due to its innovative 5-layer sleep system. This offers superior support to the different areas of the body and regulates body temperature for a good night’s sleep. Unlike most memory foam mattresses, it earns a good score for minimizing motion transfer, making it an excellent option for people who sleep with restless partners or pets.

Notably, this mattress features a hypoallergenic cover that prevents allergens from growing over the surface. Beneath is a cooling foam to keep hot sleepers cool and comfortable as long as they’re asleep. Moreover, the cooling foam cradles the sleeper’s body and alleviates back pain. Towards the bottom, there is a support foam and a grip base cover that add to the durability of the mattress. 

Drawback

Heavyweight side sleepers will find the mattress slightly soft, which means it won’t provide them with the support they need to sleep comfortably. 

Verdict

Hypoallergenic and supportive– the Puffy Mattress doesn’t absorb body heat; instead, it keeps sleepers cool by regulating their body temperature through the cooling foam. Besides the stain-resistant cover, we like that the brand stands by its products and backs the mattress with a lifetime warranty and a 101-night trial period. 

4. The DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress

Starting with the top layer, this hybrid mattress from DreamCloud features a buttery soft, cashmere blend, quilted breathable cover. Therefore, it makes for a perfect option for people who sleep hot. This mattress relies on a soft foam for delivering support to sleepers while alleviating pressure. Much like other hybrid mattresses, it has a memory foam layer that contours to the sleeper’s body shape and delivers cushioning where needed.  

Added to this is a layer of innerspring steel coils that are individually encased to eliminate motion transfer and promote airflow, so sleepers won’t wake up soaked in sweat. Sandwiched between the memory foam and innerspring layers is a transition layer to make sure the springs don’t poke you during sleep. Interestingly, the base layer and shift-resistant lower cover provide solid support to the rest of the layers sitting atop it. 

Drawback

Lightweight side sleepers won’t benefit much from this mattress because it won’t sink enough to provide pressure relief on the shoulders and hips.

Verdict

Scoring 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, this luxury hybrid mattress is plush yet incredibly supportive, which means it provides a perfect sleeping surface for medium-weight sleepers. The best part is that it’s packed with premium materials and CertiPur-US-certified foams while being covered by a 365-night trial period. 

5. Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress

Tired of sleeping on your old, worn-out, and soft mattress? Then it’s time to upgrade to this luxurious hybrid mattress from Awara that is crafted from natural materials, with its multiple certifications standing testimony to the same. Even then, it doesn’t come at a premium price tag, so people on a budget won’t have to think twice before bringing it home. Moreover, it has a 365-night trial period, so you get ample time to decide. 

Coming to the construction, this mattress features only 3 lush layers to lull consumers into a deep sleep. At the bottom sits a support core foam featuring individually wrapped pocketed coils to reduce motion transfer and promote airflow. While sitting atop the support core is a natural Dunlop latex foam that contours to the body and alleviates the pressure points. The two layers are further enveloped by a luxurious New Zealand wool cover and organically sourced cotton.  

Drawback

This luxury firm mattress scores 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, so light sleepers might not get the comfort they need because it’s slightly firm. 

Verdict

Supplied in 6 sizes, the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress is free from flame retardants, formaldehyde, mercury, lead, phthalates, chlorofluorocarbons, and other harsh chemicals, making it excellent for allergy sufferers. We like the mattress cover that promotes airflow and wicks away moisture to ensure you sleep in a cool and hygienic environment. 

FAQs

Q1. What types of mattresses are best for side sleepers?

By now, you must know that the market is flooded with various types of mattresses to cater to the diverse needs of sleepers. 

Basically, there are 4 different variants of mattresses– innerspring mattress, all-foam mattress, latex mattress, and hybrid mattress. Now, the question is, which one would be the right pick for the side sleeping position? 

Some prefer innerspring mattresses, while others choose hybrid variants. What we mean is that there is no “one-size-fits” solution when it comes to mattresses for side sleepers. 

Ultimately, it boils down to the personal preferences of the sleeper and, of course, their body type. 

Irrespective of your body weight, always choose a mattress that contours to your curves and promotes spinal alignment. It must also relieve pressure points from deep compression areas, so you won’t wake up with sore spots in the morning. 

Nevertheless, we’ve discussed each variant in detail alongside their pros and cons, which will help you figure out the right one for your sleeping needs.

i. Memory Foam Mattress

Sleepers who like “sinking” into their mattress will find memory foam mattresses perfect for enjoying a restful slumber. Memory foam mattresses feature multiple layers of foam that react to sleepers’ body shape and contour to their curves. In simple words, a memory foam mattress provides personalized support and comfort to the sleeper, which is why it’s ideal for a variety of sleeping positions. 

Mainly there are 3 types of memory foam mattresses– traditional, open-cell, and gel-infused memory foam. 

Traditional memory foam is crafted using a polyurethane by-product featuring closed cells, which is why it traps body heat. Conversely, open-cell memory foam boasts spongy passages to promote airflow, allowing body heat to escape while you’re asleep. But the sleep surface is less dense compared to traditional mattresses, which means it won’t last long. 

On the other hand, gel-infused memory foam is known to have cooling properties. It regulates sleepers’ body temperature by releasing heat, which makes it a perfect choice for people who sleep hot. 

Hot sleepers must opt for an open-cell or a gel-infused memory foam mattress to sleep comfortably. However, if you’re a cold sleeper, we suggest going for a traditional memory foam mattress that will keep you warm by retaining body heat. 

Who Should Buy A Memory Foam Mattress?

Owing to its construction, a variety of sleepers are likely to sleep well on a memory foam mattress. Thanks to multiple transition layers, a memory foam mattress provides sufficient support and cloud-like comfort to help sleepers drift off to sleep as soon as they hit the sack. 

You’ll enjoy sleeping on a memory foam mattress if you:

  • Prefer sleeping on a medium-soft or softer mattress
  • Sleep hot and are looking for a mattress that will keep you cool
  • Experience body aches and are searching for a pressure-relieving mattress
  • Need a mattress that cushions your lower back and knees
  • Seeking a mattress that eliminates motion transfer 
Who Shouldn’t Buy A Memory Foam Mattress?

While most sleepers benefit from a memory foam mattress, some may not like it. You mustn’t buy a memory foam mattress if you:

  • Prefer sleeping on a medium-firm or firmer mattress
  • Weigh over 230lbs 
  • Need a mattress that offers outstanding edge support
  • Are fond of sleeping on responsive and bouncier beds

ii. Innerspring Mattress

Innerspring mattresses are highly popular among home, Airbnb, and hotel owners owing to their simple construction. They feature a foundation layer followed by memory foam layers that act as a buffer between you and the pocket springs. Earlier, innerspring mattresses featured interconnected coils to provide support and pressure relief to sleepers. 

But modern spring mattresses are manufactured using innovative technologies to facilitate a peaceful slumber. Instead of interconnected coils, modern innerspring mattresses have individually wrapped coils tucked underneath the top layers. 

The pocket spring systems are super responsive, which means innerspring mattresses don’t fall short of offering support. So, when you lay on an innerspring mattress, it distributes the body weight evenly to make sure you don’t sink into the sleep surface. 

Innerspring models are considered ideal for people with back and hip pain. Another area where innerspring mattresses shine is the edge support, which means you can sleep or sit towards the edge without the fear of falling off the bed. 

Though we cannot label them the ‘best cooling mattress,’ they do a decent job of keeping sleepers cool at night. 

Who Should Buy An Innerspring Mattress?

No doubt, innerspring mattresses provide optimum comfort and pressure relief in deep compression areas. But, will they be a perfect choice for you to enjoy a deep slumber? Here we’ve mentioned a few points that will let you decide if you should go for these mattresses or scour other options. 

An innerspring mattress will be a perfect choice if:

  • You’re looking for a mattress that offers outstanding edge support
  • Prefer sleeping on a firmer mattress
  • Like a responsive mattress
  • You are a hot sleeper who’s looking for a highly breathable mattress
Who Shouldn’t Buy An Innerspring Mattress?

Despite providing the right amount of support, innerspring mattresses may only cater to the needs of some sleepers. In particular, they might not be your ideal pick if:

  • You like sleeping on soft mattresses
  • You are a restless sleeper and prefer a bed that minimizes motion transfer
  • Like the cloud-like comfort of a memory foam mattress
  • Want a long-lasting mattress

iii. Hybrid Mattress

Hybrid mattresses are incredibly innovative because they feature multiple layers of latex, memory foam, or gel infused with an innerspring system. Offering a blend of support, comfort, and bounce, hybrid mattresses alleviate pressure points, so you wake up fresh without soreness or aches. 

Other than relieving pressure points, hybrid mattresses are known to promote spinal alignment. So, back and stomach sleepers need not think twice before upgrading to a hybrid mattress for a luxurious sleeping experience. 

More or less, a hybrid mattress boasts 4 layers that work in tandem to provide a comfortable sleeping surface. They are as follows:

  • Soft pillow top for additional cushioning 
  • Comfort layer to provide body-hugging comfort
  • Support core of 7-8 inches with pocketed spring coils for promoting spinal alignment
  • Base layer to keep the mattress stable and sturdy
Who Should Buy A Hybrid Mattress?

As hybrid mattresses are a blend of an innerspring system and multiple layers of foam, they are a fantastic option for various sleeping positions. Even then, check out the points below to determine if you should invest in a hybrid mattress or not

  • Want a mattress with outstanding edge support
  • Weigh over 230 lbs 
  • Prefer a bouncy mattress with the body-hugging comfort and memory foam
  • Experience hot flushes at night
  • Keep switching positions throughout the night
Who Shouldn’t Buy A Hybrid Mattress?

Despite delivering the best of both worlds– comfort and support– a hybrid mattress won’t be good enough for everyone. As per our experience, you mustn’t opt for hybrid mattresses if you:

  • Are a lightweight side sleeper whose body needs a plush surface for comfort
  • Like the feel of a softer or a medium-firm mattress
  • Sleep cold and are searching for a snuggly bed
  • Need a mattress with superior motion isolation 
  • Prefer a mattress that provides body-hugging comfort

iv. Latex Mattress

Highly popular for their exceptional durability, latex mattresses are crafted of latex– a milky liquid collected from the bark of a rubber tree. 

This rubber tree derivative is antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and resistant to dust mites. On top of that, latex mattresses aren’t as heat retentive as memory foam beds. So, latex mattresses facilitate a healthy and hygienic sleeping environment, which is why they are excellent for asthma and allergy sufferers. 

As for construction, latex mattresses feature multiple layers of latex foam, while the hybrid variants are equipped with an innerspring system to provide optimum support and pressure relief to sleepers. 

Latex foam is made in two different ways– Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex foam mattresses are softer toward the top and slightly firmer on the bottom. On the other hand, Talalay latex mattresses are less dense and softer than the former. 

Irrespective of whichever variant you choose, latex mattresses offer a medium-firm feel and last long. 

Who Should Buy A Latex Mattress?

Often labeled as the ‘best cooling mattress,’ a latex mattress tackles overheating issues by keeping sleepers cool at night. Here’s why you should consider investing in a latex mattress.

  • Sweat a lot during sleep and experience hot flushes
  • Want a hypoallergenic mattress
  • Looking for an easy-to-maintain mattress
  • Like the bouncy feel more than the body-hugging comfort of a memory foam mattress
  • Mattress will last for 10 to 12 years
Who Shouldn’t Buy A Latex Mattress?

While latex mattresses keep allergies and asthma attacks at bay and promise to deliver a good night’s sleep, they aren’t the best bet for people who:

  • Suffer from latex allergies
  • Like plush and softer mattresses
  • Are looking for an affordable mattress

Q2. What to consider when buying a mattress for side sleepers?

People who prefer sleeping on their sides put undue pressure on their shoulders and hips, leading to stiffness. It’s therefore important to choose a mattress that provides ample cushioning between your hips and shoulders to make sure you don’t suffer from debilitating pain after waking up. 

When scouring for the best mattress for a side sleeping position, you need to keep in mind your body’s unique needs. Often, mattress companies misguide shoppers using bogus terminology to make a quick buck. That is why purchasing a mattress based on advertisement is never a good decision. 

To save you from making a wrong decision, we’ve shortlisted some important points that side sleepers must keep in mind when shopping for their preferred mattresses.

i. Mattress Type

Of all variants on the market, memory foam and hybrid mattresses are considered the best for side sleepers. 

Memory foam mattresses feature foam layers that contour to sleepers’ body shape and provide them with cloud-like comfort. At the same time, it offers buoyant support wherever needed and alleviates pressure points.

But if you don’t like the plush comfort that a memory foam bed offers, you can go for a hybrid mattress. Comfort layers paired with an innerspring system make hybrid mattresses comfortable and supportive. Also, they are cooler than memory foam mattresses, which is a blessing for hot sleepers. 

Make sure you take into account what each mattress offers and then decide which product would perfectly suit your needs. 

ii. Firmness 

Firmness is another crucial factor that sleepers need to consider when shopping for mattresses. Like everyone, you’d want to invest in a mattress that is plush and soft, so you can unwind after a hectic day. 

One thing you need to keep in mind is that firmness level is totally subjective and varies from person to person. However, we’ve found that side sleepers sleep better on mattresses that are soft to medium-firm. 

As a rule of thumb, you must look for mattresses that score between 4.5 and 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale. 

When it comes to firmness levels, the body weight of sleepers must also be considered. That’s because it plays a major role in deciding whether you must go for a firm or a softer mattress.

iii. Motion Isolation

Sharing a bed with a restless sleeper who keeps changing their sleep position throughout the night is difficult. For this reason, opting for a mattress that dampens motion transfer is important. 

Memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses minimize motion transfer to a great extent. Sadly, innerspring mattresses don’t do much to reduce motion transfer, so they aren’t a good choice for people sleeping with a restless partner, pets, or babies. 

iv. Breathability

Do you often wake up soaked in sweat in the middle of the night? If yes, you are a hot sleeper and breathability is a factor you mustn’t ignore when shopping for a mattress. 

Hot sleepers must order an innerspring mattress because it regulates body temperature and prevents the sleep surface from overheating. You can also opt for hybrid mattresses because their innerspring system promotes airflow, so they don’t retain heat while keeping sleepers cool. 

While memory foam mattresses are good at temperature regulation, you mustn’t go for traditional ones because they trap heat. 

v. Trial Period And Warranty

Bringing home a mattress that is neither comfortable nor supportive is certainly a nightmare for every shopper. Even more so if they come with a steep price tag, as buying the wrong product means wasting your hard-earned money. 

Fortunately, many mattress companies offer a night trial period on their mattresses. This means you can order a mattress, sleep on it for some nights and decide if you wish to keep it or return it. 

While some brands offer a trial period of only 101 nights, others are generous enough to allow users to sleep on their mattresses for 365 nights. 

Other than the trial period, you must check the warranty period of the mattress. When mattresses are covered by a warranty period, you can contact the company in case any issue arises later. 

Mostly, brands cover their mattresses with a 10-year warranty; however, a few luxurious brands offer a lifetime warranty. 

vi. Price

Unless you’re ready to upgrade to a luxurious mattress that comes with a premium price tag, budget is another important element you must decide before scouring for options. 

Today, you’ll find mattresses in a variety of price ranges, from $200 to $1,600. To avoid overspending, decide your budget and look for options that fit the price range. However, don’t simply order a mattress because it fits your budget; always weigh the features with the price tag to see if it’s worth the money or not. 

Also, shop from renowned brands because they don’t compromise on quality, unlike cheap brands that stuff low-quality foams in their mattresses. 

vii. Care And Maintenance

Mattresses become a breeding ground for dust mites, molds, and allergens that can trigger a variety of health issues. In case you don’t clean your mattress, the allergens will lead to asthma attacks and reduce its lifespan. 

You must always take into consideration the care and maintenance that comes with buying a new mattress. In this regard, a mattress with a removable cover will be a perfect choice because you can unzip it and toss it in the washing machine. 

Q3. Are softer mattresses best for side sleepers?

Generally speaking, softer mattresses are popular among side sleepers because they provide extra cushioning around hips, shoulders, and knees. When sleeping on your sides for long hours, you put undue pressure on these high-impact pressure points. Without optimum support and padding, you’re likely to experience stiffness and pain upon waking up. 

Therefore, a softer mattress will gently cradle your body by adapting to your curves and relieving pressure. 

However, body weight must also be considered when it comes to deciding which firmness you should opt for. That is to say, if you’re a heavyweight individual, a softer mattress would be a waste of money because it won’t provide adequate support to your body. In such a situation, a medium-firm mattress will be the best bet. 

Also, if you suffer from back pain or have aches in different parts of your body, look for mattresses that are designed for providing targeted relief in deep compression areas. So, these are some of the factors that you need to keep in mind when deciding the firmness level. 

Verdict

Having a mattress that cradles your body to give you dreamy levels of comfort without compromising on support is no less than a luxury. So, if you’ve been spending the nights tossing and turning because the pesky lumps beneath the old mattress won’t let you sleep, it’s time to upgrade to a new mattress. 

All the mattresses reviewed in this guide leave no stone unturned to deliver a good night’s sleep. No matter what you choose, we bet you’ll sleep comfortably throughout the night. 

If you ask us, we’d suggest the Layla Hybrid Mattress, a gel-infused memory foam mattress that is plush and offers targeted support without being very firm. And the best part? You get to try it for 120 nights, so it’s a win-win situation!