Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Medically reviewed by
 Dr. Nayantara Santhi

Dr. Nayantara Santhi

Dr. Nayantara Santhi holds an academic position at Northumbria University. After completing her Ph.D. at Northeastern University (Boston, MA), she joined the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School as a post-doctoral fellow to research how sleep and circadian rhythmicity influence our cognitive functioning.

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By McKenzie Hyde Certified Sleep Coach

Last Updated On October 27th, 2023
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Powered by Amerisleep, EarlyBird brings together a dedicated team of sleep science coaches, engineers, and product evaluators. We meticulously examine Amerisleep's family of products using our unique product methodology in Amerisleep's state-of-the-art laboratory. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our use of eco-friendly foam in our products. Each article we publish is accurate, supported by credible sources, and regularly updated to incorporate the latest scientific literature and expert insights. Trust our top mattress selections, for your personal sleep needs.

Getting a solid eight hours doesn’t have to be rocket science— it all comes down to your mattress and the way you sleep on it. Your sleeping position can have a major effect on your health and even your appearance, so understanding the pros and cons associated with every position can lead you to a better night’s sleep.

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If you’re not sure what your preferred sleeping position is, pay attention to whichever position you’re most comfortable in as you fall asleep. Most of us are combination sleepers, meaning we change positions all night.  

While there’s no singular “best sleep position” for everyone, side sleeping is surely one of the better options for overall health. Currently, it’s also the most popular sleep position— 63% of Americans sleep on their side, 14% on their back, and 16% on their stomach.

Let’s examine the benefits and downsides to sleeping this way as well as which mattress might be best for lateral sleepers.

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

Quick Guide: A 30-Second Summary

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Overall Amerisleep AS3
Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers Amerisleep AS5 
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid
Best Latex Mattress for Side Sleepers Amerisleep Organica

The Amerisleep AS4 mattress offers plenty of cushioning comfort for side sleepers’ hips and shoulders. Featuring four inches of pressure-relieving Bio-Pur® in the comfort layer, the AS4 offers a truly cloud-like, weightless sleep experience. Bio-Pur® is partially plant-based, making the mattress more sustainably produced the average memory foam mattress is.

Underneath the memory foam is Affinity foam with HIVE® technology. This technology relies on cutouts to establish five zones of targeted support for the head, shoulders, torso, hips, and feet. The mattress’s base is sturdy Bio-Core® foam.

The thick comfort layer distributes your weight across the mattress and helps you feel like you’re floating. And don’t worry, the thin layer of zoned support below ensures you never sink too far.

See why eachnight rates the AS3 as the best mattress for side sleepers.

Quick Summary

  • Plant-based memory foam eases tension
  • HIVE® technology feels sot and firm as needed
  • Bio-Core® strengthens the mattress’s structure

Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers

Amerisleep AS5

  • Price Range: $1649 to $3398
  • Mattress Type: Memory Foam
  • Firmness: 3 out of 10 (Soft)
  • Thickness: 14 Inches
  • Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Warranty
20 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
Mattress Highlights
Recommended For
  • Side sleepers
  • Individuals with recurring pain
  • Smaller, petite sleepers
Mattress Highlights
  • Bio-Pur® works with Active Flex for responsive cushion
  • Five zones of targeted support for added contouring
  • Bio-Core® foam prevents sagging
Recommended For
  • Heavier sleepers
  • Smaller individuals

The Amerisleep AS5 was made for the dedicated side sleeper. The AS5 starts with 3 layers of plant-based memory foam and is followed by 2 inches of our bouncy Active Flex to prevent uncomfortable sinkage and maintain healthy sleeping postures. Underneath the Active Flex is a layer of Affinity foam with HIVE® technology.

The AS5 is great for side sleepers avoiding back and hip pain that needs a bit more to maintain alignment.

Quick Summary

  • Plant-based memory foam hugs the body
  • Active Flex offsets plush feel without reducing it
  • Added pressure relief in the shoulders and hips from HIVE®

Pros

Cons

Pros

Cons

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To appeal to side sleepers who prefer a bit of extra bounce, we re-imagined the Amerisleep AS5 as a hybrid.

Mattress Highlights
  • Bio-Pur® foam envelops the body's curves for relief
  • Active Flex buoys the body for spinal alignment
  • Motion-isolating pocketed coils limit disturbances
Recommended For
  • Side sleepers with back pain
  • Couples
  • People of different body types

Side sleepers need a balance of softness and even support to avoid numbness or misalignment, and the AS5 Hybrid offers just that. The pocket coils bounce back quickly along with the foam layers on top, making this mattress one of the softest (but equally supportive) beds in our lineup.

The AS5 Hybrid also features the same combination of Bio-Pur® foam and Active Flex for soft, conforming, yet adaptable comfort. The base is pocketed coils on top of a foam base. The pocketed coils feature edge support and motion isolation.

Quick Summary

  • Hybrid counterpart to plush AS5
  • Active Flex and pocketed coils add responsiveness
  • Airy design with coils, breathable foams, and a mattress cover
Save $450 on the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid with our discount code
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Best Latex Mattress for Side Sleepers

Amerisleep Organica

Amerisleep Organica Mattress Image
  • Price Range: $1049 to $2348
  • Mattress Type: Latex Hybrid
  • Firmness: 5 to 6 out of 10 (Medium)
  • Thickness: 13 Inches
  • Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Warranty
20 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
Mattress Highlights
  • Talalay latex comfort & transition layers
  • Temperature-regulating wool and cotton fabric
  • Supportive, contouring pocketed coils
Recommended For
  • Side sleepers, plus back & combo sleepers
  • Eco-conscious shoppers
  • Hot sleepers

We made the Amerisleep Organica for sleepers who want a completely natural mattress.

Quick Summary

  • Talalay latex supplemented with wool and cotton cover
  • Pocketed coils limit motion and provide edge support
  • Fire barrier is free of chemicals for cleaner sleep

The Amerisleep Organica has materials that are GOTS, STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, Rainforest Alliance, and eco-INSTITUT certified.

The Organica’s soft cover is made with organic cotton and tufted rosettes to secure the layers of the mattress in place and provide maximum comfort and breathability.

Just beneath the cover are layers of New Zealand Joma Wool® and Talalay latex. Joma Wool® is a natural flame barrier, while Talalay latex is bouncy and pressure-relieving.

The mattress’s support system is made from pocketed coils for excellent motion isolation, durability, and adaptability. Since these coils are wrapped, they provide more contouring than traditional innerspring coils. Beneath the pocketed coils is a thin layer of durable Dunlop latex to absorb shock and provide further protection against sagging and indentations.

Pros

Cons

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Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers

Vaya Mattress

  • Price Range: $449 to $899
  • Mattress Type: Foam
  • Firmness: 5 to 6 out of 10 (Medium)
  • Thickness: 12 Inches
  • Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
Mattress Highlights
  • Airy foam top gently contours to body
  • Stable base provides spine support
  • Cooling cover is soft to the touch
Recommended For
  • Side sleepers on a tight budget
  • Bargain hunters
  • Hot sleepers

The Vaya Mattress has gained popularity for its unique construction and the array of benefits it offers to sleepers. Engineered with careful consideration for comfort and support, the Vaya Mattress is designed to provide a restful and rejuvenating sleep experience. The mattress incorporates innovative materials and a thoughtful construction process that sets it apart in the market.

In addition to its functional benefits, the Vaya Mattress is also recognized for its cost-effective pricing without compromising on quality. It offers a budget-friendly option for those seeking a high-quality mattress without the hefty price tag associated with many other premium mattresses.

The Vaya Mattress ships free and comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Overall, the Vaya Mattress stands out as a well-constructed, comfortable, and supportive bedding option that prioritizes sleep quality and ensures a refreshing night’s rest at a fair and reasonably low price. Its thoughtful construction, combined with its array of benefits, has positioned it as a favorable choice for a wide range of sleepers seeking a reliable and affordable mattress solution. Naturally, this includes side sleepers, too.

One of the key benefits that the Vaya Mattress is known for is its impressive breathability, which helps regulate body temperature throughout the night. The design allows for optimal airflow, preventing heat from getting trapped within the mattress. This feature is especially beneficial for individuals who tend to sleep hot, as it helps create a more comfortable and cool sleep environment.

Furthermore, the Vaya Mattress has the ability to provide excellent motion isolation. This feature is particularly advantageous for couples, as it minimizes disturbances caused by movement during the night. With the Vaya Mattress, sleepers can enjoy uninterrupted rest, even if their partner tends to shift positions frequently.

The construction of the Vaya Mattress primarily consists of two layers, each serving a specific purpose in enhancing sleep quality. The top layer is made of Vaya Comfort Foam, which is specifically designed to offer a balance of softness and support.

This proprietary foam is crafted to provide a gentle, cloud-like feel while ensuring adequate spinal alignment and pressure relief. It contours to the body, allowing side sleepers to sink in slightly for a snug feel without compromising on necessary support.

The second layer of the Vaya Mattress is the base foam, which serves as the foundation for the mattress. This dense foam layer is engineered to provide stability, durability, and long-lasting support, ensuring the mattress maintains its shape and structural integrity over time.

The combination of the Vaya Comfort Foam and the base foam creates a harmonious blend of comfort and support, catering to a wide range of sleeping preferences and positions.

Pros

Cons

Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers

Saatva Classic

  • Price Range: $1095 to $2790
  • Mattress Type: Innerspring
  • Firmness: 3 (Plush), 5 to 7 (Luxury Firm), and 8 (Firm) out of 10
  • Thickness: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King, Split California King
  • Available In: 11.5 or 14.5 Inches
Warranty
Lifetime
Sleep Trial
365 Nights
Shipping
Free
Mattress Highlights
  • Pillowtop with antibacterial protection
  • Targeted back support memory foam
  • Two coil layers for responsiveness
Recommended For
  • Innerspring mattress lovers
  • Hot sleepers
  • Side sleepers with back pain

Pros

Cons

Best Mattress for Athletes

Bear Elite Hybrid

  • Price Range: $1721 to $3565
  • Mattress Type: Hybrid
  • Firmness: 5, 6, or 7 out of 10 (Soft, Medium, Firm)
  • Thickness: 14 Inches
  • Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Warranty
Lifetime
Sleep Trial
120 Nights
Shipping
Free
Mattress Highlights
  • Cooling technological fibers
Recommended For
  • Side sleepers (soft or medium)
  • Hot sleepers
  • Athletes

If you’re an active side sleeper seeking a mattress that aids muscle recovery while providing comfort and support, the Bear Elite Hybrid is an ideal option. This premium mattress combines advanced cooling technology and targeted pressure relief to help athletes and fitness enthusiasts wake up ready for their next workout.

The Bear Elite Hybrid ships free and comes with a 120-night sleep trial period and a lifetime warranty.

The Bear Elite Hybrid combines premium materials like Celliant fiber and copper-infused foam with targeted support systems ideal for side sleepers, especially those with active lifestyles. Ample cooling properties help regulate temperature and dissipate body heat from physical exertion. The zoned coils provide essential lumbar support while the responsive transition layer prevents feeling “trapped.”

With enhanced muscle recovery, superior cooling, ergonomic alignment, and ease of movement, the Elite Hybrid has everything side sleepers need for a restorative night’s sleep that gets them ready for the next day’s athletic adventures. It’s an excellent investment for those wanting to optimize their sleep for an active routine.

The Elite Hybrid’s cover utilizes proprietary Celliant fiber and Phase Change Material (PCM) to promote cooling. Celliant absorbs body heat and converts it into infrared energy, circulating it back into the body to enhance cellular oxygenation and muscle recovery. The PCM regulates temperature by absorbing heat and releasing it as you cool down. Together, these technologies maintain an optimal sleep climate.

Under the cover lies a layer of copper-infused memory foam. Copper has natural antimicrobial properties that inhibit bacteria growth and odor, allowing for a cleaner night’s rest. The copper infusion also conducts heat away from the body for a cooler sleep surface.

The transition layer utilizes Dynamic Foam that responds instantly to movements, preventing you from feeling “stuck.” This allows easy movement, a must for combination sleepers. The high-density base foam reinforces the coils for durability and edge support you can rely on.

At the core of the Elite Hybrid is a zoned coil system with Bear’s exceptional lumbar support. Higher gauge coils in the center third reinforce the midsection, while perimeter edge coils provide stability and prevent sagging. This combination delivers ergonomic spinal alignment along with minimizing motion transfer, perfect for side sleepers who change positions often.

Pros

Cons

Best Non-Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers

Purple Plus

  • Price Range: $1495 to $3090
  • Mattress Type: Foam
  • Thickness: 11 Inches
  • Firmness: 5 to 6 of out 10 (Medium)
  • Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
100 Nights
Shipping
Free
Mattress Highlights
  • Uniquely flexible grid comfort layer
  • Softer feel of Ultra Comfort Foam
  • Base foams provide structure
Recommended For
  • Side sleepers wanting innovative comfort
  • Hot sleepers
  • Curvier side sleepers

If you’re a side sleeper searching for the perfect mattress without memory foam, look no further than the Purple Plus. This mattress builds on the innovative GelFlex Grid technology of the original Purple mattress to provide enhanced pressure relief and support that cradles your body’s natural contours.

The original Purple mattress was beloved by side sleepers, but the Purple Plus takes it a step further. With double the base foam of the original for enhanced support and stability, it’s ideal for heavier individuals and couples. The Purple Plus also isolates motion better than ever, so you’ll barely notice your partner’s movements.

Every Purple Plus comes with free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty so you can buy with confidence.

If you want advanced pressure relief and comfort designed specifically for side sleeping, the Purple Plus is a superb choice. Its adaptive grid and premium materials provide just the right blend of softness and support to cradle your body, ease aches and pains, and send you into a blissful sleep.

One of the key benefits of the Purple Plus for side sleepers is its instantly adaptive GelFlex Grid. Unlike memory foam, which can feel slow to respond, the GelFlex Grid offers no motion transfer delay. This makes it easy to change positions without disturbing your partner.

The top of the Purple Plus is the touchstone of any Purple mattress, the GelFlex Grid. This proprietary hyper-elastic polymer material is arranged in a grid pattern and responds immediately to your movements, providing pressure relief exactly where and when you need it.

The GelFlex Grid consists of over 1,500 open air channels that allow body heat to pass through instead of getting trapped, helping you sleep cooler than on a traditional mattress. The grid’s gentle cradling effect also relieves pressure on your hips and shoulders, two common sore spots for side sleepers.

But the GelFlex Grid isn’t the only reason side sleepers love the Purple Plus. It also contains 2 inches of Ultra Comfort Foam, which adds a plush feel and enhances the mattress’s hugging properties. This proprietary foam is highly breathable and responsive.

Underneath lies a dual layer of high-density Base Foam that provides stability and support for proper spinal alignment. It’s made in the USA using CertiPUR-US certified foams and comes backed by a reputation for quality and innovation.

  • Diana F., a side sleeper previously skeptical of specialty mattresses, decided to try out the Purple Plus mattress during a sale. The risk-free trial period allowed her to experience the remarkable comfort of the Purple mattress, which alleviated pressure points and eliminated discomfort during sleep. She now expresses a strong preference for the Purple mattress over standard ones, highlighting its exceptional support and comfort.
  • Joseph M. highlights the Purple mattress’s positive impact on his overall well-being. After using the mattress for a couple of months, he no longer wakes up in pain, feeling improved comfort compared to his previous foam mattress. Joseph also mentions that the mattress has positively affected his health and allergies.

Pros

  • Reactive GelFlex Grid eases pressure points and swallows motion
  • Plush feel ensured by extra comfort foam
  • Supportive underlying foams ensure neutral spine

Cons

  • Not as bouncy or responsive as a hybrid mattress would be.

Best Dual-Sided Mattress for Side Sleepers

Layla Hybrid

  • Price Range: $1299 to $1899
  • Mattress Type: Hybrid
  • Firmness: 4 or 7 out of 10 (Soft or Firm)
  • Thickness: 13 Inches
  • Available In: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Warranty
10 Years
Sleep Trial
120 Nights
Shipping
Free
Mattress Highlights
  • Infused copper keeps foam cool
  • Pocketed coils enable easy movements
  • Zippable cover with two-sided design
Recommended For
  • Side sleepers who enjoy softness
  • Sleeper wishing to easily switch firmness
  • Hot sleepers

With its unique flippable design featuring a soft and firm side, the Layla Hybrid offers customized comfort unlike any other mattress on the market. What truly sets this hybrid mattress apart though is what’s inside – specifically the copper-infused memory foam and coil system that provides superior cooling, support and pressure relief. Side sleepers can gently sink into the plush side and experience refreshing pressure relief.

The Layla Hybrid will ship to your home for free and comes with the guarantee of a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty period.

 

Having both soft and firm comfort levels in one mattress provides an unparalleled sleep experience. One side has a plush, soft feel that cushion-lovers will adore. Flip the mattress over and you get a firm, supportive side perfect for stomach and back sleepers. With the Layla Hybrid you get the best of both worlds!

With its flippable firmness levels, copper-infused variable support foam, and double-duty cooling from cover and foam, the Layla Hybrid mattress truly stands out from the crowded mattress field. It offers customized comfort for all sleeping positions. And the antimicrobial copper keeps odors at bay while you enjoy cleaner, cooler and more refreshing sleep night after night.

The super breathable cover keeps the mattress cool while you sleep. It’s infused with Thermogel to pull heat away from your body so you sleep cooler. The fabric has moisture-wicking properties to keep perspiration from building up. And the entire cover conveniently zips off, making it easy to remove and clean.

The Layla Hybrid contains copper-infused memory foam, which offers several key benefits. The copper draws heat away from your body, resulting in a much cooler and more comfortable sleeping experience.

Copper is also naturally antimicrobial, creating a barrier that stops odor-causing bacteria in its tracks. That means you can sleep cleaner and fresher without worrying about odors building up in your mattress over time.

But the Layla Hybrid is about more than just cooling copper – it’s also designed for superior pressure relief and support. The memory foam layer provides cushioning where you need it most, conforming to your body’s unique shape.

This relieves pressure on your shoulders, hips and other areas that press into the mattress when you lie on your side. The foam is also infused with copper gel for a variable support response – areas that need more support receive firmer reinforcement from the foam.

Providing the core support in the Layla Hybrid is an advanced individually wrapped coil system. Each coil moves independently to contour perfectly to your body, providing reinforced support along the edges without sagging over time. The coils also make it easy to use the mattress with an adjustable base, bending and flexing with the base’s movements.

  • As a 60-plus-year-old individual with back issues, Robert H. found the Layla Hybrid comfortable for sleeping in various positions, including on his back and on either side. He appreciated the versatility of the mattress, allowing him to choose between the firmer and softer sides based on his comfort needs.
  • Christopher H. described the Layla Hybrid as both attractive and extremely comfortable, noting that it lived up to the advertised claims. He particularly appreciated the option to choose between two different levels of firmness simply by flipping the mattress, emphasizing the smart design of the product.

Pros

  • Copper infusion maintains cool, clean comfort
  • Individually wrapped coils isolate movements
  • Black-and-white cover design for easy side switching

Cons

  • Some side sleepers may prefer a medium or softer surface

Health Benefits of Side Sleeping

Side sleeping can be the healthiest position to sleep in, especially if you suffer from lower back pain, obstructive sleep apnea, or are pregnant. It also opens the airways in a way that prevents snoring or acid reflux symptoms from flaring up.

Regardless of sleeping position, everyone should choose a bed that offers excellent neck, back, and spinal support, keeping everything in a neutral position. Side sleeping supports the natural curve of your spine, but your mattress can change that— for better or worse. The most popular side sleeping variation is the fetal position when the sleeper curls their knees inward.

Pregnant women should stick to side sleeping as much as possible, especially in the second and third trimesters. This position allows for better blood flow and prevents the uterus from pressing up against the liver.

The log position is the other variation side-sleepers prefer: in this position, the sleeper’s arms and legs are straight. This position may reduce sleep apnea symptoms and ward off back pain.

Downsides to Side Sleeping

Sleeping in the lateral position comes with lots of perks, but there can be disadvantages if you’re using an inadequate pillow or mattress.

Contrary to popular belief, a softer mattress and pillow are not always best. Side sleepers need to keep their spine and hips “lifted,” while not arching them unnaturally. A plush mattress can cause you to sink down too far, throwing the spine, hips, and back out of alignment.

Look for a mattress that supports and relieves pressure points. This will help prevent paresthesia, Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source or that familiar “pins and needles” feeling you get when a limb falls asleep. Side sleepers are more prone to this problem, especially if they sleep with their arms under the pillow or at their sides. If your weight cuts off circulation to the limbs, paresthesia will cause you to wake up, disrupting the sleep cycle.

Best Mattress Types for Side Sleepers

Foam

Foam mattresses are quite popular these days thanks to their unique amalgamation of soft, pressure relief, and consistent, even support. They are especially popular with bed-in-a-box companies because they can easily be compressed in a box and shipped to the customer’s door. If you’re searching for the best bed in a box, you’ll primarily come across foam beds.

If you’re a side-sleeper thinking about buying a foam mattress, make sure you choose one with a substantial support layer. In foam mattresses, this is usually made with a thick layer of high-density foam. This support layer can also ensure the mattress doesn’t sag or deteriorate quickly.

Most companies use two types of foam to make their mattresses— polyurethane foam, or polyfoam, which is found in the base support layer. The second foam type is viscoelastic polyurethane foam or memory foam. This is used as the top comfort layers or transitional layers of the mattress.

Without proper comfort layers and equally supportive base layers, side sleepers will find themselves shifting uncomfortably through the night, waking up with pain, or sinking down into the mattress.

Side sleepers should look for a lower-density mattress that provides cushioning and alignment. Your weight is also a factor since the more you weigh, the higher density your mattress should be. Average weight side sleepers (130-230 lbs) should go for the medium mattress while heavyweight side sleepers (more than 230 lbs) may be more comfortable on a medium to a firm mattress.

Latex

You’ve probably seen latex in other products like medical gloves or kitchenware, but what about in a mattress? Latex mattresses are becoming more and more popular in the mattress world thanks to their soft, springy feel and durability. On average, latex mattresses last 5-7 years longer than foam mattresses.

Side sleepers looking for a soft place to land may find a latex bed is perfect for their needs. Latex mattresses are typically made with foam and latex. Usually, the latex appears as the comfort layer or transitional layer and sometimes even in the support cores.

Like foam, latex conforms closely to the body, alleviating pressure and cushioning to the most sensitive body parts like the hips, spine, and back. Another perk of latex is its excellent motion isolation– you shouldn’t feel “trapped” on a latex bed or get jostled awake by your restless sleeping partner. That’s because unlike foam, latex adjusts to your curves rather than sinking beneath them as foam does.

Innersprings and Hybrids

Innerspring beds, or coil beds, have been around the longest. They were the first invented in 1871, not too long after the steel coil spring came into being. Older innerspring models were notoriously uncomfortable because their construction focused more on bounce and support than pressure relief or comfort.

Today, innerspring mattresses employ plenty of comfort layers made with foam, latex, or both to offset the stiffness of the innerspring. Additionally, coils in the base are often wrapped in fabric to make them softer and more prone to motion isolation.

Innersprings can be suitable for side sleepers as long as they have plenty of foam or latex layers that cushion and contour curves. Note that many innerspring beds are firmer than some foam or latex models, so side-sleepers should make sure they try out a few different models if possible.

Since innersprings are not known for their pressure relief, a hybrid mattress can be a suitable compromise for side-sleepers. Hybrids are made of 50% foam and 50% coils– by definition, a hybrid must have at least 3 inches of foam, and most have much more than that.

How Firm Is Too Firm?

As far as firmness goes, a medium mattress is typically best for side sleepers since it offers equal amounts of pressure relief and support. Since “medium” can vary depending on the brand, you can also keep an eye out for a firmness scale. Usually, most companies will use a scale from 1-10 when rating a mattress— a one is the softest, most plush mattress, while a ten is very firm, like a futon.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

A true medium is between 5-7 on this scale and is often marketed as “universally comfortable” for most sleepers. Still, we recommend you try out different firmness levels and brands in a mattress store before making a purchase if you can.

Pillows for Side Sleepers

Once you choose the right mattress, you will need to pay special attention to your pillow. A good mattress is definitely a huge part of the comfort equation, but the right pillow for side sleeping can make or break your night.

Problems specific to side-sleepers can be remedied with a good pillow. Side-sleeping can cause shoulder pain, jaw pain, and even facial wrinkles. A supportive pillow with generous comfort layers will take the pressure off your arms and upper body, alleviating shoulder and jaw pain. Additionally, a silk or satin pillowcase can prevent wrinkles from forming too prematurely.

A pillow’s loft, or thickness, will tell you how comfortable it is depending on your preferred sleeping position. Side sleepers need to keep their necks straight and neutral. A too-thick pillow will cause strain and neck pain, and one that’s too thin or flat will make the head droop or sink— the perfect storm for an uncomfortable, restless night! Side sleepers will most likely achieve their most comfortable sleep on a medium-loft pillow.

Memory foam mattresses and memory foam pillows are best for side sleepers since they offer support for spinal and neck alignment as well as targeted pressure relief. Down pillows can work, but side sleepers may need to fold and fluff the pillow a lot to make it supportive enough. Buckwheat pillows are another less common option, but they do offer plenty of support and contouring.

Which Side is Best?

If you sleep on your side, you’re in a good place. Side sleepers are less likely to snore, suffer from acid reflux flare-ups, or wake up with pain. But is there one side that’s healthier than the other?

There are two significant reasons why you should sleep on your right side. First, it puts less pressure on your internal organs. Second, it promotes optimal heart health. It’s no coincidence that, the older we get, the more likely we are to sleep on our right side. This is because sleeping on the right side Verified Source ScienceDirect One of the largest hubs for research studies and has published over 12 million different trusted resources. View source increases blood and oxygen to the heart.

Factors Affecting Sleep Position

Age

As we get older, we tend to gravitate towards side-sleeping. Combination sleeping is also less rare with age. Children shift sleeping positions more than twice as often as adults over 65 do! Sleep position also has a bigger impact on your health as you age— you need more support and pressure-relief as your body grows stiffer and more prone to pain. This makes side-sleeping a natural choice for older folks.

Gender

Women are more likely than men to choose side-sleeping, particularly the fetal position. This is especially true for pregnant women, who should avoid sleeping on the back and stomach. Sleeping on the back when pregnant can exacerbate acid reflux, heartburn, back pain, and reduce blood circulation, causing paresthesia.

Other Health Conditions

If you suffer from lower back pain, you’re probably more likely to sleep on your side. Switching to side sleeping and investing in the best mattress for back pain is an easy way to alleviate discomfort. Additionally, if you deal with sleep apnea or acid reflux, you’re going to most comfortable on your back or side.

Changing Your Sleep Habits

Let’s say you sleep on your stomach or your back and are learning neither of these positions is very comfortable for you or conducive to sleep. Is it possible to teach an old dog new tricks? Well, when it comes to changing your sleep habits, anything is possible with practice!

You can start training yourself to sleep sideways by placing a pillow between your legs at the knees. This will also give you a little bit more support as you adjust to a new position.

On top of posture, the pillow you use comes into play because back and stomach sleepers prefer pillows with very different lofts and comfort levels than side sleepers. A flat pillow, liked by stomach sleepers, will not be supportive enough if you’re on your side. Likewise, a lofty, soft pillow liked by back and stomach sleepers may pitch the neck out of alignment if you use it on your side.

Choose a pillow with medium-loft and firmness for optimal support and cushioning while side-sleeping.

Another option? Adjustable beds. While adjustable beds are more often used with back sleepers, the pillow and foot articulation also work well wide side sleepers. By putting the bed into the “zero-gravity” position, you take the pressure off your back and open your airways.

Lastly, make sure your bedroom is a cool, dark, and quiet place free of distractions. Making sure your bedroom is set up to promote sleep is a key part of maintaining a healthy sleep schedule.

As Dr. Nayantara Santhi explains it, “It is said that sleep plays a critical role in our health and well-being. But how do you get a good night’s sleep. Besides having a dark room and a comfortable temperature, your sleeping position can play a significant role. We all have our preferred sleeping position, but side or back sleeping can be helpful if you suffer from back pain or sleep apnea.”

Other Sleep Styles’ Needs

Back sleeping is a sleep position where an individual lies on their back with their face and torso facing upward. A medium-firm to firm bed is typically recommended as a mattress for back sleepers to provide proper spinal alignment and support.

Stomach sleeping involves lying on the stomach with the face turned to the side. This sleep position can put strain on the neck and spine without a proper mattress for stomach sleeper. Stomach sleepers may benefit from a firm mattress that offers sufficient support to prevent excessive sinkage and maintain a neutral spine position.

Combination sleeping refers to individuals who frequently switch between different sleep positions throughout the night, such as back, stomach, and side sleeping. For combination sleepers, we suggest a medium to medium-firm mattress with good motion isolation and contouring properties. This type of mattress for combination sleepers can accommodate various sleep positions and provide adequate support and pressure relief for different areas of the body.

FAQs

How firm should a mattress for side sleepers be?

Your preferred firmness typically depends on a few factors, one of which is your sleeping position. However, your weight, body type, and even age can play a part in the firmness you choose. Most side sleepers tend to prefer medium, medium-soft, or soft mattresses. Anything firmer than medium can cause numbness or misalignment, which in turn negatively impacts sleep quality.

Should side sleepers have a firm or soft mattress?

We recommend side sleepers choose a mattress that’s between medium and soft on the firmness scale. Keep in mind that what one company markets as “medium” could actually feel more firm or soft than you might like. That’s why buying a mattress with an attached sleep trial is so important.

Is memory foam good for side sleepers?

Yes, memory foam is an excellent mattress type for side sleepers. It contours closely to the body for customized cushioning. High-quality foams, like those found in Amerisleep mattresses, bounce back quickly, so you won’t sink down or feel “trapped.”

What is the best mattress for a side sleeper with hip pain?

Side sleepers are more susceptible to hip pain simply because of how they sleep at night; all of their weight is pressed down on one side, which can lead to a higher risk of pelvic misalignment and sore hips. To avoid this, we recommend a medium, medium-soft, or soft mattress with a good support system in the base. That way, the soft layers on top will cushion just enough without causing more pain from sinking too much.

Is the Right Mattress Out There?

Choosing the best mattress for a good night’s sleep doesn’t have to be hard— just make sure your mattress isn’t! Remember: side sleepers are most likely to get the best sleep of their lives on a medium mattress with ample pressure relief, a durable support core in the form of high-density foam or springs, and soft contouring ability.


About the author

McKenzie Hyde is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and a full-time writer specializing in sleep health and the mattress industry. With a Master of Arts degree in literature and writing from Utah State University, McKenzie combines her passion for writing with her in-depth knowledge of sleep science. Her articles cover a wide range of topics, including best sleep practices for students, the consequences of sleep deprivation, and choosing the right mattress for back pain relief. McKenzie's dedication to delivering accurate and informative content makes her a valuable contributor to the field of sleep health.

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