Ultimate 21 best mattress type for side sleepers

Side sleepers are those people who sleep on either their left or right side. Side sleeping is the most common sleeping position among the population- they make up 74% of the population. 

You should be aware that different types of mattresses are best suited for different sleeping positions. Picking a mattress that compliments your sleeping type has several benefits including much better sleep, relief from any aches and pains, improved posture, etc. 

For side sleepers, too, a particular mattress type is available which is best suited for them. By finding the right mattress, you will thoroughly enjoy a vast difference in your sleep. 

Side sleepers are always recommended to have a firm mattress in their bed. Though, the firmness depends on several factors like your weight, shape, and your personal preference. If you are overweight, you are recommended to go for a highly firm mattress as it will support your body and help in maintaining a good posture. Similarly, if you have a very light body, you will be told to go for a softer mattress. 

Usually, people are recommended to buy a medium soft mattress as it is very helpful in supporting your body by hugging it in the right places, especially around your hips and lower back. Let’s get into the details of the best mattress type for a side sleeper right away!

There are a variety of factors you should keep in mind while choosing the best mattress type for a side sleeper. Mainly, they can be the sleeping position and the weight. 

Let’s first consider the sleeping position while discussing the best mattress type for a side sleeper:

Sleeping Position

If you are someone who sleeps on their stomach, they will need a firm mattress. This is because if you go for a soft topper and then sleep on your stomach, your back would be arched inwards which can pose serious back problems and terrible pain. By opting for a firm mattress, you would provide a relatively flatter surface for your stomach and will be doing your back and spine a huge favor. 

To all the back sleepers, a medium firm mattress is all you need. By sleeping on a slightly firm, your body will be in a straight line while the heavy parts of your body, such as the hips, will sink into the topper. It would reduce the tension from the shoulders and provide relief. It would give a feeling of your body being hugged instead of laying on a hard surface.  

Last but not the least, a medium soft mattress is a highly recommended side sleeper as it would provide a cushion-like feeling on the shoulders and the side of your body, which would cause your shoulders to be much more relaxed and result in some much-needed pain relief.

Now that we have understood the mattress type for each sleeping position, let’s understand how your weight affects our verdict on the best mattress type for a side sleeper.

Weight:

Your weight also plays a great role in picking the best mattress topper. Ideally, if you weigh less than 130lbs or 60kgs, the soft mattress is the ideal match for you. If your weight is between 130 to 230 lbs (or 60-105kgs) you should go for a medium mattress, not too firm and not too soft. If you weigh upwards of 230 lbs or 105kgs, you need a firm mattress.  

Apart from these two factors, you should also check out the best type of bed for side sleepers. With these three factors set in the right way, there no way you are going to be sleep deprived.

As side sleepers are sleeping on their side, they need to pay extra attention to their posture. The wrong posture could lead to bad sleep or back or neck pain. 

There are 2 main postural considerations to keep in mind:

1) Straight alignment of the spine:

You would achieve spinal alignment only if you pick the right mattress for yourself. You need to make sure that the heavier parts of your body sink into the mattress so that your spine stays in such an alignment that it is not receiving pressure from any point.

Your spine should be in a straight line and parallel to your bed. 

2) Avoid twisting or rotating your hips:

If you twist and turn too much, you put a strain on your back which can manifest into back pain very quickly. Make sure you don’t do that. 

Wondering what is the best mattress type for side sleepers? Well, the best type of mattress for side sleeper depends on a lot of factor and the most important being the material of the mattress.

Mattresses are created from a wide range of materials. You need to be careful while finding the right mattress for you with the right material in it.

Mattresses of high quality are on the expensive side and last longer than most mattresses out there.

On the other hand, mattress toppers with comparatively cheaper quality are much more pocket friendly but do not always last as long as the expensive ones do. They also become saggy which could pose a lot of issues for you.

The best type of mattress for side sleepers is the Memory foam mattress. This mattress is the ideal choice for side sleepers. The foam of this mattress spreads out when someone lies on it. It hugs the heavier areas of the body such as the hips, where extra support is required. This gives us relief from any pain and provides good sleep during the night. 

It provides great support to a variety of people who sleep in different positions. It also has minimum motion transfer, meaning that your partner won’t get disturbed when you toss around in your bed. At last, the outstanding countering makes this mattress type the best for side sleepers. 

Finally, we have got you the best mattress type for side sleepers. The list consists of the 21 best mattress types for side sleepers. We have categorized the mattress as per the top three most comfortable memory foam mattress, affordable memory foam mattresses, best mattress type for pressure relief, and much more!

1) The helix midnight mattress 

This mattress is the most recommended best mattress type for side sleepers when choosing a comfortable mattress for side sleepers. It is available in all sizes- King, Queen, twin, Cal King, Twin XL, and full. This mattress is rated to be a medium firm mattress and is most suitable for lightweight people, usually below 130 pounds. It provides incredible pressure point relief and gives relief from pain while improving posture. 

With all the benefits and comforts comes a hefty price. The cost of this mattress ranges from $800 to $1550, depending on the size. Cold sleepers are not recommended for this mattress as it traps heat, making it suitable for hot sleepers. 

2) Saatva classic mattress 

The Saatva classic mattress is the most popular choice when it comes to the best mattress type for side sleepers providing utmost comfort. This is especially great for side sleepers as it provides a bouncy feeling, supporting the heavier parts of your body while side sleeping. Like the previous one, this too is recommended for hot sleepers as it retains the temperature. 

The best part? It provides various thickness and firmness options to choose from, customized according to you. The cost of this mattress starts from $915 and can go as high as $1240. It does provide a lifetime warranty, so purchasing this mattress can be a great one-time investment if your budget allows it.

3) Birch natural mattress 

Our last recommendation for you on the best mattress type for side sleeper made from the most comfortable memory foam mattresses is made with 100% organic cotton and wool along with natural latex. It uses material that is naturally breathable, making it a vital pick for cold sleepers as it does not trap heat.

It is optimized for pressure relief. They use premium hypoallergenic and organic material to create the right amount of pressure which helps you sleep better. The materials used in it are organic New Zealand wool, organic fair trade cotton, and naturally breathable Talalay latex.

This best mattress type for a side sleeper was named the best organic mattress by Forbes in 2022 and costs about $949. This is a medium firm mattress that can be rated as a 6-7.  It is sustainably produced. 

1) Casper element mattress 

This, best mattress type for side sleeper has cooling technology which makes it ideal for a warm environment. Casper element mattress is a foam-type mattress that has a lengthy warranty of 10 years. It is around 10 inches thick and is a good choice for side sleepers. 

It is a medium-soft mattress which does not make it good for stomach sleepers, as they may find their spine arched while sleeping which could pose problems to their back. Also, people who weigh over 259 pounds are not recommended this mattress due to similar reasons, too. The price for a Casper element mattress starts from $495, which makes it a bargain. 

2) All’s well homeLuxe Hybrid

Our second most preferred best mattress type for side sleeper has got to be this one! All’s Well homeLuxe Hybrid mattress is made of two foam layers which are specifically designed to help with muscle pain.

The topmost layer of the mattress is infused with copper which aids in preventing heat retention. Below it, there is an 8-inch individual wrapped coil that does the role of providing support. 

This mattress has a starting price of $549, which is extremely worth spending on good sleep, especially for side sleepers. A drawback here is that this brand does not use organic material and instead uses materials like polyester. 

3) Brooklyn bedding signature hybrid mattress 

The Brooklyn bedding signature hybrid mattress is one of the most popular options when it comes to budget mattress shopping. Starting with just $699, it gives you the freedom to customize the mattress according to you in terms of firmness and size. 

Its quilted top is designed to not have breathability for cool sleepers. It uses memory foam and latex as its material and It comes with a 10-year warranty.

For side sleepers, it is highly recommended that you buy a medium firm mattress as the coils provide strong reinforcement but the foam makes you sink just according to the need. You can also give the Brooklyn bedding aurora mattress a try!

1) Loom and Leaf mattress by Saatva 

The loom and leaf mattress by Saatva is a premium quality gel memory foam mattress that is great for any sleeping position but specifically helps side sleepers with muscle aches in achieving a better sleep by pressure relief, which is made possible due to the lumbar support it offers.

It is a 12-inch mattress that consists of memory foam, gel memory foam, and a poly foam base. The firm model prevents spine problems as it does not let you sink into the mattress. 

It is available in two firmness levels, medium firm and firm. The price of this mattress ranges from $1075 to $2076. It offers a limited lifetime guarantee and an organic cotton cover. 

2) Dreamcloud Premier 

This mattress is made specifically for side sleepers and helps with their tension. It has many layers of material made for relieving pressure and maintaining a correct spinal alignment. This mattress is a medium firm 14-inch mattress that has a cashmere cover and a two-inch layer of memory foam.

Along with this, it has a 2.5-inch layer made of polyfoam to help prevent excessive sinkage while sleeping on this mattress. The coils in this mattress are an 8.5 inches layer. The foams hug the body in such a way that there is minimum pressure on the spine and the heavier parts of your body sink in.

This mattress costs about $999 and can go as high as $1899, according to the size. It comes with a lifetime limited warranty and is best for people who look for a thick mattress and are side sleepers suffering from any pain. This mattress is best for people who weigh between 130-230 pounds. 

3) Lytton signature plush 

This mattress is a dream come true for any side sleeper. The foam layers in this mattress are deep enough to hug your body comfortably and give you an amazing sleep experience, by also minimizing the pressure on hips and shoulders, which helps in relief from pain.

Since it is a rather sinkable mattress, meaning it is a soft mattress, it is best suited for people who weigh below 230 pounds. There is minimum motion transfer in this mattress, so you or your partner won’t be troubled by each other’s tossing and turning. It has coils that are designed to provide extra reinforcement around the midsection area. 

This best mattress type for side sleeper is a bit on the expensive side, between $1399- $2099, providing a 20-year warranty. It is available in all sizes and is best suited for people who find hybrid mattresses a bit too firm. 

1) The Winkbed Mattress:

 Finally, we have got one of the best mattress type for side sleeper that proves to give wonderful pressure relief. This mattress is the best pick for people suffering from pressure relief. This is a 13.5 inches hybrid mattress that is specifically designed to help with your muscle tension and get relief from joint pain. It is designed to align your spine so that you do not suffer from spinal misalignment, which could act as a catalyst for pain in your back. 

This best mattress type for side sleeper starts from about $1799 and comes with a lifetime warranty. It is a no-motion mattress thanks to the gel foam and steel pocket springs used in it. This mattress provides you with the option to customize your mattress according to your needs and uses eco-friendly material.

2) Amerisleep As5 Hybrid 

This best mattress type for side sleeper is a hybrid type mattress which is the best option to choose for relief from pain and aches. This mattress gives a plush feel which helps in relieving pain and aches.

It is recommended to all sleepers, especially the side sleepers as its softness provides support to the heavier parts of the body and helps in relief from any pain. This is because it minimizes pressure on the midsection. This is also the best option for people who suffer from joint pain. 

This 14 Inch mattress costs about $2049 to $4198 and gives a 20-year warranty. It is a relatively firm mattress, also making it a good choice for stomach sleepers. It is available in both memory foam and hybrid types and is supportive without feeling too firm.

3) Vaya mattress 

Wanna a mattress that serves as the best for pressure relief yet isn’t heavy on your pocket? Well, you have just found one of the best mattress type for side sleeper. Vaya mattress is 12 inches thick and is a foam-type mattress. Due to the foam, it proves to be a good pick for people suffering from any kind of pain.

It is a medium firm mattress and can be rated a 5 out of 10 on firmness. It is suitable for most types of sleepers but not for cool sleepers as it lacks moisture-resistant technology, rather making it a good option for hot sleepers. It has a durable base which makes it immune to sagging. 

This mattress costs about $999 and comes with a 10-year warranty. It soothes the pressure points without the need to sink into the mattress, making it good for stomach sleepers. 

Having shoulder and hip pain? Here’s our recommendation on the best mattress topper for shoulder and hip pain.

1) Helix Midnight 

The Helix midnight mattress is the best mattress type for side sleeper for people with lower back pain. It has a thick foam layer which makes it the ideal pick for those who suffer from lower back pain because the foam in the mattress spreads evenly to help with pressure relief.

It is a medium-firm mattress that helps in lower back pain because it helps to align the spine straight. Particularly, it is made for people who weigh between 130-230 pounds because this firm mattress paired with the above weight category keeps the spine straight during sleep. 

The cost of this mattress is rather economical, starting at just $799. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty. It is a hybrid mattress and does not come with moisture-resistant technology, which does not make it a good option for cool sleepers. 

2) Serta IComfort Mattress

People who live in warm locations or have a tendency to sleep overheated should probably choose this best mattress type for side sleeper. The iComfort line from Serta contains various cooling capabilities and a range of firmnesses.

The body’s heat is dissipated by the carbon fiber memory foam, which also offers excellent neck and back support. It features a supportive foam construction that hugs the body and moves with it. Additionally, it relieves pressure in areas where the body carries a higher weight by nature.

Since the iComfort is a hybrid type, it includes both inner springs and memory foam. According to the manufacturer, the spring layer offers dependable support that conforms to a person’s body shape.

Additionally, Serta’s UltraCold System, which consists of an additional extra-cooling layer of Carbon Fiber, is included in this mattress.

3) Level Sleep mattress 

The level sleep mattress is specifically made to target lower back pain. Also, it provides extra support around the midsection area, which can cause to be a huge factor in lower back pain. This mattress is made up of foam, which is best suited for side and sleepers.

It consists of three polyfoam layers, the top layer being the most adaptive layer and the bottom two layers being the denser layers and they act as the supporters.

It comes in 3 firmness categories- soft, medium firm, and firm. Pick the most ideal mattress for your sleeping type and body weight. It is also equipped with motion isolation, which makes it a good choice for couples. 

This best mattress type for side sleeper cost ranges from $799 to $1399, making it a good option for an affordable memory foam mattress. It comes with a Limited lifetime warranty. 

1) Luxury Firm Winkbed 

The luxury firm Winkbed is the best mattress type for side sleeper who experience shoulder pain. It gives excellent contouring which aids in shoulder pain relief.

Also, this mattress is best suited for people who weigh below 230 pounds. It is a medium firm level mattress which makes it a good choice for side sleepers. It is made up of a polyfoam euro top which offers great support and comfort.

It is made of innerspring but is also a hybrid mattress with gel-infused foam which offers comfort while sleeping. The foam provides contour to the midsection and shoulder areas. It offers support by spreading the foam around the midsection and the lower back, providing firm support to the spine and neck. 

This mattress costs about $1149 to $2049 and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The mattress is a medium firm mattress which can be rated a 6 on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the firmest mattress. 

2) Nectar Mattress 

The nectar mattress is a mattress that is best mattress type for side sleeper for people with shoulder pains and neck pain. The mattress is made up purely of memory foam which gives a very relaxing sleep. It is the best mattress for pressure relieving from the back and shoulder and extremely supportive bed.

It makes the sleeper sink into the mattress, especially in the shoulder and hips area, which gives alignment in the neck and shoulder region, and this, it aids in shoulder support. It is the best memory foam mattress for relief from shoulder pain as it reduces the tension in the shoulders. The foam hugs your body which makes it extremely good for shoulder pain. 

The cost of the nectar mattresses is about $1498 and it comes with a lifetime warranty. It is a foam mattress and ranges a 6 on a scale of 1-10, making it a medium firm mattress. 

3) Nolah Signature 12″ mattress 

Looking for the best type of mattress for a side sleeper? This one has got you covered!

The Nolah signature 12″ mattress provides you with pressure relief and support. Shoulder pain sufferers are in need of a soft or medium-firm mattress so that the shoulders sink into the mattress, giving enough space between the shoulder and neck which will prevent shoulder pain and cramps.

It is firmer around the lower back and shoulders, which keeps the spine in alignment. It can be classified as a medium-firm mattress. The air foam in the mattress is the main hero component in this mattress. 

This mattress costs about $1599 and gives a lifetime warranty. This 12″ thick mattress is a great option for cool sleepers due to it being equipped with moisture-resistant technology. 

1) Titan Plus Luxe 

The Titan Plus Luxe mattress is an economical choice and one of the best mattress type for side sleeper. It is a hybrid type of mattress with a euro top surface. Heavy side sleepers, who typically weigh more than 230 pounds are bound by a limited number of mattresses and this is the best pick for those who are on budget shopping.

It provides stability to the body, especially around the midsection area. The multiple foam layers work as the cushion in hugging your body. It is a medium firm mattress which is rated a 6 out of 10 for firmness. There is n excessive sinkage.

The biggest plus point of this mattress is that it is equipped with moisture-resistant technology. It keeps the sleeper cool at night due to its breathable foam layers, so naturally, it is not made for hot sleepers. 

As said above, The Titan Plus Luxe mattress is quite the right pick for budget shoppers. The cost of this mattress ranges from $899- $1499, depending on the size. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty too. 

2) Winkplus Mattress 

The Winkplus mattress is another popular choice for our heavy sleepers. It is made specifically for heavy people because it provides tremendous support to heavy side sleepers. The mattress has an innerspring in it and is quite a firm mattress, also making it a good choice for side sleepers who have back pain. The firmness can be rated an 8 out of 10.

What’s more? It provides zoned support to sleepers. It is good for hot sleepers as it retains moisture and heat by trapping it. This is one of the few mattresses which is designed specifically for heavy sleepers and thus, is not recommended to people who weigh below 230 pounds. 

This best mattress type for side sleeper costs about $1349- $2199, making it rather expensive depending on the size of the mattress. Also, It comes with a great deal of a limited lifetime warranty. One drawback though, it is not a vital option for heavy side sleepers who like to sleep cool, free from moisture and heat. It lacks moisture-resistant technology. 

3) Bear Elite Hybrid

The Elite Hybrid has an adaptable memory foam top layer that reacts slowly to your body. The copper in this layer has cooling qualities by nature. Extra padding is provided by a transitional layer of convoluted polyfoam, and the airflow at the surface is aided by the layer’s channel-cut shape.

To provide more support for the stomach and give a softer feel around the head and legs, the polyfoam is separated into five firmness zones.

There are three stiffness levels for the Elite Hybrid. During our hands-on tests, we put each design to the test, and side and back sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds favored the firm feel’s mild cushioning and strong support.

The best mattress type for side sleeper absorbs motion while still providing a somewhat responsive surface for sex, sleeps cool, and feels safe around the edges.

Picking the right mattress according to your body weight, pains, and sleeping position is key to avoiding any problem that deals with pain and cramps. Along with this, the sleeping posture should also be appropriate. It helps with sleeping better, too. 

With our recommendation by your side, you can pick one that caters to your requirement quite easily. Just make sure you follow the guidelines we have led out to choose the best mattress type for side sleeper.

Q) Which best mattress type for a side sleeper.? 

Side sleepers need to get a mattress whose firmness compliments their body weight. If you’re too thin, you need a softer mattress, if you’re overweight, you require a firmer mattress. In general, memory foam mattresses are considered the best for side sleepers. 

Q) What are the benefits of being a side sleeper? 

There are several benefits of being a side sleeper. By sleeping on your side, you have a much healthier digestive system, reduce back pain, and reduce snoring. 

Q) Side sleeping is common among which group the most? 

People with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) tend to sleep on their side the most along with older adults.

Q)What are the disadvantages of sleeping on your side?

Side sleepers are at risk of having shoulder pain. This occurs due to the close proximity of your neck and shoulder for the entire night, which messes up the alignment.