Side sleepers have unique needs when it comes to mattress support and comfort. The best mattresses for side sleepers cradle the curves of the body while keeping the spine aligned. They also relieve pressure points created along the shoulders and hips. This blog reviews 15 top-rated mattresses specifically tailored for side sleeping.
The Sweetnight Sunkiss queen mattress features a 10-inch profile with a flippable comfort system. One side has a plush 3-inch gel memory foam for contouring cradling. Flip it over for a 7-inch high-density base foam that provides firmer spinal alignment. The foam is infused with cooling gel to help regulate temperature, while the open cell structure allows air circulation.
The Sweetnight Sunkiss gives side sleepers options when it comes to comfort and support. The softer memory foam side relieves pressure in the shoulders and hips, while the firmer base foam prevents sagging near the midsection for better spine alignment. Flipping between sides is easy when you want to change the feel. It’s an affordable mattress able to accommodate all sleeping styles.
This 10-inch Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress combines cradling memory foam comfort layers over high-density core support. Gel beads infused in the foam regulate temperature by absorbing and dissipating body heat. The medium feel strikes a balance suitable for most side sleeping needs.
The Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress hits the sweet spot for temperature regulation and support. The fusion of gel-infused memory foam and dense core foam suits most side sleeping needs without being too soft or too firm. It contours just enough to cushion hips and shoulders while keeping everything aligned. The moisture-wicking Tencel cover helps keep you cool and comfy all night.
This 10-inch Lucid memory foam mattress uses ventilated bamboo charcoal-infused foam for increased airflow and heat absorption. Below lies a gel-infused memory foam for contouring pressure relief. The open cell construction allows air circulation while hugging all the curves of your body in a cradling hug.
The Lucid 10-inch memory foam mattress gives side sleepers the close conforming comfort their bodies need without heat retention issues. Both the bamboo charcoal foam and gel-infused memory foam adapt to the contours while allowing air circulation and heat dissipation for a cooler sleep. The plush feel comforts pressure points in hips and shoulders beautifully.
This tri-fold Lazyzizi folding mattress offers 4-inches of supportive, premium memory foam encased in a breathable and removable bamboo cover. Just unfold on any floor for instant mattress comfort then store or travel easily when folded.
The Lazyzizi tri-fold guest mattress gives side sleepers quality memory foam comfort in a convenient portable package. The foam contours gently to hips and shoulders wherever you unfold it while the breathable bamboo keeps the sleep surface comfy and cool. Stash it away neatly when not needed – perfect for kids’ rooms, camping, or overnight guests.
The Sweetnight 12-inch queen flippable mattress features perforated comfort foam on each side – 3 inches gel-infused memory foam or 3 inches of hyper-elastic memory foam. Flip between plush or firm support. An airflow middle layer boosts breathability while high-density base foam prevents sagging and reinforces edges.
With the unique ability to flip between foams, the Sweetnight flippable queen caters perfectly to side sleepers needing different levels of contouring support. The plush gel-infused memory foam cushions pressure points while the hyper-elastic foam keeps the spine aligned on its firmer side. Breathable perforations and airflow middle layer regulate temperature so you stay comfy either way.
This 12-inch Sweetnight queen mattress flips between a medium feel with responsive memory foam or firm support with high-density base foam beneath. Either way, the 3 inches of gel-infused memory foam contours closely to alleviate pressure points for side sleepers. An airflow middle transitions between support layers.
Designed specifically for hot sleepers, the Sweetnight cooling queen mattress cradles side sleepers in comfort while regulating temperature all night. Just flip it over whenever your preference or needs change between its medium comfort memory foam feel to the firmer base layer support. The perforations allow air circulation and heat dissipation as the gel-infused foam contours.
Featuring four layered construction, the Novilla queen mattress combines gel-infused air foam and memory foam for contouring medium firm comfort. Increased airflow between perforated layers regulates temperature while high-density base foam reinforces edges and minimizes motion transfer.
The Novilla queen mattress gives side sleepers contouring close support with integrated cooling features. Its ability to isolate motion also makes it suitable for couples. The medium feel balances conforming comfort for pressure relief in hips and shoulders with even support alignment across the rest of the body. Breathable perforations regulate temperature all night long.
This 10-inch Olee Sleep memory foam mattress features a 3-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam for close contouring. An airflow foam layer allows increased breathability while high-density base foam gives shape and support. The infusion of gel regulates temperature for cool comfort.
Designed for cooler comfort, the Olee Sleep memory foam mattress gives side sleepers pressure relief where needed most. Its ability to regulate temperature also makes it ideal for hot sleepers while the responsive foam quickly regains shape. The medium firmness balances close contouring in the shoulders and hips with even support alignment across the rest of the body.
With a medium-plush feel, this 10-inch Sweetnight Clarity mattress features gel-infused memory foam that contours gently to alleviate pressure points. An airflow middle transitions between foam layers for increased breathability and temperature regulation all night long.
The Sweetnight Clarity mattress gives side sleepers plush conforming comfort with integrated cooling features. Its ability to flex gently around pressure points cushions hips and shoulders while keeping the spine aligned. Temperature regulating properties also make this mattress ideal for hot or sweaty sleepers. The cradling comfort works especially well for strict side sleeping positions.
Featuring a triple-comfort design, this 12-inch Sweetnight Luna mattress combines a bamboo charcoal gel-infused memory foam for breathability over high-density base support foam. An airflow middle layer allows air circulation for temperature regulation all night long.
The Sweetnight Luna mattress gives side sleepers contouring pressure relief with advanced cooling properties. Its uniquely breathsable and temperature regulating materials allow a cooler, drier sleep all night – perfect for hot side sleepers. Close body-hugging also relieves aches in hips and shoulders beautifully. Couples can enjoy undisturbed rest on this highly motion isolating mattress as well.
This medium-firm 7-inch Serta memory foam mattress harnesses the contouring power of gel-infused foam layers over high-density support foam. An open-cell breathable layer increases airflow for temperature regulation. It cushions common pressure points in just the right places for side sleepers.
The Serta 7-inch memory foam mattress gives side sleepers aligned medium firm support with superior pressure relief. Its ability to regulate temperature also makes it ideal for hot sleepers and adjustable bases. While thinner than most models, it still manages to contour curves and alleviate the common pressure points of strict side sleeping positions. The CertiPUR-US foam ensures lasting durability and performance.
Featuring four layered construction, the Novilla Lullaby mattress combines gel-infused air foam and memory foam for plush medium-soft comfort. Increased airflow between perforated layers regulates temperature while high-density base foam reinforces edges and minimizes motion transfer.
The Novilla Lullaby mattress gives side sleepers close contouring yet breathable comfort. Its plush embrace is uniquely designed to cushion typical pressure points in the hips and shoulders beautifully while keeping everything aligned. Hot sleepers can rest easy with steady airflow all night long. Reinforced edges allow full mattress surface use as well.
This adaptable 10-inch Sweetnight queen flips between either side of breathable gel-infused memory foam, with one side slightly firmer, over a high-density core. Open cell construction allows airflow for cooler comfort. Support layers vary to create soft, medium, or firm
With a unique three-firmness flippable design, this Sweetnight queen mattress caters perfectly to side sleepers needing different levels of contouring support. Flip between the plush gel-infused memory foam that cushions pressure points or the firmer base foam sides that keep the spine aligned. Open airflow prevents heat retention so you stay comfy any way.
Featuring premium materials, this 12-inch Ablyea memory foam king mattress combines 4 inches pressure relieving gel-infused memory foam over 8 inches high-density support foam for medium firm comfort ideal for side sleepers. A transition layer allows increased airflow.
The Ablyea memory foam king strikes the right balance between contouring closely for pressure point relief while keeping the body properly supported in ideal alignment for side sleepers. Integrated cooling components also dissipate heat for better temperature regulation. Premium materials provide comfort with durability at a reasonable price point.
The Crystli hybrid queen mattress infuses 4 inches pressure relieving memory foam into a 6-inch supportive innerspring system. Air channels in the foam allow increased airflow for cooling benefits while the springs add bounce. A plush Euro-top cushion contours gently.
Designed explicitly for side sleepers, the Crystli hybrid queen contours shoulders and hips with plush memory foam while preventing sagging and keeping everything aligned on supportive pocketed springs. Increased airflow through the foam also regulates temperature for a cool, comfy rest all night long. It’s the best combination of conforming cushion with even support distribution.
Product | Features |
---|---|
Nectar Queen Mattress | Gel memory foam, cooling technology |
Novilla King Mattress | Gel memory foam, motion isolation |
Linenspa Hybrid Queen | Memory foam, coil hybrid |
Zinus Queen Mattress | Green tea memory foam |
Sweetnight Sunkiss Queen | Flippable firmness levels |
Nectar Twin Mattress | Gel memory foam, cooling technology |
Nectar Hybrid King | Gel memory foam, hybrid coil |
Avenco Queen Mattress | Bamboo charcoal foam, hybrid |
Coolvie Queen Mattress | Pocket springs, memory foam |
Classic Brands Queen | Gel memory foam |
Signature Design Queen | Memory foam, green tea |
Coolvie Queen Mattress | Pocket coils, gel memory foam |
Novilla Full Mattress | Gel memory foam |
Sleep Innovations California King | Gel memory foam, hybrid coil |
LUCID Twin Mattress | Bamboo charcoal foam |
As the above reviews highlight, the ideal mattress for dedicated side sleeping both contours the body to relieve pressure points while supporting proper spinal alignment without excessive sagging. Here are the most important factors side sleepers should consider when choosing a mattress:
Contouring Comfort Layers – Look for around 3 inches of memory foam or latex that gently cradles hips and shoulders to relieve tension in those highly pressurized areas. Softer feels provide more cradling.
Supportive Core – A thicker high-density polyfoam or coil support core reinforces the mattress structure to prevent excessive sinkage and keep everything aligned. This is especially key around thinner midsections.
Cooling Properties – Integrated cooling components like gel infusion, ventilation channels, breathable covers, etc. help regulate temperature so you don’t wake up hot and sweaty.
Ideal Firmness Level – Medium soft to medium mattresses offer the best balance of contouring comfort with adequate support for strict side sleeping positions.
Responsiveness – Bouncier foams or hybrid coils make it easier to change positions during the night.
Edge Support – Reinforced edges allow you full use of the mattress surface.
Motion Isolation – Models that limit motion transfer allow uninterrupted rest for couples.
There are five main mattress types, each with their own pros and cons for side sleepers:
Memory Foam – This is the most popular option for side sleepers. Memory foam uniquely molds to every curve for tailored alignment and pressure relief. Models with cooling gels and airflow layers also sleep temperature neutral.
Latex – Natural latex gently conforms like memory foam but with more bounce. It relieves pressure points but resists excessive sinkage for better support. Most latex runs cooler than memory foam too.
Innerspring – Traditional spring mattresses contour minimally but reinforced perimeter coils excel at edge support. However, pressure relief and motion isolation tend to be subpar for side sleepers.
Hybrid – Combining memory foam comfort layers over an innerspring support core gives side sleepers the pressure relief of foam with reinforced structure from coils. It’s an ideal balance of contouring and support.
Adjustable Air Beds – Using air chambers instead of foam or springs, these bases allow customization of firmness levels on each side. This tunable support works excellent for couples with very different needs.
Breaking In Your New Mattress
Most foam mattresses have a break-in period of around 30 days on average as the materials soften slightly. Some temporary body impressions are normal too. Allow 1-2 months for full adjustment to your new mattress.
Mattress Lifespan
With regular care, most quality foam or hybrid mattresses last around 7-8 years before needing replacement. Rotating head-to-foot every 3 months ensures even wear and maximizes lifespan.
Protecting Your Mattress
Use a mattress protector to shield your investment from spills, stains and other damage. Waterproof protectors also keep moisture away from inner materials for hygienic sleep.
Cleaning Your Mattress
Vacuum gently to remove dust and dirt. Spot clean stains with just water and mild detergent. Never soak or fully immerse the mattress. Allow to fully air dry before remaking the bed.
The ideal mattress types for dedicated side sleeping positions are memory foam and hybrid models. Memory foam uniquely molds to the body’s contours to support hips and shoulders. Hybrids add reinforcement from pocketed coils or innersprings. This prevents excessive sinking while still cushioning pressure points from strict side sleeping. Both accommodate the needs of side sleepers the best.
The best mattress firmness levels for side sleepers range from medium soft to medium, around 4 to 6 on the typical 1-10 firmness scale. This blend contours closely to cushion the hips and shoulders while preventing sagging, especially for strict side sleeping focused on one area all night. Exact ideal firmness depends on weight and personal preference.
Medium soft to medium mattresses between 4-6 on the 1-10 firmness scale typically offer the best blend of contouring for pressure relief while preventing excessive sinkage and sag for proper spinal alignment. The exact ideal firmness depends on body type and personal preference.
Memory foam and hybrid mattresses offer superior pressure relief in the hips and shoulders with options for close contouring comfort. Their ability to isolate motion also benefits couples. Reinforced perimeter edges on some hybrids also allow full mattress surface use. Traditional innersprings alone don’t contour closely enough at common side sleeper pressure points.
Look for at least 10-12 inches thick to allow adequate comfort layers for contouring over ample support depth for proper reinforcement. This prevents sagging, especially for strict side sleeping in the same spot all night. Thinner mattresses may not offer suitable cradling of curves with enough structure to keep everything aligned.
The best pillow for side sleeping keeps your head, neck and shoulders aligned with the rest of the spine. Look for a low loft pillow around 3-5 inches with medium density memory foam, latex or down fill offering gentle cradling support without angling the head up too sharply. The pillow should fill the space between your shoulder and head evenly.
Rotating your mattress head-to-foot every 3 months ensures even wear across the surface so you get full value from your investment. But you don’t necessarily need to flip one-sided mattresses if you always sleep in the same spot. Flipping remains wise for two-sided flippable mattresses with comfort layers on each side to promote durability.
Finding the right mattress plays a critical role in getting restful sleep and waking up feeling refreshed. For side sleepers, cushioning pressure points while supporting alignment proves essential. The mattresses reviewed above all cater to the unique needs of side sleepers with contouring comfort layers, reinforced structures and cooling technologies for a comfortable night’s rest. Considering factors like responsiveness, firmness, and motion isolation will help you select your ideal model. With better informed expectations of how different mattresses perform, you can make the very best choice to meet your needs, budget and sleeping style. Investing in the proper mattress remains one of the best things you can do for overall health and wellbeing through better sleep.
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