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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Sleep Foundation
Why Trust Us
Our mission to create a healthier, more well-rested world demands that our product reviews be best-in-class. You won’t find more expertise on mattresses and sleep products anywhere else.
The Sleep Foundation product testing team uses an industry-leading evaluation process paired with real world consumer feedback to come up with objective recommendations so that you can feel confident in your product decisions.
If you’re a side sleeper like me (and more than half of adults), I have some good news: Experts say sleeping on your side is the healthiest sleep position . But not all beds are ideal for side sleepers, and other factors such as your weight and preferences play a crucial role in whether a mattress will work for you.
Over the last several years, our testing team and I have slept on hundreds of different mattresses, studying exactly what makes a bed work for side sleepers. Here are our top picks for the best mattresses for side sleepers, with special considerations for different needs and preferences.
Here’s my advice in a nutshell: The key is spinal alignment. Side sleepers should have enough cushioning to accommodate the hips and shoulders, but shouldn’t be so soft that their midsection sinks down into it. Side sleepers tend to prefer close-conforming foam and latex beds, and the ideal firmness depends on both their weight and personal preferences.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Mattress – Helix Midnight Luxe
- Most Comfortable Mattress – WinkBed
- Best Value Mattress – DreamCloud Mattress
- Best Luxury Mattress – Saatva Classic
- Best Mattress for Back Pain – Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Couples – Leesa Sapira Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Hip Pain – Nolah Evolution 15
- Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Soft
- Best Mattress for Pressure Relief – Layla Hybrid
- Best Temperature-Regulating Mattress – Birch Mattress
In-Depth Reviews
The Helix Midnight Luxe takes top billing because it hits the sweet spot for support and pressure relief. I, along with other testing team members, have found over and over that it works best for a wide variety of sleepers, particularly those who favor the side and back positions.
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Pros
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Contouring foam layers evenly distribute your weight and cradle pressure points
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Strong coils and a reinforced perimeter deliver ample support and a soothing bounce
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High-quality build at a price that falls way below average for a hybrid
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Cons
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Some sleepers over 230 pounds may need a firmer mattress to prevent sinkage beneath their midsections
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Off-gassing odor can be overwhelming at first — best to air out the mattress before breaking it in
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,099 – $2,299
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Well-rounded performance, quality construction, and affordable pricing put the Helix Midnight at the top of our best mattress picks. We attribute these qualities to the bed’s mid-range firmness, which hits the sweet spot between plush and firm, and a memory foam hybrid construction that earned above-average marks from our testers for pressure relief, motion isolation, breathability, and overall support.
Helix offers a wide selection of hybrid mattresses, each one designed for specific body types, sleep positions, and firmness preferences. Our testers singled out the Helix Midnight thanks to its balanced feel that combines pressure relief and sturdy coil support – all at a very reasonable price-point.
How It Performs
The Helix Midnight has a medium firm (6) feel. The foam layers alleviated pressure buildup and isolated motion well during our tests, while the coils helped the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature and allowed testers to move across the surface with ease. We found that the even blend of pressure relief and ease of movement appealed to side, back, and stomach sleepers on our test team. It was also a hit with combination sleepers who frequently switch their position during the night.
What It’s Made of
The first two layers are memory foam, which cradled testers’ pressure points while keeping a strong degree of responsiveness. The third layer is transitional polyfoam that prevented testers from significantly sinking into the mattress. Under this is a pocketed coil support core, which provided a sturdy foundation and a bit of bounce to the mattress, making it easier to move on.
The sleep trial for the Midnight is 100 nights, and Helix backs the mattress with a lifetime warranty that covers material and manufacturing defects. Shipping is free for customers in the contiguous U.S.
Three of our field testers have slept on the WinkBed for four years, and they rave about its stellar blend of comfort, support, and consistent durability. It’s a standout hybrid bed that eases pain points with its excellent cushioning.
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Pros
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Four firmness options
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Airflow through coils promotes cooling
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Reinforced perimeter strengthens edge support
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Cons
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Sleepers with painful pressure buildup may prefer a bed with deeper cushioning
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Coils produce some motion transfer
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Mattress Type
Innerspring
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Price Range
$849 – $1,749
Trial Period
120 nights (30 night requirement)
If you experience back pain during sleep, you might benefit from a mattress that provides both even spinal support and strong pressure point relief. Achieving this balance can be difficult, which is what sets the WinkBed apart from many of its competitors. You can choose between four firmness levels with this hybrid mattress.
How It Performs
The WinkBed is available in four firmness options — medium soft (4), medium firm (6), firm (7), and firm (8). Regardless of firmness level, the comfort system and pocketed coils create a luxe feel that our testers described as well-balanced and welcoming. This set of features allowed the mattress to isolate motion effectively during our performance tests, while the air circulation through the coils helped the bed stay cool. The even mix of support and contouring across all four firmness options made the WinkBed an excellent pick for most testers, regardless of body type.
What It’s Made of
Each firmness option varies slightly in construction, but all WinkBed models have a Euro-top surface quilted with polyfoam. The foam surface helped relieve pressure point discomfort during testing by contouring to our bodies, cushioning joints and evenly dispersing weight. A transitional polyfoam layer acts as a buffer between the Euro-top and support system. The softest model has additional foam layers, while the firmest model features latex in lieu of polyfoam in the transitional layer.
The pocketed coil support core is divided into different zones based on gauge and strength. Thicker coils wrap around the perimeter to limit sinkage and help you feel more stable sleeping close to the edges, while thinner interior coils offer adequate support without making the mattress feel too stiff.
The WinkBed comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S.
A hybrid mattress that packs a ton of quality into an affordable package, the DreamCloud excelled in multiple performance categories during our testing. We found its strong balance of contouring and support made it a great choice for a wide variety of sleepers.
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Pros
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Quilted foam cover creates plush surface
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Strong balance of contouring and support
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365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
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Cons
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Thick profile may necessitate deep-pocket sheets
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Sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds may sink too much
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$319 – $1,198
Trial Period
365 nights (30-night requirement)
The DreamCloud Mattress is a foam hybrid mattress that excelled in multiple performance categories during our testing. We found that the bed’s strong balance of contouring and support makes this mattress a comfortable choice for a wide variety of sleepers.
How It Performs
We rated the DreamCloud at medium firm (6), as it offered adequate cushioning to the shoulders, hips, and other areas where pressure tends to build up during sleep. The polyfoam and coil system provided enough support for sleepers who require some firmness. Though our hot-sleeping testers found that the memory foam may run too warm, the coils should enable enough air circulation to prevent excessive overheating. The mattress also earned higher-than-average marks in motion isolation for a hybrid, so we recommend it if you share the bed with a partner.
What It’s Made of
The mattress begins with a breathable cashmere-blend cover that’s been quilted with soft polyfoam. This produces a plush surface that contoured closely to our bodies. Next is a memory foam layer infused with a cooling gel meant to minimize body heat retention. A transition layer made with polyfoam also provided moderate contouring, but it was firm enough to prevent our bodies from sinking too deeply. The pocketed coil system offers excellent support, with reinforced edges to enhance support around the perimeter.
DreamCloud ships mattresses for free within the contiguous U.S. The company offers a generous 365-night sleep trial, during which you can test and return the mattress after a required 30-day break-in period. A lifetime warranty against structural defects backs mattress purchases.
We like to call the Saatva Classic the Cadillac of mattresses. Its coil-on-coil design helps it stand out in terms of temperature regulation, edge support, and responsiveness. And built in three firmness options, you have choice over your comfort.
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Pros
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Multiple firmness and thickness options cater to different sleeper types
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Responsive and supportive coil-on-coil design
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Free White Glove delivery for all U.S. orders
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Highlights
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Limited motion isolation due to bouncy surface
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All returns incur a $99 fee
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Mattress Type
Innerspring
Firmness Options
Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,195 – $2,690
Trial Period
365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)
Side sleepers generally don’t feel comfortable on innersprings compared to other mattress types. This is because most innersprings contain thin foam layers that offer little to no cushioning for the shoulders, lower back, and hips. We’ve found that the Saatva Classic is unlike these traditional innersprings, as it uses a layer of pocketed minicoils to provide pressure relief. If you’re looking for a high-end model with a thoughtful design, we recommend the Saatva.
How It Performs
The mattress is available in three firmness levels, including a soft (3) option that was popular among our side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds and a medium firm (6) for those who weigh more. If you sleep on your side and need extra support, you can opt for a firm (8) feel instead. You can also select a profile of 11.5 inches with 4-inch base coils or 14.5 inches with 7-inch base coils. We found that the latter offers more reinforcement and springiness on the surface, making it a better option if you need a bit more support or anyone who appreciates a little extra bounce.
The dual coil layers reinforced the perimeter to keep us from sinking when we slept near the edges or got on and off the mattress. We noted a responsive feel that was easy to move across, which should appeal to couples who prefer a bouncy feel for sex. The coils also allowed air circulation throughout the interior to keep the mattress cool, while the breathable organic cotton cover wicked moisture away from our bodies. Even by innerspring standards, we found that the Saatva Classic slept exceptionally cool.
What It’s Made of
The mattress features a Euro-top containing polyfoam and soft fibers to give the surface a plush, comfortable feel. Underneath is a memory foam lumbar pad that cushions the lower back and hips to help alleviate pressure buildup. A transitional layer of pocketed minicoils cradle pressure points while supporting the body and adding responsiveness. A support core with sturdy, recycled-steel hourglass coils delivered excellent support regardless of which firmness level you choose. A breathable organic cotton cover encases the mattress.
Saatva provides free White Glove delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. This service includes scheduled delivery date and time, full mattress assembly in a room of your choosing, and complimentary haul-away for your old mattress and box spring. Each purchase comes with a generous 365-night sleep trial for testing out the Saatva Classic and deciding whether it’s right for you, as well as a lifetime warranty if you decide to keep the mattress.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is our top pick for side sleeping support because of its zoned system that compresses under your shoulders and hips while pushing back against your midsection to keep your spine neutral and alleviate back pain.
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Pros
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Available in three firmness levels
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Foam comfort system offers ample pressure relief
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Supportive coils prevent excessive sinkage
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Cons
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Coils can generate motion transfer that disrupts sleep for couples
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14-inch profile may require new sheets with deep pockets
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,231 – $2,548
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night break-in period)
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a well-balanced mattress that combines foam’s cushioning with the strong support of pocketed coils. The mixed-foam comfort system relieves pressure, making this an ideal model if you frequently wake up with aches and pains.
How It Performs
The mattress comes in three firmness options that appeal to different sleepers, depending on your body type and sleep preference. The medium (5) has the plushest feel and appeals to side and back sleepers up to 130 pounds. The medium firm (6) strikes an even balance of cushioning and support that is most beneficial to side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds. The firm (8) model is best suited for back and stomach sleepers over 130 pounds.
Hot sleepers on our team found this bed very comfortable, thanks to the strong ventilation through the coils. The cover is also engineered to wick away moisture and maintain a neutral surface temperature. As a result, our heat guns detected minimal heat retention on the surface. We also recommend the mattress to couples who prioritize responsiveness for sex. The coils create a bouncy feel that was easy for our testers to move across.
What It’s Made of
The mattress begins with a quilted cover and a memory foam layer that adapts closely to your body. Beneath is a layer of polyfoam that further promotes contouring but has a firmer feel to prevent the body from sinking into the support core. The core is composed of zoned pocketed coils that offer strong support but also respond to the body for gentle pressure relief. The cover is made from a Celliant-blend fabric infused with phase change material designed to keep the surface cool.
Bear offers a 120-night sleep trial for customers to try out the mattress, during which you can return it anytime after a 30-night break-in period. A lifetime warranty protects the Bear Elite Hybrid against structural defects. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S.
The Sapira Hybrid checks off a lot of boxes for couples needing versatility. Thick foam layers ease pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips, and reinforced edges boost support along the perimeter, allowing you to use the entire surface.
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Pros
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Thick foam layers ease pressure buildup in the shoulders and hips
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Reinforced edges boost support along the perimeter
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Perforations in the polyfoam and airflow through coils help promote cooling
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Cons
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Side sleepers under 130 pounds may prefer a softer mattress
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Off-gassing odor from foam layers can be strong for the first few nights
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,349 – $2,299
Trial Period
100 nights (30 night requirement)
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid offers a well-rounded design that should satisfy a wide swath of sleepers. The foam layers gently cradle the body without hugging too deeply, allowing the mattress to strike a nice balance between cushioning and support.
How It Performs
The Sapira Hybrid combines a thick comfort system with a sturdy coil core, earning it high ratings from side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds. The foam relieves pressure buildup in areas like the shoulders and hips, while the coils support the lower back to maintain healthy spinal alignment. Foam layers typically retain a lot of heat, but the polyfoam on the bed’s surface is designed with perforations that help ventilate the foam. Air circulation through the coils also helps with cooling.
What It’s Made of
The Sapira Hybrid has a medium firm (6) feel and starts with a responsive polyfoam layer, followed by a memory foam layer that conforms more closely to your body. A polyfoam transitional layer underneath acts as a buffer between your body and the coil system, ensuring your body doesn’t sink too deeply into the bed. The coils in the support core are responsive and supportive. They’re also reinforced along the perimeter to minimize sagging when you sit or sleep near the edges.
Leesa offers free shipping to all 50 states. Your mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.
Best Mattress for Hip Pain
Nolah Evolution 15
25% off sitewide. Save an additional $50 with code: SF50
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This is a soft surface with strong stability, that hugs the hips and shoulders; perfect for pain relief. Its thick profile offers plenty of cushioning, while the coils provide the extra reinforcement needed for next-level support.
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Pros
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Foam comfort system relieves pressure
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Airflow through the coil layer helps the mattress sleep cool
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Reinforced perimeter offers substantial edge support
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Cons
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Firmer models may not contour closely enough for side sleepers
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Thick profile may require sheets with deep pockets
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$974 – $2,078
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement), $99 return pickup fee
The Nolah Evolution 15 is a hybrid mattress that alleviates pressure and provides sturdy support, making it particularly great if you have trouble maintaining healthy sleep posture. Multiple firmness options also make the mattress accessible to many body types. This mattress has high-quality materials and features that may be a worthwhile investment for those who primarily or occasionally use the side position.
How It Performs
The Evolution 15’s foam hybrid construction provides a supportive and cushioning surface that helps alleviate pressure. The mattress is available in three firmness levels: medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8). The side sleepers on our team weighing less than 230 pounds preferred the medium, while those over 230 pounds preferred the medium firm.
The mattress has significant edge support thanks to its reinforced perimeter. We were able to lie close to the perimeter and sit along the edge to tie our shoes without sinking. The zoned configuration also ensured our hips and shoulders didn’t sink too deeply into the mattress. Like other hybrids with cooling comfort layers, the Evolution 15 also offers excellent temperature control.
What It’s Made of
The comfort system is made from four polyfoam layers that each have a different purpose, starting with a quilted polyfoam Euro-top infused with Nolah’s ArcticTex, a material intended to help you stay cool. The next layer, a proprietary foam called AirFoamICE, is infused with graphite and designed to regulate temperature. The bottommost layer is resilient and provides a comfortable transition between the core and other comfort layers. The Evolution 15’s pocketed coil support core sits atop a polyfoam base. The pocketed coils have a zoned configuration, so you’ll feel more reinforcement in pressure-prone areas like your hips.
The Evolution comes in six standard sizes, as well as a split king for adjustable beds. Nolah ships the Evolution for free to shoppers who live in the contiguous U.S. The mattress is backed with an optional 120-night sleep trial and lifetime limited warranty.
Best Mattress for Shoulder Pain
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Soft
25% off sitewide. Code: SPRING25
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This bed has long been a testing team favorite. We love the cushy, cozy feeling of the soft version. It’s a perfect cure for pain and at a price that belies its quality.
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Pros
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Plush foam layers offer strong pressure relief
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Reinforced perimeter coils secure and stabilize the edges
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Steady airflow helps ensure breathability and temperature control
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Cons
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Inadequate support for most people who weigh over 230 pounds
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Foam layers may hug the body too tightly and trap heat
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4)
Price Range
$499 – $1,199
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
If you’re in the market for a mattress that offers substantial pressure relief without sacrificing support, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a worthwhile option. The hybrid model comes in three firmness options, and the Signature Hybrid — Soft proved ideal for cradling areas of painful pressure buildup such as the shoulders and hips.
How It Performs
The above-average plushness of the Signature Hybrid can be beneficial if you sleep on your side or weigh less than 130 pounds. It caters to sleepers who want a mattress that contours closely to alleviate pressure while still receiving support for the midsection from the coil base.
Like many other mattresses with softer feels, the mattress excels in absorbing movement and noise. If you’re frequently disturbed by your partner’s nightly movement, we highly recommend this pick. The Signature Hybrid also earned high rankings in our temperature control tests. The coils generate steady airflow to cool off the interior, and a gel infusion in the TitanFlex foam layer absorbs and releases body heat to help the surface stay comfortable.
What It’s Made of
The Signature Hybrid — Soft begins a fabric cover quilted with polyfoam for a cushioned surface, followed by a layer of TitanFlex foam engineered to be more responsive than traditional memory foam. Next is a transition layer made from VariFlex foam that ensures even weigh distribution. The support core consists of pocketed coils over a high-density polyfoam base layer. The coils are reinforced along the perimeter, providing pushback and minimizing sinkage when you get in and out of bed.
The Signature Hybrid not only carries an affordable price-point, but also qualifies for free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Brooklyn Bedding offers a wide range of sizes for the mattress, including a split California king for couples who use adjustable beds and several RV-friendly options. Each order comes with a 120-night sleep trial and 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.
With dual firmness options, Layla accommodates sleepers who want both memory foam comfort and variable firmness levels, offering the flexibility to customize your sleep experience.
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Pros
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Reversible design with a plush, adaptive feel on one side and a firm feel on the other
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Reinforced perimeter coils push back against your midsection and limit sinkage along the edges
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Cover is removable and machine-washable
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Cons
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Mattress is fairly heavy and difficult to lift for flipping
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People seeking a medium firm feel may not be satisfied with either side
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Reversible: Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)
Price Range
$1,099 – $1,699
Trial Period
120 nights
If you’re a side sleeper who also tends to overheat in bed, finding a comfortable mattress that offers adequate cushioning without feeling excessively warm can be challenging. The Layla Hybrid nicely balances contouring and cooling thanks to breathable foam layers and steady air circulation through the coil system. As a flippable mattress with medium soft (4) and firm (7) surfaces, the hybrid also accommodates most side sleepers regardless of how much they weigh.
How It Performs
During our hands-on tests, we evaluated both sides of the Layla Hybrid. Side sleepers on our team weighing less than 130 pounds preferred the softer side for its close contouring and cushioning around the shoulders and hips. Those weighing more than 230 pounds received sufficient support on the firm side. For those between 130 and 230 pounds, both sides felt comfortable. Our back and stomach sleepers largely preferred the firm side.
We noticed that each surface performed well in areas where the opposite side fell short. Pressure relief and motion isolation were major strengths of the medium soft side, while the firm side earned higher ratings for edge support and ease of movement. Temperature control was one area where both sides excelled. We detected little to no heat buildup on either surface.
What It’s Made of
The Layla Hybrid’s softer side begins with 2.5 inches of memory foam, followed by a 2-inch transitional polyfoam layer. This surface contours deeply to cradle your body and alleviate pressure along the spine, but the transitional layer is zoned to prevent uncomfortable sinkage beneath your midsection. The firmer side includes the same materials, but the layers are thinner to create a more supportive feel with moderate conforming. Copper infusions in the memory foam layers are intended to offset heat absorption and help you stay cool.
Pocketed coils between the foam layers provide support and stability to both sides of the mattress. Extra reinforcement along the perimeter prevents you from sinking too much when lying near the edges or getting in and out of bed. At 104 pounds in a queen size, the Layla Hybrid is fairly hefty and may require two or more people to lift and flip when you want to change the firmness. Robust carrying handles on each side aid with this process. A stretchy polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra cover encases the mattress. You can remove and machine wash this cover to keep your sleep surface hygienic.
The Layla Hybrid is competitively priced, and standard ground shipping is free for orders in the contiguous U.S. Layla’s sleep trial runs for 120 nights. If you choose to keep the mattress, you’ll also receive a manufacturer’s warranty covering structural defects for up to 10 years.
Best Temperature-Regulating Mattress
Birch Mattress
20% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase. Use code: SPRING20
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For you side sleepers that don’t like that “huggy” feeling you get from foam beds, you’ll find the Birch bangs your drum with its latex hybrid construction. Cushion and cooling without the sink-in feel.
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Pros
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Made with eco-friendly materials
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Sleeps exceptionally cool
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Long expected lifespan
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Cons
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Minimal contouring can lead to pressure buildup for people under 130 pounds
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Responsive latex layer may cause sleep disturbances for couples
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Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,099 – $1,799
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
The Birch Mattress is a latex hybrid featuring an assortment of natural and organic components. These materials make the mattress a good option for side sleepers seeking a supportive, pressure-relieving mattress that’s also sustainably produced.
How It Performs
The mattress is medium firm (6). Its highly responsive feel comes from a latex comfort layer that conforms gently, and the pocketed coil support core. The bouncy surface allowed us to get in and out of bed, change positions, and crawl across the mattress with ease. A reinforced perimeter enables you to utilize the entire surface of the bed. This zoning held up well in our testing lab, as we could easily tie our shoes while sitting on the Birch Mattress’ edges and experienced plenty of pushback lying along the perimeter.
The robust support core provided ample support for our side sleepers weighing 130 pounds or more, while the latex offered enough contouring to relieve pressure points. Our lighter testers experienced more of a floating sensation, and the bed felt a bit firmer for them. Depending on their personal preferences, side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds may want to look for a model with more cushioning for the shoulders and hips.
What It’s Made of
The Birch Mattress’ comfort system begins with a blend of organic wool and rayon that cushions the surface and encourages airflow. Underneath is a second layer of wool that acts as a natural fire barrier, followed by Talalay latex. The latex gently cradles your body to reduce pressure buildup while providing enough responsiveness to keep you on an even plane. A pocketed coil system makes up the support core, offering targeted support to the hips and shoulders and reinforcing the perimeter of the mattress. The coils rest on a base layer of wool and rayon for stability, and a breathable organic cotton cover encases the mattress.
Birch offers free shipping to customers within the contiguous U.S. The mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial to test the mattress. If you decide to keep the mattress, it comes with a 25-year warranty against structural defects.
Video: We Tested 2025’s Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers — Here Are Our Favorites
Why Sleeping Position Matters
I was always told that good posture meant standing tall and sitting up straight. I never heard anything about posture when lying in bed.
Well, after six years of testing mattresses, through sleepless nights during pregnancy, sleepless nights after pregnancy, and dogs who think the bed is theirs, I can confidently tell you that sleep posture is real. In fact, given how much time we spend in bed (a third of our lives, if we’re lucky!), posture is an important aspect of waking up pain-free .
How we position our bodies is essential to caring for our bones, muscles, and other soft tissue — whether awake or asleep. This explains why sleep position is so important when choosing a mattress.
As one of our medical experts, board-certified emergency medicine physician Dustin Cotliar, M.D., says, “Sleep position determines how the body’s weight is distributed across the mattress and is crucial for maintaining proper spinal alignment and comfort.”
How to Shop for a Mattress for Side Sleepers
In many ways, shopping for a mattress is easier than ever. But something I hear all the time is that there’s too much information and too many options. I’ve boiled down my key shopping tips into six (hopefully simple) steps for choosing a mattress without the frustration.
- Ballpark your budget: You don’t need an exact number here, but try to get an idea of how much you’re willing and able to spend — low end, ideal, and high end.
- Decide whether to start shopping online or in person: My opinion is that an online mattress with a good sleep trial and return policy is the best approach. But if you’re set on visiting a brick-and-mortar showroom, start there and then compare models and prices with online offerings.
- Consult trusted resources: Reviews from real-life customers are an excellent gauge for a mattress’s feel, performance, and longevity. Check brand sites, forums, and with a reliable resource for in-depth mattress reviews. I encourage this step even if I’m not your go-to mattress muse.
- Double-check the fine print: A mattress can be a significant investment, so confirm the details about the sleep trial, return policy, and warranty in case you’re not satisfied with your purchase.
- Buy your mattress: Fork over the dough, get the mattress into your bedroom, and start sleeping on it. Remember that it can take a few days or weeks to get used to a new bed. Give it its proper due.
- Check in on how it’s going: After about a month, take the time to give your new bed an honest assessment. How does it feel? Is it working for you? If you need an exchange or return, get that ball rolling.
Things to Consider When Shopping for a Mattress for Side Sleepers
When you’re a side sleeper, you’re always looking for that Goldilocks balance between comfortable and supportive: a mattress that cradles your bottom shoulder without contorting it and your hip just enough to stay afloat while the rest of your body falls in line.
I weigh 130 pounds, and at first, I thought that a super-soft mattress would be ideal, but those beds felt like they were giving out under me (not to mention being weak around the edges). On the flip side, with really firm mattresses, it feels like my joints are being rammed into a wall — not a fun way to spend seven or eight hours.
And, as Dr. Cotliar puts it: “Too much pressure on the shoulders and hips can lead to frequent nighttime awakenings and get in the way of restful sleep.”
Thus, the sweet spot. For me, that means a mattress that cushions high-impact pressure points while maintaining structural integrity.
One caveat, I’ve learned again and again in my years of mattress testing, is that comfort is inherently personal. What feels like heaven to one side sleeper might feel like torture to another. So it’s important to dig into the details. In addition to your sleep position, things like your body weight and mattress type play a big role in determining how a mattress will feel and, ultimately, how well you sleep.
How Much Do You Weigh?
Differences in body weight are one of the main reasons comfort and support are so subjective. Basic physics tells us that a person’s body weight directly influences how much they press down into a mattress (thanks, gravity!), which shapes their perception of how a mattress feels and whether it offers the right amount of cushioning without feeling too cushy.
As a general rule, you can pick the best firmness for side sleeping based on your body weight, as outlined in the table below. These are our nine-person testing team’s recommendations, based on a decade of evaluating nearly 2,000 mattresses using people of all body weights and sleeping positions. We use on a 10-point firmness scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.
| Weight | Firmness Recommendation | Firmness Scale Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Under 130 pounds | Soft to medium mattress | 3 to 5 |
| 130 to 230 pounds | Medium to medium-firm mattress | 5 to 6 |
| Over 230 pounds | Firm mattress | 7 to 8 |
There are always exceptions, however. Maybe you have a preference for a harder or softer mattress. Or maybe you have broad shoulders that call for extra cushioning. Everyone has their own idea of what’s comfortable, but if you’re starting from scratch, these guidelines can help set you on the right path.
Are You a Hot Sleeper?
Ever tried to sleep in a sauna? Hopefully not, because it’s a terrible idea. While mattresses don’t get to sauna levels, many still trap enough of your body heat to disrupt your sleep, and you’re not going to get good rest if you’re constantly waking up in a sweat.
Because side sleepers typically need more cushioning for our joints, many gravitate toward memory foam mattresses. They’re great for pressure relief, but they also trap heat. So if you’re someone who sleeps hot, or lives somewhere hot, pay extra attention to this issue. If this describes you, you may want to try a cooling mattress infused with gel or copper or a hybrid model with an innerspring core that allows for more airflow.
How Much of a ‘Hug’ Do You Want?
This isn’t the section about cuddling (keep reading for that). Rather, this is about how much a mattress hugs your body, or contours, which is what happens when the mattress materials adapt to your body’s shape and weight. If you read that a mattress has a lot of contouring, you can expect a “big bear hug” feeling when lying down on it.
Why does this matter to side sleepers? As I mentioned before, we need more cushioning than back or stomach sleepers do. Based on my experience, that means side sleepers should look for a moderate amount of contouring and pressure relief. Your mattress shouldn’t feel like concrete or like quicksand. A happy medium can keep your joints and spine supported comfortably.
Do You Sleep With a Partner?
If you share your bed, you’ll need a mattress for you and your bed partner that lets you both get high-quality sleep. If you’re both side sleepers, it certainly makes things easier. If not, you’ll likely have to compromise. Or, if you may want to consider a mattress that has a split design with a different firmness level on each side.
The other thing to consider is motion isolation. Ideally, your mattress won’t feel a thing when your bed partner moves around on the other side of the bed. Certain materials, like memory foam, tend to be best for absorbing vibrations and minimizing sleep interruptions.
What Type of Bed Is Best for Side Sleepers?
I’ll start with the good news first: Most types of mattresses can work extremely well for side sleepers. So you have plenty of options to choose from. But having so many choices can be overwhelming. Here’s an overview of key things to know about each type of mattress.
Memory Foam Mattresses
- Memory foam hugs your body, which can help evenly distribute your weight. This cradling effect helps relieve pressure around your hips and shoulders.
- Couples often love memory foam because the material prevents vibrations from spreading from one side of the bed to the other.
Latex Mattresses
- Latex gently cradles your body, but it doesn’t hug like a lot of memory foam beds. That can be good or bad, depending on how much cushioning you need.
- Latex has a bouncy feel, making it easier to move on top of the mattress, but it also allows motion to transfer, which may not be good for light sleepers who share a bed.
- Latex — whether Talalay and Dunlop (the two main ways of manufacturing latex) — is durable, long-lasting, and generally more eco-friendly than foam.
Hybrid Mattresses
- Hybrids have a base made of coils (springs) and top layers made of foam or latex. The combination of materials creates a balanced feel that’s great for side sleepers.
- Many hybrids feature zoned coil systems that give extra support to key areas. “Zoned support systems can help alleviate back pain for some people by providing greater lumbar support and bringing the spine into more natural alignment,” Dr. Cotliar says.
- Because hybrids can be built in many ways (foam-over-coil, latex-over-coil, zoned coils, microcoils, and more!), I’ve found that you have to take a close look at each model’s materials and firmness level to determine whether it’s a good fit for side sleeping.
Airbed Mattresses
- Airbeds — mattresses that use air chambers as their primary support system — let you make real-time firmness adjustments.
- In most models, each side can be set to its own firmness level. “This option can also be great for couples with different body types and/or sleeping positions,” says Dr. Cotliar.
What Type of Bed Is Less Than Ideal for Side Sleepers?
If you shop the way I do, you’ll probably find it helpful to know not only what to look for but also what to avoid. Here’s what I’ve found to be a difficult match for side sleepers.
Innerspring Mattresses
- Many innerspring mattresses (think: the basic mattress you probably slept on growing up) have little to no padding above their thick layer of metal coils. That translates to sharper impact with the hips and shoulders when you’re lying on your side.
Tips for Side Sleeping
As a pro side sleeper, I’ve learned that, in addition to the right mattress, a few small changes can make a big difference in how rested and pain-free I feel in the morning.
I need a pillow that supports my neck. The best pillow for side sleepers, according to experts, is one with a bit more height (loft) to keep their head and spine aligned. In my experience, if a pillow is too flat or too tall, my head is angled awkwardly, and I wake up with neck pain. I’ve had the best luck with pillows made specifically for side sleepers or ones that let me adjust the fill until it feels just right.
I also sleep with a pillow between my knees. It might seem like a small thing, but it helps keep my hips and lower back aligned. Without it, my knees bother me during the night and my hips are achy in the morning. It’s a simple fix that really improves how I feel throughout the night.
An adjustable base has been a game-changer. Even as a side sleeper, I’ve found that slightly raising the head of the bed can ease pressure on my shoulders and improve my breathing, especially if I’m feeling stuffy. It’s a big investment and not an option for every sleeper, but it can make a difference, especially for those with acid reflux or sleep apnea.
What I’m Sleeping On
I have slept on the WinkBed for about five years now, and it’s actually my second WinkBed. When I upgraded to a king-sized bed, I repurchased it in the new size. Clearly, I’m a big fan of this bed. I think they hit all the highlights of what a quality mattress should have: plush hotel-like comfort in the Euro-Pillow top, serious pressure relief in the foam, and individually wrapped coils to create a stable base. As someone who’s not a huge fan of all-foam beds, the WinkBed is my top choice for anyone asking for a recommendation.
How We Test: Your Comfort Is Our Science
When we test mattresses, we’re not just flopping down on them for a couple of minutes to see how they feel. In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we use an objective, hands-on process to evaluate mattresses, and we’ve used that process to test over 2,000 mattresses in the last decade.
Our industry-leading product testing team cares deeply about improving your sleep. Since a bed’s comfort and feel depend largely on body weight and sleeping position, our team represents a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.
Construction analysis: Our ratings system is grounded in construction. We take into account quality, value, and versatility by assessing a bed’s price, materials, firmness options, comfort and support systems, and cooling technology, as well as brand reputation.
Quantitative product testing: During these hands-on lab tests, our team uses various tools and technology to evaluate a bed’s motion isolation, pressure relief, temperature control, ease of movement, edge support, and potential for odor emissions. We use the outcomes from these tests to calculate a score for each category.
Field testing: Our testing team members sleep on mattresses and use other sleep products, like pillows, sheets, and mattress toppers, in their own bedrooms. After weeks of at-home testing, each field tester provides a detailed analysis of how the mattress performs, including what they like and dislike.
User feedback: Observations from real-world mattress owners and users outside our team are invaluable to our research. We draw insight from surveys, sleep stories, and customer reviews to extract themes, fine-tune our ratings, and better understand how each product performs over time.
How We Determine Our Overall Scores
When you look at our mattress reviews, you’ll see ratings for six key performance categories. Not every category is equally important to your overall satisfaction with a mattress, so we give some categories greater weight when determining an overall score. Here’s a quick breakdown of the categories and why they’re important.
Performance Categories
Motion Isolation
This is how much vibration a mattress absorbs when someone moves around on it. We measure this with a vibrometer, and the results help determine whether you’ll be woken up when your bed partner rolls over or gets in or out of bed.
Temperature Control
No one wants to wake up clammy and hot, so we perform temperature tests with a heat gun to see how much a mattress heats up and how quickly any built-up heat dissipates.
Pressure Relief
In this guide, I’ve already covered why pressure relief is important for cushioning the hips and shoulders of side sleepers. We use pressure mapping technology that shows just how much impact occurs around the heavier parts of the body.
Off-Gassing
A mattress that has been compressed to ship in a box can release unpleasant chemical odors due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Though they’re not harmful, they can be annoying, so we analyze how strong the smell is and how long it takes to fade away.
Edge Support
Mattresses with strong edge support provide a more dependable sleep surface because that translates to more usable surface area. We perform tests measuring how much the edges sink when you sit or lie down near the perimeter and how long it takes for the edge to return to its original shape.
Ease of Movement
This category reflects how easy it is to move around on the bed’s surface. Materials like latex tend to get higher scores for ease of movement. As with testing edge support, we use kettlebells to determine how deeply a mattress compresses and how quickly it bounces back.
More Mattress Guides
For more information on how we choose the best mattresses for different types of sleepers, check out the guides listed below.
Shopping Guides by Mattress for Sleeper Types
Still have questions? Ask our community!
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Logan is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a deep understanding of what it means to struggle with sleep. Her years of experience researching and testing sleep products – including mattresses, natural sleep aids, and bedding – are critical to her role helping lead the editorial team. As a chronic insomniac, she aims to bring her findings to anyone struggling with getting adequate rest. Her expertise is in creating informative, trustworthy, and useful health content. When she’s not testing mattresses or researching CBT-I, she enjoys spending time in the sunshine with her husband and her dogs Pepper and Winston.
Dustin Cotliar holds a medical degree from the State University of NY (SUNY) Downstate College of Medicine, and a master’s in public health from Columbia University, where he focused on healthcare policy and management. He is board-certified in Emergency Medicine, with over eight years of practice that includes emergency medicine, urgent care, and telemedicine.
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Cary, D., Briffa, K., & McKenna, L. (2019). Identifying relationships between sleep posture and non-specific spinal symptoms in adults: A scoping review. BMJ open, 9(6), e027633.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31256029/