Side sleeping is usually the preferred sleeping position for roughly 74% of the population. Some people sleep on their sides because they experience back pain, others simply find it the most comfortable way to count sheep. The most common problem among side sleepers is waking up with a stiff neck. The body needs to keep the neck in neutral alignment during sleep, but when it doesn’t get enough support, muscles can tighten up and cause stiffness or pain in the morning. It’s also more likely for people with chronic back pain to suffer from neck issues if they are side sleepers because they do not get proper support from their mattress.
This problem can be solved by using a memory foam or latex mattress that provides both comfort and support through its contouring abilities. Memory foam mattresses are great because they conform to your body and provide support for your back, neck, and joints. And they’re an eco-friendly choice for those who want a more sustainable mattress. But how do you know where to start looking when there are so many mattress options out there? We have good news: our research team put top mattress brands through the paces to bring you this list of the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers.
5 Top Choices for Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
1. EcoSleep – Editor’s Choice
2. Laylasleep – Runner Up
3. PlushBeds – Honorable Mention
4. BearMattress – Good Reviews
5. Puffy – Affordable Alternative
How Did We Decide On The Top 5?
This list is an expert guide on the best mattresses for side sleepers. We’ve made it as thorough as possible so you can find the perfect mattress, no matter your needs.
We’ve ploughed through all the research and pored over the numbers; we’ll plough through anything it takes to find you the best product at the best price! In this article, we leave no stone unturned and compare an extensive range of mattresses for side sleepers.
It’s not easy to find the perfect mattress. There are so many different factors that make up a comfortable bed – firmness, thickness, temperature control, allergies, not to mention materials; is it a trending memory foam mattress, a newer coil-type mattress, or a hybrid mattress? We will review the top brands of mattresses to help you make an informed decision on what mattress for side sleepers to buy.
Our team of sleep experts put in the work to make sure that all the mattresses on this list are worth the money and are the best options for those who choose to sleep on their side, whether for health, comfort, or a mix of the two.
Reviews of the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
1. EcoSleep: Editor’s Choice
Pros:
- Flippable Mattress
- Split Mattress Option
- Hybrid Builds
Cons:
- Limited Choices
EcoSleep makes our list because both of the brand’s mattress choices are excellent options for the best mattress for side sleepers. The EcoSleep Hybrid mattress and The EcoSleep Luxe Hybrid mattress include multiple layers of natural latex. In particular, the 1.5” layer of softer natural latex is of excellent support for side sleepers.
Perhaps more than anything, our review team loved the flexibility of EcoSleep mattresses. Despite “only” having two mattress choices, both are of supreme support and comfort for side sleepers. EcoSleep stands above the crowd, however, with two options that makes them more flexible than most competitors:
- Flippable Mattress
- Split Mattress
All of EcoSleep’s beds are created with an innovative zipper-style top, making it possible to customize them by flipping a core of two layers of latex foam. “Flippable” refers not only to the ability to physically turn the mattress over, but also to the changes in mattress firmness by doing so. EcoSleep’s twin, twin XL, full, and queen mattress sizes include a zipped cover, allowing you to unzip it, flip the mattress, and benefit from either a firm or softer side up.
EcoSleep also offers a Split Mattress option for the King and California King sizes of either the EcoSleep Hybrid or EcoSleep Luxe Hybrid mattress. “Split” in this case refers to two different firmness options with the same side up, so one partner can choose firmer if the other prefers a more medium-firm mattress.
Both EcoSleep options clearly fall in the best hybrid mattress category as they include natural latex layers as well as eight inches of up to 1,032 individually encased Ascension X coils. This layer provides support and motion isolation so partners sleeping together feel less of each other’s movements. And the company’s use of Joma Wool ensures the quilted top layer of this mattress cover is naturally hygienic and provides a more breathable sleep surface.
2. Laylasleep: Runner Up
Pros:
- Award-Winning Comfort
- Variable Support
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons:
- Limited Choices
Layla Sleep has the distinction of earning the Most Comfortable Mattress Overall in 2021 by Sleepfoundation.org. As you can imagine, earning such an award factored into our review team’s consideration. In fact, the Layla Hybrid, the mattress Layla Sleep purports to be it’s best mattress for side sleepers, is the same mattress that won Most Comfortable Mattress Overall.
Side sleepers struggle with support in the right places. The science behind the Layla Hybrid mattress understands that your side is narrower than your body’s front or back and its proprietary mattress technology functions such that your body will have an easier time pushing into the mattress at places like the hips. In fact, Layla’s copper-infused foam is a compression all-star! This copper-infused foam not only provides compression support for side sleepers’ shoulders and hips, but also pushes back the more it is compressed. In essence: the harder it’s pressed, the more support this best mattress for side sleepers gives.
The Layla copper foam is such a key ingredient in its award-winning Layla Hybrid mattress because it provides variable support. Variable support means this mattress provides structured backing as you move in your sleep. Gone are the days of waking up uncomfortable because you shifted positions. The Layla Hybrid has you covered with a firming response to increased pressure. This provides support where it is needed while keeping the sought-after comfort of a softer mattress.
Our review team also loved that the Layla Hybrid comes with a lifetime warranty. This sort of peace of mind makes such a purchase a no-brainer by removing both guesswork and risk. We have to mention that Layla Sleep has limited mattress options, but when the options are this good, it’s hard to hold it against them!
Editor’s Note: Our investigation revealed that Layla Sleep has a rare and only tangentially related (but still important) feature: humor! For a great overview of the science behind their mattresses with some infused hilarity, check out their Layla Sleep Copper Comfort – Science video. You’ll find some great info and a hearty chuckle or two, to boot.
3. PlushBeds: Honorable Mention
Pros:
- Comprehensive Options
- Incredible Certifications
- Numerous Reviews
Cons:
- Plentiful Options May Confuse Some
PlushBeds stood out to our review team with a wealth of amazing options. With 13 different mattresses to choose from across four categories, some may even find the options overwhelming. That’s where we come in: the best mattresses for side sleepers are found in the PlushBeds memory foam section.
Both of PlushBeds’ two best memory foam mattress options are superb for side sleepers:
- The Cool Bliss Luxury Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress
- Gel Memory Foam Mattress: The Ocean Mist
The Cool Bliss Luxury Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress stands out by encasing its supportive memory foam in heat dissipating technology, making this option breathable and moisture wicking. Paired with two inches of responsive, organic latex foam, this best memory foam mattress contours to your body while providing the support that side sleepers need in order to maintain a comfortable and healthy position while sleeping. Five inches of support core ensures this best mattress for side sleepers provides the groundwork for a bolstered, enjoyable rest.
PlushBeds’ Gel Memory Foam Mattress: The Ocean Mist has the perfect density and is made up of a cushioning memory foam layer and a buffering layer of natural latex. It provides just enough support for an overall superior soft settling. The brand’s PlushFoam technology means their memory foam mattress is the perfect density to absorb your body weight and equalize the pressure across the full surface of the mattress for real body relief. This best memory foam mattress will make you sleep like a baby!
Finally, our review team took the brand’s numerous reviews into account. There are more than 4,000 reviews between these two memory foam mattresses, with a full five stars (out of five, of course!) for each. Just as you should never get all your info from one place, here are more than four thousand people who all rate these two memory foam mattress options for side sleepers as highly as possible and that means a lot.
4. BearMattress: Good Reviews
Pros:
- Memory Foam or Hybrid Mattress Options
- 18k Customer Reviews
- “Best Mattress for Side Sleepers” from Sleepopolis
Cons:
- Not great for stomach sleepers or those who weigh more than 250 lbs.
Our review team loved that side sleeper options from Bearmattress (Bear) included two types of mattresses: All Foam (Bear Pro) and Hybrid (Bear Hybrid).
Full Memory Foam – the Bear Pro mattress is a full memory foam mattress that relieves pressure on the hips and shoulders while supporting the spaces your back and body naturally create in order to provide exceptional support. Many of the customer reviews have said they sleep better, feel energized for the day ahead and experience less back pain with an all-foam mattress for side sleepers.
The Bear Pro is highly qualified as a best mattress for side sleepers due to the company’s extra cushion layer that lessens shoulder, back, and hip pressure.
Hybrid – The Bear Hybrid mattress is perfect for people looking for something in-between. You get the benefits of an all-foam mattress along with the great durability and bounce of springs. Don’t think of the springs in this best mattress for side sleepers as similar to those found in a traditional innerspring mattress; these are individually-encased coils, so you don’t have to worry about your partner or pet’s movements affecting your sleep schedule.
Bear Hybrid mattresses are great for all types of sleepers, including side sleepers due to its exceptional motion isolation, edge support, and gel-infused foams.
Our team found that every mattress from Bear comes in medium-firm firmness, the preferred firmness setting for side sleepers. In fact, the company provides an in-depth firmness guide so you can tell exactly why they design their mattresses the way that they do.
More than 18,000 customer reviews are a heartening sign of quality. Don’t take our word for it, check out the vast amount of reviews on the Bearmattress site and on sites like Sleepopolis. Speaking of which, the Bear Hybrid has the distinction of earning the “Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers” from Sleepopolis.com, a trusted third-party mattress review site. Sleepopolis found the Bear Hybrid to be:
- Firm, but surprisingly soft
- Cushioned well for strained shoulders
- Pressure relief via the mattress’s cover
- Hip support from the coil layer
Learn more at BearMattress.com
5. Puffy: Affordable Alternative
Pros:
- Side Sleeper Excellence
- Full-Body Zoned Support
- 7 Layer Sleep System
Cons:
- Online only – no retail stores
Mattresses are an important part of our lives. They not only determine our sleeping posture, but also the quality of sleep. A Puffy Royal Mattress hybrid is one of the best options for those who are looking for a comfortable and affordable mattress for side sleeping. It is a hybrid mattress made of high-quality materials that will provide you with the necessary support and comfort that your body needs. Puffy Mattress’s patented design will help you relax during your sleep time because what you need most after a long day is to rest well and not worry about any discomfort at all.
There are many types of mattresses available in the market, each claiming to be better than the other. However, there is always confusion when it comes to choosing one that best suits your needs. It then comes down to individual preferences and needs. Side sleepers need mattresses with medium-firmness and enough support for their back.
The Puffy Royal Mattress is a hybrid mattress with 14 full inches and seven layers that make up the company’s “Ultra-Plush Comfort” rating. Puffy’s 7-Layer Sleep System is exclusive to the Puffy Royal Mattress. The layers contribute to all-around excellence in comfort and support, especially for side sleepers:
- Patented Stain-Resistant Cover – The hypoallergenic top covers Puffy uses are patented and keep things clean and odor-free.
- Cooling Foam + Plush Contouring – When it’s hot, the Puffy Royal Mattress’s 1.5 inch layer of cooling beads prevent heat retention so you can stay cool and cozy. You have to feel it for yourself!
- Reflexive Memory Foam – This bed offers a 1.5 inch premium memory foam layer for maximum body contouring and an ultra-responsive feel. The memory foam also prevents bed sheets from getting tangles for a snug and refreshing sleep.
- Climate Comfort Foam – The 2 full inches of this trademarked foam with humidity-resistant technology wicks moisture away, keeping you dry and comfortable during sleep.
- Cloud Air Technology Foam– Next is Puffy’s proprietary foam sculpting technology. 2 inches of this unique foam offers full-body support zoned by body part to provide best-in-class support.
- Core Support + Contour-Adapt Coils – a 7” layer of high-density foam bolstered by their contour-adapt coil base keeps support solid and reliable.
- Grip Base Cover – Keeps your mattress in place so you can toss and turn without worry about things moving around underneath you.
This matters less and less these days, but it should be noted that Puffy is specifically an online seller. The company maintains no physical locations for mattress shopping. If this matters to you, consider another option. But with the company’s 101-night sleep trial, you’re not likely to go wrong with this best mattress for side sleepers.
What Type of Mattress is Best for Side Sleepers?
The best mattress for side sleepers is a difficult thing to find. The decision should be based on many factors such as the size of the sleeper, their preference for a soft or firm mattress, the price they are willing to pay, and if a particular type such as memory foam or a hybrid mattress is preferred. The best mattress for side sleepers is supportive in all three key areas: back support, shoulder support and head and neck support. In order to achieve all three, our team of sleep experts suggests making decisions based on the following.
Materials
When it comes to choosing a mattress for side sleepers, high quality materials can make all the difference in durability and comfort. These materials include memory foam and latex foam which offer some of the highest levels of comfort while still remaining supportive on either end.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses provide exceptional pressure relief on both sides of your body while also providing some cooling properties. Memory foam mattresses offer a wide range of benefits and can help you get a better night’s sleep. The best memory foam mattress provides even pressure relief on both sides of your body, which helps reduce the risk of pain and promotes more restful sleep. Memory foam also helps regulate your body temperature, making it more comfortable to sleep in hotter climates.
Pressure Relief
One of the most important things to consider when buying a mattress is the amount of pressure relief it provides. A quality mattress will allow your body to align itself naturally and provide enough support for your head, back, and spine. The best mattresses for side sleepers will also give you plenty of space to move around without feeling cramped or uncomfortable. A pressure relieving mattress will provide more space between your body and the bed so you don’t sink into the mattress where there is no support.
Side sleepers need a mattress that can provide enough support for their joints. The above considerations will help you find that support with the other features you prefer, while maintaining the balance needed to relieve pressure and support the key parts of the body for a good night’s sleep that is free from discomfort.
How to choose the right firmness as a side sleeper?
The right firmness can help you get a better night’s sleep. If you are a side sleeper, then medium to medium-soft mattress firmness will be ideal for you. Side sleepers need a softer mattress so they do not have to contort their body to maintain comfort while sleeping.
Size Guide
Side sleepers should always have a bed that follows their natural body curve. This is because the spine is bent at an angle when a side sleeper bends their knees. There are few disadvantages of sleeping on the side, but sleeping with an improper mattress, whether it’s a memory foam mattress or a hybrid mattress, can cause spinal discomfort and other problems as well.
Sleeping on your side can cause back pain, neck pain and other issues if you’re not properly supported by your bed.
What is the best mattress size for kids who are side sleepers?
Children are growing at an accelerated rate and their needs are constantly changing. A child who used to be a side sleeper may end up being a back sleeper as they age. In order to keep your child comfortable as they grow, you should consider buying a mattress that is bigger than their current size.
Kids can sleep on a twin-sized bed or full-sized bed. This is because most full-sized beds will accommodate kids who are taller than the average height and most twin-sized beds will not accommodate kids who are taller than the average height.
What is the best mattress size for teenagers who are side sleepers?
Side sleepers are more often experiencing pain in their shoulders, hips, and spine. This is because the weight of your body is unevenly distributed on one side of the mattress. What’s even worse is that this type of sleeping position puts pressure on the neck which can lead to headaches.
To avoid these problems, it’s useful to find a mattress that has a firm surface and offers enough space for your body. For example, a twin-sized mattress wouldn’t be enough for someone who sleeps on their side because there would be less room for his or her shoulders and hips. So instead, you should consider buying an extra-long twin size or double-sized mattress so you have enough space to sleep comfortably without any kind of pain in your back or neck.
What is the best mattress size for adults who are side sleepers?
We recommend a queen or king size mattress to side sleepers. These two options have the best thickness and firmness for this type of sleeper. Side sleepers need a thicker and more firm mattress to support their bodies when they turn on their side or back.
What is the best mattress size for couples who are side sleepers?
A lot of people assume that a king-sized mattress is the best choice for couples who sleep on their side. However, this might not be the best idea especially if you and your partner have different preferences when it comes to firmness.
Instead, we recommend that you find out what kind of mattress size would do just right for both of you. It can be a queen-sized mattress or even a California King, depending on your sleep preferences and other factors such as height and weight.
Best Way to Clean a Mattress
Cleaning your mattress is an often overlooked part of maintaining a healthy living environment. Mattresses are typically covered in dust, skin cells, and other allergens that can have a detrimental impact on one’s health.
The best way to clean a mattress is to vacuum the surface with an upholstery attachment or brush attachment, then spray it with a diluted solution of dish soap and water.
After you spray your mattress with soap and water, allow it to air dry. Spraying your mattress with soap and water can help remove dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria that lead to bad smells.
Using this method, you can prevent dust mites, bed bugs, and other allergens from building up on the mattress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main categories of mattresses?
There are three main categories of mattresses, namely: innerspring mattress, foam mattress, and hybrid mattress. These three categories can then be subdivided into three sub-categories each, based on firmness: firm, medium firm, and soft.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are made up of tempered steel springs which are coiled around each other to form a mattress. The coils are attached to a top plate or foundation using either ropes, straps or with some kind of clamps and the mattress is placed on a bed frame.
The most important consideration when choosing an innerspring mattress is its firmness – this ranges from medium-firm to extra-firm.
Foam
Foam mattresses are the latest trend in sleep technology. They are designed to be more comfortable, supportive, and cool. Unlike traditional mattresses, foam mattresses don’t have springs, which allows you to sleep without feeling the pressure of your partner moving around at night. The foam is typically made out of latex or memory foam that contours comfortably to your body shape.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds. They combine traditional springs or individually wrapped coils with an extra memory foam layer to provide a comfortable, supportive sleep.
Which mattress features should you consider if you’re a side sleeper?
Side sleepers should ensure that their mattress is sufficiently thick and firm enough to provide adequate support. When choosing a mattress for side sleepers, you should take into account the following:
- Mattress Quality: It is important to get a mattress with both the right levels of cushioning and firmness, because this will ensure that your spine can stay straight while you’re sleeping on your side.
- Mattress Size: If you’re a tall person and sleep on your sides then you’ll need a king-sized or queen-sized mattress in order to get the best level of comfort.
- Mattress Brand: There are many reputable brands on the market today, but those on this list are the best of the best: EcoSleep, Laylasleep, PlushBeds, Bearmattress, and Puffy.
What kind of pillow should I use as a side sleeper?
Sleeping is a fundamental part of life. It is so important, in fact, that one in three adults have sleep deprivation. There are a variety of factors that can affect the quality of sleep such as stress, physical discomfort and noise. One factor is the type of pillow you use.
So, you’re a side sleeper and need a pillow to accommodate your position. There are many factors that you must consider when choosing the best one for your needs. Some important factors to consider when choosing a side sleeper pillow are:
- Size
- Loft
- Firmness
- Adjustability
- Specialty Pillows
Size
A side sleeper pillow should be supportive enough to help you maintain the natural curve of your neck and spine while you sleep. The size of the pillow is important because it will determine how high or low it sits on your bed and how much space it takes up during the night.
Loft
The loft is how thick the material is; with more loft there will be more support for your head and neck as well as less pressure on your shoulder area.
Firmness
Pillow firmness is an important aspect to consider. Side sleeper pillows are designed to cradle your head and neck while you sleep. They should conform to the side of your face and cradle your cheek. A pillow’s firmness will affect how much you sink into the pillow, as well as how well it supports your head and neck. A less-firm pillow will not provide the support required by a side sleeper, and can cause pain in the morning.
Adjustability
Side sleeper pillows are designed with a certain level of adjustability that makes it easy to sleep on the side. The pillow should be ideal for providing a stable, supportive surface that supports your head and neck. The weight of your head should be distributed evenly across the pillow in order to reduce pressure on any individual part of the body.
Specialty Pillows
Side sleepers are often forced to make compromises in their sleep positions in order to avoid pain. These compromise positions can lead to neck and shoulder pain. Side sleepers are more likely to experience breathing difficulties, too. If regular pillow options don’t provide the support and comfort you need, you should consider a specialty pillow to get it right.
After all, with the right pillow, people who sleep on their side can achieve the optimal body alignment for a great night’s rest.
Conclusion
Side sleepers are at risk of neck and back pain. They need the perfect mattress to help them sleep comfortably. The best mattresses for side sleepers are ones that conform to your body, provide plenty of support, and align the spine. We hope this guide will help you find the best side sleeper mattress for you!
