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Written by Livvi DiCicco, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Livvi has been writing and researching sleep-based content for over a year. This, alongside her penchant for napping and extreme tossing and turning, has made her something close to an “expert” in the realm of sleep science, sleep products, and sleep accessories. She’s been consulted for her knowledge of the sleep space by publications such as Authority Magazine, Bustle, and Livingetc.
After Sosha began writing sleep-related content, she knew she wanted to learn more about this important (yet often elusive!) aspect of human health and well-being. She became a Certified Sleep Science Coach to better understand what goes into getting a good night’s rest—including one’s choice of mattress. Sosha now calls upon this training when she tests and writes about beds and sleep accessories, and when she’s consulted for recommendations by publications such as Livingetc.
After Sosha began writing sleep-related content, she knew she wanted to learn more about this important (yet often elusive!) aspect of human health and well-being. She became a Certified Sleep Science Coach to better understand what goes into getting a good night’s rest—including one’s choice of mattress. Sosha now calls upon this training when she tests and writes about beds and sleep accessories, and when she’s consulted for recommendations by publications such as Livingetc.
Caitlin has more than 15 years of experience writing about sleep and fitness. After getting an M.A. in journalism from the University of Missouri, she spent nearly a decade as a staff writer and editor at Runner’s World and Bicycling magazines.
Caitlin’s work has focused primarily on health, the outdoors, and parenting—and taken the form of everything from running shoe reviews to long, weepy personal essays about biking across the country. You can find her writing in Outside, Wirecutter, Lonely Planet, Men’s Health, ELLE, Popular Mechanics, Men’s Journal, Sierra Club Magazine, and more.
A side sleeper, lifelong sleepwalker (it’s a problem), and newly hardcore sleepmaxxer, when she’s not editing and writing about health and gear, she likes to ride bikes, run trails, and be under the covers by 9:30 p.m.
Although opinions differ about the best sleeping position, there is a clear winner when it comes to the most popular: research estimates that more than half of adults spend most of their snoozing hours on their side. However, if you, like me, turn to your side after climbing into bed, you know that this position puts lots of pressure on your shoulders and hips.
For this piece, we called upon our oodles of data and experience to choose the best beds for side sleepers. We also sought the advice of our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, sleep specialist Dr. Shelby Harris, and physical therapists Dr. Bo Babenko and Dr. Hannah Habeeb as we searched for side-sleeping heaven.
The beds below provide cushioning and body contouring to relieve pressure, but they also have sturdy, supportive bases that help keep the spine in a neutral position. It’s this mix of softness and support that’s essential for cozy side-sleeping.
500+
Mattresses Tested
Hands-on testing across leading brands
43,000+
Mattresses Purchased
Readers trust our picks year after year
30+
Data Points Per Review
Objective testing methodology
Clarity’s Clear Winner
The best mattress for side sleepers is the Helix Midnight, thanks to its versatile and appealing medium-firm feel, high support level, and excellent performance in our tests for pressure relief. I loved how this mattress cushioned my hips and shoulders. Meanwhile, its sturdy steel coils kept my spine in a comfortable and neutral position.
Side sleepers need a bed that prevents pressure from building up around their shoulders and hips. The ideal mattress provides deep contouring around these areas, as this will better disperse excess pressure. To test pressure relief, we have testers that represent each body type (lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight) rest on the surface of the mattress in both the side- and back-sleeping positions. They then explain how supported they feel and give their rating out of 5 for overall pressure relief. The final average is a combination of all our testers’ scores.
If a bed scores 3.8 out of 5 or higher in this performance category, it has above-average pressure relief. All of the beds below meet this criteria except for our pick for heavy people, which should feel a bit firmer to suit its target demographic.
Dr. Hannah Habeeb (DPT), our chief medical product tester, even tried out some of these beds for herself and offered recommendations from a pain-relief perspective. She judged the mattress’s suitability not just for side sleepers, but also those who may have hip, shoulder, or lower back pain while sleeping in this position.
A bed’s firmness refers to how “soft” or “hard” it feels as you lie on its surface. Although the firmness level you prefer is somewhat subjective and can fluctuate depending on body type, side sleepers typically do best with a bed that is a little softer than medium-firm in firmness. As our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Dasgupta noted, “Side sleepers find slightly softer mattresses comfortable because they cushion those key pressure points.”
Medium-firm beds, the most common in the mattress industry, come in at about 6.5/10 on our firmness scale. So we made sure that all of the beds below are either available in multiple firmness levels (with a relatively soft option), or fall below a 7/10 on the same scale.
It’s not enough to just have a soft and pressure-relieving mattress. That softness has to be balanced out by support underneath. A supportive mattress will offer enough lift to properly align the spine, helping to prevent discomfort and pain.
To determine if a mattress is supportive, our testers will lie down on the bed’s surface in each position to figure out how aligned they feel in each. For side sleeping, this means that there is enough give in the hips and shoulders, but not too much so that any part of the body is lower than the other. You don’t want a too-supportive mattress either, as it will affect the bed’s ability to relieve pressure if it can’t properly contour to your hips and shoulders.
Our team of certified sleep science coaches selected the best beds for side sleepers by seeking out beds with high pressure relief scores and a softer firmness level.
But our full process involves evaluating several aspects of a bed’s performance, including cooling, motion isolation, and more. We test and score these factors by using specialized technology (think temperature guns and pressure-sensing mats) as well as firsthand accounts of how a bed feels to testers with different body types and firmness preferences.
Once we have all those scores, we calculate the bed’s overall score using a weighted formula. This overall score is a good indicator of a mattress’s general quality, and is always a number out of 5.
As we decide which mattresses to feature on any roundup, we only include beds with an overall score of 3.5 out of 5 or higher. Even if a mattress does certain things well, we won’t point you towards it if it falls below this baseline.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.
30% Off Sitewide, Additional $50 Off with Code CLARITY50
The Aurora Luxe mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a high-quality hybrid mattress that has cooling and pressure relieving components. The high-quality materials and thoughtful construction makes it a good value.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price. Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. The only element in which it scored below average was responsiveness, so if you like a super bouncy bed or you’re a restless combination sleeper, consider another model.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price. Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. The only element in which it scored below average was responsiveness, so if you like a super bouncy bed or you’re a restless combination sleeper, consider another model.
The Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe mattress is designed with heavier-weight sleepers in mind, creating a pleasant sleep experience for several types of heavyweight sleepers.
The Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe mattress is designed with heavier-weight sleepers in mind, creating a pleasant sleep experience for several types of heavyweight sleepers.
The Aurora Luxe mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a high-quality hybrid mattress that has cooling and pressure relieving components. The high-quality materials and thoughtful construction makes it a good value.
The Aurora Luxe mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a high-quality hybrid mattress that has cooling and pressure relieving components. The high-quality materials and thoughtful construction makes it a good value.
The Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe mattress is designed with heavier-weight sleepers in mind, creating a pleasant sleep experience for several types of heavyweight sleepers.
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
The Studio by Leesa is a comfortable all-foam mattress that should be ideal for children, lightweight adults, and those who are looking for a good value.
25% Off Mattresses, Bedding, and Furniture with Code TAX25
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex™ is an affordable bed with more layers than you’d expect from an all-foam model. It has a firm feel and targeted lumbar support along with infused copper and gel for cooling.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.
30% Off Sitewide, Additional $50 Off with Code CLARITY50
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price. Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. The only element in which it scored below average was responsiveness, so if you like a super bouncy bed or you’re a restless combination sleeper, consider another model.
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
The Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe mattress is designed with heavier-weight sleepers in mind, creating a pleasant sleep experience for several types of heavyweight sleepers.
The WinkBeds Plus is a mattress made specifically for larger people, and heavier stomach sleepers should get the support they need on the WinkBeds Plus.
The Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe mattress is designed with heavier-weight sleepers in mind, creating a pleasant sleep experience for several types of heavyweight sleepers.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is a new mattress designed with luxury in mind. This is a luxury hybrid mattress perfect for fans of eco-friendly made mattresses.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe mattress is designed with heavier-weight sleepers in mind, creating a pleasant sleep experience for several types of heavyweight sleepers.
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is a new mattress designed with luxury in mind. This is a luxury hybrid mattress perfect for fans of eco-friendly made mattresses.
The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is a new mattress designed with luxury in mind. This is a luxury hybrid mattress perfect for fans of eco-friendly made mattresses.
The Silk & Snow mattress is an all-foam bed with a gel-infused comfort layer. It works well for side sleepers who need pressure relief and couples who like beds with great motion isolation.
Free Sleep Bundle and 25% Off Select Bed Frames with Mattress Purchase; Up to $296 Off Sheet Sets
The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex™ is an affordable bed with more layers than you’d expect from an all-foam model. It has a firm feel and targeted lumbar support along with infused copper and gel for cooling.
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
The WinkBeds Plus is a mattress made specifically for larger people, and heavier stomach sleepers should get the support they need on the WinkBeds Plus.
The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.
30% Off Sitewide, Additional $50 Off with Code CLARITY50
The Silk & Snow mattress is an all-foam bed with a gel-infused comfort layer. It works well for side sleepers who need pressure relief and couples who like beds with great motion isolation.
Free Sleep Bundle and 25% Off Select Bed Frames with Mattress Purchase; Up to $296 Off Sheet Sets
The WinkBeds Plus is a mattress made specifically for larger people, and heavier stomach sleepers should get the support they need on the WinkBeds Plus.
The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.
30% Off Sitewide, Additional $50 Off with Code CLARITY50
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
The Aurora Luxe mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a high-quality hybrid mattress that has cooling and pressure relieving components. The high-quality materials and thoughtful construction makes it a good value.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price. Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. The only element in which it scored below average was responsiveness, so if you like a super bouncy bed or you’re a restless combination sleeper, consider another model.
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is a new mattress designed with luxury in mind. This is a luxury hybrid mattress perfect for fans of eco-friendly made mattresses.
The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is a new mattress designed with luxury in mind. This is a luxury hybrid mattress perfect for fans of eco-friendly made mattresses.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress is a new mattress designed with luxury in mind. This is a luxury hybrid mattress perfect for fans of eco-friendly made mattresses.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Studio by Leesa is a comfortable all-foam mattress that should be ideal for children, lightweight adults, and those who are looking for a good value.
25% Off Mattresses, Bedding, and Furniture with Code TAX25
The Silk & Snow mattress is an all-foam bed with a gel-infused comfort layer. It works well for side sleepers who need pressure relief and couples who like beds with great motion isolation.
Free Sleep Bundle and 25% Off Select Bed Frames with Mattress Purchase; Up to $296 Off Sheet Sets
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Silk & Snow mattress is an all-foam bed with a gel-infused comfort layer. It works well for side sleepers who need pressure relief and couples who like beds with great motion isolation.
Free Sleep Bundle and 25% Off Select Bed Frames with Mattress Purchase; Up to $296 Off Sheet Sets
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe mattress is designed with heavier-weight sleepers in mind, creating a pleasant sleep experience for several types of heavyweight sleepers.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Silk & Snow Hybrid is an affordable, Canadian-made mattress that packs a lot into its deceptively simple construction. It earned high marks for motion isolation and cooling, making it a great choice for co-sleepers and those who run hot. While its edge support is a bit lacking, it offers plenty of pressure relief in its cushy construction. It’s also available in plush, medium-firm, and firm options for your choosing.
Free Sleep Bundle and 25% Off Select Bed Frames with Mattress Purchase; Up to $296 Off Sheet Sets
The Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe mattress is designed with heavier-weight sleepers in mind, creating a pleasant sleep experience for several types of heavyweight sleepers.
The Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable mattress that has two firmness options: firm and extra firm. This is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested and could be a good fit for back and stomach sleepers.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Saatva Solaire is a very comfortable mattress with adjustable firmness. It is a great fit for light- and medium-weight people of any sleeping position.
The Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe mattress is designed with heavier-weight sleepers in mind, creating a pleasant sleep experience for several types of heavyweight sleepers.
The Silk & Snow Hybrid is an affordable, Canadian-made mattress that packs a lot into its deceptively simple construction. It earned high marks for motion isolation and cooling, making it a great choice for co-sleepers and those who run hot. While its edge support is a bit lacking, it offers plenty of pressure relief in its cushy construction. It’s also available in plush, medium-firm, and firm options for your choosing.
Free Sleep Bundle and 25% Off Select Bed Frames with Mattress Purchase; Up to $296 Off Sheet Sets
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Silk & Snow Hybrid is an affordable, Canadian-made mattress that packs a lot into its deceptively simple construction. It earned high marks for motion isolation and cooling, making it a great choice for co-sleepers and those who run hot. While its edge support is a bit lacking, it offers plenty of pressure relief in its cushy construction. It’s also available in plush, medium-firm, and firm options for your choosing.
Free Sleep Bundle and 25% Off Select Bed Frames with Mattress Purchase; Up to $296 Off Sheet Sets
The Brooklyn Bedding is a value-packed bed that is offered in multiple firmnesses. It was a solid performer across all testing perimeters and it should work for a variety of sleepers. We think couples will appreciate that it is responsive and isolates motion well.
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers: Our Testing Experience
Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers
Best for Side Sleepers Overall
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$936-$1,748 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Provides good pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
This mattress offers good support and body contouring for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
This bed absorbs motion well for a hybrid mattress, so couples shouldn’t notice their partner’s movements.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight mattress is a fantastic choice for back and side sleepers. It’s a perfect medium-firm mattress that offers a lot of comfort from the foam at the top with supportive coils at the bottom.
This mattress shouldn’t trap too much heat thanks to the coils, which allow for airflow. You also have the option to add a specialized cooling cover.
Hybrid mattresses can be bouncy and disturb others who are in bed, but the Helix Midnight absorbs motion very well for this type of mattress.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
This mattress is too soft to support stomach sleepers. The hips will dip into this bed over time, which can cause strain on the lower back.
While this bed absorbs motion well, it’s still a hybrid. If you don’t want that bouncy, coil feeling to your mattress, you should look for an all-foam bed.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10 years
Returns
Free returns during the trial period
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness and works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover. Be sure to watch our video review to learn more about the Helix Midnight.
To be considered the best in class for side sleepers, a mattress has to shine in pressure relief and support while achieving high scores across all other categories. The well-rounded Helix Midnight was a tester’s pet thanks to consistent performances in support and pressure relief—including an impressive 4.3/5 score in the latter.
Close | ✕
Firmness: 6.5/10
The Midnight is medium-firm, great for both side and back sleepers.
Close | ✕
Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
Above average. It’s pretty cushiony around sensitive joints.
Close | ✕
Edge Support: 4.4/5
Above average. Our tester felt secure when sitting or lying near the edges.
Close | ✕
Cooling: 3.5/5
Below average. It didn’t wow us with its cooling performance.
Close | ✕
Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. We felt some movement in our test.
Close | ✕
Response: 4/5
Below average. It has some sink, but it’s still springy enough for easy movement.
The Helix Midnight boasts soft foam near the top of the mattress that contours around sleepers. It made me feel like I was being wrapped in a warm embrace. However, before you sink too far and find your spine in an awkward position, the robust steel coils catch you and provide aligning support.
After testing hundreds of mattresses, my fellow reviewers and I usually have a good idea of how well a mattress will relieve pressure. However, we also use a pressure map that provides thermal images showing where pressure might build up. As for the Helix Midnight, my assessment of its pressure relief was backed up by images that showed mostly blue with a speckling of green, colors that indicate low pressure throughout.
Dr. Hannah Habeeb, our Chief Medical Product Tester, also rated this mattress highly. She gave it a perfect 5/5 for side sleeping, saying, “This bed is fabulous for side sleeping. It’s soft and offers tons of cushioning and sinkage at the hips and shoulders.” She went on to recommend it to sleepers with hip and shoulder pain, remarking that its hybrid design provided enough lift while these key pressure points were cradled.
Besides pressure relief, the Helix Midnight also scored high in our edge support tests, a performance that our in-house tester deemed “extremely impressive.” It means that side sleepers should be able to rest along the edge of the mattress without incident. “I wasn’t able to tell I was lying on the edge of the bed, and I didn’t feel like I was going to roll off,” our tester explained, rating the bed’s edge support at 4.4/5.
Although this mattress earned its best overall for side sleepers title by being a great pick for a wide variety of body types, some hot sleepers may be let down by the bed’s less-than-stellar cooling performance. While it wasn’t a particularly hot mattress, our tester noted that he could feel the bed warming up beneath him. Sleepers prone to overheating may prefer something like the Nectar Premier.
If you want even more details on the Midnight, though, read our comprehensive Helix Midnight review.
Nectar Premier– Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers
Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Nectar
Nectar Premier
Soft Feel
Pressure Relief
Breathable
Foam mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Spring into Savings
Save Up to 50% on Mattresses & 66% on Bundles See Details
The Nectar Premier is an all-foam mattress with a high-density base layer and several layers of plush foam on top.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated it a 6/10, a touch softer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,049-$2,398 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Hot Sleepers
The Phase Change Material cover, paired with the cooling gel foam, helps dissipate body heat.
Side Sleepers
It offers lots of pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 275 lb.
Pros of the Nectar Premier
It has a balanced foam feel. You’ll feel like you’re resting “on top” of the bed, rather than “inside” it.
The plush foam layers offer lots of pressure relief for side sleepers.
The cooling materials help dissipate body heat.
Cons of the Nectar Premier
It’s not supportive enough for most heavyweight back sleepers.
It lacks a bouncy and responsive feel.
This mattress might be too pricey for some people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period.
The Nectar Premier mattress is a luxurious bed that offers lots of pressure relief. It’s softer than average, which makes it a nice option for many side sleepers. This mattress has cooling gel foam and a cover made with Phase Change Material, so it works well for hot sleepers. However, it may not be supportive enough for many back and stomach sleepers. And because it’s a high-end model, it could be out of some people’s budgets. To learn more, watch our video review.
Mattresses with all-foam construction and medium-firm firmness are often excellent choices for side sleepers. Dr. Dasgupta confirmed this by saying, “If you’re looking for a mattress with optimal support and pressure relief, you’ll want one that is rated as medium-firmness on the firmness scale and contouring materials like memory foam.”
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Firmness: 6/10
The Nectar Premier has a slightly soft feel.
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Pressure Relief: 4.6/5
Above average. Both side and back sleepers should enjoy the plush, contouring feel of the Nectar Premier Memory Foam.
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Edge Support: 4/5
Below average. The edges of the Premier Memory Foam dipped quite a bit when sitting down on them.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
Above average. The Nectar Premier Memory Foam’s cooling cover keeps temperatures low at the surface.
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Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
Above average. Couples shouldn’t feel their partner’s movements on this bed.
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Response: 3/5
Below average. You’ll need to put in the effort to move around on the Nectar Premier Memory Foam.
With these points in mind, I selected the Nectar Premier as the best medium-firm mattress for side sleepers. This bed excelled at relieving pressure around the shoulders and hips while providing plenty of support to keep the spine aligned, vital elements for side sleepers.
But this mattress didn’t stop there — it also received a 4/5 or above in cooling, motion isolation, and edge support. If you prize those qualities in a bed, you may be able to overlook its lack of bounce.
Our testers loved how the slow-sinking memory foam in this mattress wrapped around them like a warm tortilla, which earned the bed an exceptionally high 4.6/5 for overall pressure relief. It was a hit among all weight categories, including our heavyweight tester, even with its slightly softer feel. For reference, it came in at a 6/10 on our firmness scale, slightly south of true medium-firm.
“This was my favorite sleeping position on this bed, although I’m a side sleeper normally, so I might be biased,” our heavyweight tester explained. “It’s a softer bed but with enough of a supportive base. I don’t feel any painful pressure buildup, and, in fact, I feel pronounced pressure relief on my hip.”
Side sleepers who run hot should also appreciate the Premier’s cooling cover. The surface temperature remained low during our cooling test, with expert tester Melanie Kassel saying, “The bed felt cool and cozy the whole time I was lying on it.” She never noticed any discernible change in temperature, a sign that the mattress should remain perfectly chill throughout the night.
As an all-foam bed, the Premier isn’t the bounciest mattress, so some combination sleepers may end up feeling “stuck” in the bed’s slow-moving surface. If you wish to avoid that, I’d check out the Saatva Classic. You can also read more in our full Nectar Premier mattress review.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,149-$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers over 130 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
It has a bouncy, responsive feel. This is great for combination sleepers who benefit from a bed that makes it easy to change positions at night.
The WinkBed features zoned support. With firmer foam at the top and bottom and more cushioning foam in the middle, this bed has excellent lumbar support.
This bed sleeps cool. Thanks to the breathable coils and gel-infused memory foam, hot sleepers can expect a cool night’s rest.
Cons
This isn’t the best option for motion isolation.
The WinkBed doesn’t have a traditional “sink-in” memory foam feel.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bed’s excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed that’s easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
Sleeping next to someone you love can provide comfort and security. However, couples should pay special attention to a few key mattress features to ensure you both have sweet dreams. You’ll want a bed with solid edge support; a bed that’s secure along the perimeter will allow you to spread out and make full use of your sleep space. Decent motion isolation also means you won’t feel your partner’s movements. And of course, side-sleeping couples should look for a contouring bed that provides pressure relief for both occupants.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Luxury Firm model of the WinkBed has a true medium-firm feel.
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Pressure Relief: 3.8/5
Below average. Back sleepers gleaned the most pressure relief on the WinkBed.
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Edge Support: 4.4/5
Above average. We only noticed some minor sinkage when seated on the edge of the mattress.
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Cooling: 4/5
Average. As we used our thermal gun to record the bed’s surface temperature, we could see the number going down, even after someone lay on it for seven minutes.
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Motion Isolation: 3.7/5
Below average. The WinkBed has just-alright motion isolation, as we could feel our partner’s movements. However, they weren’t too egregious.
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Response: 3/5
Below average. The WinkBed’s thick pillow top impeded our ability to seamlessly move around on the bed’s surface.
The WinkBed was selected as the best mattress for side-sleeping couples because it earned a 4.4/5 in edge support and a 4/5 in cooling. Its medium-firm feel should also be versatile enough to accommodate a range of sleeper types and preferences.
With a 3.8/5 pressure relief score, the WinkBed scores a bit lower than many other beds on this list. However, don’t write it off yet. We’d expect this score to skew higher if you ordered the Plush model, whereas we were testing the Luxury Firm. Additionally, our lightweight tester felt pressure buildup on the bed—average- and heavyweight sleepers should feel pretty good on their sides.
Mattress tester Marten Carlson was a fan of how secure he felt along the perimeter of the bed, saying, “During my tests, the WinkBed exhibited great edge support. This is good news for couples. Both partners will be able to use the full surface area of the mattress.”
Fellow tester Melanie Kassel agreed, saying, “It had really stellar edge support in all three sleeping positions. Even when side sleeping—usually my most precarious position on the edge—I was fully elevated, and it felt like lying on any other part of the bed.”
Melanie wasn’t as impressed when it came to the WinkBed’s responsiveness, which felt muted by the layers of foam above the springs. This could be a problem for sexually active couples looking for ease of movement during the main event.
It’s also worth noting that this mattress is one of the most expensive in our roundup. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, consider the Silk & Snow. For a closer look at this bed, read our full WinkBed review.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Leesa
Leesa Sapira Chill
Multiple Firmnesses
Pillow Top
Breathable
Hybrid mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Tax Day Flash Sale
25% Off Mattresses, Bedding, and Furniture with Code TAX25 See Details
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush, Medium-Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium-Firm model a 6/10, which is slightly softer than average.
Price
$1,499-$2,399 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Pros of the Leesa Sapira Chill
This bed is available in several firmness options. That means a variety of sleepers should be able to pick a feel that works for their needs.
It sleeps impressively cool. The cooling cover and breathable foam and coils mean it offers strong temperature-regulation.
The pillow top gives the bed a hotel-like feel. This provides plenty of cushion while the coils offer zoned support.
Cons of the Leesa Sapira Chill
This is a more responsive mattress, so you won’t get that signtaure memory foam sinking feeling.
The Leesa Sapira Chill isn’t a cheap mattress.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a cool, comfortable bed that pairs a plush pillow top with supportive zoned coils. It’s available in three firmness options, so many sleepers should be able to choose a model that works for their sleeping position. This isn’t the cheapest option for a cooling mattress, though. Instead, check out the Cocoon Chill.
The Leesa Sapira Chill was a crowd-pleaser for side sleepers of all shapes and sizes, thanks to its ideal balance of cushioning and support. It also showed high performance consistency by earning at least a 4 in almost all test categories (except motion isolation), propelling it to an overall rating of 4.3.
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Firmness: 6/10
The Medium Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has a slightly softer—but still medium—feel.
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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above average. Our testers encountered plenty of pressure relief in the back- and side-sleeping position.
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Edge Support: 4.3/5
Above average. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has excellent edge support for sitting and lying down at the far reaches of the bed.
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Cooling: 4/5
Average. True to its name, the Leesa Sapira Chill has a pleasantly cool-to-the-touch feel.
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Motion Isolation: 3.8/5
Below average. You’ll likely feel your partner moving around on the other side of the bed, just like we did.
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Response: 4/5
Below average. Though it’s a hybrid mattress, the Leesa Sapira Chill has a doughy pillow top that makes it harder to move around on.
All this made selecting the Leesa Sapira Chill as our best hybrid for side sleepers an easy decision. Dr. Dasgupta is a fan of this style of bed, saying, “Hybrid mattresses combine soft foam and supportive coils to provide a welcoming feel. These beds often make a comfortable and supportive choice for many sleepers, including those who lie on their side.”
The Sapira Chill has three firmness options; I reviewed the medium-firm model and found its plush pillow top felt slightly softer than the standard mattress surface, which helped cushion my body’s pressure points. Dr. Hannah Habeeb particularly liked the mattress as a possible hip pain solution: “The contouring helps distribute pressure really well across the hip area,” she said.
Our pressure map tests also showed little to no pressure buildup for most sleepers. Petite side sleepers may experience some pressure around the shoulders, but we don’t think this will necessarily be a deal breaker for them. In that case, they may want to opt for the softest model.
Our lead tester, Marten Carlson, pointed out, “The surface of the Leesa Sapira Chill mattress has a balanced foam feel. Thanks to the layers of coils and high-density polyfoam, this is a bouncy and responsive mattress. It’s easy to move around on top of this bed, as you have a really propped-up, ‘floaty’ feeling from the innerspring coils.” Also, as the name suggests, you’ll have the added bonus of a bed that keeps temperatures low.
Although we think this bed is a great investment, we understand that it comes with a higher price tag and may be out of reach for some people. If you want a more affordable hybrid mattress, I suggest the Helix Midnight. For more about this hybrid bed, check out our full Leesa Sapira Chill review.
Mattress Clarity Test Results: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.6
Nolah
Nolah Evolution
Multiple Firmnesses
Cooling
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Spring Sale
30% Off Sitewide, Additional $50 Off with Code CLARITY50 See Details
The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress, which means it has coils at the bottom and memory foam on top.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,499-$3,198 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid offers great lumbar support for most back sleepers under 300 lb.
Hot Sleepers
This bed has graphite-infused foam, which helps dissipate body heat. It also has coils that promote airflow.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
It has great cooling features, such as graphite-infused foam and airflow-promoting coils.
Even though it has coils, it isolates motion well. This makes it a great mattress for couples.
It’s available in three firmness levels, so it works for a variety of people.
Cons of the Nolah Evolution
It lacks a slow-moving feel.
It’s not supportive enough for most people who weigh more than 300 lb.
Because it’s a luxurious mattress, it might be too pricey for some people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels. The Luxury Firm model works well for many back and side sleepers. This mattress has many cooling features, and it isolates motion well. It’s not a great option for most people who weigh over 300 lb, though. If you fall in this category, you may need more lumbar support. Watch our Nolah Evolution mattress review video to learn more.
When my husband and I, both combination sleepers who spend the majority of our sleeping time on our sides, were shopping for a new mattress, I asked him for his three “must-haves.” He said, “Cooling, cooling, and cooling.” As the mattress tester and sleep science coach in the relationship, I understood the assignment, and we ultimately selected the Nolah Evolution.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Luxury Firm Nolah Evolution has a true medium-firm feel.
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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above average. Both side and back sleepers should get pressure relief from the Evolution, but the latter will feel much more contouring.
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Edge Support: 4.6/5
Above average. When sitting on the edge of the Nolah Evolution, the pillow top compressed a bit but otherwise remained stable.
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Cooling: 4/5
Average. The Evolution isn’t actively cooling, but it should provide a comfortable temperature-neutral feel.
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Motion Isolation: 5/5
Above average. This mattress has exceptional motion absorption, so you shouldn’t feel any movement from your side of the bed.
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Response: 4/5
Below average. The doughy pillow top might slow down some sleepers as they switch positions on the Evolution.
With the addition of cooling technology like an ArcticTex cover, which helps draw warmth away from the body, proprietary graphite-infused breathable foam, and pocketed coils that prevent heat from getting trapped in the bed, it’s easy to see why the Evolution earned a 4 out of 5 in cooling. It also had a 4 or higher in all performance categories (including 4.5/5 for pressure relief), which all averages out to a head-of-the-class overall score of 4.6.
I used a thermal temperature gun to measure the bed’s initial surface temperature and then again after I lay on it for five minutes. Even with my added body heat, the Evolution only went up about 7 degrees.
Marten Carlson, lead reviewer, said after a nap on this bed, “As someone who sleeps hot, I’m prone to waking up because I’m overheating. The Nolah Evolution was perfect for my situation and nailed the nap test. Its thick coils and high-density foams were supportive enough to handle my body weight, and its cooling cover and foams helped me nap without overheating in our Austin, TX, mattress lab.”
As someone who shares a bed with a partner who tosses and turns like a dying fish, motion isolation is a must for any mattress. The Nolah Evolution earned a rare perfect score in this category, so you shouldn’t feel any disturbance from your side of the bed. As our in-house tester put it during the partner test: “My side of the mattress remained static, regardless of what was happening on the other side.”
Though it earned high marks for performance across the board, one area where the Nolah Evolution could really improve is in its packaging and unboxing experience. The boxes we received from the brand looked a bit beat up, with scrapes and holes along the sides (though the mattresses themselves are not damaged). Despite that experience, the Evolution is also more of a luxury than a budget bed, so we recommend taking advantage of sales when they come around.
You can read more about this bed in our full Nolah Evolution review. For a bed with a nearly flawless customer experience score, we recommend the Nectar Luxe.
Saatva Classic – Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers
Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Saatva is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7.5/10, which is a bit firmer than average.
Price
$1,295-$2,790 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Stomach Sleepers
Supportive enough for stomach sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 300 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
The Saatva mattress is a great option for combination sleepers. It is available in multiple firmness options, but the Luxury Firm model works well for multiple sleeping positions.
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva will work well for most back sleepers. Its balance of comfort and support and zoned construction ensure you’ll sleep in good neutral alignment.
Shoppers looking for a long-lasting mattress will love the Saatva. It feature high-density foam and durable coils that should ensure it lasts for over 10 years.
Cons
If you like the feel of a memory foam mattress, you’re not going to love the feel of the Saatva.
Lightweight side sleepers might not get the best pressure relief, even on the softest Saatva model.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Saatva is a luxurious hybrid innerspring mattress that should be a great long-term investment. It is available in multiple firmness options, so it should work for the majority of sleeping positions, and its Luxury Firm model is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers. However, lightweight side sleepers and fans of memory foam should look elsewhere. Learn more in our video review.
For a product to be considered a classic, it needs to stand the test of time. Saatva’s flagship model bears the same name and lives up to it. This bed uses high-quality materials, such as a thick, quilted organic cotton cover on its Euro-top and an innerspring-hybrid construction, giving it a luxurious feel that will never go out of style. The coil-on-coil design promotes airflow and gives a more traditional innerspring mattress feel, while the soft top layers remind sleepers of swanky hotel beds.
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Firmness: 7.5/10
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic feels pretty firm.
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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above average. Even with its firmer feel, the Saatva offers great pressure relief.
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Edge Support: 5/5
Exceptional. You can sit and lie down on the edges of the Saatva Classic with minimal sinkage.
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Cooling: 4/5
Average. The Saatva Classic has a comfortable, temperature-neutral feel.
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Motion Isolation: 2.7/5
Below average. We could feel every little movement our fellow testers made on the Saatva.
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Response: 5/5
Exceptional. Thanks to its two innerspring layers, the Saatva Classic is plenty bouncy.
The Saatva Classic’s construction and materials helped it earn a 4.5 in pressure relief. Given that this mattress is also offered in two heights and three different firmnesses (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm) to allow shoppers to pinpoint their personal preferences, it is easy to see why this bed earned a top-tier 4.6 overall score.
“The Saatva has a classic innerspring feel,” said Marten Carlson, one of our seasoned heavyweight testers. “It’s bouncy and responsive, but the tufted pillow top offers plush cushioning. By not sinking too far into the layers, I felt like I was sleeping ‘on top of’ the mattress rather than ‘inside’ it.” The balance of support and softness, plus the extra lift of the coils, is perfect for average-weight and heavyweight side sleepers. Lightweight sleepers may prefer the Plush Soft model of the Classic for deeper sinkage.
Our chief medical product tester, Dr. Hannah Habeeb, also praised the Saatva Classic’s plush Euro-top surface for providing excellent pressure relief in the side-sleeping position. “I feel very comfortable on my side,” said Dr. Habeeb. “The Euro-top layer feels very plush and adds a lot of contouring at my hips and shoulders. I would say this mattress is a good match for these sleepers.”
We have two team members who actually own this bed. One of them started out with the Firm model, but ended up exchanging it for the Luxury Firm model. According to her, this softer version “feels pleasantly medium-firm, just as advertised. It’s cushioned enough for side sleeping but it retains all the responsiveness and support that I need when I switch to my back.” She’s had the Luxury Firm model for more than six months, and says she’s confident she’s found her mattress soulmate.
As a bonus, if you happen to switch between side sleeping and another position, you’ll be able to do so extremely easily on the Saatva Classic. Its double-innerspring construction means double the bounce, so you can “launch yourself across the surface like an astronaut,” as tester Livvi DiCicco put it, who also owns the mattress at home—and adores it for this reason.
One area where the Saatva Classic falls short is motion isolation (2.7/5). If you sleep with a restless partner, you will likely feel their tossing and turning. If you want a bed that will help you sleep through their shifting, check out the Nolah Evolution. For more information on the Saatva, read our full Saatva Classic review.
Nectar Luxe – Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Nectar
Nectar Luxe
Soft Feel
Lifetime Warranty
Cooling Features
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Spring into Savings
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On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated it a 6.5/10, the industry standard of medium-firm.
Price
$1,499-$3,298 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Couples
It isolates motion well, which makes it a nice choice for couples.
Hot Sleepers
This mattress has many cooling features that help dissipate body heat.
Side Sleepers
It offers plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 275 lb.
Pros of the Nectar Luxe
This mattress has many cooling features, such as copper-infused foam, that help pull heat away from the body.
The Nectar Luxe works well for side sleepers, because the soft foams cushion shoulders and hips.
This mattress is made with durable, high-quality materials. It should last at least 10 years.
Cons of the Nectar Luxe
It might be out of some people’s budgets
It may not be supportive enough for stomach sleepers.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Nectar Luxe is the brand’s most luxurious mattress. This bed has many cooling features that help dissipate body heat. Thanks to its soft feel, this mattress works well for many side sleepers. That said, this mattress isn’t supportive enough for many heavyweight people and stomach sleepers.
Although you don’t have to break the bank to find a quality, durable mattress, if your budget allows for a luxury mattress, why not treat yourself? It’s a bonus if you can snag a luxurious bed for a reasonable price, and that’s exactly what you’ll find with the Nectar Luxe—my pick for the best luxury mattress for side sleepers. This mattress earned a 4.1 score overall, thanks to its cooling capability (rated at 4.4/5) and generous customer policies (5/5).
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Nectar Luxe Memory Foam has a true medium-firm feel.
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Pressure Relief: 3.8/5
Below average. Both side and back sleeping produced decent pressure relief, but back sleeping was favored by all weight categories.
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Edge Support: 3.8/5
Below average. Although this mattress is a little below average in this category, lightweight and average-weight sleepers should still find adequate edge support.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
Above average. The Nectar Luxe mattress has a cool-to-the-touch surface.
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Motion Isolation: 3/5
Below average. We could feel just about every movement on the Nectar Luxe.
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Response: 4/5
Below average. This bed has a traditional memory foam feel, so it isn’t the easiest to move around on.
The Nectar Luxe’s cooling capabilities were a big factor in helping it clinch a spot here: Its breathable cover really does feel cool to the touch and its gel-infused foam should help with temperature regulation throughout the night. “This mattress felt incredibly cool for the entire time I was on it. I moved my hands around the mattress to try to detect any areas where it was getting warmer, and struggled to find any,” said our in-house tester.
The Luxe’s lengthy warranty and durable construction also speak to the manufacturer’s belief in the bed’s materials. Although it costs more than others in this roundup, it should provide an excellent return on investment. Also, with a full-year sleep trial, you’ll also have plenty of time to decide if this is the right mattress for you.
During testing, we also invited Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT, to weigh in on the Nectar Luxe mattress for side sleeping. She praised its pressure relief in this sleeping position, noting that its plush memory foam layers effectively removed tension from pressure-prone areas. “It’s really comfortable on my side because it is just so squishy,” she explained. “I think it would provide sinkage pressure relief in your hips and shoulders when you’re on your side.”
We rated the all-foam Luxe a 6.5 out of 10 for firmness; this is right at the industry standard of medium-firm. Lightweight sleepers might not experience the same doughy feel on this mattress, as they won’t sink into its layers as much as average-weight and sleepers with bigger bodies. These sleepers might prefer the deep hug of the softer Nectar Premier, instead.
You can read the full Nectar Luxe mattress review for more information on our pick for best luxury mattress for side sleepers.
Bear Elite Hybrid– Best Mattress for Side Sleepers and Muscle Recovery
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers and Muscle Recovery
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium model a 6/10, which is slightly softer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,893-$3,920 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Hot Sleepers
Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid
This mattress offers great value. It’s made with high-quality materials and backed by a lifetime warranty, but available at a relatively affordable price point.
It comes with excellent edge support. The Bear Elite Hybrid’s sturdy perimeter is helpful if you need a stable surface to get in and out of bed.
The bed’s cover and foam layers contain cooling materials to help regulate your body temperature. Its coil layer also promotes plenty of airflow to keep you cool.
Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid
Doesn’t do the best job of isolating motion.
Likely not supportive enough for sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s most high-end mattress. It offers luxury features, like zoned support and extra height, while still offering the temperature regulation Bear mattresses are known for. Based on our testing results, we’d recommend this mattress to average-weight side and back sleepers, as well as hot sleepers. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, check out the Bear Star Hybrid. Learn more in our video review.
As a mediocre but dedicated middle-aged CrossFit enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for mattresses that can help my aching muscles and joints recover. The Bear Elite Hybrid gives weekend warriors and committed athletes reason to rejoice. This bed has a supportive hybrid construction that comes in three firmness options, allowing sleepers to fine-tune their personal recovery preferences.
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Firmness: 6/10
The mid-range model for the Bear Elite Hybrid skews slightly soft.
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Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
Above average. The Bear Elite offers better pressure relief for back sleepers.
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Edge Support: 4.6/5
Above average. The edges barely budged when sitting or lying down on them.
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Cooling: 2.5/5
Below average. We had conflicting results in our cooling test, but it heated up quite a lot.
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. We could feel movement from the other side of the bed, but it’s likely not enough to wake a light sleeper.
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Response: 5/5
Exceptional. Even with the softer pillow top, moving around was a breeze.
It also offers an optional Celliant cover, which Bear claims can help with muscle recovery. While we appreciate the cooling features of this cover, we have not independently tested the Celliant cover in regards to muscle recovery. However, we do know that this bed is an MVP when it comes to durability. By earning all-star scores of a 4.6/5 in edge support, a perfect 5/5 in response, and 4.3/5 in pressure relief, this bed garnered a 4.4 overall score, which launched it into our top spot for the best mattress for side sleepers and muscle recovery.
When I tested the Bear Elite Hybrid’s Medium model, I was taken with how aligned my spine felt due to the built-in lumbar support. This design prevented the kind of sinking and sagging that can lead to back and hip pain or discomfort over time. The pressure map test also showed little pressure buildup for both back and side sleepers.
Dr. Hannah Habeeb, our Chief Medical Product Tester, backed up the map’s results. She awarded this bed a 5/5 for side sleepers. When asked if it might help people who experience hip or shoulder pain, she gave a resounding affirmative: “It does a great job distributing your weight and there’s no pressure building up in one point.”
That said, I think that side sleepers under 130 lbs and those who may need extra recovery in their shoulder should opt for the softest of three firmness options. Heavier sleepers will likely prefer the firmest model, as our in-house tester noted his shoulder sank far too low into the mattress in this position. The extra boost should help keep the spine aligned.
While the Bear Elite stunned in the edge support, motion isolation, and responsiveness test, it received mixed results in our cooling test. Though our in-house tester never thought the mattress felt “noticeably warm or cool” throughout testing, her thermal gun recorded a whopping 12-degree increase in surface temperature; this was after just seven minutes of lying down on it. If you want a bed that performs better for hot sleepers, I recommend the Nectar Luxe.
If you think the Bear will lead you down the road to better recovery, you can learn more about it by reading our Bear Elite Hybrid review.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options available.
Price
$1,199 – $2,665 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, split California king, RV king, RV bunk
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers over 130 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Available in a large variety of sizes. Whether you’re looking to add this to your bedroom or fit it in your RV, you should be able to find the right size.
This bed performed well on our cooling tests, making it a good fit for hot sleepers.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
This bed isn’t supportive enough for stomach sleepers.
Heavyweight sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs won’t find enough support on this bed.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe offers a responsive surface great for combination sleepers. It’s also a good choice for hot sleepers looking for a bed that can keep them cool but that’s available in a wide array of sizes. Learn more in our video review.
If you are a side sleeper who loves the cozy embrace of a soft bed, you’ll want to check out the adaptable Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. This bed is offered in three firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm, which adds to its versatility and appeal. While folks looking for an uber-cushy bed will want to stick to the Soft, we tested the mid-range Medium model. It excelled in pressure relief (4.5/5), edge support (4.6/5), and response (4/5).
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Firmness: 7.5/10
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling has a firmer feel.
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Pressure Relief: 4/5
Average. Back sleepers who love a firmer sleep surface will glean the most pressure relief.
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Edge Support: 4.4/5
Above average. The edges of the Aurora Luxe felt solid, holding up whether we sat or lay down on them.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
Above average. Thanks to its cool, breezy feel, the Aurora Luxe Cooling lives up to its name.
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. You can feel your partner’s movements, but they shouldn’t be too disruptive, even for a light sleeper.
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Response: 5/5
Exceptional. The Aurora Luxe is super bouncy, so it has excellent ease of movement.
The Medium model did have a slightly firmer feel at 7/10 on our scale, while the Soft should feel closer to 5.5 or 6/10—perfect for lightweight and average-weight side sleepers. Sleepers over 230 pounds should be able to rest comfortably on either, as heavyweight tester Marten Carlson found out during his nap test.
After resting on the Medium model, he said, “As I was lying on my side on the Aurora Luxe, I felt good body contouring happening around my hips and shoulders. This should help alleviate pain along those pressure points. But the coils still supported me enough so that I didn’t feel like I was sinking into it too much.” The bed was also a hit for back sleeping, if you happen to switch between the two positions.
We invited Dr. Hannah Habeeb, licensed physical therapist, to offer us a second opinion on the Aurora Luxe. Overall, she found it to be enjoyable for side sleeping. “I feel like it does allow you to sink in enough, and my shoulder feels comfortable in this position,” she said. “The same goes for my hip; it contours the body really nicely in the side sleeping position.”
Its edge support was also great. “I could lie at the far edge of the bed without feeling like the edge dipped even an inch. If I were in a fight with my partner and wanted to sleep as far away as possible, it wouldn’t be an issue on this bed,” said our in-house tester.
With all that said, couples that include a restless sleeper may want to look elsewhere. It offers only run-of-the-mill motion isolation. This means you may feel your partner’s tossing and turning from your side of the bed. For a bed that totally absorbs motion, I recommend the Nolah Evolution. But if you want to learn more about this mattress, check out our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review.
Mattress Clarity Test Results: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Titan Plus Luxe is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$899-$1,799 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers over 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers, especially those over 300 lbs.
Pros of the Titan Plus Luxe
Heavyweight side sleepers will feel excellent pressure relief on this mattress. Its plush top will relieve almost all pressure on the shoulders and hips.
Heavyweight back sleepers will experience an excellent balance of comfort and support on this mattress. This plush layers will provide some contouring while the extra-supportive coils will hold up the body.
Hot sleepers should not overheat on this mattress. Gel infusions, airflow-promoting coils, and a breathable cover will help you sleep cool all night long.
Cons of the Titan Plus Luxe
If you are a lightweight person, the Titan Plus Luxe is not made with you in mind.
Heavier stomach sleepers will find this mattress to be too firm.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Titan Plus Luxe is an extra-supportive mattress that offers some nice comfort as well, making it a great option for heavier back and side sleepers. And, while most mattresses for heavy people are quite expensive, the Titan Plus Luxe is a great value. However, heavier stomach sleepers may need a firmer mattress. Learn more in our video review.
My fellow mattress reviewer, Marten Carlson, is a plus-size sleeper who tucks himself in on his side. As such, he knows how tricky it is to find a suitable mattress for side sleepers over 230 lbs. He told me that heavyweight side sleepers need a bed that has a pressure-relieving comfort layer to contour the shoulders and hips while also providing enough firm support to maintain proper spinal alignment.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Titan Plus Luxe feels medium-firm, offering plenty of support with a gentle contour on top.
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Pressure Relief: 3.3/5
Below average. Back sleepers will encounter better pressure relief on the Titan Plus Luxe.
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Edge Support: 3.2/5
Below average. We noticed quite a bit of sinkage when seated on the Titan Plus Luxe’s edge.
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Cooling: 3.5/5
Below average. The Titan Plus Luxe didn’t overheat, but it didn’t feel particularly cool, either.
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Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
Above average. Only very faint movements can be felt on the Titan Plus Luxe.
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Response: 4/5
Below average. You can move around on the Titan Plus Luxe, but you may encounter resistance from the plusher top.
After testing hundreds of mattresses, we settled on the Titan Plus Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding, since it earned a 4.3/5 rating for motion isolation, 4/5 for responsiveness, and, ultimately, Marten’s approval.
This bed was explicitly designed for heavier sleepers, so it’s built with abundant support from a robust coil system. To test the support system, Marten tried this bed out on his side. He appreciated how the foam comfort layers provided contouring, while the robust pocket coils kept his spine aligned, helping to prevent back and hip pain.
Marten only spent a few weeks with the bed, but during this time he paid special attention to its construction. He noted that the high-density foams and sturdy coils will prevent sagging. Therefore, if you are a bigger sleeper who worries that a bed may break down more easily because of your weight, the Titan should be a great pick.
Another tester liked the feel of the Titan Plus Luxe despite being an average-weight sleeper. But she did have a small complaint about its edge support: “The bed sank a bit when I perched on its edge. I didn’t feel like I was going to slide off, but I think I would have had to sit back more if I wanted to tie my shoes while sitting on its side.”
Since this bed was designed for heavier sleepers, it doesn’t cater to petite folks. This group of sleepers will probably find that it is too firm, which can be uncomfortable and lead to pressure buildup. If you are a lightweight side sleeper, you should check out the Helix Midnight. You can also read our longer Titan Plus Luxe review.
Latest Updates: In April 2026, we reviewed our list of mattresses for side sleepers to ensure we’re still providing the best of the best. While few changes were made, we did make sure to include updated notes based on recent re-testing for each of these mattresses. We also expanded our buyer’s guide with additional considerations for side sleepers, including what to look for in pillows and mattress toppers.
What Makes a Great Mattress for Side Sleepers
Sleeping on a high-quality mattress that offers both support and cushioning comfort will benefit both your sleep quality and general quality of life. For these reasons, we’ve made a comprehensive guide on what to look for when shopping for the best mattress for side sleeping.
Firmness
Firmness is a primarily subjective metric that refers to how soft or hard a mattress feels. Most (including us at Mattress Clarity) follow a standardized firmness scale that runs from 1 to 10, with 1 being the plushest and 10 being the firmest. Most beds fall around 6.5/10, or medium-firm. “Medium-firm mattresses provide a good balance of softness and support that can suit a variety of body types, sleeping positions, and preferences,” explains Dr. Dasgupta.
A bed’s firmness level will significantly impact how comfortable it is for side sleepers. Beds that are too soft for your weight or sleeping position won’t keep you elevated enough, which could put your spine at an uncomfortable angle and lead to back pain. However, a bed that is too firm likely won’t offer enough contouring and could cause pressure to build up at your hips and shoulders over time.
That said, there’s no one right firmness level that works for all side sleepers—much of it will depend on your body size and personal preferences, which we’ll dive deeper into in the latter sections. For the most part, we recommend that side sleepers stick to beds in the soft to medium range, or under 7/10 on our firmness scale.
Pressure Relief
“Sleeping on your side puts a lot of pressure on your hips and shoulders, which can cause tension throughout the spine,” says Dr. Dasgupta. To sleep comfortably, you’ll want a mattress that is soft enough to contour your body and provide pressure relief.
Dr. Shelby Harris, a sleep psychiatrist, explains, “Side sleepers need pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, which means that they’ll typically want to stick with a softer mattress that will contour to their body and help prevent too much pressure on their joints throughout the night. They should opt for memory foam mattresses, which are known for their deep body-contouring, sinkage, and pressure relief.” Dr. Harris ultimately recommended soft hybrid beds for these sleepers, a sentiment echoed by our pressure relief testers. You’ll notice that they’re the primary mattress type featured on this list.
To evaluate the pressure relief on each mattress, our testers start by lying on each one in both back- and side-sleeping positions. While resting on their backs and sides, they report whether they felt any pressure or tension in key areas.
Next, we use a pressure map (a mat that records the amount of pressure in PSI placed on the hips, shoulders, and lower back). Typically, lower-than-average PSI readings (14.94 for side sleepers and 12.4 for back sleepers) indicate good pressure relief for that position. The map also shows color-coded areas of high and low pressure, designated by reds and yellows or blues and greens, respectively. More of the latter means more pressure relief.
All of these results are then compiled into our final pressure relief rating. Note that some sleeping positions or body types can rate pressure relief higher or lower than others, resulting in skewed results. This is why we make sure to explain our findings in detail, so you can be sure that the mattress will feel great to you.
Support
Side sleepers often like softer mattresses because the plushness and cushioning feels comforting around their shoulders and hips. However, solid-feeling support is also essential because it keeps your body elevated and aligned. A mattress that lacks good support can leave you sleeping at awkward angles and increase pressure buildup. Consistently sleeping unsupported will likely lead to aches and pains.
To judge whether a mattress is supportive, we look at our spinal alignment in each position. The natural position of your spine is a gentle S-curve. A good mattress will coax your spine into this position, rather than awkwardly wrench you out of it. For side sleepers, this means enough give around the hips and shoulders with extra support around the midsection.
What Else Is Important When Buying a Mattress for Side Sleepers?
Although pressure relief, support, and firmness are the most important factors to consider, other mattress features can also bring comfort to side sleepers.
Body Weight
As I touched upon above, your weight plays a role in how comfortable a mattress feels. “Sleepers over 230 pounds may sink too far into a mattress, while those under 130 pounds will encounter the opposite issue and end up too far aloft on a bed’s surface,” explains Dr. Raj Dasgupta. Caveats like these can affect what level of firmness is best.
While most folks do well with the medium-soft baseline we’ve set, some sleepers may feel inclined to go softer or firmer. Generally, heavyweight side sleepers may want to go a bit firmer for the extra support. Conversely, lightweight sleepers looking for more sinkage around the hips and shoulders may fare best on a softer bed.
Below, I’ve outlined firmness ranges that each weight class of side sleeper should consider in their ideal bed. But don’t forget to consider any other pertinent factors in your final decision, such as other sleeping positions, medical conditions, and whether you share the bed with someone who has different preferences.
Sleeper Type
Firmness
Lightweight (under 130 lbs)
Around 5/10 to 6/10, soft to medium-soft
Average-weight (130 lbs to 230 lbs)
Around 6/10, medium-soft
Heavyweight (over 230 lbs)
Around 6.5/10 to 7/10, medium-firm
Materials and Quality
The materials used in mattress construction can affect both the quality of your sleep each night and the durability of your bed. Side sleepers tend to get the pressure relief they need with a plush top with good cushioning, which is why we typically recommend foam or hybrid mattresses with a foam top. Coils can provide additional support, but may not provide enough pressure relief by themselves, especially if you deal with hip or shoulder pain.
Foam is one of the most prized materials in a mattress for side sleepers. It’s soft, cushioning, and even a bit supportive at times, depending on its density. Memory foam is the most popular iteration, a slow-moving material that leaves an indent when you press into it. But foam has its downsides, too. For one, it can hold onto excess heat, which may spell trouble for hot sleepers.
A good alternative is latex foam. Latex has a similar feel to foam, if a bit bouncier and breathable. It’s naturally derived from the sap of rubber trees, making it a solid choice for the eco-conscious shopper. But this can also drive up the price point, so a latex mattress may not be the best pick for budget shoppers.
You can often gauge the durability of materials used in a bed by looking at the brand’s warranty period. Longer coverage indicates that the company is confident its mattress will last for years to come. For a durable mattress that will hold up, look for models with at least a 10-year warranty.
Finally, if you have any allergies, consider what’s being used in your bed’s construction. Some mattresses use synthetic materials, which can aggravate allergies in some folks. If you’re prone to allergies, look for options made from hypoallergenic or natural materials, such as wool, cotton, or natural latex.
Motion Isolation
Back and stomach sleepers distribute their weight more evenly across the bed, which makes them less likely to be jostled awake by a restless partner’s tossing and turning than a side sleeper might be. If your bedmate’s movements keep you up at night, look for a mattress that absorbs motion and prevents it from transferring across the bed.
We test motion isolation in two ways. First, we place a glass of water on one side of the mattress, then move around on the other. We watch the water for any rippling or sloshing, which shows how much motion transfers to the other side.
The second evaluation involves another tester, who hops in alongside the first. One tester remains blindfolded, while the other switches positions and tosses and turns. The blindfolded person raises their hand whenever they feel movement. These results are then rated out of 5. Light sleepers prone to waking should look for a bed that has at least a 4.3/5 motion isolation score.
Cooling
If you’ve ever awakened in a hot sweat, you know how uncomfortable a stuffy bed can be. All-foam mattresses typically work well for side sleepers, but some people might shy away from them because they are known for trapping heat. Fortunately, many newer models use cooling gels and other technology for temperature regulation which helps keep you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
To see if this fancy tech is pulling its weight, we use a thermal gun to measure the increase in surface temperature on a mattress. We take two readings: first, before anyone’s on the bed, and the second after someone has rested on it for seven minutes. The resulting increase gives us an idea of how much heat a mattress holds onto. On average, we see about 5.8 degrees, so anything lower is a sign of exceptional cooling.
Of course, we also note whether the mattress feels cool as we’re lying there. Sometimes beds with a cool-to-the-touch cover still heat up, or vice versa, so our final score is a combination of both our tester’s experience and the thermal gun results. I’d call 4.5/5 and above “active cooling” in a mattress.
Warranty
Always pay attention to the warranty offered by a mattress brand while shopping for mattresses. Not only does a robust warranty help you get a return on your investment if something is wrong with your bed, but it also can be a good indicator of a mattress’s longevity. The industry standard for a warranty is about 10 years, which also coincides with the average life expectancy of a mattress. Some brands may offer longer warranties, from 15 years to a limited lifetime or a forever warranty. The length of your warranty coverage can speak to how long your mattress is meant to last.
Also, make sure to read the fine print and make sure you know what could possibly void your mattress warranty. Put your bed on a proper frame and foundation, and top it with a mattress protector.
Price
Generally, a new bed can be a pricey investment, even if you’re shopping for the best mattresses for the money. Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to spend before shopping, and then do some research to find the best times to get mattress deals. Be on the lookout for sales around the holidays, and you can also sort through our exclusive coupons to ensure you’re getting the best price for your dream bed.
On top of that, I always recommend taking full advantage of any sleep trials. This gives you time to try before you commit to buying, giving you a firsthand idea of whether it’s worth the price you paid. So long as you initiate a return within the trial period, you can get a full refund. Some brands even offer year-long sleep trials, giving you plenty of time to get a feel for your new mattress.
Sleep Accessories for Side Sleepers
If you’re a side sleeper, there are a couple of other products or accessories to consider to help get the most out of your sleep. Here’s a look at some pillows and mattress toppers for side sleepers that may improve your sleep.
Pillows
The best pillow for side sleepers usually has a supportive feel and a high loft that fills the gap between the head and shoulders. These features help keep your head and neck elevated and aligned with the rest of your body and spine. Here’s a quick look at some of our favorite pillows that we found particularly good for side sleepers:
Testing out a pillow for side sleepers.
Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Pillow: This adjustable pillow has earned our top spot for side sleepers, thanks to its cushy-but-supportive feel. It has a malleable and customizable fill that you can arrange, remove, or add to your liking. Our testers also said it helped relieve their neck pain, once they found their perfect configuration.
Peacock Alley Down Alternative Pillow: While generally down alternative pillows lack the support that’s ideal for side sleepers, we found this down pillow from Peacock Alley to be the exception. Our tester gave the pillow a high overall score of 4.7/5, adding that the pillow had a malleable feel while still providing ample support.
Nectar Resident Pillow: Combination sleepers who alternate between their back and side may enjoy the Nectar Resident Pillow. The adjustable fill can be increased or decreased to accommodate a higher loft for side sleeping or a lower loft for back sleeping.
Bear Contour Pillow: This pillow from Bear has a contoured U-shape along the bottom of the pillow to contour your shoulders while sleeping on your side. Our pillow tester notes it’s a bit on the firm side, but it supported his neck and spine very well.
Mattress Toppers
If your mattress doesn’t provide the pressure relief and cushioning that you need for side sleeping, it might be time for a new bed. However, if you’re not quite ready to move on, you can adjust the feel of your mattress (and extend its life) with a mattress topper. Here are some mattress toppers for side sleepers that we recommend:
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Topper: Our testers enjoyed how this graphite-infused memory foam topper felt while sleeping on their sides. This supportive foam mattress topper provides good cushioning and pressure relief around the hips and shoulders, all while still having plenty of support.
Nolah Topper: We recommend this mattress topper to side sleepers with shoulder pain, as it adds an extra-soft surface to any mattress. The Nolah Topper particularly adds plush cushioning and enhanced contouring for fantastic pressure relief around joints.
Helix GlacioTex™ Premium Mattress Topper: If your mattress is too soft, you can add a bit of firmness with the Helix GlacioTex Mattress Topper and its microcoils. Although it provides a firm feel and solid support, our testers found that this firm mattress topper still has good pressure relief for side sleeping, too.
FAQs
What is the best mattress for side sleepers?
We chose the Helix Midnight as the best mattress for side sleepers, but the answer can vary based on your preferences. The Midnight excels in both pressure relief and support, the ideal balance for these sleepers. Its medium-firm feel also accommodates multiple body types. Moreover, it was well-received in other performance areas, like edge support and motion isolation, to further tempt buyers.
What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?
Memory foam mattresses are great for side sleepers. These beds have a slow-moving, contouring feel, which allows sleepers to sink into the layers and feel the pressure relief they need.
You could also opt for a hybrid mattress that has a soft pillow top. This bed offers both comfort from the plusher top layers and support from the innerspring unit.
What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?
Although firmness is subjective, side sleepers tend to gravitate towards plusher beds, making soft to medium-firm mattresses a better fit than firmer mattresses. However, you don’t want to go too soft—side sleepers should also have a mattress that offers enough support to keep their spines in a healthy alignment to avoid back pain.
What is the best mattress topper for side sleepers?
If a side sleeper has a mattress that is so firm that it’s causing pressure buildup, a mattress topper can be an easy and economical option to soften the overall feel of the sleep surface. Look for a thick foam topper to add more plush contouring to your bed. The Saatva mattress topper is a great fit for side sleepers, and you can also check out more great options in the best toppers for side sleepers roundup.
Are adjustable beds good for side sleepers?
An adjustable bed can mean two things. If you’re talking about a mattress on an adjustable base, these are usually designed for back sleepers, but with some extra tweaking, you can find the right position for side sleepers. Just be sure to prioritize your alignment and comfort to stave off aches and pains.
For mattresses with an adjustable firmness, side sleepers are a great candidate. You can program your bed to have the right amount of softness you need to sink into, relieving pressure at the hips and shoulders. And if you need firmer support, adjust for that, too. They’re also a great pick for couples with differing preferences, as some models offer independent adjustability for each side of the bed.
References
Skarpsno, E. S., Mork, P. J., Nilsen, T. I. L., & Holtermann, A. (2017). Sleep positions and nocturnal body movements based on free-living accelerometer recordings: association with demographics, lifestyle, and insomnia symptoms. Nature and Science of Sleep, Volume 9, 267–275.
Caggiari, G., Talesa, G. R., Toro, G., Jannelli, E., Monteleone, G., & Puddu, L. (2021). What type of mattress should be chosen to avoid back pain and improve sleep quality? Review of the literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 22(1).
Livvi has been writing and researching sleep-based content for over a year. This, alongside her penchant for napping and extreme tossing and turning, has made her something close to an “expert” in the realm of sleep science, sleep products, and sleep accessories. She’s been consulted for her knowledge of the sleep space by publications such as Authority Magazine, Bustle, and Livingetc.
