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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.
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.
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.
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 popularity: 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 this position puts a lot of pressure on your shoulders and hips.
To choose the best beds for side sleepers, we called upon our oodles of data and experience. We also sought the advice of sleep specialists Dr. Raj Dasgupta and Dr. Shelby Harris, as well as input from 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 because of its versatile, appealing medium-firm feel, high level of support, and excellent performance in our pressure-relief tests. We loved how this mattress cushions the hips and shoulders. Meanwhile, its sturdy steel coils will keep the 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 representing each body type (lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight) rest on the mattress surface in both 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, with 10 being the firmest. 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.
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.
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 Premier Mattress
Traditional memory foam feel
Excellent motion isolation
Surprisingly cool-feeling cover
Summer Spectacular
Save Up to 50% on Mattresses + 66% on Bundles See Details
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.
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 Sapira Chill Hybrid
Multiple firmness options
Cooling-infused cover
Strong edge support
Fourth of July Sale
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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 Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Multiple firmness options
Relieves pressure
Contouring with strong edges
Summer Sale
30% Off Sitewide, Additional $50 Off with Code CLARITY50 See Details
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.
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 Luxe Mattress
Traditional memory foam feel
Soft but responsive
Cooling technology in cover
Summer Spectacular
Save Up to 50% on Mattresses + 66% on Bundles See Details
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.
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.
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 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 Loom & Leaf is a luxury memory foam mattress that delivers a subtle hug-like sensation. Upgraded lumbar support makes it ideal for back sleepers, and we were impressed by the bed’s outstanding motion isolation and responsiveness. While the former isn’t unusual for memory foam, ease of movement isn’t common for this material. The Loom & Leaf scored very well in our edge support tests — also atypical for all-foam models — making it a great option for couples who appreciate the feel of memory foam. Our only quibble? It wasn’t especially cool.
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 Aurora Luxe is offered in three firmness levels and features a durable hybrid construction. Our testers found that this mattress blends soft comfort with firm support to deliver quality pressure relief for sleepers. Those who sleep with a restless partner, may want to steer clear because of its subpar motion isolation, and despite having cooling in its name, this mattress didn’t blow us away in that category.
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 Sunset Luxe is one of Helix’s softest options in its luxury hybrid collection. However, it provides plush pressure-relieving comfort while maintaining optimal spinal support for a variety of sleeper types. It also demonstrated excellent responsiveness, making it particularly great for couples and combination 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 Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare well.
The Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare well.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is offered in three firmness levels and features a durable hybrid construction. Our testers found that this mattress blends soft comfort with firm support to deliver quality pressure relief for sleepers. Those who sleep with a restless partner, may want to steer clear because of its subpar motion isolation, and despite having cooling in its name, this mattress didn’t blow us away in that category.
The Sunset Luxe is one of Helix’s softest options in its luxury hybrid collection. However, it provides plush pressure-relieving comfort while maintaining optimal spinal support for a variety of sleeper types. It also demonstrated excellent responsiveness, making it particularly great for couples and combination sleepers.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is offered in three firmness levels and features a durable hybrid construction. Our testers found that this mattress blends soft comfort with firm support to deliver quality pressure relief for sleepers. Those who sleep with a restless partner, may want to steer clear because of its subpar motion isolation, and despite having cooling in its name, this mattress didn’t blow us away in that category.
The Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare 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 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 | Up to 30% Off Mattress and Adjustable Base Bundle | 25% Off Bedding
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 Memory Foam Mattress is a value-priced model with a firm, lifted feel. It wowed us with its outstanding edge support and motion isolation, which makes it ideal for couples, and it earned a perfect response score. Combination sleepers should have no problem moving around. On the downside, that firmness means the CopperFlex doesn’t offer much in the way of pressure relief, and we’d advise dedicated side sleepers and fans of a traditional memory foam feel to look for something softer.
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 Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare well.
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 Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare 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 Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare 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 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 Canadian-made Silk & Snow Mattress is a very budget-friendly memory foam mattress with a firm feel. It has a simple two-layer construction, but the antimicrobial cover is removable for easy care. We found the bed stayed surprisingly temperature neutral given its construction, and it scored well in our pressure relief tests. We weren’t especially impressed with its edge support or motion isolation, but it has a steady responsiveness that might appeal to many combination sleepers.
Up to 30% Off Sitewide | Free Classic Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam Mattress is a value-priced model with a firm, lifted feel. It wowed us with its outstanding edge support and motion isolation, which makes it ideal for couples, and it earned a perfect response score. Combination sleepers should have no problem moving around. On the downside, that firmness means the CopperFlex doesn’t offer much in the way of pressure relief, and we’d advise dedicated side sleepers and fans of a traditional memory foam feel to look for something softer.
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 Canadian-made Silk & Snow Mattress is a very budget-friendly memory foam mattress with a firm feel. It has a simple two-layer construction, but the antimicrobial cover is removable for easy care. We found the bed stayed surprisingly temperature neutral given its construction, and it scored well in our pressure relief tests. We weren’t especially impressed with its edge support or motion isolation, but it has a steady responsiveness that might appeal to many combination sleepers.
Up to 30% Off Sitewide | Free Classic Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
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 Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is offered in three firmness levels and features a durable hybrid construction. Our testers found that this mattress blends soft comfort with firm support to deliver quality pressure relief for sleepers. Those who sleep with a restless partner, may want to steer clear because of its subpar motion isolation, and despite having cooling in its name, this mattress didn’t blow us away in that category.
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 | Up to 30% Off Mattress and Adjustable Base Bundle | 25% Off Bedding
The Canadian-made Silk & Snow Mattress is a very budget-friendly memory foam mattress with a firm feel. It has a simple two-layer construction, but the antimicrobial cover is removable for easy care. We found the bed stayed surprisingly temperature neutral given its construction, and it scored well in our pressure relief tests. We weren’t especially impressed with its edge support or motion isolation, but it has a steady responsiveness that might appeal to many combination sleepers.
Up to 30% Off Sitewide | Free Classic Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
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 Canadian-made Silk & Snow Mattress is a very budget-friendly memory foam mattress with a firm feel. It has a simple two-layer construction, but the antimicrobial cover is removable for easy care. We found the bed stayed surprisingly temperature neutral given its construction, and it scored well in our pressure relief tests. We weren’t especially impressed with its edge support or motion isolation, but it has a steady responsiveness that might appeal to many combination sleepers.
Up to 30% Off Sitewide | Free Classic Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
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 Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare 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 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.
Up to 30% Off Sitewide | Free Classic Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
The Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare 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 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 Titan Plus Luxe is a medium-firm hybrid intended for heavyweight sleepers. We found its responsiveness a good match for combination sleepers, though back and stomach sleepers should also fare well, thanks to a notably lifted feel. We weren’t terribly impressed with the bed’s edge support or pressure relief, and we’d steer most side sleepers to models with more contouring. Those who prefer a firm feel and want a mattress engineered to support more weight should fare 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.
Up to 30% Off Sitewide | Free Classic Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
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.
Up to 30% Off Sitewide | Free Classic Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase
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.
Our Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Video Review
Read about our testing experience with each of the beds on our list below.
Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers
Best 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.
Testing Highlights
Pressure relief. The Helix Midnight earned excellent ratings for side-sleeping pressure relief across the board, accommodating multiple body types.
Pain relief. This mattress should also provide cradling around the hips and shoulders as they dig into the mattress.
Edge support. The Helix Midnight’s highest score was for its top-notch edge support, which will allow side sleepers to spread out on the mattress.
Why the Helix Midnight is the Best for Side Sleepers Overall
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.
Alongside our side-sleeping pressure relief tests, our chief medical product tester also gave the Midnight a perfect 5/5 for side sleeping. Its hybrid design provides enough lift to align the spine, all while keeping key pressure points like the hips and shoulders cradled.
If you want even more details on the Midnight, though, read our comprehensive Helix Midnight review.
What Our Tester Says
I really like this on my side. It has a lot of really nice plushness on top and supportive coils underneath that prevent me from sinking too far. My hips and shoulders are getting cushion and pressure relief while my spine is really aligned. I would love to sleep on this long term on my side and don’t think I would have any issues.
Riley Otis, Expert Mattress Tester
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Midnight is medium-firm, great for both side and back sleepers.
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Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
Above average. It’s pretty cushiony around sensitive joints.
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Edge Support: 4.4/5
Above average. Our tester felt secure when sitting or lying near the edges.
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Cooling: 3.5/5
Below average. It didn’t wow us with its cooling performance.
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. We felt some movement in our test.
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Response: 4/5
Below average. It has some sink, but it’s still springy enough for easy movement.
Who Might Like the Helix Midnight
Older adults. Strong edge support means it’s easier to get in and out of bed.
Couples. The Helix Midnight earned high marks in key areas for couples: motion isolation, responsiveness, and edge support.
Combination back and side sleepers. The Helix Midnight’s medium-firm feel supports both of these positions, and its responsiveness makes it easy to switch between them.
Who Might Not Like the Helix Midnight
Stomach sleepers. These folks need a firmer mattress for better support in the hips.
Especially hot sleepers. The Midnight’s so-so cooling performance should satisfy most sleepers, but those prone to overheating may want a better cooling bed.
Doctor’s Note
“This bed is great for shoulder pain. It’s soft enough to allow some sinkage, which feels really nice around the shoulders. Likewise, people with lateral hip pain will likely find a ton of relief on this mattress, too.” – Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT
Other User Reviews
The Helix Midnight has a rating of 4.7 stars on the bed’s site. Customers praise its balanced feel, though many note the mattress isn’t as cool as expected.
Nectar Premier – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers
Best Medium-Firm
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
Summer Spectacular
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The Nectar Premier is an all-foam mattress with a high-density base layer and several layers of plush foam on top.
Firmness
The Nectar Premier is softer than average. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated it a 6/10. For reference, 6.5/10 is considered the industry standard of 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.
Testing HIghlights
Firmness. At 6/10 on our firmness scale, the Nectar Premier has a slight softness that’s perfect for side sleepers.
Cooling. For a foam mattress, the Nectar Premier provides good temperature regulation, thanks to its cooling cover.
Motion Isolation. If you share the bed with a restless partner, you likely won’t feel their movements on this mattress.
Why the Nectar Premier is A Great Medium-Firm Bed for Side Sleepers
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.”
With these points in mind, I selected the Nectar Premier as the best medium-firm mattress for side sleepers. It came in at 6/10 on our firmness scale, a half-point down from true medium-firm.
Side sleeping felt great! It’s a softer mattress, and my shoulders felt like they were sinking in the exact right amount, while eventually being propped up (comfortably) by the denser base layer. I prefer the Premier’s balance of extra cushion and baseline support to the Nectar Classic’s more basic, support-forward feel. This is the option I think side sleepers should go for, if they’re choosing between the two.
Melanie Kassel, Certified Sleep Science Coach
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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.
Who Might Like the Nectar Premier
Hot sleepers. The surface temperature remained low during our cooling test, which bodes well for sleepers who find themselves overheating in bed.
Couples. The Premier’s excellent motion isolation absorbs movement before it can disturb whoever’s resting on the other side.
Back sleepers who like a softer feel. Aside from side sleepers, back sleepers who want a softer bed should be pleased with the Nectar Premier.
Who Might Not Like the Nectar Premier
Some heavyweight side sleepers. The Premier’s slightly softer feel could cause these sleepers to sink in further than expected, leading to misalignment or discomfort.
Stomach sleepers. In a similar vein, stomach sleepers will also want something firmer to keep the spine aligned.
Combination sleepers. As an all-foam mattress, it’s not the most responsive, which could make it harder to switch between sleeping positions.
Doctor’s Note
Dr. Habeeb has yet to try out the Nectar Premier; for now, here are her thoughts on the original model, the Nectar Classic:
“I’m getting good pressure relief at both my hips and shoulders; they’re both sinking into the memory foam. It’s firm enough that I’m not sinking in too much, though.” – Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT
Other User Reviews
The Nectar Premier has a 4.7 overall rating from consumers. Customers liked the bed’s softer feel that still provided support. However, some complained that it wasn’t firm enough to address back pain.
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 7/10, which is slightly firmer than 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.
Testing Highlights
Edge support. The WinkBed has strong edges, so you should be able to spread out, sit, and lie down along the perimeter without sinking.
Cooling. This mattress earned a 4/5 for cooling, thanks to its temperature-neutral feel that should satisfy most sleepers who run hot.
Pressure relief. Sleepers above 130 pounds should be able to rest comfortably on their side or back on this bed.
Why the WinkBed is the Best Bed for Side-Sleeping Couples
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.
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, including side sleepers who need pressure relief.
For a closer look at this bed, read our full WinkBed review.
What Our Tester Says
I like this bed a lot on my side. It is firm—firmer than I would expect to like. However, the top is soft enough that it contours my hip and shoulder. My hips are elevated, I like how it supports my midsection, and that my spine feels aligned.
Sosha Lewis, Certified Sleep Science Coach
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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.
Who Might Like the WinkBed
Sleepers with mobility concerns. A strong perimeter makes it easier to get in and out of bed. It should also assist caretakers in this transfer.
Most hot sleepers. The WinkBed didn’t hold onto heat during our cooling test, so it should help keep temperatures low for sleepers who run hot.
Back sleepers. Alongside side sleepers, back sleepers should also enjoy the WinkBed’s cushioning pillow top and supportive coils.
Who Might Not Like the WinkBed
Combination sleepers. The WinkBed’s lackluster responsiveness makes it difficult for these sleepers to toggle between preferred positions.
Lightweight sleepers. These folks should opt for the softest model of the WinkBed, as the luxury firm may not provide the cushioning they need.
Doctor’s Note
“This mattress provides a lot of support and lift, helping place the spine in a neutral alignment.” – Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT
Other User Reviews
The WinkBed currently has a 4.8-star rating on the brand’s site. Sleepers are satisfied with its ability to relieve pain, particularly around the lower back. However, many expressed dissatisfaction with the firmness level they received, with some opting for an exchange to a different model.
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
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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.
Testing Highlights
Firmness. The Medium model of the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid comes in at a 6/10 on our firmness scale, true to name and with a softer feel that should benefit side sleepers.
Cooling. As the name “chill” suggests, this mattress feels cool to the touch.
Edge support. The edge support for this mattress was so top-notch that our testers thought the perimeter felt as sturdy as the center of the bed.
What Makes Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid a Great Hybrid for Side Sleepers
Sleep science expert Dr. Raj Dasgupta is a fan of hybrid mattresses: “These beds combine soft foam and supportive coils to provide a welcoming feel,” he said. These beds often make a comfortable and supportive choice for many sleepers, including those who lie on their side.”
The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid 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 the majority of our testing categories, propelling it to an overall rating of 4.3.
I loved this mattress on my side. It has a plush top, but the plushness is very responsive and springy, so my hips felt like they were getting a boost and a cushion at the same time. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that sensation on a bed before! It conformed to my silhouette and kept my spine aligned with this great mix of softness and lift.
Melanie Kassel, Certified Sleep Science Coach
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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.
Who Might Like the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Sleepers with hip or shoulder pain. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid’s soft support cradles these areas so they’re protected as you lie on your side.
Hot sleepers. The Leesa’s cool-to-the-touch cover and breathable feel should be just what sleepers who run hot ordered.
Heavyweight sleepers. Our heavyweight tester gave the Leesa 5/5 stars for pressure relief while side and back sleeping.
Who Might Not Like the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Light sleepers. This bed’s motion isolation was just about average, so if you share the bed with a restless partner, you’ll likely feel their movements.
Budget shoppers. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid retails at over $1,600 for a queen.
Doctor’s Note
“It’s very comfortable, especially for the side. It has a softer feel and allows you to sink into it, so it contours your body really well. For me, it distributes pressure really well across the hip area.” – Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT
Other User Reviews
The Leesa Sapira Chill currently has an overall customer rating of 4.3 stars. While most customers find the mattress comfortable, many complained that the Medium model was softer than expected, leading to issues with their support.
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
Summer Sale
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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.
Testing Highlights
Motion isolation. The Nolah Evolution earned a perfect rating for motion absorption, meaning couples should be able to sleep side by side soundly.
Edge support. The mattress also features surprisingly sturdy edges despite its softer top layers.
Pressure relief. Back and side sleepers should both glean plenty of relief and cushioning on the Evolution.
Why the Nolah Evolution is the Best Cooling Bed for Side Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution is what my colleague, Sosha Lewis, and her perpetually overheating husband have at home. After testing this mattress, she gave it a 4 out of 5 for overall cooling. “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,” she explained.
The Nolah Evolution also earned a 4.5/5 for pressure relief and provides a medium-firm feel, perfect for side sleepers who run hot.
Until we bought the Nolah Evolution, my husband stated that every bed he had ever slept on made him hot. However, since we’ve gotten this bed, his complaints have chilled out. It’s also just a super comfortable bed.
Sosha Lewis, Certified Sleep Science Coach
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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.
Who Might Like the Nolah Evolution
Couples. During testing, we could barely feel when someone else was in the mattress, which bodes well for light sleepers who share the bed.
Seniors. Strong edge support and excellent pressure relief mean easy transfer out of bed and expert cradling of sensitive joints.
Sleepers looking for pain relief. The Evolution earned high marks from our chief medical product tester for relieving pain in the hips, shoulders, back, and joints.
Who Might Not Like the Nolah Evolution
Budget shoppers. Though the Nolah Evolution is reasonably priced for a luxury mattress, it still costs more than $1,000 for a queen.
Fans of a bouncy bed. This mattress boasts some responsiveness, but we noticed it had more of a slow-moving feel you’d associate with foam mattresses. This could make moving around difficult for some sleepers.
Doctor’s Note
“I’m finding a lot of sinkage on this bed, which is contouring my body nicely. This is really helpful for relieving pressure at the hips and shoulders, but I’m finding enough support to prevent me from sinking too much, promoting proper spinal alignment.” – Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT
Other User Reviews
On Nolah’s site, the Evolution hybrid has a customer rating of 4.6 stars. The majority of reviews speak to the comfort and pressure relief the mattress provides. However, a few mentioned they found the bed softer than expected, with others saying this affected the edge support.
Saatva Classic – Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers
Best Innerspring
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
$1,399-$3,118 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Stomach Sleepers
It provides enough lift under the hips for stomach sleepers to maintain spinal alignment.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers should feel fully and evenly supported.
Back Pain
Built-in lumbar support features may help combat lower back pain.
Pros
It’s available in multiple firmness options (and two heights!).
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic will work well for most back sleepers, as its zoned support encourages spinal alignment.
Its high-density foam and dual coil units should ensure longevity and durability.
Cons
If you like the feel of a memory foam mattress, you’re not going to love the springiness of the Saatva.
This mattress also doesn’t offer much in the way of motion isolation, which could be a problem for light sleepers.
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 Classic is a luxurious hybrid mattress that should be a great long-term investment. Its claim to fame is that it boasts two coil units instead of one, with a layer of shorter micro-coils above its classic innerspring unit. It’s available in multiple firmness options and two heights for lots of customizability.
We think its Luxury Firm model is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers, and two of our Certified Sleep Science Coaches actually own this bed. However, light sleepers with a rowdy partner and fans of memory foam should look elsewhere. Learn more in our video review.
Testing Highlights
Responsiveness. The Saatva earned a perfect rating for responsiveness; it’s one of the bounciest beds we’ve tried.
Edge support. The Saatva Classic’s perimeter barely budges when you sit or lie down on it.
Cooling. The bed’s organic cotton cover and two layers of coils keep air flowing through the mattress.
Why the Saatva Classic is the Best Innerspring Bed for Side Sleepers
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.
I sleep on this mattress every night, and as a primarily side sleeper, it was a no-brainer to include the Saatva Classic on this list.
Despite its firm feel, the Saatva Classic has a pillow top that allows for a bit of give. Thus, I was able to get my shoulders and hips to sink in a bit. However, I’m used to sleeping on a firmer bed on my side, as I prefer support to cradling. The Saatva provides the feeling that I just love on my side.
Livvi DiCicco, Certified Sleep Science Coach
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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.
Who Might Like the Saatva Classic
Combination sleepers. Switching between preferred positions is a breeze on this mattress. You should be able to launch yourself across the surface.
Sleepers with back pain. The Saatva’s double-innerspring construction and zoned support works to keep your spine in its proper alignment.
Fans of strong edge support. You can use the perimeter of the Saatva Classic as a second chair or lie across it without dipping or sinking.
Who Might Not Like the Saatva Classic
Couples. The Saatva’s motion isolation leaves something to be desired. You’ll probably feel every little twitch your partner makes.
Memory foam fans. This mattress doesn’t offer the super-sink of traditional memory foam, but its dense Euro top should give sleepers all the cushioning and pressure relief they need.
Doctor’s Note
“I feel very comfortable on my side, and 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.” – Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT
Other User Reviews
With over 5,000 customer reviews, the Saatva Classic earns an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars. Sleepers enjoy the bed’s support and alignment, but some find the bed firmer than expected—though most instances were remedied with an exchange.
Nectar Luxe – Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
Best Luxury
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
Summer Spectacular
Save Up to 50% on Mattresses + 66% on Bundles See Details
The Nectar Luxe is softer than average. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated it a 6/10. For reference, 6.5/10 represents 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.
Testing Highlights
Cooling. Thanks to its heat-wicking cover, the Nectar Luxe earned an impressive 4.5/5 for temperature regulation.
Responsiveness. For a foam bed, the Luxe should be relatively easy to move around on, meaning you won’t feel “stuck” in its surface.
Firmness. The Nectar Luxe’s true medium-firm feel (6.5/10) should appeal to a variety of sleeping positions and body types.
Why the Nectar Luxe is the Best Luxury Bed for Side 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 overall score, thanks to its cooling capability (rated 4.4/5) and generous customer policies (5/5).
This is one of the most comfortable mattresses I’ve tested for side sleeping because it’s so soft and yielding. The layer of spongecake along its surface molded to my curves and filled in the gaps at my hips to relieve all pressure. My spine felt supported, but not as much as it did on the firmer mattresses I tested. I would recommend this mattress to lightweight side sleepers and anyone who likes a super-soft mattress.
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.
Who Might Like the Nectar Luxe
Memory foam fans. The Nectar Luxe has the classic slow-moving, doughy feel that’ll contour to your body as you rest on your side.
Combination sleepers. Despite its foam feel, combination sleepers should be able to switch positions without much resistance.
Hot sleepers. This mattress features a cool-to-the-touch cover that should keep temperatures low throughout the night.
Who Might Not Like the Nectar Luxe
Budget shoppers. As a luxury bed, the Nectar Luxe comes with a high price tag that won’t appeal to shoppers looking to save.
Light sleepers. Most foam beds are usually excellent at isolating motion, but our tester noticed a lot of movement with another person in the bed.
Doctor’s Note
“It’s really comfortable on my side because it is just so squishy. I think it would provide sinkage pressure relief in your hips and shoulders when you’re on your side.” – Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT
Other User Reviews
The Nectar Luxe has a 4.7-star rating from customers. Many reviews come from older adults and those with pain concerns, appreciating the bed’s cushioning. But a few mention that the mattress isn’t as cool as advertised.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers and Muscle Recovery
Best for 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 6.5/10, which is 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
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers should get enough support around their lower lumbar region to keep their spine in neutral alignment.
Couples
Sleepers with restless partners (or pets) will appreciate the Bear Elite Hybrid’s motion dampening abilities.
Combo Sleepers
Combination sleepers should find it easy to move around and change positions on the Bear’s highly responsive surface.
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.
Testing Highlights
Responsiveness. The Bear Elite Hybrid earned a perfect responsiveness rating because of its bouncy feel.
Edge support. Our tester felt like she could lie on “the farthest reaches of the mattress” without feeling any sinkage.
Pressure relief. Lightweight and average-weight sleepers should appreciate this bed’s cushioning pillow top when they rest on their side or back.
Why the Bear Elite Hybrid is the Best Bed for Recovery and Side Sleepers
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.
It also offers an optional Celliant cover, which Bear claims can help with muscle recovery. The Bear Elite also earned a 4.3/5 in pressure relief, helping it to garner a 4.4 overall score, which launched it into our top spot for the best mattress for side sleepers and muscle recovery.
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.
What Our Tester Says
The pillowtop is giving great cushioning at my hips and shoulders. It props me into neutral alignment. I have sensitive shoulders, so take this with a grain of salt, but I feel a little pressure in that area. Otherwise, it’s comfortable.
Riley Otis, Expert Mattress Tester
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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.
Who Might Like the Bear Elite
Sleepers with mobility concerns. Transferring in and out of bed is made easy with the Bear Elite Hybrid’s rock-solid edges.
Softer mattress fans. The Medium model of the Bear Elite Hybrid feels true to description (6/10), but our testers noted quite a lot of sinkage and contouring that made the mattress feel softer.
Combination sleepers. We had no issues moving on top of the Bear Elite Hybrid, even with its plusher-feeling pillow top.
Who Might Not Like the Bear Elite
Side sleepers over 230 pounds. Our heavyweight testers both complained that their shoulders were sinking too far into the bed in this position.
Extra-hot sleepers. We received mixed results in our cooling test. While our tester thought the mattress didn’t heat up while she was lying on it, our thermal gun recorded a surface temperature increase of over 10 degrees.
Doctor’s Note
“This is really comfortable on the side. Nothing hurts, and there’s no pressure, plus my hips and shoulders are sinking in nicely. It conforms to your body really nicely, but my spine still feels neutral.” – Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT
Other User Reviews
On Bear’s site, the Elite Hybrid earned a 4.6-star rating from customers. Many reviews cite that the mattress has helped with pain relief. Some complain that the mattress has started to sag or show indentations after repeated use.
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.
Testing Highlights
Edge support. The Aurora Luxe features excellent edge support so you can spread out on the mattress surface without slipping or sliding.
Responsiveness. Despite its plush pillow top, moving around on the Aurora Luxe was fairly seamless.
Pressure relief. The Aurora Luxe earned high marks for both side- and back-sleeping pressure relief from our lightweight and average-weight testers.
Why the Aurora Luxe is the Best Soft Bed for Side Sleepers
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).
The Medium model did have a slightly firmer feel at 7/10 on our scale, while the Soft should feel closer to 5.5/10—perfect for lightweight and average-weight side sleepers. Sleepers over 230 pounds should be able to rest comfortably on either, as our heavyweight tester Marten Carlson found out during his nap test.
It’s not too firm for side sleepers, but I will say I’m not getting super deep sinkage and contouring at my shoulders and hips. There’s no pressure, but some side sleepers may want to melt into their bed a bit more.
Riley Otis, Certified Sleep Science Coach
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Firmness: 7/10
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling has a firmer feel.
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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above-average. Back sleepers who love a firmer sleep surface will glean the most pressure relief.
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Edge Support: 4.6/5
Above average. The edges of the Aurora Luxe felt solid, only dipping slightly when we were seated at the perimeter.
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Cooling: 3.5/5
Below average. The Aurora Luxe feels cool and crisp, but it did hold onto some heat during our temperature test.
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Motion Isolation: 3.8/5
Average. We felt our fellow testers’ movements when they were closer to our side of the bed.
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Response: 4/5
Average. The Aurora Luxe has decent responsiveness, but it’ll likely require some effort to move around on top of.
Who Might Like the Aurora Luxe
Combination sleepers. The Aurora Luxe’s responsive surface means easy switching between positions. It was also a hit with our testers for stomach and back sleeping.
Luxury mattress shoppers. This mattress has all the frills to appeal to those looking for a high-end bed with a hotel-like feel.
Sexually active couples. The Aurora Luxe’s strong edge support and responsiveness should benefit sexually active sleepers during the main event.
Who Might Not Like the Aurora Luxe
Hot sleepers. Despite having “cooling” in its full name, the Aurora Luxe mattress did have a lot of heat retention in our temperature test.
Light sleepers. The motion isolation on the Aurora Luxe didn’t exactly impress us, so most co-sleepers will feel each other’s tossing and turning.
Doctor’s Note
“It maintains a nice, neutral alignment and supports the lumbar spine and lower back; this is true for any sleeping position. It does a great job at preventing the spine from bending.” – Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT
Other User Reviews
On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Aurora Luxe has a 4.6-star rating. Customers love the mattress for support and pain relief, but a few note the bed isn’t as cool as expected.
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.
Testing Highlights
Firmness. Despite being built for heavyweight sleepers, the Titan Plus has an approachable medium-firm feel (a 6.5/10 on our scale).
Responsiveness. Switching from our side to other sleeping positions felt relatively easy.
Motion isolation. We gave the Titan Plus Luxe a 4.3/5 for its motion absorption, which should keep movement relegated to one side.
Why the Titan Plus Luxe is the Best Bed for Heavy Side Sleepers
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.
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.
I really like how the foam immediately contours to my body, offering a great amount of comfort. But because of those coils, I felt very well supported.
Marten Carlson, Heavyweight Tester and Lead Reviewer
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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.
Who Might Like the Titan Plus Luxe
Heavyweight back sleepers. On top of side-sleeping, back sleepers over 230 pounds should appreciate the Titan Plus Luxe’s supportive surface.
Couples. On this bed, we think even light sleepers should remain undisturbed by their partner’s tossing and turning.
Combination sleepers. If you switch between your side and another sleeping position, you shouldn’t encounter any resistance on this mattress.
Who Might Not Like the Titan Plus Luxe
Lightweight side sleepers. These sleepers likely won’t get the sinkage they need, especially if they have sensitive hips or shoulders.
Sleepers who want strong edge support. We noticed quite a bit of sinkage when perched on the perimeter of this bed.
Doctor’s Note
“I feel no pressure build up, and it’s doing a good job distributing pressure on my shoulder and my hip. It’s soft and contours nicely. Even with the plushness, it feels firm enough to keep me relatively aligned.” – Dr. Hannah Habeeb, DPT
Other User Reviews
The Titan Plus line currently has a 4.5-star rating on the brand’s site. Customers think the Titan Plus Luxe provides good support for sleepers over 230 pounds, but many can’t say the same for the edges of the mattress.
Latest Updates: In July 2026, we reviewed our list of mattresses for side sleepers to ensure we’re still providing the best of the best. We gave our mini reviews a facelift to deliver the need-to-know information clearly and succinctly. Finally, we also added a new chart comparing the pressure relief scores of each featured mattress to their listed price tags (before sales).
Other Mattresses for Side Sleepers We Researched
Still couldn’t find what you were looking for in our list above? Here are some other popular beds for side sleepers that might tickle your fancy:
Helix Midnight Luxe – The Midnight Luxe is one step up from our top pick, the Helix Midnight. It’s quite similar in that regard, but boasts a slightly softer feel. Thanks to its thicker, cooler pillow top. It’s also a bit more expensive than the Midnight, hence why it didn’t make our list.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Another model by Brooklyn Bedding, the Signature Hybrid is the brand’s self-described budget option. Like the Aurora Luxe, it comes in multiple firmness options, though it lacks a lot of the luxury model’s frills. While the Signature performed well for side sleepers, our testers ultimately preferred it while back sleeping, for which it earned multiple perfect ratings.
Leesa Original– The Leesa is an all-foam mattress with a surprisingly firm feel that still relieves pressure. Our testers gave it high marks for both side and back sleeping, though the majority preferred the latter. It also features some top-notch cooling for a memory foam mattress. But its firmer feel may not accommodate all side sleepers, especially those concerned about hip or shoulder pain.
What Makes a Great Mattress for Side Sleepers
Sleeping on a high-quality mattress that offers both support and cushioning comfort can 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 further inclined toward either end of the firmness scale. 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.
How Much Do Mattresses for Side Sleepers Cost?
Budget is always an important factor when picking your next mattress, but you don’t always have to pay top dollar for the best contouring and cushioning for improved side sleeping. Below is a chart comparing each mattress featured in this guide, outlining the price of a queen mattress (before any sales or discounts) compared to the bed’s pressure relief score earned during our performance tests. Hover over each data point to see how these mattresses illustrate their respective cost-to-pressure-relief ratios:
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.
What Pillow Should Side Sleepers Use?
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:
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.
What Mattress Topper is Best for Side Sleepers?
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
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).
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.
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.
