The best type of mattress for side sleepers is based on a mix of personal preference and body type. A good mattress for side sleepers offers a combination of support for spinal alignment and pressure relief in the shoulders and hips. Lightweight sleepers could find this from a softer mattress while heavier sleepers will likely need a medium or medium-firm mattress.
Overall, ultra-firm mattresses are unlikely to be the right choice for side sleepers since it might not offer enough pressure-point relief.
Our rating of the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers includes all-foam mattresses, hybrids, and an innerspring mattress. Latex mattresses could also be an option for side sleepers with a plush comfort layer or a pillow top.
What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?
The ideal firmness level for side sleepers is dependent on personal preference as well as body type. Most side sleepers prefer a mattress that’s medium-soft to medium-firm.
A hybrid or an all-foam mattress could be solutions to a painless night of sleep for many side sleepers. Studies show that hybrid and foam mattresses relieve pressure aches and pains when you sleep. Some innerspring mattresses may also be comfortable for some side sleepers because it supports the alignment of the spine. Side sleepers undecided about which firmness they prefer may find the flexibility of the flippable Layla Memory Foam mattress with two firmness options to be a boon.
Lighter weight side sleepers are likely to feel the most comfortable on a softer mattress while heavier sleepers will probably prefer a firmer mattress.
What is the best mattress for side and stomach sleepers?
Every type of sleeper has different needs. Side sleepers typically deal with pressure points in the shoulders and hips, so they need a mattress that provides pressure relief and contouring, but also enough support to keep the spine aligned. Stomach sleepers deal with excess pressure on the back and spine, and may experience neck pain. Because of this, stomach sleepers generally need a medium-firm to firm mattress to keep the spine from sagging.
There isn’t one mattress that will work for all side and stomach sleepers, but the key is to find that sweet spot between comfort and support. Most side sleepers prefer a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress so it makes sense to start with a medium-firm mattress, since that’s the ideal firmness for stomach sleepers too. The WinkBed, Saatva Classic, Nectar Memory Foam, Leesa Original, and DreamCloud Premier are all mattresses that place in both our ratings of the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers and Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers.
What is the best mattress for side sleepers with lower back or hip pain?
The Better Sleep Council recommends side sleeping for those who have back pain or hip pain. They go on to recommend placing a pillow between the knees when sleeping on your side to help alleviate pressure on the hips and lower back.
Side sleepers with back pain should pay extra close attention to finding a mattress that offers support while assisting in pressure point relief of the hips and shoulders. Proper spinal alignment is key to sleeping both comfortably as well as not causing any additional pain. Most sleepers find this combination in hybrid mattresses that offer upper comfort layers made of foam or latex with durable support from coils below. A hybrid mattress with individually pocketed coils could also help with targeted support.
If back pain is keeping you up at night, you may also want to check out our rating of the Best Mattresses for Back Pain.
What is the best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain?
Side sleepers who experience shoulder pain should look for a mattress that provides contouring around the pressure points of the shoulders and hips while also providing ample support to keep the spine aligned. A mattress that keeps the spine aligned will allow for the body to rest gently on the shoulder.
Side sleepers with shoulder pain are likely to find a good match in a hybrid or an all-foam mattress that uses contouring foams like memory foam.
What other sleep products are good for side sleepers?
Mattresses are not the only sleep product that can help side sleepers get a better night’s sleep. There are also specific types of pillows you can pair with your mattress in order to keep your spine aligned. We recommend you look for a medium to firm pillow with a high loft to fill the gap caused by the shoulder. Memory foam or ultra-plush mattress toppers could also be a good addition to your bed to help relieve pressure points.