Best Mattress for Side Sleepers 2026
Side sleeping is the most common position, requiring softer mattresses that cushion pressure points at shoulders and hips. We've tested 8 mattresses perfect for side sleepers.
What Side Sleepers Need:
- ✅ Firmness: Soft to medium (3-6 out of 10)
- ✅ Pressure Relief: At shoulders, hips, and knees
- ✅ Materials: Memory foam, plush hybrids, or soft latex
- ✅ Support: Spinal alignment when lying sideways
Top 8 Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Side Sleeper Mattress Buying Guide
Why Side Sleepers Need Special Mattresses
Side sleeping creates pressure points at your shoulders and hips - the widest parts of your body. A mattress that's too firm will push back against these points, cutting off circulation and causing pain. You need a mattress that:
- Contours around shoulders and hips
- Maintains spinal alignment (not sagging)
- Relieves pressure points
- Supports waist to prevent gap
Best Mattress Types for Side Sleepers
1. Memory Foam (Best Overall)
Memory foam excels at pressure relief by contouring precisely to your body shape. It's the top choice for most side sleepers.
Top picks: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud, Nectar Memory Foam, Casper Original
2. Hybrid with Soft Top (Great Balance)
Hybrids combine foam comfort layers with coil support. Look for models specifically designed for side sleepers like Helix Midnight.
Top picks: Helix Midnight, DreamCloud, Saatva Classic (Plush Soft)
3. Latex (If You Don't Want Memory Foam)
Natural Talalay latex offers gentle contouring without the "hug" of memory foam. More responsive feel.
Top picks: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss (soft config), Birch Natural
Firmness Guide for Side Sleepers
Your body weight matters:
- <130 lbs: Soft (3-4/10) - Lightweight people need softer
- 130-180 lbs: Medium-soft to Medium (4-5/10) - Sweet spot
- 180-230 lbs: Medium (5-6/10) - Prevents sinking too much
- 230+ lbs: Medium-firm (6-7/10) - Need more support
Common Mistakes Side Sleepers Make
- ❌ Buying too firm (causes shoulder/hip pain)
- ❌ Ignoring body weight (firmness should match weight)
- ❌ Skipping trial periods (must test for 30 nights)
- ❌ Cheap pillows (need thick, supportive pillow for side sleeping)
Best Features for Side Sleepers
- ✅ Zoned support: Different firmness for shoulders vs hips
- ✅ Thick comfort layers: At least 3-4 inches of soft foam
- ✅ Motion isolation: Important if you share the bed
- ✅ Cooling tech: Memory foam can sleep hot
FAQs: Side Sleepers
What firmness should side sleepers choose?
Soft to medium (3-6/10) depending on your weight. Lighter people need softer (3-4), average weight needs medium-soft (4-5), heavier individuals need medium (5-6).
Is memory foam or hybrid better for side sleepers?
Memory foam typically offers better pressure relief, while hybrids provide more support and cooling. Both can work - try memory foam if pressure relief is priority, hybrid if you want more bounce and cooler sleep.
Why do my shoulders hurt on a new mattress?
Your mattress is likely too firm for side sleeping. You need a softer mattress that lets your shoulder sink in. Give it 30 nights to break in, but if pain persists, exchange for a softer option.
Do side sleepers need special pillows?
Yes! Side sleepers need thick, firm pillows (4-6 inches loft) to fill the gap between shoulder and head. Thin pillows cause neck pain for side sleepers.
Not Sure Which Mattress is Right for You?
Read our comprehensive buying guide to compare all mattress types and find your perfect match.
Read Complete Buying Guide