Last Updated on October 10, 2026
Sleeping on your side can be comfortable, but choosing the wrong mattress may leave your shoulders or hips feeling sore in the morning. Finding the right pressure-relieving memory foam mattress is especially important because side sleepers place more weight on these areas. In this guide, we’ll review the best mattress for side sleepers options and explain which beds may suit your body weight, sleeping habits, and budget.
The best mattress for side sleepers should cushion your shoulders and hips while keeping your spine comfortably aligned. A mattress that’s too firm may create pressure points, while one that’s too soft may allow your hips to sink too deeply.
Fortunately, several mattress brands offer foam, hybrid, and latex designs that work well for side sleeping. Let’s compare 16 options and see what makes each one worth considering.
Top 16 Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Reviews 2027
There isn’t one mattress that’s perfect for every side sleeper. Some people prefer the close contouring of memory foam, while others enjoy the bounce and airflow of a hybrid mattress.
Our selections cover different comfort preferences rather than relying on one mattress type. The descriptions also distinguish current products from older models that may no longer be widely available.
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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers: Quick Comparison Chart
| Mattress | Best For | Mattress Type |
|---|---|---|
| Loom & Leaf | Luxury memory foam | All-foam |
| Saatva Classic | Supportive innerspring feel | Innerspring |
| Layla Hybrid | Two firmness choices | Flippable hybrid |
| Nectar Classic | Memory foam comfort | Foam or hybrid |
| Helix Midnight | Side sleepers wanting a hybrid | Hybrid |
| Puffy Lux | Plush cushioning | Hybrid |
| Casper Hybrid Options | Balanced foam and coil support | Hybrid |
| Amerisleep AS3 / AS5 | Contouring foam | Foam or hybrid |
| Purple | Responsive pressure relief | Grid-based foam or hybrid |
| Nolah Original | Foam comfort without deep sinkage | All-foam |
| Leesa Sapira Hybrid | Balanced support | Hybrid |
| Serta iComfort | Pressure relief | All-foam |
| Novaform | Value-focused foam | All-foam |
| WinkBed | Supportive pillow-top comfort | Hybrid |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Support and cooling features | Hybrid |
| DreamCloud Premier | Luxury hybrid comfort | Foam or hybrid |
Note: These recommendations are based on mattress construction and intended comfort characteristics, not a claim that every mattress has been personally tested. Model availability, materials, firmness, and purchase policies may change.
1. Loom & Leaf – Best Luxury Memory Foam Mattress
Loom & Leaf is worth considering if you want a premium memory foam bed. Made by Saatva, it combines high-density memory foam with supportive layers designed to provide cushioning and body contouring.
This mattress comes in Relaxed Firm and Firm comfort options. Relaxed Firm is generally the better starting point for many side sleepers because it offers more cushioning around the shoulders and hips.
Loom & Leaf also includes gel-infused memory foam and a breathable organic cotton cover. However, cooling performance depends on your bedding and room temperature.
The mattress comes with a 365-night home trial, lifetime limited warranty, and complimentary in-room delivery and setup on qualifying orders. Review Saatva’s return terms for any applicable processing fees.
If you’re deciding between memory foam and traditional innerspring comfort, our Loom & Leaf and Saatva comparison explains how the two mattress designs differ.
Best for: Side sleepers who enjoy close memory foam contouring and want a luxury mattress with delivery and setup included.
2. Saatva Classic – Best for Supportive Innerspring Comfort
The Saatva Classic combines a responsive dual-coil system with a cushioned Euro pillow top. It’s a good choice if you prefer sleeping on top of your mattress rather than sinking deeply into foam.
This mattress is available in Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm options. Side sleepers with a lighter build may prefer Plush Soft, while some average-weight sleepers may enjoy Luxury Firm.
Saatva Classic includes targeted lumbar support and reinforced edges in its construction. Its coil system also allows airflow through the mattress.
The mattress is available in 11.5-inch and 14.5-inch heights. Both versions are designed to provide the same general comfort and support, so mattress height should not be treated as a separate firmness rating.
Saatva offers a 365-night home trial and lifetime limited warranty. Qualifying mattress purchases also include in-room delivery and setup.
Best for: Side sleepers who prefer a responsive mattress, stable edges, and several firmness options.
3. Layla Hybrid – Best Flippable Mattress
The Layla Hybrid mattress stands out because it offers two firmness levels in one bed. One side is softer, while the other provides a firmer sleeping surface.
The softer side may suit side sleepers who need additional cushioning around their shoulders and hips. If it feels too soft, you can flip the mattress and try the firmer side.
Layla uses copper-infused memory foam, airflow-focused foam layers, and individually wrapped coils. This construction provides a combination of contouring, support, and responsiveness.
The Layla Hybrid currently carries a 120-night trial and a 10-year limited warranty. Don’t confuse this with the Layla Memory Foam mattress, which has a separate lifetime warranty.
For a closer look at the brand’s comfort options, see our Layla mattress review.
Best for: Side sleepers who are uncertain about firmness and want two comfort options without buying another mattress.
4. Nectar Classic – Best Memory Foam Mattress
Nectar is one of the better-known online memory foam mattress brands. The Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress is approximately 12 inches thick and has a medium-firm feel.
It combines pressure-relieving memory foam with supportive layers underneath. This helps cushion the body while reducing excessive sinkage.
Nectar also sells hybrid models for people who prefer additional bounce and airflow. Therefore, it’s important to check whether you’re purchasing the foam or hybrid version.
A major advantage is Nectar’s 365-night home trial and Forever Warranty, subject to the manufacturer’s terms.
For couples, the all-foam version may be particularly appealing because memory foam generally absorbs movement well.
If you’re comparing online mattress brands, our Puffy vs Nectar mattress comparison explains the differences in comfort, construction, and sleeping feel.
Best for: Side sleepers who want contouring memory foam, motion isolation, and a long home trial.
5. Helix Midnight – Best Hybrid for Side Sleepers
Helix offers mattresses designed for different sleeping preferences. Among its popular models, the Helix Midnight is particularly worth considering for side sleepers.
The Midnight combines foam comfort layers with supportive coils to provide cushioning around the shoulders and hips without losing responsiveness.
If you want a more luxurious feel, the Helix Midnight Luxe offers upgraded cushioning and zoned support features. Helix also offers cooling cover options on selected mattresses.
Helix offers a 365-night mattress trial and limited lifetime warranty for qualifying purchases. The brand generally requires a 30-night adjustment period before initiating a return.
For sleepers who prefer a firmer surface, other Helix models may be more suitable.
Best for: Side sleepers who want a hybrid mattress with balanced cushioning, support, and airflow.
6. Puffy Lux – Best for Plush Comfort
Puffy Lux is designed for sleepers who enjoy a soft, comfortable mattress with cushioning foam layers. Its hybrid construction combines pressure-relieving materials with supportive coils.
This makes it worth considering for lightweight and average-weight side sleepers who prefer additional cushioning around their shoulders and hips.
Puffy promotes cooling materials and comfort layers designed to create a more contouring feel. However, the actual firmness may feel different depending on your body weight.
If you sleep on your stomach or dislike soft mattresses, Puffy Lux may not be the best option.
Check the current model specifications and qualifying trial terms before purchasing, as Puffy has offered several mattress versions over time.
Best for: Side sleepers who enjoy a plush, body-cushioning hybrid mattress.
7. Casper Hybrid – Best for Balanced Support
Casper has offered several hybrid mattresses over the years, including the older Original Hybrid and Wave Hybrid models.
These mattresses combine cushioning foam with supportive coils, providing a balance of pressure relief and responsiveness.
Casper’s newer lineup includes redesigned mattress collections, so the construction of a current Casper hybrid may differ from older models described in previous reviews.
Selected models use zoned foam or other targeted support designs intended to provide cushioning around the shoulders while maintaining support beneath the waist and hips.
If you’re interested in Casper, compare current models based on firmness, cooling features, and support rather than relying on discontinued product names.
Best for: Side sleepers who want cushioning foam with the responsive support of pocketed coils.
8. Amerisleep AS3 and AS5 – Best for Contouring Comfort
Amerisleep offers memory foam and hybrid mattresses with different firmness levels. The AS3 and AS5 are particularly worth considering for side sleepers.
The AS3 has a medium feel and aims to balance cushioning with support. The AS5 is softer and may better suit people who prefer deeper contouring around their shoulders and hips.
Amerisleep uses Bio-Pur foam in selected models. This foam has an open-cell structure intended to improve breathability and responsiveness.
Older reviews frequently recommended the AS4. However, the company’s featured lineup has changed, so shoppers should compare the currently available AS3 and AS5 rather than assuming AS4 is still a standard option.
Amerisleep generally offers a 100-night mattress trial and a 20-year limited warranty on qualifying models.
You can explore the different firmness and construction choices in our Amerisleep mattress buying guide.
Best for: Side sleepers who prefer memory foam cushioning and want a choice between medium and soft comfort.
9. Purple – Best for Responsive Pressure Relief
Purple mattresses feel different from traditional memory foam beds because they use the brand’s GelFlex Grid technology.
The grid flexes under pressure while supporting surrounding areas. This design can provide cushioning around the shoulders and hips without the same slow-sinking sensation of memory foam.
Purple offers foam and hybrid constructions in its mattress range. Some models include pocketed coils for additional responsiveness and airflow.
However, the grid has a distinctive feel that not everyone enjoys. If possible, try a Purple mattress in person before buying.
Most qualifying Purple mattress purchases include a 100-night trial and a 10-year limited warranty, although specific terms should be checked.
Best for: Side sleepers who want pressure relief but dislike the deep hug of traditional memory foam.
10. Nolah Original – Best Value Foam Mattress
Nolah Original is a good option to investigate if you’re looking for a foam mattress with pressure-relieving comfort.
The brand is known for its AirFoam technology, which is designed to provide cushioning with a more responsive feel than some traditional memory foams.
Nolah Original has historically been offered as an all-foam mattress. Its comfort layers can help cushion the shoulders and hips, while the supportive base provides underlying stability.
That said, heavier side sleepers should check whether the selected model offers enough support to prevent excessive sinkage.
Review the current Nolah product page for its exact trial, warranty, construction, and available comfort options before ordering.
Best for: Side sleepers who want a foam mattress with a balance of cushioning and responsiveness.
11. Leesa Sapira Hybrid – Best for Balanced Support
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid combines breathable comfort foam with individually wrapped coils. It is designed to offer pressure relief without sacrificing responsiveness.
Its medium-feel construction may suit side sleepers who want cushioning around their shoulders and hips while still feeling supported.
Leesa also offers the Sapira Chill Hybrid, which includes additional cooling features and different comfort options.
The Sapira Hybrid comes with a 120-night trial and limited lifetime warranty for qualifying direct purchases.
For couples, the combination of foam comfort layers and individually wrapped coils may help limit motion transfer.
If you’re comparing foam and hybrid beds, our Nectar and Leesa comparison looks at their differences in pressure relief, responsiveness, and value.
Best for: Side sleepers looking for a comfortable hybrid that balances cushioning, movement, and support.
12. Serta iComfort – Best for Pressure Relief
Serta is an established mattress manufacturer with several collections. The iComfort lineup is particularly relevant if you’re looking for memory foam pressure relief.
Current iComfort mattresses focus on all-foam construction, unlike some older iComfort Hybrid models.
These mattresses use comfort foams designed to cushion the body and help distribute pressure. Selected designs also include cooling materials and zoned support.
Serta offers different firmness levels, so side sleepers should compare the exact model rather than assuming every iComfort mattress feels plush.
If you prefer a hybrid, Serta’s iSeries NXG and selected Perfect Sleeper models provide additional choices.
Best for: Side sleepers who prefer foam contouring and want a mattress from a widely available brand.
13. Novaform – Best Affordable All-Foam Alternative
Novaform is known for foam mattresses sold through retailers such as Costco. Popular designs have included ComfortGrande and SoFresh.
Novaform mattresses generally focus on foam comfort and support at prices that can be lower than some premium online brands.
For side sleepers, look for a model that provides adequate cushioning around the shoulders without allowing the hips to sink too deeply.
All-foam mattresses can also be a useful option for couples who want good motion isolation.
However, Novaform model availability and specifications may vary by retailer. Older claims about a 3,650-night trial should not be relied upon. Returns are governed by the applicable retailer and manufacturer policies.
Best for: Budget-conscious side sleepers looking for a foam mattress sold through an established retailer.
14. WinkBed – Best for Supportive Pillow-Top Comfort
WinkBed combines a cushioned pillow top with supportive coils, making it a good option if you want comfort without giving up a traditional mattress feel.
Its Luxury Firm model is popular for balanced support, while the Softer option may be more comfortable for side sleepers who need additional shoulder and hip cushioning.
The WinkBed also uses zoned support and reinforced edges in its construction. These features are designed to help support different areas of the body.
If you’re a heavier side sleeper, consider comparing the WinkBed Plus with the standard comfort options. Our supportive mattress recommendations for heavier people can help you understand which features matter most.
WinkBeds offers a 120-night trial and lifetime limited warranty on qualifying mattresses.
Best for: Side sleepers who prefer a supportive hybrid with a cushioned pillow-top surface.
15. Bear Elite Hybrid – Best for Cooling and Zoned Support
Bear Elite Hybrid combines foam cushioning with supportive pocketed coils. Its design aims to provide pressure relief, responsiveness, and temperature management.
Selected models use zoned support and cooling cover materials, making the Elite Hybrid worth considering if you’re looking for a mattress that feels supportive without being overly firm.
It is available in different firmness options, which is particularly useful because side sleepers don’t all need the same cushioning.
The softer option may better suit sleepers who experience pressure around their shoulders, while a firmer version may appeal to those who need additional support.
Bear has offered extended mattress trials and limited lifetime warranties, but confirm the exact policy for the current model before purchasing.
Best for: Side sleepers who want a cooling-focused hybrid with multiple firmness choices.
16. DreamCloud Premier – Best for Luxury Hybrid Comfort
DreamCloud Premier is designed for shoppers who want a more cushioned mattress with a luxury feel.
The Premier Hybrid combines foam comfort layers with individually wrapped coils. It provides pressure-relieving cushioning while maintaining underlying support.
DreamCloud also offers a Premier Memory Foam version, so don’t confuse the two constructions when comparing products.
The hybrid version may appeal to side sleepers who want the comfort of memory foam with additional bounce and airflow.
DreamCloud’s qualifying mattress purchases include a 365-night home trial and Forever Warranty, subject to the manufacturer’s terms.
Best for: Side sleepers who want a cushioned hybrid mattress with a long home trial.
What Side Sleepers Should Consider When Selecting a Mattress
After comparing these 16 mattresses, you may still be wondering which one is best for your needs. Here are the main factors to consider.
Materials
Memory foam mattresses usually provide close contouring and strong motion isolation. They may be useful if you share your bed or want cushioning around pressure points.
Hybrid mattresses combine foam or latex comfort layers with supportive coils. They generally offer more responsiveness and airflow than dense all-foam mattresses.
Latex mattresses tend to feel more responsive and less deeply contouring than traditional memory foam.
No material is perfect for everyone. Choose based on the feel and support you prefer. If you’re also comparing online mattress deliveries, our bed-in-a-box mattress guide covers additional buying considerations.
Firmness
Many side sleepers prefer soft to medium-firm mattresses, but body weight makes a difference.
Lightweight sleepers may need softer cushioning because they don’t compress the comfort layers as much. Average-weight sleepers often prefer a medium feel, while heavier sleepers may benefit from firmer underlying support.
However, these are starting points, not strict rules. The right firmness is the one that cushions your shoulders and hips while keeping your body comfortably aligned.
If you’re struggling to decide between medium-firm and firm, our mattress firmness buying guide explains what to consider before choosing.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is especially important for side sleepers because the shoulders and hips bear much of the body’s weight.
A mattress that’s too firm may create discomfort in these areas. On the other hand, one that’s too soft can allow excessive sinkage.
Look for a mattress with enough cushioning near the surface and a supportive layer underneath.
Body Contouring and Alignment
A good mattress should follow your body’s natural curves without allowing your waist or hips to sag excessively.
When lying on your side, your spine should remain in a comfortable, relatively neutral position.
If possible, ask someone to observe your alignment while you test the mattress. You should not feel excessive pressure around the shoulder or a strong downward pull at the hip.
Temperature Regulation
Hot sleepers may prefer hybrid mattresses with breathable comfort layers and airflow around the coils.
Some foam mattresses also use cooling covers or open-cell materials, but these features don’t guarantee a cool night’s sleep.
Room temperature, mattress protectors, and bedding can have just as much influence on sleeping comfort.
Sleep Trial and Warranty
A generous sleep trial can be useful because a mattress may feel different after several weeks of regular use.
Before ordering, check the adjustment period, return fees, pickup arrangements, and whether the policy applies to direct purchases only.
Likewise, a long warranty doesn’t guarantee that a mattress will remain comfortable for its entire warranty period. Most warranties cover qualifying manufacturing defects rather than normal wear or changes in firmness preference.
Final Thoughts: Which Mattress Is Best for Side Sleepers?
Finding the best mattress for side sleepers depends on your weight, preferred firmness, budget, and whether you enjoy foam or hybrid construction.
If you prefer deep memory foam contouring, Loom & Leaf, Nectar Classic, and Amerisleep are worth considering. If you want a more responsive hybrid, Helix Midnight, Leesa Sapira Hybrid, and DreamCloud Premier Hybrid provide useful alternatives.
Layla Hybrid is especially interesting if you’re unsure whether you prefer a soft or firmer mattress. Purple may appeal to sleepers who want responsive pressure relief without the traditional memory foam feel.
My suggestion is to narrow your choices to two or three mattresses. Compare their firmness, construction, return policies, and current prices before making a final decision.
Most importantly, remember that the best mattress for side sleepers should provide enough cushioning around the shoulders and hips without allowing the body to sink out of alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Firmness Is Best for Side Sleepers?
Soft to medium-firm mattresses suit many side sleepers. However, the ideal firmness depends on body weight and comfort preferences.
Is Memory Foam Good for Side Sleepers?
Yes. Memory foam can provide cushioning around the shoulders and hips, although some sleepers may prefer the responsiveness of a hybrid or latex mattress.
Are Hybrid Mattresses Good for Side Sleepers?
Yes. A well-designed hybrid can combine pressure-relieving comfort layers with supportive coils.
Can a Firm Mattress Cause Shoulder Pain?
A mattress that’s too firm may create uncomfortable pressure around the shoulders. Proper cushioning and alignment are important.
What Is the Best Mattress for Heavy Side Sleepers?
Look for durable comfort layers and enough underlying support to prevent excessive hip sinkage. Some firmer hybrids and mattresses designed for heavier sleepers may be suitable.
How Long Should I Try a New Mattress?
Give your body time to adjust, often several weeks. Follow the manufacturer’s required adjustment period and return policy.
Is a Soft Mattress Always Better for Side Sleeping?
No. A mattress that’s too soft may allow the hips to sink too deeply. You need a balance of cushioning and support.
Still have questions after reading our best mattress for side sleepers guide? Share them in the comments below.