Discover the ultimate comfort for side sleepers with our editor-curated selection of the best mattresses, from the luxurious Helix Midnight Luxe to the cooling Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze.
Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
For those who favor side sleeping, finding a mattress that caters to key pressure points like the knees, hips, and shoulders while ensuring proper spine alignment is crucial. Recognizing the prevalence of side-sleeping among adults, our editors have meticulously assessed numerous mattresses. We've curated a selection focusing on soft to medium-firm models, known for their ability to contour to the body's natural curves.
Top Overall Choice for Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe
Image via Helix
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium to medium-firm (5 to 6) | Delivery: Bed in a box | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10-15 years
The Helix Midnight Luxe stands out as our top pick for side sleepers and is recognized as one of the best mattresses in 2023. Its soft, pressure-relieving foams combined with a supportive coil base make it an exceptional choice. Specifically designed to hit the medium to medium-firm sweet spot, the Midnight Luxe provides zoned lumbar support, relieving pressure on the lower back. With six layers, including a dense 1,500-coil system and plush surface foams, this mattress cradles joints for optimal comfort. The breathable cooling cover adds the finishing touch, ensuring a cool night's sleep. While the Luxe models represent a slightly higher investment, they come with a generous 15-year warranty.
Pros:
- Targeted support for lower back pain
- Excellent motion isolation, ideal for couples
- A dense coil system maintains spinal alignment
Cons:
- 100-night trial period is shorter compared to some competitors
Best Hybrid Option for Side Sleepers: Nolah Evolution 15
Image via Nolah Mattress
Type: Hybrid | Firmness Options: Plush (4 to 5), Luxury Firm (6 to 7), and Firm (7 to 8) | Delivery: Bed in a box | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
The Nolah Evolution 15, a 15-inch thick mattress, is a hybrid option that provides both comfort and support. With layers of plush-soft memory foam and denser foams resting on an 8-inch base of individually wrapped coils, this mattress offers targeted back support and deep pressure relief for hips and shoulders. Available in plush, luxury firm, and firm options, we recommend the plush and luxury firm models for most side sleepers.
Pros:
- Effective pressure relief for hips and shoulders
- Cooling properties, suitable for hot sleepers
- Sturdy edge support
Cons:
- 15-inch height may require deep-pocket sheets
Best Memory Foam Choice for Side Sleepers: Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress
Image via Nectar Sleep
Type: Memory Foam | Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5) | Delivery: Bed in a box | Trial: 365 nights (one year) | Warranty: Forever
The Nectar Premier Memory Foam mattress combines medium support with foam-contouring coziness, making it an affordable and appealing option. Featuring gel-infused memory foam and a breathable cooling cover, this mattress promotes temperature regulation and offers head-to-toe support. Notably, Nectar provides an impressive 365-day trial period and a Forever Warranty.
Pros:
- Comfortable and supportive, easing back and joint pain
- Gel-infused foam and cooling cover for temperature control
- Extended 365-day trial period
Cons:
- May be too soft for combination side and stomach sleepers
Best Choice for Side Sleepers with Partners: Leesa Original Mattress
Image via Lessa
Type: Memory Foam | Firmness: Medium-firm (5 to 6) | Delivery: Bed in a box; optional white glove delivery for a fee | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Crafted entirely from foam, the Leesa Original Mattress offers a medium-firm feel suitable for all sleeping positions. With four different layers, it strikes a balance between support and comfort, making it an excellent choice for couples. The absence of coils minimizes motion transfer, providing an undisturbed sleep experience.
Pros:
- Medium-firm feel accommodates all sleeping positions
- Great motion isolation, ideal for couples
Cons:
- Firmer than other mattresses on the list
Best for Side Sleepers with Back Pain: Saatva Classic Mattress
Image via Saatva
Type: Innerspring | Firmness Options: Plush Soft (3), Luxury Firm (5 to 7), and Firm (8) | Delivery: Complimentary white glove delivery | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Designed with a dual-coil system for exceptional support, the Saatva Classic Mattress is a hotel-like bed catering to side sleepers with back pain. The pocketed coil layer, paired with a second layer of thick steel coils, ensures superb support and durability. The plush soft version offers extra padding for side sleepers.
Pros:
- Supportive dual-coil system for spine alignment
- Top-notch temperature regulation, suitable for hot sleepers
Cons:
- $99 return fee
Best Cooling Option for Side Sleepers: Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze
Image via Tempur-Pedic
Type: Foam | Firmness Options: Soft or Firm | Delivery: Free white glove delivery on select purchases | Trial: 90 nights | Warranty: 10 years
For those seeking a cooling mattress, the Tempur-Pedic LuxeBreeze stands out as an exceptional choice. With a cooling cover and a combination of foams providing plush softness and contouring support, this mattress feels 10 degrees cooler than standard mattresses. While it comes at a higher price, it is renowned for its performance and durability.
Pros:
- Cool-to-the-touch cover for initial comfort
- Significantly cooler than standard mattresses
Cons:
- Higher price point
- 90-night trial period is shorter compared to other brands