best bed mattress for side sleepers

The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers: A Comprehensive Guide

Best bed mattress for slide sleepers is the topic for today’s article.

For the millions of individuals who like sleeping on their side, selecting the ideal mattress is not only about comfort; it is also about keeping the spine aligned properly and avoiding pressure spots that may contribute to aches and pains in the morning.

The most frequent sleeping posture is side sleeping, with over 74% of individuals preferring to sleep on their side.

This complete guide will help you learn what features make a mattress perfect for side sleeping and show you our best recommendations for 2025.

Why Side Sleepers Need a Special Mattress

Side sleeping puts unique pressure on specific parts of the body, particularly the shoulders and hips. Without proper support and cushioning, these pressure points can lead to discomfort, pain, and potentially long-term issues. The ideal mattress for side sleepers should:

  • Provide enough give to allow shoulders and hips to sink in slightly
  • Maintain proper spinal alignment from neck to lower back
  • Offer adequate support to prevent excessive sinking
  • Relieve pressure points while keeping the spine neutral

best bed mattress for side sleepers

Key Factors to Consider

Firmness Level

Side sleepers typically benefit from medium to medium-soft mattresses (5-6.5 on the firmness scale). This range offers enough give to cushion pressure points while still maintaining proper support. However, body weight plays a crucial role in determining the ideal firmness level:

  • Lightweight sleepers (under 130 lbs): Medium-soft to medium
  • Average weight (130-230 lbs): Medium
  • Heavyweight (over 230 lbs): Medium-firm

Material Composition

Different materials offer varying benefits for side sleepers:

Memory Foam:

  • Excellent pressure relief
  • Contours to body shape
  • Can retain heat (unless specially designed)

Latex:

  • Natural bounce
  • Good pressure relief
  • Better temperature regulation
  • More durable

Hybrid:

  • Combines pressure relief of foam with support of coils
  • Better airflow
  • Good for heavier side sleepers

Top 5 Mattresses for Side Sleepers in 2025

1. Helix Midnight Luxe

Price Range: $1,099-$2,349 Type: Hybrid Firmness: Medium (5.5/10)

The Helix Midnight Luxe stands out as our top overall pick for side sleepers, offering an exceptional balance of comfort and support. This premium hybrid mattress features:

  • Zoned lumbar support for enhanced spinal alignment
  • Memory foam comfort layers for pressure relief
  • Breathable Tencel cover for temperature regulation
  • 14-inch profile with six layers of premium materials
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Perfect for average-weight side sleepers, the Midnight Luxe excels in pressure relief while maintaining optimal spinal alignment. The zoned coil system provides extra support where needed, particularly under the hips and lower back.

Pros:

  • Excellent pressure relief for shoulders and hips
  • Superior edge support
  • Good temperature regulation
  • Minimal motion transfer

Cons:

  • Premium price point
  • May be too tall for some bed frames
  • Too soft for stomach sleepers
best bed mattress for side sleepers

2. Nectar Premier Memory Foam

Price Range: $799-$1,598 Type: Memory Foam Firmness: Medium (6/10)

The Nectar Premier offers exceptional value for side sleepers seeking premium memory foam comfort without breaking the bank. This mattress features:

  • 13-inch profile with multiple foam layers
  • Phase-change material for temperature regulation
  • Gel-infused memory foam
  • Forever warranty and 365-night sleep trial

Particularly well-suited for light to average-weight side sleepers, the Nectar Premier provides deep pressure relief while preventing the “stuck” feeling some memory foam mattresses can create.

Pros:

  • Excellent pressure relief
  • Good value for the quality
  • Minimal motion transfer
  • Generous warranty and trial period

Cons:

  • May sleep warm for some
  • Not ideal for heavier individuals
  • Slower response time when changing positions
VitalSleep Benefits

3. WinkBeds EcoCloud

Price Range: $1,399-$2,799 Type: Latex Hybrid Firmness: Medium (5.5/10)

The EcoCloud stands out as our top eco-friendly option, combining natural Talalay latex with individually wrapped coils. This premium hybrid features:

  • Organic cotton and wool cover
  • Natural latex comfort layer
  • Zoned support coil system
  • Lifetime warranty

Ideal for eco-conscious side sleepers who want a more responsive feel than memory foam, the EcoCloud offers excellent pressure relief with natural materials.

Pros:

  • Natural and eco-friendly materials
  • Excellent temperature regulation
  • Good for all weight categories
  • Durable construction

Cons:

  • Higher price point
  • Latex feel isn’t for everyone
  • Limited firmness options
best bed mattress for side sleepers

4. Purple Hybrid Premier 3

Price Range: $2,399-$4,798 Type: Hybrid Firmness: Medium (5.5/10)

The Purple Hybrid Premier 3 features the company’s unique Grid technology, offering innovative pressure relief for side sleepers. This premium mattress includes:

  • 3-inch Purple Grid comfort layer
  • Responsive support coils
  • Breathable cover design
  • 10-year warranty

The Grid technology makes this mattress especially suitable for side sleepers who tend to sleep hot or those with specific pressure point concerns.

Pros:

  • Unique pressure relief system
  • Excellent temperature regulation
  • Good for all body types
  • Durable construction

Cons:

  • Very expensive
  • Unique feel takes time to adjust to
  • Heavy and difficult to move

5. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid

Price Range: $999-$2,199 Type: Hybrid Firmness: Multiple options (we recommend Medium for side sleepers)

The Aurora Hybrid offers advanced cooling technology combined with excellent pressure relief, making it perfect for hot side sleepers. Features include:

  • Phase-change molecular technology
  • TitanFlex foam comfort layer
  • Individually wrapped coils
  • 10-year warranty

Particularly well-suited for side sleepers who tend to overheat, the Aurora Hybrid provides excellent temperature regulation without sacrificing comfort.

Pros:

  • Superior cooling capabilities
  • Multiple firmness options
  • Good pressure relief
  • Reasonable price point for features

Cons:

  • May be too cool for some
  • Edge support could be better
  • Some off-gassing initially

Additional Considerations for Side Sleepers

Pillow Selection

The right pillow is crucial for side sleepers. Look for:

  • Higher loft (4-6 inches)
  • Good neck support
  • Pressure relief properties

Pressure Point Protection

Side sleepers should pay special attention to:

  • Shoulder comfort
  • Hip alignment
  • Neck support
  • Lower back positioning
best bed mattress for side sleepers

Temperature Regulation

Consider these factors for temperature management:

  • Mattress material (some retain more heat than others)
  • Cooling technologies
  • Breathable covers
  • Room temperature

Making Your Final Decision

When selecting your ideal mattress as a side sleeper, consider:

  1. Budget: While quality matters, there are good options at various price points.
  2. Trial Period: Look for at least 100 nights to properly test the mattress.
  3. Warranty: A good warranty (10 years minimum) protects your investment.
  4. Your Specific Needs: Consider factors like:
    • Body weight
    • Temperature preferences
    • Any specific pain points
    • Partner’s sleeping preferences

Maintenance Tips

To maintain your mattress’s performance:

  1. Rotate it every 3-6 months
  2. Use a mattress protector
  3. Ensure proper support with a quality foundation
  4. Keep it clean and well-ventilated

Conclusion

If you sleep on your side, there are a number of things to look for in a mattress, including pressure relief and temperature control.

Keep in mind that personal comfort preferences differ, even though our top selections reflect some of the greatest possibilities accessible in 2025. To make sure you discover the perfect fit for your individual requirements, take advantage of sleep trials.

Before you make a final selection, think about your budget, how you like to sleep, and any health issues you may have. If you have a good mattress, lying on your side may improve your health and your quality of sleep.

If you’d like to check out our other articles you can find them HERE.