The 6 best mattresses for side sleepers, per experts and testing

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2 days ago

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If you're a side sleeper waking up with tight hips, aching shoulders, or a stiff lower back, your mattress might be the problem — and the solution. The best mattress for a side sleeper should do more than cradle your curves; it should actively protect pressure points and support spinal alignment.
Whether you're searching for the best mattress for back pain side sleeper scenarios, need plushness for hip pain, or are hunting for a firm mattress for side sleeper durability, we tested and ranked top models to fit every need. We also considered options for the best mattress for heavy side sleeper builds and honed in on the best memory foam mattress for side sleeper support. The goal: personalized comfort that lasts longer than your favorite sleep shirt.
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To guide our reviews, we consulted experts like Dr. Will Cole of BodyBio's Spring Center, Dr. Christopher Allen of Aeroflow Sleep, Lauri Leadley of Valley Sleep Center, and Dr. Michael Gradisar of Sleep Cycle. Their insights helped us evaluate what really matters: pressure relief, natural materials, motion isolation, and how different constructions (foam, latex, hybrid) impact sleep quality for side sleepers.
We tested each mattress based on firmness level, material quality, edge support, and how well it performed under real-life side-sleeping conditions. Whether you need cooling tech to combat night sweats or eco-friendly materials to support your health, every pick below delivers something side sleepers can genuinely rest on.
Best mattresses for side sleepers
Best overall: Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress
Nolah
Pros: Exceptional pressure relief for hips and shoulders
Zoned support for proper spinal alignment
Strong motion isolation for couples
Great for hot sleepers
Cons: High profile (15″) may be too tall for low frames
Slightly heavy — needs two people to unbox and move
If you're a side sleeper with pressure points that scream like a banshee in the morning, the Nolah Evolution might be your dream date. Its seven-layer hybrid design, including the proprietary AirFoam HD and an 8-inch HDMax Tri-Zone coil system, makes it one of the most comfortable, supportive mattresses for side sleepers we've tested. The plush Euro-top cradles hips and shoulders without dragging the rest of your body into a memory foam abyss, while the coil zones provide firmer support around your lumbar region. It's not just 'nice' to sleep on, it's healing.
Commerce reporter Angela Tricarico put it best: 'I'll just get this out of the way now: I love the Nolah Evolution mattress… even after over a month of use, I haven't been able to find a major flaw.' She praised its pressure relief, firm feel, and cooling layers, especially for side sleepers who suffer from hip and lower back pain. The 15-inch height might be tall for some frames, but the extra layers are what allow it to deliver plush support with serious longevity.
Mattress type: Hybrid | Feel: Plush, Luxury Firm, Firm | Material: AirFoam HD + Tri-Zone coils | Height: 15″ | Number of layers: 7 | Sleep trial: 120 nights | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: Limited lifetime
Best value: Happsy Organic Mattress with Pillow Topper
Happsy
Pros: Affordable price for a certified organic mattress
Customizable firmness with an optional topper
Breathable and supportive with great bounce
Cons: Base model may be too firm for side sleepers without a topper
Limited edge support
The Happsy Organic Mattress isn't flashy, but it doesn't need to be. This hybrid mattress delivers GOTS-certified organic materials, firm support, and a plush optional topper at a surprisingly wallet-friendly price. It's a straightforward design: organic latex, coils, cotton, and wool — all the essentials, none of the chemicals. And for side sleepers who need that gentle give at the hips and shoulders, the optional pillow-top makes a world of difference.
Dr. Will Cole highlighted Happsy as a top pick for budget-conscious shoppers who still want certified non-toxic materials: 'A simpler design at a more accessible price point while maintaining organic material standards.' He pointed out that medium to medium-soft firmness is ideal for side sleepers, and Happsy delivers just that with this topper. The mattress sleeps cool thanks to its natural materials, and the motion isolation is solid for a coil-based model.
If you want all the benefits of an organic, pressure-relieving mattress without the designer price tag, Happsy is hard to beat. It may not come with high-tech cooling or multiple firmness zones, but it has what matters: honest comfort, clean materials, and a price that doesn't make you sweat. Just be sure to get the topper if you sleep on your side — it's worth the extra spend.
Mattress type: Hybrid (organic latex + coils) | Feel: Medium firm with topper | Material: Organic cotton, wool, latex | Height: 10″ (plus 2″ topper) | Number of layers: 4 | Sleep trial: 120 nights | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: 20 years
Best for back pain: Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress
Pros: Excellent support and pressure relief for side + back sleepers
Plush top with strong spine alignment
Breathable top foam layer sleeps cool
Strong edge support
Cons: May be too firm for very lightweight sleepers
Requires help to move up stairs or into place
Built with side and back sleepers in mind, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid is a spine-whisperer in mattress form. It starts with a ventilated foam comfort layer for airflow and gentle give, followed by memory foam that contours to the body without the dreaded quicksand effect. But the real support comes from its 1,000+ individually wrapped coils and edge reinforcements, creating a responsive, structured feel that's just as comfortable as it is therapeutic. It's not just supportive, it's restorative.
Plagued by years of hip and lower back pain, I have to give this mattress the ultimate endorsement. That first night? Game-changer. After struggling with overly stiff mattresses that left me waking up creaky and sore for years, the Sapira offered a plush surface that didn't sacrifice my alignment. The hybrid construction allowed my hips to sink slightly while keeping my spine elevated and tension-free. A month later, I still wake up feeling rested and without stiffness.
Experts agree that the right hybrid mattress can combine the best of both foam and coils, cushioning curves while keeping you centered. Dr. Cole calls out models like this for their strong motion isolation and ergonomic design, which 'provide pressure relief using non-toxic materials' for sensitive sleepers. The Leesa's temperature regulation was another standout feature; it slept noticeably cooler than most memory foam competitors thanks to the perforated top layer and spring core.
From setup to sleep, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid is impressive. It expands fast, barely smells, and doesn't require a physics degree to unpack. Whether you're a side sleeper with lower back issues or a hot sleeper tired of waking up in a pool of regret, this mattress offers a thoughtful balance of form and function. It's equal parts floaty and supportive, plush yet powerful — and your spine will thank you.
Mattress type: Hybrid | Feel: Medium-firm | Material: Foam + coils | Height: 11″ | Number of layers: 5 | Sleep trial: 100 nights | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: 10 years
Best for hip pain: PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress
Pros: Zoned coils and natural latex relieve hip and joint pain
Made from organic, non-toxic materials
Excellent airflow and cooling properties
Hand-tufted for durability
Cons: Very heavy — challenging to move without help
The PlushBeds Botanical Bliss is a certified-organic latex mattress built to relieve deep joint pressure without sacrificing spinal alignment, making it an excellent pick for side sleepers with hip pain. Constructed from multiple layers of natural Dunlop latex and wrapped in breathable organic cotton and New Zealand wool, this mattress excels in both comfort and sustainability. Its bounce, contour, and firmness levels are customizable, which means side sleepers can fine-tune their setup to find that elusive sweet spot between sinking and support.
This mattress was designed to reduce common pressure points and accommodate all body types, but it especially shines for those with chronic hip pain. Unlike memory foam, which can sometimes trap and hold sleepers in an uncomfortable dip, the latex in the Botanical Bliss offers buoyant responsiveness. You gently sink in, but the surface pushes back just enough to keep your hips lifted and your spine aligned. The optional split design even allows couples to choose different firmness levels on each side, a win for partners with different needs.
Dr. Cole specifically calls out this model as one of the most reliable for long-term use and natural pain relief. 'Natural latex mattresses typically outlast all other types,' he says, and this one's no exception. It's also GOLS- and GOTS-certified, free of flame retardants, and built to last over a decade, which makes it a wise long-term investment for health-conscious sleepers. Plus, latex is naturally cooling, mold-resistant, and great for allergy sufferers.
If you're looking to ease hip discomfort without resorting to overly plush memory foam, the Botanical Bliss is a brilliant alternative. It's ideal for those who want customizable firmness, long-lasting support, and a totally clean sleep environment. You'll sleep cooler, cleaner, and more aligned, which means you'll probably also wake up a lot less grumpy.
Mattress type: Hybrid (latex + coils) | Feel: Medium | Material: Organic latex, cotton, wool | Height: 14″ | Number of layers: 6 | Sleep trial: 365 nights | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: 25 years
Best memory foam: Nectar Luxe Hybrid Mattress
Nectar
Pros: Fully organic, hypoallergenic, and chemical-free
Naturally buoyant latex relieves hip pressure without sagging
Customizable firmness + split firmness option
Extremely durable (12–15+ year lifespan)
Cons: Heavy and hard to maneuver alone
Pricey compared to conventional foam models
The Nectar Luxe Hybrid Mattress is the go-to choice for side sleepers who love the hug of memory foam but hate the night sweats that usually come with it. This 14-inch mattress features multiple layers of gel- and copper-infused foam designed to pull heat away from your body while still offering that plush, sinking-in feeling. It's soft, cozy, and remarkably cool for a memory foam bed.
Dr. Christopher Allen recommends the Luxe Hybrid, formerly the Premier Copper Mattress, for side sleepers seeking 'pressure relief and spinal alignment' without sacrificing comfort. He notes that this model's medium-plush feel (around 5/10 firmness) is ideal for lighter-to-average-weight sleepers who need deep contouring around the shoulders and hips. The copper also adds antimicrobial properties..
Bonus points go to the washable, antimicrobial cover and 'forever' warranty, which helps soften the blow of its price tag. If you love the feel of memory foam but want something more breathable and luxe than average, the Luxe Hybrid deserves a spot at the top of your shortlist.
Mattress type: Latex | Feel: Medium or Firm (customizable) | Material: GOLS-certified Dunlop latex, organic cotton & wool | Height: 9″, 10″, or 12″ | Layers: 3–4 (based on height) | Sleep trial: 100 nights | Free shipping: Yes | Warranty: 25 years
Best cooling: Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Pros: Zoned lumbar coils relieve pressure while keeping alignment
Excellent temperature regulation with GlacioTex cover
Great motion isolation
Ideal for side sleepers who sleep hot
Cons: Slight edge sloping on corners
Very heavy; awkward to move solo
The Helix Midnight Luxe was designed with side sleepers in mind — but more impressively, it remembers the rest of us, too. The GlacioTex Cooling Cover is a standout feature, offering a cool-to-the-touch feel even on sweaty nights, and the plush pillow top blends plushness with spine-aligning support. Zoned lumbar coils ensure your lower back gets the firmness it needs while your shoulders and hips are free to sink and sigh. Hot side sleepers, in particular, will appreciate the way this mattress keeps heat away, thanks to its hybrid construction and breathable foams.
Our reviewer, Senior Director of Commerce Partnerships (and former memory foam martyr), Al Murillo, was converted after years on the wrong mattress. 'The Helix Midnight Luxe has been a game-changer,' he wrote. 'From the personalized sleep quiz to the first night's rest, it's clear this mattress was designed with real-life sleepers in mind.' After four weeks of testing, he raved about the heat regulation, motion isolation, and plush-yet-supportive comfort, especially when paired with the brand's optional GlacioTex upgrade.
Helix, founded in 2015, pioneered the 'sleep quiz' that custom-matches shoppers with a mattress based on their body type, sleep position, and preferences. It's no gimmick — this thing works. Our tester loved how the zoned coil system supported their lumbar region without compromising the dreamy give of the top layer. Motion transfer was minimal (even with pets and kids doing midnight acrobatics), and setup was easy, though the mattress is heavy. This is one of the few models that manages to blend luxury hotel comfort with real-life practicality.
Dr. Allen, a sleep science advisor, recommends Helix for its balance of 'pressure relief and spinal alignment,' especially in medium-firm hybrids. His advice: 'Side sleepers should aim for a firmness between 4 and 6 out of 10,' and the Helix Midnight Luxe hits that sweet spot. It's plush without being marshmallowy, firm without being unforgiving. It might not be the cheapest, but it's worth every cool, undisturbed hour of sleep.
Mattress type: Hybrid | Feel: Medium | Material: Gel memory foam + coils | Height: 14″ | Number of layers: 6 | Sleep trial: 100 nights | Free shipping: Yes
How we tested
Our mattress evaluations were rooted in both hands-on testing and medical guidance. Over the span of three months, we assessed more than 20 mattresses across various brands, styles, and materials, focusing exclusively on side-sleeper performance. Every mattress was tested for a minimum of two weeks by real people with varying body weights, sleep habits, and chronic pain issues.
Each mattress was judged based on:
Pressure relief: Did it cradle the hips and shoulders without creating pressure points?
Did it cradle the hips and shoulders without creating pressure points? Spinal alignment: Did the spine remain neutral while sleeping on the side?
Did the spine remain neutral while sleeping on the side? Motion isolation: Was movement transferred when a partner changed positions?
Was movement transferred when a partner changed positions? Edge support: Could we sit or lie on the edge without feeling unstable?
Could we sit or lie on the edge without feeling unstable? Cooling and breathability: Did the mattress trap heat or allow airflow?
Did the mattress trap heat or allow airflow? Ease of setup: Could the mattress be unboxed and set up without hassle?
Could the mattress be unboxed and set up without hassle? Durability projections: Were the materials and construction likely to last 7+ years?
To validate our findings, we consulted medical professionals and sleep experts:
'When recommending mattresses for side sleepers, I prioritize pressure relief and materials first,' says Dr. Cole, a functional medicine physician. 'Side sleepers place concentrated pressure on shoulders and hips, which can lead to pain and misalignment. Foam mattresses offer excellent motion isolation, but natural latex provides similar benefits while avoiding chemical exposure.'
We also cross-referenced certification standards like GOTS, GOLS, and CertiPUR-US, and confirmed manufacturing quality with each brand's warranty, return policy, and trial period.
How to find the best mattress if you're a side sleeper
1. Prioritize pressure relief and spinal alignment
The number one feature side sleepers should look for is pressure relief, especially around the shoulders and hips.
'Side sleeping naturally puts more pressure on fewer contact points,' says Dr. Allen, a board-certified sleep medicine physician and neurologist. 'You want a mattress that allows the shoulders and hips to sink just enough to keep the spine neutral.'
Look for mattresses with zoned support or responsive contouring layers, like latex or adaptive foam. These materials adapt to the body's curves without collapsing under weight.
2. Choose the right firmness level (4–6 out of 10)
Most side sleepers prefer a medium-soft to medium firmness (4 to 6 on a 10-point scale). This ensures enough cushioning for pressure points without sacrificing support.
'A firmness level of 5 to 6 lets the hips and shoulders sink just enough while keeping the lumbar region supported,' says Dr. Cole. 'Heavier individuals may benefit from slightly firmer mattresses to avoid bottoming out.'
Remember that firmness is subjective. If you're under 150 pounds, even a 'medium' mattress might feel firm. If you're over 200 pounds, a 'medium' may feel soft. When in doubt, go with a hybrid or customizable mattress.
3. Consider cooling properties
Side sleepers tend to have more of their body in contact with the mattress, which can trap heat. Breathability and temperature regulation matter, especially for hot sleepers.
'Memory foam is known to retain the most heat,' says Lauri Leadley, clinical sleep educator. 'Foam is dense and molds to the body, absorbing heat and creating a sweaty sleeping environment.'
If you sleep hot, consider:
Hybrid mattresses with airflow-promoting coils
Latex mattresses, which are naturally cooler than foam
Gel- or copper-infused foams
Phase-change covers (like TitanCool or ArcticTex)
4. Pay attention to materials and certifications
Materials matter — not just for comfort, but for health and longevity. 'Many conventional mattresses contain flame retardants and VOCs that can disrupt hormones and contribute to inflammation,' says Dr. Cole. 'I always recommend organic or certified non-toxic materials.'
Look for:
GOTS- or GOLS-certified organic cotton, wool, or latex
CertiPUR-US certification for safe foams
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 labels for textiles
Natural latex typically lasts the longest (12–15 years), followed by high-quality hybrids. Avoid cheap polyurethane foam or innerspring mattresses without foam layers — they break down quickly and offer poor pressure relief.
5. Test generously, return wisely
'If you can't remember when you bought your current mattress, it's probably time to get a new one,' says Dr. Michael Gradisar, head of sleep science at Sleep Cycle. 'And if you're waking up sore or groggy, a mattress upgrade is overdue.'
Look for companies that offer:
100+ night sleep trials
Free returns or low-cost return shipping
At least a 10-year warranty (lifetime if possible)
A mattress is one of the few purchases you use every single day for nearly a decade — invest accordingly.
FAQs of mattresses for side sleepers
What firmness is best for side sleepers?
'Most side sleepers do best with medium to medium-soft firmness — around a 5 or 6 on a 10-point scale,' says Dr. Allen. 'It allows the shoulders and hips to sink slightly while maintaining spinal alignment.'
If you're heavier (over 200 pounds), you may need something slightly firmer (6–7) to avoid sagging.
What is the best mattress for hip or shoulder pain?
'People with pain should prioritize proper support and pressure point relief using non-toxic materials,' says Dr. Cole. 'For hip and shoulder pain, look for zoned support — natural latex or coils with organic comfort layers are ideal.'
Models like the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss are excellent for relieving concentrated pain in side-sleeper zones.
Are memory foam mattresses good for side sleepers?
Yes, but not all foams are created equal. 'Memory foam offers excellent contouring and motion isolation,' says Dr. Gradisar, 'but it can retain heat and may off-gas VOCs. If that concerns you, natural latex or hybrids are a better choice.'
Look for copper or gel-infused foams for better cooling, or hybrids with breathable construction.
Do I need a mattress topper if I sleep on my side?
Sometimes. If your mattress is too firm but still supportive, a topper can add plushness without the cost of a new mattress. 'I often recommend latex or wool toppers to clients who need more give but don't want to compromise support,' says Dr. Cole.
How long should a mattress last for a side sleeper?
Latex: 12–15 years
Hybrid: 8–10 years
Foam: 5–7 years
'The better constructed, the longer they last,' says Leadley. 'Protect it with a cover, rotate it every 6 months, and avoid cheap foam mattresses if you want long-term support.'
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