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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers in 2024: Top Hybrid, Memory Foam Options

Quality sleep is essential for our well-being. Therefore, the comfort of your mattress plays a role in maintaining a good night's rest.

It's important to note that not all mattresses are suitable for every sleeping position. Factors such as firmness and the materials used in construction determine the most suitable one for a specific type of sleeper.

This article is dedicated to helping side sleepers find the perfect mattress by carefully considering comfort and spinal alignment.

We will provide an analysis of our top 5 mattress picks tailored to the needs of side sleepers, aiming to help make an informed decision.

Best mattress for side sleepers: a shortlist

Comparing the top mattresses great for side sleeping

ProductPrice*SizesFirmness levelMaterialsOur pick for
Amerisleep$2,649Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, cal king**Medium-firmPlant-based Bio-Pur material® foamBest cool-to-the-touch feel mattress for side sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding$665Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, cal king, and moreMedium-firmHyper-elastic foam, transition foam, 8” individually encased Ascension® coils, premium quilted top Best customizable hybrid mattress for side sleepers
Nolah Signature$1,799Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, cal king, split kingMedium-firmAirFoam™, cotton coverBest pressure relief mattress for side sleeping
Zoma$1,149Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, cal king, split kingMedium-firmPerforated gel memory foam, Reactiv™ foam, pocketed coils, and durable base foam, polyester coverBest hybrid mattress with ultra-responsive layer for side sleepers
The SONU Sleep$3,399Twin XL, queen, king, cal king, split kingMedium-soft, medium-firmPolyurethane foamBest mattress featuring an innovative pillow system

* Price might vary depending on the size of the mattress.

** Cal king stands for California king size bed.

Best mattress for side sleepers: an overview

Let's dive into our top recommendations for the best mattresses suited to side sleepers. In the following sections, you'll discover our top recommendations for the finest mattresses available.

1. Amerisleep — best hybrid cool-to-the-touch feel mattress for side sleepers

Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid Mattress

The AS5 hybrid mattress by Amerisleep has a standout feature of refresh cooling technology “Refresh Cover,” which is a fabric that uses minerals ensuring a cooler and more comfortable sleep experience by efficiently dissipating heat from the body.

Additionally, the mattress incorporates Bio-Pur material, an eco-friendly, open-cell memory foam that not only enhances airflow but also may relieve pressure points designed to cater side sleepers.

Certified with CertiPUR-US® and low in VOCs, Amerisleep is both high-quality and environmentally conscious (CertiPUR® certifies the environmental and safety qualities of polyurethane foam in bedding and furniture. The VOC certification detects the quantity of volatile organic compounds harmful to health).

With its optimal softness for side sleepers, this mattress can potentially align the spine and provide required support.

Backed by a 100-night risk-free trial and a substantial 20-year warranty, the AS5 hybrid mattress is a durable and reliable choice, priced at $2,649.

2. Brooklyn Bedding — best customizable hybrid mattress for side sleepers

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

The Brooklyn Bedding customizable hybrid mattress offers medium firmness suitable for a wide range of sleep preferences, including people who love to sleep on the side.

The mattress is engineered with high-quality foams for potential pressure relief, contouring comfort, and breathability. According to the brand, its individually encased coils provide targeted support and motion isolation, adapting to your body's needs.

For those seeking customizable comfort, the mattress offers three firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm, alongside the option to add a GlacioTex™ cooling cover for a better sleep experience.

Moreover, Brooklyn Bedding mattress is crafted in Arizona, offers a 120-night trial, free shipping, and a 10-year warranty.

Priced at $665 and certified by Oeko-Tex®, the Brooklyn Bedding mattress combines quality with an unbeatable price.

3. Nolah Signature — best pressure relief mattress for side sleeping

Nolah Signature 12 Mattress

The Nolah Signature 12" (30, 50 cm) height mattress has standout attributes like the pressure relief capability, specifically targeting areas such as the spine, hips, shoulders, and joints. The mattress incorporates a significant amount of AirFoam™, making it particularly appealing to those seeking a plush yet supportive sleep surface.

Furthermore, the Nolah Signature 12" exhibits temperature regulation due to its temperature-neutral foam composition. The inclusion of an organic cotton cover further enhances breathability and durability, ensuring a cool and comfortable night's rest.

Priced at $1,799, with its lifetime warranty and a generous 120-night sleep trial, it strikes a balance between affordability and premium features.

4. Zoma — best hybrid mattress for side sleepers with ultra-responsive layer

Zoma Hybrid Mattress

Zoma has standout attributes like gel memory foam and aerated perforations (ultra-responsive layer), providing pressure relief capabilities for those with grappling spinal, hip, shoulder, or joint discomfort.

The mattress incorporates ventilated fabric “AirCloth” together with gel memory foam, ensuring breathability and effective temperature regulation.

Moreover, the Zoma mattress has a ultra-responsive layer “Reactiv™ layer,” which responds rapidly to movement without causing you to sink or feel stuck. The mattress also delivers support and whole-body contouring, due to combination of pocketed coils and a high-density base layer.

The mattress aligns with eco-friendly principles — certified, free of harmful chemicals, and low in volatile organic compounds (CertiPUR-US® and VOCs). Priced $1149, its compatibility with various bed setups makes it a versatile and convenient solution for a wide range of sleepers, particularly those who favor side sleeping positions.

5. The SONU Sleep — best mattress featuring an innovative pillow system

SONU Sleep System Firm

The SONU Sleep mattress incorporates a unique pillow system that adapts perfectly to the side sleeper. This feature promotes natural arm and shoulder positioning, effectively alleviating common pressure points.

Comprising four support pillows and a cooling cover for temperature regulation, the SONU Sleep mattress is constructed using premium materials, all of which are CertiPUR-US® certified. This certification guarantees testing for emissions, content, and durability.

For those who prefer a softer sleeping surface, the SONU Plush model offers a rating of 4 out of 10 in firmness, providing a more cushioned feel.

Priced at $3,399 and backed by a 10-year warranty, the SONU Sleep System is built to withstand the test of time. If you're a side sleeper in search of enhanced comfort during your night's rest, this mattress is certainly worth exploring.

How we chose our list of the best mattress for side sleepers in 2024

MaterialsComfortCertificationPrice
Quality, durability, and constructionFeatures for spinal alignmentVOCs, CertiPUR-US®, and others$1,549–$3,399
  • Materials. We focused on the filling materials, cover material quality, and factors like durability, and texture.
  • Comfort. This includes the firmness of the mattress, structure, and design to ensure ergonomic comfort.
  • Certification. We chose mattresses holding reputable certifications, ensuring they are free from harmful substances and compliant with established safety standards.
  • Price. Balancing exceptional quality with affordability was a main consideration to ensure a valuable investment.

What to look for when choosing the best mattress for side sleepers?

When choosing the best mattress for side sleepers, several factors should be considered.

  1. Firmness level. A medium-firm mattress often strikes the right balance between support and comfort.
  2. Materials.The materials used in a mattress can significantly impact its feel and performance. Opt for certified, quality materials.
  3. Size. Consider the size of the mattress to ensure it fits your bed frame and sleeping needs.
  4. Additional properties. Select mattresses that may have cooling properties such as gel memory foam layer, or breathable mattress cover for cooler night sleep.
  5. Thickness. Side sleepers often benefit from thicker mattresses for better cushioning. Consider the mattress height when assessing ease of getting in and out of bed.
  6. Motion isolation. A good mattress should minimize disturbances when your partner moves or gets up.
  7. Price. Prioritize the quality of the mattress while ensuring it aligns with your budget for the best affordability and value.

Which mattresses are suitable for side sleepers?

Mattresses designed for side sleepers are crafted to address the specific needs of individuals who prefer sleeping in this position.

They typically feature a medium to medium-firm firmness level, as this offers a comfortable balance of support and cushioning for the hips and shoulders, the areas of your body that endure the most force or weight when you're lying down on your side.

Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are popular choices because they contour to the body, potentially relieving pressure points and ensuring better spinal alignment. Look for mattresses with adequate thickness for added comfort.

What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?

The best type of mattress for side sleepers is one that combines support and pressure relief. Consider these types of mattress below.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses with individually wrapped coils offer side sleepers support and responsiveness. However, due to its firmness, it can’t contour around pressure points as well as others. As Jacobson et al. (2022) suggested, mattresses with coil springs that have been used for extended periods of time may eventually fail to provide the initial structural support.

Foam

Foam mattresses can provide significant benefits for side sleepers due to their contouring properties. These mattresses mold to the body, relieving pressure on shoulders and hips, common pain points for side sleepers. Additionally, the foam's motion isolation ensures minimal disturbances, making it an ideal choice for couples with different sleep schedules.

Latex foam

Latex foam mattresses offer several potential benefits for side sleepers. Their natural elasticity and responsiveness provide excellent support and contouring, relieving pressure on shoulders and hips. Latex is also known for its durability and breathability, ensuring a comfortable and long-lasting sleep experience for side sleepers.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses, combining innerspring support with foam comfort layers, offer potential benefits for side sleepers. The pocketed coils provide responsive support, aligning the spine and relieving pressure on the hips and shoulders. Simultaneously, the foam layers cushion these pressure points, ensuring a comfortable and restful night's sleep for side sleepers.

Airbed

Air beds differ from air mattresses by offering customizable firmness levels. They feature air chambers in the support core, permitting adjustments to specific areas for personalized comfort. With integrated air pumps, users can manually or remotely control firmness, often via a smart app.

Waterbed

Water mattress is known for evenly distributing the person’s weight across the largest possible surface. An individual can essentially float in a controlled volume of water, which may help to alleviate pressure on vulnerable areas.

Benefits of mattresses designed for side sleepers

The right mattress may have an impact on the quality of your sleep, especially if you're a side sleeper. Below, we'll discuss the benefits of mattresses specifically designed for side sleepers.

Spinal alignment

A mattress tailored to side sleepers can potentially promote proper spinal alignment, helping to alleviate discomfort. By providing consistent support from head to toe, it maintains the natural curvature of the spine, reducing the risk of waking up with back pain.

Shoulder pain

Side sleepers might experience shoulder pain due to pressure points on the mattress. A suitable mattress can potentially help relieve the pain by cushioning the shoulders and hips, distributing weight evenly. This minimizes stress on sensitive joints, ensuring a more comfortable night's sleep.

Back problems

Mattresses for side sleepers may aid in preventing and alleviating back problems. Their supportive yet contouring design ensures that the spine remains in a neutral position, reducing the risk of misalignment.

Best mattress for side sleepers: conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the best mattress for side sleepers is essential for a comfortable and rejuvenating night's rest. Opting for memory foam or hybrid mattresses with a medium to medium-firm feel is a wise decision, as they may provide the necessary support and pressure relief.

Keep in mind individual preferences and consider trying different mattresses to find the perfect fit. A quality mattress ensures proper spinal alignment, minimizes pressure points, and ultimately enhances the overall sleep experience for side sleepers, contributing to improved well-being.


Consider additional products for better sleep

Explore best mattress toppers for side sleepers.

To reduce outside noise, the best earplugs for sleep can help you have a sound sleep.

The best sleep tracking rings may assist in regulating sleep patterns.

If you are a back sleeper, consider the best pillow for back sleepers for a good night’s sleep.

Take a look at the best mattresses for couples for comfort and sleep quality.


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