Written by Lisa Bowman, Fortune Recommends Writer
Studies show that adults spend over 50% of their night sleeping on their side (1) . Whether you consider yourself a true side sleeper or just tend to rotate into that position through the night, shopping for a new mattress can be overwhelming. To save you hours of research, we’ve compiled a list of nine of the best mattresses for side sleepers from the dozens we tested.
Side sleepers have specific needs regarding mattress features—as most of your body weight is supported by the hips and shoulders in this position, you need adequate support to keep these areas elevated. Hips that sink out of alignment with the spine can cause aches and pains, which in turn may affect your sleep quality. (2) However, these areas also require plenty of cushioning to avoid uncomfortable pressure buildup; it’s a delicate balance.
Not every side sleeper is the same, so we’ve highlighted mattresses that cater to differing needs, such as cooling technology, joint pain relief, and suitability for plus-size folk. Each mattress has been assessed for important features, including edge support, cooling technology, firmness, pressure relief, responsiveness, and motion isolation.
Best mattress for side sleepers overall
After hours of napping, there was one clear winner for the best mattress for a side sleeper’s crown. The Saatva Classic nails a balance of comfort and support, with zoned coils to elevate the hips and shoulder and plush cushioning to soothe achy joints. It’s also great for many stomach and back sleepers—combination sleepers, rejoice!
Our picks for the best mattresses for side sleepers
- Best overall: Saatva Classic
- Best hybrid: Helix Midnight
- Best memory foam: The Nectar
- Best for back pain: The DreamCloud
- Best for shoulder pain: WinkBeds The WinkBed Soft
- Best cooling: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling
- Best for hip pain: Nolah Evolution
- Best soft: Bear Mattress Bear Elite Hybrid Soft
- Best for heavy people: Titan Mattress Titan Plus Luxe
Compare mattresses for side sleepers
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| Saatva Classic | Helix Midnight | The Nectar | The DreamCloud | Wink Beds The WinkBed Soft | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling | Nolah Evolution | Bear Mattress Bear Elite Hybrid Soft | Titan Mattress Titan Plus Luxe | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Price (Queen) | $2,095 | $1,332 | $1,099 | $1,332 | $1,799 | $1,865 | $2,499 | $2,305 | $1,599 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Memory foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-Firm (Luxury Firm option) | Medium-Firm | Medium-Firm | Medium-Firm | Medium-Soft (Softer option) | Medium-Firm (Medium option) | Medium-Firm (Luxury Firm option) | Medium-Soft (Soft option) | Medium-Firm (for plus-size) |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
Best overall mattress for side sleepers: Saatva Classic
Key product features
What you should know
We tested the Luxury Firm version of the Saatva Classic, which is a great all-rounder that should suit most sleeping styles. Our testing found it offered fantastic support along with comfortable pressure relief.
- This hybrid offers some of the best edge support that we’ve ever tested in a bed.
- High-quality materials and a lifetime warranty should make this a sound investment.
- It’s an incredibly bouncy mattress that should make changing positions easy.
- There are three comfort levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm.
Why we like Saatva Classic as best overall
Our testers think the Saatva Classic should offer good comfort and support for most sleepers, thanks to its plush pillow top and zoned support system. This may appeal to combination sleepers or couples who require a bed that suits them both. Side sleepers, in particular, will appreciate the zoned comfort and support layers that provide body contouring to soothe pressure at the hips and shoulders while keeping these heavier areas elevated for healthy spine alignment.
However, this bed might feel a touch too firm for some lightweight sleepers, who may prefer the Plush Soft option. Heavier sleepers will experience this mattress as softer as it sinks in more—the Firm version is always an option if a firmer surface is preferred.
A standout feature of the Saatva Classic was its edge support. Our tester found that when sitting on the bed, the edge of the mattress didn’t even sink half an inch, and they felt fully supported even when lying with their body half off the mattress. This could be ideal for couples who like to spread out across the whole surface of the bed. It may also be a great feature for shoppers with mobility issues who need stability when getting in and out of bed.
The mattress is incredibly bouncy, which could also benefit those with mobility issues, allowing them to move around the mattress with ease. This is also great for combination sleepers who change positions during the night and couples who want a bouncy mattress for sex. However, a drawback of this highly responsive bed is that it has a lot of motion transfer. This is something to be aware of if you share your bed and are easily disturbed by your partner’s movements.
While the organic cotton cover doesn’t feel cool to the touch, we found it to be plush and breathable, offering a comfortable night’s sleep for all but the hottest sleepers. The coil system allows for even more airflow, preventing the bed from generating too much heat.
The mattress arrives full-size with free white glove delivery, which means it will be set up for you in your room of choice. This certainly isn’t a cheap mattress , but overall, we think this is a great, high-quality product that should be a sound investment.
Specs
| Price | $2,095 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-firm (Luxury Firm option) |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free white glove delivery within the contiguous U.S. |
| Weight (Queen) | 110 lbs (11.5”) or 120 lbs (14.5”) |
| Height | 11.5” or 14.5” tall |
| Made in the USA | Yes |
Best hybrid mattress for side sleepers: Helix Midnight
Key product features
What you should know
This bed was specifically designed with side sleepers in mind, and it shows. Our testers found that its combination of foam and coils offered a gentle, supportive cradle with great pressure relief, particularly when side sleeping.
- The Helix Midnight combines memory foams, contouring foams, and steel coils that offer a pleasant balance of plushness and support.
- At $1,332 for a Queen, this bed is an excellent value considering its durability.
- Side sleepers will love the body contouring and pressure relief.
- Hot sleepers can upgrade to a GlacioTex ™ cooling pillow top for $299.
- A responsive mattress that should make it easy to move around.
Why we like Helix Midnight as best hybrid
Our testing found that the Helix Midnight offers a comfortable sleeping experience for most sleeping styles, but it’s side sleepers who will really get the most out of this bed. This hybrid is a good option for those who prefer their body to be supported in a gentle cradle rather than a deep hug. The memory foam comfort layer offers great cushioning around the joints, particularly for side sleepers, while the double layer of responsive foam pushes back against the body to keep the spine in alignment.
One of our testers experiences chronic lower back pain, yet said they felt instant pressure relief when side sleeping on the Helix Midnight. Our tests showed only very slight pressure build-up around the hips and shoulders when sleeping on the side. There was slightly more pressure build-up around the hips and ankles when sleeping on the back, but we’d still recommend this as a good option for back sleepers.
This mattress features reinforced coils at different lengths to provide edge support. While our tester noticed a fair amount of sinkage when sitting on the edge of the bed, they still felt well-supported. However, when lying near the edge of the mattress, they felt like they might slip off. This is definitely something to consider if you share your bed and like to sleep close to the side.
If you’re looking for a super bouncy bed, this isn’t it. However, we found it responsive enough to offer a slight bounce, which should aid position changes.
When it comes to cooling, this bed doesn’t offer much in the way of advanced technology. However, hybrids usually sleep cooler than all-foam beds as the coil unit lets air flow through. The Helix Midnight has a lightweight, breathable cover as standard, which we found offered decent cooling for the average sleeper although it definitely doesn’t feel cool to the touch. We’d advise those who sleep a little warm to check out the GlacioTex ™ cooling pillow top, which is available for an extra cost. This contains special fibers that actively draw heat away from the body, helping to keep the bed’s surface cool. However, super-hot sleepers would be better off on a bed with more cooling features.
This is a good value mattress for those looking for a true medium-firm hybrid option. If you’re a side sleeper who prefers a little more sinkage, consider the Helix Midnight Luxe upgrade. This luxury mattress features a plush pillow top for added comfort.
Specs
| Price | $1,332 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Shipping | Free within the contiguous U.S. |
| Weight (Queen) | 100 lbs |
| Height | 11.5” tall |
| Made in the USA | Yes |
Best memory foam mattress for side sleepers: The Nectar
Key product features
What you should know
The Nectar memory foam mattress is the brand’s best value option, with layers of foam that sink you into a blissful sleep. However, despite its cooling features, some sleepers may find this all-foam model too warm.
- Provides fantastic pressure relief, particularly when side sleeping.
- A great value, budget-friendly bed that comes in at $1,099 for a queen.
- Light to average-weight sleepers will get the most out of this mattress.
- Couples will appreciate the excellent motion isolation but should know that edge support is lacking.
- Cooling features may not be enough for hot sleepers or those in warm climates.
Why we like The Nectar as best memory foam
Memory foam fans will love The Nectar’s slow-moving foams, which feel super plush and cushiony and incredibly comfortable on the joints when sleeping on the side. Our testers reported that sleeping on the back wasn’t quite as comfortable as sleeping on the side, as they didn’t get much pressure relief around the lower back region.
During testing we experienced the deep sinkage you’d expect from traditional memory foam, although we did find that the hips sank a bit lower than the rest of the body when stomach and back sleeping. This could take your spine out of alignment, which may cause aches and pains over time. For this reason, we wouldn’t recommend this bed for stomach sleepers, although lightweight sleepers may experience adequate support.
You’ll appreciate The Nectar’s excellent motion isolation if you’re frequently disturbed by your partner tossing and turning. This isn’t surprising for a memory foam bed; neither is the fact that its deep sinkage means you have to put in a bit of effort to change sleeping positions. Keep this in mind if you’re a combination sleeper.
As expected with an all-foam bed, the Nectar is pretty average regarding edge support. While laying on the side of the bed, our tester reported feeling like they would slip off the edge. This isn’t great news for couples who like to spread out and use the entire surface area of the bed. When sitting on the side of the bed, we experienced eight inches of sinkage, which isn’t the worst we’ve tested, but it’s not great. However, when sitting on the corner, we found ourselves sinking down almost to the bed platform. This isn’t ideal for people with mobility issues, who will likely require something sturdier to help them feel more secure when getting in and out of bed.
When it comes to cooling, we were quite impressed with the Nectar. All-foam beds are known for trapping body heat, but the Nectar does a good job combating this with its breathable cooling cover, gel-infused memory foam comfort layer, and aerated transition foam, which work together to disperse heat. While the cover doesn’t feel cool to the touch, it definitely feels breathable. We’d recommend this mattress for the average sleeper, but those who sleep hot or live in warmer climates would likely feel more comfortable in a bed with more cooling features, such as a hybrid.
At under $1,000 when on sale, we think The Nectar is a good budget-friendly memory foam option for most light to average-weight sleepers, especially those who primarily sleep on their side.
What customers are saying
The Nectar Premium Copper receives high praise from customers on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.3 out of over 7,000 reviews.
“It’s definitely the most comfortable bed I’ve ever bought. My joint and back pain is barely noticeable, and I sleep like the dead.
Jessie, Amazon customer
“I did leave it sitting for two days,” they continued, “Nothing in the paperwork said you have to, but it was recommended when I looked it up. I also haven’t had it for more than a week, but I can tell you that I’ve noticed a huge change in how I sleep and feel in that short time.”
Another Amazon customer, Douglas F., notes how comfortable side sleeping on this mattress is, saying, “It has good side sleeper pressure relief and is also supportive to prevent lower back pain. It also works great with an adjustable bed.”
While the softer feel can be ideal for some sleepers, it didn’t work for one Amazon customer with the username “Flmima.” They wrote, “It didn’t meet my expectations. The main issue I encountered was that it was excessively soft, making it uncomfortable for me. Despite the initial promise of a balanced feel, it felt like I was sinking too deeply into the mattress, and I couldn’t get the support I needed for a good night’s sleep. Additionally, the mattress didn’t seem to regulate heat very well, causing discomfort on warmer nights.
While the mattress appeared well-made, the softness made it unsuitable for my preferences. It’s important to note that comfort is subjective, and what may not work for me might be perfect for someone else. I recommend trying it out in-store or exploring other options if you prefer a firmer mattress.”
Specs
| Price | $1,099 |
| Material | Memory foam |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free within the contiguous U.S. |
| Weight (Queen) | 66 lbs |
| Height | 12” |
| Made in the USA | No |
Best mattress for side sleepers with back pain: The DreamCloud
Key product features
What you should know
The DreamCloud hybrid packs a punch with its seven-layer construction, which offers sturdy support and gentle cushioning that should help relieve back pain.
- Adaptive foams and a coil unit provide a gentle cradle feel.
- A great value luxury hybrid that’s built to last.
- Suitable for most light to average-weight sleepers.
- Motion isolation is excellent.
- Also available as an all-foam model.
Why we like The DreamCloud as best for back pain
The DreamCloud provides excellent support thanks to its combination of a coil unit and four layers of contouring/supportive foams. Research shows that medium-firm mattresses like the DreamCloud are best for people with back pain. ( 3 ) The initial gel memory foam layer adapts to your shape, elevating the hips to keep the spine in healthy alignment while providing gentle cushioning at pressure points. For this reason, we think this mattress works well for those with back pain. Testing showed that the mattress provides adequate support for all but the heaviest sleepers, which should help keep most backs healthy.
Despite the thick foam layers, we found that the bed offers more of a gentle cradle than deep sinkage, which will appeal to those who prefer to feel more on top of the bed rather than in it. The responsive foams and coils offer pushback, allowing easy position changes–perfect for combination sleepers. If you like the sound of this bed but prefer plusher cushioning, check out the DreamCloud memory foam model.
For such a springy bed, we were surprised at how it excelled at motion isolation. This could be great news for couples who want a bouncy mattress for sex but don’t want to be disturbed by their partner’s nighttime movements.
However, we were a little disappointed at the edge support on this mattress, especially considering it has reinforced coils around the perimeter. Sleeping close to the side of the mattress, we didn’t feel like we might roll off, but there was a noticeable lack of support. Heavier individuals will experience this more significantly. Testing showed that edge support was severely lacking when sitting on the side of the bed, which may affect older people or those with mobility issues who need stability when getting in and out of bed.
The bed’s cooling features start with a breathable cover, while three of the foam layers contain a gel that prevents the foam from trapping heat. The coil unit with individually wrapped springs allows air to flow through the mattress. For a bed with so much foam, we think it does a good job of regulating temperature, especially compared to regular foam beds.
Our testers were impressed by the premium materials used to make this bed—the cashmere-blend cover feels super soft to the touch, giving it a luxurious feel.
The DreamCloud certainly isn’t cheap, but if you have a bit of extra cash to spend, this could be a bed that will have you sleep-training your way to better rest for years to come, especially since it comes with a forever warranty.
Specs
| Price | $1,332 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty ™ |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Shipping | Free within the contiguous U.S. |
| Weight (Queen) | 78 lbs |
| Height | 12” tall |
| Made in the USA | No |
Best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain: WinkBeds The WinkBed Soft
Key product features
What you should know
The WinkBed Softer was specially designed for side sleepers. Thanks to its plush pillow top and multiple layers of pressure-relieving foam, it offers a’ sleeping on a cloud’ experience.
- Pressure-relieving and adaptive foams and targeted support make this hybrid a great choice for those with shoulder pain.
- Good value for the price, featuring superior cooling, zoned support, great pressure relief, strong edge support, and a lifetime warranty.
- The Softer option best suits lightweight sleepers and average-weight side sleepers.
- Motion isolation is average.
Why we like WinkBeds The WinkBed Soft as best for shoulder pain
The WinkBed comes with a choice of four comfort levels — Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus (for heavier people). This means there really is something for everyone if you’re in the market for a hybrid. The Luxury Firm is the brand’s most popular option, but we reviewed the Softer as its medium-soft feel is more suitable for side sleepers who need that added plushness for pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. This model features an extra layer of foam made with adaptive material that maximizes pressure relief without compromising support.
Our testers reported that the Softer option works well for most lightweight sleepers and average-weight side sleepers. Average-weight combo sleepers may prefer the Luxury Firm version to get the support they need in other sleeping positions, while most heavyweight sleepers would likely prefer the Firmer or Plus.
We rated this highly for those with shoulder pain. Our average-weight side-sleeping testers found that they sank deeply enough into the gel-infused Euro-pillow top to experience soft cushioning around the shoulders and hips without the hips sinking out of alignment. This is thanks to the bed’s zoned support system in the coil unit, which offers extra pushback for heavier areas like the hips, keeping you in a healthy posture.
Motion isolation is average on The WinkBed, which is expected from such a bouncy mattress. This shouldn’t be an issue for solo sleepers or those who sleep soundly, but if you’re a light sleeper who shares with a restless partner, you’re likely to feel disturbed by their movements. However, the high bounce does make this mattress great for sex and for combination sleepers, who will be able to change positions without feeling stuck in the mattress.
Couples will also appreciate the excellent edge support on The WinkBed. Our testing found that the reinforced coils around the bed’s perimeter do a great job of keeping you feeling secure, even when lying or sitting on the edge. Coupled with the bounciness, this could make it a good mattress for seniors or people with mobility issues.
We were really impressed with The WinkBed’s cooling capabilities. Hybrids naturally sleep cooler than all-foam beds because air can circulate through the coil unit. The TENCEL ™ cover is made from natural fibers, and while we didn’t find it cool to the touch, it does offer breathability and moisture-wicking from the get-go. The gel in the pillow top’s foams helps disperse body heat. Despite the Softer model featuring an extra foam layer, the company has ensured this material is temperature-neutral to avoid heat build-up. Of course, everyone is different, but we’d say this bed is a solid choice for many hot sleepers or couples who tend to overheat when sharing a bed.
Despite its higher-than-average price, we’d say The WinkBed offers a lot for the money with pressure relief, zoned support, superior cooling, customization options, and a lifetime warranty. However, one thing to note is the 120-night trial period—although this is the industry average, it’s much shorter than the 365-night trial offered by some other companies.
Specs
| Price | $1,799 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-soft (Softer option) |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free delivery within the contiguous U.S. |
| Weight (Queen) | 135 lbs |
| Height | 13.5” tall |
| Made in the USA | Yes |
Best cooling mattress for side sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling
Key product features
What you should know
The WinkBed Softer was specially designed for side sleepers. Thanks to its plush pillow top and multiple layers of pressure-relieving foam, it offers a’ sleeping on a cloud’ experience.
- Pressure-relieving and adaptive foams and targeted support make this hybrid a great choice for those with shoulder pain.
- Good value for the price, featuring superior cooling, zoned support, great pressure relief, strong edge support, and a lifetime warranty.
- The Softer option best suits lightweight sleepers and average-weight side sleepers.
- Motion isolation is average.
Why we like Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling as best cooling
The Aurora Luxe Cooling can be customized with a choice of three firmness levels—Soft, Medium, or Firm. There’s also the option of a pillow top upgrade at an additional cost. We reviewed the Medium model without the pillow top.
Average-weight side sleepers will get the most out of the Medium version of this mattress, as it provides a great balance of support and pressure relief for this weight category and sleeping position. Some lightweight sleepers may find the Medium too firm for side sleeping, so they might prefer the Soft for better pressure relief. Overall, we think most heavier-sided sleepers will feel better supported by the Firm model.
Brooklyn Bedding claims that the Aurora Luxe Cooling is “the most elite cooling mattress on the market,” we’d have to agree that it is superior in temperature regulation. Every single layer of the mattress features cooling technology, which is pretty impressive. At the top, the soft, breathable GlacioTex ™ cover contains cooling gel beads that optimize your skin’s temperature while you sleep, and our testing showed that it feels cool to the touch. The initial foam layer features copper, a highly conductive material that draws heat away from the body, and the brand’s TitanCool ™ phase change material for extra cooling. The other foam layers are infused with a gel that prevents heat from being trapped, while the coil unit allows air to flow through the bed. We think most sleepers—even those who tend to sleep hot—should remain comfortably cool on this mattress. However, be aware that if you usually feel chilly at night, you might find this bed too cold.
The Aurora Luxe cooling is an incredibly bouncy bed, thanks to its coil unit and hyper-elastic top comfort foam. This is great for combination sleepers, those who want a good mattress for sex, and people with limited mobility. Unfortunately, despite the company claiming it has excellent motion isolation, we found that the bounciness made for a rather high amount of motion transfer. This could be a problem for light sleepers who are easily disturbed by a restless partner.
The mattress has a reinforced perimeter that our testers said worked well when sleeping near the edge of the bed, though they reported a lot of sinkage when sitting on the side. This could be an issue for seniors or people with mobility issues.
If you’re a hot sleeper looking for a durable, luxury hybrid with customization options, we think the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling deserves a place on your shortlist.
Specs
| Price | $1,865 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-firm (Medium option) |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free delivery within the contiguous U.S. (Hawaii and Alaska start at $125/mattress) |
| Weight (Queen) | 105 lbs |
| Height | 13.25” tall |
| Made in the USA | Yes |
Best mattress for side sleepers with hip pain: Nolah Evolution
Key product features
What you should know
The 15-inch Nolah Evolution hybrid features elite cooling technology, a plush Euro topper, and zoned layers that offer excellent support and cushioning.
- Multiple zoned layers offer extra support where most needed.
- Premium features and materials plus a lifetime warranty justify the higher price.
- Luxury Firm model is ideal for light to average-weight side sleepers.
- The mattress features lots of cooling technology.
- Super responsive yet has good motion isolation.
Why we like Nolah Evolution as best for hip pain
The Nolah Evolution hybrid is Nolah’s best-selling mattress. It comes in three firmness options: plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested the Luxury Firm.
When it comes to side sleeping, our testers loved this mattress for light—to average-weight sleepers. The Luxury Firm version, which has a medium-firm feel, will provide the best balance of comfort and support. Heavyweight sleepers should check out the Firm model.
The Nolah Evolution features multiple layers of cushioning foam that offer pressure relief where most needed. We think side sleepers will love the zoned foam that offers extra cushioning around the shoulders and a bit more lift around the hips to keep the spine in alignment. This gentle cradling of the hips should help to alleviate aches and pains in that area. During testing, we experienced a little pressure around the shoulders when sleeping on the side, but our hips and lower back felt comfortable.
Despite featuring a hefty amount of foam, the Nolah Evolution offers more of a gentle cradle than a deep sink, leaving you feeling more on top than in the mattress. It’s responsive, so you shouldn’t feel stuck in this bed, which is great news for combination sleepers who need to easily change positions. Sexually active couples will also appreciate this. People who prefer deep sinkage should look for a traditional memory foam option.
Although this mattress has a bounce factor, our testing found that it absorbs motion pretty well at the surface, which is surprising for a hybrid. This should appeal to couples who are easily disturbed by each other’s movements during the night.
The edge support on this mattress is excellent—our testers found zero visible sinkage when lying near the edge and minimal sinkage when sitting on the side. The thicker coils around the mattress perimeter are really doing their job here. This means seniors, people with mobility issues, and couples who like to spread out should all feel secure about the Nolah Evolution.
This bed scored well on our temperature tests thanks to its array of cooling features, including a breathable heat and moisture-wicking cover, aerated foam, a coil unit that promotes airflow, and the brand’s innovative AirBreath ™ gusset that allows heat to escape the foams. The cooling is quite impressive for a bed with so much foam. We think most sleepers should stay at a comfortable temperature on this bed.
All in all, we’re big fans of the Nolah Evolution. Yes, it’s expensive, but we think its premium features, materials, and lifetime warranty are more than worth it. Plus, you can remove the 120-night trial to save yourself 100 dollars if you’re sure this is your bed.
Specs
| Price | $2,499 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-firm (Luxury Firm option) |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free delivery within the contiguous U.S. |
| Weight (Queen) | 115 lbs |
| Height | 15” tall |
| Made in the USA | Yes |
Best soft mattress for side sleepers: Bear Mattress Bear Elite Hybrid Soft
Key product features
What you should know
The Bear Elite Hybrid Soft is a high-end mattress that combines luxurious cushioning with zoned support. It should appeal to light—to average-weight side sleepers who prefer their mattresses on the plusher side.
- A hybrid that offers comfortable pressure relief, great support, and advanced cooling.
- At $2,305 for a Queen, this is a luxury mattress that’s cheaper than what you’d find in brick-and-mortar stores.
- The mattress features plush yet supportive comfort for light to average-weight sleepers.
- Available in three firmness options—Soft, Medium, and Firm.
- A CELLIANT ® -infused cover upgrade is available that promises more restful sleep, costing $150.
Why we like Bear Mattress Bear Elite Hybrid Soft as best soft
Some side sleepers prefer a softer mattress as the plusher cushioning allows for deeper sinkage, which can better reduce pressure at the shoulders and hips. However, this does depend on your body weight. True soft mattresses tend to suit lighter frames better, as heavier individuals will likely find their hips sinking too far into the layers, which will cause their spine to come out of alignment, leading to aches and pains.
We ranked the Bear Elite Hybrid Soft as medium-soft and think it’s a great pick for light to average-weight side sleepers. (We’d recommend the Medium comfort level for heavier side sleepers.) The memory foam comfort layer sinks your body into a cradle, providing great pressure relief at the hips and shoulders. Heavier areas of the body are kept elevated by the zoned coil unit and a responsive layer of foam that adapts to your movements, helping to keep your spine in alignment. Those at the lower end of average-weight and lighter who also sleep on their back should also get the support needed in this position, but people who regularly switch to their stomachs may find their sinks sinking.
The impressive responsiveness of the mattress should help combination sleepers change positions with ease. This bounciness will also appeal to people with mobility issues and couples who like a springy mattress for sex. However, because of this, the bed isn’t the best at isolating motion, so you’re likely to feel your partner or pet moving around on the other side of the bed.
Bear has included several cooling features in its Elite Hybrid. First, the plush, quilted cover is made from phase-change fibers that adapt to your body heat. We found this did a pretty good job of staying cool to the touch. This bed contains a top layer of memory foam, a material known for trapping heat. However, as it’s a thin layer and is infused with heat-dispersing copper, it works well at staying cool. The bed’s coil unit also allows air to flow through the mattress. Overall, we were impressed at the Elite Hybrid’s cooling capabilities and think most sleepers should find themselves at a comfortable temperature.
Our testing showed that light-to-average-weight sleepers should have no issues sleeping close to the edge of the bed, as the reinforced perimeter coils offer good edge support. Couples who like to spread out will appreciate this feature. There was a bit of sinkage when sitting on the side of the bed, but it still scores above average in this category.
While the Bear Elite Hybrid isn’t a budget bed, we think it’s worth spending if you’re a side sleeper looking for a deliciously plush yet supportive cooling mattress.
Specs
| Price | $2,305 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-soft (Soft option) |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free delivery within the contiguous U.S. |
| Weight (Queen) | 110 lbs |
| Height | 14” tall |
| Made in the USA | Yes |
Best mattress for heavy side sleepers: Titan Mattress Titan Plus Luxe
Key product features
What you should know
The Titan Plus Luxe is a durable hybrid specially designed for plus-size individuals. Its combination of responsive foams and reinforced coils provides the support many heavier sleepers need.
- This bed offers comfortable contouring and sturdy support for plus-size individuals.
- Considered design, durability, and cooling tech make this a great value bed.
- Heavyweight side and back sleepers are best suited to this mattress.
- Edge support is seriously lacking.
- Supports up to 1,000 pounds in body weight.
Why we like Titan Mattress Titan Plus Luxe as best for heavy people
The Titan Plus Luxe is purposely designed for plus-size people, so our medium-firm comfort level is tailored to how someone over 230 pounds would feel. It’s important to note that lighter individuals will find that the bed feels much firmer, as they won’t carry the required weight to sink through the comfort layers. This is something to bear in mind for mixed-weight couples. This bed can support up to 1,000 pounds of body weight.
However, while the mattress is aimed at heavier weights, we didn’t think it provided enough support for stomach sleepers in that category. Our testers found their hips sinking to an uncomfortable level in this position, which takes the spine out of alignment, potentially leading to aches and pains in the lower back area. Side and back sleepers, though? This bed offers a great balance of sturdy support and soothing comfort. We found that the quilted gel foam pillow top and responsive foams beneath eased the sleeper into a gentle cradle, offering adaptive contouring and great pressure relief. The durable reinforced support coils are pushed back to keep heavier areas lifted, optimizing spine alignment.
Heavier individuals will be especially interested in edge support, which the Titan Plus Luxe doesn’t deliver on. We didn’t feel very secure when sleeping near the edge, which will be an issue for those with limited mobility and couples who like to utilize the entire surface area of the bed.
This bed has a good amount of bounce thanks to the responsive foams and coils. This should help sleepers easily move around on the bed—great for combo sleepers, sexually active couples, and those with mobility issues. Despite the bounce, our testing found that motion isolation was also above average, with the foams helping to muffle a lot of the movement. This should leave you sleeping soundly if you share with a restless partner.
The included cover feels cool to the touch, which helps to keep the surface of the mattress comfortable. The gel in the top foam layer allows heat to escape while the coil unit promotes airflow. We think all but the hottest sleepers should feel cool yet cozy on this bed. However, if you sleep exceptionally hot, you can pay extra for a GlacioTex ™ cooling cover, which really ramps up the temperature regulation.
Although not the cheapest bed, we think this is a good value product for plus-size side and back sleepers, considering the attention to detail that has gone into its design.
What customers are saying
The Titan Plus Luxe garners high remarks from Amazon reviewers. With over 100 reviews, it averages 4.5 stars.
One Amazon reviewer with the username “MaggieFromKC” writes, “I worried about my husband’s lack of sleep. For health reasons, we sleep in separate rooms, but I knew he didn’t sleep well. I got him a FitBit, which confirmed his lack of sleep. It was WAY worse than I thought. He has been getting, on average, three hours of sleep a night, so we got him this Titan mattress as a Christmas/Birthday gift. It was a rugged 24 hours waiting for it to expand fully. Though I think he could have slept on it sooner. He wanted to wait till he was certain it was fully inflated. So he slept a bit with me but moved to his recliner. Last night, he slept well for over six hours. I hear him singing in the kitchen as I write this, and I know how good he feels.
Thanks, Brooklyn Bedding, for helping my husband finally get a wonderful night’s sleep. At least he considers six hours wonderful. I’m looking forward to seeing him clock in a solid eight!
“I’m a big girl, and I buy a new mattress every year for $600+ because every mattress I’ve owned gives out in the spot where I lay after a few months,” says another verified Amazon customer, Eric. “I would always end up with back and hip pain after a few months, never getting a good night’s sleep because of tossing and turning to stay comfortable. I did a ton of research and decided to invest in a mattress built to stand my weight. This mattress does not disappoint! The first night I slept on it, I got a full night’s sleep. I woke up 2 hours earlier than usual, feeling refreshed and with no back pain. If you’re like me, stop wasting your money on Sertas and other brands not made for heavy-set people. This mattress is so worth it.”
Unfortunately, the cooling cover was problematic for some sleepers. For example, a verified Amazon customer, Dacia R., said, “We love our 13-inch mattress. It is comfortable and supportive. We regret the “cooling” topper. It is slippery. The sheets, mattress pad, natural latex, and any human being slide around. It flared up a lot of back pain. I recommend the mattress and strongly advise against the cooling topper.”
Specs
| Price | $1,599 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium-firm (For plus-size) |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free delivery within the contiguous U.S. |
| Weight (Queen) | 120 lbs |
| Height | 13” tall |
| Made in the USA | Yes |
How we test mattresses
We remove the headache of buying a new mattress by providing honest reviews. Our expert testers have years of experience in the industry, pooling their knowledge to test each mattress with the same rigorous processes. Check out our full mattress testing methodology if you want to learn more.
Performance (sleep experience)—30%
Based on getting eight hours of shut-eye a night, we spend about a third of our lives sleeping. Good quality sleep is essential for our health and well-being, and poor sleep can lead to several chronic health issues ( 4 ). This is why finding a mattress that offers you the best possible sleep experience is so important. Our experts assess several important functional factors when reviewing a mattress, which include:
- Temperature regulation
- Motion isolation
- Edge support
- Technology
Comfort and support—30%
We all want a bed that we look forward to getting in. The perfect bed for you offers the right balance of comfort and support for your body type and sleeping style, which should offer relief from any niggling aches and pains. This, in turn, will leave you waking up feeling a million dollars. Here’s what we look for:
- Firmness
- Pressure relief
- Spinal alignment support
- Customization
Value—20%
Good value doesn’t necessarily mean a low price. We assess by considering several important factors that add value to a mattress. Is a mattress attractively priced compared to competitors while also providing better quality materials and performance? The best value mattress finds that sweet spot between cost and wow factor.
Customer experience—10%
The best mattress in the world will leave you feeling tired and grumpy if the shopping experience leaves much to be desired. We all want a seamless purchase when buying online, so we assess how easy a purchase is with each company, including point of sale, delivery, and after-care.
- Shipping
- Warranty
- Customer service
- Sleep trial
Health and safety—10%
Not all mattresses are made equal regarding your health and well-being. We assess criteria that the average consumer may not be aware of, such as:
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Off-gassing and chemical exposure
- Safety certifications
What to look for in a mattress for side sleepers
Side sleepers need a mattress that’s supportive enough to keep their spine in alignment and plush enough to reduce pressure on the joints. Finding the right mattress can be a real juggling act, but with the right information, you can find one that’s perfect for you.
Firmness
It’s not a hard and fast rule, but side sleepers usually prefer medium-soft to medium-firm mattresses, which offer the right cushioning and support. Your ideal firmness level as a side sleeper will depend on your body type, personal preference, and whether you also sleep in other positions. For example, if you sleep on your stomach and your side, you’ll need to find a compromise, as stomach sleeping requires a much firmer mattress to lift the hips.
Support
When sleeping on your side, a lot of pressure is placed on your shoulders and hips, so it’s important to find a mattress with adequate support to keep these areas lifted and your body in the correct posture. The level of support needed will vary depending on your body type. If you have too little support, your hips will sink out of alignment, but if you have too much, you’re likely to feel sore. Support in a mattress comes from coils, foam layers, or both. Some mattresses even feature zoned support coils and/or foams that offer extra lift for heavier parts of the body.
Pressure relief
Side sleeping puts a lot of pressure on the shoulder and hips of the side you’re lying on. This can be counteracted with the right amount of cushioning in the top layer, which will contour the body, evenly distribute your weight, and soothe these pressure points. Side sleepers should opt for cushioning that either offers a gentle contouring cradle or a deep sinking hug–it doesn’t matter which one you prefer so long as there’s enough support to keep your spine aligned correctly.
What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?
Memory foam is a great option for side sleepers as this material is known for its fantastic body contouring and pressure relief. However, this doesn’t mean you have to opt for an all-foam model—many hybrids use memory foam in their comfort layers, so you can get the best of both worlds. Many modern memory foam alternatives are on the market, so it’s a case of finding what’s best for you.
Benefits and drawbacks of sleeping on your side
Research suggests that sleeping on your left side can decrease acid reflux in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) compared to right-side or back sleeping ( 5 ). Sleeping on the side can also reduce snoring. ( 6 )
Pregnant women are often told to sleep on their left side as it’s thought to deliver more blood flow and nutrients to the baby and carry less risk of complications than right side or supine sleeping. Some research shows that sleeping on the back (compared to the left side) after 28 weeks of pregnancy carries a higher risk of stillbirth. ( 7 ) However, more recent research suggests that sleeping on the right side or the back up to 30 weeks of pregnancy doesn’t carry higher risks for adverse pregnancy outcomes. ( 8 ) Researchers are now beginning to question the evidence that sleeping on the left side is better than the right side, so it’s best to discuss your sleep position with your healthcare provider. ( 9 ).
Preliminary research in rodents also suggests that sleeping on the side can help the brain remove toxic metabolic waste build-up more effectively than sleeping on the back or side. ( 10 ) However, further testing needs to be done to confirm this in humans.
If your pillow is too soft or flat, you may experience neck pain while side sleeping. ( 11 ) A firmer or thicker pillow is generally required to keep the head elevated in line with the spine. People who use CPAP devices may find their mask is dislodged by their pillow when sleeping on their side unless using a specially designed CPAP pillow. ( 11 )
Tips for sleeping on your side
When side sleeping, the Mayo Clinic advises putting a pillow between your legs and slightly drawing your legs up towards your chest. ( 12 ) This can prevent your pelvis from rolling forward, keeping your spine, pelvis, and hips in better alignment, which will further prevent aches and pains.
FAQs
What is the best mattress for side sleepers?
We rank the Saatva Classic as the best overall mattress for side sleepers. It features layers of zoned foam and coils that provide cushioning and support where most needed. The plush pillow top gently cradles your body, with delicious pressure relief at the hips and shoulders, two areas that often cause side sleepers’ pain.
What firmness is best for side sleepers with back pain?
Back pain can be caused by a mattress being either too soft or too hard. If a mattress is too soft for your body type, you’ll find heavier areas like the hips sinking out of alignment with the rest of your body, which can cause aches and pains. However, it is too firm a mattress, and you might find uncomfortable pressure buildup on your back. Mattress firmness is very individual, but generally, a medium-firm comfort level is advised for side sleepers with back pain.
What is the best mattress thickness for side sleepers?
According to Amerisleep, the best mattress thickness for side sleepers is between 12 and 14 inches. These are considered thick, deep, or tall mattresses. Thicker mattresses work better for side sleepers as they offer more cushioning for the shoulders and hips, which tend to bear more body weight in this sleeping position. Extra cushioning can reduce pressure buildup in these areas. ( 13 )
Is memory foam better for side sleepers?
Memory foam is often recommended for side sleepers as it can provide plush contouring and support for the shoulders and hips, which are often problem areas in this sleeping position. However, not everyone is a fan of traditional memory foam’s deep sinkage, slow-moving feel, and heat-trapping properties. Many other foams can also provide the right comfort and support for side sleepers.
Our experts
Dr. Audrey Wells
Dr. Wells is board-certified in sleep medicine and obesity medicine. She is the founder of Super Sleep MD, an online platform for education, support, and group coaching experiences specifically for people struggling with obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia. Through Super Sleep MD, she offers a comprehensive library of self-directed courses, a group coaching program, and a private Facebook community.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM
Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine. An active clinical researcher, Dr. Raj is currently an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine, and the Associate Program Director of Internal Medicine Residency at Huntington Health, an affiliate of Cedars Sinai.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Stephanie Hope, CSSC, CLC
Stephanie Hope has over seven years of experience in product and service journalism, focusing on sleep and well-being. She is a certified sleep science coach, stress management coach, and longevity coach, and she is working on becoming a wellness coach through the Spencer Institute.
Lisa Bowman
Fortune Recommends Writer
About Author
Lisa is a sleep writer for Fortune Recommends, which combines two of her greatest passions – writing and sleeping. She can also be found writing about fitness, sustainability, and vegan food.
Her life revolves around her two rescue dogs (who she shares her bed with) and if she’s not running around after them, she’s likely doing yoga, buying new plants, or enjoying a sunset rum at the beach.