Best Mattress for Side Sleepers for 2023 – CNET
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers for 2023 - CNET
In this article:
- Video: Best mattress for side sleepers
- Our picks
- Other mattresses we’ve tested
- How we test
- What to consider
- Frequently asked questions
- More products and sleep advice
Sleep positions are a vital part of our comfort and health, and it’s often difficult to fall asleep on mattresses that aren’t designed for slide sleepers; 74% of people have actually said that this is their dominant sleeping position. The best mattresses for side sleepers are ones that contour to the shape of your resting body, providing ample pressure relief and alleviating back pain, hip pain, and shoulder pain. I’ve found the best tend to be in the medium to soft range, depending on the amount of support you’re also looking to get.
With so many beds in the market to choose from, narrowing your choice down to even just a few models can be tough. The CNET sleep editors have tested over 100 different beds, giving us a feel (literally and figuratively) for the mattresses that suit side sleepers the best. The beds chosen below were top-rated among the editors during testing. We analyzed firmness, pressure relief and overall comfort while laying on our right or left side in order to determine the performance of each mattress. Continue on below in our best mattress for side sleepers review to see the picks we think are worth your money.
Video: Best mattress for side sleepers
Watch our very own CNET Video Producer, Owen Poole, review the best mattress for side sleepers.
8 best mattresses for side sleepers
My colleagues and I slept on more than two dozen models to find the best mattress for side sleepers, and here are our findings. We update this side sleeper mattress review list periodically as we test new products. Prices listed are for queen sizes, though they frequently change.
Lindsay Boyers/CNET
Type
Flippable hybrid mattress
Firmness
Firm: 5 or medium | Soft: 3 or medium-soft
Trial
120 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
The Layla Hybrid mattress is the only flippable mattress type on this list, and really one of the handful of flippable hybrid mattress options out there. But it’s not just flippable so that you can move it around and break it in evenly. It actually combines two different mattresses in one. One side is soft and the other is firm, the perfect combination sleeper solution for you if you can’t make up your mind about what mattress firmness level you want in a new mattress.
The soft mattress side, which is rated a four out of 10 on the firmness level scale, has a plush feel that hugs and contours your body at all of your pressure points. The firmer mattress side, rated a seven out of 10, offers more support with less sink to maintain your spine alignment as you snooze. Both the soft mattress side and firm mattress side are equally great for a side sleeping position.
On days that I felt sore and tense, the soft mattress side had just enough give to alleviate pressure on my shoulders and hips, but still provided the support I needed so I didn’t wake up in pain. On the days where I felt like I wanted a little more support, the firm mattress side of this Layla Mattress propped me right up.
As for mattress construction, the Layla’s mattress material makes it a true hybrid mattress, combining layers of memory foam with individually wrapped pocketed coils. The foam layer is also infused with copper, which pulls heat away from your body as you sleep. I tend to sleep cool anyway, but this is a nice feature for a hot sleeper, especially since traditional memory foam is notorious for trapping heat. Read more in our Layla Hybrid mattress review.
The Layla Hybrid mattress comes in twin to California king and prices range from $1,399 to $1,899 regularly, not considering any discounts the store may be offering.
Casper
Type
Hybrid mattress
Firmness
Medium-soft or 3
Trial
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
A soft mattress is a side sleeper’s haven and the Casper Nova Hybrid bed among the cream of the crop. It feels like a big fluffy cloud, with the additional support of pocketed coils in the foundation layer and a zoned support layer in the center of the mattress. It’s a comfort layer made of soft and breathable Airscape foam split into three zones. The top and bottom thirds are soft to provide pressure relief to the shoulders, while the middle is firm to help support your back and spine.
I rate its firmness around a medium-soft or a three out of 10 on the firmness scale. It’s ultra plush, and really nestles your body as you become engulfed in the soft foam layers. Like I said, it’s one big airy and fluffy cloud. The foam is also quick to respond to pressure, unlike dense memory foam which can take a few moments to morph back to its normal shape.
The Casper Nova Hybrid doesn’t sleep cool, but it does help regulate temperature. The top layer is made with perforated Airscape foam to allow air to pass through, while the pocketed coils in the lower layer also promote more airflow. And thanks to its supportive hybrid, it’s accommodating for all body types. It is a bit expensive, but I think it’s worth it for side sleepers looking to splurge on a new mattress.
The Casper Nova Hybrid comes in twin XL to California king and prices range from $1,795 to $2,895.
Lindsay Boyers/CNET
Type
Hybrid mattress
Firmness
6 or medium to medium-firm
Trial
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
The best mattress for side sleepers with back pain is usually a hybrid mattress that falls around a medium on the firmness scale. The key is to find a bed that offers the right balance of pressure relief to accommodate your sleeping position, and support to keep the back in proper alignment with your neck. The Purple Hybrid not only meets this requirement, but does it in an unconventional and comfortable way.
The Purple Hybrid Premier bed’s main bread and butter is its Hyper-Elastic Polymer comfort layer. It’s called the Purple Grid, and unlike foam you’re more used to, it’s made with a gel-like material that are soft and supportive at the same time. It’s squishy, stretchy and incredibly durable. If you’re open minded, it makes for a really unique, but pleasant feel. It’s a weightless feel that’s pressure relieving on your back, yet supportive for your spine. If you’re willing to get past its unique first impression, a lot of people end up enjoying their Purple bed.
I rate Purple Hybrid Premier around a medium to medium-firm on the firmness scale, or around a six out of 10. I think it’s a mattress most side sleepers will enjoy, with the exception of side sleepers under 150 pounds who might think it’s a little firm. In that case, the softer Original Purple mattress is a better option. See more in our Purple Hybrid mattress review.
The Purple Hybrid Premier 4 comes in sizes twin XL to split king and prices range from $3,199 to $6,398.
Saatva
Type
Mixed foam hybrid mattress
Firmness
5 or medium (for heavier folks)
Trial
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Saatva is a luxury online mattress brand who delivers on high-quality, cozy beds. Its model Saatva HD is designed to provide heavier sleepers with adequate support and plenty of comfort, and it really pulls out all the stops. And even though it’s a hybrid mattress like many of the others on this mattress review list, it didn’t arrive in a box (and the new mattress came with free white glove delivery).
For starters, the first layer of this mattress is a small foam slab to support a 12.5-inch offset innerspring system of recycled steel coils that Saatva says are 25% stronger than average hybrid mattresses. This layer also includes special Lumbar Zone Active Spinal Wire meant to help with lower back support, and 6-inch dense foam borders for improved edge support. It seems Saatva went above and beyond to ensure maximum support at every turn.
The comfort layers are made with various types of foams including memory foam, 5-zone latex foam for increased back support and a luxuriously fluffy Euro-top. The cover is even designed with a special antimicrobial treatment to prevent mold, mildew and bacteria from growing. It’s one of the most impressive beds I’ve ever seen, and it takes luxury to a new level. The one downside is that Saatva recommends buying its foundation to support the bed, as it says Saatva HD isn’t compatible with other frames.
Side sleepers over 230 pounds will really enjoy its medium firmness level. It’s soft enough to contour around your hips and shoulders for pressure relief, but it’s strong enough to keep your back and spine in a straight alignment with your neck. If you want to save money on a Saatva mattress, the Classic model is also a viable choice for heavy sleepers. Read more in our Saatva mattress review.
The Saatva HD comes in sizes twin to split king and prices range from $1,725 to $3,750.
Amerisleep
The Amerisleep AS4 mattress appeals to a true memory foam fanatic; it has dense, slow-responding memory foam that envelopes your body, making you feel like you’re getting a big hug from your mattress. I compare the feel to what you get from a TempurPedic mattress, but a lot softer and for a fraction of the price.
The Amerisleep brand markets this mattress as the best for side sleepers, and I have to agree with it. The AS4 mattress has a firmness profile that falls around a medium-soft or three on the firmness scale, making it ultra pressure relieving without being so soft that you sag into the bed.
One thing I don’t agree with them on is its cooling cover. While the bed sleeps temp-neutral, I wouldn’t say it’s cool to the touch. With that said, there is something very special about the cover that makes this bed stand out.
The Amerisleep mattress covers are infused with Celliant, a performance and sleep-boosting fabric that absorbs heat from your body, and transfers it back to you as infrared energy. It’s supposed to help your body’s natural muscle repair process that occurs during sleep, and make you feel more energized when you wake up.
There’s no way for me to actually scientifically test this, but I can say you get a great night’s sleep on this bed if you’re a memory foam loving side sleeper. However, I’d say it’s best for those under 230 pounds thanks to its all-foam construction.
An added plus; you can also remove the cover and throw it in the wash for a deep clean. Believe it or not, there are a ton of beds that don’t have removable and washable covers.
The Amerisleep AS4 mattress comes in sizes twin to split king and prices range from $1,499 to $2,648. Although, like most beds on this list, you can typically catch it for a good deal. Amerisleep is usually offering a promo around $100 to $400 off.
Helix
For side sleepers looking for a safe, reliable soft mattress, the Helix Sunset is a great choice. It’s an affordable hybrid mattress among Helix’s catalog of soft to firm mattresses that sits on the soft end of the spectrum. If you marked the side sleeper check box in the Helix sleep quiz and said you like soft beds, the company will match you with this mattress because it’s a perfect fit.
The Sunset mattress from Helix has a simple but comfortable hybrid mattress design that combines pocketed coils with reinforced edges for stronger edge support and two layers of comfort foams. Helix uses memory foam and its own special Dynamic Foam to create a soft foam blend that is pressure relieving, but quicker to respond to pressure than the Amerisleep AS5 or the Nectar Premier mattress. It’s cozy, plush and easy to switch positions on because the memory foam doesn’t give you resistance.
One of the good things about Helix is its hybrid design and affordable price tag. As you can see by comparing the prices of other beds on this list, the Helix Sunset is a nice bed that offers a great value. It’s also accommodating for all body types from small to large. Read more about this bed in our Helix mattress review.
The Helix Sunset comes in sizes twin to California king and prices range from $899 to $1,549.
Brooklyn Bedding
Type
Hybrid mattress
Firmness
3 firmness levels | Soft: 3 or Medium-soft | Medium: 5 or Medium | Firm: Medium-firm or 7
Trial
120 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
There’s a lot of marketing language out there on the websites of online brands that claim to have a cooling mattress, but only a handful of those claims actually turn out to be true. There’s a difference between a bed that doesn’t retain heat, and a bed that’s actively trying to cool you down. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora is one of those mattresses.
From a company that manufactures its own beds that boast affordable price tags, Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe offers a great value to hot sleepers looking for relief. It’s a thick, 13.5-inch mattress with CopperFlex foam in the comfort layer to help regulate temperature, and an actual cooling cover. It’s smooth and gives off a cooling sensation, so when you touch it, you can physically feel the iciness.
Another plus about this mattress, and one of the main characteristics side sleepers look for in a mattress, is its plush comfort. This bed comes in three different firmness levels, allowing side sleepers to choose how soft they want their bed to be. The medium option, I think, falls around a four out of 10 on the firmness scale with 10 being the firmest, and the soft model is around a two. Side sleepers under 150 pounds may like the softest option, however, since beds typically feel a little firmer than they do to the average-weighted person.
Prices start at $999 for a twin and max out at $2,249 for a Cal king. However, the brand is pretty generous with discounts. You can typically buy a queen size Aurora mattress for around $300 to $400 off. It also comes in RV mattress sizes including an RV king and RV bunk.
Nolah
Nolah is an animal-friendly bed-in-a-box mattress brand that donates proceeds from its mattresses to the Defenders of Wildlife, an organization whose mission is to help protect American wildlife. It’s not just a good cause, however, because its Original mattress is a great soft mattress for side sleepers who want airy pressure relief.
I think this bed feels like neutral-foam but with traces of memory foam underneath. This makes it plush, airy and pressure-relieving, but also quicker to respond to pressure than your typical memory foam. The secret is Nolah’s cooling AirFoam. It isn’t physically cool to the touch, but it does help regulate temperature so you don’t sleep as hot.
Overall, I’d rate this mattress in between a medium to medium-soft on the firmness scale, or a 4 out of 10. It’s ideal for people who weigh under 230 pounds who want an affordable foam mattress that isn’t going to break the bank. You also sleep well on the Nolah Original 10 knowing you helped donate to a good cause.
Other side sleeper mattresses we’ve tested
The CNET Sleep editors have tested more beds than the average sleeper. Around 100 different ones, in fact, and we’ve dedicated hundreds of hours to the craft. The beds on the list were among some of the best we came across, but there are several mattresses that also stood out and deserve some of the spotlight.
WinkBed mattress: The luxurious and Pinterest-perfect WinkBed mattress comes in three firmness levels, and the soft model would be a perfect fit for side sleepers looking for a plush, supportive hybrid mattress. The WinkBed is made with several layers of comfy foam, strong pocketed coils, and a fluffy pillow top that makes it look as good as it feels. I think side sleepers of all body types would enjoy the WinkBed.
Original Layla mattress: We mentioned the Layla Hybrid on this list, but if you want to save some money and are willing to give up the pocketed coil base layer, then the Original foam Layla mattress is a great option. It’s also flippable, and features one very plush and soft side perfect for side sleepers. Though, this Layla mattress is going to suit sleepers under 230 pounds better because it’s not as supportive as the Hybrid model.
How we tested the best mattresses for side sleepers
CNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read more on how we test mattresses.
What to consider when buying a mattress for side sleepers
The qualities that side sleepers want in a mattress are different from stomach or back sleepers. Here are the main features to keep an eye out for if you favor your side when you sleep.
Soft beds are typically best for side sleepers because they provide more contour underneath shoulder and hip pressure points.
- Pressure relief: As we’ve touched on in this best list already, the best mattresses for side sleepers cradle the hip and shoulders to provide optimal pressure relief. That’s why soft mattresses tend to be the best — they give under your weight allowing the foam to mold around your shoulders and hips.
- Firmness: Soft mattresses are typically more pressure-relieving than firm ones. If you had a firm mattress, it would press into your hips and shoulders, throwing off the alignment of your spine with your neck. This is a recipe for back pain.
- Weight: Keep in mind that the heavier you are, the softer a mattress is going to feel. Heavier sleepers over 230 pounds can afford to get a firmer mattress because it’ll feel a notch softer than what’s advertised. The same rule applies in reverse to petite sleepers under 150 pounds. Smaller side sleepers may want an extra-soft mattress so it doesn’t feel too firm.
- Health concerns: If you suffer from back pain, side pain or joint pain, take that into consideration when choosing a mattress. People with back pain may want a side sleeper bed that offers a balance of pressure relief and support, like the Purple, which lands at a medium on the firmness scale. If you suffer from hip or shoulder pain, a softer mattress that will take the pressure off your joints will usually fare better than a firm bed.
How does sleeping on your side affect your sleep?
Besides being comfortable, there are also countless health benefits to side sleeping as well. Helping reduce the risk of sleep apnea, improving the health of your brain and even improving gut health and function are included among the benefits of sleeping on your side. And the best mattress for side sleepers can improve your comfort while you get a good night’s sleep.
It’s also recommended to side sleep during pregnancy. It promotes better quality sleep by keeping pressure off your belly, and sleeping on the left side promotes ample blood flow from the inferior vena cava. This is a crucial vein that pumps blood through your heart and also your baby.
However, sleeping on your side can have some adverse effects if you’re not using the right mattress. It can put undue pressure on your shoulders and hips and lead to joint pain and discomfort.
FAQs
What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?
Memory foam is one of the best types of mattresses for side sleepers. It contours to your body shape, relieving pressure points and keeping your spinal alignment when you’re lying on your side. Side sleepers should also consider a soft mattress because it provides pressure relief to your shoulder and hip joints.
What type of firmness is best for side sleepers?
There’s not a single right answer to this question, but in general, side sleepers tend to prefer a soft to medium mattress. Mattresses in this range have enough give to alleviate pressure in the shoulders, hips and knees when you’re sleeping on your side, but also hold their shape to keep your spinal alignment so you don’t wake up in pain.
Are firm mattresses bad for side sleepers?
Firm mattresses can be bad for side sleepers, especially ones under 150 pounds. If your mattress firmness is too hard, it might not have enough give and cushioning for your pressure points. Lack of pressure relief can disrupt your sleep and cause pain and even numbness and tingling in your extremities. Ultimately, a lot comes down to personal preference and how you feel on the mattresses, but most side sleepers do best with medium or softer mattress options.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
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