Best mattress for side sleepers
Look for a mattress that has enough give to support your shoulder and hips
Memory foam is typically the best type of mattress for side sleepers because the foam layer comfortably compresses around the shoulders, arms and hips. Memory foam mattresses are usually softer than spring mattresses, and the foam absorbs the energy from tossing and turning. Hybrid foam models work well for side sleepers who want the best of both worlds, however.
Our picks
- Great for keeping cool: Nest Bedding
- Our favorite for back pain: Casper
- Our favorite for price: Cocoon by Sealy
Our favorite mattresses for side sleepers
To determine which mattresses were best for side sleepers, we compared firmness, construction, materials, features, prices and reviews by real customers. This list features medium-firm mattresses that allow enough give to support your shoulders and hips properly while you sleep. All prices are accurate as of publishing.
 Nest Bedding |  Casper Mattress |  Cocoon by Sealy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | 1.0 | 3.9 | Pending |
| # of reviews | 375 | 115 | 8 |
| Model | Sparrow Signature Hybrid | Wave Hybrid | Chill |
| Type | Foam hybrid | Foam hybrid | Memory Foam |
| Price (queen) | $2,132 | $2,895 | $1,079 |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | 10-year limited | 10-year limited |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 100 nights |
| Read Reviews | Read Reviews | Read Reviews |
- Type: Foam hybrid
- Price (queen): $2,132 (as of publication)
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Test period: 365-night trial
Nest’s Sparrow Signature Hybrid mattress features gel and copper-infused foam, which pulls heat away from the body to provide a cooler night’s sleep than traditional foam mattresses and helps regulate your mattress’ temperature year-round. Copper also contains antimicrobial properties, which means it prevents the growth of microorganisms.
What we like
What reviewers say
- Type: Foam hybrid
- Price (queen): $2,895 (as of publication)
- Warranty: 10-year limited
- Test period: 100-night trial
The Casper Wave Hybrid mattress is one to consider if you’re seeking relief from chronic back pain. The Wave Hybrid mattress consists of five layers, including memory foam, supportive gel and latex foam. The top layer is composed of a “velvety soft” comfort foam, built as a longer-lasting and more resilient alternative to a pillow-top.
What we like
What reviewers say
- Type: Memory foam
- Price (queen): $1,079 (as of publication)
- Warranty: 10-year limited
- Test period: 100-night trial
Cocoon by Sealy’s Chill mattress is made with premium memory foam that adapts to your body, shape and sleeping position. The foams are engineered to be durable and resilient and are certified by the CertiPUR-US program. Some memory foam mattresses get hot, but Cocoon includes a stretch-knit cover that absorbs moisture and dissipates heat to help keep you cool at night.
What we like
What reviewers say
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FAQ
What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?
The recommended mattress firmness for side sleepers is soft to medium-soft. If you sleep on your side, you may find many traditional mattresses are too firm and cause your arms to go numb. A softer mattress will let your arm and shoulder sink in more and relieve pressure in those areas.
If you find that soft mattresses don’t provide enough lower back support or proper spinal alignment, you can opt for medium firmness and consider a pillow-top for the added shoulder comfort.
What’s the best mattress for side sleepers with lower back pain?
While softer mattresses are often recommended for side sleepers, those with back pain might require extra support. Some experts say medium firmness mattresses, especially those with memory foam, are the best bet for side sleepers with chronic back pain. Hybrid models can also provide additional support while eliminating pressure points on shoulders and hips.
» MORE: Best mattresses for back pain
What type of mattress is best for stomach sleepers?
Memory foam mattresses are ideal for many stomach sleepers; these models conform to the body and can help equally distribute body weight to relieve pressure.
» COMPARE: Best mattresses for stomach sleepers
Bottom line
According to Nicole Eichelberger, a Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine-certified sleep expert and author at Mattressive.com, while many side sleepers may prefer memory foam, hybrid models can be ideal because they “provide a balance of contouring and support, making them a good choice for a wide range of sleepers. They often have good motion isolation and noise reduction and are generally cooler to sleep on than foam mattresses.”
[Hybrid mattresses] provide a balance of contouring and support, making them a good choice for a wide range of sleepers."
Each of our picks brings something to the table. High quality can come at a price, with two out of three of these mattresses coming in at over $2,000 before tax for a queen size. Both the Nest and the Casper mattresses offer state-of-the-art technology to improve sleep and reduce back pain, and Cocoon by Sealy offers a more affordable memory foam option.
» UPGRADING? How to dispose of a mattress
Ultimately, only you can decide which mattress is best for your specific side-sleeping style. Be sure to check out our mattress guide for tips on getting the best deals and finding exactly what’s right for you.
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