Getting a good night’s sleep is all about the position you sleep in and the mattress you sleep on. The mattress you sleep on will determine whether you wake up feeling rested and pain-free.
For those who sleep on their side, a mattress that is too soft doesn’t provide enough support to keep the back aligned, and a mattress that is too firm can contribute to additional back pain.
Side sleepers tend to prefer a mattress that has medium firmness to provide support to their hips, legs, and neck, which keeps the spine aligned.
That’s why we’ve decided to create the ultimate guide for side sleepers. Below, you can find our top picks for the best mattress for side sleepers, from budget-friendly options to luxury models.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers:
- Puffy Lux Mattress: Editor’s Choice (Best Value)
- Idle Sleep Natural Dunlop Latex Hybrid Mattress: Best Pressure Relief
- Plush Beds Mattresses: Best Cooling
- Bear Pro Mattress: Best Technology
- Layla® Sleep Memory Foam Mattress: Best Hybrid
How to Choose the Right Mattress for Side Sleepers
Before we dive in, there are some factors to consider before buying your next mattress. These include:
- Sleeper Compatibility: As a side sleeper, you want to make sure that the mattress has the right firmness. If it’s too firm, your body will not properly sink in, resulting in your spine being misaligned.
- Durability: You might notice several brands claiming long durability. Some may even have a guarantee. Make sure you keep this point in mind when determining the right mattress for you.
- Sex: If you’re sharing the bed with a partner, sex is one of the factors to consider when buying a mattress. As a side sleeper, you may end up going with a mattress on the softer side. Some of the softer mattresses may use materials that are not ideal for sex. Be on the lookout for a mattress that is both responsive, and supportive for sex.
- Warranty: Most mattresses will come with some kind of warranty from the manufacturer. Make sure you read this carefully before buying. This will ensure you understand what’s covered, in the case that something goes wrong.
- Manufacturing Location: Not all mattresses are made the same. Keep an eye on the country where it was manufactured. Most quality mattresses are made in the USA, which is what we recommend looking for when buying your next mattress.
- Sleep Trial & Return Policy: Most established brands offer a sleep trial, where you get to try out the mattress for at least a month. If, for any reason, you are not satisfied, you may return it with no risk. Make sure you read the company’s trial and return policy in detail. If you receive a mattress that is damaged, contact the company immediately to arrange for an exchange or refund.
- Shipping & Returns: Look for brands that offer free shipping. The best brands will offer free return pickup, should you decide not to keep the mattress. Some good companies may charge a small amount for pickup, and that is okay. Be on the lookout for less reputable brands that ask you to pick it up yourself.
- Brand Reputation & Reviews: Do some research on the manufacturer to see how long they’ve been around. Established brands are more likely to honor their warranty down the line. Moreover, check out the online reviews. Make sure to look for real reviews, and not ones that seem like they’ve been written by the company.
- Coupons & Deals: When buying a mattress online, look for deals and coupons to get the best price possible. If you’re shopping in a physical store, make sure to ask if there are any deals available. Regardless, you should always try and negotiate a better price in person.
With that being said, we’ve done all the research for you and created this list of the Top 5 Mattresses for Side Sleepers.
1. Puffy Lux Mattress – Editor’s Choice
Puffy has quickly developed a name for itself in the mattress industry. Known for its superior luxury and focus on comfort, it’s the perfect mattress for those who like to feel like they’re sleeping on a bed of clouds.
This mattress provides you with all of the comforts you’d usually find in a memory foam mattress for a reduced price. The company promotes its versatility and the fact that this mattress is perfect for sleepers of all positions.
When you order this mattress, it comes compressed in a box. You’ll have to unroll the mattress and let it inflate for two days. For here on, you can sleep on it with no trouble! In total, this mattress features 4 layers and is 12 inches thick. When you lay on this bed, you’ll sink into the memory foam, which will contour all of your pressure points.
These mattresses are designed to suit any surface. For example, you can put it on a bed frame, box spring, or floor. The original Puffy model has an outer layer that is made of cooling gel to ensure you’re never too hot or too cold throughout the night. And to really drive the point home – it also has a ClimateComfort layer dedicated solely to helping you regulate body heat, keeping you nice and comfortable whether it’s winter or summer outside.
Puffy also provides all users with stain-resistant covers. If you like to eat in bed or are likely to stain the bed, this cover will prevent stains from reaching your mattress.
Sleeper Compatibility:
All types – Back, Stomach, and Side-Sleepers.
Sizes:
- Twin – 39″ x 75″ x 12″
- Twin XL – 39″ x 80″ x 12″
- Full – 54″ x 75″ x 12″
- Queen – 60″ x 80″ x 12″
- King – 76″ x 80″ x 12″
- California King – 72″ x 84″ x 12″
Manufacturing Location:
Manufactured in the USA.
Type of Material:
4-layer, 12″ proprietary cooling hybrid foam and trademarked climate-control open-celled memory materials, along with high-density transition layer; Firmness: (5 – 7) Medium-Plush Comfort
Cooling Mechanism & Pressure Relief:
Its 4-layer cooling and pressure relief mechanism keeps the body cool and well-supported throughout the night.
- Top Layer – Cooling Cloud (contains Temperature Regulation Mechanism)
- Second Top Layer* – Plush Dual Cloud (High-Density Transition Comfort Layer offers comfort & support)
- Third Layer – Climate Comfort™ (Contains Climate-Adaptive Materials to keep you warm during winter months and cool in summer)
- Bottom Layer – Firm Core Support (for spinal support and mattress stability)
*Exclusive to Puffy Lux
Off-Gassing:
None; Lab-Tested
Surface/Frame Usability:
This mattress is compatible with all types of frames/platforms/surfaces – flat, curved, hard, soft, and even spring surfaces
Protection Against Stains & Water Spills:
Thanks to its water- and stain-repellent Zip-N-Wash cover, stains can easily be washed away with soap and water without the worry of water seeping into the mattress. The covers are Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 Certified.
Shipping:
Free FedEx Shipping (ships in 1 – 3 business days).
Online/Offline:
Online
Sleep Trial:
101 nights; full refund if not satisfied (minimum of 30 days).
Return & Refund Policy:
If you are not satisfied with the mattress after 30 days, you can either continue using it until a day before the Sleep Trial ends or return it for a full refund. However, you must use it for at least 30 days before you can get a full refund.
Product must be returned in the same condition as it was delivered.
If you had the mattress delivered to Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada, shipping charges will not be refunded.
Warranty:
Lifetime Warranty
Certification & Accolades:
- Oeko-Tex® Standard 100 Certified covers
- Winner of Best Mattress 2020
Check out the Puffy Lux Mattress here.
2. Idle Sleep Natural Dunlop Latex Hybrid – Best Pressure Relief
Idle sleep prioritizes customer satisfaction and customer experience. Many of their products offer a variety of firmness levels, which will ensure you’re always getting the best sleep possible. If you want to wake up feeling refreshed, this is the mattress brand for you!
If you’re a latex bed lover, you can’t go wrong with this mattress. This mattress provides many of the same features as the original Idle Mattress, but it has a few upgrades in some areas.
Many latex beds come at an exceedingly high cost. However, this one gives you all of the luxuries that conventional latex mattresses do at a reduced price. Not only this, but this latex bed will provide side sleepers with more support and will reduce restlessness during the night. It also doesn’t trap heat the way memory foam mattresses do.
This mattress is perfect for those with back pain or stiff hips and shoulders because it’s available in 2 different firmness levels, which will keep you stabilized while you’re sleeping on your side. According to the website, side sleepers are better off buying the mattress with a medium level of firmness because it balances firmness and comfort, putting the right amount of pressure relief on your pressure points.
While many have reported that memory foam mattresses have made them feel like they’re cooking in an oven, this mattress does feature cooling technology, which regulates your temperature to ensure you don’t wake up sweating during the night.
Sleeper Compatibility:
All types of sleepers.
Sizes:
- Twin – 38″ X 75″ X 12″
- Twin XL – 38″ X 80″ X 12″
- Full – 54″ X 75″ X 12″
- Queen – 60″ X 80″ X 12″
- King – 76″ X 80″ X 12″
- California King – 74″ X 84″ X 12″
- Split King – 38″ X 80″ X 12″ (X2)
Manufacturing Location:
USA
Type of Material:
Hybrid (open-celled, natural latex, foam combined with other materials, like wool, cotton, and other natural materials, coupled with pressure coils – not springs).
Cooling Mechanism & Pressure Relief:
IDLE’s proprietary “Cooling Buoyancy Foam” does not contain any viscoelastic chemicals. Unlike regular memory foam, it does not trap body heat and remains cool all night. It provides better cooling and pressure relief, naturally. Its latex variants are even better as they’re covered in organically sourced cotton covers, and the natural latex provides open-cell breathability. Plus, it is naturally hypoallergenic and antimicrobial.
Off-Gassing:
No; Lab-Tested
Surface/Frame Usability:
Both flat and adjustable surfaces/platforms.
Protection Against Stains & Water Spills:
The cover does not seem to protect against spillage and wetting.
Shipping:
Free & Fast UPS Shipping
Online/Offline:
Online
Sleep Trial:
18 months or 540+ nights (minimum of 30 days)
Return & Refund Policy:
Free Returns (i.e. free pick-up) in the US and full refund if not satisfied, even after the sleep trial period.
Warranty:
Lifetime warranty; Warranty Without End™ also covers wear from use and body impressions.
Certifications:
- CertiPur-US Certification
- Natural GOLS Certified Latex
Check out the IDLE Mattress here.
3. Plush Beds Memory Foam Mattress – Best Cooling
Plush focuses primarily on innovative technology and incorporates it into their mattresses. That’s why we’ve rated them as “Best Cooling.”
The three different types of memory foam mattresses sold by Plush Beds are:
- 12″ Cool Bliss® Luxury Memory Foam Mattress (6-layered with Gel Memory Foam)
- 9″ Ocean Mist Gel Memory Foam Mattress (4-layered Gel-Infused Memory Foam)
- 12″ Posture Plush Cushion-Firm Memory Foam Mattress (6-layered, Open-Celled, Medium-Firm)
If you’re looking for luxury, you can’t go wrong with Plush’s Cool Bliss Memory Foammattress. This mattress features a total of five layers, as well as an extra cover designed for regulating your body temperature.
This mattress is perfect for those who wake up sweating during the night or who sleep with the human equivalent of a space heater. Let’s face it—we all know someone like this.
This mattress received the Green Guard certification, which is a certification given to low-emission products and has only been awarded to less than one percent of mattresses in the United States.
On the firmness scale, this mattress sits around a 7, which makes it firmer than the average mattress. The level of firmness makes this mattress suitable for those with back issues or those looking for a little extra support while sleeping on their side.
The Ocean Mist mattress uses advanced cooling technology to ensure that you can sleep comfortably during the night. This product absorbs moisture and body heat three times faster than others on the market, and it allows you to sleep 30% cooler than you would otherwise, which will enable you to wake up feeling more refreshed and more rested than ever before.
If you’re prone to allergies, this mattress is ideal for you because it is made primarily with organic materials that prevent the buildup of bacteria and allergy-causing particles.
Sleeper Compatibility:
All types of sleepers.
Sizes:
- Twin – 38″ X 75″ X 12″
- Twin XL – 38″ X 80″ X 12″
- Full – 54″ X 75″ X 12″
- Queen – 60″ X 80″ X 12″
- King – 76″ X 80″ X 12″
- California King – 74″ X 84″ X 12″
- Split King – 38″ X 80″ X 12″ (X2)
Manufacturing Location:
Los Angeles, California, USA
Type of Material:
6-layers (cover plus 5 layers) with Gel Memory Foam:
- Cooling Cover (4-way stretch, removable cover that keeps you cool and dry all night long)
- 3″ Cool Bliss ® Gel (Patented) Memory Foam
- 2″ Natural Latex
- 2″ Air Flow Layer
- 5″ Supportive Core
- Foundation – Orthopedic foundation made from chemical-free spruce wood or brand’s premium adjustable foundations
Firmness: 6.5 – 7 Medium-Plush
Cooling Mechanism & Pressure Relief:
Patented gel technology, advanced cooling materials, and textured airflow layers quickly dissipate body heat, making these mattresses highly breathable while offering comfort and pressure relief. Its natural latex layer molds to the sleeper’s body to maximize comfort. It also ensures no allergens can thrive in the mattress. Multiple layers with varying density and ILD (Indentation Load Deflection) along with a 5-inch supportive core provides joint support and prevents sagging. To top it all off, it has a built-in option for orthopedic and adjustable foundations.
Off-Gassing:
None; Lab-Tested
Surface/Frame Usability:
Compatible with flat, orthopedic foundations, and adjustable (curved and elevated) foundations (available with the mattresses). You do not need to worry about what kind of bed frame you have.
Protection Against Stains & Water Spills:
The covers are stain-free and waterproof. You can wash them as many times as needed without the worry of water seeping in.
Shipping:
Free UPS Shipping.
Online/Offline:
Online
Sleep Trial:
100 Nights
Return & Refund Policy:
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed, or Free (Pick-up) Returns & Full Refund
Warranty:
25-Year
Certifications:
- GREENGUARD Certification
- GREENGUARD Gold Certification
- CertiPur-US Certification
- Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certification
- UL 2818 – 2013 Gold Standard for Chemical Emissions for Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings
- UL 2818 – 2013 Standard for Chemical Emissions for Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings
Check out the Plush Beds Mattresses here.
4. Bear Pro Mattress – Best Technology
Bear Mattress provides you with the products you might expect from the name of the company. When you lay in these beds, you’ll feel like you are wrapped up in a bear hug.
This mattress features innovative technology we haven’t seen in any of the other mattresses on this list. The product uses an entire layer of natural copper as a thermoregulator and thermal conductor, pulling the heat from your body during the night. Not only this, but copper prevents bacteria from building on your mattress, so you don’t have to worry about sleeping in dirt and grime.
This mattress is one of the softer ones you’ll find, sitting at 5.9 on the firmness scale. This is partially because of the mattress’s gel and memory foam structure, which adds additional comfort to the mattress’s firmness. Side sleepers, then, will be able to sink into the bed and maintain a supported and aligned spine.
Sleeper Compatibility:
All types of sleepers, but best for tech-savvy and fitness-conscious athletes, who require additional pressure relief from their mattress.
Sizes:
- Twin – 38″ X 75″ X 12″
- Twin XL – 38″ X 80″ X 12″
- Full – 54″ X 75″ X 12″
- Queen – 60″ X 80″ X 12″
- King – 76″ X 80″ X 12″
- California King – 74″ X 84″ X 12″
Manufacturing Location:
USA
Type of Foam:
Different variants of foam make up the different layers of these mattresses below the Celliant® Cover. They are:
- Layer 1: Copper-Infused Foam (cooling, anti-allergen, and pressure relief)
- Layer 2: Gel-Infused Memory Foam (cooling and pressure relief)
- Layer 3: Responsive Transition Foam (pressure relief and even weight distribution)
- Layer 4: High-Density Support Foam (ensures durability)
Firmness: Medium (5.9 / 10)
Cooling Mechanism & Pressure Relief:
The copper and gel-infused foam layers play the biggest roles in providing cooling and pressure relief to the sleeper. Apart from these, the patented Celliant cover offers additional responsiveness over its surface. Moreover, the Responsive Transition layer allows for easy movement and pressure relief from the joints and back muscles.
Off-Gassing:
No; lab-tested
Surface/Frame Usability:
All types of surfaces – flat platform bed, foundation & frame, and adjustable base.
Protection Against Stains & Water Spills:
The cover of the mattress seems to protect the mattress from spillage and stains. It is also removable and washable.
Shipping:
Free & Fast FedEx Shipping (ships in 2–4 business days; takes 2–7 more business days to be delivered).
Online/Offline:
Online
Sleep Trial:
100 nights
Return & Refund Policy:
Free pick-up and full refund (excluding discounts), if returned within 100 nights of sleep trial. Exchanges can also be made within this time period. No refunds will be honored after the sleep trial period.
Warranty:
10-year
Certifications:
CertiPUR-US
Check out the Bear Pro Mattress here.
5. Layla Mattress – Best Hybrid
This company allows you to pay your mattresses in monthly installments and incorporates only the best and newest technology into its products.
We all like to feel supported while we sleep. That’s where this mattress comes into play. You can use either side of this mattress, depending on which one feels best with your body. This is both a soft and a firm mattress, so you can choose which side you want to use depending on the level of firmness you need.
The firm side of the mattress is best for stomach and back sleepers; meanwhile, the softer side provides additional support for your pressure points makes it one of the coolest mattresses for side sleepers. This mattress uses copper gel to keep you cool during the night.
Sleeper Compatibility:
All types, but possibly the best in the market for side sleepers.
Sizes:
- Twin – 38″ X 75″ X 12″
- Twin XL – 38″ X 80″ X 12″
- Full – 54″ X 75″ X 12″
- Queen – 60″ X 80″ X 12″
- King – 76″ X 80″ X 12″
- California King – 74″ X 84″ X 12″
Manufacturing Location:
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Technology:
Two layers of copper (3”) and gel-infused foam layers (1”) just below the covers, coupled with a Surface Modification Technology-driven airflow support foam layer (2″) provide ample cooling for the sleeper. Its support core foam layer (4″) sits right in the middle, while two layers of thermo-gel cooling covers – one soft side (4 out of 10) and another firm side (7 out of 10) – cover the entire mattress. You can flip it on whichever side you want depending on the level of firmness that you prefer.
Cooling Mechanism & Pressure Relief:
The copper and gel layers, along with the airflow layers, provide adequate cooling during sleep and variable support for pressure points. The covers also provide temperature regulation. The combination of all the layers ensures optimal joint support, pressure relief from muscles, and quick responsiveness to allow easy and free movement over the surface. The reason why Layla® uses copper gels is that it reacts to pressure (due to body weight) with a firm response to offer a soft and cradling effect. At the same time, it provides an ample amount of support and pressure relief for high compression areas.
Off-Gassing:
None
Surface/Frame Usability:
Suitable for all kinds of surfaces.
Protection Against Stains & Water Spills:
No such guarantee, but the cover generally seems to protect the mattress from liquids and stains, and is itself washable.
Shipping:
Free Shipping; ships out in 2 – 3 business days, except Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada; takes around 1 – 4 days more to be delivered.
Online/Offline:
Online and Layla Sleep® authorized stores.
Sleep Trial:
120 nights
Return & Refund Policy:
100% money-back if returned within the sleep trial period.
Warranty:
Lifetime
Check out the Layla Mattress here.
The Benefits Of Sleeping On Your Side
You get in your bed and wrap your warm blankets around you until you’re in a lovely cocoon. You might even stick a foot out of the sheets to balance out your body temperature. If you’re a side sleeper, you might have one leg stretched out to the side with both arms placed beneath your pillow.
Anyone who prefers to sleep on their side knows it’s both comfortable and provides numerous benefits. We’re going to go through these positions below!
Improved Gut Health
Sleeping on your left side can significantly improve gut health in several ways. For example, you’ll be able to digest food more efficiently because it’ll move more quickly from your small intestine to your large intestine. In this position, your pancreas and your stomach will be able to rest naturally, and as such, digestive enzymes can process naturally.
Reduced Heartburn
For years, we’ve heard stories about how sleeping on your right side can increase heartburn. Did you know, though, that sleeping on your left side can reduce heartburn? Pregnant women often get told to sleep on their side to ensure circulation to the heart is healthy. Keep in mind that if you sleep on your right side, all of these symptoms can be aggravated.
Improves Lymphatic System
The left side of your body is the side where your lymphatic system is most dominant. When you sleep on this side, you’ll be able to drain lymphatic fluid and waste more efficiently.
Reduces Back Pain
When practiced safely, sleeping on your side can keep your back aligned and can significantly reduce back pain. Not only this, but you’ll find that sleeping on your side puts less pressure on your neck than sleeping on your stomach does.
What to Look For In A Mattress For Side Sleepers
Did you know that almost two-thirds of all Americans sleep on their sides? If you’re one of these people, you may be wondering how you should choose your mattress.
All About Firmness
If you’re trying to figure out which mattresses are best for you, you’ll want to look at firmness first. Usually, firmness is given a value of 1 to 10, with 10 being the firmest. It’s rare to find a mattress that is more than 8 or less than 3.
A lot of side sleepers will need a firmness level of either a 5 or a 6 to maintain enough back support and spinal alignment. This level of firmness will also provide you with enough cushioning to sleep in comfort.
All About Your Mattress Types
There are different kinds of mattresses for different people and different needs. That’s where your mattress type comes into play.
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses are the popular choice for side sleepers. Because sleeping on your side puts a significant amount of pressure on your pressure points, foam mattresses help to ease some of this discomfort by neutralizing your spine. Foam mattresses are made with a highly dense polyfoam core. The higher the density of your foam mattress, the more support, and durability your mattress will have. The benefit of using these mattresses is that they’ll stabilize your spine and will push your pressure points.
Latex Mattresses
These mattresses are made of a latex or high-density core. In the comfort layer of the mattress, you’ll find synthetic latex. These products have more bounce than memory foam does, but it’ll still contour your body nicely. These mattresses are, more often than not, made out of organic materials, and as such, are the top choice amongst those with allergies. You might also appreciate a latex mattress if you prefer to sleep in hotter temperatures. What’s more, latex mattresses are quite buoyant, which allows the mattress to jump back to its original shape when you’re not in bed.
Hybrid Mattresses
A hybrid mattress is generally made differently than some of the options that we’ve featured on this list. They have a core that is made of pocket coils and a base that is made of polyfoam. In the comfort layer, you’ll find two inches of latex or memory foam. The hybrid mattress is essentially a combination of the best features of all the mattresses on this list. Not only this, but this variant will conform to your body better than some we’ve left off, like a traditional innerspring mattress, which isn’t all that beneficial for side sleepers.
FAQ about Mattresses for Side Sleepers
#1 What Is The Healthiest Sleeping Position?
There isn’t necessarily the healthiest sleeping position; however, there are some that are better than others. Generally speaking, sleeping on your back or your left side is suggested because it presents the most benefits to your health and, when done correctly, allows your spine and neck to remain in a neutral position. These positions also relieve excess pressure on some areas of your body, so you’re less likely to wake up in pain than you would with other positions.
#2 Is Side Sleeping Bad For You?
Side sleeping isn’t bad for you, though sleeping on your right side can cause or exacerbate some health issues. If you have acid reflux, sleeping on your right side can worsen your symptoms or cause nausea when you wake up. Sleeping on your left side, on the other hand, can reduce these symptoms and can make you feel more rested when you wake up.
#3 How Can I Sleep On My Side Safely?
There isn’t one way to sleep on your side safely, but there are different positions that can make you more comfortable, and that can promote your overall health.
The Fetal Position
This position will involve you curling your knees toward your chest. Often, people prefer to wrap their arms around their knees. While this position might remind you of that of a newborn baby, it’s the preferred sleeping position for 41% of sleepers. If you find yourself waking up in this position often, it could be because you’re cold during the night. The fetal position helps your body maintain and regulate body heat.
The Log Position
Those who sleep in this position sleep on their side with their arms next to them. If this is your preferred choice, you’ll want to make sure that your pillow allows your spine and neck to remain neutral.
The Prayer Position
Those who sleep this way may want to consider switching out their old pillows for new ones that are firmer. This is because the position involves you using your hands to elevate your hand. Your hands will provide you with more firmness and will help to reduce neck pain when you wake up.
The Snuggling Position
You’re more likely to do this if you need additional support. Sleepers who wake up frequently in this position will use one pillow under their head and will then shove blankets or pillows against their chest or between their legs. Some throw one leg over the bundle of pillows or blankets to help stabilize their spine or for additional comfort.
Concluding Thoughts – Choosing The Mattress For Side Sleepers
The most important thing to consider when buying your mattress is whether you’ll be able to keep your spine neutral while you’re sleeping. The best mattresses for side sleepers provide a balance between firmness and comfort. When these two components are balanced, you’ll be able to experience reduced heartburn and increased spinal support, reducing the pain you feel in your daily life, and improving your quality of life overall.
Now that we’ve covered the ins and outs of the best mattresses for side sleepers, it’s time that we hear from you! If you have any questions we haven’t covered yet, feel free to leave a comment below. So, what is your favorite mattress to sleep on, and why?
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.