Nearly three-quarters of the population sleep on their side, but When sleeping on an inadequate mattress, side sleepers often experience soreness in their back, hips, and shoulders. The best mattress for people who sleep on their side is typically medium-soft to medium firmness to keep their spine aligned and provide the proper cushioning to provide adequate pressure relief. Fortunately, since most people sleep on their side, brands offer various mattress options to keep side sleepers positioned optimally.
Over the last six years, I've tested over 60 mattresses designed for side sleepers and consulted with several experts for this guide. The best mattress for side sleepers is the WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress, a latex hybrid with responsive pressure relief balanced with good support and impressive motion isolation. The Siena Memory Foam Mattress is your best bet for a budget option under $500. It's great for couples but lacks the dynamic feel of pricier beds.
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The best mattresses for side sleepers
Best overall: WinkBeds EcoCloud Mattress - See at WinkBeds
Best budget: Siena Memory Foam Mattress - See at Amazon
Best foam: Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress - See at Tempur-Pedic
Best for back pain: Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress - See at Leesa
Best for hip pain: Puffy Royal Mattress - See at Puffy
Best for couples: Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed - See at Sleep Number
Best cooling: Leesa Legend Mattress - See at Leesa
Best for heavy people: Big Fig Mattress - See at Big Fig
Best overall
The EcoCloud Mattress by WinkBeds features responsive latex foam and zoned support for a luxurious plush feel ideal for side sleepers.
- Good balance of support and pressure relief for side sleepers
- Great motion isolation and edge support
- Good bounce
- Lifetime warranty
- Zoned support
- Made of eco-friendly materials
- May not be supportive enough for heavier back or stomach sleepers
- Doesn’t dissipate heat well
The EcoCloud by WinkBeds is perfect for side sleepers with its softer-than-average feel while offering the support petite-to-average back and stomach sleepers need. It replaces our previous best mattress for side sleepers, the Casper Nova Hybrid, which has been discontinued amid an overhaul of the company's entire lineup.
The EcoCloud is among the best organic mattresses we've tested. Underneath an organic cotton wool cover, it incorporates responsive and sustainable OEKO-TEX-certified latex, giving the bed good bounce with individually wrapped pocket coils that provide zoned support for your body's heavier areas. The mattress's periphery is surrounded by firmer springs that supply impressive edge support.
When there was a lull in new mattresses for me to test, I slept on the EcoCloud several extra nights because I loved its impressive side-sleeping pressure relief. The bed supplied an excellent balance of spinal alignment and comfort while I recovered from training for a marathon. I also fell asleep quickly. However, it was one of the hottest mattresses I've tested. It trapped heat while I slept on it, and when I got up, the heat didn't dissipate quickly.
The WinkBeds EcoCloud is also a solid choice for people sharing a bed, thanks to its excellent motion isolation and edge support.
Best budget
The softer-than-average firmness of the Siena Memory Foam Mattress makes it the ideal choice for side sleepers, especially those who overheat.
- Most supportive for side sleepers
- Good edge support and motion isolation
- Long trial period
- Stays cool and dissipates heat well
- May not be supportive enough for stomach or back sleepers
- Initial odor took time to dissipate
At $400, the Siena Memory Foam is the best budget mattress for side sleepers. My sleep quality was moderate on the mattress, but the softer-than-average feel is a good option for those who sleep on their sides because it reduces the potential for pressure points. As a hot sleeper, I appreciated how cool the mattress stayed, and any remaining heat dissipated quickly when I got up from it.
The Siena is made up of three layers of CertiPUR-US-certified foam. It registered minimal vibrometer readings, suggesting the mattress has excellent motion isolation. The edge support was commendable, though not exceptional; when I sat on the side of the bed, it sank significantly. Yet, while lying on the edge, I felt supported. The quality edge support and motion isolation make this a suitable mattress for couples.
Setting up the mattress was a breeze, though a lingering initial odor took several days to fade. The Siena has a longer-than-average 180-night trial period, and returns are free.
For more affordable mattresses, consider our best cheap mattress guide.
Best foam
The Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress features contouring foam that cradles sleepers of all body types and sleeping styles while offering outstanding pressure relief and heat dissipation.
- Layers of conforming comfortable and supportive Tempur foam adjust to all sleeping styles
- Impressive motion isolation
- Excellent heat dissipation
- Unimpressive edge support
- Shipping fee deducted from refund if you return it
The Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress is the best foam mattress for side sleepers because it's the most comfortable mattress I've slept on. I fell asleep within minutes each night on the Cloud and stayed cool. I didn't want to give it up to test the next mattress.
While firmer mattresses aren't generally the best for side sleepers, the Tempur-Cloud bucks the norm with its outstanding pressure relief. The top layer features CertiPUR-US-certified foam designed to cushion your pressure points. The next layer, also made of Tempur material, is firmer and adapts more slowly to your body for additional pressure relief. Finally, the base foam layer offers support and durability.
The lightweight mattress and easy-to-maneuver duffel bag-like packaging made the setup a snap. The initial foam odor was gone by bedtime.
The Tempur-Pedic Cloud does a great job of dampening motion transfer. Not only did it pass our bowling ball test, but when my wife and dog moved around in the night, I didn't notice.
The Cloud isn't perfect, though. The foam sinks significantly when you sit on the edges, and I felt like I was falling off when lying on the edge.
Tempur-Pedic doesn't offer white-glove delivery for the Cloud. If you return it, the company will deduct $175 from your refund. The 90-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty are the shortest of the beds in our guide.
Read our full Tempur-Pedic Cloud Mattress review and consider more of the best foam mattress recommendations.
Best for back pain
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress provides great edge support and motion isolation. Its mix of memory foam and pocket springs produces an average firmness, making it an outstanding solution for back pain sufferers of any sleeping style. Save an extra $25 with our exclusive promo code INSIDER25.
- Foam and pocket springs offer breathability and support
- Ideal motion isolation and edge support for couples
- Medium firmness will benefit all sleeping styles
- Heavy and difficult to maneuver
I have chronic lower back pain that's aggravated by unsupportive mattresses. Despite this, I rarely experienced back pain during the year I slept on the Leesa Sapira Hybrid. That's why it's the best mattress for side sleepers with back pain and the best overall pick in our guide to the best mattress for back pain.
The mattress is made of pocket springs and four layers of CertiPUR-US-certified foam. The top layer is cooling foam, which did its job; I stayed cool while testing.
The next layer is contouring memory foam that offers zoned support and pressure relief. Individually wrapped coils are situated between two core foam support layers.
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid is a good option for couples because the average firmness caters to all sleeping styles. The bed has excellent motion isolation and did well in my objective tests and subjective experience. With supportive coils reaching the peripheries of the mattress, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid also has excellent edge support.
The biggest negative is its weight. I set up the 142-pound king mattress on my own. I recommend having someone help you if you have back pain.
Read our full Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress review.
Best for hip pain
The Puffy Royal Mattress is the ideal choice for side sleepers and petite individuals who want a plush feel to sink into. Plus, couples will appreciate the impressive motion isolation.
- Plush feel is ideal for side sleepers
- Excellent motion isolation
- Zoned support for optimal pressure point relief
- Lifetime warranty
- Poor heat dissipation
- No white-glove delivery available
- Poor spinal alignment
The Puffy Royal Mattress's plush feel and pressure-relieving materials make it the best mattress for side sleepers with hip pain. While testing the Puffy Royal, my sleep quality was outstanding. I sank into the cushy materials, which made me feel virtually weightless. And, despite going on regular runs, I awoke each morning free of any hip pain.
The Puffy Royal is a hybrid with several layers of CertiPUR-US-certified foam and a base of foam-encased pocket coils. The quilted cover is made of cooling yarns. Below that are thin layers of wool and heat-resistant fibers to help with moisture-wicking and air circulation. The next layers are cooling gel-infused foam, contouring memory foam, and pressure-relieving memory foam. Then, a layer of zoned support foam offers cushioning where you need it most, especially around the hips, back, and shoulders. The base comprises coils surrounded by a dense foam border for edge support.
Despite its heavy emphasis on cooling materials, the Puffy Royal slept hot. I had to kick off my blankets to stay cool, and the heat didn't dissipate when I came back from the bathroom in the night. Cold sleepers may like this.
The edge support was pretty good when lying on the edge, though it sank significantly when sitting on the bed's side. The motion isolation was outstanding, suggesting this would be a great mattress if you share a bed.
However, I'm hesitant to recommend the Puffy Royal to heavier individuals, as it's definitely the softest mattress recommended here. I'm on the heavier side, and I had trouble keeping my spine in a neutral position as I sank in quite a bit. Instead, I'd recommend the Big Fig or Titan Plus Luxe, discussed below.
Best for couples
If you and your partner just can't agree on mattress firmness, the Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed allows you to customize each side to your perfect firmness. The bed automatically adjusts based on your body's position.
- Built-in sleep tracker
- Adjustable firmness to cater to your specific sleeping style
- Automatically adjusts as you shift in the night
- Good edge support
- Poor motion isolation
- Subpar heat dissipation
- $250 return fee
An adjustable airbed is great for couples looking for the best mattress for side sleepers. The Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed is the best I've tested, with features you won't find in others.
There are 20 firmness options, or "Sleep Numbers." Each side is independently adjustable to have a softer experience (my Sleep Number was 35), while your partner can choose something firmer (my wife liked 80).
The adjustable air option in the SleepIQ app (available for iOS and Android) automatically adjusts the firmness of the i8 Smart Bed as you shift positions, providing consistent comfort and pressure relief.
The app also collects data about your sleep habits to give you personalized advice for improving your sleep. However, I found the SleepIQ app's sleep data wasn't as accurate as my Garmin Forerunner 945 smartwatch, but Sleep Number is constantly making tweaks to improve the app. I noticed minor improvements during the month I tested the bed.
Sleep Number has a team that comes to your home to set up your mattress and ensure it pairs with your phone. The white-glove delivery took about 45 minutes.
While I never felt like I would fall off when lying on the edge of the bed, there was significant sinkage when I sat on the edge. Another negative is the motion isolation: It failed my bowling ball test on every firmness setting. If motion isolation is important, consider getting the i8 in a split king size, which tends to help with motion dampening.
Read our full Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed review.
Best cooling
This luxury hybrid mattress has two layers of springs: pocket springs for edge-to-edge support and micro coils for targeted support around the hips and shoulders. The topmost layer of foam offers medium-firm comfort and bounce. Take $25 off when you use promo code INSIDER25.
- Incredibly comfortable for side sleepers
- Outstanding heat dissipation
- Good balance of motion isolation and bounce
- Made with CertiPUR-US-certified foams
- Poor edge support
- May not be supportive enough for stomach sleepers
Right before bed, I use an infrared thermometer to measure each mattress's surface temperature. I measure again right when I get up in the morning and two minutes after that. I compare the readings to assess how cool a mattress stays and how well it dissipates heat. Of the mattresses I've tested, the Leesa Legend was among the best at both dissipating heat and staying cool. Subjectively, despite my tendency to overheat on other beds, I felt cool each night sleeping on the Legend.
I've tested three Leesa mattresses: the Leesa Sapira Hybrid, the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid, and the Leesa Legend. All three dissipated heat well, but the Leesa Legend is the best. I attribute it to the Legend's organic cotton and Merino wool cover, which is breathable as well as naturally moisture-wicking and resistant to bacteria, mold, and mildew, blended with polyester fibers from recycled water bottles. The Legend's ventilated foam layer also promotes airflow for better cooling; it is present in the Sapira Hybrid but not the Chill. For a more detailed comparison, check out our Leesa mattress review hub.
The Leesa Legend is made of a combination of recycled steel dual springs and CertiPUR-US-certified foams. From top to bottom, the layers are breathable comfort foam, memory foam for pressure relief, a combination of foam and micro-springs for zoned support and targeted pressure relief, and a base of larger springs for motion isolation, support, and durability.
The average firmness makes this the best cooling mattress for side sleepers. Thanks to playing contact sports most of my life, I have many aches and pains. Yet, the Leesa Legend gave me the pressure relief and spinal alignment I needed while sleeping on my side, leaving me feeling relatively ache-free and refreshed each morning.
The motion isolation was average, and the edge support was subpar, but the Legend has a pleasant bounce that may appeal to sexually active couples.
Read our full Leesa Legend Mattress review.
Best for heavy people
The Big Fig Mattress is constructed for heavier individuals with firm support and a high weight capacity. It's also endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.
- Firmer than average
- 1,100-pound weight capacity
- Good motion isolation
- Impressive heat dissipation
- Exceptional edge support
- May not be comfortable for side sleepers or petite individuals
- No showroom availability
The Big Fig Mattress can support 1,100 pounds and is firmer than average, making it the best mattress for heavier side sleepers since it lets you sink in enough to keep your spine aligned while still feeling supported.
The setup took some effort since the Big Fig weighs more than most mattresses. I recommend airing the bed out before sleeping on it, as the initial odor took a day to dissipate.
The Big Fig comprises three layers of CertiPUR-US certified foams to promote durability, edge support, and airflow. The individually wrapped coils add more durability and support. The mattress is covered with a cooling fabric.
Thanks to its exceptional edge support, I felt just as comfortable on the edge of the Big Fig as I did in the middle. Couples will also appreciate the impressive balance of bounce and motion isolation. The motion dampening felt adequate, though it failed our motion transfer test.
The Titan Plus Luxe is another solid option for heavier individuals, especially if you share a bed with a lighter person. It's a little softer than the Big Fig, but the edge support isn't as good, and the weight capacity is a little lower (1,000 pounds). Read our full Titan Plus Luxe mattress review.
What to look for in a mattress for side sleepers
Shopping for a mattress can be a daunting process. Here are the main elements to consider when searching for the best mattress for side sleepers:
Trial period: Sleeping on a mattress for many nights in your preferred environment is the only way to know if a mattress is right for you. We consider a long, risk-free trial period your primary consideration when picking a mattress.
Dr. Rebecca Robbins, Ph.D., an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and associate scientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, suggests trying out several mattresses in person.
Our mattress picks come with sleep trials of at least 90 nights, so you can return your mattress if it is unsuitable for your preferences.
Mattress type: The four main mattress types are hybrid/innerspring, foam, adjustable airbeds, and latex. Each has its positives and negatives, but memory foam, with its body-contouring properties, tends to appeal more to side sleepers. Tempur-Pedic's "Tempur material" is especially good at contouring to your body. Our guide to the best foam mattresses lays out all the benefits of this mattress type.
Soft vs. firm: Dr. Luis Javier Peña-Hernández, a sleep health specialist at the Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Disorders Institute, suggests side sleepers look for a medium-firm mattress. Too firm a mattress will create pressure points on your hips and shoulders when you sleep on your side. Too soft, you may sink too far below and cause alignment issues.
Body size: If you are a heavier individual, you may consider a slightly firmer mattress, which prevents you from sinking. Sinking into your mattress can push your spine out of alignment, which makes for an uncomfortable sleeping experience.
Read our full article on how to choose a mattress.
How we test mattresses
I tested all of the mattresses featured in this guide. In addition to sleeping on each bed for at least two weeks, I put each through a series of objective tests. The most important factors to consider when choosing the best mattress for side sleepers are comfort, edge support, and motion isolation.
Here are some of the test results for the main attributes we tested:
| Attribute | WinkBeds EcoCloud | Siena | Tempur-Cloud | Leesa Sapira Hybrid | Sleep Number i8 | Leesa Legend | Big Fig | Puffy Royal |
| Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest) | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 20 levels | 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Motion Isolation (1 awful to 10 best) | 6 | 9 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 |
| Edge Support (1 awful to 10 best) | 7 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 10 | 6 |
| Heat Dissipation (1 traps heat to 10 stays cool) | 3 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 6 | 2 |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 180 nights | 90 nights | 100 nights | 100 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 101 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | 15 years | 10 years | 20 years | Lifetime |
Here are the main attributes we look for and how we test them:
Comfort: This is based on my subjective experience, having tested dozens of mattresses over the years. Side sleepers typically benefit from a softer mattress than other sleeping styles. I considered that when evaluating comfort for this guide. Fortunately, I'm a side sleeper, so my subjective comfort played a significant factor here. While sleeping on each mattress, I pay close attention to how firm it is, which sleeping positions my wife and I gravitate to, and if I wake up feeling refreshed or in pain in the morning. I also measure how well it dissipates heat by using a laser thermometer to compare readings before I lay down for at least an hour, as soon as I get up, and two minutes after.
Motion isolation: If you've ever shared a bed with a partner who tosses and turns, you know how vital motion isolation is to getting a good night's sleep. I test this by setting a soda pop can in the middle of the mattress. Then, I drop a 15-pound bowling ball from four feet above the bed so that it lands 12 inches from the can. If the can stays upright, the bed has sound motion isolation. If the can falls over, the motion isolation could use some work. In future updates to this guide, watch out for more detailed assessments using a vibration meter.
Edge support: Edge support is essential for feeling comfortable and supported on all parts of the bed. To test this, I note how much the edge sags as I sit on it to put on my socks and shoes. Secondly, I lay on the very edge of the bed and slowly — and literally — roll off. The edge support is excellent if I can reach a 45-degree angle without falling. Otherwise, it could use some work.
Portability: I look at how heavy the mattress is, if it has handles, and if it flops around when I try to move or rotate it. Also, as a mattress tester who is constantly setting up and rearranging mattresses, I move the bed and rotate it several times when it's in my possession. My chronic lower back pain is a helpful meter for how much effort I'm putting in, though we also look at objective measures like weight.
Trial and warranty: The most foolproof way to know if a mattress is right for you is to sleep on it for an extended period, so a lengthy trial is a must. I look at how long the trial is (100 nights was the median for the mattresses I tested) and hidden costs. Since a bed is a big-ticket item that should last you up to a decade, I look at the warranty length. (Twenty years was the median for the mattresses I tested.)
Setup: Unless a mattress comes with free white-glove delivery, I set up each bed myself. I note how long it takes, how difficult it is, if it comes with special instructions and tools, if there's an initial odor, and if the smell dissipates and the mattress expands by bedtime (always at least 10 hours after setup). I also note whether white-glove delivery is available for a fee.
Read our full article on how we test mattresses.
Side sleeper mattress FAQs
What if I'm a side sleeper and my partner is not?
Robbins recommended putting a mattress topper on one side of the bed if you and your partner have different comfort preferences. She is also a strong proponent of couples sleeping apart to improve sleep quality.
We recommend an adjustable air bed to customize each side of the bed's firmness independently. The Sleep Number i8 Smart Bed has 20 firmness options and is our pick for the best adjustable airbed. Alternatively, a split king or two twin XL beds will enable couples to choose the firmness that works best for them.
Is it bad to sleep on your side?
No. Sleeping on your side may be your best option. You can experience spinal problems when your head is forced to the side with stomach sleeping. And, back sleeping leaves you susceptible to breathing issues and snoring.
There are actually several benefits to sleeping on your side, including reduced risk of back pain, acid reflux, and sleep apnea.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.
