While sleep preferences vary, side sleeping is the most common position, with over half of all sleepers choosing to rest on their side. However, if you’re one of those side sleepers, you likely know that this position can put a lot of strain on your shoulders and hips.
At Mattress Clarity, we’ve tested over 500 mattresses using our proprietary methods, helping more than 35,000 readers find their perfect bed. For this guide, we combined our extensive data with insights from our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, and sleep specialist Dr. Shelby Harris, to highlight the best mattresses for side sleepers.
The best side-sleeper mattresses strike the perfect balance between cushioning, contouring, and firm support, ensuring proper spinal alignment. These elements are essential for relieving pressure on your body’s pressure points while promoting a restful night’s sleep.
What’s the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers?
After evaluating several options, the Helix Midnight stood out as our top choice for side sleepers. With a medium-firm feel, excellent support, and pressure-relief performance, the Helix Midnight provides great comfort, especially for those who sleep on their sides. It effectively cushions your hips and shoulders while maintaining a supportive base to keep your spine aligned.
Top Mattresses for Side Sleepers
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Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers
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Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers
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Nectar Premier – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers
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WinkBed – Best for Side-Sleeping Couples
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Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers
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Nectar Luxe – Best Luxury Mattress for Side Sleepers
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Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Mattress for Muscle Recovery
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Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers
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Titan Plus Luxe – Best for Heavy Side Sleepers
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Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers
Key Factors to Consider for Side Sleepers
Side sleepers experience unique challenges due to the concentrated pressure on their hips and shoulders. To find the best mattress for side sleeping, we focused on the following criteria:
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Pressure Relief: Side sleepers need a mattress that alleviates pressure around key areas like the shoulders and hips. A mattress that contours to these points ensures pressure is evenly distributed.
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Support: Adequate support is crucial to maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent back pain. A well-supported spine is essential for side sleepers.
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Firmness: Most side sleepers find a slightly softer mattress (medium-firm or softer) more comfortable, as it provides better pressure relief without compromising support.
To evaluate these factors, we conducted extensive testing, including pressure mapping and comfort assessments. We also consulted with our experts, like Dr. Dasgupta, who notes that “side sleepers often prefer softer mattresses to cushion pressure points effectively.”
Comparing the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
| Mattress | Firmness | Material | Cooling | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helix Midnight | Medium-Firm: 7/10 | Hybrid | No | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Couples | $936–$1,748 |
| Saatva Classic | Multiple options | Innerspring | No | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | $1,295–$2,790 |
| Nectar Premier | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Foam | No | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | $799–$1,298 |
| WinkBed | Multiple options | Hybrid | Yes | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Couples | $1,149–$1,599 |
| Nolah Evolution | Multiple options | Hybrid | Yes | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | $1,799–$2,299 |
| Nectar Luxe | Soft: 6/10 | Foam | No | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | $1,399–$1,799 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Multiple options | Hybrid | Yes | Side Sleepers, Muscle Recovery, Hot Sleepers | $1,494–$2,150 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Soft: 6/10 | Hybrid | Yes | Side Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain | $1,099–$1,749 |
| Titan Plus Luxe | Medium-Firm: 6.5/10 | Hybrid | No | Heavy Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers | $1,399–$1,699 |
| Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | Multiple options | Hybrid | Yes | Side Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | $1,495–$2,195 |
Testing Experience: Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Helix Midnight impressed us in all areas of performance. A hybrid design with memory foam and steel coils, this mattress provides both the softness and support side sleepers need. It contours to your body’s curves while keeping your spine aligned. Pressure mapping results confirmed that this mattress provides excellent relief for your shoulders and hips, making it ideal for side sleepers.
Saatva Classic – Best Innerspring Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Saatva Classic is an innerspring hybrid mattress that blends high-quality materials, such as a quilted organic-cotton cover and coil-on-coil construction. Available in three firmness options, it offers tailored support, making it perfect for side sleepers who appreciate a responsive feel. The Saatva excels in pressure relief and support, making it an excellent choice for side sleepers.
