Best Mattress For Side Sleepers [Review] in 2021

Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers – A Buyers Guide

If you’re a side sleeper then hats off to you, if you find sleeping on your side or back most comfortable then you’re sleeping in the best position for your health. Not only can it reduce snoring but it is also brilliant for digestion and reducing heartburn. 

The only issue with sleeping on your side is if you choose the wrong mattress. Since when sleeping on your side you put a lot of pressure on your shoulders and hips, buying a mattress that doesn’t provide extra support in these areas will lead you to wake up with aches.

This is why innerspring mattresses are not recommended for side sleepers. Instead, you’ll want to go for memory foam, latex, or even a hybrid mattress that combines foam and coils to help offer body contouring and pressure relief in the areas you need.

There are a few things you need to know when buying a mattress for side sleeping, but don’t you worry I’m going to break it all down in an in-depth guide. I’ll even share some tips for sleeping on your side if you’re wanting to train your body to do so, so stay tuned. 

Let’s jump in, shall we?

How Sleeping On Your Side Affects Your Sleep:

There are many questions about sleeping on your side, such as is sleeping on your side bad? Why is sleeping on your left vs right side better? What causes hip pain when sleeping on your side? There are some crazy benefits of sleeping on your side if you sleep correctly.

Sleeping on your side is highly recommended by the medical community; it helps open your airways, reduces snoring, helps with sleep apnea, but it can also improve brain health and prevent certain neurological issues. Sleeping on your side can even help with acid reflux.

Sleeping on your side is also best to keep your spine aligned, but you need to be sure that your body is getting proper support when sleeping on your side; putting too much pressure on your neck, shoulders, and back can result in aches and pains.

Many people say that sleeping on your side is better, but why is sleeping on your left side better?

Sleeping on your side actually helps alleviate acid reflux and heartburn; it boosts digestion and stimulates the drainage of toxins from your lymph nodes. All in all, it helps improve circulation and helps your brain filter out waste. Sleeping on your right can cause more acid to leak through your esophagus. 

But let’s run through  all the other ways how sleeping on your side affects your sleep.

Spine Alignment:

Sleeping on your side with the right support can help keep your spine in a straight, neutral position. If your spine is twisted in your sleep, it can result in back pain and other issues, but sleeping on your side is the best way to keep your spine aligned.

Memory foam, latex, or a hybrid mattress is the best mattress type of side sleepers as the contouring capabilities of these mattresses respond proportionately to pressure points to help cushion hips and shoulders to keep your spine in a neutral position.

You should try to sleep on your side with your legs stretched out and with a higher loft pillow underneath your head; plus, to keep your hips square, it is also recommended that you keep a thinner pillow between your knees. You should also try to avoid tucking in your chin.

This will help keep your spine aligned and in a neutral position which can help combat aches and pains.

Side Sleepers With Shoulder Pain:

Many sleepers who don’t have a mattress that supports their shoulders tend to suffer from shoulder pain as pressure tends to be placed on one shoulder; this also causes pain down one side of the body. This can result in shoulder and neck pain.

Plus, many sleepers tend to push one shoulder up towards their neck, which causes the spine to become misaligned.

Purchasing the right firmness in your mattress is crucial for reducing shoulder pain across side sleepers; this tends to depend on your weight too. Lighter sleepers would need a softer mattress, while heavier people would need a firmer one to prevent sinking into the mattress too far or not enough.

Finding the right pillow for side sleepers is also key for keeping your head and neck in line; it also prevents your shoulder from pushing up towards your neck, so pairing the right mattress firmness and type along with the right pillow will make a world of difference.

Side Sleepers With Back Problems:

The right mattress can change your whole sleeping game if you suffer from back pain; if the mattress doesn’t contour the shape of your body or provide ample support, this can misalign your spine and joints, causing back pain. Your muscles can’t relax, and work overtime to keep your spine aligned.

This is also why innerspring mattresses are not recommended for side sleepers as they don’t contour your body like memory foam or latex.

A foam mattress can help keep your spine aligned as well as relieve joint pain, it can also help keep your hips and shoulders aligned, and many mattresses for side sleepers have customized support in the lumbar region.

If your back pain gets better during the day and only usually hurts when you first wake up in the morning, this is a key indication that your mattress is the culprit rather than any other reason. So switching your mattress may really help.

A responsive material like memory foam is best for back pain as it helps cushion pressure points and keeps the spine aligned while providing full-body support, so you wake up feeling refreshed rather than achy and fatigued.b

What Type Of Mattress Is Best For Side Sleepers:

There are many different types of best mattresses that suit side sleepers well but choosing the best one can be quite tricky as it is different for different people; it is all about your body type, body weight, your sleep concerns/preferences, and what you want out of a mattress.

Most commonly, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are the most popular mattress type for side sleepers over innerspring as the materials used in these mattresses offer brilliant conforming capabilities, comfort, and full-body support to offer pressure relief. 

But let’s break down what mattress is best for side sleepers. 

Memory Foam Mattresses:

Memory foam is the most popular choice for side sleepers as it offers serious body contouring and pressure relief around the shoulders, hips, and back by popping your spine in a neutral position and lifting pressure points in these areas. 

It is a brilliant option for those that suffer from chronic back and joint pain or just regularly suffer from aches and pains across their body. However, you’ll need to go for an all-foam mattress with a good support core system to prevent sinking into the mattress too far.

Memory foam is not always ideal for overweight side sleepers as there is the chance of sinking too far into the mattress if you are quite heavy, instead hybrid mattresses are better as the support core coils so it is much more stable and prevents sinking. 

Memory foam is also not recommended for hot sleepers, no matter what sleeping position you’re sleeping in. Because memory foam is very dense, body heat tends to get trapped within the foam; since memory foam reacts with body heat and pressure, the heat stays around your body and so not ideal if you suffer from night sweats.

Many modern memory foam mattresses now come with a ventilated design with some phase-changing material infusion like gel or copper to help dissipate heat, regulate body temperature, and promote airflow. However, this can only do so much, so hybrid or latex may be better.

I’ll go into these in more detail below. 

Hybrid Mattresses 

Hybrid mattresses are the next best thing to memory foam; it is the universal option for sleepers because it offers layers of memory foam or latex and then a support base layer of coils to give the mattress more of a responsive feel and stability while also offering body contouring. 

Hybrid mattresses are brilliant for side sleepers as you can have the comfort and body contouring of the latex or memory foam layers but the bounce, ventilation, and support of the coils underneath. Hybrids also tend to sleep a lot cooler too.

Because there are many gaps between the oils, it helps promote better airflow underneath, so when paired with ventilated and gel/copper infused memory foam layers with a breathable top cover, hybrid mattresses can really keep the temperature cool. 

Memory foam hybrid mattresses are a brilliant option for couples, especially ones with pocketed springs, as they absorb a lot of movement, and they’re a lot more versatile and breathable than solid memory foam. So if you’re a side sleeper, but your partner is a back or combination sleeper, then a hybrid offers support for most sleeping positions. 

If you sleep especially hot, then a latex hybrid is a brilliant alternative as latex offers similar contouring and pressure relief to memory foam but keeps a neutral temperature– they’re slightly more pricey, though. 

Latex Mattresses:

Latex is another popular option as it has very similar qualities to memory foam but has a neutral temperature. You’ll most commonly find latex hybrids over regular latex mattresses as most companies use latex in the comfort layers with a coil base. 

Latex mattresses tend to be very natural, making them ideal for those with allergies, so if you’re a side sleeper prone to allergies then a latex mattress may be ideal. They tend to have a bunch surface but do offer a good level of pressure relief. 

Latex mattresses are brilliant for

combination sleepers, too, as it provides enough support for your hips and shoulders all while keeping your spine in a neutral position. 

Innerspring Mattresses:

Innerspring mattresses are the most common mattress type on the market, but in my personal opinion, they are not best for side sleepers as they tend to be very firm and don’t tend to offer much body contouring or support. 

The innerspring coils are typically made from steel; they give the mattress a bouncy feel and provide plenty of responsiveness; however, since they are so firm, they do not offer pressure relief in the key areas that memory foam would. 

Many people love innerspring mattresses, but for side sleepers, I would not recommend it. 

What Features Are Best For A Mattress For Side Sleepers:

Before buying any new mattress, there are a few things you should consider, which especially cater towards sleeping on your side and a few other preferences and needs to ensure you’re getting the very best match for you. 

I’ll run through a few things to look out for when looking to buy a mattress for sleeping on your side.

Mattress Type: As I run through earlier, there are a few different mattress types that best suit side sleepers, but every mattress does have its pros and cons. The important factor to look for is full-body support to relieve pressure points. 

Check out the qualities above and see which is best for you. I would recommend going for a memory foam or latex hybrid as it offers great support and comfort for side sleepers while keeping a cool temperature for you to sleep on. 

Understanding your needs, pressure relief wants, and firmness levels will really help you choose the right mattress type for sleeping on your side. Your weight is another super important factor, too, as it can affect how firm the mattress should be. 

Contouring: Body contouring is a super important factor to consider for side sleepers as a lot of pressure builds up around our neck, hips, and back as we sleep on our side. Body contouring is offered in materials like memory foam and latex by cradling your body shape.

Memory foam and latex lift sensitive areas around your body to put them in a more neutral position and help relax your muscles which also help to relieve aches and pains across your body.

It also helps keep your spine aligned and cushion pressure points which are key for side sleepers. 

Quality materials: Material quality is super important when it comes to the durability and comfort of the mattress. High-quality materials tend to come at a slightly pricier price tag, but they mean that your mattress lasts much longer in the long run. 

Mattresses are an investment, after all, so the more you pay, the longer it will last. Many cheap mattresses use cheap polyurethane foam or Bonnel coils that won’t last near as long as more expensive options– they’re also more likely to sag prematurely. 

So while it may seem quite a steep price tag to begin with, especially with hybrids, the technology used within will make it worth it. 

Firmness Level: The firmness is quite subjective and unique to you because it depends on your weight and firmness preference. Side sleepers need a balance of soft cushioning around the shoulders and hips and support to help keep the spine aligned. 

Before buying online, I would recommend hopping on down to your local bed shop and trying some of their memory foam/latex or hybrid mattress range so you have an idea of what firmness you’d like. Or go for a mattress with a sleep trial– these are super handy!

The firmness can affect the comfort and support you get out of the mattress. 

Typical Construction Of A Hybrid Mattress For Side Sleepers:

There are many health benefits you can benefit from when you get yourself the best hybrid mattress for side sleepers. The real question is, which of these benefits do you want to focus on while making your selection solely.

Comfort and Base Foam Layers

The best hybrid mattress for side sleepers will have layers for comfort that will be made from memory latex or foam. The very thickness of these layers may vary according to brand, but some mattresses have 2-inch comfort layers while others may even stand somewhere between 3 and 5 inches.

The top layers of hybrid mattresses are enough to determine the firmness or softness of the sleeping surface you’re going to choose. You can also be sure that these top layers will be designed in order to accommodate the curves of your body for improved levels of comfort.

Support Core

Hybrid mattresses usually have support cores that are made up of encased or pocketed coils. These very coils act as the main bulk of your mattress’s design and also provide for a solid base, so you don’t sink in.

With the help of the support core, you will also be able to keep your spine in a healthy form and alignment. With the help of these cores, you will also notice quite a lot of responsiveness to cuts in motion transfer.

This is an important consideration if you are going to be sleeping with a restless sleeper.

Extra Features

Most of the hybrid mattresses nowadays can be bought with additional features that are meant to boost your levels of comfort. These extra features may include copper infusion or gel layers to draw heat out of your body.

There may even be some mattresses out there that will have additional pillow tops that are sewn directly into the comfort layer in order to give you a more even sleeping surface.

 Typical Construction Of A Memory Foam Mattress For Side Sleepers:

So the best choice and most common choice of mattress for side sleepers is either memory foam or hybrid. Hybrid’s offer the best of both worlds and are ideal for side sleepers who tend to sleep hot who want to experience the feel of memory foam without the heat. 

Memory foam is best known for its conforming capabilities; it molds around the shape of your curves and helps lift pressure points, making it ideal for side sleepers as pressure tends to build up around the hips, lower back, and shoulders. 

Comfort and Base Foam Layers:

Just like with hybrid mattresses for side sleepers, the best memory foam mattress or latex mattresses for side sleepers use layers of memory foam or latex. The top layer tends to be plush protection and comfort on delicate pressure points around the shoulders and hips. 

This plush layer also a good level of comfort while lifting and relieving aches and pains. 

Transition Layer:

This is then followed by a transition layer that is a little firmer than the comfort layer and supports and contours and conforms your body shape to relieve pressure points and provide support.

It tends to be a little bit firmer than the first layer, and many companies use Zoned Support, where parts of the mattress are softer to provide comfort around sensitive pressure points and firmer around areas that need more support like the lower back.

Support layer: the final layer tends to be a support layer or base layer often found at the bottom of memory foam mattresses. It is a high-density foam that helps enhance the durability of the mattress and protects it from sagging over the years.

It also helps with spinal alignment and keeping your side in a neutral position while sleeping on your side, so the memory foam or latex layers on top cradle your body and relieve pressure points and provide extra comfort. 

The support core also prevents you from sinking too far into the mattress so you can enjoy the conforming qualities without feeling like you’re drowning within the mattress. 

Extra Features:

While memory foam is perfect for side sleepers, it does tend to sleep hot, so many manufacturers add added features like an open-cell design and gel or copper infusion within the mattress to help it sleep cooler and help regulate body temperature at night. 

The gel or copper infusion helps draw heat away from your body, and it uses phase-changing materials that help keep your body at the same temperature throughout the night. This helps regulate body temperature and keep you cool. 

This paired with an open-cell design can also help promote airflow instead of heat getting stuck within the mattress. If you want to go for an all-foam mattress but tend to sleep hot, then I would recommend latex over memory foam as latex has a neutral temperature. 

How To Sleep On Your Side

Knowing how to properly sleep on your side without hurting your shoulder and/or hips is super important as there are some crazy health benefits of sleeping on your side. Side sleeping isn’t always natural for everyone; many people sleep on their stomach or back. 

But it is best to try and train yourself to sleep on your side. It has crazy benefits, especially if you suffer from sleep apnea or snoring. I will run through this in a full article, but here are a few tips for sleeping on your side:

• While training yourself to sleep on your side, it is recommended that you hug a second pillow while you sleep; it provides additional upper body support.

• It is also recommended that you tuck a pillow between your knees to reduce pressure in your lower back and hip. Many people love using a full-body or pregnancy pillow so you can hug the whole pillow; you don’t need to be pregnant to enjoy this comfort. 

• Ensure that your pillows have enough loft to maintain spinal alignment. Most side sleepers use a pillow with a medium-to-high loft to provide support around the head and neck. 

• Invest in a soft mattress topper if your mattress is too firm. Mattresses that are too firm don’t offer much support and pressure relief which is much needed for side sleepers. So a little extra cushioning and body contouring can make sleeping on the side much comfier. 

• Sleep closer to the center of your bed; many mattresses tend to sag around the edges as they age, so sleeping in the middle will help support your shoulders and hips the best. Also, flip your mattress every six months if you have a latex or memory foam mattress– not a hybrid. 

Sleeping on your side may take some training, but there are some crazy benefits of sleeping on your side, so it’s worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What side should you sleep on?

If you’re a newbie or don’t know too much about buying a mattress and just sleeping on whatever side is comfiest, you may not realize that there is a right and wrong side to sleep on, but does it really make much of a difference?

Yes, there actually is; sleeping on your left side is actually best if you’re a side sleeper. Sleeping on your right side can cause acid to leak up your esophagus, which can worsen heartburn and sleep apnea symptoms.

On your left side, however, there are the most benefits for your overall health. In this position, your organs are freer to get rid of toxins while you sleep; it can also help relieve sleep apnea, reduce snoring, offer back pain relief, and even help with brain cognition.

Where should you put your arms when sleeping on your side?

Many side sleepers pop their arms overhead or around their pillow, which can actually pinch your lower shoulder, so it’s best to sleep with your arms down by your side. This, paired with sleeping with a pillow between your leg, can help relieve pressure and align your spine.

For those training to sleep on their side, you can cuddle an extra pillow for upper body support or use a full body pillow to wrap your legs and arms around to ease pressure points and help keep your spine in a neutral position and prevent straining your back.

What causes hip and leg pain when sleeping on your side?

Since when sleeping on your side, you pop a lot of pressure on your shoulders and hip; if you’re sleeping on a mattress that doesn’t offer enough pressure relief, this can cause you to wake up with hip and leg pain.

If your mattress is too firm, it cannot contour around your body and offer support around your pressure points. This is why memory foam, latex, and hybrids are most recommended, as these materials contour around your body’s shapes to offer support and pressure relief.

If you don’t want to make the splurge, then buying a memory foam mattress topper can help soften your firm mattress and make sleeping on your side much more comfortable– it is a much more budget-friendly option.

What is the best sleeping position?

The best sleeping position is between sleeping on your side and back, but it depends on what you need and preference. Those who suffer from Sleep Apnea and Acid Reflux would benefit from side sleeping over the back sleeping. 

For pregnant women sleeping on your side is better than sleeping on your back or stomach as it helps promote blood flow and helps ease pressure off of the liver and heart when sleeping. Whereas those that suffer from neck and backache may find that back sleeping is better. 

It all depends on your needs and preferences, but I broke them all down in a full guide here. So be sure to check it out. 

Summary

So, now you know where to find the best mattress for side sleepers.

All of the products here are going to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep with their high-quality materials and ventilation. You’ll wake up better prepared and have pressure relief from these mattresses which all contribute to a better, healthier lifestyle.

My top pick was the Sweetnight Queen mattress and it is the best for a reason. Your body weight will be evenly distributed from head to toe while you’ll feel no pressure on your spine allowing for a relaxing sleep.

Whichever mattress you decide on make sure it’s right for you. Us side sleepers want and need the best night’s sleep available and luckily, the five options above all provide it in their own way. Good luck with your search.

Sleep tight!