For side sleepers, finding the perfect mattress is essential for a good night's sleep and waking up free of aches and pains. The best mattress for side sleepers in 2024 should offer a unique blend of softness to cradle the hips and shoulders, with enough support to maintain spinal alignment throughout the night. Our comprehensive guide takes a deep dive into the latest mattress innovations, materials, and designs, focusing on those that provide optimal pressure relief and support specifically tailored to the needs of side sleepers. We consider user reviews, expert opinions, and the latest sleep science research to ensure our recommendations are both effective and up-to-date. Our goal is to make it easier to choose the best mattress for side sleepers by showcasing the top options in this guide, which will provide you with options that promise a good night's sleep and better sleep health.
- Best Overall - SONU Sleep System
- Best Luxury - Puffy Monarch
- Best Value - Layla Essential
- Best for Heavy People - Nolah Evolution Comfort+
- Best for Lightweight People - Helix Sunset
- Best Cooling - Novosbed by GoodMorning
- Best Organic - Plushbeds Organic Bliss Pillowtop
- Best for Neck and Shoulder Pain - SweetNight Dreamy Memory Foam Mattress
Top Picks Reviews
SONU Sleep System
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Why is the SONU Sleep System the Best Overall?
- Innovative Design: The only mattress with a Comfort Channel that allows for full arm and shoulder immersion, significantly enhancing comfort for side sleepers.
- Temperature Regulation: Features a Cooling Cover with PCM to ablate heat away from the body, ensuring a cool and steady sleep temperature all night.
- Customizable Support: Offers Adjustable Head & Neck Layers and comes with four Support Pillows, enabling a personalized sleep experience that perfectly accommodates side sleepers.
The SONU Sleep System redefines comfort for side sleepers, boasting features that stand out in the crowded mattress market. It is the world's first mattress specifically designed to accommodate the unique needs of side sleepers, with its patented Comfort Channel allowing arms and shoulders to fully immerse, reducing pressure and enhancing sleep quality. The system includes four Support Pillows that fill the Comfort Channel for adjustable comfort, and it is recommended to pair these with the SONU Top Pillow Deluxe for optimal alignment. Additionally, the mattress incorporates a Cooling Cover made with phase change material (PCM) to regulate temperatures, ensuring a cool and comfortable sleep environment.
Crafted from 26 pieces of high-resilience, CertiPUR-US® certified, environmentally friendly foams, the SONU stands at 14 inches deep, promising durability and support. Its Sink-In Support System offers a balanced comfort that levels the spine, while the Adjustable Head & Neck Layers ensure the neck is perfectly leveled when side sleeping. Available in two firmness options, Plush and Firm, the SONU Sleep System caters to personal preference, providing a customizable sleeping experience that is hard to match.
Puffy Monarch Mattress
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Why is the Puffy Monarch Mattress the Best Luxury?
- Exceptional Comfort and Support: Features a luxury-plush feel with 12 layers designed for ultimate cooling comfort and spinal alignment.
- Advanced Temperature Regulation: Utilizes alpaca wool and cooling-infused layers for ideal sleep in any climate, keeping sleepers cool and dry.
- Optimized for Side Sleepers: Includes specialized layers for pressure relief and body contouring, making it ideal for side sleepers seeking luxurious comfort.
The Puffy Monarch Hybrid Mattress emerges as a standout in the luxury mattress category, especially tailored for side sleepers. This mattress boasts an innovative 12-layer construction designed to offer a luxury-plush feel, featuring hypoallergenic alpaca wool and a cool-to-the-touch quilted cover that enhance breathability and provide a cloudlike feel. The combination of exclusive latex, cushioning foams, and a soft pillow top layer ensures optimal spinal alignment while wicking away moisture and relieving pressure. Made in the USA, this mattress includes cooling-infused layers to cater to all sleeper types, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of preferences.
Key features such as the Enhanced Support Layer, Alpaca Wool Filling, and Climate Fiber Layer contribute to its advanced air circulation and temperature regulation capabilities. Additionally, the mattress's structure includes a Monarch Latex Response Layer and Reflexive Memory Foam to provide responsive support and recovery. Its unique Cloud Sculpting Technology Foam and Contour-Adapt Coils are engineered to absorb motion and maintain stability, while the Firm Core Support Foam and Grip Base Cover ensure maximum support, stability, and motion isolation. These components collectively offer a soothing and supported sleep environment that addresses the needs of sensitive and side sleepers alike.
Layla Essential Mattress
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Why is the Layla Essential Mattress the Best Value?
- Innovative Cooling Technology: Open Cell+® memory foam with VPF® technology for superior airflow and cooling, ensuring a comfortable sleep environment.
- Durability and Longevity: Proven to be more durable and long-lasting than traditional foams, offering great value over time.
- Affordable Quality: Provides a balance of comfort, support, and cooling at a price point that makes it accessible to a wide range of sleepers.
The Layla Essential Mattress is designed with simplicity and durability at its core, offering a high-performance sleep experience without the complexity and high price tag of luxury models. Featuring a two-layer construction with 2.5 lb density Open Cell+® memory foam and a supportive polyurethane base, this mattress delivers comfort and support tailored to side sleepers. The proprietary Open Cell+® foam technology ensures maximum airflow and cooling, a crucial factor for a restful night's sleep. Additionally, the mattress is equipped with a unique hexagon-patterned cover made from 98% Polyester and 2% Lycra, enhancing breathability and offering easy care with its stain-resistant and washable design.
The Layla Essential Mattress stands out for its use of VPF® (Variable Pressure Foaming) technology in the memory foam production process, resulting in a mattress that offers three times more cooling and breathability than conventional foams. This, coupled with its proven durability—withstanding 40,000 cycles of repetitive pounding without significant support loss—makes it an ideal choice for those looking for longevity and performance on a budget. The mattress's design focuses on relieving pressure points and ensuring proper alignment of the neck and spine, crucial for side sleepers to avoid morning pain and achieve restorative sleep.
Nolah Evolution Comfort+ Mattress
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Why is the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ Mattress the Best for Heavy People?
- Superior Support: Capable of supporting up to 1,000 pounds with its 8-inch individually-wrapped coils and HDMax™ Tri-Zone™ support system.
- Cooling Comfort: Features Cooling AirFoam™ HD and an ArcticTex™ cover, ensuring sleepers stay cool throughout the night.
- Durability and Edge Support: Reinforced edge support coils and high-quality materials offer lasting durability and stability, catering specifically to the needs of heavier sleepers.
The Nolah Evolution Comfort+ Mattress is specifically engineered to meet the needs of heavier individuals, blending luxurious comfort with robust support. It features a unique hybrid construction that includes a sumptuous Euro topper, pressure-relieving foam, and 8-inch individually-wrapped coils, designed to provide both contouring comfort and durable support. The mattress is also equipped with Cooling AirFoam™ HD and HDMax™ Tri-Zone™ coils for targeted back support and spinal alignment, ensuring a cool and restorative sleep. Moreover, the reinforced edge support and a cover made from organic cotton and ArcticTex™ enhance the mattress's cooling properties and durability, making it a superior choice for plus-size sleepers.
With a support capacity of up to 1,000 pounds and a thickness of 15 inches, the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ Mattress stands out in its category. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and uses CertiPUR-US® certified foam, reflecting its commitment to health and environmental standards. The quilted Euro topper adds a layer of cool, contouring foam that cushions the body, while the deep support and durability are provided by the deluxe coil system with targeted support zones. Designed and assembled in the U.S.A., this mattress combines deep support, durability, and luxurious comfort, making it ideal for individuals seeking a mattress that accommodates higher body weights without compromising on comfort.
Helix Sunset Mattress
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Why is the Helix Sunset Mattress the Best for Lightweight People?
- Customized Comfort: Soft, plush top layers provide the perfect level of comfort for lightweight individuals, making it feel like sleeping on a cloud.
- Targeted Support: Specially designed middle layers support body contours and alleviate pressure points, ideal for side sleepers and those who move frequently.
- Cooling Technology: Offers a choice between a breathable knit cover or a cooling pillow top, ensuring a comfortable and cool sleeping temperature all night.
The Helix Sunset Mattress is engineered to provide an unparalleled sleep experience for lightweight individuals, especially those who prefer sleeping on their side. Featuring soft, plush top layers that offer the sensation of sinking into a cloud, the Helix Sunset Mattress is designed to deliver maximum comfort and relaxation. Its construction includes a specialized support system in the middle layers to accommodate body contours effectively, ensuring that side sleepers or those who frequently toss and turn at night receive the support they need. Moreover, the mattress incorporates layers specifically aimed at alleviating pressure points on the shoulders and hips, promoting less pain and more comfort throughout the night.
For cooling and breathability, the Helix Sunset offers two options: a Light Breathe Knit cover that ensures exceptional comfort and airflow or a GlacioTex™ Cooling Pillow Top that utilizes advanced cooling technology to instantly draw heat away from the body. Additional features include carefully selected foam comfort layers tailored to meet individual sleep needs and preferences, lengthwise edge support for enhanced structural reinforcement, and a comprehensive 10-year limited warranty. These elements combine to make the Helix Sunset Mattress a top choice for those seeking a soft, supportive, and cooling sleep environment tailored to lighter body types.
Novosbed Mattress
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Why is the Novosbed Mattress the Best Cooling?
- Advanced Airflow Foam: 5th-generation memory foam with billions of adaptive air channels ensures continuous airflow and temperature regulation.
- Temperature-Neutral Materials: Utilizes temperature-neutral HD memory foam that prevents heat retention, offering a cooler sleep experience.
- Moisture-Wicking Cover: Features a breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel® cover that rapidly disperses heat and moisture for optimal sleep temperature.
The Novosbed Mattress sets a new standard in the sleep industry with its innovative approach to cooling and comfort. Featuring temperature-neutral, high-density 5th-generation memory foam, the Novosbed offers a unique combination of support, durability, and advanced temperature regulation. This four-layer luxury mattress allows sleepers to choose from three initial firmness options—Soft, Medium, or Firm—catering to a wide range of sleep preferences. Each option is designed to deliver unparalleled comfort that conforms to the body's contours without the common pitfalls of traditional memory foam mattresses, such as sleeping hot or forming uncomfortable grooves.
Novosbed's commitment to superior sleep quality extends to its meticulous design features aimed at enhancing the cooling experience. The mattress includes billions of open-cell airways in the foam, promoting the rapid escape of body heat and ensuring continuous airflow throughout the night. Additionally, the Novosbed is equipped with a breathable, moisture-wicking cover fabric that enhances the mattress's ability to regulate temperature. This focus on advanced breathability, combined with the use of furniture-grade, ultra-premium textiles for the durable cover, ensures that the Novosbed Mattress stands out as the best option for those seeking a cooler, more comfortable night's sleep.
PlushBeds Organic Bliss Pillowtop Mattress
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Why is the PlushBeds Organic Bliss Pillowtop Mattress the Best Organic?
- Certified Organic Materials: Utilizes GOLS certified organic latex and GOTS certified organic cotton, wool, cashmere, and silk for a pure and natural sleep environment.
- Customizable Comfort: Offers customizable firmness levels with its organic latex layers, catering to individual comfort preferences and providing perfect pressure relief.
- Eco-Luxury and Health: Features chemical-free fire barriers and hypoallergenic materials, ensuring a safe, healthy sleep that aligns with luxury and sustainability
The PlushBeds Organic Bliss Pillowtop Mattress represents the pinnacle of eco-luxury, combining the finest organic materials to provide a sleep experience that is both luxurious and environmentally responsible. This certified organic mattress features a plush 3-inch pillowtop, layered with GOLS certified organic Dunlop latex for unparalleled comfort and support. The mattress is enveloped in a luxurious cover made from GOTS certified organic cotton, wool, cashmere, and silk, offering a level of decadence and breathability that is unmatched. Additionally, the mattress offers customizable firmness levels, ensuring that each sleeper can find their perfect level of support and comfort. Its materials are carefully selected for their natural properties, including temperature regulation, moisture wicking, and hypoallergenic benefits, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a healthier, more sustainable sleep environment.
Crafted with attention to detail and quality, the Organic Bliss Pillowtop Mattress provides deep support and durability with its core of organic ARPICO latex, renowned for its superior back support and longevity. The mattress's organic wool fire barrier adds an extra layer of safety without the use of harmful chemicals, ensuring a clean, toxin-free sleep environment. This combination of organic materials not only supports the sleeper's health and comfort but also contributes to the mattress's overall sustainability and environmental impact. With its handcrafted quality, elegant Belgian Linen Gusset, and sturdy handles for easy maneuvering, the Organic Bliss Pillowtop Mattress stands out as a testament to luxury, quality, and eco-consciousness in mattress design.
SweetNight Dreamy Memory Foam Mattress
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- Targeted Pressure Relief: The Contouring Curve™ bamboo foam adapts to sensitive areas, minimizing stress on the neck and shoulders.
- Dual-Sided Firmness: Offers a soft top for gentle cushioning and a firm bottom for additional support based on individual needs.
- Cooling Comfort: Gel-infused memory foam enhances airflow, keeping the mattress cool and preventing heat buildup.
The Dreamy Memory Foam Mattress is thoughtfully designed to cater to side sleepers and those experiencing neck and shoulder pain. It features a dual-sided firmness option, with a soft top layer ideal for pressure relief and a firmer bottom layer suitable for heavier sleepers or those needing extra support. The mattress includes Contouring Curve™ bamboo foam and gel-infused memory foam, which enhance comfort while promoting airflow for a cool sleep environment.
Certified by CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX, the mattress ensures safe and high-quality materials. The skin-friendly knitted cover adds a layer of breathable softness, making it comfortable for prolonged use. With its ergonomic design and innovative features, the Dreamy Memory Foam Mattress delivers a balance of support and comfort to alleviate pressure on sensitive areas.
What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?
For side sleepers, the best type of mattress typically offers a balance of support and contouring. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are often recommended because they provide excellent pressure relief around the shoulders and hips, which is crucial for maintaining proper spinal alignment. Look for a mattress with a medium-soft to medium firmness level to ensure that the heavier parts of your body can sink in just enough to keep your spine straight. Additionally, mattresses with a thicker comfort layer can also cushion the joints and reduce the risk of waking up with aches and pains.
Choosing the right mattress for side sleepers can have several long-term benefits
- Improved Sleep Quality: The right mattress can reduce tossing and turning, leading to better sleep quality.
- Spinal Health: Proper support and alignment of the spine can prevent long-term back and neck pain.
- Pressure Relief: Relief from pressure points on the hips and shoulders can diminish the risk of soreness and discomfort.
- Durability: A mattress that suits your sleeping style will maintain its supportive qualities longer, offering better value over time.
- Overall Health: Quality sleep is linked to numerous health benefits, including improved mood, immune function, and reduced stress.
Side sleepers should look for several key features in a mattress
- Contouring: A mattress that contours to the shape of your body can provide better support and reduce pressure points.
- Firmness: A medium-soft to medium firmness is ideal for most side sleepers.
- Pressure relief: Look for mattresses that are specifically designed to alleviate pressure on the shoulders and hips.
- Supportive core: A supportive base layer is essential to maintain proper spinal alignment.
- Quality materials: High-quality materials will ensure the mattress maintains its shape and support over time.
- Trial period and warranty: These can provide peace of mind and allow you to test the mattress in your own home.
FAQs
Are firm mattresses good for side sleepers?
A mattress that is too firm can cause pressure points to develop at the shoulders and hips, leading to discomfort and disturbed sleep. Side sleepers benefit more from a mattress that has some give, allowing these areas to be cushioned properly. A medium-soft to medium firmness level is often more suitable, as it allows the body to sink in slightly and helps maintain proper spinal alignment. However, personal preference and body weight also play roles; lighter individuals may need a softer mattress, while heavier individuals might require a bit more firmness to prevent sinking in too deeply.
Can side sleepers use a pillow-top mattress?
Yes, side sleepers can use a pillow-top mattress, which often provides an additional layer of cushioning for enhanced comfort. A pillow-top can be especially beneficial for side sleepers as it adds softness to the mattress surface, which can help reduce pressure points at the shoulders and hips. However, the underlying mattress should still offer adequate support to keep the spine in alignment. Make sure that the pillow-top isn't too soft, which could lead to an unnatural curvature of the spine and result in back pain.
How does body weight affect mattress choice for side sleepers?
Body weight significantly affects mattress choice for side sleepers. A heavier person may require a firmer mattress to prevent excessive sinking and to ensure the spine remains aligned. Conversely, a lighter individual might find a softer mattress more comfortable to adequately cushion pressure points without feeling engulfed. It's important to consider the density and firmness of the mattress in relation to your weight to find the optimal level of support and comfort.