Best Mattress for Side Sleepers in 2024

Written by 

McKenzie Dillon,

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.

McKenzie Dillon Writer

McKenzie, a Certified Sleep Science Coach and proclaimed mattress expert, has been writing sleep content in the wellness space for over four years. After earning her certification from the Spencer Institute and dedicating hundreds of hours to sleep research, she has extensive knowledge on the topic and how to improve your quality of rest. Having more experience with lying on mattresses than most, McKenzie has reviewed over 150 beds and a variety of different sleep products including pillows, mattress toppers and sheets. McKenzie has also been a guest on multiple radio shows including WGN Chicago as a sleep expert and contributed sleep advice to over 50 different websites.

Expertise Certified Sleep Science Coach, Certified Stress Management Coach, Bachelor of English.

Reviewed by: Troy Mensen, DO Medical Reviewer

Dr. Troy Mensen is a family medicine doctor based in the Chicago area. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Northern Iowa and his doctorate at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

How we sort our mattresses

$1,699 at Layla

View details

$1,332 at Helix

View details

$1,499 at Amazon

View details

Warranty

15-year limited warranty

Warranty

lifetime warranty

Warranty

10-year limited warranty

The beds on the list were among some of the best we came across for side sleepers, but several mattresses also stood out and deserve some of the spotlight.

WinkBed mattress: The luxurious and Pinterest-perfect WinkBed mattress comes in three firmness levels, and the soft model would be a perfect fit for side sleepers looking for a plush, supportive hybrid mattress. The WinkBed is made with several layers of comfy foam, strong pocketed coils and a fluffy pillow top that makes it look as good as it feels. I think side sleepers of all body types would enjoy the WinkBed.

• Original Layla mattress: We mentioned the Layla Hybrid on this list, but if you want to save some money and are willing to give up the pocketed coil base layer, then the Original foam Layla mattress is a great option. It's also flippable and features one very plush and soft side perfect for side sleepers. This Layla mattress is going to suit sleepers under 230 pounds better because it's not as supportive as the Hybrid model.

The CNET Sleep editors have tested more beds than the average sleeper. Around 200 different ones, in fact, and we've dedicated hundreds of hours to the craft. The main consideration we take into account when we look for the best mattress for side sleepers is firmness and the amount of pressure relief a mattress offers. When testing mattresses, we lay in each sleeping position (including side) and determine how well they accommodate our primary pressure points. When we're on our side, it's crucial our hips and joints feel properly cradled. If a bed's too firm, it can press into your pressure points and cause soreness or pain.

Other key factors we test are edge support, motion isolation and temperature. Edge support is how strong the bed’s perimeter is, which is important if you sleep with another person or hug the edge of the bed. Motion isolation is how well a mattress dampens movement across the surface. We test this by having two testers roll around and bounce on the bed.

Everything we assess is recorded and compared to our year's worth of data, allowing us to compare and rank beds accurately.

CNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read more on how we test mattresses.

The qualities that side sleepers want in a mattress are different from stomach or back sleepers. Here are the main features to keep an eye out for if you favor your side when you sleep.

• Pressure relief: As we've touched on in this best list already, the best mattresses for side sleepers cradle the hip and shoulders to provide optimal pressure relief. That's why soft mattresses tend to be the best. They give under your weight, allowing the foam to mold around your shoulders and hips.
• Firmness: Soft mattresses are typically more pressure-relieving than firm ones. If you had a firm mattress, it would press into your hips and shoulders, throwing off the alignment of your spine with your neck. This is a recipe for back pain.
• Weight: Keep in mind that the heavier you are, the softer a mattress is going to feel. Heavier sleepers over 230 pounds can afford to get a firmer mattress because it'll feel a notch softer than what's advertised. The same rule applies in reverse to petite sleepers under 150 pounds. Smaller side sleepers may want an extra-soft mattress so it doesn't feel too firm.
• Health concerns: If you suffer from back pain, hip pain or joint pain, it's important to consider that when choosing a mattress. People with back pain may want a side sleeper bed that offers a balance of pressure relief and support, like the Purple, which lands at a medium on the firmness scale. If you suffer from hip or shoulder pain, a softer mattress that will take the pressure off your joints will usually fare better than a firm bed.
• Material: What your bed is made out of will determine how it feels and how long it lasts. For instance, beds with a coil base tend to last a little longer. Determining what feel you want from your bed will help you decide if you want a neutral foam, memory foam or pillow top mattress.
• Budget: Determining your budget early in the process will help you narrow down which beds to chose from. Keep in mind that mattresses are almost always on sale. If you time it around holidays like Presidents day, Memorial day or Labor day, you might be able to knock a few hundreds off the price tag of your next bed.

Besides being comfortable, there are also countless health benefits to side sleeping as well. Helping reduce the risk of sleep apnea, improving the health of your brain and even improving gut health and function are included among the benefits of sleeping on your side. The best mattress for side sleepers can improve your comfort while you get a good night's sleep.

It's also recommended to sleep on your side during pregnancy. It promotes better quality sleep by keeping pressure off your belly, and sleeping on the left side promotes ample blood flow from the inferior vena cava. This is a crucial vein that pumps blood through your heart and also your baby.

Sleeping on your side can have some adverse effects if you're not using the right mattress. It can put undue pressure on your shoulders and hips and lead to joint pain and discomfort.

Use the right pillow

A pillow can make or break your sleeping experience, especially for a side sleeper. Side sleepers need tall, lofty pillows that properly support the head and cervical spine. A flat pillow causes the head and neck to bend out of alignment with the spine, which can promote pain.

Add more cushion

If you need it, utilize pillows for some extra padding and support where you may need it most. Keep a soft and fluffy pillow between your knees to relieve pressure on your back and promote better alignment. You can also keep a pillow under the armpit if you live with shoulder pain for added pressure relief.

Consider a mattress topper

If your mattress is too firm but hasn't yet reached its expiration date, use a mattress topper to make it softer without having to buy a whole new bed. Mattress toppers can change the entire firmness profile of your bed, so side sleepers should look for a soft and plush topper.

Memory foam is one of the best types of mattresses for side sleepers. It contours to your body shape, relieving pressure points and keeping your spinal alignment when you're lying on your side. Side sleepers should also consider a soft mattress because it provides pressure relief to your shoulder and hip joints.

There's not a single right answer to this question, but in general, side sleepers tend to prefer a soft to medium mattress. Mattresses in this range have enough give to alleviate pressure in the shoulders, hips and knees when you're sleeping on your side but also hold their shape to keep your spinal alignment so you don't wake up in pain.

Yes. Memory foam is known for its pressure-relieving properties and nestles the curves of your body. When you sleep on your side, memory foam gently hugs your shoulder and hip joints.

Firm mattresses can be bad for side sleepers, especially ones under 150 pounds. If your mattress firmness is too hard, it might not have enough give and cushioning for your pressure points. Lack of pressure relief can disrupt your sleep and cause pain and even numbness and tingling in your extremities. Ultimately, a lot comes down to personal preference and how you feel when sleeping on the mattresses, but most side sleepers do best with medium or softer mattress options.