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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – 6 Best Picks

TSA reviewer Connie Hack

Written By Connie

CPD Sleep Consultant

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How We Test

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17 May 2024 8 min read

Statistically, most people are side sleepers. So, let's go ahead and find the best mattress for side sleepers!

Did you know that over 70% of people sleep on their side? It's because of this fact that most mattresses are made with side sleepers in mind. However, just because you have the most popular sleeping position doesn't necessarily mean you're getting the perfect mattress.

This is because, even if you're a side sleeper, you still have to take into account your build and your weight. The heavier you are, the higher the mattress firmness needs to be.

On top of that, if you want to choose a mattress that's both great for side sleepers and good quality in general, you have to take a hundred different things into account! But don't worry, we've done all of the heavy lifting.

So, we're going to go over some of our favourite picks for the best mattress for side sleepers. And then we'll discuss our reasoning and what you need to consider when looking for the perfect mattress!

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – 6 Best Picks for 2024

Did you know that over 70% of people sleep on their side? It's because of this fact that most mattresses are made with side sleepers in mind. However, just because you have the most popular sleeping position doesn't necessarily mean you're getting the perfect mattress. This is because, even if you're a side sleeper, you still have to take into account your build and your weight. The heavier you are, the higher the mattress firmness needs to be. On top of that, if you want to choose a mattress that's both great for side sleepers and good quality in general, you have to take a hundred different things into account! But don't worry, we've done all of the heavy lifting. So, we're going to go over some of our favourite picks for the best mattress for side sleepers. And then we'll discuss our reasoning and what you need to consider when looking for the perfect mattress!
    Mattresses 1
    An image of the Emma Luxe Cooling mattress with the TSA badge for best cooling mattress
    Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress
    Best Overall
    Mattresses 2
    features-simba-hybrid-luxe
    Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress
    Best Orthopaedic
    Mattresses 3
    our reviewer Connie testing the edge support of Emma Nextgen Premium mattress
    Emma NextGen Hybrid Mattress
    Best Quality
    Mattresses 4
    our reviewer sleeping on panda's hybrid mattress
    Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress
    Best Hypoallergenic
    Mattresses 5
    A product image of Nectar Hybrid mattress.
    Nectar Hybrid Mattress
    Best Long Term
    Mattresses 6
    An image of a TSA reviewer sitting on the OTTY Pure Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal Premium Mattress
    OTTY Pure+ Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal Mattress
    Best for Beauty Sleep

Best Overall: Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress

For our number one pick, we had to go with the Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress, as it ticks off all the boxes for a perfect side sleeping mattress!
Best Overall
An image of the Emma Luxe Cooling mattress with the TSA badge for best cooling mattress

Usually, the biggest selling point of the Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress is its cooling capability. After all, it even won the title of best cooling mattress!

This is because the mattress has graphite-infused foam that draws heat away from your body as you sleep. On top of that, the cover is extremely breathable and cool to the touch.

However, not all side sleepers are hot sleepers. So, why should they get this mattress? Well, because it shines in all other departments as well!

For example, the Halo memory foam layer offers top-tier pressure relief, easily accommodating your hip and shoulder. And it's just the right firmness for the vast majority of side sleepers. On the other hand, the pocket springs offer just enough support to keep your spine properly aligned and healthy.

To lear more about this award-winning mattress, read our full Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress review.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Hybrid
  • Depth: 25 cm
  • Firmness: 6/10
  • Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU Single, EU Double, EU Queen

Advantages

An icon depicting the product is side sleeper friendly
Ideal for side sleepers
The mattress is the perfect firmness for most side sleepers.
An icon depicting good cooling properties
Cooling
The best cooling mattress you can get.
An icon presenting perpetual motion balls indicating low motion transfer
Good motion isolation
A must-have feature for couples sharing a mattress.

Disadvantages

An icon representing a non eco-friendly concept
Not completely eco-friendly
The cover uses polyester
An icon depicting a money bag indicating an expensive product
Not budget-friendly
There are much cheaper mattresses.

Best Orthopaedic: Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress

If your hip and shoulder are aching from sleeping on your side, this orthopaedic mattress is about to change your life!
Best Orthopaedic
features-simba-hybrid-luxe

In terms of tailored support, very few (if any) mattresses can stand in the ring with the Simba Hybrid Luxe. This is because this luxurious hybrid comes with up to 6000 high-quality pocket springs! For perspective, most mattresses have between 1000-2000.

And this means that you're getting unparalleled support. But this is to be expected, as the mattress has a whopping 11 layers overall.

And these layers include everything from bamboo wool that regulates your body temperature, to Simba's highly-praised Simbatex foam for added comfort and a removable cover for convenience.

So, in terms of temperature regulation, pressure relief, comfort, and convenience, the Simba Hybrid Luxe dominates. However, note that 11 layers are significantly more expensive than 2 or 3.

To learn more, read our full review of the Simba Hybrid Luxe Mattress.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Hybrid
  • Depth: 31cm
  • Firmness: 7/10
  • Size: Single, Double, Small Double, EU Queen, King, Super King

Advantages

an icon depicting that the product is supportive
Very supportive
With 6000 pocket springs, each joint and bone is getting tailored support.
An icon depicting a magnifier indicating high quality
High-quality
This is one of the most premium mattresses you can get.
An icon depicting a thermometer illustrating a good thermo regulating properties
Temperature regulation
The bamboo wool layer is sure to keep you at an optimal sleeping temperature all night.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting a money bag indicating an expensive product
Expensive
You can buy two or more budget mattresses for this price.
An icon depicting a heavyweight person, illustrating a product that is not suitable for overweight people
Not for heavier sleepers
Heavier stomach sleepers will need a firmer mattress.

Best Quality: Emma NextGen Hybrid Mattress

While all of the mattresses we've featured are of excellent quality, the Emma NextGen Hybrid Mattress is just a bit more special.
Best Quality
our reviewer Connie testing the edge support of Emma Nextgen Premium mattress

The Emma NextGen Hybrid Mattress has won not one but two of our best mattress awards. And that's because it perfectly blends comfort with support!

For one, it has extra tall springs that do an excellent job at keeping your spine supported throughout the night. And while they do transfer a bit of motion, it's nothing too noticeable.

On top of those springs, you can find Emma's Halo memory foam, which offers pressure relief and that nice, hugging sensation when in bed. And in our testing, the combination of these two has lead to some of the best sleep we've ever had!

Lastly, they wrap it all up with a removable, machine-washable cover, a good trial, a decent warranty, and side handles for easy turning. All in all, our favourite mattress so far. And while it's not the best mattress for side sleepers, it's definitely in the top 10!

To learn more, read our full review of the Emma NextGen Hybrid Mattress.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Hybrid
  • Depth: 25 cm
  • Firmness: 5/10
  • Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King, EU Double, EU Queen

Advantages

An icon depicting different groups of people
Will suit most people
The mattress is incredibly comfortable and suits most sleeping styles and builds.
An icon depicting a spring
Extra tall pocket springs
The extra tall pocket springs provide added support and bounce.
An icon depicting a hand pressing a memory foam, illustrating a comfortable product
High-quality memory foam
Halo memory foam is one of the best in the business.

Disadvantages

An icon depicting a non motion isolating product
Slight motion transfer
The springs might produce a bit of bounce during sudden movements.

Best Hypoallergenic: Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress

Whether you have allergies or sensitive skin, the Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress is here to save the day!
Best Hypoallergenic
our reviewer sleeping on panda's hybrid mattress

Sleeping on your side can already cause coughing in some cases. And if your mattress is covered in dust mites, the odds of you waking yourself up with a cough only grows!

However, the Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress can ensure that you sleep comfortably on your side with not a dust mite in sight! After all, bamboo is both a hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial material and Panda uses it generously.

Let's not forget that bamboo also ensures a cool, breathable sleeping environment. So, you won't have to worry about feeling like a human oven.

And the mattress uses zoned spring support as well as high-quality memory foam to keep you healthy and comfortable. So, you're not sacrificing even a hint of comfort in the process!

To learn more, read our full review of the Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Hybrid
  • Depth: 27
  • Firmness: 6/10
  • Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Superking, Emperor + EU Single, Double, King

Advantages

An icon depicting a bamboo
Bamboo
Bamboo is used both in the cover and in the foam layer.
pressure-relief-pro
Great pressure relief
The zoned support and memory foam offer top-notch pressure relief and support.
An icon representing an eco-friendly & sustainable concept
Eco-friendly
Panda is a green bedding manufacturer and their mattresses reflect that.

Disadvantages

An icon representing a non-removable cover
Hard to put the cover on
You might need some help putting on the cover.

Best Long Term: Nectar Hybrid Mattress

If you want a mattress that's going to stick around for a decade or more, the Nectar Hybrid Mattress is the perfect pick for you.
Best Long Term
A product image of Nectar Hybrid mattress.

While most high-end mattresses were made to last, after about 8-10 years, wear and tear will bring down their quality. However, Nectar boldly claims that their mattresses are forever! And beyond just a simple boast, they've decided to offer a lifetime warranty on their Nectar Hybrid Mattress!

So, this could potentially be your forever mattress. And given how well it suits most side sleepers, this is excellent news!

The Nectar Hybrid Mattress sports high-end memory foam for optimal pressure relief and spinal alignment. And you'll find 1600 individually-nested springs for added support and bounce. Plus, you won't have to worry about motion transfer!

But that's just scratching the surface. So, if you want a more in-depth overview of potentially the last mattress you'll ever have to buy, read our full review of the Nectar Hybrid Mattress.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Hybrid
  • Depth: 25 cm
  • Firmness: 6/10
  • Size: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King

Advantages

An icon depicting a medal indicating a warranty
Forever warranty
Nectar offers a forever warranty for any product defects.
An icon presenting perpetual motion balls indicating low motion transfer
Good motion isolation
A decent pick for side sleeping couples.
An icon depicting a magnifier indicating high quality
High quality foam
The foam used is CertiPUR certified.

Disadvantages

a hand holding to a handle, indicating side handle
No handles
Turning the mattress is more difficult.
An icon depicting off gassing
Off-gassing
There is a lot of foam that will off-gass in this mattress.

Best for Beauty Sleep: OTTY Pure+ Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal Mattress

If you liked what the Panda Hybrid had to offer but wishes it was even more breathable and moisture-wicking, the OTTY Pure+ is the mattress for you!
Best for Beauty Sleep
An image of a TSA reviewer sitting on the OTTY Pure Hybrid Bamboo & Charcoal Premium Mattress

Just like the Panda Hybrid, the OTTY Pure+ Hybrid mattress utilises bamboo to create a hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial sleeping space. However, it takes it one step further by also infusing their foam with charcoal!

This basically amps up all of the benefits of using natural materials in your mattress. And it also helps the mattress eliminate odours before they have the time to fully stick.

So, a potential winner for new parents!

On top of that, it's also just a very solid hybrid mattress. It has 4000 pocket springs, which is well above average. So, you can expect excellent support and bounciness. Additionally, the cover is sectioned to provide better dynamic support and motion isolation.

To learn more, read our full review of the OTTY Pure+ Hybrid mattress.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Type: Hybrid
  • Depth: 28 cm
  • Firmness: 6/10
  • Size: Single, Double, King, Super King

Advantages

An icon depicting a leaf indicating hypoallergenic properties
Completely hypoallergenic
Both bamboo and charcoal are hypoallergenic.
an icon depicting a light bulb, illustrating a slick design
Good design
The top layer is sectioned to improve dynamic support.
An icon depicting different groups of people
Will suit most people
The mattress isn't too soft or too firm.

Disadvantages

a hand holding to a handle, indicating side handle
No side handles
No handles for easily turning the mattress.
An icon representing a non-removable cover
Some might not like the cover
The design of the cover is a bit hit-or-miss.

Things to consider when shopping for the best mattress for side sleepers

As you can see, sleeping on your side does have some ramifications when it comes to your mattress choice. And while we have presented you with what we feel are excellent mattresses for side sleepers, if you’d like to further explore your options and find the best match- you will want to know what to look for in the best mattress for side sleepers!

After all, whether you're chosing a topper, a pillow, or a mattress, you have to know what to look out for! So, here's what you should look out for.

Type of mattress

You'll want to start by looking at the right type of mattress. And, if you've been reading carefully, you'll know that the first place to start looking is through memory foam mattresses. But, as we've also mentioned, don't get so hung up on the type, because you can just as easily find a good pocket sprung mattress for people sleeping on their side, as you would a memory foam one. 

However, generally speaking, you will have the best chance of finding something suitable if you look for memory foam, a hybrid or a latex mattress – in that particular order. As you've seen from our list, foam mattresses really do dominate the side sleeper market. And here are a few things to specifically look for when getting any of these mattress types.

An illustration showing the differences between memory foam and open coil mattresses

Memory foam mattress

If you want a memory foam mattress, your process of elimination should be rather swift. The main thing you should focus on is firmness. If you're on the heavier side, look for high-density foam mattresses. And if you're on the lighter side, look for models that incorporate as much memory foam as possible.

With that being said, if you're a hot sleeper, you'll need a cooling mattress. So, look for mattresses that have gel-infused foam or a breathable cover. Bamboo, eucalyptus and cotton are all good choices.

Hybrid mattress

If you think the right mattress for you has to be a hybrid, the most important thing to look out for is the top layer. Most high-quality hybrid mattresses will have sturdy pocket springs. However, make sure that there's also enough cushioning on top to match up with your sleeping position.

Generally, if you're on the lighted side, as long as there's more than a few centimetres between you and the pocket springs, you're golden. And if it's memory foam, even better. But if you're heavier, look for slightly firmer and thinner top layers.

Spring mattress

When it comes to spring mattresses, you'd ideally want a mattress with zoned support. This way your shoulder and hip are supported and your mid-section can sink into the mattress a bit when sleeping on your side.

We'd also suggest looking for high-quality pocket spring mattresses, as they tend to be higher quality than innerspring mattresses. Although they're also sometimes more expensive.

Latex mattress

The difference between latex and memory foam is that a latex mattress will usually be a bit firmer. And this means that they won't always be ideal for side sleepers. However, if you do find a softer mattress that uses latex, it can be quite good.

This is because latex has a bit more bounce than a regular memory foam mattress. And that in turn can help with hip and shoulder pain. So, you can be rather comfortable as a side sleeper if you find a good latex mattress. Just make sure that it's not too firm!

Level of firmness

a woman checking the firmness of a mattress

How firm a mattress should be will greatly depend on your body weight, since we already know which position you’re sleeping in. For an average person, a medium-firm mattress should do the trick.

It will keep your spine aligned, it will be be both supportive and comfortable enough for you to get a good night’s sleep. It will also allow you to switch sleeping positions through the night if you have a knack for doing that.

On the other hand, if you’re lightweight, a medium-soft mattress should do the trick, and more often than not, it is going to be a memory foam mattress.

The memory foam mattress selection is huge so finding a medium-soft mattress that is good for a lightweight sleeper shouldn't be of a huge problem.

Heavyweights, on the other hand, should go with a firm mattress. In their case, the type of mattress doesn't really matter, but we did find firm hybrid and firm latex mattresses to dominate this field.

An infographic showing the mattress firmness scale

Your body weight

Now that you understand mattress firmness, you've solved half of the puzzle! However, you'll notice that even a firm mattress will give way if you put something really heavy on it. And on the other hand, even the softest mattress on the planet won't sink from the weight of a feather.

In other words, the heavier you are, the firmer the mattress has to be to stop you from sinking too far into the mattress. And the lighter you are, the softer the mattress has to be so that you can sink in at all!

So, do note that not all side sleepers will benefit from the same mattress. Of course, it's nothing to be ashamed of if you need a softer or firmer mattress than most – it's simply physics! And having a healthy back should be your number one priority!

So, take a look at the table below to see which mattress firmness is ideal for side sleepers of your build.

An infographic showcasing different mattress firmness levels

Pressure relief ability

The best mattress for side sleepers must be able to alleviate pressure points and help you get rid of those early morning aches. That's because, unlike stomach and back sleepers, side sleepers put all of their weight on their shoulder and hip!

So, having a mattress that can take on some of that weight and relieve your hip and shoulder of the pressure is a must-have! And more often than not, you can accomplish this with a relatively thin layer of memory foam.

Of course, other materials can offer pressure relief as well. However, we've found that memory foam typically shows the best results – especially when side sleepers are concerned.

Correct spine position

Cooling & hypoallergenic properties

Neither of these features are exclusive to mattresses for side sleeping. Everyone needs proper support, pain relief and contouring, but what they also need is to sleep without any disturbance all through the night. And, well, if you're sweating and having trouble breathing during the night – no amount of pain relief will help you with that. 

What will help is getting a cool and hypoallergenic mattress. If you get too hot during the night, you will toss and turn, and not only will you lose sleep because of it – but you will also switch positions, left and right, without ever sleeping in an optimal position for your body.

And, don't even get us started on allergies. You know just how hard it is to sleep with a stuffy, runny nose – let alone a full-blown allergy flare up. However, we would like to recommend you go for bamboo-made products as bamboo is a super-hypoallergenic material. Plus it is cooling, even during the hottest summer days!

2 bonus tips for side sleepers to improve your sleep quality

While you now know how to get the best mattress for side sleepers, the battle is not over! And that's because there are two other things we'd like to put forth that can further improve your sleep quality.

Firstly, we'll talk about how you can potentially better your current mattress (if it's not time for a new mattress yet) and then discuss the other half of the side sleeping puzzle – your pillow!

Using a high-quality mattress topper

our reviewer squeezing the Silentnight Impress Memory Foam Mattress Topper

Mattress toppers can go a long way for a side sleeper. Let’s take the best mattress for heavy side sleepers as an example. That mattress may be great for many heavy sleepers, but what about people with a smaller build? It will be too firm for them, almost certainly. So, what can they do?

Well, they could get a medium-firm mattress – a mattress that will offer them much needed support. And then, they could add a soft mattress topper to make up for the missing contouring and pressure relief, and get a perfect side sleeper trifecta.

Of course, not just any mattress topper would do. You generally want to find a high-quality topper that has the correct qualities to balance out your current mattress. And not every feature can be fixed!

However, if your current mattress is relatively new (for example a 3-year-old memory foam mattress) and sleeping on your side is just a bit less comfortable than you'd like it to be, a mattress topper could be the easiest solution. So, if you'd like to see what a high-quality topper looks like, we suggest reading our review of the Simba mattress topper.

And if you want a step-by-step guide, we suggest reading our guide on choosing the perfect mattress topper.

Having an appropriate loft of a pillow

A picture of a TSA reviewer holding the Emma Original Pillow

We’ve mentioned the best mattress for side sleepers with hip pain, but what about pillows for side sleepers with neck problems? What could they do?

It is true that a large number of people sleeping on their sides struggle with neck problems, but that problem can rarely be solved with a mattress. However, a great pillow will take away the pain in an instant.

So, what makes a pillow good for side sleepers? The main feature you want to look out for is loft (or how tall the pillow is). This is because, unlike back and stomach sleepers, side sleepers need to cover the distance from their shoulder to their head. So, of the three sleeping positions, side sleepers need the largest pillows!

However, the pillow also needs to be a bit firm and supportive. This is because a high loft is useless if your head just sinks into the pillow and allows your head to be at an angle. So, when looking for a high-quality pillow, make sure that your head can stay parallel to the bed when lying down on your side.

Tips for extending the life of a mattress for side sleeping

As we near the end, we wanted to talk to you about making sure your new mattress lasts a long time. After all, we wouldn’t want to see the best mattress for side sleeping end up causing you more pain in only a few years. So, here are some tips for extending the life of a mattress for side sleeping.

Conclusion

And that's all you need to know to find the best mattress for side sleepers! So, which mattress are you going to get? Let us know in the comments. And if you have any questions, about side sleeping or mattresses in general, check out the FAQ section or contact us directly.

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FAQs about your new mattress for side sleepers

In the end, we thought it would be good to wrap things up by answering some questions from curious side sleepers.

What is the best type of mattress for side sleepers?

There is no one right mattress for side sleepers but memory foam mattresses or medium-firm hybrid mattresses seem to be the favourites.

Should side sleepers go for a firm or a soft mattress?

Generally speaking, side sleepers should go for medium-firm or softer mattresses. However, do note that not all mattresses use the same firmness scale.

What is the average life expectancy of a mattress for side sleepers?

Around 6 to 8 years. However, this can vary greatly based on the materials used, how often it's turned/flipped etc.

What type of mattresses is not good for side sleepers?

Generally, firm mattresses aren't recommended for side sleepers. Open-coil mattresses might also be less than ideal as having a layer of soft foam helps with spinal alignment.

Do these mattresses come with a trial period?

Almost all higher-end mattresses come with a sleep trial, including the ones we've featured here.

Are memory foam mattresses good for side sleepers?

Absolutely! Memory foam mattresses are usually a good fit for side sleepers as their hip and shoulder can properly sink into the upper layer of the mattress.

Are hybrid beds good for side sleepers?

Yes! Since hybrids usually feature foam in the top layer, side sleepers should be more than comfortable.

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About the author

Connie
As a CPD certified Sleep Consultant I know how important sleep is. And as a combination sleeper, I have found it difficult to get products to suit my sleep style. I have more than 2 years product testing experience with The Sleep Advisors which means I have slept on, with and under more than 500 products with varying degrees of success. This is added to more than 2 years experience as a product reviewer for Closer, Heat and Grazia magazines, so I've got a rigorous process. I love sharing my sleep testimonials with our readers and hearing their experiences too.
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