There’s something really comfortable about curling up on your side, which, perhaps, explains why the vast majority of adults sleep this way. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 15 percent of adults sleep on their side with their legs outstretched, while another 41 percent sleep in the fetal position, with their back hunched and their legs bent. Side sleeping is particularly common among pregnant women, who might otherwise struggle to accommodate their growing baby bumps. With the right mattress, side sleeping can provide superior rest, all while improving circulation and preventing snoring. We take a look at the best mattress for side sleepers based on a host of other requirements.
Benefits of Side Sleeping
Side sleeping just feels natural. It just feels nice to curl up in the fetal position and drift off to sleep. For pregnant women, this position is particularly beneficial, as it prevents the fetus from pressing up against the liver. Side sleeping is also a good option for those who tend to snore. If the spine is kept elongated, this position can minimize sleep-associated neck and back pain. Some side sleepers also report fewer acid reflux symptoms, as compared to other positions. Side sleeping may also be the most beneficial for the brain; research from Stony Brook University indicates that lateral (side) sleepers are more effectively able to rid their brain of the waste that contributes to Alzheimer’s disease. This waste is discarded via the glymphatic pathway, which is most efficient at night, and especially while the body is in a lateral position.
The Journal of Neuroscience (2015) published a groundbreaking study revealing that side sleeping potentially promotes brain health. The research pointed out that this sleeping position enhances the glymphatic system’s effectiveness, our brain’s waste-clearing mechanism. The efficient removal of brain waste products, like amyloid-beta, could potentially reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
Another advantage of side sleeping can be found in its effects on the respiratory system. According to a study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2005), side sleeping can alleviate symptoms in people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, a condition characterized by frequent pauses in breathing during sleep. This position, by keeping airways open, significantly decreases the number of apneas and promotes more restful, undisturbed sleep.
But is one side better to sleep on than the other? The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology (2005) provides some insight, suggesting that left-side sleeping can lead to better health outcomes, particularly in digestion. The study found that due to the positioning and layout of our internal organs, left-side sleeping allows gravity to facilitate digestion, potentially easing symptoms of conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn.
Further, pregnant women are often advised to sleep on their left side. As outlined in a study published in the BMJ (2011), this position improves circulation to the heart, benefiting both mother and baby. It also relieves pressure on the back, keeps the uterus from compressing the liver, and increases blood flow to the uterus, kidneys, and fetus.
While side sleeping appears to have several benefits, it’s important to note that individual health factors can influence what position is best. For example, people with certain types of physical ailments or injuries may find other positions more comfortable or therapeutic. Additionally, maintaining proper spinal alignment while side sleeping is essential to prevent neck and back pain, often achieved with a supportive pillow and mattress.
Most side sleepers prefer a hybrid mattress but there are now many side sleeper foam mattresses that have recently come to market that provide great contouring and cooling properties.
Challenges Faced By Side Sleepers
Side sleeping can be incredibly comfortable, but there are a few notable drawbacks. When sleeping in a fetal position, breathing can be restricted. Those worried about the visual signs of aging tend to avoid side sleeping, as spending so many hours with the face crunched up on a pillow can lead to wrinkles. For side sleepers of all ages — but particularly those above the age of 50 — curling up in the fetal position can lead to soreness in the morning. This can be prevented to some extent by placing a pillow between the knees, but a supportive mattress is also important.
Best Mattresses For Side Sleepers
Side sleepers typically prefer a softer surface, and therefore a soft mattress as this allows them to sink into the mattress while they are curled up on their side. Ideally, a softer mattress will also accommodate the natural curve of the spine and maintain proper alignment throughout the night. Memory foam’s superior contouring makes it an especially wise option for side sleepers, who require as little pressure on the shoulders and hips as possible. Memory foam is great for pressure relief but I find that if motion transfer from your partner getting up at night isn’t an issue, a hybrid mattress is ideal for side sleepers.
Treat yourself to 5 individual foam layers, combining to provide a medium feel while cradling your hips and shoulders in side sleeping positions.
Helix Midnight Elite
The Helix Midnight Elite mattress is designed to be a great choice for side sleepers for several reasons:
Pressure relief: The mattress has several layers of foam that are designed to conform to your body and cradle your hips and shoulders, which can help to reduce pressure points and pain.
Spinal alignment: The mattress also has zoned support, which means that the different sections of the mattress provide different levels of support to different parts of your body. This can help to keep your spine in alignment, which is important for preventing back pain.
Cooling: The mattress has a cooling cover that helps to wick away heat and keep you comfortable throughout the night. This is especially important for side sleepers, as they tend to sleep warmer than other sleep positions.
Edge support: The mattress has strong edge support, which means that you won’t roll off the edge if you sleep close to it. This is important for side sleepers, as they often switch positions throughout the night.
Responsiveness: The mattress is responsive, which means that it moves with you as you change positions. This can help to prevent you from feeling stuck in the mattress.
Here are some additional features of the Helix Midnight Elite mattress that may be beneficial for side sleepers:
- It is available in a variety of firmness levels, so you can choose the one that is right for you.
- It has a lifetime warranty, so you can be sure that it is built to last.
- It is made with CertiPUR-US certified foams, which means that they are low in harmful chemicals.
Of course, whether or not the Helix Midnight Elite mattress is the right choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, it is certainly a mattress that is worth considering if you are a side sleeper who is looking for a comfortable and supportive mattress.
Get a 5 5-star hotel mattress feel at a 2 star price!
For weary side sleepers yearning for a pressure-relieving, supportive embrace, the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite might just be your dream come true. But beyond the standard comfort you’d expect from a premium mattress, the Sedona Elite boasts some unique features that cater specifically to side sleepers’ needs:
1. Plush Yet Supportive Layers:
Copper-infused Memory Foam: This top layer molds to your curves, cradling pressure points in your hips and shoulders, alleviating the common aches and pains side sleepers face. The copper infusion adds a bonus cooling effect, drawing heat away from your body for a temperature-neutral sleep.
TitanFlex® Comfort Layer: This unique foam layer provides additional pressure relief and bounce, allowing for comfortable adjustments throughout the night without feeling stuck.
2. Zoned Lumbar Support:
- Transitional Layer with Gel Grid: This layer offers zoned support, with a firmer density in the lumbar region to maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent your midsection from sinking too deeply. This is crucial for side sleepers to avoid back pain and discomfort.
3. Dual Coil System for Conformance and Breathability:
- 8″ Ascension™ Coils: These high-density coils provide deep-down support and ensure proper weight distribution, keeping your body in a neutral position.
- MicroCoil® Layer: This layer of smaller coils conforms to your individual curves and pressure points, further enhancing pressure relief and reducing motion transfer for undisturbed sleep.
4. Cooling Comfort:
- GlacioTex®+ Cooling Cover: This unique fabric wicks away heat and moisture, preventing that dreaded night-time sweat.
- Breathable Construction: The combination of coils and foam layers allows for excellent airflow, keeping you cool and comfortable all night long.
Bonus Features for Side Sleepers:
- Edge Support: No more feeling like you’re about to roll off the edge. The reinforced perimeter provides a stable sleeping surface, even for those who like to cuddle the edge.
- Adjustable Base Compatibility: Pair your Sedona Elite with an adjustable base for even more personalized comfort and pressure relief, especially helpful for side sleepers who need to adjust their positioning for optimal spine alignment.
Ultimately, the Brooklyn Bedding Sedona Elite’s unique blend of plush comfort, zoned support, cooling technology, and side-sleeper-friendly features makes it a strong contender for the title of “Best Mattress for Side Sleepers.”
All Side Sleeper Mattresses
7 Facts About Side Sleeping
This dominant sleep position, adopted by a large majority of adults, is more than a mere comfort preference—it’s closely linked to health, personality traits, and even evolution. Let’s delve into some intriguing aspects that make side sleepers a fascinating study.
Side Sleeping and Brain Health: A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that side sleeping may help the brain clear waste and harmful chemicals more efficiently, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The Fetal Position is the Most Popular: According to the National Sleep Foundation, over 40% of adults prefer the fetal position (a form of side sleeping with the legs curled up), making it the most popular sleep position. Interestingly, the study also found that women are twice as likely as men to sleep in the fetal position.
Side Sleeping May Reduce Snoring: This position can help keep airways open, leading to less snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea. That’s why it’s the recommended sleep position for those suffering from these conditions.
Evolutionary Preference: Anthropologists suggest that side sleeping could have been favored in the evolution of our species. It allowed our ancestors to balance the need for quality sleep with the need for vigilance against potential threats.
Personality Links: A survey by UK-based bed maker Sealy revealed a potential connection between sleep position and personality. Side sleepers who preferred the fetal position were found to have a tough exterior but were still sensitive and prone to overthinking.
Digestive Health: Thanks to the positioning and layout of our internal organs, left-side sleeping may be beneficial for digestion and could potentially alleviate symptoms of conditions like heartburn and acid reflux.
Improves Maternal Circulation: For pregnant women, sleeping on the left side is often recommended as it improves circulation to the heart. This, in turn, provides optimal blood flow to the fetus.
Health Concerns For Side Sleepers
There are some potential health concerns for side sleepers:
- Shoulder and neck pain: Sleeping on your side can put extra pressure on your shoulder and neck, which can lead to pain and stiffness. This is especially common if you sleep on a soft mattress or pillow that doesn’t provide enough support.
- Lower back pain: If you don’t sleep with your spine properly aligned, side sleeping can also contribute to lower back pain. This is often due to an uneven mattress or pillow, or sleeping in a fetal position for long periods.
- Heartburn: Some studies have suggested that sleeping on your right side may increase your risk of heartburn, as this position can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into your esophagus.
- Facial wrinkles: Sleeping on your side can cause wrinkles to form on the side of your face that you sleep on, as your skin is compressed against the pillow for long periods. This is more of a cosmetic concern than a health issue, but it is something to be aware of if you are worried about wrinkles.
However, side sleeping also has some health benefits:
- Reduces snoring and sleep apnea: Sleeping on your side can help to open up your airways and reduce snoring and sleep apnea. This is because gravity helps to keep your tongue from falling back into your throat and blocking your airway.
- May improve brain health: Some studies have suggested that sleeping on your side may improve brain health by helping to clear out waste products from the brain.
If you are concerned about the health risks of side sleeping, there are a few things you can do to minimize them:
- Choose a supportive mattress and pillow: A firm mattress and pillow that provides good support for your neck and spine can help to reduce pain and discomfort.
- Switch sides throughout the night: Don’t sleep on the same side all night long. Try to switch sides periodically to help distribute pressure evenly.
- Use a body pillow: A body pillow can help to support your spine and keep your body in alignment.
- See a doctor if you have pain: If you experience persistent pain, talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
37 thoughts on “Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – Our Top Picks in 4 Categories”
hi, that was a really helpful article! i was also searching to buy a mattress and all the things you mention here, were very important to me too. In the end i bought a natural latex mattress from Coco-mat that i found amazing!! I really appeciated the ability to have different elasticity of the two sides of a double mattress ( I mean left and right) that creates a very good advantage for couples that prefer different elasticity level – moreover when somebody is tossing around on one side , the other side is not affected due to the fact that actually it is two different single mattresses joined together with the internal cotton cover. i think you should also make a review on Coco-mat brand because thiis mattress changed my sleeping completely!
Cocomat is an interesting company. Their mattresses are very expensive though. According to a recent NY Times article the prices range from a starting point of $1,400 up to $27,000. I think paying $27,000 for a mattress is a bit much especially given the material which is primarily latex and coconut husks.
I’m a side sleeper who wakes up repeatedly throughout the night hot, and with shoulder pain. No back or hip pain. I tried a Plushbeds organic 10″ in medium and it was way too hard. They sent me a 3″ soft topper and it was better, but not great. Still hot and pretty uncomfortable. I returned it. The only mattress I’ve loved is when I spent three nights at someone’s house on a Tempurpedic. I did turn the a/c down to 60 degrees so being hot was not an issue.
Any suggestions?
Two options come to mind, the Novosbed or the Nectar.
I need your help. We had a sleep number I 10 top of the line. After two years it is terrible. I have RA and suffer terrible hip pain. I am a side sleeper. We are currently trying an Amerisleep colonial. It isn’t all that comfy. I expected it to have more give. What mattress would you suggest? I am looking at the Alexander signature series. Don’t know if I should go with soft or medium. Our sleep number setting was between 35 and 40. Any other mattress you would recommend?
The soft Alexadner Signature Select would be an excellent choice. I also really like the Brentwood Home Oceano.
Hi, I’m a side/back sleeper looking for a natural/organic latex/coil hybrid. I have between $1000 and $1400 to spend on a queen size mattress. What are your recommendations?
Thank you
I would go with the Natural Escape mattress from My Green Mattress.
I am a side sleeper and have tried one memory foam mattress and hated it. I don’t like sinking and getting stuck. I tried it for three months and my back hurt so bad I could barely straighten it when I stood up. We have a beauty rest now and my hips hurt everyday. Any suggestions?
I would try the Brentwood Home Oceano. It is a plush but supportive mattress that uses microcoils near the top layer for softness and support. Here’s the Review
Hi my husband and I are side/back sleepers. He weights about 205 and me 185. We want to purchase new king size mattress and would like to spend between 1500-2000. What do you recommend?
The Brentwood Home Oceano would be my first choice followed by the medium firm Alexander
Hi There,
I am a 175 lb side sleeper, my husband is 220 lbs, and cam sleep just about anywhere. I purchased a Leesa but find it too firm. I don’t like sleeping on the surface of the mattress and it hurts my hips. need something a notch or softer. I’d like to feel cozy, and sink into the bed some but not feel stuck. What do you suggest? Thanks.
Definitely give the Layla mattress a try. The soft side feels great and you will sink in more with it.
Hey there,
We recently purchased a Bear mattress, however we feel like it is a little hard. To be fair, we were warned from reviews that it felt a little harder for lighter individuals (we are both under 140 lbs). While we like the mattress on a number of levels, I still feel some pain in my shoulders when I sleep on my side (primarily a side sleeper, but sometimes back). I would say we typically don’t sleep warm, but we did just move to an area that is much warmer than where we were, so summers could be an issue. The max we’d like to spend is 1,600 for a king. Any suggestions?
Have you considered the Layla Mattress? The soft side of the Laylay would be much softer than the Bear and sleeps cool.
I am a side sleeper with lower back issues and neck and shoulder pain…and my hubby sleeps side and stomach…. and the dog sleeps on her side as well (;-) We all sleep warm and I am 5’10 and hubby is 6’4″. We just spent 1 night on our new Leesa bed and I woke up at 2am in such pain i had to go and sleep on the couch…. so I was wondering if it take time to get used to a new mattress…or…do you had any suggestions for another mattress?
I like the looks of this Alexander one….
That doesn’t sound good. I don’t think the Leesa would be a good fit here. Definitely would want to consider returning it and looking at something else. The Alexander is more plush so will will get more sink out of it.
Hi! I am a side sleeper and suffer from chronic shoulder pain. I am fairly light…. 140 lbs and looking for something that will contour to my body yet give support as well. I generally sleep warm so looking for something that will keep me cool at night. Which mattress would you recommend??
I would take a look at the Layla mattress.
Hi – I need some help! My wife is a side sleeper and we recently moved and upgraded to a king size bed frame. We tried the Nectar mattress for a few weeks but it was too firm for her. I just bought the Nest Love and Sleep mattress but after one night she doesn’t feel that it is much softer. We will keep trying with the Nest but I want to have a 3rd attempt ready to go. Looking at the Layla and Cocoon from the comments here. Any other soft side-sleeper designed recommendations?
I think the soft side of the Layla would be a great choice.
I was at an AirB&B that had the Serta Perfect Sleeper. I know it isn’t a fancy new brand…but seriously the best sleep ever. What do you think?
I am a 60 year old horsewoman, with numerous orthopedic issues, a bad back from a fall years ago, but right now worse is an incredibly sore left hip, combination of bursitis and OA. And a right shoulder impingement issue. I am a side sleeper. I weigh 173. We have slept for years on a futon. I think I need something perfect, soft enough for no pressure points, and supportive enough to keep my back in line. i’m Very sensitive to odors, and in Arizona summer hot is a given. So, does perfect exist? How about second perfect?
Hi… I am a side sleeper, about 200 pounds, and want something that won’t hurt my hips or lower back. I also want a bed that is good for sex. What would you suggest?
A great choice would be the Oceano from Brentwood Home since it has two layers of springs and memory foam.
Hi! My husband and I are in the market for a new queen mattress. We have an old inherited model sleep number. My husband sleeps okay on it, but it is not firm enough for me. My hips hurt in the morning and my husband sometimes loses feeling in his shoulders. We got a foam topper and it’s not helping – it feels too soft for me. We are both combo sleepers – mostly side, but some stomach and back. My husband is a warm sleeper and prefers a softer mattress than me. We are both runners, average height and weight. I’m doing research and leaning toward the Nectar mattress but wonder if there might be others that would be a better match.
We ordered a queen sized soft version and really love it. We wanted to order a King size one but discovered that they no longer make the soft version (We just got ours a couple weeks ago!). I emailed and they are not planning on bringing it back. sigh. We have also tried a Helix (hated it, could feel the springs), a Amerisleep AS5 (still breaking it in but it is too hard for us) and a Novosbed soft (too hard and waiting for the 30 day mark to get the comfort+ to make softer). Can you recommend another bed? I really love the soft Nest Signature. I have Fibromyalgia and I am a side sleeper.
Hi. I’m looking to buy this mattress today(Brentwood Home Oceano). I’m wondering if you can answer a couple questions. I understand its supportive, but does it give you some hugging and contouring, or do you just lay on top of it? I’m looking for a plush with some sinkage, but not get swallowed. I’m also looking at their pillows. Any suggestions for a soft pillow from them also? Thank you so much for what you do.
You will sink into this one a bit. Definitely won’t sleep on it. I would go with their Oceano pillow it is one of their softer pillows.
Hi! My husband and I are looking to replace all the mattresses in the house – a queen, a full and a twin. For convenience, we’d like to stick with one company, and affordability will be a big factor. For our own bed (the deciding factor on company) we’re looking for something good for side sleepers. I’m 5’3”, 135lbs and my husband is 6’, 220lbs – he also has sleep apnea, if that affects anything. Are there any brands and/or models you would recommend? I’ve tried researching on my own, and just get bogged down in all the options! We generally prefer a softer feel. Thanks!
My husband and I are both side sleepers. I get sore hips, his issue is his back. We were first drawn in to the green tea mattress because of the price, but we haven’t taken the plunge yet, I fear the foam may be worse for his back though. What would you suggest that would accommodate both of our issues but still possibly under $1000?
Hi!
Thank you for all these reviews and information! My husband and I are looking for a new mattress. We have a kluft and I hate it – hip pain and lower back soreness every night. I’m a side sleeper (and currently 6 months pregnant) and my husband is a side/sometimes stomach sleeper. We’re relatively small – 125 and 150 respectively. Do you have a recommendation for which mattress to try? Thank you!
My husband and I recently “upgraded” from a foam terrible ikea bed to a purple bed. It seems way to soft for us and I toss and turn throughout the night. Looking for a firm mattress that we don’t sink into the plush with. Any recommendations?
My wife and I are both side sleepers and I flips sides many times per night. I weigh 230 and the wife is about 175 and we tend to be warm sleepers. I also have a history of frozen shoulder, so my shoulders are frequently in pain in the morning. We’ve had a memory foam mattress (bought from Costco) for about 9 years and are ready for an upgrade. What would you recommend? Any pillow suggestions?
I am a side sleeper and purchased the purple 3 and after 3 years I started having back pain when waking up. I can’t take it anymore – I am on a mission to get a better mattress for me. I’ve been looking at the avocado green pillow top and the oceano but am so torn! Which do you think is better for side sleeper?
I would go with the Oceano. Much better pressure relief over the Avocado.