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Spruce
If you’re a side sleeper, you know that getting the proper comfort and support in a mattress is key when it comes to getting a restful and healthy night’s sleep. It’s no secret that not all types of mattresses are created equal. Side sleepers often have concerns such as shoulder and hip pain, pressure points, and poor spinal alignment.
Dr. Alissa Dimos of Precision Chiropractic in Bedford, New Hampshire, says, “Side sleeping is one of the most preferred sleeping positions of chiropractors, because it promotes optimal spinal alignment at night and can help alleviate annoying back and neck pain. However, it’s important to note that you must have a properly supportive mattress designed to cushion possible pressure points in the hips and shoulders while you rest.”
To address these concerns, side sleepers typically need a mattress that provides a medium-firm to firm feel, and a thicker pillow for neck support can help alleviate pressure points and maintain proper spinal alignment. A mattress with good motion isolation can also be beneficial for side sleepers who share their bed with a partner.
After plenty of research and years of personal experience, we’ve curated an extensive list of the top mattresses that are best suited for side sleepers. Our top pick overall is the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress, which is a refreshingly affordable option that provides excellent support, comfort, and long-lasting quality for years to come. There are also plenty of other great options when it comes to the best mattresses for side sleepers that we think are worth a closer look.
Best Overall
DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress
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DreamCloud
Reasonable price point
Impressive 1-year sleep trial
Lifetime warranty
May not be the best option for those who prefer a very firm sleeping surface
Heavy and can be difficult to maneuver
Many side sleepers want a combination between the long-lasting and durable support of an innerspring mattress, but long for the cloudlike comfort of a memory foam mattress. The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress gives you the best of both worlds. It’s a hybrid option that combines a base layer of coils for support with several layers of memory foam for comfort and pressure relief. Add to that a luxurious cashmere blend quilted topper, and you’ll never want to leave your bed again.
The medium-plush feel of the mattress is great for those who want a comfortable sleeping surface that still offers plenty of support. The mattress is also offered at a very refreshing price point, and it comes with a one-year sleep trial and lifetime warranty, making it one of the best values on our list.
One downside of the Dreamcloud Mattress is it can be quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move or adjust. Additionally, the medium-plush support might not be ideal for those who prefer a very firm sleeping surface. But for those who are looking for a supportive, long-lasting, and comfortable option, the Dreamcloud is a great choice.
Price at time of publish: $2,298 for a Queen
Material Type: Memory foam, individually wrapped spring coils, and cashmere-blend quilt topper | Firmness: Medium | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Best Budget
Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam iCoil Hybrid Mattress
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Zinus
Gel memory foam helps keep you cool while you sleep
Super-affordable
Contours for pressure relief and spinal support
Limited 10-year warranty
Only available in one firmness option
The Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam iCoil Hybrid Mattress is a surprisingly well-priced option that combines comfort, support, and cooling effects. It’s a hybrid pick that features a generously padded top layer of cooling gel memory foam, a second layer of supportive base foam, and a final layer of individually encased spring coils. All foam layers are Certi-PUR US Certified and provide a healthy, fresh, and clean sleeping surface.
The memory foam contours to the shape of your body, providing pressure relief and support for the spine. With only one firmness option to choose from, it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea. However, with compatibility with various bed frames, this mattress is a great choice for a wide range of sleepers. Some customers have reported that the mattress has a slightly unpleasant smell when unpacked. It also only comes backed by a 10-year limited warranty. That price tag is tough to argue with, though. If you’re looking for a super budget-friendly mattress that won’t drain your bank account, this is it.
Price at time of publish: $589 for a Queen
Material Type: Memory foam, individually wrapped spring coils, and knitted Jacquard topper | Firmness: Medium | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Best Splurge
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-LUXEbreeze°
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Tempur-Pedic
Solid edge support
Excellent cooling properties for hot sleepers
Different cooling and firmness options available
Expensive
Short sleep trial, compared with other models
The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Breeze Mattress line is a true exploration into nighttime luxury. It uses cutting-edge construction and technology to provide one of the most cooling and pressure-relieving sleep experiences on the market. The mattress uses a specially designed PureCool Technology, an innovative phase-changing material that can absorb excess heat and promote improved airflow that can provide up to 8 degrees of cooling comfort over its competitors. You also get the SmartClimate Cover System, which feels instantly cool and is easy to zip off and wash.
The Luxe-Breeze model also uses ventilated TEMPUR-APR® Material, giving you their most pressure-relieving, ultra-breathable experience to date. Choose from soft or firm support, allowing you to really customize your sleeping experience. The drawback to this choice has to be the exorbitant price tag, and the fact that you only get a 90-day sleep trial is somewhat disappointing. However, its comfortable cooling materials make it a worthwhile investment.
Price at time of publish: $5,499 for a Queen
Material Type: Different types of memory foam and latex | Firmness: Soft or firm | Sizes: Twin Long, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King, Split Cal King
Best Cooling
GhostBed Luxe Mattress
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GhostBed
Constructed from healthy natural materials
Available in plenty of size options
Backed by an impressive 25-year warranty
Only available in one firmness option
Some users complain that it’s too firm
The GhostBed Luxe Mattress features not one, but seven layers of customized memory foams to give you reliable support and luxurious, cooling comfort, so you get the best of both worlds. The GhostBed Luxe is also made in the USA and Canada and offers you free shipping and returns. It’s available in a medium-plush firmness option, which isn’t ideal for everyone, but it does provide excellent pressure point relief and motion isolation.
Another thing to love about this mattress is that it’s backed by an impressive 25-year warranty, which is ideal for protecting your investment, as this definitely isn’t one of the more budget-conscious choices available, unless you happen to snag one during their many sales events. The mattress also comes in a variety of size choices and is also compatible with adjustable bases, making it quite versatile in addition to supportive. The fact that this mattress only comes in a single firmness choice is a bit of a bummer. However, with seven layers of targeted comfort, this mattress is a fan favorite with lots of different body types and sleeping preferences.
Price at time of publish: $3,005 for a Queen
Material Type: Various types of memory foam and high-density foam | Firmness: Medium-plush | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Best for Back Pain
Brooklyn Bedding Bloom Hybrid Mattress
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Brooklyn Bedding
Constructed from natural, healthy materials
Two thickness options to choose from
Good choice for a variety of sleeping positions
Not flippable
Heavy and cumbersome
This hybrid mattress gives you great relief from back pain while you sleep. The firm, supportive sensation of all-natural latex with the much-needed support of coil construction is a good combo for frequent back pain sufferers. The Bloom Hybrid from Brooklyn Bedding is constructed using a three-inch layer of natural Talalay latex that gives this hybrid mattress better bounce and less ‘sink’ when compared to the common memory foam hybrid mattresses. It’s also available in two different thicknesses, giving you a choice between medium and medium-firm support.
Brooklyn Bedding’s Bloom hybrid mattress stands out for its use of natural materials. The plush top comfort layer, made from New Zealand Joma wool and organic cotton, gives you a naturally cooling experience with reliable pressure relief. Eight-inch Ascension X coils, individually pocketed to reduce motion transfer, provide confident and long-lasting support. One thing to note is that this mattress should be rotated regularly to promote even breakdown, but it’s not flippable. It’s also pretty heavy if you go with a larger size.
Price at time of publish: $1,999 for a Queen
Material Type: Wool, latex, memory foam, and spring coils | Firmness: Medium, Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split Cal King
Best for Hip and Shoulder Pain
Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
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Nectar Sleep
Heat-dissipating copper cover
365-night home trial
Signature Forever warranty
Can be difficult to get into and out of
Too soft for some users
If you’re concerned with dissipating hip and shoulder pain while you sleep, consider the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress. It features gel memory foam, which helps to alleviate annoying pressure points and provide support to the areas of your body that need it most. That can be especially helpful for people with hip and shoulder issues, as it can help reduce tension and discomfort, while promoting proper spinal alignment. This model also includes a copper-infused cover that helps dissipate heat and promote cooling airflow for a more comfortable sleeping experience.
In addition to its pressure-relieving properties, the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress also comes with a signature Forever Warranty, which is one of the best in the business, giving you added peace of mind about your investment. It’s also decently affordable, compared to many other options on the market, making it a good choice for those on a budget. Because this model lacks innerspring coils for added support, it can be too soft for some users and difficult to get into or out of if you suffer from arthritis or physical limitations.
Price at time of publish: $1,949 for a Queen
Material Type: CertiPUR-US Certified Memory foam | Firmness: Medium-soft | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Most Comfortable
Saatva Classic Mattress
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Saatva
Lumbar support zone
Multiple firmness and thickness options
365-day free trial
May be too firm for some
Very heavy and hard to maneuver
If you’re looking for the ultimate in comfort and support, it’s hard to go wrong with the multiple firmness and thickness options offered in the Saatva Classic Mattress. There’s literally something for everyone. It’s also constructed from healthy materials, and it won’t cost you your life savings. Available in eight sizes, you can choose from plush soft, luxury firm, or firm support levels. Unlike most mattresses, Saatva even offers a regular platform foundation or an adjustable base for those who suffer from sleep disorders and require elevation.
With its 3-inch pillow top and a patented lumbar support zone, this mattress is ideal for side sleepers as well as back sleepers. It also helps minimize motion transfer whenever your partner moves. High-density foam rails create a strong and solid base that helps prevent sagging over time. Add to that an incredible 365-day risk-free trial period, free in-home delivery and set-up, and this mattress just might become your favorite bed ever. One drawback, however, is that all those different layers add up to make this mattress quite heavy and cumbersome to move around.
Price at time of publish: $1,995 for a Queen
Material Type: Innerspring and foam | Firmness: Plush soft, luxury firm, firm | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King, Split Cal King
Best for Couples
Tuft & Needle Legacy Original Mattress
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Tuft & Needle
Pressure-relieving adaptive open-cell foam
Highly affordable price point
Consistent, supportive contouring
Doesn’t include a removable, washable cover
Not flippable
This Tuft & Needle Legacy Original Mattress scores some of the highest consumer ratings on the market, making it a great choice for couples and combination sleepers. It’s no secret that a good night’s sleep is important to healthy couples. Customers can’t stop talking about how comfortable, supportive, and long-lasting it is. It’s also included in several other reviews highlighting the best mattresses. Add to that a super-low price tag, compared to most other mattresses on the list, and this choice is tough to beat, especially considering the hassle-free warranty and the 100-night sleep trial it includes.
This specific model is constructed from breathable, open-cell foam infused with cooling gel and heat-conducting graphite beads to provide one of the most temperature-controlled and comfortable sleeping experiences around. Unfortunately, the cover isn’t removable or washable.
Unlike some bed-in-a-box mattresses which require up to 72-hours of rest, this one is ready to be used within a few hours. One drawback is that this mattress isn’t flippable, so it needs to be rotated regularly to prevent lumpiness or uneven compression.
Price at time of publish: $995 for a Queen
Material Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Firm | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
Best Pressure Relief
Purple Mattress
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Purple
Responsive support for all body types
Unique grid design promotes airflow and cooling
Non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials
Not recommended for use with a box spring
Some users find it too soft
For the ultimate in pressure relief, the Purple Mattress is tough to beat. Its unique grid design is made of an innovative hyper-elastic polymer, which is highly responsive, providing support for all body types and sleeping positions. It also allows for maximum airflow and cooling. However, this material is probably not the most realistic choice for larger people, since it’s lacking innerspring coil support that many hybrid mattresses have.
Thanks to its lack of metal coils, however, the Purple Mattress offers excellent pressure relief. Its grid design conforms to your body, helping to distribute your weight evenly and alleviate pressure points. It’s also constructed from hypoallergenic and healthy, non-toxic materials. Unfortunately, it only comes backed by a 10-year warranty. Another drawback is that it’s not compatible with your boxspring, so you’ll need a foundation to support this mattress.
Price at time of publish: $1,399 for a Queen
Material Type: GelFlex hyper-elastic polymer, polyurethane foam | Firmness: Medium-soft | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
Best for Heavier Bodies
Big Fig Mattress
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Big Fig
Confident and long-lasting support for larger individuals
Reduces motion transfer
High-quality construction
Too firm for some users
Only available in one firmness level
For heavier folks, the Big Fig Hybrid Mattress provides maximum and durable support. It’s rated to support up to 1,100 pounds total. This mattress is constructed using stronger 15-gauge innerspring coils, all individually wrapped to provide spot-on support and reduce motion transfer. Other innovations for heavy sleepers include latex and high-density foam construction, plus enhanced edge support to make the bed more stable for sleeping or sitting at the edge. This mattress also comes with an optional heavy-duty frame or adjustable frame for an additional purchase.
The Big Fig is built with a top layer of ventilated, gel-infused latex, which translates into a sleeping surface that’s breathable yet supportive. Many other hybrid mattresses use foam layers on top for body-conforming comfort that quickly deteriorate under heavier bodies. This mattress is made in the USA and comes with a decent 120-night sleep trial. Add to that a 20-year warranty, and you’re all set. One drawback seems to be that it only comes in a single firmness option, and that seems too firm even for many larger people.
Price at time of publish: $1,799 for a Queen
Material Type: Gel-infused memory foam and other foam layers, steel innersprings | Firmness: Firm | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
When it comes to the best overall mattress for side sleepers, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress takes the cake in terms of affordability, comfort, and support. With a reasonable price tag, one-year home sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, this mattress is easily one of the best values on the market. If you’re looking for a high-quality, budget-friendly choice that won’t disappoint, check out the Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam iCoil Hybrid Mattress. It’s composed of eco-friendly materials and offers great pressure point relief and support
What to Look for in Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Material
When you’re looking for a good mattress that will provide optimal support for side sleepers, you want high-quality materials, such as all-natural latex or high-density memory foam like you see in the Brooklyn Bedding Bloom Hybrid Mattress. These materials are naturally durable and cooling, and they lack toxic chemicals that many mattresses expose you to while sleeping. If you want a hybrid mattress, the number of supportive innerspring coils are important to note.
Height and Thickness
Mattress height and thickness are important factors for side sleepers, because they affect the overall levels of support and pressure point relief in the hips and shoulders. A bed that’s too thin might not provide enough cushion in key spots and can wear out or get lumpy early. If you have concerns, look for a thicker mattress design like the one in the Saatva Classic Mattress.
It’s also a matter of personal preference; some sleepers prefer thicker mattresses, while others prefer thinner. In general, hybrid mattresses with innerspring coils tend to be thicker with more layers and height, while memory foam mattresses tend to be thinner but sometimes provide more pressure relief. Depending on whether you have a box spring or a foundation, height and thickness of your mattress will be even more important.
Firmness Level
One of the most important things to consider is the firmness level of the mattress. For side sleepers, a medium-firm to firm mattress like the Casper Mattress is typically ideal, since it provides optimal neutral spinal alignment while also cradling the shoulders and hips. A medium-firm to firm mattress will ensure that the natural curvature of the spine is maintained. An actual store is one of the best places to buy a mattress if you’re concerned about firmness level.
Standout Features
While there are a plethora of tips for buying a new mattress, keeping certain key standout features in mind can certainly set you on the right path and help you make a more confident decision.
Trial Period
Any decent mattress should offer you a trial period of at least 90 days. Taking full advantage of the trial period is imperative if you’re to get a true sense of how the mattress feels and how it supports your body, and the way a mattress feels and supports you can change with use! For example, our best overall pick, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress, gives you a very generous 365-day sleep trial.
Warranty
Always be sure to purchase a mattress that’s backed by a good warranty that covers any defects in materials or workmanship for as long as possible. A longer warranty period, like 25 years or a lifetime warranty, such as the Signature Forever Warranty in the Nectar Premier Copper Hybrid Mattress, gives you peace of mind and protection for your investment. The minimum acceptable warranty should be a 10-year warranty. Ten years is the standard in the industry, so it’s best to be wary of products or companies that don’t stand up to at least a decade of use.
Delivery
The best online retailers and in-person mattress stores will offer free home delivery and set-up. Also check to see whether the delivery company will remove your old mattress at no additional charge, or for a small fee. The Saatva Classic Mattress comes with this option, letting you not have to worry about how to move or store your old mattress. Some of the better retailers will even include free returns within the sleep trial period if you decide that the mattress isn’t for you.
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How much should I spend on a mattress?
The amount you should spend on a good mattress depends on your personal preference and budget. A quality mattress can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. It's recommended to spend at least $600 to $1,000 for a good-quality mattress that will last several years and provide adequate comfort and support. It's also important to consider the long-term costs and benefits of investing in a good mattress, as poor-quality mattresses might need to be replaced more frequently and can lead to health issues. such as back pain. Higher-quality mattresses, such as all-organic mattresses, can cost significantly more than other materials.
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How long does it take to set up a mattress in a box?
Setting up a mattress in a box typically takes 15 to 45 minutes. The process involves removing the mattress from its compressed packaging, unrolling it, and allowing it to expand to its full size. After the mattress has fully expanded, it's ready to use and can be placed on a bed frame. Some mattresses may take longer to expand fully, up to 24 hours, but most are ready to use within a few hours.
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When should I replace my mattress?
In general, it’s a good idea to replace your mattress every eight to twelve years. However, that, can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the mattress, how often it’s used, and the comfort and support it provides.
Signs that it may be time to replace your mattress include:
- Significant dips or sagging
- Persistent discomfort or pain while sleeping
- You wake up feeling tired or with aches and pains
- Noticeable lumps or bumps
- A noticeable decrease in comfort or support
- An older mattress (over 15 years)
Dr. Alissa says, “Ultimately, if your mattress is no longer providing the comfort and support you need for a good night's sleep, it’s probably time for a new one.”
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Lisa Conant, a freelance writer who’s also a licensed chiropractor. Who better to write about the best mattresses? Dr. Conant has written hundreds of articles on natural health and wellness, as well as home and automotive topics. For this roundup, she relied on her own clinical expertise, sought insight from her good friend and colleague, Dr. Alissa Dimos of Precision Chiropractic, and also poured over dozens of product reviews from The Spruce's at-home testers and independent consumers, putting comfort, durability, brand reputation, warranty, and construction materials at the top of the list.