The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers of 2026: Sleep Tester and Expert Approved

Fortune’s team lab-tested this year’s best mattresses for side sleepers, including the standout Nectar Premier Memory Foam—to deliver targeted pressure relief and support built for side sleepers, using advanced materials and rigorous methodology tailored to executive lifestyles. Upgrade your sleep and elevate your performance in 2026 with these picks.

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers of 2026

• Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Overall: Nectar Premier Memory Foam
• Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe
• Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers: Leesa Sapira Chill
• Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers: Saatva Classic Luxury Firm
• Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Couples: WinkBed Plus
• Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain: Bear Elite Hybrid
• Best Value Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nolah Evolution
• Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers: Siena Memory Foam

Why Trust Fortune

Our team of expert testers has tried around 30 of the most popular mattresses and brands on the market today, using our comprehensive sleep testing methodology to find the best mattresses for all folks.

Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers Comparison Table

Mattresses	Type	Firmness	Cooling	Cost
Nectar Premier Memory Foam	Memory foam	Medium firm	Cooling top cover	$2,382
Helix Midnight Luxe	Hybrid	Medium firm	GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover	$2,924
Leesa Sapira Chill	Hybrid	Plush, medium-firm, firm	Cooling top	$2,589
Saatva Classic Luxury Firm	Innerspring	Plush soft, Luxury firm, firm	Organic cotton cover	$2,639
WinkBed Plus	Hybrid	Softer, Luxury firm, Firmer, Plus	Eucalyptus-Derived Tencel® Cover	$1,999
Bear Elite Hybrid	Hybrid	Soft, medium, firm	HydroCool® hand-quilted cover	$2,427
Nolah Evolution	Hybrid	Plush, Luxury firm, Firm	Organic cotton cover	$2,127
Siena Memory Foam	Memory foam	Medium firm	Breathable top fabric	$664

Nectar Premier Memory Foam
Type	Memory foam
Firmness	Medium firm
Cooling	Cooling top cover
Cost	$2,382
Helix Midnight Luxe
Type	Hybrid
Firmness	Medium firm
Cooling	GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover
Cost	$2,924
Leesa Sapira Chill
Type	Hybrid
Firmness	Plush, medium-firm, firm
Cooling	Cooling top
Cost	$2,589
Saatva Classic Luxury Firm
Type	Innerspring
Firmness	Plush soft, Luxury firm, firm
Cooling	Organic cotton cover
Cost	$2,639
WinkBed Plus
Type	Hybrid
Firmness	Softer, Luxury firm, Firmer, Plus
Cooling	Eucalyptus-Derived Tencel® Cover
Cost	$1,999
Bear Elite Hybrid
Type	Hybrid
Firmness	Soft, medium, firm
Cooling	HydroCool® hand-quilted cover
Cost	$2,427
Nolah Evolution
Type	Hybrid
Firmness	Plush, Luxury firm, Firm
Cooling	Organic cotton cover
Cost	$2,127
Siena Memory Foam
Type	Memory foam
Firmness	Medium firm
Cooling	Breathable top fabric
Cost	$664

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Overall: Nectar Premier Memory Foam

Our Thoughts on the Nectar Premier Memory Foam

We chose the Nectar Premier Memory Foam as the best mattress for side sleepers overall because it provides an ideal blend of contouring and support that side sleepers need. Its plush layers cradle the body’s high-pressure zones, while the cooling gel memory foam maintains a comfortable sleeping temperature. The generous trial and warranty add long-term value, making it a standout option for anyone seeking restorative, comfortable rest night after night.

Addie, a 25-year-old stomach sleeper in the lightweight category (130 pounds or less), tested this mattress, rating it a 4 out of 5 for pressure relief while lying on her side. During her experience, she felt her hips and back were evenly supported without any one part of her body sagging into the bed. “My neck feels relaxed and well-supported, and I don’t feel any discomfort in that area,” she said. Generally, neck pain is a common problem with side sleepers, so our team was glad the Nectar Premier Memory Foam didn’t contribute to this issue.

She loved the cooling aspects of this mattress. “The mattress stayed really cool and the fabric felt breathable while I was lying on it. It didn’t seem to warm up very much and stayed comfortable,” Addie said. She’s a very hot sleeper, and thinks she could sleep comfortably on this mattress without getting too hot. When we ran a cooling gun test on this bed, it returned to its baseline temperature in only four minutes, earning a 4 out of 5 for cooling.

Addie rated the edge support as a 3 out of 5. A slight spring helped her to get out of bed, and she didn’t feel like she was sliding off at all. “There is a gentle sinkage, almost like the mattress is caressing my body,” she said. “While I don’t feel like I’m going to tumble off, I do feel like I might slide off if I get too close to the edge. The side position feels more secure on the edge compared to the back position, offering a bit more stability.” If you’re looking for a good mattress as a side sleeper with more edge support, we recommend trying the Leesa Sapira Chill.

Best Hybrid Mattress for Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight Luxe

Our Thoughts on the Helix Midnight Luxe

The Helix Midnight Luxe is our pick for the best hybrid mattress for side sleepers because it  balances plush pressure relief with advanced support features—an ideal combination for side sleeping comfort. Its medium-firm feel, zoned lumbar support, and quilted cooling pillow top provide cushioning at the shoulders and hips, while also maintaining spinal alignment, which is crucial for side sleepers to avoid aches and pains.

When testing the pressure relief while side sleeping, Addie noted that she felt little pressure on her shoulder. As someone with shoulder pain, she was thrilled with how this bed felt, adding that the mattress relieved most of the ache. “As a side sleeper, I find this very comfortable. I could snooze right here,” she said. She was also satisfied that her body stayed aligned while on her back, giving this mattress an overall 5 out of 5 for pressure relief. 

During our mattress bounce test for this model, the ball bounced 10 inches, earning it a 3 out of 5 on our bounce scale. We define this as an average bounce that falls between 9 and 11.99 inches. A springy and responsive mattress may be preferred by folks who change sleep positions frequently (combination sleepers).

Addie rated this mattress a 4 out of 5 for motion isolation with a partner. “Whenever my partner was still, I felt like I was in bed alone,” she said. “All movement—aside from bouncing—felt subtle, and I don’t think I would have felt it if I was asleep. I did not feel any movement when my partner got up out of bed.” We recommend this mattress for couples, combination sleepers, and folks looking for a springy bed.

Best Cooling Mattress for Side Sleepers: Leesa Sapira Chill

Our Thoughts on the Leesa Sapira Chill

The Leesa Sapira Chill is our pick for the best cooling mattress for side sleepers because it has a phase change cover and breathable pocketed coil layer to maximize airflow, helping heat dissipate. Side sleepers in particular may benefit from this mattress’s responsive foam layers and euro-style pillow top, which help cushion and support shoulders and hips. We also like that there are three firmness options for this mattress, allowing folks to find the most comfortable sleep for their body.

Our tester Kayla, a 34-year-old combination sleeper of average weight—130 to 220 pounds for our testing purposes—thinks this is a great mattress for cooling aspects, which lines up with its name. “The mattress was noticeably cool when I laid down and felt almost like lying on a bed of snow,” she said. “As I tested the mattress, the icy feel did soften but remained cool and became more temperature neutral.” Given the cooling abilities, those sleeping with another person may like this pick, as beds tend to warm up quickly with more body heat.

Kayla gave this mattress a 4 out of 5 for the couple’s motion test, feeling only minor movements as her testing partner shifted on the bed. She noted that her partner’s movements didn’t upset her rest whatsoever. Her body never jostled or moved as her partner shifted positions, meaning this mattress effectively reduces motion and sleep disruption; great for light or combination sleepers.

This mattress earned a 5 out of 5 after undergoing the bounce test, as the ball bounced 16 inches high (we define high bounce as over 15 inches). This indicates a responsive bed, meaning that this mattress may be preferred by folks who like to feel “on top” of the bed and want a spring-y response. 

Kayla also felt incredibly supported by this mattress. She rated it a 5 out of 5, noting, “This mattress is one of the best that I’ve tried for edge support. While seated, it has a bounce to it, so it helps spring you out of bed.” 

Our tester also found that the mattress sinks slightly, but is firm, and the slight movement allows for bounce to assist you as you get in and out of bed. She tried exaggerating her body movement to lay off the edge of the bed, and even then, she still felt safe and did not feel like she would fall. We recommend this mattress for folks who are looking for assistance getting in and out of bed and extra edge support.

Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers: Saatva Classic Luxury Firm

Our Thoughts on the Saatva Classic Luxury Firm

The Saatva Classic Luxury Firm, one of our favorite Saatva mattresses, is our pick for the best firm mattress for side sleepers because it has both dual-coil construction and a cushioned euro top to help with contouring and spinal alignment. It’s firm but still comfortable, which is great for side sleepers. It also has a breathable organic cotton cover and targeted lumbar zone for added comfort and is made with high-quality materials for durability and a luxury, hotel-like feel every night.

Addie tested the Saatva Classic in the split king mattress size with classic luxury firmness. This is a very responsive mattress with a high bounce, which we define as a bounce of more than 15 inches. During the bounce test, the ball bounced 23 inches. This mattress may feel more flexible and returns to its original shape quickly.

After testing the edge support, our tester felt that there was only minimal support, rating it a 3 out of 5. She felt that she might easily roll off the mattress and didn’t feel held in place by it. Addie said, “Lying on my back felt more secure than lying on my side. There wasn’t much sinking—but it didn’t feel supportive on the edges.” 

Her experience was confirmed by our sinkage test: the mattress sank only 1 inch when Addie sat down. This firmness may be preferred by folks looking for secure spinal alignment, such as back or stomach sleepers. The mattress may also remain cooler because with less sinkage, there is more room for airflow around your body.

Best Mattress for Side Sleeper Couples: WinkBed Plus

Our Thoughts on the WinkBed Plus

The WinkBed Plus is our pick for the best mattress for side sleeper couples because of its specialized construction that delivers both sturdy support and plush, adaptive comfort. Engineered for heavier individuals and couples, the WinkBed Plus features an extra-durable hybrid design, with high-density foams, a responsive coil system, and a breathable Tencel cover. This helps cushion shoulders and hips while keeping the spine properly aligned, which is especially important for side sleepers. Its superior motion-isolation capabilities minimize sleep disruption from nighttime movement, making it ideal for partners who toss and turn or have different sleep schedules.

Kate rated both the motion test and the couples’ motion test as a 5 out of 5. The bouncy balls were “hardly disturbed” when she was getting in and out of the bed. “There was some slight disturbance when I was changing positions close to the container, but if I slowly moved around near it, it settled pretty quick, so disruption only seemed to happen with jerky movements,” she said. Kate also didn’t feel her co-tester getting in or out of the bed during the couples’ motion test.

Our tester loved the cooling features of the WinkBed Plus: “The mattress honestly felt pretty cool the whole time that I was lying on it! I can’t feel a difference between the covers and where I’m lying,” she relayed. “The pillow I was using was noticeably warmer than the mattress, which is unusual!” This mattress earned a 5 out of 5 on the cooling gun test, as it returned to baseline temperature in three minutes and twenty seconds, which is one of the quickest on our list.

This mattress has an overall firmness rating of 7 out of 10. 

Kate felt good pressure relief while on her side, giving it a 4 out of 5. “I could feel some slight pressure on my shoulders and my neck, but nothing that would cause me to wake up with pain,” she said. “A person of heavier weight would probably sink in just enough to get that perfect pressure relief that I am close to achieving.” Our tester mentioned that her hips felt aligned with her spine, too, and that there wasn’t any part of her body that was higher or lower than the other.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers with Back Pain: Bear Elite Hybrid

Our Thoughts on the Bear Elite Hybrid

The Bear Elite Hybrid is our pick for the best mattress for side sleepers with back pain because it combines zoned coil support, pressure-relieving foams, and advanced cooling technology to support folks with back sensitivity. It has firmer coils in the middle third of the mattress to help keep the lower back properly aligned, while also cradling the shoulders and hips. The Bear Elite Hybrid also has adaptive memory foam and a quilted top layer to help reduce any tension.

Addie tested the Bear Elite Hybrid and rated it a 5 out of 5 on its cooling features. After undergoing the cooling gun test, it took only 4 minutes to return to its baseline temperature. Our team is impressed by how effective this mattress’s cooling features actually are, and our tester agreed.

Our tester gave this mattress a 4 out of 5 for the motion isolation test. She noted that the bouncy balls remained quite still when she got in and out of bed. When she rolled around or adjusted her position in the bed, the movement of the bouncy balls increased. She wrote, “The movement did subside quickly, showing that the mattress was able to absorb the motion.” 

The bounce test resulted in a measured bounce height of 13 inches. We classify this result as a moderate bounce height, recorded between 12 and 14.99 inches. A moderate bounce result is a good indicator that folks seeking a mattress with balanced responsiveness will probably like this one—it’s not too firm or too soft.

When testing the couple’s motion, Addie wrote that she “noticed movement when my co-tester got in bed and as they moved around once laying down.” That said, she didn’t feel subtle movements when the tester got out of bed, just larger ones: “Bigger adjustments were more noticeable,” she observed. Addie rated this a 3 out of 5, since the motion isolation could have been better. 

Best Value Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nolah Evolution

Our Thoughts on the Nolah Evolution

The Nolah Evolution is our pick for the best value mattress for side sleepers because it provides support and cooling features at a competitive price point compared to other luxury hybrids. With three firmness options, a plush euro-top that cushions pressure points, and sturdy edge support, the Nolah Evolution adapts to side sleepers by providing targeted cradling for the shoulders and hips while maintaining support along the edges.

The starting depth of this mattress is 15 inches, and our tester Courtney sank 4 inches when undergoing the edge sinkage test. This is only minor sinkage (3.1 to 4.6 inches), therefore earning a 4 out of 5 for edge support. More edge sinkage may be preferred by side sleepers who want to feel cushioned, and less sinkage may be preferred by sleepers who have a higher weight for better spinal alignment. 

Courtney described her experience, saying, “I am sinking in, but it is comfortable—the mattress is cradling me. When standing up, I felt like the dismount was about 75% slide and 25% spring. I was already sunken in, so I felt like it was easy to slide off.”

When laying on her side or back near the edge of the bed, Courtney found both positions to be comfortable. She did not feel that she was going to fall off the side of the bed. She reported “feeling supported” and that she did not feel at risk of toppling over. “All positions feel good … this mattress contours my body nicely,” she added.

While undergoing the mattress bounce test, the ball bounced 12.5 inches, earning it a 4 out of 5 on our bounce height scale. We define this as a moderate bounce height (which falls anywhere between 12 and 14.99 inches). A moderate bounce in a mattress is good for folks who move around a good bit and who don’t like feeling stuck or overly secured while laying on their mattress.

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Side Sleepers: Siena Memory Foam

Our Thoughts on the Siena Memory Foam

The Siena Memory Foam mattress is our pick for the best memory foam mattress for side sleepers because it delivers excellent pressure relief for the hips and shoulders, allowing side sleepers to rest in proper alignment while enjoying a comfortable, contouring sleep surface. It’s also an affordable mattress with discounts frequently offered, so you can likely get a new queen mattress for under $500. 

Kate tested this mattress, rating it a 5 out of 5 for both motion control and couple’s motion. During the motion isolation test, “The bouncy balls stayed pretty chill and relax, with only a tiny bit of movement,” she said. “There was an initial wiggling of the balls when I got into the bed, but that could’ve been because of the bed frame. When I rolled over near the container, nothing moved. The only time the balls really moved around was when I was aggressively changing positions. The mattress absorbed most of the motion!”

During the couples’ motion test, Kate could hardly tell that anyone was in the bed with her. “The only thing I felt was my co-tester changing positions in the bed, but it was so subtle, it wouldn’t cause any disturbances throughout the night. When my co-tester was still, it felt like I was lying in the bed alone,” she said.

Kate preferred lying on her back and stomach when testing this mattress. She felt that the mattress was a little too firm for her lighter weight, and that it would suit side sleepers of a heavier weight better. When on her side, she felt more on top of the mattress than in it. Kate rated the pressure relief when lying on her back as a 4 out of 5. “I can feel the memory foam contouring my lower back and still lifting my hips and shoulders to be aligned,” she wrote. “I felt more in the mattress than on top of it like I did on my side. Overall, I was very surprised!”

Other Mattresses for Side Sleepers We Tested and Considered

We tested more than thirty mattresses hands-on in our lab. Here are a few that we considered but didn’t make our list of top picks, and why.

• Brooklyn Bedding’s CopperFlex Memory Foam mattress had little lumbar support, and our tester’s weight as not evenly distributed while on the mattress, her hips felt a good bit higher than her shoulders, which is not ideal for side sleepers
• DreamCloud’s Premier Memory Foam mattress had very little bounce, moving only 3 inches during our bounce test. It scored only a 1 out of 5, making it less responsive and possibly more difficult to switch positions and adjust while in bed.

What Makes a Good Mattress for Side Sleepers?

A good mattress for side sleepers combines targeted pressure relief with steady spinal alignment to cushion the body where it needs it most. Because side sleepers put more weight on their shoulders and hips, the ideal mattress gently contours these curves, reducing pain and numbness throughout the night. 

Mattresses designed with memory foam, zoned support, or hybrid constructions often outperform others by balancing these needs, resulting in better comfort, posture, and quality of sleep for side sleepers.

What Type of Bed Is Best for Side Sleepers? 

Mattresses that are best for side sleepers often include memory foam, hybrid designs (foam plus coils), or latex constructions in medium to medium-soft firmness. These types of beds are good for side sleepers because they compress beneath the shoulders and hips, helping to encourage proper spinal alignment and minimizing discomfort throughout the night. 

Memory foam mattresses respond well to body contours and offer superior pressure relief, while hybrid mattresses pair the responsiveness of coils with foam layers for cushioning, accommodating a wider range of body types and preferences. That being said, firm innerspring mattresses without substantial foam layers can feel too stiff, causing numbness or soreness at the shoulders and hips. 

How We Tested and Selected the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers

We tested and evaluated mattresses and scored them on a scale of 1-5 for factors such as motion control, cooling aspects, firmness, bounce, edge support, and value. Our testers evaluate the products based on their own individual experiences and preferences. We then review their testing feedback and data to share our findings and recommendations with you.

Pressure Relief

When evaluating pressure relief for side sleepers, our team focuses on how well a mattress’s construction, materials, and firmness levels cushion pressure points like the shoulders and hips. Pressure-mapping technology is used to visually demonstrate where pressure builds on side sleepers’ bodies during testing, providing objective data on support and comfort in those critical zones. Along with these measurements, testers describe where they feel pressure or discomfort while lying on their sides, ensuring both quantitative and experiential insights guide the evaluation process.

Cooling

When evaluating the temperature control of a mattress, we utilize a thermal gun to record the temperature of the mattress before and after the tester lies on it for two minutes. Our testers also provide feedback on how warm or cool they feel, so we compile both objective and subjective data. Then, we also measure how long it takes for the mattress to return to its original temperature.  

Motion Isolation

When evaluating motion isolation for side sleepers, we do two tests focused on minimizing sleep disturbances. First, the motion isolation test measures how much movement travels across the mattress by observing the movement of objects as a tester changes positions—mimicking the frequent shifting that side sleepers may experience at night.

In addition, we use a couples’ motion test where one tester, equipped with noise-cancelling headphones and a blindfold, lies in the typical side-sleeping position while another tester makes various movements. The blindfolded tester reports any vibrations or disruptions felt, helping assess how well the mattress contains motion and keeps side sleepers undisturbed by partner movement.

Bounce

When testing for bounce, we drop a medicine ball from a 6-foot height onto the mattress. We then measure how high the ball bounces into the air after hitting the mattress. If the ball bounces less than 5.99 inches, the mattress is considered to have an extremely low bounce. If the ball bounces over 15 inches, it’s considered to have an extremely high bounce. Between 9 and 12 inches of bounce is an average amount of bounce.

Edge Support

During our edge support test, we place weight plates on the mattress edge and then measure how much it sinks. We also test each mattress using a set of stacked plates that are approximately 130 to 150 pounds (replicating a real person’s weight), then measuring how much the mattress sinks. If our tape measure shows that a mattress sinks 7.9 inches or more during this test, we give it a 1-star rating. If the mattress sinks less than or equal to 3 inches, it earns a 5 out of 5. Finally, our mattress testers also sit on the edge of the mattress and provide a subjective rating out of 5 on how supported they feel.  

Durability & Materials

When selecting mattresses for side sleepers, we pay close attention to the materials such as hybrid, latex, and memory foam, since they shape how well a mattress contours to pressure points at the shoulders and hips. These material choices help match your unique side-sleeping needs, like cradling curves and keeping your spine aligned, for greater comfort. Specialty eco-friendly or certified materials are also considered to make sure the mattress is both healthier and more sustainable for everyday use.

Value

When considering value, we review mattress materials and construction by cutting each one open. We also place a higher value on brands that manufacture their mattresses in America and use environmentally conscious materials.  

Mattress	Sizes	Height	Comfort level	Cost
Nectar Premier Memory Foam	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King, Split King	13 inches	Medium firm	$2,382
Helix Midnight Luxe	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King, Short Queen, and RV King	15 inches	Medium firm	$2,398.75
Leesa Sapira Chill	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King	14 inches	Plush, medium-firm, firm	$2,264
WinkBed Plus	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King	13.5 inches	Softer, Luxury firm, Firmer, Plus	$1,999
Bear Elite Hybrid	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King,  Split King	14 inches	Soft, medium, firm	$2,427
Nolah Evolution	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King,  Split King	14 inches	Plush, Luxury firm, Firm	$2,127
Siena Memory Foam	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King, Split King	10 or 12 inches	Medium firm	$664

Nectar Premier Memory Foam
Sizes	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King, Split King
Height	13 inches
Comfort level	Medium firm
Cost	$2,382
Helix Midnight Luxe
Sizes	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King, Short Queen, and RV King
Height	15 inches
Comfort level	Medium firm
Cost	$2,398.75
Leesa Sapira Chill
Sizes	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King
Height	14 inches
Comfort level	Plush, medium-firm, firm
Cost	$2,264
WinkBed Plus
Sizes	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King
Height	13.5 inches
Comfort level	Softer, Luxury firm, Firmer, Plus
Cost	$1,999
Bear Elite Hybrid
Sizes	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King,  Split King
Height	14 inches
Comfort level	Soft, medium, firm
Cost	$2,427
Nolah Evolution
Sizes	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King,  Split King
Height	14 inches
Comfort level	Plush, Luxury firm, Firm
Cost	$2,127
Siena Memory Foam
Sizes	Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, CA King, Split King
Height	10 or 12 inches
Comfort level	Medium firm
Cost	$664

How to Find the Best Mattress for Side Sleepers for You

Everyone has different mattress needs depending on body type, ideal sleep position, and pre-existing health conditions. Your sleep quality is directly tied to your work performance, quality of life, and ability to think clearly. When you think about it, the right mattress for you is a great productivity tool.

Here’s what to consider when selecting the best mattress as a side sleeper.

Sleep Position

For side sleepers, we recommend a medium soft to medium firm mattress for support and alignment while on your side. Typically, memory foam or hybrid options may work for pressure relief.

Weight and Height

When buying a new mattress, consider how your height and weight, as well as that of your sleeping partner, may impact which mattress suits you best. For instance, folks over 6’2” may need a longer mattress to prevent their feet from hanging over the end of the bed. In this case, a California King mattress or a Twin XL may be preferred. Lightweight sleepers under 130 pounds may need a more plush and contouring type of mattress so that they can feel proper pressure relief—rather than a very firm mattress.

Room Size

A king size mattress measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, making it the largest standard mattress option and providing plenty of room for people who co-sleep with another person or pets. For a king bed to fit comfortably in your space, most experts recommend a minimum room size of 12 feet by 12 feet. This ensures enough space for walking around and placing other furniture next to the bed. Again, measure both your mattress and frame before making a purchase to avoid overcrowding your bedroom.

Mattress Material

Each mattress material offers a unique experience for side sleepers, especially in terms of comfort, cooling, and support. Here’s how common types stack up for those who sleep on their side:

• Memory foam: A popular pick for side sleepers, memory foam contours closely to curves, excelling at pressure relief for shoulders and hips while isolating motion. However, traditional styles can trap heat unless they feature cooling infusions or gels.
• Latex: Latex mattresses provide support with a springy, buoyant feel and naturally enhanced airflow, making them a cooler and more responsive alternative for side sleepers needing extra ease of movement.
• Hybrid: Hybrid designs combine supportive coils with foam or latex layers, delivering the bounce and airflow of an innerspring along with pressure-relieving comfort—an excellent balance for side sleepers seeking both support and plushness.
• Polyfoam: Polyurethane foam beds rebound more quickly than memory foam and feel springier, but may lack the deep pressure relief and durability that side sleepers often need, especially if the foam is lower quality.

Prior Aches and Pains

A high-quality hybrid mattress is generally good for pressure relief. However, go with what makes you feel more comfortable and pain-free. If you’ve experienced aches and pains, we recommend speaking with your doctor or other healthcare professional. A professional will be able to review any pre-existing conditions and talk to you about possible chronic pain that you’d like to alleviate, then recommend an ideal mattress type.

Certifications

When selecting a mattress, consider its third-party certifications. These certifications provide independent, non-profit verification that a mattress is made with quality materials and is eco-conscious. 

Here are a few certifications that are important to keep in mind:

• Global Organic Textile Standard (aka GOTS): Ensures that organic textiles are sourced in a socially and environmentally conscious way
  
• Global Organic Latex Standard (aka GOLS): Ensures that the organic latex utilized is sourced in an environmentally responsible way

• CertiPUR-US ^®: Certifies the safety of foam and its emissions

• GREENGUARD Gold: Certifies that the materials emit a low level of chemicals, making the products suitable for safe use indoors

Cost

When it comes to buying a mattress, we understand that folks have different preferences and considerations for their budget. There are multiple factors that play a part in what you feel comfortable spending. 

A good mattress allows you to mentally reset overnight and prepares you to be productive and alert during your demanding and busy workday. Ultimately, selecting a quality mattress will enhance your life, helping you to be at the top of your game, which is a great return on your investment.

Frequently asked questions

What type of mattress do doctors recommend for side sleepers?

While you always want to double check with your personal physician, sleep specialists generally recommend a mattress for side sleepers that is medium to medium-firm and offers both pressure relief and support, especially at the shoulders and hips. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are frequently advised due to their ability to contour closely to the body, reducing joint pressure while maintaining proper spinal alignment.

What type of mattress is best for heavy side sleepers?

We recommend the Saatva Classic Luxury Firm for side sleepers of a higher weight, because it offers firmness and plenty of support.

What kind of bed should I buy if I’m a side sleeper?

Side sleepers may feel their best after sleeping on a mattress that provides pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, has some contouring, and enough support to keep your spine aligned. We recommend either a hybrid mattress or a memory foam mattress for side sleepers.