The 6 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers in 2022
Side-sleeper mattress FAQs
James Brains/Insider
What should side sleepers look for in a mattress?
The only way to know if a mattress is right for you is to sleep on it for several nights in normal circumstances. Therefore, your top consideration when looking for a bed is a long trial period.
Dr. Rebecca Robbins, PhD, associate scientist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School, recommends shopping around before choosing a mattress and trying it in person if you can.
Yet, with the coronavirus pandemic, many folks may feel unsafe visiting showrooms, and several remain closed. Thankfully, our mattress picks come with sleep trials of at least 90 nights. If you find the bed isn’t suitable for your sleeping style, you can return it.
While she appreciates the benefits of a home trial, Robbins warned about the environmental implications of this policy, though. “Some of the mattresses will go into a landfill after they’re returned,” she said.
What types of mattresses are best for side sleepers?
There are essentially four main types of mattresses: foam, hybrid/innerspring, latex, and adjustable airbeds. Though each type has its pros and cons, side sleepers tend to like the body-contouring properties of memory foam.
Foam: Popularized by the bed-in-a-box industry, foam mattresses feature layers of gel-infused foam, open-cell foam, or viscoelastic memory foam. The best foam mattresses adjust to the contours of your side-sleeping body for optimal spinal alignment and pressure relief. All-foam mattresses tend to be more affordable than other varieties, but they are likelier to trap heat.
Hybrid/innerspring: Hybrid and innerspring mattresses feature metal coils that add durability, airflow, and support. Though the line between the two types of beds gets blurrier each year, traditional mattresses with pillow tops are generally called innerspring mattresses, while hybrids typically arrive at your door in a box and feature latex or memory foam. However, you can find innerspring beds-in-a-box and hybrids with pillow tops. The suitability of these mattresses for side sleepers will depend on the model, but consider a bed with a pillowtop for the added softness that side sleepers typically need.
Latex: Natural latex mattresses are usually more eco-friendly than the other alternatives. Look for OEKO-Tex or Greenguard Gold certification. As for feel, latex is more responsive than other materials. It quickly contours to your body to relieve your pressure points. Plus, the responsiveness makes it easier to move around on your bed. You can also count on a cooler sleep, ideal for hot side sleepers.
Adjustable or airbeds: Adjustable airbeds feature a combination of foam, latex, wool, or other layers and air chambers to which you can add or remove air to fit your comfort needs. Though they cost more than the other varieties, adjustable mattresses are ideal for couples who have drastically different firmness preferences since you can typically adjust the air of the two sides independently. Also, as your body and sleep preferences change, the feel of your mattress can change with you, making this an ideal long-term solution.
Is memory foam good for side sleepers?
It depends on the mattress. Good memory foam mattresses conform to the contours of your body to relieve pressure points and keep your spine aligned. This is ideal for side sleepers. Tempur-Pedic beds are particularly good at adjusting to your body.
What type of mattress is best for side sleepers, firm or soft?
Dr. Luis Javier Peña-Hernández, a sleep health specialist at the Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Disorders Institute, recommends mattresses that are not too firm. “Vast research shows side sleepers benefit from medium-firm mattresses,” he said.
Robbins agreed. “The body’s curves need a little bit of support, so a side sleeper should look for a cushiony supportive mattress and has a plush top,” she said.
Only one of our picks is firmer than average, the Tempur-Pedic Cloud. Still, I found the mattress’s foam did an excellent job of contouring to my side-sleeping body and offering pressure relief, support, and spinal alignment.
Are firm mattresses bad for side sleepers?
The short answer is sometimes. Both experts said most side sleepers would benefit from a medium-firm mattress. Firm mattresses don’t let your hips and shoulders sink in, so your spine doesn’t stay aligned, leading to discomfort.
However, heavier soft sleepers tend to benefit from firm mattresses because their weight allows them to sink in more. Thus, they can achieve spinal alignment.
What if I’m a side sleeper and my partner is not?
If you and your partner have sleep preferences that are drastically different, Robbins suggests a mattress topper for one side of the bed. “It’s a stopgap measure if you’re not looking for a new mattress,” she said.
She is also a strong proponent of couples sleeping apart to improve sleep quality. “A good night’s rest will allow you to be a better partner,” she said. “So prioritizing sleep is critical for couples.”
If separate beds or bedrooms isn’t an option for you, we suggest an adjustable air bed that allows you to customize the firmness of each side of the bed independently. Our top adjustable air bed is the Sleep Number 360 i8 Smart Bed, with 20 firmness options.
Is it bad to sleep on your side?
No. Side sleeping may be the best position for you. With stomach sleeping, your head is to the side, leading to spinal issues. Back sleeping is generally good for your spine, but you’re more susceptible to snoring and breathing problems.
On your side, you reduce your risk of sleep apnea, acid reflux, and back pain, to name just a few benefits.
For more answers to your mattress questions, check out our guide to the best mattresses.
