Side sleeping is on the rise, with over half of all adults favoring this sleep position. Research also shows it’s the most popular sleeping position in older adults and those with a higher body mass index (BMI). All these side sleepers deserve great sleep, but to get it, they need a supportive mattress with the right features.
Finding the perfect mattress that cradles side sleepers to dreamland isn’t easy, especially with so many options. Don’t worry; we’ll talk about the best mattress (and pillows) for side sleepers of all shapes, ages, and sizes.
Featured Products
These are the best side sleeper mattresses that we'll cover in this article. They offer ideal pressure relief and spinal alignment for side sleepers. Stay tuned for more.
Sapira Chill: Has a cooling quilt top with heat-dispersing fibers, targeted support from up to 1,032 individually wrapped springs, and three customizable comfort levels.
Legend Chill: Features a quilted top infused with cooling phase-change fibers and a dual spring system for pressure relief and motion isolation.
Natural Hybrid: Made in partnership with West Elm and features natural wool, organic cotton, and natural latex.
Reserve Hybrid: Our most luxurious mattress to date with a two-part design, including five layers of high-density foam and individually wrapped springs for finely-tuned lumbar support.
What Makes a Mattress Ideal for Side Sleepers
Side sleeping comes with a ton of benefits. It can reduce snoring, promote healthy blood flow, and ease neck and back pain. This sleep position is even recommended for pregnant people since it evenly distributes body weight and encourages blood flow for the baby. With all the benefits of side sleeping, there exist some important considerations to help guarantee a good, healthy night’s sleep.
First, you may want to pop a pillow between your knees. This support helps align your hips and limits stress on your joints.
Next, you want to pick a medium-firm mattress. Medium-firm support is the best at taking weight off your pressure points, alleviating back pain, and enhancing sleep quality. Those with bigger bodies may prefer a medium-firm mattress that leans toward the firmer side, like Leesa’s Plus Hybrid Mattress. Those who like to sink into their mattress may prefer a medium mattress that leans toward the softer side. Either way, staying within the medium range gets you the support you need, especially for side sleepers.
Finally, look for mattresses that use the latest sleeping features like hybrid and cooling technology. An all-foam mattress makes side sleeping folks feel like they’re sinking into the mattress. It’s an unpleasant and uncomfortably hot sensation.
Meanwhile, a traditional innerspring mattress is the definition of a too-firm mattress. The springs are unrelenting and tend to poke at you over time. A hybrid mattress with cooling features combines memory foam layers with individually wrapped coils to create the perfect bed for back, side, and stomach sleepers.
Materials That Matter for Side Sleepers
We mentioned hybrid mattress technology, and now we’ll cover what makes these specific materials so important for side sleepers. The main mattress materials that benefit side sleepers are:
Memory foam
Cooling material
Natural latex
Support layers of individually wrapped springs
It’s the combination of these materials that cocoons side sleepers in peaceful rest.
The best memory foam mattress is soft, but 100% foam may be too supple for side sleepers. You may sink into traditional memory foam mattresses and lose out on proper spinal alignment. However, layers of memory foam, combined with the other materials, are ideal for the side sleeping position.
The foam layers adapt to your body's shape while keeping you in alignment. The foam also limits motion transfer, so you're not jostled awake every time your partner has to pee.
Natural latex is hypoallergenic, meaning it’s not dangerous or itchy for those with a latex allergy. Premier natural latex is three times more resistant to dust mites than traditional foams. Latex mattresses are incredibly comfortable while still offering the pressure relief side sleepers need.
Temperature regulation is a must-have material if you sleep hot. It’s necessary for all sleeping styles because who wants to sweat through the night? Temperature-regulating materials may include a breathable blend of ultra-fine viscose fibers and plant-based rayon or layers of cooling cotton and organic wool. Whatever the exact materials, the goal is the same: to pull heat away from your body and eliminate night sweats.
The best support technology is individually wrapped springs. Each spring can move independently, equally supporting your shoulders and hips without wearing out or sinking. This technology reduces motion transfer, provides edge support for all sleep positions (especially side sleepers), and adds airflow for cool comfort.
What is edge support? It describes the firmness and stability of a mattress's perimeter. If you tend to sleep at the edge of the bed, you need premier edge support. Otherwise, you'll sink right into the mattress (not fun). Proper edge support also makes it easier to get in and out of bed.
Which Is The Best Type Of Mattress For Side Sleepers?
Congratulations! If you're a side sleeper, you have lots of options. Using the previous information covering the best mattress features for side sleepers, we've compiled a list of the best of the best.
Are you a hot sleeper? If so, the Sapira Chill and Legend Chill are the mattresses for you. Both mattresses have a quilted top infused with cooling fibers that maintain an ideal skin sleeping temperature of 88°F. Their memory foam layers and zoned springs serve to cradle you in a supportive cloud.
Leesa’s newest mattress, the Reserve Hybrid, brings you unbelievable comfort with its luxurious memory foam comfort insert. The high-density foam completely cradles your body, and the top-of-the-line features are uniquely suited to this popular sleep position.
The Natural Hybrid is an organic, breathable mattress. It’s made in partnership with West Elm and features natural wool, organic cotton, and natural latex. It’s a refined sleeping experience that’s 100% hypoallergenic.
How Do I Choose a Mattress If I Sleep On My Side?
Regardless of your sleeping position, when getting a new mattress, it's essential to consider the mattress type, firmness, comfort, and support. Remember that if you're trying to choose a mattress specifically for sleeping on your side, you want one that is supportive, especially for your shoulders and hips, which sometimes get sore and achy for side sleepers. The right mattress will keep your spine aligned all night long to help you get a good night's sleep.
The most important factor is how you feel on the mattress. Do you wake up well-rested? Do you enjoy stretching out on your side at night? Do your bed pals (partners, pets, errant children) also feel comfortable? You can try out any of the mattresses mentioned above and see if they work for you.
What Are The Best Pillows For Side Sleepers?
For side sleepers, the mattress is just as crucial as the pillow. When choosing the right pillow, one size does not necessarily fit all. If you're a side sleeper, a fuller pillow is probably best for you. A fuller pillow will ensure your neck stays aligned with your spine while you sleep and help you avoid waking up with terrible neck pain.
The Ultra Cool Reversible Pillow is an excellent option for anyone who runs hot at night. One side features cradling memory foam for plush support, while the other has a cooling gel grid that absorbs and disperses heat to keep you comfortable. The cool-to-the-touch cover instantly refreshes, pulling heat away from you the moment you lie down.
The Natural Latex Pillow uses premium, cooling comfort foam and perfectly complements your Leesa mattress. Regardless of how much you toss and turn, the naturally bouncy latex core keeps its shape, offering support and comfort night after night. That comfort means you won't have to fluff or adjust your pillow to keep it comfortable, making for a more restful sleep.
The Adjustable Chill Pillow is also a great option for side sleepers. With a truly customizable design, it lets you adjust its thickness for the perfect alignment and comfort throughout the night. (Hint: a thicker pillow suits people who sleep on their sides.) It's also cooling, with a cool-to-the-touch technology to help keep you from overheating at night. And it’s OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 tested, so it’s safe to snuggle with.
Ready to get a good night’s sleep? Let Leesa guide you to the best pillow for sleeping on your side.
FAQs
What firmness is best for side sleepers with back pain?
Most doctors agree that medium-firm is the best firmness level for back pain. Side sleepers may also benefit from placing a pillow between the legs to take pressure off the spine.
How often should side sleepers replace their mattress?
Side sleepers can put a lot of pressure and wear on their mattress. This is especially true if you tend to sleep in the exact same spot every night. We get it! Your spot is comfy and perfectly fits your body, but this practice will inevitably wear out your mattress.
Aim to replace old mattresses every 7 to 10 years. Older mattresses can do more harm than good, so if you notice waking up with new aches and pain, it may not be your age showing—it’s likely your old mattress.
Can couples with different sleeping positions both be comfortable on Leesa's mattresses?
Say goodbye to the days of frustration and contemplating separate beds. Every sleeping position deserves comfortable sleep, and you can get it on a Leesa pressure-relieving mattress. They are extremely supportive and come with advanced motion transfer control.
Couples can also use the Adjustable Base Pro King configuration with two Twin XL mattresses to let each person adjust their side separately for customized comfort.
