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Top 5 Mattresses for Side Sleepers

4 min read

By Clarissa Vanner

Are you a side sleeper and suffering from back or shoulder pain? It might be time to invest in a new mattress! Shopping for a mattress can be overwhelming as there are thousands of options to choose from but depending on your sleep position, some mattresses may be better than others.

The best mattress for a side sleeper will be cushy, which helps relieve pressure on your shoulders and hips. However, you don’t want the mattress to be too softer either as this may place pressure on your spine. Ideally, your spine should be aligned so your shoulder can sink slightly into the bed. Generally, most side sleepers can benefit from a medium-soft to medium mattress. To help, here are the top 5 mattresses side sleepers should consider!

Best for Budget: Nectar

If you’re a side sleeper searching for a reasonably priced, top-notch mattress, then the Nectar may be the perfect choice for you. A queen mattress costs $1,049 USD, however, be on the lookout for discounts for extra savings. They also sometimes offer sleep bundles that include a cooling pillow, sheet set, and mattress protector for as low as $149.

Made entirely of foam, this mattress provides ample sinkage and contouring while avoiding that sinking feeling that many foam mattresses have. One thing to keep in mind is the mattress is ideal for individuals who weigh an average amount and sleep on their sides, as they’ll experience the greatest amount of pressure relief. Sleepers weighing over 250-pounds might sink through the first two layers. Nectar also isolates motion well, making it a great choice for couples and families. Finally, Nectar offers free shipping and returns, a forever warranty, and a 365-night trial.

Best for Heavy Side Sleepers: Noah Evolution 15

If you’re a side sleeper weighing over 200-pounds, it’s essential to find a mattress with durable, high-quality materials. For memory foam, look for higher foam densities of 4- to 5-pounds per cubic foot, and for polyfoam, densities over 1.8-pounds per cubic foot, particularly in the upper layers. Sturdy, pocketed coils are also crucial for better motion isolation and edge support. With this in mind, heavy side sleepers should consider the Nola Evolution 15 mattress.

The Nolah Evolution 15 is an excellent choice for those who require deep cushioning and sturdy support for a comfortable sleep. With three firmness levels available, ranging from medium to firm, most people weighing over 230-pounds can find a suitable design to meet their needs.

A queen mattress costs about $1,609 and you can get free shipping to your home. Nola also offers a 120-night trial to ensure you’re happy with the mattress and if you choose to keep it, it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Best for Hot Side Sleepers: Layla Hybrid

Waking up with achy shoulders and a sore back is not fun but neither is waking up drenched in sweat. Finding the perfect mattress that offers adequate cushioning without causing excessive warmth can be a challenge but the Layla Hybrid mattress might solve all of these problems.

This mattress is great for side sleepers who also run hot because it provides a perfect balance of contouring and cooling. This is made possible through the use of breathable foam layers and a coil system that promotes steady air circulation. Additionally, the hybrid mattress is reversible, with both medium soft and firm surfaces, making it suitable for most side sleepers, regardless of their weight. Depending on the size, the mattress ranges from $1,099 to $1,899 USD.

You’ll also enjoy that the Layla Hybrid can be conveniently shipped to your doorstep for free (in 48 states). To ensure you’re happy with your investment, you can try the mattress for 120 nights. If you’re not completely satisfied, you can return the mattress and receive a full refund.

Best for Couples: DreamCloud Premier Rest

If you and your partner prefer to sleep on your sides and want a soft mattress that offers sufficient support, the DreamCloud Premier Rest is an excellent choice. This hybrid mattress features pocketed coils and plush contouring foam, which helps regulate temperature, an essential feature when sharing a bed. Additionally, the pillow-top layer minimizes motion transfer, reducing the likelihood of being disturbed by a restless sleeping partner.

The DreamCloud Premier Rest costs $1,499 USD for a Queen but the company often throws in up to $600 worth of free accessories like pillows, a sheet set, and a mattress protector. DreamCloud also offers free shipping and returns, a lifetime warranty, and a 365-night trial to make sure you love it.

Best Overall: Helix Midnight Luxe

The Midnight Luxe is an upgraded version of the Helix Midnight mattress, offering increased thickness, enhanced cooling features, and more layers than its base model. This mattress strikes the perfect balance between medium to medium-firm firmness, making it suitable for most people. It also features zoned lumbar support, which helps relieve pressure from the lower back.

The Midnight Luxe is built with six layers, including a 1,500-coil system and soft surface foams that gently support joints and alleviate pain points. To top it off, the breathable cooling cover ensures that heat is not trapped, and for those who prefer a cooler sleeping experience, the GlacioTex Cooling Cover ($199 USD) can be added. Although the Luxe models are slightly more expensive than the regular ones ($2,410 for a queen), they come with a generous 15-year warranty (compared to the standard 10-years). Helix also offers free US shipping and a 100-night sleep trial to ensure you love the mattress.

Junior Managing Editor

Clarissa is the Junior Managing Editor of ActiveBeat. She aspires to live a healthy lifestyle by staying active and eating foods that nourish her body, but she isn't afraid to indulge in a little chocolate here and there! Clarissa loves cooking, being outdoors, and spending time with her dog. In her free time, you'll find her relaxing in her hammock or curled up on the couch reading a book.

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