26th January 2026
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Side sleeping is the most common sleep position in the UK, with millions of people enjoying the comfort of lying on their side. While it can help reduce snoring and improve digestion, side sleeping also puts more pressure on the shoulders and hips. Choosing the right mattress is essential to prevent aches, support your spine, and improve overall sleep quality. In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about mattresses for side sleepers, including mattress types, key features, and tips for a better night’s rest. For more detailed advice, check our Side Sleeper Mattress Buying Guide.
Why Side Sleepers Need a Special Mattress
Side sleepers experience different pressure points compared to back or stomach sleepers. When lying on your side, your shoulders and hips bear the majority of your body weight. A mattress that is too firm can create discomfort in these areas, while a mattress that is too soft may allow your spine to sink out of alignment. Both scenarios can lead to stiffness, soreness, and long-term back problems.
A mattress designed for side sleepers should provide:
- Pressure relief: Cushions shoulders and hips to reduce pain.
- Spinal support: Keeps your spine in a neutral position to prevent misalignment.
- Comfort and durability: Offers a balance between softness and support that lasts for years.
Many side sleepers find that memory foam mattresses or hybrid mattresses are ideal because they combine contouring comfort with supportive construction.
Memory Foam Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Memory foam mattresses are a popular choice for side sleepers because they conform to your body’s curves, relieving pressure on sensitive areas. The foam adapts to the weight and shape of your shoulders and hips, helping to prevent pain and stiffness. Memory foam also supports the spine in a neutral position, reducing the risk of long-term back issues.
Key benefits of memory foam mattresses for side sleepers:
- Pressure point relief: Reduces pain in shoulders, hips, and joints.
- Spinal alignment: Keeps your back and neck supported throughout the night.
- Motion isolation: Minimises disturbance if you share your bed.
- Cooling features: Many memory foam mattresses have gel layers or breathable covers to prevent overheating.
Hybrid Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds: the responsive support of pocket springs and the comfort of foam or latex layers. This makes them an excellent choice for side sleepers who want a mattress that adapts to their body while providing firm support.
Benefits of hybrid mattresses for side sleepers include:
- Balanced comfort: Soft foam layers cushion pressure points, while springs provide stability.
- Spinal support: Zoned springs target different areas of your body for optimal alignment.
- Durability: High-quality hybrids maintain their shape and support over years of use.
- Reduced motion transfer: Individually wrapped springs prevent partner disturbance.
Our collection of hybrid mattresses offers excellent options for side sleepers seeking both comfort and support.
Other Mattress Types Suitable for Side Sleepers
While memory foam and hybrid mattresses are the most popular for side sleepers, other mattress types can also work:
- Latex mattresses: Naturally responsive and pressure-relieving, latex mattresses are durable and breathable, making them a great eco-friendly option.
- Pocket sprung mattresses: Traditional sprung mattresses with individually wrapped coils can also support side sleepers if paired with a soft comfort layer.
When choosing a mattress type, always consider your weight, personal comfort preferences, and any joint or back issues.
What to Look for in a Mattress for Side Sleepers
When shopping for mattresses for side sleepers, focus on these key features:
- Firmness level: Medium to medium-soft is usually ideal for side sleepers, providing cushioning without sacrificing support.
- Pressure relief: Look for memory foam, latex, or hybrid layers that reduce shoulder and hip pain.
- Spinal alignment: A mattress that keeps your spine neutral prevents long-term back problems.
- Motion isolation: If you share your bed, motion-minimising materials help prevent disruption.
- Durability: Choose a mattress built to retain its shape and support over time.
Tips for Side Sleepers
Even with the perfect mattress, side sleepers can improve comfort with a few simple adjustments:
- Use a supportive pillow that keeps your neck aligned with your spine.
- Place a small pillow between your knees to reduce hip and lower back pressure.
- Alternate sides occasionally to avoid overloading one shoulder or hip.
- Ensure your mattress is properly maintained and rotated regularly for even wear.
Find Your Perfect Mattress for Side Sleeping
Investing in the right mattress can dramatically improve your sleep quality. Whether you choose a memory foam mattress for deep contouring support, a hybrid mattress for a balance of softness and stability, or a latex mattress for natural responsiveness, the right mattress will help you wake up refreshed and pain-free.
Browse our full collection of side-sleeper-friendly mattresses and discover the perfect mattress for your sleeping style. For expert buying advice, see our Side Sleeper Mattress Buying Guide. Enjoy better spinal alignment, pressure relief, and deeper, more restful sleep every night.
FAQs: For Side Sleepers
The best mattress for side sleepers provides a balance of pressure relief and spinal support. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are ideal because they contour to the body’s curves, cushion shoulders and hips, and keep the spine aligned. Medium to medium-soft firmness usually works best.
Both are excellent options. Memory foam mattresses offer deep contouring and pressure relief, while hybrid mattresses combine the comfort of foam with responsive pocket springs for added support and durability.
Medium to medium-soft mattresses are generally recommended. They provide enough softness to relieve shoulder and hip pressure while maintaining spinal alignment.
Yes. A mattress designed for side sleepers cushions pressure points at the shoulders and hips, reducing aches and stiffness. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses with zoned support are particularly effective.
Absolutely. Latex mattresses are naturally responsive, pressure-relieving, and breathable. They provide gentle support for side sleepers and are a durable, eco-friendly option.
Side sleepers should use a supportive pillow that keeps the neck aligned with the spine. A firmer pillow or a contoured memory foam pillow works best, and placing a small pillow between the knees can reduce hip and lower back pressure.
