What Type of Mattress Is Best for Side Sleepers?
For side sleepers, the ideal mattress provides a balance of support and pressure relief, particularly around the shoulders, hips and lower back.
A mattress that is too firm can create pressure points, while one that is too soft may allow the body to sink too deeply. The right construction should contour to your body while still providing enough support for good spinal alignment.
Medium to Medium-Soft
Allows the mattress to contour around the body while maintaining support.
Memory Foam
Contours closely to the body and provides targeted pressure relief.
Latex
Offers contouring with a more responsive and durable feel.
Hybrid
Combines spring support with cushioning foam or latex layers.
What Should Side Sleepers Look For?
When comparing mattresses, focus on pressure relief, contouring and support rather than simply choosing the softest mattress available.
Look for materials that distribute body weight and reduce pressure around the shoulders and hips.
A mattress that contours to your body can help maintain a comfortable sleeping position.
Choose a mattress that supports the body while keeping the spine in a neutral position.
Strong edges can help you feel supported if you sleep close to the side of the mattress.
Memory foam, gel-infused foam and other comfort layers can help cushion pressure points.
The Best Mattress Firmness for Side Sleepers
The best mattress firmness for side sleepers typically falls in the medium-soft to medium range. This provides enough cushioning around the shoulders and hips while still supporting the spine.
Medium-Soft
Ideal for: Side sleepers who want significant pressure relief around their shoulders and hips.
A softer mattress allows more contouring, helping the body sink slightly further into the mattress and reducing pressure points.
Medium
Ideal for: Side sleepers who want additional support without losing pressure relief.
Medium firmness offers a balance between cushioning and support and can suit sleepers who don't want to sink too deeply.
Side sleepers need pressure relief around the hips and shoulders while still maintaining proper spinal alignment. Medium-soft to medium mattresses can provide this balance.
Best Mattress Types for Side Sleepers
Deep Contouring
Memory foam conforms closely to the body's shape, providing targeted pressure relief around areas such as the shoulders and hips.
Shop Memory Foam →Responsive Comfort
Latex offers a similar contouring effect to memory foam but with more bounce and responsiveness.
Shop Latex →Support & Comfort
Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring coils with memory foam or latex to provide support alongside pressure relief.
Pressure Relief for Side Sleepers
When sleeping on your side, your shoulders and hips can carry more of your body weight. A mattress with good pressure-relieving properties can help distribute this weight more evenly.
Look for cushioning that allows the shoulder to sink comfortably into the mattress.
Comfort layers can help reduce pressure around the hips.
Materials such as memory foam and gel-infused foam can help distribute body weight.
Why Is Contouring Important?
A mattress that contours to your body can help maintain a comfortable sleeping position and support proper spinal alignment.
Shoulder Accommodation
The mattress should allow enough give for the shoulder to sit comfortably without creating excessive pressure.
Hip Support
The hips should be supported without feeling pushed upwards by an overly firm surface.
Neutral Spine
The combination of contouring and support should help keep the spine in a neutral position.
Why Is Edge Support Important?
Good edge support can be particularly useful for side sleepers who move around during the night or regularly sleep close to the edge of the mattress.
A mattress with stronger edge support can help you feel more securely supported rather than giving the sensation that you are rolling towards the edge.
The Best Pillows for Side Sleepers
Choosing the right pillow is just as important as choosing the right mattress. Side sleepers generally need enough pillow height and support to fill the gap between the head and shoulder and help maintain spinal alignment.
Contouring Support
Memory foam pillows conform to the head and neck and can provide excellent support and pressure relief.
Best for: Side sleepers who want contouring and pressure relief.
Responsive Support
Latex pillows offer support with more bounce and responsiveness than memory foam.
Best for: Side sleepers who prefer a responsive pillow with strong support.
Adjustable Loft
Feather and down pillows can be shaped and fluffed to create a more personalised pillow height.
Best for: Side sleepers who prefer a softer pillow with adjustable loft.
Benefits of Sleeping on Your Side
Side sleeping can offer several potential benefits, although comfort and suitability vary between individuals.
Reduced Snoring
Side sleeping can help keep the airway more open and may reduce snoring for some people.
Airway Comfort
The position may help keep the airways more open, which can be beneficial for some sleepers.
Spinal Alignment
With a suitable mattress and pillow, side sleeping can help support a neutral spinal position.
Comfort
For many people, side sleeping provides a comfortable position when the mattress and pillow provide adequate support.
Side Sleeper Mattress Checklist
Look at medium-soft to medium firmness options.
Prioritise cushioning around the shoulders and hips.
Choose materials that can adapt to your body shape.
Make sure the mattress provides enough support to keep your spine neutral.
Consider stronger edge support if you regularly sleep near the edge.
Choose a pillow that fills the space between your head and shoulder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?
Side sleepers generally benefit from a mattress that balances pressure relief and support. Medium to medium-soft mattresses, memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses can all be suitable depending on individual comfort preferences.
What is the best firmness for side sleepers?
The source information recommends medium-soft firmness around 3–4 out of 10 or medium firmness around 5–6 out of 10. These levels can provide cushioning for the shoulders and hips while maintaining support.
Is memory foam good for side sleepers?
Yes. Memory foam contours to the body's shape and can provide targeted pressure relief around areas such as the shoulders and hips.
Is latex good for side sleepers?
Latex can be a good option for side sleepers who want contouring with a more responsive and bouncy feel than memory foam.
Are hybrid mattresses good for side sleepers?
Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring coils with memory foam or latex. This can provide a balance of support from the coils and pressure relief from the comfort layers.
What should side sleepers look for in a mattress?
Look for suitable firmness, pressure relief around the shoulders and hips, good contouring, spinal support and adequate edge support.
What pillow is best for side sleepers?
Memory foam pillows can provide contouring and pressure relief, latex pillows offer responsive support, while feather or down pillows can provide adjustable loft.
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