The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers: 2025 Expert Picks & Guide

Balance cushioning and alignment to relieve pressure and enhance restorative sleep.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Balance cushioning and alignment to relieve pressure and enhance restorative sleep.

If you’re among the majority of adults who sleep on their side, you know how much your mattress can affect your comfort and quality of rest. Side sleepers need a special balance of pressure relief, support, and contouring to keep their spine aligned and avoid waking up with aches or pain in their hips and shoulders. With so many mattress options on the market, finding the perfect fit can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide reviews 2025’s top mattresses for side sleepers, explains what features matter most, and answers your most common sleep-related questions.

Why Side Sleepers Need a Special Mattress

More than half of adults sleep on their sides, according to recent research. This sleeping posture can reduce snoring and even improve digestion, but the body’s curves mean that the shoulders and hips press more deeply into the bed. If a mattress is too firm, you’ll develop uncomfortable pressure points; too soft, and your hips may dip out of alignment with your spine. The right mattress will cushion these areas while supporting overall spinal health.

Pressure relief for hips and shoulders
Balanced support for spinal alignment
Sufficient contouring so heavier areas comfortably sink without letting your lower back collapse

Top Mattresses for Side Sleepers in 2025

After extensive review analysis, product testing, and consultation with medical experts, here are this year’s leading mattresses for side sleepers, organized by standout features and performance.

Mattress	Type	Best For	Firmness	Key Features
Helix Midnight	Hybrid	Overall Side Sleeper	Medium-Firm	Pressure relief, spine alignment, cooling
WinkBed	Hybrid	Best for Couples	Soft, Medium, Firm	Motion isolation, edge support
Leesa Sapira Hybrid	Hybrid	Motion Isolation	Medium-Firm	Responsive foam, cooling cover
Saatva Classic	Innerspring	Best for Sex	Soft, Medium, Firm	Coil-on-coil support, lumbar zoning
Nolah Natural	Latex Hybrid	Natural Materials	Medium	Eco-friendly, gentle contouring
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe	Hybrid	Pressure Relief	Soft, Medium, Firm	Temperature regulation, soft comfort
Bear Elite Hybrid	Hybrid	Cooling / Recovery	Soft, Medium, Firm	Phase-change materials, muscle recovery
Avocado Eco	Latex Hybrid	Natural Runner-up	Medium	Organic latex, strong support

How We Chose These Mattresses

This list combines hands-on testing with feedback from physical therapists and sleep specialists, medical review, and detailed user reports. Our vetting focused on:

Pressure relief and contouring
Spine alignment and stability
Firmness options tailored for side sleepers
Cooling performance
Material safety and durability
Motion isolation (especially for couples)
Edge support

In-Depth Mattress Reviews

Helix Midnight – Best Overall Mattress for Side Sleepers

The Helix Midnight’s medium-firm feel excels at keeping side sleepers’ spines in a healthy “neutral” position, thanks to its contouring foam layers and individually wrapped coils. It cushions pressure points and provides enough bounce for easy movement. A breathable cover and coil support system mean hot sleepers also stay cool.

WinkBed – Best for Side-Sleeping Couples

WinkBed’s hybrid design with a zoned coil system and plush Euro-pillow top ensures effective support at shoulders and lumbar region, reducing pressure, even for heavier side sleepers. Three firmness options accommodate different comfort preferences—plus, strong edge support and low motion transfer make it ideal for couples.

Saatva Classic – Best for Sex & Innerspring Feel

Saatva Classic uses a responsive dual-coil system and Euro pillow top to cradle the hips and shoulders and offer lumbar support for lasting alignment. Multiple firmnesses are available. The bounce benefits amorous couples, and its eco-friendly materials are a bonus for sustainability-minded consumers.

Leesa Sapira Hybrid – Outstanding Motion Isolation

This hybrid blends memory foam plushness with individually wrapped springs to reduce motion transfer—a must for side-sleeping couples. The foam relieves hip and shoulder pressure, while the spring layer adds supportive bounce and edge durability.

Nolah Natural – Best for Natural Materials

Nolah’s latex hybrid design uses certified organic latex, wool, and cotton, making it one of the most environmentally friendly mattress choices. The latex comfort layer and coil support relieve pressure, promote airflow, and maintain cool comfort for side sleepers.

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Soft Mattress for Pressure Relief

With three firmness options, Aurora Luxe offers ultra-plush pressure relief and cooling technology. It features CopperFlex foam and individually encased coils, soft contouring, and robust edge support. Multiple cooling layers address warm sleep environments.

Bear Elite Hybrid – Best for Cooling and Recovery

Bear Elite Hybrid is engineered for athletes or hot sleepers, with phase-change materials and copper-infused foams to reduce heat and aid muscle recovery. The foam’s adaptive contouring relieves pressure, and the coil base offers responsiveness without excessive sinkage.

Avocado Eco – Best Eco-Friendly Latex Hybrid

This runner-up features organic materials, pressure-relieving latex comfort, and motion-isolating support. The mild firmness keeps hips on top of the mattress and supports lighter and average-weight side sleepers seeking sustainable options.

What Features Matter Most for Side Sleepers?

Pressure Relief: Cushioning around shoulders and hips minimizes pain.
Medium Softness (4–6/10): This range is ideal for most side sleepers, providing both sink and support.
Contouring Materials: Memory foam, latex, and well-designed hybrids contour to curves without bottoming out.
Edge Support: Lets you use the full mattress surface safely.
Temperature Neutrality: Look for cooling covers, gel infusions, and airflow-enhancing materials.
Durability: High-density foams and strong coil systems hold up against long-term nightly use.

Pros & Cons of Side Sleeping

Advantages:
- Reduces snoring and heartburn.
- Improves digestion; often recommended for pregnant people.
- May relieve certain types of back pain.
Drawbacks:
- Pressure buildup at hips and shoulders on unsupportive beds.
- Can exacerbate joint soreness or tingling.
- Risk of wrinkles and facial asymmetry over time.

Tips for Side Sleepers

Pair your mattress with a thick, supportive pillow to keep your head and neck in line with the spine.
Consider a knee pillow to relieve lower back and hip strain.
Change sleeping sides throughout the night to reduce pressure buildup.
Use lightweight, breathable bedding for temperature control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?

Most side sleepers prefer medium-soft to medium (about 4–6 out of 10), as this level allows the body to sink without causing misalignment or pressure.

Are hybrid mattresses better than memory foam for side sleepers?

Hybrids can offer the contouring of foam plus the responsiveness and airflow of coils, making them great for side sleepers—though some individuals may still prefer the all-foam feel for deeper sink and motion isolation.

What if I have shoulder or hip pain as a side sleeper?

A mattress that is too firm will amplify pain at pressure points. Softer top layers made from memory foam or latex can alleviate discomfort, but ensure the bed still offers stable spinal support underneath.

Will a mattress topper help side sleepers?

A high-quality topper can add plushness and relieve pressure, but it won’t fix a sagging or unsupportive mattress underneath. If your bed is old or worn, a full replacement may be more effective.

How often should I replace my mattress?

On average, every 7–10 years—sooner if you notice deep sagging, uneven wear, or new aches when you wake up.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Mattress for Your Best Sleep

Selecting the best mattress as a side sleeper means looking for contouring top layers, medium firmness, and cooling features that work for your climate. Hybrid, memory foam, and latex models all have excellent options, so prioritize the feel and features that match your unique comfort needs. With the right support each night, side sleepers can look forward to healthier, more restorative sleep for years to come.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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